Chapter 10: 010: Original Song That Stunned the Audience
8:30 PM.
The live broadcast officially began.
First was an opening dance, with 20 contestants appearing together, each performing a short segment, followed by a close-up shot.
The first round of the 20-to-10 competition was similar to the 50-to-20 first round. First, the 20 contestants were divided into 5 groups, with one contestant eliminated from each group.
However, if a group had very strong contestants, no one would be eliminated for the time being.
After everyone sang once, eliminations would proceed through other means, and ultimately, only 10 people would remain on stage.
…
Sichuan.
Zhang Liangying’s mother, Zhang Guiying, was gathered at home with a room full of relatives and friends, watching the Mango TV live broadcast.
Since Zhang Liangying registered for Super Girl, Zhang Guiying had been paying attention, but she never dared to tell her daughter, fearing it would add pressure.
Today was the 20-to-10 competition day, so she specially prepared a table full of dishes and invited a group of relatives and friends to cheer for Liangying.
The maternal aunts, paternal aunts, and siblings all applauded and cheered when they saw Zhang Liangying appear.
“Sister, go for it!”
“Quick, look, Liangying is out!”
“Liangying’s hairstyle today is so beautiful.”
“Go, go, Little Ying, win the championship!”
“…”
Meanwhile.
In Sichuan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, and other regions across the country, countless viewers were glued to their televisions, watching the Hangzhou Division competition.
The first two rounds of competition had already attracted a large fan base for Zhang Liangying. As soon as the camera focused on her tonight, many fans were cheering for her at home.
…
After the opening dance ended, Wang Han took the stage.
“Dear viewers in front of your televisions, good evening, I am Wang Han!”
“This is the live broadcast of the 20-to-10 competition for the 2005 Mengniu Yogurt Drink Super Girl Hangzhou Division, jointly presented by Mango TV and Qianjiang Metropolitan Channel…”
“We are very grateful for your attention focused on the beautiful city of Hangzhou. I believe what attracts you now is not just the scenery, but also our Super Girl contestants…”
“Their fate will still be decided by our 5 judges, who are…”
Today’s judges were different from the previous round.
In addition to Ke Yimin, Hei Nan, and Zhang Lu, two new judges joined: Zhang Yang, a host from Beijing Music Radio, and Wu Huiwen, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine.
One had a slight understanding of music, and the other focused on appearance.
After introducing the judges, Wang Han explained the situation with the supporters outside the venue, and the camera then cut to the outside.
“Now we connect with Weiwei outside. Weiwei, hello!”
“Hello everyone, I’m Weiwei. We can see all the relatives, friends, and supporters of the 20 contestants. First, let’s cheer for the contestants. One, two, three… Go!!”
Immediately after.
The cameraman zoomed out, giving the supporters a 5-second panoramic close-up. The banners held by Shen Qing and others were particularly conspicuous.
Viewers in front of their televisions were instantly captivated by the banners and by Shen Qing, who stood in the center of the banner.
“Zhang Liangying, you’ve endured so much hardship…”
“Wow, so touching!”
“Liangying, go for it, you’re the best!”
“It took Zhang Liangying so much effort to reach the Super Girl stage. Hardworking girls will surely succeed. We’ll always love you!”
“I watched that guy’s video at the restaurant, where he talked about the hardships Zhang Liangying went through… Seeing this banner now, I feel like crying…”
“Liangying, Liangying, beautiful voice, beautiful Liangying.”
“Go for it!”
“…”
At this moment, Zhang Liangying’s fans were deeply moved, and even many passersby began to develop a good impression of Zhang Liangying.
Perhaps,
some people find it hard to understand the power of a sentence~
But Shen Qing, who had experienced the short video era, understood that sometimes, a background music track combined with a few words could keep you awake all night.
…
It was time for the interview segment.
You Weiwei: “First, let’s meet them. Standing next to me is Zhang Liangying’s friend, and also Zhang Liangying’s stylist. Moreover, he has specifically written a song for Zhang Liangying. You can look forward to it later, it’s very, very good…”
“Oh my god, no wonder Zhang Liangying is so fashionable and sexy, it turns out her friend is a stylist!”
“I’m so envious of having a friend like that.”
“From a man’s perspective, you should add ‘male’ before ‘friend’ for this person. It’s definitely her boyfriend.”
“…”
The audience in front of their televisions immediately started discussing.
It was because Shen Qing… was somewhat different, exuding an aura of standing out from the crowd. His appearance was no less than that of idol stars.
As for the new song You Weiwei mentioned~
Everyone was also very interested.
What kind of song could Shen Qing write?
Could he be a music genius?
In fact, the judges and other contestants had already heard the new song Zhang Liangying was singing this morning—because there was a rehearsal in the morning.
At this moment.
You Weiwei deliberately mentioned that Zhang Liangying was singing an original song to create suspense and generate buzz, making everyone anticipate it.
