Chapter 181: But This Dragon Scales Once, Rang Out Like Shattered Ice Upon Hitting The Ground
Friday, 7 p.m.
《Singer》 resumes broadcasting after a half-month hiatus, but it remains caught in the storm, unable to successfully avoid the terrifying wave of this trend.
The audience streams in bustling and crowded.
Lin Yuan didn’t come, Chen Mo didn’t come, because this episode’s Western Supporters and various Traffic Young Male Stars went crazy and snatched up a lot of tickets; people like them who luckily got tickets several times in a row are still a minority.
Liu Xiaoxiao came.
She is twenty-eight this year and has entered the workforce as a designer at a decoration company.
At the same time, she is also Hua Yichen’s fan.
The most die-hard kind.
Even when Chi Ye rose strongly recently, 《Full Firepower》 sweeping the entire web and Golden Eagle Male God ascending to “Top Streamer,” many of Hua Yichen’s fence-sitters chose to switch sides, cancel their accounts, register alt accounts, and transform into one of the “Ye Zi Army,” she never wavered.
Because unlike those young female fans with “stances” that aren’t firm, she has long been an adult in society; since Hua Yichen debuted from 《Happy Boys Voice》, she has been a fan of this “Mars Boy.”
This fandom has lasted nearly ten years.
She is older than other fans and has certain economic ability, so usually, she spends generously on Hua Yichen, collecting almost every album, attending every activity and concert, and cheering for Hua Yichen live.
She has participated in various competitions between Chi Ye and Big Brother （fans’ Affectionate Nickname for Lao Hua）; during the 《Reboot》 period, she spent quite a bit of money to help Hua Yichen beat Chi Ye, but unfortunately… she lost.
—This doesn’t stop her from liking Hua Yichen.
The current situation is even more understandable; liking someone doesn’t need a reason, even if Chi Ye is doing great now, he ultimately isn’t the one who “accompanied” her during her low moments.
“Xiaoxiao Sis, here, here!”
In a certain area, a companion waves at Liu Xiaoxiao.
This area is Hua Yichen fans’ “gathering spot.”
Although the Program Team never stipulated this, to better cheer for their Main Idol and idol with fan support items, any fan group with some scale will spontaneously choose support zones and positions.
Liu Xiaoxiao walks over, sets down the large bag of fan support items in her hand, and smiles: “Share some with everyone; later we must unify the support color. Big Brother has been losing popularity badly lately; today we need to give him a surprise.”
“Mm-hmm!”
The companion is a student who eagerly takes the bag and starts organizing people to distribute.
They chat while receiving items.
“Has Big Brother really lost that much popularity?”
“It’s all Chi Ye’s fault; he’s been snatching Big Brother’s resources!”
“…Don’t say the name; use C-something instead.”
“C-something really sucks; he just loves playing the confident card—confident, this is confident, haha. I’ve seen so many people online laughing at him; it’s become a meme. Did you guys see it?”
“I saw it too.”
“+1, hilarious, zero prestige.”
The group of young girls chats, cracking up over mentions of “confident” and “Full Firepower Chi Ye.”
Because at their age—or even beyond—they have no concept of so-called “Cultural Confidence”; in their eyes, there’s only their favorite Big Brother, and as for Chinese Style, Cultural Invasion…
What invasion this or that has nothing to do with them?
To put it bluntly, after “Full Firepower Chi Ye” and “This is confident” became memes, everyone even feels like it’s embarrassing to be a Chi Ye fan.
Not just them; many bystanders aren’t actually Western Supporters; they just simply think constantly talking about “confident” and “patriotic” on their mouths is very low-class.
This relates to the Chinese people’s reserved emotional expression, and also to education over the past decade or so; just like with parents, children always find it hard to say outright “I love you,” feeling it’s too cheesy, too tacky, embarrassing.
Liu Xiaoxiao is this type of person, but due to her age, she’s not as radical as the younger girls.
Yes, she doesn’t hate Chi Ye; she’s just indifferent to him because she likes Hua Yichen.
She’s also not any Western Supporter and even despises that group of lapdogs, thinking they’re just too full from eating, but similarly, she’ll join everyone in playing the “This is confident” meme and can’t help chuckling at the words “Full Firepower Chi Ye.”
—This is the most real “stance” and idea of at least eighty percent of netizens across the web right now.
Following trends, watching the drama, cursing lapdogs, but also cursing Chi Ye’s “Diss confident style.”
They belong to the type that never loses; true “Pure Passerbys.”
