Chapter 109: A Foregone Conclusion

Yanjing Film Academy.

“A pervert!” Han Jiaqi, Gu Yuhan’s roommate, jumped up excitedly, waving her arms and legs. She accidentally bumped the back of her head against the bed frame and cried out in pain.

Gu Yuhan glanced at her and, seeing she was fine, returned her attention to the television screen. Tonight, only Han Jiaqi and she were watching; their other two roommates had gone out on dates for the weekend. Han Jiaqi had dragged her along to watch the live broadcast of "The Singing Masters." After three rounds, Han Jiaqi had already become a devoted fan of Lin Qihua.

Recalling the powerful performance just now, Gu Yuhan couldn’t help but wonder why Lin Qihua possessed such immense energy to sing those songs. She knew she had been inexplicably moved, her emotions stirred by the voice.

“I really want to see his performance live,” Han Jiaqi sighed regretfully. “But tickets are limited and hard to get.”

“Really?” Gu Yuhan felt a sudden urge. The thought of attending the live show and experiencing his performance firsthand seemed thrilling.

Without hesitation, she sent a message on her device to her manager: “Find a way to get me two tickets for next week’s 'The Singing Masters.'”

She wondered what expression her manager would have upon receiving that message. Gu Yuhan smirked mischievously to herself.

Meanwhile, on the stage of "The Singing Masters," Wen Weizhe had finished his encore song. His face was somber as he left the stage. The remaining time would be spent reflecting and preparing a song powerful enough to break through and return to the stage. He had found a model to emulate—Lin Qihua. Years without progress had left him directionless, but despite this failure, his greatest gain was rediscovering his path forward. It was not a wasted journey.

“Sigh,” Lin Qihua sighed regretfully from the waiting area. “Such a talented singer—truly a pity.”

“No choice, that’s the competition, those are the rules. Someone has to leave,” Su Jianhao comforted him. “Besides, leaving this stage doesn’t mean failure. His talent has been proven, his popularity will surely rise, and there’s still the chance of the breakout round.”

“Yeah, I’m just speaking from the heart.” Lin Qihua smiled.

The second contestant was Wang Yalin. Battle-hardened, she was unfazed by Lin Qihua’s performance. Instead, it fueled her fighting spirit. She performed flawlessly, evident from the resounding applause from the audience.

Cai Yuting, Lu Zhixuan, Guan Shengjie, and Zhang Yuqin, four opening singers, took the stage one after another. Each burned with fierce determination, unleashing their full power—not for the result, but as genuine singers inspired by Lin Qihua’s performance. Regardless of the outcome, their sole aim was to showcase their utmost ability and proclaim themselves true artists.

Cai Yuting’s singing and dancing grew more dazzling, Lu Zhixuan’s roars became more majestic, Guan Shengjie’s high notes pierced through the air as always, and Zhang Yuqin’s storytelling became more captivating. Each performance was met with waves of applause. The audience was ecstatic—this was the liveliest competition “The Singing Masters” had seen since its inception, and the spectators thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Not a good time to come,” joked the substitute singer standing backstage, smiling wryly as he took the microphone from the director and stepped onto the stage amid cheers, his spirit undeterred.

“This season is really something,” the backstage executive director sighed. “The last time I felt this way was during the second season.”

“The season with the ‘High King’?” a nearby staff member asked.

“Yes, a pack of wolves. Now, their fighting spirit’s been ignited. Everyone’s giving their all; the momentum is terrifying. This season’s audience is in for a treat.”

“Will there be another ‘High King’ this time?”

“Who knows? Maybe.” The executive director smiled faintly, a mix of anticipation and concern. “But the more intense it gets, the more dangerous it is. Storms always come unexpectedly.”

In the waiting area, Lin Qihua and his companions widened their eyes as the substitute singer stepped onto the stage.

“It’s him.”

“So it’s him.”

“Haha, it’s Old Yuan!” Lu Zhixuan laughed heartily. “The old rascal! What a surprise.”

Lin Qihua gave him a secret eye roll. Smart as he was, there was no way he believed Lu Zhixuan. He had noticed the man’s strange expression earlier and was sure he had guessed correctly.

The substitute singer was Yuan Xiaolai, the once reigning king of love songs. Bringing his hit “Moonlight Lake” to “The Singing Masters” stage, he unleashed a super tearjerker. Countless fans were moved to tears by his warm, timeless voice.

“Old ginger is indeed spicier,” Wang Yalin marveled. “After so many years, his voice remains fresh and enduring.”

“Looks like he’s in great form.”

“With someone like Lin Qihua setting off a shockwave earlier, how could he not be?” Lu Zhixuan chuckled. “When Qihua appeared, I sensed a big move was coming. Turns out, it wasn’t just a big move—it was a killer technique.”

“Like a master of charm, instantly getting all the singers hyped up. With such gems in front, no one wants to be rubble,” Cai Yuting giggled.

