Chapter 50: The Unpredictable Stage

The press conference for the second recording session of ‘I Am a Singer’ was underway.

Director Feng Wang had initially envisioned that after the first episode aired, the show would garner widespread attention and discussion online. He believed the season’s biggest draw—the cultural exchange between domestic and international singers, coupled with the audience’s national pride—would be a powerful catalyst.

However, the first episode unexpectedly clashed with ‘Star Week.’ This unfortunate timing led him to question if he truly possessed a ‘hot search repellent’ constitution.

It seemed every time he aimed for the top trending spot, he would be repeatedly ambushed.

He had listened to Lin Ziyao’s trending song the moment it was released, and its quality was undeniably superior. Had ‘I Am a Singer’ not yet begun filming, he might have been swayed to invite her to participate in the show’s recording.

But with the current limited budget, and his determination to ensure the final champion remained in China, he had leveraged personal connections and significant funds to invite the veteran diva, known as Sister Ying, Xie Ying, to anchor the show.

“Sister Ying, thank you for your hard work.”

Director Feng Wang approached the area outside the press conference. Despite Xie Ying’s easygoing nature and disregard for her own status, he still felt it important to show her the respect due to a director.

“Hello, Director Feng.”

Removing her sunglasses, Xie Ying revealed a face that, despite her approaching age of fifty, bore few traces of time. An outsider, unaware of her true age, might easily mistake her for being in her thirties.

“Sister Ying, your score in the first round was very close to Zhang Ming’s. Do you have confidence you can win the second round?”

Director Feng Wang voiced his concern. Zhang Ming had been brought onto the show through a sponsor’s connections, and unexpectedly, his performance in the first round had overshadowed Xie Ying. Fortunately, the final total score difference wasn’t too significant, or else they would have lost considerable face.

“Zhang Ming’s song choice in the first round showcased a lot of technical skill. I was careless.”

Zhang Ming’s chosen song, combined with his excellent performance, allowed him to surpass her despite the disparity in song selection. Yet, as a diva, she had to admit that this young man’s strength was not to be underestimated.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Xie Ying hadn’t finished speaking when an uncontrollable cough erupted from her throat.

“Sister Ying, are you alright?”

Seeing Xie Ying nearly lose her balance from coughing, Director Feng Wang quickly stepped forward to support her, offering her a steadying hand.

Director Feng Wang expressed his concern for Xie Ying’s physical state: “Perhaps you should skip today’s press conference and see a doctor instead?”

From the looks of it, she might not even be suitable for recording the upcoming episodes.

However, she waved her hand, indicating, “It’s nothing serious, just some old ailments. I absolutely cannot miss the press conference before the second episode’s recording, or those reporters will take it as me being timid.”

“But the format for the second episode’s recording…” Director Feng Wang still hesitated, on the verge of speaking.

“Let’s go. It won’t affect the second round of recording.”

After a brief wait in the lounge, all the guests of ‘I Am a Singer’ appeared at the press conference. Among the five individuals—three men and two women—were Zhang Ming and Xie Ying.

The reporters, who had arrived early that morning, immediately pointed their cameras at the guests on stage as Xie Ying took her seat.

“Thank you, all media friends, for attending the press conference before the second recording of ‘I Am a Singer.’ I am Director Feng Wang, and also the host of this conference.”

Once the guests were seated, Director Feng Wang walked onto the stage. The surrounding reporters, understanding the gravity of the moment, quieted down, awaiting his address.

“Typically, singing variety shows opt for a pre-recorded broadcast model. Even the first episode of our ‘I Am a Singer’ was no exception. Therefore, before the second episode’s recording begins, we have a major announcement!”

With a command from Director Feng Wang, the slides behind him began to switch, revealing the theme of their press conference.

Live broadcast!

Upon seeing these two words, a stir erupted among the reporters present. Live broadcasting meant that contestants would have no second chances if they failed, and everyone’s vocals would be presented without post-production, raw and unedited. It truly meant competing on a completely fair playing field.

Compared to the reporters, the contestants on stage appeared much calmer. Before signing their contracts for the show, the production team had clearly explained the competition format.

Their consent was secured before collaboration, which explained why there were only five contestants; many had declined to participate due to the live broadcast format.

Once the commotion caused by the reporters subsided, the press conference moved into its next segment.

This was the open Q&A session, a segment many had come specifically for. They eagerly anticipated extracting the answers they sought from the contestants.

The first male reporter called upon immediately stood up and, without mercy, directly questioned Xie Ying: “Sister Ying, what are your thoughts on narrowly losing to Zhang Ming in the first round?”

However, Xie Ying, having navigated the entertainment industry for many years, was no pushover.

“I deeply admire the techniques and vocal delivery Zhang Ming showcased in the first round. Such a performance reminded me of my younger self. As for the outcome of the competition?” She smiled at the reporter. “I prefer the saying, ‘Friendship first.'”

She effortlessly defused the male reporter’s pointed question. After all, losing the competition was an objective, unchangeable fact, so she could only seek to regain some ground elsewhere.

Unable to elicit any hint of unwillingness from Xie Ying, the male reporter had no choice but to sit down and await his colleagues’ efforts.

“Sister Ying, I heard you’ve been frequently visiting the hospital recently. Is your physical condition the reason for your subpar performance?”

The next female reporter called upon asked Xie Ying, seemingly trying to find an excuse for her.

“As one ages, various illnesses are bound to follow, but I still wish to struggle on stage for a few more years.” Xie Ying responded with practiced ease, her occasional humor eliciting knowing laughter from the reporters present.

Since this was in China, all the reporters’ attention was focused on Xie Ying, the diva who had lost in the first round. The other contestants received only a handful of questions.

“Over here, I’d like to ask Mr. Zhang Ming a question!”

A reporter from an unknown newspaper raised their hand, requesting permission from Director Feng Wang. Director Feng Wang glanced at Zhang Ming, and after receiving his confirmation, allowed the reporter to ask.

“Mr. Zhang Ming, you’ve been in China for some time now. Have you heard any particularly memorable songs?”

This reporter apparently wanted to commend the domestic music scene through Zhang Ming, a foreign singer, as praise from an outsider often carried more credibility.

Facing this question, foreign contestants typically chose songs by other contestants or recent popular tracks, engaging in some mutual commercial flattery, ensuring everyone looked good.

The reporter’s original intention was to ask Zhang Ming if he had heard the stage performance of ‘Most Dazzling Ethnic Style,’ which had recently gone viral on Douyin.

But this time, they encountered Zhang Ming, who did not play by the usual rules.

He picked up the microphone and answered with just two words.

“No.”

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Male Body, Female Soul

DramaFemale ProtagonistGender Bender

Read Now →
Not interested