"Do we even have a choice?" Hearing Hugo's confident words, Oprah looked at him with some surprise.Holding the guitar actually calmed Hugo's nerves. Although it wasn't his own guitar, it was the instrument he was most familiar with, always bringing him a sense of security. "Yes, you could say that." A smile appeared on Hugo's face, relaxing his mood. "I usually try my hand at some songwriting, and occasionally attempt to rearrange some classic old songs. 'Next Time You See Me' is one such old song. I didn't expect it to be unexpectedly chosen by the film crew and become the movie's ending theme.""Songwriting?" Oprah clearly hadn't anticipated such a delightful surprise. "Wow, that's even better. Could you compose a song for us right here, right now?""On the spot?" Hugo was momentarily stunned. He had never faced such a challenge before. However, remembering that the song "kill your heroes" from Rock Night was also created on the spot, Hugo smiled. "It seems you're setting a higher bar for me."Originally, Hugo had just intended to perform a song he had written before, which in itself was a challenge. But unexpectedly, he had dug his own pit and jumped right in, with Oprah promptly suggesting on-the-spot creation. Since this possibility arose from his own words, there was no need for Hugo to back down or continue being overly modest. With a smile, he said, "That's a very demanding request. I don't know if I can do it, but I'm willing to try." Although his words maintained politeness and humility, the confidence and determination in his smile revealed his true feelings at that moment.Attempting to compose a song on the spot in front of ten million television viewers—such a daunting challenge is not something everyone can handle. Regardless of whether Hugo's attempt ultimately succeeded, having the courage to face such a challenge was a significant sign of his growing self-confidence. One could sense that over the past year since the transmigration, Hugo had also been growing."That really is too demanding. In fact, this is your first time performing publicly on a show. If you feel the pressure is too great, you can try it your own way. You know, no matter what, we have nothing to lose." Oprah's hosting style was primarily gentle and nurturing, so she didn't incite the audience to clamor again but instead eased the atmosphere.Seeing Oprah's smile, Hugo couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry about me. Maybe I'll compose a 'Ding Dong Bell'; that wouldn't be a bad choice either." Hugo was referring to the famous American nursery rhyme.Oprah immediately clapped her hands and laughed heartily. "That would also be a very delightful outcome. You know, composing a 'Happy Birthday to You' isn't that easy." Her words spoke the truth, making the studio audience laugh.Hugo took a deep breath. As time progressed, the immense passion from earlier gradually faded, replaced by the pressing urgency of creation. The pressure on his shoulders began to increase. Performing in public for the first time was difficult enough, and choosing the stage of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was the absolute peak of self-challenge. Yet, Hugo still felt it wasn't enough; now he wanted to compose a song on the spot. This was truly the epitome of self-torment.Although Hugo could have performed "second chance" or "Don't Look Back in Anger" with absolute certainty—since no one would know if they were composed on the spot—Hugo still wanted to try. If you always look for shortcuts to bypass difficulties, you'll never succeed. Facing challenges bravely, regardless of the outcome, you only know after giving it your all."So, give me a theme." Holding his guitar, Hugo looked at Oprah and calmly spoke.Oprah nodded slightly. "Right, every song needs a theme." Oprah hadn't anticipated such a situation either; it was impossible to predict before the show's recording. But this was bound to become a major ratings highlight, as even the show's own team was brimming with anticipation. "I originally wanted you to compose a song for our show, but then I thought that might not be very appropriate. So, I came up with a theme."Composing a song with "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as the theme would lose the meaning of an impromptu situation. The audience could easily think Hugo had prepared the song before the recording and that everything on the show was an act—even if it was completely genuine. Therefore, Oprah proactively gave up this opportunity; she had to prioritize the bigger picture."You know, it's already December. Winters in Chicago are tough." Oprah continued, "But before coming to record the show today, I heard an unfortunate yet funny piece of news. My good friend Mariah actually got sunburned at home—not in Miami, right here in Chicago. It's truly a laugh-and-cry situation. Mariah fell asleep while sunbathing on her balcony at home. When she woke up, she discovered her shoulders were sunburned. I laughed about it in the dressing room for a full fifteen minutes."Listening to Oprah's description, the entire studio audience burst into laughter. Even the perpetually nervous Hugo couldn't help but snicker. In