Chapter 56: The Sky’s Challenge and the Power of Stillness

Zhang Ming stood on the stage, microphone in hand.

The musical accompaniment began precisely on cue, immediately stirring a commotion among the judges and the live audience.

“How could it be this song!”

Li Xinan, seated beside Lin Ziyao, found herself unable to sit still.

Her gaze was fixed intently on Zhang Ming, who was displayed on the screen.

As the unfamiliar prelude resonated, she realized she was the only one still in the dark.

Clearly, her knowledge of the songs in this world was still woefully limited.

“Is there something wrong with the song Zhang Ming chose?” she asked Manager Nan, who was sitting next to her.

She watched Zhang Ming on screen, beginning his performance with low notes and gradually building up.

After a moment, she began to explain to Lin Ziyao, “The song Zhang Ming chose is a translated piece originally created by a foreign singer. It’s called ‘Sky’.”

Below the screen, the general meaning of the lyrics began to appear: a longing in an ordinary person’s heart to soar freely in the sky.

“The unique characteristic of this song is that it spans two octaves, making it incredibly challenging for most male singers,” Li Xinan explained.

“I never expected him to bring out this song here.” As she spoke, Li Xinan couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry for Xie Ying, who was about to compete.

“Sister Ying’s signature song, in terms of technical skill, is also on par with this one. It seems Zhang Ming is determined to make a name for himself on this show.”

Director Chen, a shrewd observer, immediately grasped Zhang Ming’s intention in selecting the song.

Zhang Ming aimed to challenge Xie Ying in her most proficient domain, understanding that even a draw would sufficiently prove his capabilities and justify his audacious claims.

At this point, Zhang Ming’s song transitioned to the mid-range.

The lyrics gradually began to depict the protagonist’s excitement at having built a simple flying device through their own efforts, alongside their profound yearning for the sky.

Watching Zhang Ming’s performance from backstage, Director Feng Wang let out a sigh of relief.

The original version of ‘Sky’ would have been largely concluded by this point.

The remaining sections were merely repetitions of the first half, indicating that the situation on stage remained within controllable bounds.

“Sister Ying, it’s almost time for you to prepare.” With the weight lifted from his chest, Director Feng Wang reminded Xie Ying, who was watching the performance from the waiting area.

He turned to see Xie Ying gazing intently at Zhang Ming on stage, her expression grave.

Seeing this, Director Feng Wang immediately asked Xie Ying, “Sister Ying, is something amiss?”

“Zhang Ming is deliberately holding back his strength while singing. This approach feels very inconsistent.”

As a seasoned performer, Xie Ying incisively pointed out Zhang Ming’s current state.

From her vantage point offstage, she could distinctly sense Zhang Ming consciously controlling his breath.

“We’ve all heard the original ‘Sky,’ and Zhang Ming’s rendition doesn’t sound much different right now.”

Director Feng Wang, however, dismissed Xie Ying’s observation, reasoning that Zhang Ming couldn’t possibly surpass the original.

“If this were a concert, I could understand his approach, but it’s a competition. How can he justify his arrogant attitude if he doesn’t give it his all? What if he loses?”

As she pondered this, Xie Ying considered a possibility.

She looked up at the screen, where Zhang Ming was preparing for his final flourish.

Suddenly, all the suppressed energy erupted.

Zhang Ming pushed the song’s ending even higher, elevating what was originally a two-octave piece by another half-octave, venturing into tenor territory and expanding the range to two and a half octaves.

Crucially, this explosive climax occurred at the very end, perfectly aligning with the lyrics to convey the protagonist’s triumphant flight through the sky.

Zhang Ming’s adaptation had truly found its own unique flavor.

As the song concluded, Zhang Ming bowed towards the judges and slowly exited the stage.

The remaining time was allocated for the judges to score, while the live stream’s comments section buzzed with viewers expressing their diverse opinions.

“This Zhang Ming has some real talent.”

“Go, Sister Ying!”

It was clear to discerning viewers that Zhang Ming’s performance of ‘Sky’ would ultimately break the ninety-point mark.

The pressure on Xie Ying, who was to perform next, was immeasurable.

“Ziyao, if you were in Xie Ying’s position right now, would you have a way to turn the tide?”

Director Chen inexplicably posed this question to her, observing the numerous comments in the live stream expressing concern for Xie Ying.

“Singing isn’t just about showing off technique. It’s not about thinking that if you sing two and a half octaves, I can just push it to three octaves and win against you.”

Lin Ziyao shook her head as she continued, “Zhang Ming’s adaptation has already found its unique essence. It would be incredibly difficult to beat him, unless…”

At the same time, backstage, Xie Ying uttered similar words to Director Feng Wang.

“Even if I forcefully elevate my own song, I might not be able to win against him.”

Upon hearing this, Director Feng Wang’s expression began to fall.

He could already foresee a torrent of online criticism.

Noticing Director Feng Wang’s crestfallen look, Xie Ying smiled reassuringly. “Beyond technique, there’s something else to a song’s performance.”

“Infectiousness.”

Similarly, on the other side, Lin Ziyao was explaining to Director Chen.

“Infectiousness allows listeners to empathize. Many songs, despite not excelling in vocal technique or having simple compositions, become widely popular precisely because of this infectious quality.”

After the judges’ deliberation, Zhang Ming’s final score appeared on the screen.

Ninety-one points!

This was the first score to break ninety in the second round of the live stage performances, now claimed by Zhang Ming.

Next, it was Xie Ying’s turn to appear.

Clad in a stunning crimson gown, she walked onto the stage, illuminated by the lights.

At this moment, audiences across the nation held their breath, eager to witness Xie Ying’s performance.

Xie Ying’s signature song was titled ‘Stillness’.

The song’s most prominent feature was its simple melody, yet as the piece progressed, the verses gradually built from soft murmurs to powerful crescendos, creating a rich emotional tapestry.

It was perfectly suited for her to showcase the song’s infectious quality.

The Diva’s methodical performance confirmed Lin Ziyao’s earlier conjecture to Director Chen.

Both of them had arrived at the same strategy for winning.

Unlike Zhang Ming, who hailed from the country of freedom and adapted songs to flaunt his exaggerated techniques, Xie Ying sought victory through the inherent infectiousness of her music.

This was the unique romanticism of a Hua Country singer.

Soon, Xie Ying completed the first part of the song, and it transitioned into the chorus.

Provided there were no unexpected mishaps, this song had the potential to surpass Zhang Ming’s score.

“No, Xie Ying’s song has been adapted too!”

Director Chen, familiar with the original version, quickly noticed the change.

In the chorus, Xie Ying didn’t build up layer by layer as usual; instead, she began to introduce pauses, using lingering, melodious sustained notes to enhance the song’s overall charm.

‘Just a little longer!’

Contrasting with the Diva’s drawn-out sustained notes was the warning emanating from her throat.

This particular version was meant to be performed only after her throat had fully recovered.

However, Xie Ying could no longer afford such considerations, opting to present it directly on stage.

No one noticed the beads of sweat that suddenly dotted her forehead.

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