“That’s quite a terrible metaphor,” Lin Qihua smiled wryly.

After Yuan Xiaolai, the final performer was a challenger—a handsome young man named Wu Junhao, who had recently become active in the scene. His striking looks won over many female fans as soon as he appeared.

He brought an original song titled “Fish,” with a unique tone and charming voice that captivated the audience.

The faces in the waiting area grew serious. Wu Junhao’s strength brought palpable pressure.

Especially Cai Yuting, who knew she was the most at risk. Her specialty wasn’t vocal prowess but stage performance combining singing and dancing, which was popular with fans. But on a stage that emphasized vocal skills, it was awkward. Occasionally, it was fine, but appearing every episode lacked variety and risked causing audience fatigue, making her vulnerable. This round was particularly perilous.

After the performances, two new members arrived.

“Welcome, welcome!” Everyone stood and applauded as Yuan Xiaolai and Wu Junhao entered.

“Thank you.” Yuan Xiaolai, experienced and mostly familiar with the others, was not distant. He greeted everyone warmly.

“Your song gave me a cold sweat,” Yuan Xiaolai joked to Lin Qihua. “I was mumbling before going on stage how stressful this competition is. And then suddenly, a big monster appeared.”

“You flatter me, Teacher Yuan. Your performance is truly amazing,” Lin Qihua replied politely.

Wu Junhao was a bit reserved, but his handsome face helped. Lu Zhixuan and Wang Yalin took the lead in welcoming him, helping him quickly fit in.

“Here, besides being competitors, we’re brothers and sisters. Once we leave this studio, we’re friends. No need for formalities,” Lu Zhixuan explained with a smile. “Our philosophy is that while there are winners and losers in competition, friendship is forever. Whoever stays or leaves, no one brings their emotions with them.”

“Well said! That’s exactly why I’m here,” Yuan Xiaolai applauded and laughed.

“All right, time’s almost up. Like last time, let’s join hands and go onstage together,” Lu Zhixuan said with a smile.

“Okay.”

So, the eight of them clasped hands and walked onto the stage once more, calmly facing the harsh announcement of results.

“Tonight might be the most fiery, explosive, and thrilling competition ever,” Wei Hongzhang observed, looking at everyone. “At this moment, I feel that winning or losing no longer matters, because these singers have, through their efforts, written a bold and vivid chapter in the history of 'The Singing Masters.'”

“If the results don’t matter, why not just let everyone stay and go home to sleep?” Lu Zhixuan cheekily interrupted.

“Uh, the format requires us to announce the results,” Wei Hongzhang said awkwardly.

Haha. It was rare to see Wei Hongzhang on the losing end of a joke, and everyone on and off stage burst into laughter.

“All right, let’s start announcing the rankings,” Wei Hongzhang said unfazed. “First place.”

Everyone pointed toward Lin Qihua.

“Haha, seems like everyone agrees,” Wei Hongzhang smiled. “First place goes to Lin Qihua.”

A thunderous applause erupted, the highest recognition for the outcome.

Lin Qihua stood up, expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

“I think this result is well deserved and unsurprising,” Wei Hongzhang said warmly. “Although you were the first to perform, you unleashed tremendous energy. Your voice was like a nuclear bomb detonating in the hearts of the audience. Even after the competition ended, it remains unforgettable. This is an epic song, an epic performance. After tonight, it will be a classic. Because of your song 'Existence,' others were inspired to reach incredible states, making tonight a competition worthy of being recorded in 'The Singing Masters' history. Truly well earned.”

“You’re too kind. I don’t deserve such praise,” Lin Qihua replied humbly. “Everyone has qualities I can learn from; I was just lucky.”

“Although the competition was exciting and everyone performed brilliantly, that’s how it goes—someone stays, someone leaves. Now, let’s announce the other rankings.”

The atmosphere grew tense once more.

Second place was fiercely claimed by Yuan Xiaolai, third by Wang Yalin, fifth by Lu Zhixuan, seventh by Guan Shengjie, and eighth by Cai Yuting. Only fourth and sixth remained unannounced.

Cai Yuting’s expression grew nervous. If Wu Junhao took fourth, it meant she was out tonight.

Lin Qihua, sitting beside her, saw her clutch the armrest with pale hands and bulging veins, understanding her unease and tension. He gently patted her hand, hoping to offer some comfort.

Cai Yuting turned to smile at him, but the forced nature of it was evident to all. This format and the manner of announcement were truly cruel.

“Fourth place, Zhang Yuqin,” Wei Hongzhang finally said. “This means Wu Junhao took sixth place and failed the challenge.”

“Phew.” Cai Yuting relaxed instantly, exhaling deeply. Her face was somewhat pale as she watched Wu Junhao stand and bid farewell.

In the second round’s third challenge, Wu Junhao failed.

Yet, Cai Yuting ranked last, meaning she remained the most vulnerable in the next episode. Her challenge was far from over.