Chapter 60: The Ripple Effect of ‘The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style’

Crucially, however, ‘The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style’ transcended the usual boundaries of popular music. While most pop songs primarily captivated a younger audience, this track effortlessly expanded its appeal to include middle-aged and elderly listeners.

Ever since its debut, the song resonated from every public square in the evenings, becoming an anthem for dancing aunties everywhere.

Its simple, lively movements and infectious rhythm quickly made it a staple for their square dancing routines.

Through this single song, Lin Ziyao successfully penetrated the market among the middle-aged and elderly. This, combined with her innocent and endearing demeanor as both its composer and singer, which was showcased during last night’s broadcast, instantly endeared her to many.

Consequently, Lin Ziyao’s fanbase saw the emergence of a significant number of ‘mom fans.’

Other participants in the program also experienced a noticeable increase in their fanbases after the show aired.

Meanwhile, the ripple effects from ‘The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style’ continued to influence everyone around.

“Zhang, do you know, this song is called ‘The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style,’ and the composer is actually a Chinese girl!”

Upon learning that the full version of the song was about to be released, Leon called Zhang Ming once more. Despite it being morning for Zhang Ming, Leon vowed that this time, he absolutely had to get him to secure an autograph from this girl.

Facing Leon’s incessant chatter, Zhang Ming could only listen to his lavish praise for the song, placating him with, “If I get a chance to meet her, I’ll help you get an autograph.”

Seeing Zhang Ming agree, Leon immediately thanked him excitedly. “Oh, Zhang, you truly are my friend! I’ll treat you to a meal when I get back!”

Hanging up the phone, Zhang Ming lay back down on his bed.

He had actually noticed ‘The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style’ being played in streets and alleys after Leon first recommended it. He had listened to the song.

However, his only assessment of it was: tacky!

The way it built up excitement through a blend of instruments and rhythm at the start was, in his opinion, outdated—a technique he himself disdained to use.

Only a select few, like Leon, who enjoyed older works, would connect with it. Young people, he believed, would not appreciate this style of music.

His most crucial objective now was to win this variety show and garner sufficient attention in China. The buzz generated by this competition would then qualify him to collaborate with a diva from the Free Nation, thereby elevating his own domestic fame to new heights.

With this thought, Zhang Ming resumed practicing the song he needed to perform in the next round.

“Sister Ying, these are the profiles of the singers who have applied to replace you during this period. Please take a look.”

Early that morning, Director Feng Wang handed Xie Ying the printed profiles of all the applicant singers.

He had deliberated all night, ultimately deciding to leave the choice to Xie Ying. Since this was about filling her position, it seemed only reasonable for her to personally select her replacement.

Xie Ying nodded, accepting the documents. Following her doctor’s advice, she was to speak as little as possible, conducting daily conversations with pen and paper.

One profile after another lay before Xie Ying, and she reviewed them slowly and meticulously.

Given Zhang Ming’s demonstrated personality, each of the next three rounds would be a tough battle. Anyone whose strength wasn’t up to par would only bring humiliation upon themselves by stepping onto that stage.

‘This is a top-tier singer, primarily skilled in love songs, and relies on technique. They would be at a disadvantage against Zhang Ming.’

A thought flashed through Xie Ying’s mind as she shook her head, turning past the singer’s profile.

‘This veteran superstar is in a similar situation to me; he also has injuries and is not suitable.’

She saw a familiar figure appear among the profiles. This veteran superstar had been semi-retired due to his injuries, so she was surprised he would actively participate in the show this time.

She surmised he must have been moved by her handwritten letter, inspiring him to defend China’s music scene.

As the stack of profiles before Xie Ying dwindled, Director Feng Wang’s heart sank.

He hadn’t imagined that among so many applicants, not a single one would satisfy Xie Ying enough to be deemed capable of taking her place on stage.

He recalled that these applicants were the ones who remained after his initial selection, including a male superstar and a female superstar, with the rest being at least quasi-first-tier singers!

Now, only one profile remained before Xie Ying: Chen Qiling, who had applied the earliest.

“‘Regardless of strength or physical condition, Qiling is the best choice, but…'” Xie Ying lowered her head, deep in thought.

Seeing Xie Ying hold Chen Qiling’s profile, not setting it aside like the others after reviewing it, Director Feng Wang’s spirits lifted.

He asked, “Sister Ying, are you going to choose Qiling as your replacement?”

In his view, Chen Qiling was indeed a suitable replacement for Xie Ying. She held the title of ‘Little Diva,’ was younger than Xie Ying, and was unburdened by injuries—making her the perfect candidate to challenge Zhang Ming’s momentum at this moment.

Faced with Director Feng Wang’s question, Xie Ying hesitated for a moment before writing down her concerns.

“‘Qiling is certainly the most suitable candidate in my opinion, but I’ve also considered another issue: age!'”

Xie Ying’s concern meant nothing in Director Feng Wang’s eyes. He said nonchalantly, “Qiling is younger than you, so that’s not a problem!”

However, she still shook her head at Director Feng Wang’s reply. She knew he hadn’t grasped her meaning, so she continued to write on the paper.

“‘It’s not about comparing her age to mine, but to Zhang Ming’s. Qiling is eight or nine years older than Zhang Ming, so they can’t be considered singers of the same generation.'”

With this clarification, Director Feng Wang fully understood her meaning. “You mean, if Zhang Ming were to lose to Qiling, he would use that point to his advantage?”

This statement received Xie Ying’s affirmation.

“Indeed, we must guard against that,” Director Feng Wang agreed with the diva’s worry.

If Zhang Ming were to claim he was being bullied by an older artist, the production team would find it even harder to salvage the situation. Xie Ying, as an initial guest, was one thing, but after Zhang Ming’s arrogant statements, bringing in a younger diva would clearly be seen by anyone with eyes as an attempt to suppress Zhang Ming’s arrogance.

If such actions by the production team were to spread abroad through Zhang Ming’s words, it could easily draw criticism and consequently damage the image of China’s music industry.

“‘Unless we add another young singer of a similar age.'”

Xie Ying hoped to find a singer from Zhang Ming’s own generation to defeat him head-on.

“Sister Ying, please don’t joke. There’s only one replacement spot; how could we add two people?”

Director Feng Wang could only offer a wry smile at Xie Ying’s fanciful idea.

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