“Those people are really an eyesore.”
Liu Xiaoxiao spots the radical faction not far away, holding high “Diss confident, Full Firepower Chi Ye” signs; soon, security comes and “escorts” them out.
She then sees the other side, Chi Ye’s fan area with even more people than theirs, the crowd waving “Down with Imperialism” fan support items.
“Fools.”
The young girl beside her curls her lip, feeling it’s too embarrassing while sourly adding: “They didn’t outnumber us before.”
“Just riding the pink dividend; this kind of traffic will backfire sooner or later—hasn’t it come?”
The companion nearby scoffs disdainfully.
“…Alright, let’s not worry about other people’s business. Everyone behave well; Big Brother is the first to perform today—we need to let him see our enthusiasm.”
Liu Xiaoxiao speaks up to stop everyone from gossiping further.
Meanwhile, in the live broadcast’s backstage, this episode’s Singer lineup is confirmed; Hua Yichen’s performance is scheduled first.
…
At the same time.
Jin Zhao is working overtime today and hasn’t gone home.
In the office, he frowns and hangs up the phone.
The secretary beside him softly asks: “Shall I go downstairs and warm up the car?”
“No need.”
Jin Zhao waves it off, a bit melancholic between his brows— he just got a call that the higher-ups ultimately have no intention of continuing to watch; they’re preparing to “suppress it completely,” thoroughly ending the increasingly “out-of-control” public opinion controversy.
This isn’t a big deal; previously, non-sensitive content didn’t matter, but letting things develop further definitely wouldn’t be good.
Just…
This way, it also means the higher-ups have “abandoned” further attention on Chi Ye.
Though not explicitly said, Jin Zhao knows that to suppress public opinion, all the pressure will inevitably shift onto Chi Ye.
At the same time, what was previously an “opportunity” for Chi Ye—the 《Singer》—might become a tail too big to shake off after the attention is gone.
To put it plainly, after the Official steps in, no matter how much controversy, it will disappear, and Chi Ye will have no more “chance” to “resolve” this matter, no chance to “whitewash” his current bad controversy.
The impression of “Full Firepower Chi Ye” might accompany his entire career.
Is this a good thing?
From the perspective of public impression, this is actually not a great thing.
So Jin Zhao inevitably feels regretful; an accident happened after all, and it couldn’t proceed smoothly as he envisioned.
Then…
Just like this.
“…Today is 《Singer》 episode seven’s live broadcast day.”
The secretary seems to read Jin Zhao’s mind and considerately reminds: “Shall I pull it up for you?”
Jin Zhao pauses, waves it off: “Forget it… I’ll watch on my mobile phone.”
“Okay.”
…
Eight o’clock, 《Singer》 live performance explodes into action.
Hua Yichen takes the stage as today’s first Singer, and surprisingly, the song style he performs is “Chinese Style” with a bit of rap flavor… um, now no one admits to Chinese Style, so this should be a declaration of “positive energy” song.
Yes, this is an original song—Yue Na spent a fortune and made it for Hua Yichen in the extreme timeframe.
But due to time constraints, and the timid envy from those who covet this traffic but don’t dare truly take it, the overall performance result is average.
Even so, Liu Xiaoxiao and other live fans still scream and applaud desperately.
Backstage, Teacher Na and others also smile, nodding in praise: “This song… is really good, great meaning; Hua Hua’s performance today is invincible.”
Whether Hua Hua is invincible or not is unknown, but Hua Hua is truly anxious, or he wouldn’t bring out this style of work to “imitate” Chi Ye…
Everyone knows it in their hearts; no one lacks the tact to point it out.
Sister Qianzi can’t help glancing at the relaxed Chi Ye again, still pondering what Chi Ye told her not long ago: “Sing a story about the Chinese nation…”
Heavens, even now she can’t believe what kind of song could make Chi Ye speak so boldly.
Sing a story about ethnic culture…
Buddy, you really aren’t afraid of your tongue being burned off by big talk?
Chi Ye doesn’t notice Sister Qianzi’s gaze; he’s still talking to Teacher Shi with his head down: “No need to be so nervous this time; if it really can’t be promoted, just post on Weibo after the competition.”
“…I can do it.”
Teacher Shi assures: “I can handle it.”
Chi Ye: “…Then you’ll be fine.”
At this moment, Hua Yichen returns backstage, receiving everyone’s “praise” for his new work, considering an original like this in one week “near godlike.”
Hua Yichen thinks of something and guiltily glances at Chi Ye’s side.