After all, contestants who sang original songs and accompanied themselves on instruments had always been highly anticipated on talent shows.
And since the start of 2005 Super Girl, there had been few contestants who sang original songs well. Now, the host claimed Zhang Liangying sang it beautifully…
Anticipation!
Great anticipation!
Not to mention Zhang Liangying’s fans, even many passersby wanted to hear what kind of original song it was. Could it be better than a professional singer’s?
You Weiwei: “Shen Qing, is there anything you’d like to say to Zhang Liangying?”
Shen Qing: “Liangying, compete with your true self, compete with joy, compete with style. Live up to the path you’ve taken, and never give up!”
After speaking, Shen Qing, along with a few fans and four male university students, led a cheer for Zhang Liangying.
Hundreds of thousands of fans in front of their televisions also shouted excitedly.
And the happiest person was undoubtedly Zhang Guiying, far away in Sichuan. She stared at Shen Qing, looking him up and down, her mind lost in thought.
“Auntie, is this sister’s boyfriend?”
“I don’t know, probably?”
“Wow, brother-in-law is so handsome!”
“Hahaha…”
Laughter filled the room.
It was evident that everyone seemed to approve of Shen Qing, especially Zhang Guiying, who found him very likable.
Soon, the “Say What You Want to Say” segment outside concluded, and relatives and supporters all entered the auditorium to watch the competition.
The camera then shifted to the inside, and contestant number 1, Shen Pinpin, took the stage.
The song she sang was “I Want Us to Be Together” by Fan Xiaoxuan. This song had a dramatic rhythm and was very difficult.
It was actually more suitable for singing in a recording studio rather than live.
Her performance was rather average.
However, the next three contestants performed even more ordinarily.
Shen Qing frowned as he watched from behind.
Overall, the contestants in the first group were not very strong.
Ultimately,
contestant number four was eliminated: the Bai ethnic sister duo from Yunnan.
The second group included Ye Yiqian.
She chose Coco Li Wen’s “Self” and successfully advanced.
…
Shen Qing didn’t recognize any of the contestants in the third group.
The fourth group, however, had Ji Minjia.
In her previous life, she was the champion of the Hangzhou Division, so Shen Qing had some impression of her.
Zhang Liangying was ranked 19th, performing second to last.
After contestant number 18, Da Huan, finished singing “Digital Love,” Zhang Liangying took the stage.
She wore a white knee-length dress, a gray decorative skirt tied at the waist, crystal high heels, and delicate light makeup, exuding an air of intellect, elegance, and liveliness.
This was the third styling Shen Qing had designed for her.
As soon as she appeared, she captivated countless viewers.
“Wow, a new look, so beautiful!”
“That stylist named Shen Qing is too amazing, right?”
“Looking forward to the song Shen Qing wrote for Zhang Liangying…”
“Little Ying, go for it.”
After waiting for over an hour, Zhang Guiying finally saw her daughter and was overjoyed, “My daughter has become so beautiful.”
Zhang Liangying’s aunt smiled and said, “That young man named Shen Qing is really amazing, he’s dressed Little Ying up like a princess.”
Her uncle said, “I want to hear what song that kid wrote for Little Ying… I think that kid is talented, it might be very good.”
After Zhang Liangying took her position, a staff member immediately brought a microphone stand. Zhang Liangying placed the microphone on it and closed her eyes.
The spotlight shone on her, as if she were in a concert.
A special effect appeared, introducing the song Zhang Liangying was about to sing—”Thing,” lyrics by Shen Qing, music by Shen Qing, sung by Zhang Liangying.
The music began.
Zhang Liangying opened her eyes and glanced in Shen Qing’s direction.
Then.
An elegant and cheerful voice filled the air.
“Received a message that needs a quick reply.”
“Then I’ll consider if I should respond to you.”
“…”
“I’m starting my beautiful encounter.”
“Whether you come from the East or the West.”
“It doesn’t matter much.”
“I’ll listen to you.”
“…”
In her previous life, this song was a popular internet song.
Zhang Liangying had sung it on “Sound of My Dreams.”
Shen Qing had copied Zhang Liangying’s version.
Compared to the original song, the adapted version had a slightly slower tempo.
However, it added more jumping rhythmic notes and lively elements. Combined with Zhang Liangying’s slightly playful yet noble voice, it gave listeners the feeling of dating a mischievous and adorable rich young lady.
As she sang, many people, both at the venue and in front of their televisions, swayed along, with sweet smiles appearing on their faces unconsciously.
“Wow, this voice… romantic and sophisticated, playful and cute.”
“Zhang Liangying is truly amazing!”
“Yes, her voice is so unique.”
“This song truly showcases her abilities.”
“This song is definitely going to be a hit.”
“Shen Qing is so amazing, to be able to write such a song!”
“…”