this weather, even in sunny Los Angeles, getting sunburned isn't that easy; frostbite is more plausible. But someone actually got sunburned in Chicago? That was indeed hilarious."So, 'sunburn.' Can you compose a song using that as a theme?" Oprah turned her gaze to Hugo, looking at him inquiringly. "Of course, a theme like 'Winter Sun' or something similar would also be a good choice." Oprah still proactively offered Hugo more possibilities, mainly because she herself felt uncertain. Anyone would feel uncertain in this situation.Hugo can sing? This was a fact only learned after "a few good men" was released. Hugo can compose? This was a fact learned just a minute ago. As for Hugo's actual singing and songwriting abilities, no one knew. Just one song, "Next Time You See Me," was hardly noteworthy.Oprah's palms were now slightly sweaty. She had bet the entire episode's success on this gimmick; success or failure hinged on this moment. If Hugo failed completely, she would have to think about how to salvage the situation. After all, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was never a program that relied on embarrassing celebrities for ratings. So, despite having weathered countless storms, the uncertain Oprah couldn't help but feel tense; she could clearly feel the muscle in her back completely taut."sunburn?" Hugo raised an eyebrow, repeating the word. Oprah had really given him a difficult task.Sitting on the sofa, Hugo thought carefully and began tuning the strings. The studio audience fell silent. This quietness helped Hugo focus his thoughts, but for a moment, his mind truly lacked a clear enough direction. Hugo hadn't experienced this situation before—sitting there dryly just to find creative inspiration, his thoughts seemingly frozen and stagnant. Hugo knew he had to become active, get his thoughts flowing, otherwise he would achieve nothing.So, Hugo looked at Oprah, gesturing to ask if he could stand up and move around a bit. Oprah naturally agreed. Perhaps moving a little could aid his thinking. As for whether such behavior was appropriate for a recorded show, that wasn't within Hugo's consideration.The show's director looked at Oprah, seeking her opinion. Oprah nodded slightly, then signaled with her eyes for the cameras to lock onto Hugo: witnessing Hugo's creative process firsthand, regardless of the final product, would be a memorable moment for the show.Under the gaze of the cameras and all the viewers, Hugo stood up with his guitar and took a step towards his left.First step: What is sunburn? Simply put, it's skin burning pain caused by excessive sun exposure.Second step: What are the symptoms of sunburn? Red skin, peeling, burning, stinging pain. Actually, sunburn might not seem serious on the surface, but that needle-like sting penetrates beneath the skin, causing pain felt from body to soul, and can even leave sunspots.Third step: In other words, sunburn inflicts damage. It doesn't look obvious on the surface, at least not as terrifying as cuts or stab wounds, no bloodshed. But in reality, only you know the true damage. And skin darkening, leaving sunspots—these aren't noticeable at first; they only become apparent after time passes.Thinking this far, Hugo's footsteps stopped. The first spark of inspiration for the "sunburn" theme ignited in his mind. Everyone in the studio held their breath, their breathing lightening further, afraid even the slightest sound would disturb Hugo's creation. Their inner anticipation began to churn with Hugo's steps—one step, then another. Such simple steps tugged at everyone's heartstrings.Not to mention the audience, even Oprah, even Joseph, couldn't help but stop breathing, anticipating Hugo's creation—whether it would be a stunning success or a great disappointment.Hugo turned around and walked back towards the sofa. First step: So, what is sunburn like? The most frequently used metaphor in creation is love. Actually, sunburn is like love. Often, no wounds are visible on the surface, but the heart is already riddled with holes. Time can heal the wounds, but traces are ultimately left behind, like sunspots.Another step: So, what situation in love is this? The first thing that surfaced in Hugo's mind was the situation with Mariah that Oprah just mentioned—sunburn in winter, exceptionally scorching amidst the cold.Then a small step: Such love isn't about not loving the other person, but deeply loving them while hurting them due to one's own inner struggles. The other person hurts, and you hurt too.Final step: Hugo returned to the front of the sofa. Initially thinking you didn't love anymore, you hurt the other person. Only after they turned and left did you realize it wasn't about not loving; you had always loved them deeply, just in a different way. So, you beg them not to leave you, plead with them not to give up on you, asking them to just teach you a small lesson and then return to your side. Just like sunburn, the pain goes deep into the bones, leaving a brand-like mark, but love isn't severed cleanly.Seven steps. Countless chaotic thoughts swirled in Hugo's mind, strung together one by one by musical notes. The melody flowed out from his fingertips.
