DAEYTT ### Chapter 036: Huang Tao Leaves in Disappointment, News from Shanghai
As Wang Qian stepped off the stage, He Dongming approached, handing him a bottle of water and giving him a thumbs up. “Awesome. Four chair turns… Only a few people achieve that each season of 'The Voice,' sometimes only one. Those who do always rank high, maybe even win the championship.”
Wang Qian took a sip of water and smiled nonchalantly. “Not a big deal.”
He Dongming scoffed. “Yeah, right. You're just pretending to be humble. How about a celebration tonight? Director Zhou just said he’s treating you to dinner. You in?”
Wang Qian glanced over at Zhou Qinghua, who smiled politely at him. Wang Qian returned the smile and nodded slightly. Then he turned to He Dongming. “I'll pass on dinner. I have some business to attend to in Shanghai. When’s the next recording?”
He Dongming thought for a moment. “Not sure yet. It depends on the response to the first episode, but no later than two weeks. Are you really going to sing your own original songs for the rest of the show? I never knew you had such musical talent.”
Wang Qian chuckled. “There's a lot you don't know about me. I'll get going now.”
He Dongming pulled Wang Qian to the side, into a dark corner where they could still see the stage and the four coaches clearly. He looked toward Huang Tao, who was about to perform, and grinned. “Wait a bit. Huang Tao's agent specifically asked Director Zhou to have him go on after you. They heard you were going to sing an original song and thought your performance would flop, setting the stage for Huang Tao to shine.”
Wang Qian laughed. “Wishful thinking!”
“Exactly,” He Dongming agreed. “Now they must be regretting it big time. Given Huang Tao's skill level, performing after you is a suicide mission.”
Music started playing.
Both Wang Qian and He Dongming fell silent, watching the stage intently.
Despite He Dongming's remarks about Huang Tao's mediocre skills, Wang Qian paid close attention to the contestant. In the dim light, Wang Qian could see the anticipation on the coaches' faces. His performance had set the bar high, and naturally, the coaches now had greater expectations for the subsequent contestants. After all, Zhou Qinghua had promised them that this season’s contestants were all highly skilled.
Wang Qian had already proven that.
Now, what about the second contestant?
Huang Tao held the microphone and began to sing. His fast-paced delivery featured a popular song from last year, filled with the typical characteristics of contemporary "fresh meat" singers. The complex and noisy background music drowned out his voice. Occasionally, he threw in some rap, paired with cool singing moves and expressions, designed to attract young, impressionable fans.
Why do many singing competitions favor old songs? It’s not just nostalgia. More importantly, most current pop songs require very little singing skill, failing to showcase a singer’s talent. In contrast, old songs are often more challenging to perform well, thus dominating most singing competitions. Unless the contestants are predominantly young idol singers, old songs remain the standard because the new ones don't do justice to their capabilities.
Huang Tao performed with enthusiasm, as if he were at a concert, but received no response. The four coaches frowned slightly. This performance fell far short of their expectations, and none of them seemed inclined to turn their chairs. They just listened quietly, hoping for a surprise.
The production team remained silent too. Knowing Huang Tao was a rookie being promoted by a major company, they didn’t want to offend anyone. However, many cast sidelong glances, amused by the unfolding spectacle.
The audience of over a thousand remained quiet as well. Mostly composed of more mature viewers, they were rational. If the crowd had been younger, they might have cheered for Huang Tao’s style. His appearance fit the current idol aesthetic, likely to incite screams with just a few stylish poses.
But the venue stayed silent.
Huang Tao’s enthusiasm waned. Without any reaction from the audience, his performance lost its spark. He was about to finish singing, and none of the coaches showed any sign of turning around.
Huang Tao’s face reddened with anxiety. Glancing at his assistant, he saw a fist pump gesture, encouraging him to keep going. Even if no one chose him, he couldn’t give up.
Huang Tao finished the song.
The coaches still didn't turn around, their expressions varied as they faced him. Their extensive industry experience made it clear Huang Tao was likely a new talent being pushed by a big company.
Wang Jingyu offered a tepid compliment. “Nice appearance. Keep it up!”
Cui Wenfeng and Liu Junhua remained silent, watching calmly.
Qin Han added, “You’re still young. Keep working hard!”
Huang Tao, blushing with embarrassment, wanted to flee immediately but managed a nod and a bow. “Thank you, teachers...”
Aji tried to smooth things over. “Thank you, teachers, for encouraging Huang Tao. I’m sure he’ll continue to improve.”
Huang Tao gritted his teeth. “I will. Goodbye, teachers...”
He then hurried off the stage, almost running.
…
Wang Qian and He Dongming watched Huang Tao’s performance and exchanged glances without saying a word. Despite Huang Tao’s mediocre skills, he handled himself well. But Wang Qian could tell Huang Tao’s musical talent was limited, and this might be his peak performance.
