Chapter 38: The Show Begins

"Everyone, do a final check of the equipment and confirm each camera position!"
"Final check—ensure Mango Video's live broadcast communication is smooth and stable!"
"...Good!"
"All departments, get ready, we're starting the countdown!"
"Ten, nine... three, two, one!"
"Begin!"

With Director Wu Tong's command, the stage—once shrouded in darkness—was instantly illuminated by a barrage of spotlights. At the same moment, the renowned host Liu Shao stood at the very center of the stage, addressing a camera that circled around him, delivering his opening lines.

"Authentic herbal tea, brilliant tomorrow’s star! Welcome, everyone, to ‘Tomorrow’s Star,’ proudly sponsored by Duoduo Treasure, the leading brand in herbal tea!"

"Drink Dali, add Dali! Wahehe Dali Health Supplements cheer on ‘Tomorrow’s Star’!"

"This season, among all our contestants, the four mentors’ most cherished disciples will embark on Wahehe Dali’s musical dream journey!"

"..."

Liu Shao, with his signature rapid yet clear speech, read out all the sponsors’ advertisements. This scene was transmitted online, live streamed on Mango Video, under the Xiang Province Television network.

This was ‘Tomorrow’s Star’s’ bold experiment, relying on Mango Video to promote the show through a combination of live broadcast and recorded highlights.

On the live interface, millions of viewers flooded the screen with comments.

"Liu Shao, hurry up! I want to see Meng Xiaotian!" "These sponsor ads are so annoying!" "Ahhh! Tianbao, I love you!"...

Inside a hotel room, Han Jiangxue lay across the bed, her two long, slender legs swinging in the air.

She had bought a big bag of creamy sunflower seeds; savoring them one by one, she watched the live broadcast of ‘Tomorrow’s Star’ on her tablet.

Noticing all those viewers crying out for Meng Xiaotian in the live chat, Han Jiangxue furrowed her brows.

"What’s so great about a washed-up singer anyway! Su Chen is so much more handsome! He writes songs, he sings, and he sounds better than Meng Xiaotian!"

Muttering to herself, Han Jiangxue noticed that no one mentioned Su Chen in the live chat. So she began typing herself.

Han Jiangxue: Su Chen! You’re the best!

Han Jiangxue: Brother Su Chen is number one in the world!

Han Jiangxue: Go Su Chen!!!

...

After a round of typing, Han Jiangxue finally stirred a response from Su Chen’s fans. Gradually, more people joined in to cheer for him, which made her lips curl into a smile.

"Hehe, that’s more like it! Everyone cheer for my Su Chen!" Han Jiangxue said with delight.

But when she calmed down and glanced at the words she had posted, her heart raced and her face flushed.

If Su Chen ever saw these messages, how could she face him? She’d die of embarrassment!

On stage, Liu Shao finished reading all the sponsor ads at his astonishing pace, and the show moved into the next segment: Mentor appearances!

"...I bet everyone can’t wait, so I’ll keep it brief. Let’s welcome our mentors!" With that, Liu Shao stepped off the stage.

The next second, the bright stage lights suddenly went dark. Soon after, the prelude of a song began, and a single beam shone down the center of the stage, barely illuminating the burly figure of Han Hong.

As Han Hong’s voice rang out, three more beams of light fell onto the stage, each spotlighting a new figure: Zheng Huayu, Zhou Zhiqian, and Yan Mi.

The song was simple but carried a beautiful melody—it didn’t demand remarkable vocal skills to sound good. Clearly, the show’s producers had selected it with Yan Mi in mind.

Each mentor continued from where the previous singer left off, interpreting the song in their own style.

Han Hong’s voice was rich and resonant; Yan Mi’s was sweet and lovely; Zhou Zhiqian’s every word tugged at the heartstrings; while Zheng Huayu’s style was unique—his chant-like singing sent chills down the audience’s spines.

"Ah~ah~ah!!!"

The melody soared, striking the soul, reminiscent of ancient rituals or a priest chanting hymns.

Those who didn’t understand were still deeply moved, while his fans felt sheer joy.

Finally, the four mentors sang the last chorus together, and the opening act came to a close.

At this moment, whether at the venue or in the online live broadcast, the audience was electrified. Especially in the live chat, keyboards clattered wildly and the comments were ablaze.

A Little Bit Cute: Ahhh! Mimi looks stunning even on the live stream—she’s so gorgeous! Mimi, you’re killing me!

I Smile and Adore Mimi: I never expected Mimi’s singing to be this good! So amazing!

Soul of the Army: After all these years, Han Hong’s vocals are as steady as ever—listening to her is pure bliss!

In My Heart, Zhiqian Is Everything: My God, Old Zhou’s voice is so gentle—every word pierces my heart!

Everyone cheered for their favorite celebrity—these comments were normal, rational fan behavior.

But when the camera shifted to Zheng Huayu, the comments took a turn for the absurd.

My Husband’s Name Is Zheng Huayu: Hubby is so handsome, hubby sings so well! I’m about to get pregnant just listening!

Night Assault on Huayu’s Bedroom: Ahhh! Huayu is amazing! Huayu, you’re my god!!!

Chanter of Sacred Hymns: Every time I hear Huayu sing, it’s pure pleasure—this is what music should be!

Han Jiangxue, munching her sunflower seeds, read the live chat from Zheng Huayu’s fans, her whole face scrunched up.

"...What’s so great about Zheng Huayu’s singing? It sounds like a ritual, how do people like it?"

She was baffled, but after reading more of the fans’ bizarre comments, she noticed a pattern.

Those who liked Zheng Huayu seemed a bit off compared to normal fans; even among the sea of comments, Han Jiangxue could pinpoint them instantly—they were so striking and obvious!

"Wow, truly, birds of a feather flock together..."

Han Jiangxue didn’t get it, but she couldn’t help feeling deeply shocked by it all.