Chapter 123: Melodies of Destiny

Lin Zheng Ran and Lily met up on the morning of the 5th, then rode the music studio’s car to the competition venue together.

Before they left, the female boss of the music studio spoke seriously about the competition’s importance:

“Let me tell you all this: originally, this competition wasn’t so formal; it was just a small local event in town. But after a series of changes, it’s grown much larger than before.

If you can avoid getting eliminated by the judges today and get your original songs on the New Star list, you might even get a chance to perform on the music candidate stage. It’s a rare opportunity you shouldn’t miss.”

The female boss looked at her studio’s competitors: “I won’t say more than necessary. I’ve seen your discussions in the group chat these past few days, and you all know how valuable this competition is. So, let’s give it our best.”

Her words only tightened the already tense nerves of the group.

On the way to the venue, everyone else in the car chattered away, while Lily gripped her knees tightly, taking deep breaths to steady herself.

Lin Zheng Ran handed her a piece of candy he’d brought from home.

Lily turned to look at Lin Zheng Ran.

Locking eyes with him, she noticed how he never seemed to get nervous and smiled: “Thanks.”

She unwrapped the candy and popped it in her mouth, and just like that, most of her tension melted away.

The music competition’s venue was a massive indoor stage, spacious and wide-open.

Up front stood a large platform, with rows upon rows of audience seats below.

It looked like it had once been a spot for stage plays, but after some renovations, it was turned into a music competition space.

When Lily and Lin Zheng Ran walked in, they saw the place packed with people—around four or five hundred, all crammed together in a noisy buzz.

At first, everyone from the studio thought most were just spectators.

But after asking around, they discovered that today’s event had no audience—all were competitors.

Lily was stunned.

The other competitors were just as shocked, grumbling, “I thought I’d signed up for some big production…”

Even the female boss felt the pressure seeing so many contestants: “Looks like players from outside the province are here too. They’ve really scaled this up.”

Amid the heated discussions, the internal staff door at the far end opened, and out came two celebrity judges, drawing everyone’s attention—Shi Di and Lun Jie, of course.

And the biggest investor for today’s event, Jiang Jingshi.

The two celebrities chatted casually with Jiang Jingshi as they walked out, exchanging polite remarks.

Jiang Jingshi responded briefly: “The next couple of days will be tough on you two judges. I hope we can select competitors that meet your standards.”

The judges nodded in agreement.

In the crowd, Lin Zheng Ran spotted Jiang Jingshi, and Lily, standing next to him, wondered about the elegant woman: “It’s really Shi Di and Lun Jie! And who’s that? She’s stunning.”

The female boss explained: “That’s Boss Jiang. Don’t let her young age fool you—she’s the main investor here. She runs a professional singer team, which makes her the toughest opponent you’ll face in this competition.”

Familiar words.

Lily stared at the woman’s features; though she was far away and not very clear, something about her seemed familiar, like someone she’d met before.

She couldn’t quite place it, just a vague resemblance.

The female boss said: “Alright, let’s head to our spots and sit down. When the judges call your names, go up one by one. We have twenty singers from our studio, and in today’s elimination round, at least ten need to make it through.”

Everyone responded in unison: “Let’s do this!”

Lin Zheng Ran started to follow the group toward the rest area.

But Jiang Jingshi, glancing around, caught sight of Lin Zheng Ran and smiled helplessly—it was him after all.

She also noticed the young girl with him and felt curious.

Slowly, she made her way over.

Lily and the female boss stepped aside to make way, but to their surprise, Jiang Jingshi headed straight for Lin Zheng Ran.

In her high heels and graceful figure, Jiang Jingshi stopped in front of Lin Zheng Ran, gazing at him with warmth and admiration: “Zheng Ran, my little brother, we meet again. It seems we’re fated.”

The female boss was surprised—how did Boss Jiang know Lin Zheng Ran?

Lily was just as shocked—how did this woman know Zheng Ran?

Lin Zheng Ran grinned: “Jiang Jie, nice to see you again.”

Jiang Jingshi glanced down at the pretty Lily. Though Lily was usually a bit tsundere, in this setting, she didn’t hold back like Heqing and asked directly: “Zheng Ran, who’s this sister?”

Lin Zheng Ran introduced: “Jiang Jie.” He leaned in close, whispering so only they could hear: “She’s Jiang Qian’s sister.”

Lily suddenly realized why she looked familiar and stared at her in surprise.

“Jiang Jie…” So that’s it.

Jiang Jingshi smiled gently at Lily: “You must be Lily. I’ve heard about you—your music skills are impressive. In this big competition, you’re probably the biggest dark horse.”

Lily laughed it off, thinking she wasn’t quite a dark horse; she was just doing her best.

“You’re too kind, Jiang Jie.”

But Jiang Jingshi wasn’t joking. With Lin Zheng Ran standing there, it proved this young girl had real talent. She still remembered the loss in last week’s Taekwondo competition vividly.

She wasn’t underestimating her this time.

Jiang Jingshi turned back to Lin Zheng Ran:

“It’s too crowded to talk much, but we’ll catch up later. Just a heads-up for you, little brother—the elimination rounds today are strict. Out of these five hundred and thirty competitors, after two rounds, only fifty will make it through the judges and get on the New Star list for voting. Good luck.”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded: “Thanks, Jiang Jie.”

“I have to get back to work. Bye.”

Jiang Jingshi gave Lin Zheng Ran a meaningful look before turning away with her group.

That single glance made the lovesick girl notice, and Lily blinked in a daze.

She looked from Jiang Jingshi to Lin Zheng Ran, then back again, and repeated it.

“What’s going on, Zheng Ran!”

Lin Zheng Ran asked: “What’s what?”

“I mean, how do you two know each other? She seems so fond of you.”

“Well…” Lin Zheng Ran felt like he’d been in this situation before—Heqing had asked the same thing.

Soon, Lin Zheng Ran sat with the jealous Lily and explained how he met Jiang Jingshi, and threw in the story from last week’s Taekwondo competition for good measure.

Lily was amazed: “Wait, so last week, you and Heqing beat Jiang Jie’s team?”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded: “That’s probably why she came over to chat with me. Anyway, watch out for her.”

Lily thought back to that odd look—now it made sense.

Of course, Zheng Ran was Jiang Qian’s arranged match, so Jiang Jie was keeping an eye on him, especially after he won against her.

Lily clenched her fists: “Don’t worry! I won’t lose this time!”

Lin Zheng Ran held her small hand: “Go for it.”

Lily’s heart raced, feeling like a dozen rabbits were bouncing around inside, all from that warm, gentle grip.

“O-okay…” she stammered.

But once Lin Zheng Ran pulled his hand back, Lily stared at her now-empty palm, cheeks puffed in disappointment.

Why’d he let go so soon?

Though I wasn’t exactly begging for it, if you started holding my hand, couldn’t you just keep it up? Ugh… Once I win this and gain some confidence, I’ll hold yours and not let go.

The judges on stage announced through the microphone: “Alright, everyone, please take your seats! The competition starts soon. Let’s welcome Boss Jiang, and our guests Shi Di and Lun Jie, for some opening words!”

The room fell silent in an instant.

As the three took the stage, their encouraging speeches fired up the crowd. Lin Zheng Ran watched Jiang Jingshi speak with such poise and confidence, not missing a beat.

He had to admit, this woman was a standout among her generation.