Chapter 124: Melodies of Rising Stars

Once the competition starts, the host on stage will announce the names directly, and the contestants will perform their original songs onstage.

Of course, most singers only manage to sing a short bit before the two judges hit the reject button.

They give the newcomer a quick tip and move on to the next.

Only if a singer delivers an outstanding performance with great lyrics do they listen all the way through and advance to the second round.

In the first round, they’ll eliminate four hundred out of five hundred thirty participants, selecting one hundred, then in the second round, narrow it down to fifty for the final New Star List.

However, if someone’s skill level is high enough, there’s a slim chance to skip the second elimination and jump straight into the top fifty on the New Star List tomorrow.

Lily took the stage around noon; her number was two hundred thirty-seven.

The contestant before her got cut off after less than ten lines, which terrified Lily.

Before going on, she mustered her courage and casually brushed her hand against Lin Zheng Ran’s, secretly boosting her own spirits: “Zheng Ran, I’m heading onstage.”

“Yeah, you’ve got this.”

Emcee: “Please welcome our next contestant, number two hundred thirty-seven, Lily!”

Lily walked onstage with her guitar, and the two judges scrutinized her: “Another pretty young lady. What’s this ethereal song you’re performing?”

Lily held the microphone: “Whale.”

“That’s a straightforward title. Go ahead and start.”

Without any extra chatter, Lily took a deep breath, placed her fingers on the guitar strings, and began to sing, her youthful voice echoing across the stage.

Lily is a natural talent; though she doesn’t reach the top tier on her own, Lin Zheng Ran has elevated her abilities over the past few years.

As her beautiful, captivating voice filled the air.

The two judges, who had been glancing at the lyrics, suddenly perked up and exchanged looks:

“This one’s good.”

“Really good. The lyrics have a wonderful atmosphere, and her voice is even better.”

The judges turned their attention to Lily and listened quietly as she sang.

Her ethereal, pleasing voice naturally drew listeners into a perfectly serene environment.

It eased any tension and let people feel the artistry in the lyrics.

Normally, contestants in the audience would compare the performer on stage with their own lyrics and voices.

But as soon as this girl started, many were stunned, realizing her level far surpassed most in the room.

I wonder which signed studio she’s from?

The female boss from Lin Zheng Ran’s studio smiled, relieved that their biggest ace in this competition was indeed Lily.

Though she didn’t teach her herself, there’s no denying that under Lin Zheng Ran’s guidance, Lily’s voice has become more enchanting and steady, her skills more polished than in middle school.

Her future seems boundless.

Meanwhile, in the front audience area, Jiang Jingshi sat with a pen twirling between her slender fingers; she’d focused on Lily from the moment she stepped onstage, curious about her abilities.

The instant Lily began, that ethereal, beautiful voice made Jiang Jingshi’s eyes widen in surprise.

Snapping out of it, she glanced back at Lin Zheng Ran in the distance, gripping her pen tightly.

“Unbelievable, I invested more in the music competition than in Taekwondo…” She chuckled self-mockingly, her red lips curving slightly: “Little brother Zheng Ran, you’re putting a lot of pressure on your sister here.”

After the song ended, Lily bowed slightly.

Lun Jie and Shi Di applauded enthusiastically, and the contestants below followed suit, feeling outmatched.

“Excellent! You’re through! What’s your name, young lady?”

Lily beamed with joy: “Lily.”

Lun Jie pointed at her: “You don’t need to join the second round. You’re advancing directly. I can’t wait to see your ranking on the New Star List.”

Lily exclaimed excitedly: “Really?! Thank you, Judge Teachers! Thank you!”

Lily stepped offstage, basking in everyone’s envious gazes.

Even her studio mates had nothing to say.

“Xue Li, you’re incredible. How are the rest of us supposed to compete?”

“Yeah, you might even take the championship.”

“Those lyrics are amazing. Did you write them yourself?”

Lily blushed from all the praise and sat next to Lin Zheng Ran: “You all can do it too. Keep pushing!”

The afternoon competition wrapped up.

From their studio, only Lily made it through; everyone else was out.

The female boss rubbed her forehead and sighed quietly, while the girls who’d performed hung their heads in disappointment.

They started doubting if they were even cut out for this line of work.

Lily didn’t know how to comfort them.

She turned to Lin Zheng Ran and saw him staring absentmindedly at the rankings on stage.

Out of the final fifty winners, twenty were from Jiang Jingshi’s team, and fifteen from a group called New Star Music Studio.

The rest were a mix of various contestants.

The emcee shouted from the stage:

“The elimination results are in! These fifty contestants will get to perform a second song tomorrow and enter the New Star List for online voting! Thank you all for participating today!”

Lily asked: “Zheng Ran, what are you thinking about?”

“Nothing much. I’m not surprised Jiang Jingshi’s team made the rankings—they’ve got the skills. But this New Star Music Studio—have you heard of it?”

Lily shook her head: “No, I think it’s a new team.”

Lin Zheng Ran: “Their members are decent, but I feel like only five or six of them are up to the level of these final fifty. The rest seem off.”

“Huh? Are you saying there’s some behind-the-scenes stuff?” Lily whispered in Lin Zheng Ran’s ear.

Lin Zheng Ran looked at Lily: “Hard to say. We’ll find out tomorrow. For now, practice your original song ‘Star’ tonight. Stay sharp for tomorrow—I think the leaderboard will be tough.”

Lily nodded seriously: “Got it. Hey, do you have plans tonight? Let me treat you to dinner!”

Lin Zheng Ran paused: “Dinner?”

Lily shyly glanced away, not meeting his eyes: “Yeah, it’s just that I advanced today, and those great lyrics are thanks to you—I have to show my appreciation.”

Maybe a quiet dinner alone at night could lead to something special between them…

But Lin Zheng Ran turned her down: “Another time. I’ve got something on tonight.”

“Something? What?” Lily asked, puzzled.

“Meeting someone. It’s been arranged for a while.”

“Who?”

Lin Zheng Ran replied: “I don’t even know who it is.” He was telling the truth—he really didn’t know his arranged match.

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry about it. The competition tomorrow is what matters. Get some rest tonight, and I’ll keep an eye on the rankings with you.” He said.

That evening, Lin Zheng Ran and Lily took a ride home and parted ways. Lily waved: “Come find me early tomorrow morning!”

“Will do.” As soon as he finished, a message popped up on Lin Zheng Ran’s phone.

Mysterious person: “I’ve sent you the address. Meet at seven tonight—it’s not far from your place.”

Lin Zheng Ran replied: “Okay, got it.”