Today’s second Singer, Teacher Na, has already taken the stage.
Unexpectedly, Teacher Na’s performance today is also leaning positive energy, but unlike Hua Yichen, she didn’t original; instead, she spent a week remixing an old song from before.
This shows Teacher Na’s cunning experience; compared to Hua Yichen’s forced “original,” Teacher Na’s familiar classic stirs an even bigger reaction.
As for whether people think it’s tacky or lacks freshness… anyway, she did her best on the remix…
Yes, she also wants a bite of this traffic, “imitating” Chi Ye but unwilling to admit it.
Ten minutes later, Teacher Na exits to thunderous applause, but Liu Xiaoxiao and other audience members frown.
“Another one of these songs… what’s going on today?”
“Everyone wants to be… C-something?”
“Honestly, it’s getting old; just because this style wins, everyone uses it? C-something set a bad precedent.”
“I don’t feel any confident pride; just feels tacky and awkward.”
“Big Brother sang it really well; to original this style in such short time is already impressive…”
Everyone discusses; today’s consecutive two Big Stars guests forcing positive energy has already fatigued them, creating a boring feeling, because they didn’t hear any so-called “culture” or “confidence” from these two’s singing.
There’s only unconcealed utilitarianism, making the live atmosphere even more resistant to this forced cultural vibe.
This feeling peaks when Chi Ye takes the stage.
—《Singer》 episode seven, third performer: current “Top Streamer” · Chi Ye.
…
Stage lights dim to darkness again, the live performance falls silent—
Boom, boom, boom!
Suddenly, the prelude of powerful Chinese big drum beats rings out.
The deep and forceful drum sounds like thunderous might, instantly surging with a majestic grandeur.
The screen shows Chi Ye’s new work for this episode.
—《Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales》
—Lyric Writing: Chi Ye, Composition: Chi Ye
—Arrangement: Chi Ye.
“As expected, another one of these songs.”
Liu Xiaoxiao looks disappointed; still, she doesn’t hate Chi Ye and even thinks he has real singing skill strength, but… does he really have to keep going down this route?
Have to endure another round of that “forced confident” feeling from the previous two?
Amid her disappointment, Chi Ye walks out from backstage.
Everyone’s eyes light up, hearts struck by the momentary stunning beauty.
The familiar long robe, deep red, flames.
Collar, cuffs, and hem edges all embroidered with exquisite golden Dragon Patterns, dragon body winding, scales lifelike.
He has a flawless delicate face, upright posture, a pair of eyes under the spotlight that seem to speak.
Eyes that anyone seeing would be instantly moved by.
But today, those eyes, like his stage makeup and styling, burn hot as flames, scorching the mind into a daze.
“You say, with looks like that coming to sing, isn’t it too bullying?”
Liu Xiaoxiao suddenly inexplicably wants to roast… Big Brother compared to Chi Ye in appearance and demeanor is simply… like star versus bystander, there’s a disparity.
Boom, boom, boom.
At this moment, after the Chinese big drum beats, melodious ancient zither sounds like flowing streams, crisp pipa like big and small pearls falling on a jade plate, intertwining with the zither to perform an extremely unique rhythm.
—”The usual ethnic musical instrument prelude.”
Jin Zhao stares at the young man on stage, silently thinking, but compared to 《Huo Yuanjia》, this song’s prelude melody seems even more grand.
What… kind of song is this?
Another “forced” work like the previous two?
Chi Ye reaches stage center, wind gently brushing his cheeks; with the rhythm, the signature metallic core advanced sound rings, but not his favorite showy strong mix; instead, using HeadVoice compressed as much as possible, making sound pressure approach the most stable state.
As if using song to slowly narrate a beautiful yet sorrowful “Story”:
“This Rivers and Mountains I set pen”
“Ethnic Bloodline spans tens of thousands of miles again”
“Over centuries six hundred years”
“Descendants of the Dragon endure wind and rain”
Liu Xiaoxiao pauses slightly, staring at the lyrics on the big screen, instantly stunned.
“This capital central axis land”
“Like a gentleman, integrity unmoved”
“Nine Dragon Wall tiles glazed”
“History from here declines and rises again”
Jin Zhao narrows his eyes; almost instinctively from education since childhood, goosebumps rise instantly.
History from here declines and rises again…
On stage, Chi Ye looks at the dense crowd below, his red robe embroidered with golden Dragon Patterns fluttering; he turns sideways, still not using strong mix but maintaining the highest difficulty Singing Style, starting to raise key:
“These Dragon Scales once”
“Clang fall like Shattered Ice”
“One scale one inch heart”
“Wandering Story I can’t bear to hear”
Holy shit!!
