Chapter Forty-Nine: Which Position Do You Prefer?

The four judges were the first to applaud.
Immediately after, the entire audience erupted in a second round of applause.
The song "Blue and White Porcelain" was not merely a recounting of historical events; it was a deliberate innovation—one that Chen Fang consciously pursued.
This innovation encompassed many aspects.
For instance, the arrangement incorporated a subtle R&B influence.
Additionally, it blended romanticism favored by modern youth.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Chen Fang had opened a new frontier for traditional-style songs in Huaguo, and through this opening, one glimpsed a world where antiquity and modernity collided and merged.
Perfect!
Both the lyrics and the composition were masterpieces, flawless in every regard.
At this moment, everyone was awed by Chen Fang’s talent.
According to Chen Fang, he had only learned about the theme for the third round of auditions three days earlier, and spent a day searching for inspiration.
In other words, he wrote this song in just two days.
What is talent?
This is talent!
It seemed as though Chen Fang had been born for music.
Ji Mei watched Chen Fang on stage, her beautiful eyes brimming with excitement. As long as she could see him shine, her joy was heartfelt.
Of course, what delighted Ji Mei most was the romance in Chen Fang’s song—meant for her.
The sky’s blue waits for the misty rain, as I wait for you.
It was as if she and Chen Fang had met by fate.
Ji Mei was deeply moved, tears sparkling at the corners of her eyes. If it weren’t for the crowd, she would have rushed onto the stage, given Chen Fang a ten-minute kiss, and perhaps even booked a room to give him a dozen children.
Online, countless comments flooded in.
Everyone was touched by the romance woven into Chen Fang’s lyrics.
“The sky’s blue appears only on rainy days, and I can only meet you at a special time. This is Chen Fang’s unique romance.”
“I never knew traditional-style songs could be sung like this.”
“Before the contest began, I regretted that the organizers chose such a serious theme, but now I see—it’s not the theme that’s solemn, but the musicians composing traditional songs who are too rigid.”
“I get Chen Fang’s romance!”
“I hope future traditional-style songs embrace this kind of innovation—I absolutely love it.”
“From now on, I’ll be Chen Fang’s fan for ten years!”
“Just two weeks ago, Chen Fang was a street performer. Who would believe it?”
...
The comments were dense, but all shared the same amazement.
Even many fans of An Tinghan had to admit their admiration for Chen Fang’s creative talent.
An Tinghan’s song “As Wished” was adored by all her fans, and when they learned Chen Fang had written it, they didn’t believe it at first. After all, such a cultured and meaningful song seemed beyond the abilities of a street musician.
So—

Today, An Tinghan’s fans watched the live broadcast, skeptical at heart.
But now, all their doubts vanished.
Someone capable of transforming traditional-style songs so brilliantly could surely write “As Wished.”
It wasn’t difficult at all!
At this moment, countless people became Chen Fang’s fans.
The official account and stock price of Future Stardom also rose at a pace visible to the naked eye.
At Future Stardom Company, Chairman Qian Youlai was nearly moved to tears.
For years, the company had been on a downward slope, with no signs of improvement.
No matter how much money they spent, no matter how many media outlets they bought, they couldn’t reverse their decline.
But now, Chen Fang had used just one song to bring hope back to Future Stardom.
“The B-level contract was so worth it!”
“Chen Fang works so hard—I can’t let him down as his boss.”
“This year’s music awards—we must make a breakthrough!”
In previous years, Future Stardom had no artists worth showcasing, let alone outstanding original songs, so they missed out on every music awards ceremony.
Of course, another reason for their absence was that the organizers never invited them.
Future Stardom knew well—even if invited, they’d only be there for show, laughed at by peers, so they simply didn’t attend.
Now, with Chen Fang, Qian Youlai had new plans for the end-of-year music awards.
Perhaps, Chen Fang could win several trophies.
To win, there was an unspoken industry requirement: the winning song must reach number one on all charts in any month of the year.
What does “number one on all charts” mean?
Simply put, every music platform where songs are played—the song’s popularity and sales must both rank first.
This is something a singer and a song alone cannot achieve; even the best song can’t do it. So, the blunt method is to throw money at it!
Remember—
This is the entertainment industry.
The waters run deep!
If a singer and song alone could achieve top chart rankings, those entertainment companies in Huaguo would have no reason to exist.
Future Stardom was not short on funds.
Or rather, Qian Youlai was not short on funds.
Chen Fang had already done his best; now the rest was up to the chairman to invest heavily.
“Xiao Wang, help me arrange a dinner with the chief editors of these media outlets.”
Qian Youlai called his assistant.
The assistant replied and went to make calls.
“Chen Fang, even if I have to spend a fortune, I’ll make you a superstar!”

Qian Youlai watched the live broadcast.
Chen Fang, dressed in white, looked so dazzlingly handsome.
...
“I’ve been in the entertainment industry for years, but this is the first time I’ve been so thoroughly impressed by a young person,” one judge sighed.
“Me too.”
“There’s nothing to criticize.”
“My score is ninety-eight.”
“Ninety-nine.”
“Ninety-eight.”
“Ninety-seven.”
With the judges’ scores announced, the venue and the internet exploded once again.
The third round of auditions used a scoring system.
Previous contestants averaged around ninety, the highest being just ninety-two.
But Chen Fang’s scores were a landslide victory.
Honestly, all four judges wanted to give him a perfect score.
But they had to leave some hope for the contestants coming after him.
Ninety-eight was a score that could not possibly be surpassed; a perfect score would crush the confidence of those who followed.
Anyone with eyes could see—
Chen Fang was already number one.
To be fair, Chen Fang’s singing was not particularly outstanding.
Among the twelve contestants, his vocal ability was probably only in the lower-middle range.
All who made it to the third round were skilled.
But Chen Fang excelled in originality.
This was a gulf that no other contestant could cross—a chasm that separated Chen Fang from the rest.
“Thank you, judges,”
Chen Fang bowed slightly.
After finishing, he smiled at Ji Mei in the audience before turning and heading offstage.
In that instant, Ji Mei felt four ambiguous gazes shift toward her.
But Ji Mei had a strong heart; she faced those curious, suggestive looks with calm composure.
In truth, her heart had long since flown away.
“The show is so long!”
“I wish it would end soon so I could go home and be with my little husband!”
“Given how well he performed, whatever he wants tonight, I’ll agree.”
Ji Mei’s eyes grew dreamy, as if imagining something not quite suitable for children, a lovesick woman through and through.