Chapter 117: Sister Was Wrong

Zhou Zhiqian’s words brought a brief hush over the entire audience, only for the silence to be shattered by a wave of applause and cheers.

Even though many in the crowd had already shouted themselves hoarse and clapped their hands numb, their enthusiasm showed no sign of waning.

Because they felt Zhou Zhiqian was absolutely right!

It was people like Su Chen who truly deserved to be adored as stars.

As Zhou Zhiqian finished speaking, the camera shifted to Han Hong. Having witnessed what had just happened, Han Hong composed herself before the camera found her, straightening her appearance as best she could. Only her eyes still glistened with traces of emotion.

She cleared her throat softly and said earnestly, “Since our show is a talent competition, I won’t comment on the video just now. Instead, I’d like to focus on Su Chen’s song, ‘Your Answer.’”

“Looking at the song as a whole, I believe Su Chen’s message is quite simple: he hopes listeners will emerge from their lowest points, find their truest, happiest selves, and live the lives they want.”

“Given everything Su Chen has experienced lately, this song is also a heartfelt wish of his—a passing on of hope.”

“That raw sincerity, paired with Su Chen’s passionate delivery and stirring lyrics, struck a deep chord in me.”

“Thank you, Su Chen, for giving me what I believe to be the most beautiful song I’ve heard all year.”

With that, Han Hong rose and bowed deeply to Su Chen.

Su Chen, who had just been invited back on stage by Liu Shao, immediately returned the bow upon seeing Han Hong’s gesture.

He quickly added, “Thank you, Mentor Han Hong. Your praise is too generous.”

“Not at all! How could it be too much? If anything, my words fall short; I simply can’t find the language to describe how good this song is,” Han Hong replied sincerely.

One felt the other was praising too much; the other thought the first was being far too modest.

Their exchange brought knowing smiles to many faces in the audience.

Such genuine people are truly rare in the entertainment industry!

At this point, Han Hong’s remarks should have ended. But she looked at Su Chen once more.

“I believe there’s a wealth of meaning in this song, and my interpretation might not be the only one. So I’d like to invite the songwriter himself, Su Chen, to share his thoughts.”

“Su Chen, was my guess correct?”

Su Chen picked up the microphone, smiled, and said, “Mentor Han Hong, your comments are very fair. When I wrote ‘Your Answer,’ I drew on my recent experiences. I wanted everyone who faces hardship to hear this song and find a little comfort, to keep going just a little longer.”

Su Chen’s gaze swept over the audience—gentle, yet full of strength.

“It’s not just me; I think everyone faces extremely tough times in life—financial struggles, setbacks at work, academic pressures, the anxieties of love…”

“If you make it through, your life opens up; if you don’t, time will teach you how to make peace with those hardships.”

“But not everyone has someone to tell them not to be afraid. That’s what I hope this song can do.”

“If no one else is there to tell you, let me be the one.”

His words were as gentle and embracing as he was, encompassing everything—even the harsh criticisms leveled against him—and wishing to help everyone process their own pain.

At that moment, both in the audience and among those watching the live stream, countless people were reduced to tears.

And Su Chen’s gentle voice continued:

“I hope after hearing this song, you can say, ‘Meeting the right person is the answer; meeting the wrong one is just an experience.’”

“If you haven’t found the right answer yet, let time prove one thing—that you must choose to live well and pursue what you want. You must persist, never give up, until you find your answer.”

“I hope everyone can go against the wind, bravely seek out their answer, and welcome it when it comes… Thank you all.”

When he finished, Su Chen bowed deeply to the audience and the cameras.

“Su Chen is so gentle—how could someone so gentle still be slandered?”

“I was wrong, I regret it—I can’t believe I ever doubted Su Chen because of some gossip on social media. He did nothing wrong!”

“Not only was Su Chen blameless, he even saved someone! Yet he bore everything in silence and wrote a song to comfort us—this is making me cry so hard!”

“From now on, I will trust Su Chen unconditionally!”

“+1!”

…

The live stream was flooded with “+1” as everyone watching the show became a fan of Su Chen in that moment!

On the mentors’ panel, Han Hong, after hearing Su Chen’s words, stood up once more and bowed deeply in his direction.

“Thank you. Thank you for bringing us ‘Your Answer.’”

At last, Han Hong’s segment came to an end.

The camera panned to Yan Mi’s seat.

And so, everyone witnessed Yan Mi, since entering the entertainment world, crying harder than ever before.

Her eyes were swollen, her makeup smeared by tears, but even so, choking back sobs, she said to Su Chen, “Little brother, I’ve been so busy with work these past few days, I haven’t had time…”

“I promised Fuyu and Bingling I’d look after you, but I failed you. I’m sorry!”

Overwhelmed by emotion, Yan Mi spoke these words without a second thought, firmly standing by Su Chen.

Seeing Yan Mi’s heartfelt display, Su Chen could only smile helplessly, saying, “Sis, look at me—I’m fine!”

“Fine? Your hand is still wrapped in bandages. You were trembling when you held the microphone just now!” Yan Mi protested.

Hearing this, the director skillfully zoomed in on Su Chen’s hand.

Though he wore gloves, a strip of bandage could be seen at his wrist—a clear sign of the injuries from grabbing broken beer bottles with bare hands.

“Oh my god! Su Chen hid his injury with gloves so we wouldn’t worry!”

“He lost so much blood and didn’t even complain—unlike those pretty-boy idols who howl at the smallest cut. I’m disgusted!”

“Su Chen, you’ve made me cry!”

“I hope the police bring those four thugs to justice!”

…

Many viewers, moved to tears once more, cursed the four hooligans, their voices trembling with emotion.

Su Chen himself, however, felt a little awkward.

He’d only worn gloves to avoid making a fuss, and besides, bandages didn’t look good on camera.

As for Yan Mi’s claim about his hands shaking…

He honestly didn’t remember trembling at all!

But that’s how the entertainment world is: when no one cares for you, all your efforts are in vain. Yet, once you become the public’s darling, every gesture is given meaning by your fans.