## Chapter 3: "Angel's Wings"
At that moment, under the watchful eyes of the audience on stage, Li Qing, who seemed a bit nervous, suddenly raised his microphone and stammered a seemingly irrelevant question, "Um... excuse me, director, could I have a guitar?"
The venue quieted down slightly, followed by a gentle murmur of voices.
In front of the audience, sitting behind the monitor, director Zhang Heng frowned slightly and looked at the song list in his hand.
According to the predetermined program, contestant number 06, Li Qing, was supposed to sing the well-known love song "The Rain is So Heavy." But now, this contestant was asking for a guitar?
Was he planning to accompany himself?
To the director Zhang Heng, this kind of contestant who disrespected the program and acted on his own was infuriating. He wanted to immediately call off this contestant and tell him to get lost.
However, he ultimately suppressed his anger and irritably waved his hand, signaling the backstage band to bring a guitar. Although this was not a live broadcast, there were still one or two thousand spectators present. The director's authority was great, but he had to consider the audience's mood.
Meanwhile, Li Qing's impression in Zhang Heng's mind instantly plummeted.
Such a disobedient contestant should not even dream of passing this round, let alone winning the championship.
Li Qing smoothly received the guitar, stood at the center of the stage, adjusted it a bit to ensure there would be no tuning issues, and then inserted the microphone into the stand in front of him.
He cleared his throat and then smiled as he said, "Hello everyone, I am contestant number 06, Li Qing. Those familiar with me might have already recognized me. Thank you for not forgetting me. For those who don't know me, it's okay. I believe, after hearing the following song, you will remember me."
This statement caused a stir among the audience. This kind of arrogant and presumptuous remark was indeed typical of the infamous Li Qing.
The judges remained expressionless, except for Zhao Wendi, who wore a broad, encouraging smile.
Those who didn't know might even think Zhao Wendi held Li Qing in high regard.
"This song, 'Angel's Wings,' is dedicated to the friends who have stood by me and never left through the years..."
As Li Qing's words fell, the venue quieted down once more.
Many people racked their brains but still couldn't recall hearing this song anywhere before.
"Fallen leaves will follow the wind, to where?
Only leaving a beautiful scene for the sky.
The sound of the once flying voice
Like an angel's wings
Sweeping over my happy past..."
Original!
It's an original song!
As soon as Li Qing began to sing, Han Wenya and others on the judges' panel were stunned. Having spent years in the music industry, they were familiar with all kinds of songs. Still, for such a high-quality opening, they were sure they had never heard it before.
Was this an original song by Li Qing?
Many people couldn't recover from their surprise for a while. The huge gap between their expectations and reality brought an immense shock.
"Love has once come to this place
Still leaves the fragrance of yesterday
That familiar warmth
Like an angel's wings
Sweeping over my boundless heart"
The slowly flowing rhythm, originally faintly sad, seemed to explode at this moment, reaching its peak.
"Believe you are still here
Never left
My love guards you like an angel
If life ends here
Without me from now on
I will find an angel to love you for me"
Backstage, Han Han stared blankly at the figure singing softly on stage, feeling a rush of emotion surge from the bottom of her heart.
This song... dedicated to the friends who have stood by me and never left...
Han Han suddenly covered her mouth, and tears streamed down her face.
All the doubts and ridicule she had faced over the past year, and all the grievances she had endured, seemed to be released in this moment, causing Han Han to crouch down and sob uncontrollably.
"Love has once come to this place
Still leaves the fragrance of yesterday
That familiar warmth
Like an angel's wings
Sweeping over my boundless heart
Believe you are still here
Never left
My love guards you like an angel
If life ends here
Without me from now on
I will find an angel to love you for me"
As the song ended, the entire venue was still filled with the soothing sound of the guitar. With Li Qing's bow and thanks, the tension in the room was palpable.
"Li Qing!"
"Li Qing!"
Voices suddenly erupted in the venue, and as more and more joined in, it felt like a flood engulfing the entire studio.
The atmosphere in the studio was electrifying.
This song was simply amazing!
At least, it was the best and most beautiful song performed by any contestant in the history of "Music Star."
That once arrogant and hot-tempered Li Qing, after a year of hardship, had he finally been reborn from the ashes?
After the initial shock, the audience's faces were filled with immense enthusiasm.
You did make everyone remember you!
Sitting in the audience, director Zhang Heng tapped his fingers on his knee, feeling the excitement in the room. A look of surprise crossed his face as a sudden thought occurred to him.
This song seems pretty good...
At least, it's a level above "The Rain is So Heavy."
With that in mind, Li Qing, who had previously seemed so detestable, suddenly appeared much more endearing...
Director Zhang nodded in satisfaction.
After the audience's emotions had calmed down a bit, the judges, who had been silent, finally made a move.
Zhao Wendi still wore a broad smile, "Qingzi, long time no see. I didn't expect you to bring us such a big gift. Is this song... your original?"
Zhao Wendi's question was cautious. Despite his seemingly amiable demeanor, those who knew him could sense the disbelief and anger in his words.
He couldn't believe that Li Qing had such a high-quality song. What angered him was the thought that someone in the industry might have helped Li Qing.
Indeed, in Zhao Wendi's view, Li Qing could not have created such a classic song on his own. He preferred to believe that someone had assisted him behind the scenes.
The other judges shared similar thoughts.
Movie star Xu Wensheng was full of hesitation. Although he didn't know much about the music industry, even an idiot could tell that this was a top-notch song.
Moreover, Li Qing's singing skills seemed far better than the rumors suggested. So...
Should they let him pass?
"Yes, it's my original song."
On stage, under the spotlight, Li Qing remained calm and composed as he admitted this without any psychological burden.
No one would refuse the benefits of being a time traveler. Even if they said no, their actions would surely accept it...
And Li Qing's shameless confidence instantly triggered another wave of cheers from the audience. Li Qing's name echoed throughout the studio again.
Your... your original song?
Zhao Wendi's smile stiffened, his face turning ugly. He didn't continue to ask further questions, showing the extent of his shock.
"Pass! Pass! Pass!"
Countless enthusiastic audience members roared. Han Wenya and Xu Wensheng exchanged glances. Despite their hesitation, they finally raised the "pass" sign.
The power of devoted fans was too formidable. They couldn't resist it for long, so they temporarily retreated...
NEXT