In the afternoon, round two of China’s Top Voice began!
The four judges took their seats. However, the atmosphere seemed more awkward when compared to the morning session.
Apart from Hong Na, the other three judges exchanged awkward glances and each saw the hints of unease within their gazes.
Chen Xiaoyan and Hong Na’s conflict was getting more serious, to the point where they could not interject.
The audience was quietly waiting for the competition to start for various reasons.
It was the same for the audience in front of their screens.
Even their breathing turned heavy, looking forward to Chen Xiaoyan’s performance in the afternoon.
How would the plot unfold?
The competition began as usual with the contestants entering the hall one by one.
However, Chen Xiaoyan’s turn just seemed to take forever. Some suspect that it might be the organizer’s ploy.
Contestant 1, Jasmine[1].
Contestant 2, Dimples[2].
Contestant 3, Nunchucks[3].
…
Although their performances were decent, it was not what the audience looked forward to, leading to a very mediocre response from them. Even the four judges on the stage were distracted in their appraisal.
“Director Zhou! The ratings are at 2.5!”
Backstage, Little Li was so flushed with excitement that his smile almost extended to the base of his ears.
Surprise! That was an absolute surprise!
Although China’s Top Voice had gone through careful planning, the peak rating was only estimated to be around 2. This time it managed to reach a rating of 2.5 just at the preliminary stage. If they weren’t seeing it with their own eyes, that outcome was beyond their imagination!
Just that alone could put them in the spot of the hottest variety show!
Amongst the various variety shows out there, few could achieve that result!
“Good! Excellent!” Director Zhou’s voice was trembling, “I didn’t expect an internet celebrity to be this influential! This is almost on par with an A-list celebrity!”
They, of course, knew the source of these ratings. Most of them were probably waiting for Chen Xiaoyan to take the stage!
As song after song was performed throughout the competition, the audience’s anticipation built up over time. Quite a number of viewers in front of their TV screens had even stood up and felt dry in their mouths.
Contestant 13, When[4].
Contestant 14, Occasional Showers[5].
“It’s here, it’s finally here! Why was she last?!”
“Damn it, China’s Top Voice did this intentionally. Do you think it’s easy for me to get here? I’m just here for Chen Xiaoyan alone!”
“Motherf*cker! I’ve just listened to 14 songs for nothing? This is definitely done on purpose!”
“Ahhh, Chen Xiaoyan is next! What will she sing? I’m so nervous.”
“I think Chen Xiaoyan might be a goner. Hong Na will make things difficult for her. Furthermore, her Chaser of the Light was already used.”
“Yeah, if she sings a mundane song, her popularity will surely take a huge hit!”
…
The audience that was quiet for the entire afternoon immediately began to get excited and started discussing possible outcomes.
The emcee went back on the stage promptly. He held his mic and put on a smile. “Next, I believe everyone had been waiting for a long time for this. That’s right! Our 15th contestant is Chen Xiaoyan!”
He paused for a moment, then looked over at the audience, using a mysterious tone of voice, “I’ll let everyone in on a little secret. Chen Xiaoyan will be performing her new song!”
Silence took over the hall!
Everyone was stunned.
The silence was quickly taken over by huge ruckus!
“Hot damn! Is that for real? A new song?!”
“Ahhh, Chen Xiaoyan is finally releasing a new song! I’m sure it’s good!”
“I never expected Chen Xiaoyan to use a new song!”
“Worth it! All this waiting is worth it!”
…
“Next, let us welcome—Chen Xiaoyan!”
Clap clap clap!
Howls accompanied the applause that lasted quite a while.
“I didn’t expect her to have prepared a new song. What a surprise!” Brother Haha commented excitedly.
“Yeah. Chaser of the Light is already such a hit. Will the new song surpass it?” Wang Qing nodded in agreement as well.
Meanwhile, Hong Na’s face was a little gloomy. She said cooly, “No wonder she started off with Chaser of the Light. So all that was to market her new song. Such a scheming woman! Let’s see what she can do with her singing!”
Amidst the countless cheers, Chen Xiaoyan slowly made her way to the stage in a full piece black dress.
Her presence far outshined the previous 14 contestants, igniting a louder cheer from the audience, further pumping up the excitement in the room!
“Hello everyone, the next song I’m competing with is my new song!” Cheng Xiaoyan paused momentarily, then continued, “Furthermore, this song is similarly composed by Y!”
Y!
It’s another song by Y!
The audience’s heart skipped a beat and held their breath.
“OMG! Director Zhou, the ratings went above 3!” Little Li was rambling excitedly, almost getting tongue-tied!
“Shush! Quiet!”
Director Zhou took a deep breath and put on a calm front although his eyes were red with excitement. “We’ve gone through grand occasions before. We must remain calm.”
Y’s appearance caused the viewer ratings to jump from 2.6 to 3!
Scary!
Shocking!
That was like a godly existence!
All that was just a mere mention of his name. If he were there in person, what would the results be?
Just the thought of it stirred Director Zhou’s passion!
“Before I start, I have a few words to share.”
Chen Xiaoyan spoke softly, yet the noisy hall quickly quietened down.
“Actually, this song is written by Y this morning. I believe everyone knows why he wrote this song. That’s right, it’s because someone accused his songs to be childish!”
“He’d also passed me a message: Seniors are meant to be surpassed by their juniors. That’s why, don’t hang onto your sense of superiority, nor should you look down on your juniors!”
With a simple message, the entire hall descended into a deathly silence.
That included the four judges, Director Zhou, and all the viewers in front of their screens!
As time passed, they eventually recovered from their daze.
“Seniors are meant to be surpassed by their juniors. This phrase is f*cking domineering. I like it!”
“Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! I can’t help but imagine how dashing Y looked like when he said those words!”
“This is the response he gave to those seniors that think too highly of themselves. Nicely said! Awesome!”
“That’s very aggressive. Do you think Y would become the public enemy in the music industry?”
…
“Next, I’ll be performing my new song, Boundless Sea and Sky!”
Boundless Sea and Sky?
That name…seemed to fit the situation well.
Everyone held their breath and listened closely. In an instant, the entire world seemed to have gone silent and focused all its attention on Chen Xiaoyan.
The music started, and Chen Xiaoyan’s voice slowly joined in.
“I’ve once doubted myself, walking in the desert.
I spread my wings, but the wind falls silent.
Forever fruitless, whatever dreams I sow.
Perhaps my reward is my numbness to pain.
My silver lining is not looking back…”
Her low voice carried with it a hint of melancholy and sadness, wrapping itself around everyone.
The first line of lyrics cut deeply into their hearts, pulling everyone into the song.
That moment, they saw themselves reflected in the song. They fought hard for their dreams, just to be faced with failure time and time again…