Volume One, Chapter 34: Changing Songs in the Bubble Tournament

Because the number of contestants was simply too large, a significant number had to be eliminated. This made the mentors’ votes in the first round absolutely crucial.

According to the rules, a unanimous vote from all the mentors meant direct advancement. With three votes, a contestant would enter the pending zone to continue competing, after which the public would vote. Fewer than three votes meant immediate elimination.

With Xu Kun withholding his vote, Jiang Yu was sent straight to the pending zone, and if any other mentor disliked him, he would be eliminated on the spot. Even if the other mentors liked this song, once in the pending zone, who could guarantee that everyone would like his second song as well?

It was obvious to all what Xu Kun was up to. When he questioned Su Muyu, his tone carried a hint of smugness. Yet Su Muyu didn’t even acknowledge him.

Seeing this, Xu Kun felt slightly awkward; his gaze darkened before he covered it up and turned toward the two senior mentors. “Mr. Chen, Mr. Song, we’ve finished our comments. The floor is yours.”

Chen Tong’s expression was somewhat strained, for he had heard Xu Kun’s remark about the song being from ten years ago. As a veteran in the entertainment industry, how could he not see what was really going on? Even if Xu Kun wanted to suppress Jiang Yu, he shouldn’t have said things so blatantly.

He coughed twice, as if gathering his thoughts, and after a few seconds, finally began to speak.

“Jiang Yu, to be honest, I don’t find this song’s melody or rhythm particularly outstanding.”

He paused briefly.

Jiang Yu’s face remained impassive, but in the contestants’ area, a smirk crept onto Wang Linkai’s face.

“But!” Chen Tong’s expression softened into a smile. “It resonated with me.”

“It reminded me of someone I secretly loved twenty years ago.”

“From that perspective, this song is truly remarkable! You have my vote!”

The audience erupted with surprise; no one expected Mr. Chen Tong to use such words as ‘truly remarkable’ to describe a contestant’s performance—especially after Xu Kun’s dismissive critique.

It was an open contradiction. After Chen Tong’s remarks, Xu Kun’s face turned slightly unnatural at the judges’ table.

But the other mentor, Song Changying, was already laughing. “So, Mr. Chen, you too once had a secret crush?”

Chen Tong burst out laughing. “Back then, I was just a naïve youngster—of course I liked girls I didn’t dare confess to!”

“Exactly!” Song Changying nodded emphatically. “This song really brought back so many memories. Jiang Yu, thank you for reviving my youthful recollections. You get my vote too.”

He’d done it—he’d managed to escape elimination!

On stage, Xu Kun’s and in the audience, Wang Linkai’s expressions both shifted. They had never expected the two mentors to like Jiang Yu.

“Young man, I really like your song, and you’re quite handsome too. By the way, do you have a girlfriend?” Song Changying asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“Ah?” Jiang Yu was momentarily stunned. He glanced at Su Muyu beside him, then quickly looked away, scratching his head sheepishly. “Not yet, sir.”

“Well, perfect! I know many lovely young ladies—I’ll introduce you sometime.”

“Thank you, Mr. Changying!”

Off camera, Su Muyu’s eyes flashed with displeasure.

He answered so readily!

“Xiao Su, you’re the only one who hasn’t commented yet. What do you think?” Song Changying asked with a smile.

Su Muyu gave him a sweet smile, then turned to Jiang Yu, her expression suddenly cold. “I like it too. You have my vote.”

Jiang Yu froze.

What was with this girl? Why the sudden cold shoulder?

Sensing his gaze, Su Muyu looked at him, her eyes sending some kind of signal.

Did I do something to upset her?

In the end, Jiang Yu received three votes and entered the pending zone.

“It’s all right, Yu! That song was amazing—I’m rooting for you!” Liu Bin rushed over to comfort him as Jiang Yu returned.

Guo Qiang clapped him on the shoulder. “Bro, it’s not your fault. Some people are just petty. Nail it next round and you’ll definitely get through.”

As a professional, he could tell how good the song was.

Jiang Yu just smiled. “No worries. Relax. This just means I get to sing another song for you two!”

“It’s only delaying the inevitable. Might as well be eliminated right away.” A sarcastic voice drifted over—it was Wang Linkai, who had advanced directly.

“You!” Liu Bin pointed at him, his face dark with anger.

Jiang Yu pulled his hand down. “Don’t let this idiot get to you.”

Another “idiot.”

Wang Linkai felt his blood pressure rise.

You’re really something, bro. Guo Qiang and Liu Bin wanted to laugh but didn’t dare, worried about the consequences.

“Yu, isn’t this a bit much?”

“Yeah, it might get too tense...”

“It’s fine. Why bother being polite to someone like him?” Jiang Yu shrugged it off. He’d finally crossed over into this world, with a golden finger to boot—why should he put up with anyone’s nonsense?

The other contestants were speechless. After all, Ghost Wang had millions of fans, while Jiang Yu was a complete newcomer. Nobody expected him to be so bold.

But after hearing him sing, they understood. Talented people had every right to be a little unyielding.

“All right, you two wait here. I’m going to talk to the music director about changing my backing track.”

Guo Qiang looked puzzled. “Didn’t we already submit it?”

Each contestant had handed in two tracks when they joined, to facilitate the bubble round. If eliminated, the tracks would be returned.

“That song isn’t suitable. I’m switching it out.” Jiang Yu’s lips curled into a smile and he left the waiting room.

Wang Linkai was seething but had nowhere to vent his frustration, so he could only grit his teeth.

“Let’s see how long you can keep this up!”

...

The first round ended quickly.

Of the thirty-six contestants, twenty advanced directly. Subtracting those who were eliminated outright, eight remained.

With only four spots left, these eight would compete in the bubble round.

Twelve contestants would be eliminated in the very first round.

By the final episode, only three would remain.

Such was the cruelty of competition.

Finally, the bubble round began.

One by one, the contestants took the stage and the judges scored them.

At last, it was Jiang Yu’s turn.

“Jiang Yu, here we meet again. There were some unexpected events last round, but don’t lose heart. I’m looking forward to your next performance,” said Chen Tong.

“Go for it, Xiao Jiang. I have high hopes for you,” Song Changying encouraged.

“I hope you seize this opportunity,” Xu Kun added.

Su Muyu said nothing, but her gaze was full of warning—if Jiang Yu failed to advance, there would be trouble.

“Thank you, mentors.”

Jiang Yu smiled.

“The next song is something I wrote from the heart. I hope you all enjoy it.”