RAAS ### Chapter 19: "Fly Higher"

 ### Chapter 19: "Fly Higher"

Everyone waiting backstage was also stunned.

When Feng Jing heard the host's introduction, she was puzzled as to why the description sounded familiar. As the introduction was about to end, Feng Jing, who had finally come to her senses, was too excited to speak.

She was sure the host was talking about her!

Since she was the only contestant from the Beijing Music Academy in this episode, when her name was called, Feng Jing began to tremble all over.

She waited for a moment, confirmed that the host did not make a mistake, and then hurriedly walked onto the stage.

Having just stepped off the stage with slightly red eyes, Liu Xiaoqiang was also stunned when he heard this announcement. Seeing Feng Jing pass by him, Liu Xiaoqiang felt a twinge of anger.

Compared to Xie Sixie, Liu Xiaoqiang indeed had a significant gap in strength. He had always been unsure about his chances of advancing, which directly affected his performance on stage.

But if he were competing against Feng Jing, his mindset would have been much more stable.

However...

A hint of regret flashed in his heart, but what was the point of regret now?

It was all over.

The loser must leave.

"Qing, I feel something is wrong..." Han Han asked doubtfully, "Weren't you paired with Feng Jing?"

Li Qing didn't speak, his eyes were deep as he looked at Xie Sixie, who was quietly standing not far away, waiting to go on stage.

She was very calm, so calm it was eerie.

It seemed she knew about the contestant switch all along, and everything was within her expectations.

On stage, Feng Jing could hardly contain her excitement. When greeting the judges and the audience, her emotions were unstable, and she stuttered. However, she wasn't foolish enough to ask the host if he had called the wrong name.

Who cares!

She only heard the host call her name. As for who would take the blame later, it wouldn't be her problem.

The crisp sound of a piano began to play.

The prelude started.

Feng Jing took a deep breath, calmed her excitement, raised the microphone, and sang the song everyone present had heard before.

"I am a lonely star in the starry sky

In the vast night sky

Following that path

Moving forward in the storm

...

I am a lonely star in the starry sky

Reflecting my image in the vast sea

The wind accompanies me to meet you

..."

This song, "Star," written and composed by Leng Ling, was very popular in this timeline. It was one of the tracks that certified Leng Ling's triple platinum record. Feng Jing's rendition, although not as ethereal and beautiful as Leng Ling's voice, brought a different flavor, quite impressive, and instantly aroused enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

Unlike Liu Xiaoqiang, Feng Jing performed steadily and even exceeded expectations, with her confident and powerful singing making the whole song come alive.

The song ended with the audience singing along, and even the original singer Leng Ling showed an approving look and clapped.

The song ended.

Feng Jing bowed to thank the audience, then smiled confidently, standing on the stage.

Liu Xiaoqiang also returned to the stage, looking gloomy and despondent.

"Now, let's ask the four judges for their decisions," the host said.

Han Wenya looked at the enthusiastic audience and smiled, "Look at the audience's enthusiasm. I think the result is already clear."

Saying this, she was the first to raise the advancement card.

The audience cheered.

There's no fear when the goods are good, just fear when the goods are compared.

Compared to Liu Xiaoqiang, Feng Jing had too many advantages, not only performing stably but also exceptionally well, completely overshadowing Liu Xiaoqiang.

If she couldn't win this PK, the backstage manipulation would be too obvious.

Zhao Wendi also nodded with a smile and raised the advancement card. He had been very quiet all along, only greeting and flattering the diva at the beginning—after all, they were from the same company. In other situations, he just sat quietly in the judge's seat.

No way, ever since the last episode aired, several newspapers, including "New Entertainment Weekly," repeatedly attacked him, saying he was secretly suppressing Li Qing, making him very passive.

Not only was he baffled, not knowing how he offended these newspapers, but even his company's public relations bosses were also puzzled.

Fortunately, the attacks didn't continue, and Yuan Zheng Company promptly paid to shut them up.

Zhao Wendi also received a warning from his agent.

So, after careful consideration, Zhao Wendi decided not to interfere with Li Qing's affairs anymore, at least on the surface.

Next, unsurprisingly, the other two judges also raised their advancement cards.

Feng Jing received the pass card as if in a dream, and amid continuous thanks, she walked off the stage almost in tears of joy.

Her success left Liu Xiaoqiang and the previously eliminated Zhou Ding in a daze.

There are lucky people in this world, but clearly, they weren't among them.

"He is handsome and talented. In the last episode, his song 'Angel's Wings' burst onto the scene, causing a huge sensation in the industry. The song even reached the top ten in the national radio song request chart, making him an overnight sensation..."

Soon after Feng Jing left the stage, the host's announcement rang out in the studio.

The entire hall fell silent for a moment, then instantly erupted!

