Chарtеr 10: Тhоugh Рrеsumptuous, It Sаvеd thе Shоw!
Аs the final notеs fаded, Luo Qingхu walked slоwlу tо thе сеnter оf thе stаge, stаnding shouldеr to shouldеr with Zhеn Chаng and Таng Shijing. Тhe thrее of thеm smilеd аnd bоwеd dееplу to thе judgеs and audiencе, eхprеssing thеir sinсеre gratitudе.
Only thеn did thе аudiеncе awаken as if frоm а drеаm, еrupting intо thunderous aррlаusе thаt lasted endlеsslу, аs if drawing а pеrfect соnсlusiоn to this spесtaculаr perfоrmаnсе.
At thаt mоment, the barrage commеnts alsо sееmеd tо cоme alive, instаntly bеcоming aсtive, with colorful text blooming like fireworks.
【I was stunned for a few seconds at the beginning, what happened after that?】
【The entire stage was too beautiful, the song was great, and the stage was even more amazing】
【Is this fortune-telling? No, it’s the sound of my heart racing】
【Beautiful!! So good, so good, so good!!!】
【You have one minute—I want all the information about the girl who danced】
【You have one minute—I want all the information about the girl who sang】
【You have one minute—I want to watch a replay of this stage】
…
After Luo Qingxu and the others introduced themselves, the four judges across the stage looked somewhat taken aback. After exchanging glances, the music producer Xu Xianqing, seated in the middle, picked up the microphone.
“Luo Qingxu, you’re the first on this stage to bring in external help for a duet. I’d like to know why you chose to do this?”
In fact, when Luo Qingxu and her team introduced themselves, the live audience erupted in murmurs, and the internet was already in an uproar. Under the influence of anti-fans, the screen was flooded with accusations of cheating.
“If the rules allow it, then it’s permissible.”
Next, lyricist and composer Fu Yu and professional music critic Ye Maowen offered their routine comments.
One of the judges, singer Ye Yi, praised Zhen Chang and Tang Shijing’s stage performance and, out of habit, said to Luo Qingxu standing in the middle, “Sing a few lines a cappella.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly thought of something and asked, “Were the first two lines sung by you?”
Luo Qingxu was pleasantly surprised, her lively eyes sparkling brightly. She gave a look that said, “You have a good eye,” and secretly gave a thumbs-up.
“How embarrassing. Since the judge requested it, I’ll sing a few lines.”
As soon as Luo Qingxu finished speaking, Zhen Chang and Tang Shijing on stage, along with Fei Jiajun and Xiao Kui backstage, all covered their ears in unison.
“Endlessly guessing, guessing, guessing
Another fortune told
Good or bad, fortune or misfortune, still filled with fear
My love for you, love, love
Gazing to the ends of the earth, fate plays tricks
Destiny tangled in mistakes”
The four judges turned pale, the live audience fell into dead silence, and the barrage comments went blank. Seeing that Luo Qingxu showed no intention of stopping, Xu Xianqing seized the moment she paused to breathe and quickly posed a question.
“The first two lines and the part sung by Zhen Chang later form a stark contrast. Whose creative idea was this?”
“Of course, it was mine! So, did it leave a deep impression on you?” Luo Qingxu was extremely proud, feeling that she truly was a genius.
“It left a very deep impression. Good! Thank you, Luo Qingxu and her team, for the wonderful performance. Let’s welcome the next contestant.” Xu Xianqing’s intention to “usher them off” was quite obvious. If Luo Qingxu were given another chance to sing, no one would have a good time tonight.
【I almost didn’t make it～My mind is now filled with Luo Qingxu’s haunting voice】
【Hurry up and release the pure version of “Fortune-Telling.” I urgently need to listen to some heavenly music to wash away Luo Qingxu’s haunting voice】
【The contrast is obvious, but now I can’t even find the tune of “Fortune-Telling.” Are you sure this wasn’t digging your own grave?】[Ah! My eyes, my ears, my eyes! my ears!]
[Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?]
[For the first time! I have gained a profound understanding that while others sing for money, you sing for lives!]
[Is Luo Qingxu singing the same song as before?]
[Luo Qingxu, get off the stage!]
[Luo Qingxu, stop singing!]
[No wonder those two girls quickly covered their ears. Though presumptuous, it was a lifesaver!]
[Hahahaha! Look at Ye Yi’s expression: My damn mouth!]
[No! I can’t suffer alone, I must make my best friend listen too!]
[Death is singing!]
[Luo Qingxu is indeed quite impressive—not a single note was off-key, yet not a single note was right either.]
Luo Qingxu walked off the stage, her heart still filled with passion and reluctance. The performance had left her wanting more; it was her first time singing so freely in front of such a large audience, and the excitement and thrill were beyond words. She thought regretfully that if there had been more time, she would have poured out every last bit of the song in her heart.
If the live and streaming audience had known what Luo Qingxu was thinking, they would have covered her mouth: No! You don’t want to! Please spare us!
Soon, all the contestants finished their performances and returned to the center of the stage, ready to hear the judges’ scores and the final rankings.
On stage, soft lights bathed them, and the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed intently on the Program Director, their hearts filled with both hope for their results and a hint of unease.
[So nervous! Who will win this episode’s championship?]
[This program is finally getting interesting.]