### Chapter 036: Huang Tao Leaves in Disappointment, News from Shanghai
Huang Tao had no room for improvement. However, based on Wang Qian’s experience from two lifetimes, he predicted that Huang Tao would almost certainly succeed in his debut. The market favored "fresh meat" idols who thrived merely by posing, despite lacking real talent. Several current idols were like this: their singing was average, their dancing limited to posing, and their popularity relied heavily on post-production editing.
“I’m heading out,” Wang Qian said, uninterested in watching the remaining contestants. He believed firmly in focusing on his own performance and strengths.
He Dongming patted Wang Qian on the shoulder. “Alright, I’ll let you know when the next recording is scheduled.”
Wang Qian nodded and headed toward the exit. Leaving Shanghai for a few days, he still felt a bit anxious about the two Haidilao branches, despite usually being a hands-off boss.
He Dongming caught up with him and whispered, “By the way, make sure to keep in touch with Teacher Cui Wenfeng. Learning from his experience will be beneficial.”
Wang Qian quickly responded, “Got it. Give me his number.”
He Dongming went to Zhou Qinghua to get Cui Wenfeng’s number for Wang Qian, who then left.
Leaving the recording site, Wang Qian felt relieved, knowing he had successfully taken the first step.
He got into a car and headed straight to the train station. Checking his phone, he found numerous messages from Qin Xuerong. Others only contacted him occasionally or for important matters, typically through phone calls, like Tang Feifei and his parents. Only Qin Xuerong messaged him continuously.
Opening her messages, Wang Qian read:
**Glorious Xuerong:** “How did the recording go? I’m sure you did great. Today’s been busy at work, so I didn’t have much time to chat. Tomorrow, I’m meeting an important client.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “By the way, Jiang Jiang messaged me yesterday. Her mom heard her practicing your piece and wants to meet you! Aunt He is a piano professor at the Central Conservatory. Jiang Jiang has been learning piano from her since she was a child.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “Will you be back after the recording? I’ve gotten really good at cooking, and Xiao Yue loves my food.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “Do you need money? Haidilao is booming, always packed. Many people in Shanghai want to dine there but can’t find a spot. I think it’s the perfect time for you to expand. If you need funds, I can lend you some.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “My sister is coming to Shanghai in a few days. I’m a bit nervous about her visit.”
It was like casual chatting. Although Wang Qian only replied a few times each day, Qin Xuerong kept talking to him non-stop, message after message. He had gotten used to this, and reading her messages felt like witnessing her daily life and emotions—a strange but pleasant experience for someone who had been a notorious player in his past life.
Two messages stood out to him. First, Jiang Yu’s mother, Aunt He, a professor at the Central Conservatory, wanted to meet him after hearing Jiang Yu play his Étude No. 10. Second, Qin Xuerong offered to lend him money to expand Haidilao.
Wang Qian replied, “I’m heading back to Shanghai today. If Aunt He wants to meet me, she can come to Shanghai. I don’t have time to go to Beijing. And I’m not taking your money for Haidilao’s expansion—I’ve got it covered.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “You’re really coming back? I’ll go to the station to pick you up. Jiang Jiang and her mom are already on their way. It’s the perfect time to expand Haidilao. Don’t worry about whose money it is—you can just pay me interest like a bank loan.”
Wang Qian replied quickly, “Don’t mention the money again, or I’ll get mad.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “Okay, okay, I’m scared! What do you want to eat tonight? I’ll treat you.”
Wang Qian: “I’ll treat you. Let’s go to Tang Feifei’s restaurant.”
**Glorious Xuerong:** “Alright, I’ll call Feifei to reserve a table.”
Wang Qian, in a good mood, chatted with Qin Xuerong for a while longer.
…
In Shanghai, Qin Xuerong quickly packed up and left her office, texting continuously with a joyful smile on her face. Every time she saw a reply from Wang Qian, she couldn’t help but giggle.
“Ms. Qin, where are you going? You mentioned having a meeting later...” her assistant asked as she walked out.
Qin Xuerong hesitated, remembering she had scheduled a meeting with the company’s key staff for the evening. But she wouldn’t miss the chance to pick up Wang Qian or dine with him.
“Cancel the meeting,” she said decisively.
The assistant asked, “What about tomorrow’s schedule?”
Tomorrow, she had an important client meeting, and tonight’s meeting was to discuss the plans for that. Without the meeting, how would they prepare for the client?
“Don’t worry, we’ll handle it tomorrow morning,” Qin Xuerong said, hurrying out. She didn’t want to be late and miss picking up Wang Qian. After all, West Lake City was very close to Shanghai.
Once outside the building, she noticed Wang Qian hadn’t replied for a while and decided to call Jiang Yu.
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