The audience's faces were filled with passionate emotions, and enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience seats.

A chorus of screams filled the air, even drowning out the host's voice.

They were shouting the name "Li Qing."

The host's announcement continued, "Yes, it's him! Our little prince of original music—Li Qing! Today, he will bring another original song to compete on the 'Music Star' stage! Now, let's welcome the prince with the warmest applause!"

Maybe because Li Qing was neglected last time, and noticing the favor of the station leaders towards Li Qing, this host was somewhat apprehensive. So, not only did he not cut the announcement this time, but he also shouted it extra energetically, instantly arousing the audience's enthusiasm.

Li Qing's name echoed throughout the studio, the level of excitement comparable to the diva's appearance.

Sitting at the judge's table, Zhao Wendi silently watched this scene and even lightly clapped his hands to match the audience.

He felt humiliated.

The anger in his heart burned uncontrollably.

Originally, he didn't bother to compete with Li Qing.

How could someone who had been shelved make a comeback?

But when he recently saw Li Qing's name on the "Music Star" list, he instinctively felt a sense of warning.

So he took measures to suppress Li Qing!

Unexpectedly, instead of succeeding, he got himself into trouble.

Watching Li Qing standing on stage under the spotlight, Zhao Wendi was filled with hatred, grinding his teeth.

Why!

Why did he, who worked ten times, a hundred times harder than Li Qing, with far superior singing skills, still lose to him?

Just because he's more handsome than me?

It was like this in the past, and it's still like this now!

Why! Why!

Jealousy burned like a wildfire in Zhao Wendi's chest.

Suddenly, he calmed down, a sneer on his lips, and a trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Let him bask in the glory for a while...

This trash will always be trash, an unworthy contender no matter how much he jumps.

"Li Qing! Li Qing! Li Qing!"

Before Li Qing even stepped onto the stage, the audience's spontaneous shouts continued to ignite the entire studio.

Leng Ling watched this scene with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

The faint smile on her lips grew deeper, seemingly admiring Li Qing's popularity.

The other three judges glanced at each other and tacitly remained silent.

A strange atmosphere spread among them.

Soon, Li Qing, carrying his guitar, appeared on the stage.

Today, Li Qing wore a black shirt and jeans, with two buttons of his shirt undone, looking casual and unruly.

The eighteen-year-old boy looked like a mature office elite at first glance.

"Hello everyone, hello judges..."

He skillfully greeted the audience while walking to the center of the stage.

The studio erupted in applause, thunderous and unceasing.

It wasn't until Li Qing held his guitar and placed his fingers on it that the venue gradually quieted down.

At the judge's table, Leng Ling rested her chin on her hand, looking at Li Qing with great interest.

Li Qing also noticed Leng Ling and was struck by her beauty.

Seeing this woman up close, she was even more stunning than from a distance...

It was his first time seeing Leng Ling, and the amazement lingered in his mind, a feeling that kept replaying.

So he looked a few more times.

But that was it.

After a slight pause, Li Qing came back to his senses, closed his eyes slightly to gather his emotions, and waited for the studio to quiet down before he began to sing.

"Life is like

A big river

Sometimes calm

Sometimes wild"

As he started singing, many people were puzzled—an a cappella?

But before the first line was over, the rhythmic guitar sound began.

Immediately, everyone felt a jolt through their bodies.

Whoa, rock!

Is this rock?!

Many were staring at Li Qing, who was singing to the beat.

Rock music that had long been out of the spotlight!

"Reality is like

A shackle

Binding me

Impossible to break free"

Hmm, these lyrics... full of rustic charm!

But it seems pretty good...

While feeling surprised, many in the audience had their expectations raised.

It's been a long time since they heard rock music, so they

 decided to listen.

The calm voice, rhythmic rock, and somewhat rural-themed lyrics seemed to herald an upcoming storm.

"This enigmatic life is as sharp as a knife

Wounding me repeatedly

I know the happiness I seek

Is in that higher sky"

With a sudden burst, everyone felt a shiver, like an electric current running through their bodies.

Unlike the tender and delicate "Angel's Wings," this time, Li Qing's slightly rough voice matched the country rock style, giving an intense impact!

Is the rock era returning?

On stage, Li Qing smiled, his guitar strumming fiercely, like waves crashing higher and higher, constantly assaulting the listeners' eardrums.

"I want to fly higher

Fly higher

Dance like a gale

Break free from the embrace"

Listening to this passionate song and watching the boy singing with all his might, Leng Ling was somewhat dazed.

She had experienced the rock era and knew its decline was inevitable.

But because of this, Leng Ling, who understood thoroughly, was even more shocked by this song.

Looking up, she saw that boy, standing straight, with a spirit that seemed to sing out a resilient soul.

"I want to fly higher..."

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