RAAS ### Chapter 17: The Jinx
### Chapter 17: The Jinx
Understanding Station Manager Zheng's intentions, Director Zhang quickly demonstrated his efficiency. He abandoned his current tasks and promptly headed backstage. He found the four judges waiting in the lounge and relayed Zheng’s instructions with some embellishment.
Xu Wensheng, Han Wenya, and another judge, Zhou Guoping, were taken aback upon hearing this. Their eyes immediately turned towards Zhao Wendi, who was seated nearby.
Defying a station manager's wishes was akin to stepping into a minefield. If Zheng decided to suppress them, it would be difficult for ordinary artists to thrive in the entertainment industry. However, Zhao Wendi had the backing of the Yuanzheng Media conglomerate and thus had no fear of Zheng. Still, her career might suffer some repercussions if Zheng chose to target her.
Thus, they all waited to see Zhao Wendi’s reaction, knowing that she was the only one who could pose an issue since their own stance was never problematic in such matters.
Contrary to their expectations, Zhao Wendi responded calmly, “I understand.”
Seeing Zhao Wendi’s lack of resistance, Director Zhang inwardly sneered and proceeded to prepare for the recording. Initially, he had worried that Yuanzheng Media might intervene, so he had made several private arrangements, including contacting the famed Platinum Producer Ma Xujing, hoping Ma would poach Li Qing, who clearly had a promising future.
But after seeing the show's viewership ratings, all his concerns vanished. He no longer worried. Zhao Wendi might have a strong backer, but Zhang also had solid support. Within Beijing TV, he was a key player, having recently achieved significant success.
Was Zhao Wendi from Yuanzheng Media really going to challenge him? It seemed unlikely.
Meanwhile, in the contestants' lounge, six contestants were gathered. Although everyone wore smiles and engaged in conversation, the atmosphere was undeniably tense.
They all understood the show’s rules and knew that those sitting here now could very well be their competitors in the upcoming rounds. The brutal nature of the entertainment industry meant that those with slightly inferior skills would ultimately be eliminated, missing out on the show's grand prize of 100,000 yuan and promotional opportunities worth millions.
Nonetheless, these young individuals chased fame and fortune, driven by ambition. Even if the entertainment industry was like a moth to a flame, the chance to prove themselves was too tempting to resist.
In the corner, Li Qing was carefully cleaning his guitar, Zebra. The guitar's bright red body resembled a burning flame. Li Qing had seen Bao Yunyun use this guitar with such passion; it was as if Zebra was a lover or a dear friend. This guitar was extraordinary.
While testing "Those Flowers" yesterday, Li Qing hadn’t noticed much difference, but once he got home and played several complex pieces, he realized Zebra’s exceptional quality. Its resonance was far superior to a regular guitar, particularly effective in amplifying the emotions in a crowded setting.
Li Qing didn't quite understand why Bao Yunyun had given him such a high-quality guitar, but he accepted it, sensing her intentions.
Just like when he first opened his eyes and saw his unfamiliar reflection in the mirror, he knew it was time to move on from the past and look forward to the future.
With the involvement of Platinum Producer Ma Xujing, the life of an underground singer was about to change. Bao Yunyun was destined to become a star in the music world, and Zebra’s presence had become somewhat unnecessary for her. This old friend might not shine as brightly as her, but Li Qing, with his skill, could maximize Zebra’s potential. Bao Yunyun believed in him, and so did he.
In the upcoming battles, Li Qing intended to use Zebra to prove himself, making its brilliance known on stage.
"Li Qing, are you performing another original song today?"
At that moment, contestant No. 03, Feng Jing, suddenly turned to ask Li Qing.
Prepared for the competition, Li Qing nodded. "Yes. How about you?"
"My songs aren't quite up to par for the stage, so I'm performing Leng Ling's 'Stars.' I really like this song and have sung it many times. I feel somewhat confident…" Feng Jing thoughtfully considered before sticking out her tongue playfully, "But if I’m grouped with you, I'd have no chance of winning."
Feng Jing had a few freckles on her very pale skin, giving her a shy, quiet demeanor typical of girls her age. She was a third-year student at the Beijing Academy of Music, trained in a formal academic style, untouched by the harsh realities of society.
Her music followed a moderate path. While it didn’t make her an overnight sensation, it also didn’t render her unremarkable. She was a versatile performer but lacked a distinctive style, making it hard for her to become a star without a unique opportunity.
She wasn’t like Bao Yunyun, whose extreme style made her memorable to anyone who heard her. Without a significant breakthrough, Feng Jing might just end her journey on the stage of "Music Star."
Li Qing didn’t respond directly to Feng Jing's comment. He merely smiled ambiguously. A question like this was delicate; comforting her would seem arrogant, while modesty might come off as insincere. Hence, he chose to remain silent, focusing on his performance instead of getting tangled in trivial concerns.
The other contestants might not share Feng Jing's lack of confidence, but being grouped with Li Qing would undoubtedly be daunting. Anyone following recent industry news knew that Li Qing's song "Angel's Wings" had already entered the top ten of the national radio song request charts—a position usually reserved for well-established artists. This alone showcased a fraction of Li Qing's talent.
Facing another high-caliber song like "Angel's Wings" in a direct competition with Li Qing would certainly be unfortunate.
Li Qing finished cleaning his guitar and noticed someone glancing at him, feeling puzzled. He looked up and met the gaze of contestant No. 05, Xie Sijie, who quickly waved awkwardly and greeted him, “Hi.”
Li Qing paused momentarily before smiling and responding, “Hi.”
The lounge fell silent, making the moment even more awkward. Xie Sijie felt her ears burn with embarrassment, like being caught staring at a beautiful stranger on a bus, only to have them turn around angrily and call you out in front of everyone. It was both awkward and shameful.
Quickly, Xie Sijie lowered her head, nervously sipping from her water cup.
Li Qing chuckled, recognizing Xie Sijie’s talent. She, like him, had advanced on the same day, but he didn’t know much about her otherwise.
At that moment, the host of "Music Star" entered the lounge with an envelope bearing the show’s logo.
All the contestants stood up, tense and ready.
“I’m here to announce the PK order and groupings.”
The host scanned the room, pausing briefly on Li Qing, remembering the time he had ignored him backstage three weeks ago. The unexpected presence of someone who was supposed to be eliminated was quite unsettling.
Clearing his throat to cover his awkwardness, the host pulled a card from the envelope and began reading, “Contestant 01 Zhou Ding will be paired with Contestant 06 Xu Song.”
“Contestant 02 Liu Xiaoqiang will be paired with Contestant 05 Xie Sijie.”
“Contestant 03 Feng Jing will be paired with Contestant 04 Li Qing.”
“Pairings are done. Contestants, please gather your belongings. The show is about to start. Contestants 01 Zhou Ding and 06 Xu Song, please prepare to go on stage.”
As the host finished speaking, there was a sudden screeching sound of a chair being pushed back.
Everyone turned to see Feng Jing, looking crestfallen, sitting back down with a face full of dismay. "No, really? I’m paired with Li Qing?"
Sympathetic glances filled the room.
Her words had come true—what an unfortunate prediction!