After the competition started, the host called out each contestant’s name in order. Once on stage, they would perform their original song.
Of course, most singers didn’t even get to finish. The two celebrity judges would hit the rejection buzzer after just a few lines, give them some brief feedback, and move on to the next contestant.
Only those with exceptional vocals and lyrics got to perform their entire song and move on to the second round.
The first round eliminated 400 of the 530 contestants, leaving only 100 for the second round. Then, the second round would cut that number in half, leaving 50 contestants to enter the ranking.
However, if a contestant’s performance was outstanding, they could skip the second elimination round and be placed directly in the top 50.
Jiang Xueli Takes the Stage
By the time Jiang Xueli’s turn came up, it was already close to noon. She was contestant #237.
Right before her, the previous contestant had barely sung ten lines before getting rejected. That made Jiang Xueli even more nervous.
Before stepping onto the stage, she bravely brushed her hand against the back of Lin Zhengran’s—stealing a bit of his calm for herself.
The host’s voice rang out:
Jiang Xueli walked up with her guitar.
The two judges examined her and said, ""
Jiang Xueli gripped the microphone. ""
""
No unnecessary words.
Jiang Xueli took a deep breath, placed her fingers on the guitar strings, and began to sing.
Her voice spread through the venue—clear, pure, and incredibly soothing.
An Unforgettable Performance
Jiang Xueli was a true talent.
She might not have been a once-in-a-century prodigy, but over the years, under Lin Zhengran’s guidance, her ceiling had been raised significantly.
The moment she began to sing—
The judges, who had been casually scanning the lyrics, froze mid-read.
They exchanged a glance.
For the first time in a while, they stopped critiquing and simply listened.
Jiang Xueli’s ethereal voice drew everyone in.
It had a dreamlike quality, making people feel as if they were floating in a tranquil, peaceful world.
It relaxed nerves and immersed listeners into the song’s poetic imagery.
In the audience, other contestants—who had been comparing every singer to themselves—stopped.
Instead, they simply listened in awe.
Who trained this girl?
Even their talent agency boss was beaming with pride.
Jiang Xueli hadn’t been personally trained by her, but there was no denying that under Lin Zhengran’s guidance, her voice had become more mature, stable, and refined than it was in middle school.
At the front row, Jiang Jingshi, seated with a steel pen spinning in her fingers, had been focused on Jiang Xueli the moment she stepped on stage.
But when she actually heard her sing—
Her eyes widened in shock.
She turned slightly, gaze landing on Lin Zhengran.
Jiang Jingshi gripped her pen tightly.
She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh, her red lips curving.
Direct Advancement!
As Jiang Xueli finished her performance, she gave a small bow.
Judge Qiang Jie and Steady immediately applauded.
Even the other contestants clapped—though their faces were full of frustration and admiration.
Judge Qiang Jie smiled. ""
Jiang Xueli’s face lit up. ""
Qiang Jie pointed at her. ""
Jiang Xueli gasped. ""
As she walked off the stage, she could feel the envious stares. Sёar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Even her fellow agency members were speechless.
Jiang Xueli blushed at all the praise. She sat next to Lin Zhengran. ""
But by the end of the competition…
Her entire talent agency got eliminated.
After the Competition
The agency boss rubbed her temples in frustration.
The other girls, who had just been eliminated, sat there dejected.
Some even started doubting their entire careers.
Jiang Xueli didn’t even know how to comfort them.
Instead, she turned to look at Lin Zhengran—only to see him staring at the rankings, deep in thought.
The final 50 contestants were displayed on screen.
Out of them, 20 were from Jiang Jingshi’s team.
Another 15 were from an unfamiliar "New Star" music studio.
The rest were a mix of independent contestants.
On stage, the host made the announcement:
Jiang Xueli nudged Lin Zhengran. ""
Jiang Xueli shook her head. ""
Lin Zhengran narrowed his eyes.
Jiang Xueli leaned in, whispering. ""
Lin Zhengran sighed. ""
Jiang Xueli nodded seriously. ""
Lin Zhengran blinked. ""
Jiang Xueli blushed and looked away. ""
A quiet dinner… alone…
In a romantic setting…
Wouldn’t something happen?
But then—
Jiang Xueli: "?!"
"
That evening, they parted ways.
Just as Lin Zhengran arrived home, his phone lit up with a message.
Mystery Contact:
Lin Zhengran replied: