HDIEUMDBTSB Chapter 10: Challenge Successful!
Volume One: The Road to Fame
Chapter Ten: Challenge Successful!
"700 votes, exactly 700 votes!" exclaimed the program director, Meng Fan. "Ranked second in this round of competition, congratulations to the surprise guest Chu Zhi for a successful challenge."
As Meng Fan spoke, applause erupted in the assembly hall. Heng Kouyi was clapping eagerly, seeming impatient, while the others hesitated before joining in with applause, considering the feelings of those about to be eliminated.
The only one with a sour expression was Wu Xi, who would be ending his journey on "I Am a Singer" as the surprise guest's challenge meant his elimination. Only the injured world of Wu Xi would remain.
Chu Zhi's clenched heart relaxed, his breathing returning to normal. The first step of his plan was successful, and the good news was that the audience merely disliked him; it hadn't reached the point of "disgust." They would still vote, giving him ample room to maneuver.
In terms of seniority, only Hou Yubin could speak next to the forty-something Wu Xi: "Wu Xi, the song you chose today had too many low notes, which didn't suit you. The audience's votes are more influenced by emotional resonance."
Starting with offering a way out, then comforting: "Your talent has been fully showcased on the show, and I believe the management company won't overlook you."
Seniority's magnanimity? Nonsense. If he could, Wu Xi would want to jump up and throw two punches at the surprise guest. In his view, the comforting words were just empty talk.
But there were cameras directly in front and to the right, as well as one from a slant above.
In front of the public eye of three cameras, Wu Xi's face was filled with contentment and ease.
He said, "I only have three tricks up my sleeve. When I received the invitation, I thought I'd sing three songs and then leave. As a result, I even sang two more. No regrets, no regrets. Chu Zhi is a talented young star with a lot of room for improvement. I hope to see more progress from him."
"Singing and creating are the right paths. Don't do strange things. I believe you can also become an excellent singer," Wu Xi advised in the manner of a senior.
There were implications in his words, alluding to stories from a thousand years ago. What kind of fox is he playing? Chu Zhi pretended not to hear any hidden meanings and nodded as if he understood. With this exchange, the assembly hall was filled with a peaceful atmosphere.
"Wu-ge's voice is a treasure in the music industry," Lin Xia said. "Without Wu-ge, it feels like we're missing a treasure."
"I can't bear to part with Wu-ge," Zheng Yingying added.
"On a small scale, it's just the end of a show. On a larger scale, it's just a small milestone in life. We'll see each other again in the music world," Nancy's sharp-tongued consolation was met with, "Yingying, you can't say that. The way you said it makes it sound like something bad will happen to Wu-ge and we won't see him again."
"That's not what I meant..." Zheng Yingying wanted to explain, but couldn't find the words. "I just wish the show didn't eliminate anyone. My language skills aren't good, so I can't express myself properly."
Nancy's way of speaking could, to some extent, lead to awkward consequences, so her reputation was somewhat polarized. Fans who liked her believed she was tough on the outside but soft-hearted, while the opposing side thought she didn't consider others when she spoke.
"Some people say their language skills are poor, but then they write lyrics that flow smoothly," Lin Xia said. "If certain people weren't so ostentatious, you wouldn't even know they could be ostentatious."
Singer-songwriters are relatively rare in the music industry. Among the seven contestants in the show, including Chu Zhi, only two had original songwriting abilities.
Zheng Yingying, after leaving her girl group, released an album where more than half of the songs were self-written. Quite talented.
Looking at it from another perspective, remaining lukewarm might also be related to writing her own songs...
"It's mainly because I can't get good songs. It's unavoidable," Zheng Yingying chuckled a few times, and her music partner next to her immediately continued, addressing the camera, "Lyricists and composers in front of the TV, take note: if you have good songs, send them our way."
"Good songs are too rare these days. Even if you have money, it's hard to get good songs," Nancy agreed, feeling deeply. The once prosperous pop music scene was now declining, and everyone had to head north to the mainland to make a living.
"As for money, as long as you don't use it, it's definitely enough," Lin Xia chimed in.
Nancy didn't want to talk to Lin Xia and threw her a disdainful look, while her music partner also helped with the advertising: "Yingying is a hint, while Nancy is a suggestion. Good songs, come to us."
