Chapter Forty-Five: Let Not One’s Own Wealth Benefit Outsiders

The show officially began.

The first contestant took the stage, performed, removed their mask after singing, received comments and scores from the judges, then exited the stage. This entire process took about ten minutes per contestant.

In other words—

With twelve contestants, the total stage time would be around two hours.

Of course, there would also be advertisements from sponsors during the show.

Calculating all this, the entire episode would last about two and a half hours.

Two and a half hours?

Suddenly, a certain friend came to mind.

Chen Fang didn’t know the order in which he would appear, so he could only wait for the staff to inform him.

He had to admit: after two rounds of auditions, the remaining twelve contestants were all incredibly strong. Though Chen Fang was the most dazzling among them, the other eleven were not inferior to him in terms of vocal ability. The only difference was that Chen Fang insisted on performing his own original songs, while the others all chose songs from the national music library.

It was worth mentioning that Cheng Jie, who had advanced in the last round, had suddenly announced his withdrawal from the competition. The production team, needing twelve contestants, had brought in a trainee from somewhere to fill the spot.

Chen Fang paid close attention—the replacement trainee performed exceptionally well on stage, perhaps even better than Cheng Jie. Both their vocal skills and stage presence were outstanding.

He could not afford to be careless.

Chen Fang needed to give his all.

He didn’t know how much time had passed.

Suddenly, the lounge door was pushed open. A staff member stood at the entrance and called softly, “Mr. Chen Fang, please prepare to go on stage. You’re next.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Fang stood up and straightened his attire.

“Where’s Director Ji?” he asked as he followed the staff member toward the stage, not seeing Ji Mei anywhere along the way.

The staff didn’t know about Chen Fang’s relationship with Ji Mei but replied patiently, “Sister Ji is in the front row of the audience, right next to the judges.”

Chen Fang was puzzled.

Wasn’t she the live director? Why was she among the audience?

He didn’t ask further. This was an internal matter for the production team, and as a contestant, it wasn’t appropriate for him to inquire. He could ask Ji Mei after the show.

The staff led Chen Fang to the stage entrance and remained there, waiting for a cue through the earpiece.

Soon, another contestant stepped off stage. They nodded and smiled amicably at Chen Fang, who returned the gesture with a smile.

“Mr. Chen Fang, you may go on stage now,” the staff reminded him. “Please remember, do not remove your mask until after you’ve finished singing.”

Chen Fang took the microphone and walked onto the stage.

At the center stood a guzheng.

The stage lights were dazzling.

This was Chen Fang’s third time stepping onto this stage, but the thrill and excitement coursing through his veins had not diminished; every cell in his body was celebrating the upcoming performance.

Offstage, Chen Fang immediately spotted Ji Mei, who was still dressed in her striking professional attire, a smile playing on her lips. Since she had helped him choose his outfit, she instantly recognized him despite the mask.

Next, Chen Fang looked toward the four judges.

All new faces. He didn’t recognize a single one.

He bowed slightly and then sat down in front of the guzheng.

“A guzheng?” one judge remarked. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this instrument.”

Most contemporary musicians composed with modern instruments—guitars, pianos, and the like. Traditional instruments such as the guzheng were rarely used, except in songs with a classical or folk style.

The other judges agreed.

Indeed, it had been a long time since they’d seen a guzheng on stage. Young people nowadays seemed uninterested in their cultural heritage. It was regrettable, but change seemed impossible.

“This contestant’s presence is remarkable. That vintage robe was clearly chosen with care. Too bad we don’t know who it is yet, but their image and aura are top-notch.”

“Could it be Chen Fang?”

“Highly likely.”

“There’s no point guessing now. Once he starts singing, we’ll know for sure.”

Chen Fang’s voice was unmistakable. The moment he sang, everyone present would recognize him.

“You may begin your performance,” the judge announced into the microphone.

Chen Fang gently placed his hands on the guzheng.

At the same time, a traditional ink painting appeared on the screen behind the stage. Fish swam gracefully in the painting, then leaped into the body of a porcelain vase, becoming part of an exquisite design.

Three bold characters appeared on the screen: “Blue and White Porcelain.”

Blue and White Porcelain? No one had heard of it.

It must be an original composition.

The tens of thousands in the audience, as well as the viewers watching online, were all unfamiliar with this song. That could only mean it was an original piece.

And on this stage, the only person brave enough to consistently perform their own original work was Chen Fang.

So, even before Chen Fang opened his mouth, his identity had already been guessed.

...

The Xi family.

Xi Yuanyuan pointed excitedly at the television screen. “That’s Chen Fang!”

Xi Dong was noticeably surprised. “This is his original song?”

“Mhm,” Yuanyuan nodded.

Xi Dong’s curiosity was piqued. “How old is this young man?”

Without hesitation, Yuanyuan replied, “Just a few years younger than me.”

A young man in his early twenties, and yet he’d composed a purely traditional song. This was the first time the country’s music scene had seen such a bold newcomer.

How interesting!

Outstanding temperament. Daring ideas.

They couldn’t see Chen Fang’s face for now, but since Yuanyuan claimed he was very handsome, Xi Dong had no reason to doubt his daughter’s taste.

Looking at it this way, Chen Fang seemed flawless.

Could there really be such a perfect man?

“He’s quite impressive,” said Liu Ke, nodding in approval. “I like him.”

While Yuanyuan was still in a daze, Liu Ke continued, “Go for it, daughter. Bring him home soon.”

Yuanyuan was speechless.

Was this really her mother? She hadn’t even seen Chen Fang’s face and was already eager to welcome him into the family.

“There are very few young men who can play the guzheng nowadays, and even fewer who play it well,” Xi Dong added, clearly impressed. Though the thought of his precious daughter being pursued irked him, if the suitor was this talented, perhaps it was acceptable.

Yuanyuan was silent for a few seconds before speaking, “I think I’ll just go on that blind date tomorrow.”

They hadn’t even seen Chen Fang’s face, yet these two were already reacting like this. If they saw him, Liu Ke would probably want to marry her off to him immediately.

It was almost terrifying.

Better to stick to the blind date.

Suddenly, Xi Dong had an idea and smiled, “Yuanyuan, maybe I can help you out. I recently received a script for a period drama—it’s still in the planning stages and we’re short a theme song. If this ‘Blue and White Porcelain’ is good enough, I can give Chen Fang the opportunity to write the theme song.”

Good things should stay within the family.

Chen Fang wasn’t family—at least, not yet.

But he probably would be soon.