Backstage and more live audience finally snap back, listening to the song, watching the lyrics—scalps tingling.
Chi Ye turns to the audience, and all lenses, continuing to “narrate” what is Cultural Heritage:
“People guard rites heart guards calm”
“Melodious ancient zither plays gentleman heart”
“I stay sober awaiting echo”
“Circling vast Chinese Civilization~!”
“…!”
Surging Bullet Comments pause briefly.
Sister Qianzi is dumbfounded.
How can… how can he write such badass lyrics?!
The Storytelling you mentioned… is telling this story?!
She’s numb, not just because of this work, but because of the song’s Technique and singing skill, and the “spoken” segment Chi Ye sings next.
Cultural Confidence? Forced Cultural Confidence?
NO.
No.
Let me tell you what true Cultural Confidence is.
Rhythm slows gradually, Chi Ye’s narration continues:
“Respect the past I set pen, East’s vast Loess land”
“In mountains and rivers ink splashed away, see only jagged Chinese spirit”
“Forbidden City Divine Martial Gate, how much vicissitude forges Chinese soul”
“I inherit culture deeply plow, break through changes to reverse heaven and earth”
Whoa!
The live performance finally erupts in the first wave of crazy Cheering; Chi Ye’s fans and more ordinary audience feel adrenaline surging, waving fan support items.
Liu Xiaoxiao listens dazedly to the song, watching Chi Ye “Storytelling” on stage; logically, as a girl, an adult, she shouldn’t empathize this much.
But…
“These Dragon Scales once, clang fall like Shattered Ice”
“One scale one inch heart, with small achieve great I believe”
“Lift the Fate of the Nation proudly again Revival Again”
“Roam heaven and earth seek Dragon Scales, Dragon’s Bloodline Flourish into a Forest”
I’m convinced, you’re awesome.
Liu Xiaoxiao exhales long, instantly feeling extremely complex…
With Chi Ye like this, how can Hua Yichen compare?
Same original, Chi Ye has a crushing disparity over everyone.
She wipes her eye corner, a bit embarrassed, but turning back, discovers her companion who was just yelling “Full Firepower Chi Ye” is already sobbing.
Liu Xiaoxiao: “…”
On the other side, backstage.
Everyone falls silent.
Because of the song, the lyrics, and especially the Technique.
“He’s using balanced mix the whole time… four high notes without forcing… buddy, monster?!”
Little Tan Wang shocked: “This Singing Method is textbook-level zero-function consumption.”
“…Singing Skill is insanely awesome, indescribably awesome.”
Others nearby nod; Fancia and other overseas Singers exhale long, feeling suppressed oppression.
Chi Ye’s song today, ordinary people can’t hear much singing skill Technique, but in reality, this song shows Technique everywhere.
Take the easiest-to-understand strong mix: in 《Full Firepower》, it was function + strong mix, insanely piling hard.
But this time different; this time almost entirely balanced mix Technique highs, throat sound compressed; by chorus climax, fully head voice dominant.
This Singing Style foundation, anyone who studied vocals should know: compared to “strong mix” and brute skill-piling “rough” way, this “balanced” stable solid voicing, subtle switching between chest and head voice modes, difficulty basically doubled.
In other words, top technical flow playstyle; 《Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales》 is easy to sing but hard to sing well; if truly sung well, you can handle any technical song.
What Chi Ye shows now is this terrifying pinnacle technical flow Singing Method: those who don’t understand hear melody and lyrics with tingling scalps; those who do hear foundation and Technique are dumbfounded.
“These Dragon Scales once, clang fall like Shattered Ice”
“One scale one inch heart, Wandering Story I can’t bear to hear”
“Lift the Fate of the Nation proudly again Revival Again”
“Roam heaven and earth seek Dragon Scales, Dragon’s Bloodline Flourish into a Forest”
Boom, boom, boom!
Chinese big drum beats still resound, like a great nation reviving; after five thousand years of wind and rain, unyielding revival steps and rhythm.
Song ends, hall silent.
…
A Small Courtyard.
An old man with graying temples listens to the song, sighing: “Wandering Story I can’t bear to hear…”
“Lyrics are good; truly pure heart.”
“Lift the Fate of the Nation proudly again Revival Again…”
He chuckles teasingly at his life secretary: “Even a child knows to lift proudly again Revival Again; us, we’re all old now.”