"'Wind Blowing Over the Wheat Waves' is a good song. Looking at the credits, lyrics, composition, and arrangement were all by Juzi," Zheng Yingying suddenly brought the topic back to Chu Zhi.
During his peak, he was called "Brother Nine," but now it's Juzi.
"With the current situation, even if I had money, I couldn't get songs, so I can only grit my teeth and do it myself," Chu Zhi said.
"Wow, turns out you're the Versailles big shot, reluctantly writing songs with a straight face isn't too bad," Nancy said. "If there's another chance, you must reluctantly write me two more songs."
Wei Tongzi and the other contestants' music partners were different. They didn't pick up on the jokes, just stood there smiling, somewhat unprofessional.
Luckily, Chu Zhi integrated well into the group chat. Most of the time, he quietly listened to others speak. Being a good listener was a great kindness.
Director Meng Fan announced the rules for the next round of competition, specifically about the selection of songs for the next performance. The recording for this episode was almost over.
The contestants grouped up for dinner, and to avoid awkwardness, Chu Zhi left with his music partner first.
It wasn't that Lin Xia and the others were snobbish or lacked empathy. Chu Zhi was like a hot potato; who would want to play with him? In ancient times, rebelling would involve punishing nine generations of a family, and in online forums, judging was similarly severe. It was truly frightening.
Put yourself in their shoes, would you want to?
Leaving first was a choice to make everyone feel less awkward. As they left the gathering hall, Chu Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and casually threw the button in his pocket into the trash can. There were still faint imprints on his palm, a small prop to ease the awkwardness.
"Chu Laoshi, this episode will air on October 4th, mainly on Hunan TV and the Mango TV app," Wei Tongzi said more when they were alone. "And the recording for the next episode is on the 5th. Chu Laoshi, pay attention to the schedule."
It was the 27th today, with just a week until the airing, which was unexpected for Chu Zhi. Usually, variety shows were recorded half a month or a month in advance. Recording just one episode ahead was rare. Perhaps it was related to the nature of the show. "I Am a Singer" would collect votes on their official Weibo and app, selecting challenge guests on the spot, thus the show had more immediacy?
If the recording for the next episode was on the 5th, then rehearsals would likely start on the 2nd or 3rd. It wasn't worth going back to Shanghai. Since there were no other plans, Chu Zhi estimated he'd stay in Xingcheng these days.
Wei Tongzi was called away for work, and Chu Zhi grabbed his little bag from the dressing room, ready to leave the Elite Building. As he was about to leave, he heard someone call out behind him—
"Chu Sang," "Chu Sang, please wait."
Chu Zhi turned around to see Heng Kouyi trotting towards him, his curly hair fluttering in the wind. He had sparse hair, but had it permed to give the illusion of more.
Heng Kouyi rushed up and said a bunch of things rapidly, his excitement evident from his language and demeanor. Unfortunately, Chu Zhi didn't understand Japanese, so he only caught snippets like "sumimasen" which meant sorry or excuse me.
Heng Kouyi realized they didn't speak the same language and took out his phone to type something. After a moment, he showed Chu Zhi a translated message: "[Mr. Chu Zhi, can I have your contact information? I want to be friends with you.]"
Oh, Tom's damn strong machine translation flavor, I really want to kick your butt with a pointed shoe. Chu Zhi roughly understood that he wanted to exchange contact information, so he left his phone number. Most people from that island country didn't use WeChat.
Thanking Chu Zhi, Heng Kouyi watched him leave.
The reason Heng Kouyi wanted to make friends wasn't just because he was overly impressed by Chu Zhi's voice, but actually...
"Being in contact with handsome people can make you more attractive." Indeed, Heng Kouyi was a pure face connoisseur. Regardless of whether his friends were male or female, their character was one thing, but their appearance had to be on point.
"It's time for dinner," Heng Kouyi's stomach protested, and dishes were already being served to the trio at the dinner table.
During the meal, Lin Xia, Zheng Yingying, and Nancy chatted.
"Since the show credits all the songs to Chu Zhi, the registration information must be correct. But do you think 'Wind Blowing Over the Wheat Waves' was actually ghostwritten? The style change is too drastic," Nancy brought up a topic as they chatted.
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