[I voted for Yin Tongyue. The Song Deity’s son truly has his father’s style.]
[I voted for Bai Xinyao. She can compose, sing, and dance—a versatile talent. Investing in her won’t disappoint.]
[I voted for Bai Lin. The silly rich kid still has some substance.]
[That woman wanted my life, and I gave it to her.]
[Although, regardless of lyrics, composition, or stage presence, Bu Gua is the best.]
“The results are already in my hands. Next, I will announce the rankings for each contestant. Who would you like me to start with?”
Director Ma held a piece of paper in his hand, smiling as he asked the eight contestants on stage.
“This old man definitely has bad intentions!” Luo Qingxu whispered quietly to Bai Lin beside her.
The three major media giants competed and collaborated with each other, so Luo Qingxu and Bai Lin naturally knew each other.
Luo Qingxu and Bai Lin first met during a New Year’s visit when they were five years old. That Spring Festival, Bai Lin’s parents brought him to visit the Luo family. When Luo Qingxu first saw Bai Lin, she noticed his fair skin, delicate features, and the pink cotton-padded jacket he wore, making him look like a cute little princess.
As the youngest in her family, Luo Qingxu thought she finally had a little sister. She excitedly took Bai Lin’s hand and suggested playing a princess dress-up game.Although Bai Lin was young, he had a lively and cheerful personality and happily agreed to Luo Qingxu’s suggestion. The two rummaged through the room, gathering all sorts of beautiful dresses, hair accessories, and props to dress up Bai Lin. Luo Qingxu even specially found a long pink gauze skirt, which she personally tied on Bai Lin, then placed a crown adorned with sequins on his head and paired it with a pair of sparkling crystal shoes. Standing in front of the mirror and seeing himself like this, Bai Lin couldn’t help but giggle, while Luo Qingxu happily clapped her hands in praise, thinking Bai Lin was absolutely adorable.
However, just as the two were having a great time, Bai Lin suddenly said he needed to use the restroom. As a good “sister,” Luo Qingxu naturally wanted to accompany him, but Bai Lin refused, explaining that boys and girls couldn’t go to the restroom together. This news struck Luo Qingxu like a bolt from the blue—the “little sister” she had always thought Bai Lin was turned out to be a “little brother.” Instantly, she puffed up her cheeks in anger, feeling deceived by Bai Lin, and stubbornly refused to play with him anymore.
Seeing this, Bai Lin hurriedly explained that he hadn’t meant to deceive her. It turned out that Bai Lin had an older brother, and when his mother was pregnant with him, she had bought many girls’ clothes and toys because she wanted a daughter. However, she ended up giving birth to another son. To avoid wasting them, Bai Lin’s mother gave all the clothes and toys to him, which led to Luo Qingxu’s misunderstanding.
After hearing Bai Lin’s explanation, although Luo Qingxu still felt a bit upset, she couldn’t help but find it amusing. Her anger gradually subsided, and the two eventually reconciled, continuing to play together as before.
During middle school, Bai Lin moved abroad with his parents, and the two lost contact. It wasn’t until a year ago, when Bai Lin’s uncle, the head of Huaying Media, unfortunately passed away in a car accident, that Bai Lin’s parents returned to China to take over the family business. Gradually, the two reconnected.
Director Ma glanced at Luo Qingxu, thinking to himself, “Your ‘whispering’ is quite loud—I can hear you. But since this episode’s data is unprecedented, I won’t make a big deal out of it.”
“Luo Qingxu, who do you think we should announce the score for first?” Although he wasn’t making a big deal out of it, Director Ma had a petty streak and directly called out Luo Qingxu.
Luo Qingxu, who had been whispering to Bai Lin, suddenly jumped in surprise and shouted, “Here!” before realizing she was still on a live broadcast and looking a bit dazed.
“Keep guessing? Or should I do a divination first?”
【So cute! She even answered ‘here’ when called on!】
【Just like a student caught daydreaming in class and suddenly called on】
【Came here from the trending searches—I want to see what such an interesting soul looks like】
【Miss Luo is so good at applying what she learns】
【Hahaha, Old Ma, guess if I’ll guess or not?】
【Missed the young Miss Luo last year, can’t miss her this year】
By this time, an efficient content creator had already edited a normal version of “Divination” and a hilarious video of Luo Qingxu’s live a cappella performance. Many passersby found the content amusing and clicked into the live broadcast room to watch.
After teasing the audience a bit, Director Ma, under everyone’s sharp gazes, promptly began announcing the rankings starting from fourth place…
“Based on 60% judges’ scores and 40% online votes, the overall first place goes to Luo Qingxu! Congratulations!”
“Yay!” Upon hearing her name, Luo Qingxu instantly jumped up in excitement, grabbing Bai Lin’s hands and spinning around a few times on the spot, her face beaming with uncontrollable joy.Other contestants also offered their congratulations, and the audience applauded for her one after another. Luo Qingxu waved both hands to greet everyone, thanking them for their support and encouragement.
In the first episode of the National Style Grand Prize in July, Luo Qingxu claimed the championship, with Yin Tongyue in second place, Bai Xinyao in third, and Bai Lin ranking fifth.
“Other contestants, don’t lose heart. We are using a points-based system, and there will be more opportunities ahead. Let’s meet again in the next episode of the program!”