Chapter Eighteen: Everyone, Stand Up!

Childhood ought to be joyful, ought to be carefree.

Perhaps.

There may be some unpleasant memories in childhood. For instance, being too mischievous and getting scolded or beaten by parents; or finding oneself covered in mud and bruises because of innocent play. Yet, whenever someone is asked, their first impression of childhood should always be one of beauty.

This beauty has nothing to do with love.

The innocence of youth is forever the most precious treasure!

Chen Fang sat down on the chair placed center stage, cradling his guitar in his arms, but did not immediately begin to play.

“Will you still sing the first part a cappella?” Guo Ping asked in surprise.

In the first round of auditions, Chen Fang’s original song “Anhe Bridge” had begun entirely a cappella, with no instrumental accompaniment. That was because the style of “Anhe Bridge” was folk, and the essence of folk music is loneliness and decadence, so sometimes a cappella can have an unexpectedly powerful effect.

But now, the theme of the second round was childhood.

Surely childhood couldn’t be folk music, could it?

Looking through the song library of Hua Nation, almost all songs about childhood are lively and upbeat in tone, with not a trace of folk style.

The other three judges said nothing.

Until Chen Fang finished singing, they reserved the right to remain silent.

Elsewhere.

Future Stardom Entertainment Company.

In a high-level conference room, seven or eight people sat together, watching the live broadcast of the audition.

Among them was Xi Yuanyuan.

“Yuanyuan, this is Chen Fang, isn’t it? He really has outstanding looks, perfect for the visual route,” said a middle-aged man, nodding. With such remarkable appearance, even if his singing isn’t great, resources could easily elevate him. Sometimes, one must admit, good looks can be a passport to success.

The others nodded in agreement.

A middle-aged woman added, “What I care about most is his singing ability. Our company already has plenty of trainees with high visual appeal. ‘Anhe Bridge’ is folk, and folk is a niche genre in Hua Nation’s music scene. We still need to see his performance today to gauge Chen Fang’s true capabilities.”

“He’s got pretty good overall qualities, but his temperament seems a bit difficult—not easy to manage.”

“The B-level contract is too high. I think a C-level contract suits him best.”

“I agree.”

…

Everyone chimed in, their meaning clear.

Chen Fang’s qualifications were decent.

But he wasn’t worth a B-level contract!

Take An Tinghan, for example.

Currently, she’s undoubtedly Hua Nation’s number one ice-cold goddess, a superstar of diva status. Yet, when An Tinghan debuted, the company only offered her a C-level contract. Later, An Tinghan relied on her own strength to earn the diva contract in just a few short years.

Could Chen Fang’s potential really surpass An Tinghan’s?

Xi Yuanyuan remained silent.

No matter how much was said, it was useless.

As long as Chen Fang’s performance today satisfied the middle-aged man in the chief seat, the B-level contract would be secured.

The conference room was a bit noisy.

The next moment.

A chorus of cricket chirps sounded in everyone’s ears.

“Quiet!” came a stern command.

The middle-aged man in the chief seat frowned, his displeasure evident.

Instantly.

Everyone fell silent.

The cricket sounds came from the live broadcast.

“Starting with cricket sounds—this Chen Fang certainly has imagination,” the chief man remarked, a rare smile flickering across his face.

…

At the competition venue.

Chen Fang lowered the brim of his cowboy hat, swaying gently to the rhythm of crickets, his palm softly tapping the guitar body.

In that instant.

The entire audience fell quiet.

It was May.

Early summer.

The crisp, clear chirping instantly transported everyone to the fields of summer, the rural atmosphere overwhelmingly vivid.

Backstage.

Ji Mei’s eyes lit up.

This intro was brilliant.

The prelude was unbeatable!

Next.

The guitar joined in.

There should have been harmonica accompaniment in this intro, but Pang Tong—the chubby guy—only played guitar, not harmonica, so Chen Fang had to simplify the arrangement once again.

But it didn’t matter.

The guitar was enough.

At least enough for this audition; they could add other instruments when recording the formal version.

“If you have too many complaints about this world,
You fall, and dare not move forward
Why must people be so fragile and decadent?
Please turn on the TV and see
How many strive and bravely walk forward for life
Shouldn’t we be content?
Cherish everything, even if you don’t possess it”

The light, catchy lyrics flowed from Chen Fang’s lips, his smile relaxed throughout. Childhood ought to feel just like this—setbacks and falls are nothing; dust yourself off and stand up again.

These lines, in truth, were sung for all the adults present.

Because only after experiencing the hardships of adulthood can one truly recall the innocence and happiness of youth.

When you feel out of place in society, there’s always a song that helps you preserve your childhood innocence. And this song is “Rice Fragrance.”

“Perfect.”

“This song… a masterpiece.”

Guo Ping was incredulous.

The quality of this song even surpassed “Anhe Bridge.”

Though the four judges had become marginalized figures in the entertainment industry, they still had their discerning eyes. The quality of this song was obvious at a glance, without even needing to hear the chorus.

Cheng Wenjian’s expression was odd.

Honestly.

He’d thought Cheng Jie’s song was pretty good just now.

But compared to Chen Fang’s, Cheng Jie’s song suddenly felt like trash.

No, it was very much trash!

Cheng Wenjian glanced at the other judges—their faces were remarkably uniform in expression.

No comparison, no harm!

Chen Fang’s dimension-lowering strike had turned Cheng Jie’s piano solo into a joke.

The audience.

Many shared the same sentiment.

This was what childhood should be.

Cheng Jie’s lyrics, filled with romance and love, were completely out of place and missed the essence of the childhood theme.

The next moment.

The chorus arrived.

“Do you remember you said home is the only castle
Running along the rice-fragrant river
Smiling softly, I know the childhood dream
Don’t cry, let the fireflies guide you away
Village songs are forever your support
Go home, return to the original beauty”

The chorus came swiftly—the intro and lyrics lasted only a minute, followed by the chorus.

The audience began waving glow sticks.

A sea of colors surged and swirled, wrapping Chen Fang’s voice in waves.

Seeing this.

Chen Fang stood up.

The thousand-strong audience followed, rising to their feet, swaying together.

In this moment.

Everyone forgot their worries.

“Should we stand?” Du Wenshan asked.

With the audience on their feet, it seemed odd for the four judges to remain seated.

Cheng Wenjian and Hai Kuo hadn’t spoken yet, but Guo Ping was already standing, waving her “Pass” sign since the judges had no glow sticks.

“This kid is remarkable,” Cheng Wenjian sighed.

Then.

He too stood up.

Hai Kuo and Du Wenshan exchanged glances, smiled helplessly. Though they wanted to give Cheng Jie’s company some face, Chen Fang’s original song simply crushed Cheng Jie.

From now on, this was Chen Fang’s stage!

Everyone rise!

Singer Chen Fang is now in full force!