Chapter Forty: Zhou Lu Challenges Vancia!

Chen Nian was still singing, and the once boisterous venue fell into utter silence. The audience held their breath, their eyes fixed on the large screen, afraid to miss even a single line.

“Forgive me for a life of unruly indulgence, loving freedom,”
“And yet I fear, that one day I might fall—”
“Anyone can betray their dreams,”
“But who would fear, if one day it’s just you and me…”

As the chorus began, a tremor ran through everyone present, goosebumps rising unbidden on their arms. Instinct warned them that if they didn’t listen with all their heart, they would regret it for the rest of their lives.

This song would be forever etched into the annals of Chinese music history.

“So many times, facing cold eyes and ridicule,”
“I’ve never given up on the dreams in my heart,”
“Who truly understands the love inside me…”
“Forgive me for a life of unruly indulgence, loving freedom—”
“And yet I fear, that one day I might fall—”

The second chorus was even more powerful than the first, making the audience’s blood surge with passion as they read the lyrics. They were all young people with dreams and ideals, chasing their aspirations and loving their freedom. Yet, as they grew older, most of their dreams had been reduced to houses, cars, children—growing ever more distant from the ideals they once held dear.

This song struck the deepest chord within them, resonating with powerful intensity—especially for those who, despite countless hardships, had fought their way to where they stood today.

Backstage in the lounge, the other singers watched Chen Nian on the live broadcast with deep emotion, tears brimming in their eyes. The production team of “Who Is the Singer?” watching the live show from home, exchanged glances; in their hearts, they felt a bittersweet release. In order to survive in the cutthroat adult world, they had long forgotten the ideals that first drew them into the entertainment industry.

When Chen Nian sang the chorus for the third time, someone awkwardly started to sing along. Wang Tao shot him a fierce glare, and he immediately fell silent. But just then, another person began singing. Wang Tao turned to look at him sharply, but this young man only met his gaze indifferently, showing no intention of stopping.

As a freshly graduated member of Generation Z, he had come to shake up the workplace—why would he fear a mere company president?

Emboldened, a few of the younger ones also joined in, and soon, the entire spacious private room was resonating with song:

“Forgive me for a life of unruly indulgence, loving freedom,”
“And yet I fear, that one day I might fall,”
“Anyone can betray their dreams,”
“But who would fear, if one day it’s just you and me,”
“Still free, still myself, forever singing my song,”
“Traveling a thousand miles…”

Beside them, Lin Xinrou sat slumped in her chair, her eyes empty. Chen Nian’s flawless performance had finally shattered her last line of defense. At this moment, without a doubt, Chen Nian had become the greatest demon in Lin Xinrou’s career path. Unless Chen Nian was removed, Lin Xinrou would never find peace in this lifetime…

The atmosphere in the venue was electrifying. Though it held only five hundred people, the singing carried the force and spirit of millions. Chen Nian, like the leader of the disheartened, stood at the center of the stage, guiding them forward.

When the song ended, Chen Nian, as was his custom, bowed deeply to thank the audience. Even Xiang Dimo, who had seen and heard so much in her career, was left in utter admiration. Though she could not understand the lyrics, the emotion in Chen Nian’s voice moved her deeply.

On the exchange stage, Xiang Dimo cast a look of genuine respect toward Chen Nian, and Chen Nian replied with a polite nod.

Next, Xiang Dimo performed an English song—her performance was as brilliant and flawless as ever, but faced with Chen Nian’s “Boundless Skies,” unless you were Beyond themselves, there was no hope of victory.

The final score: 382 to 118.
Chen Nian won by an overwhelming margin!

“Director Mo! Director Mo! Ten million! The live broadcast has broken ten million viewers online!”
“And there’s more! The TV ratings have reached 3.6, breaking the all-time record for live broadcasts in China!”

With good news pouring in, Mo Fan collapsed into his chair, beaming with joy.

“Haha, haha! I knew it—replacing Xing Fei with Chen Nian is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life!”

Back in the contestants’ lounge, the singers who had previously looked down on Chen Nian now came forward one after another, offering their sincere congratulations. The truth was clear: “Boundless Skies” had truly pierced their vulnerable hearts, stirring a tremendous resonance.

After the guest challenger’s performance, the competition would proceed in reverse order of last week’s rankings. Since Xiang Dimo had been eliminated by Chen Nian, the others could choose their positions without worry—as no matter how low their votes, they were safe from elimination.

“Sister Dimo, don’t worry. Next time, I’ll avenge you for sure!” said Fan Siya, who had ranked second last week and, convinced that no one would dare challenge her, sounded a bit regretful.

Xiang Dimo smiled gently, conceding her defeat with grace. “Heh, Siya, this young man Chen Nian is different from the rest. Spend a little more time with him—you might find he has a lot to offer your music.”

“What are you talking about?” Fan Siya, a proud member of Generation Z, didn’t agree at all. “He’s just one Chinese—what help could he possibly give our music? The only reason he beat you is because all those Chinese ganged up on you.”

“Don’t worry, Sister Dimo, I’ll avenge you in the next round!” Fan Siya, convinced of her own invincibility, remained lost in her own world.

Xiang Dimo simply smiled knowingly. Having been through it all, she understood: only by hitting a wall would Fan Siya learn to reflect.

As the two chatted, it was time for Zhou Lu, who had ranked third, to take the stage.

The audience, believing there would be no further PK challenges, settled in to quietly enjoy the final two performances before leaving.

Just then, the host continued as planned.
“Ms. Zhou Lu, please choose your mode of competition.”

Zhou Lu smiled and turned to the camera. “I choose… to challenge Fan Siya!”

The venue fell silent.

Mo Fan, in the middle of drinking water, spat it out in shock.

“Zhou Lu, what are you doing? What are you doing? Didn’t I tell you to go with the ranking mode? Why are you challenging Fan Siya?” Mo Fan shouted frantically into her earpiece.

Zhou Lu ignored him, continuing to smile at the camera.

“Heh.” Fan Siya was the first to react, smiling slightly. “As the old Chinese saying goes, a wise person adapts to the times. Since you wish to seek your own doom, I’ll just have to oblige you.”

Xiang Dimo shook her head with a smile as well. Though Fan Siya was young, her arrogance had foundation. The student should surpass the master, and even Xiang Dimo herself wouldn’t claim she could easily defeat Fan Siya—how could Zhou Lu hope to?

As the audience and viewers were still processing what had happened, Zhou Lu’s performance began.

“Next, I present to you the debut performance of ‘A Diao’—lyrics by Zhou Lu, composed by Chen Nian.”