Chapter Fifty-Five: A Staggering Talent, the Genius Revealed!

As the music began, everyone instantly realized how things would unfold. Yet, even so, their emotions were far from calm or composed.

“My god, Sister Bai used to say she was a musical prodigy—I thought she was just joking.”

“Me too. I thought she was teasing, until she played ‘Under the Sea.’”

“Honestly, this is harder than composing a great song.”

“Of course. If she were just tuning a piano or a violin, that would be ordinary—those instruments are meant to be played. But these are just teacups, perfectly ordinary teacups.”

“I’m convinced. I can’t even fathom how Bai Ling managed this.”

“Her skill is on par with the old masters present here.”

“Those who thought Bai Ling might be overshadowed, come forward and take your beating.”

“Haha, that would be me. I didn’t think Bai Ling could pull off anything impressive. I was so wrong—my apologies, really.”

“So quick to apologize?”

There was simply no other way. From the very first notes, everyone sensed that something was extraordinary about Bai Ling.

As the live chat kept scrolling and the buzz soared, Bai Ling had already used two chopsticks to play the melody of “Under the Sea.”

It was nearly a complete rendition, created with nothing more than a few teacups and a pair of chopsticks.

Who could believe it?

It was simply too incredible!

By the time she finished, the chat was exploding.

“Oh my god, Sister Bai performed ‘Under the Sea’ with just these conditions?”

“She’s amazing—I could cry. If I had hands like hers, I’d be a star too.”

“Bai Ling is only twenty-five or twenty-six! How does she do it?”

“Exactly! The other masters here have spent years perfecting their craft. How does Bai Ling hold her own among them?”

“I simply can’t understand this!”

Director Wang was baffled as well.

During Bai Ling’s performance, the live stream’s popularity skyrocketed to an unprecedented level—the highest peak since the show’s inception. While such fleeting popularity might not mean everything, achieving a new record affirmed Bai Ling’s immense influence and appeal.

Of course, Director Wang preferred to credit Bai Ling’s extraordinary talent. At least in today’s entertainment world, such skill was a rarity.

After finishing her performance, Bai Ling set down her chopsticks and, smiling, addressed everyone present. “Sorry for making a fool of myself.”

Her demeanor was supremely calm and indifferent, in stark contrast to the shock of those around her and the feverish excitement in the live stream.

Ouyang Ruofeng could not help but collect his dropped jaw and say, “Miss Bai, if that’s you making a fool of yourself, what are the rest of us supposed to do?”

“Did you practice this especially?”

Bai Ling paused. “Practice?”

“I was playing my own song, ‘Under the Sea.’ Why would I need to practice? It’s my song—I know it by heart.”

Ouyang Ruofeng was momentarily speechless.

He felt Bai Ling’s response was logical, but it didn’t quite answer his real question.

Wen Haiquan chuckled and said, “Bai Ling, you misunderstood him. Or rather, maybe you haven’t realized it yourself.”

“The way you performed just now is far more difficult than what we old-timers do. For us, it’s mostly a matter of practice makes perfect.”

“But your method requires an extraordinary musical talent.”

“After all, when you strike a teacup, who can tell what pitch or tone will emerge? Most people can’t judge that at all.”

“Even experienced singers would struggle. Don’t believe me? Ask Leng Shao—can anyone really name every note in every chord of a song?”

Leng Yan nodded. “Mr. Wen is right. At least among those I know, very few could do that.”

“And Bai Ling, you were using teacups, not regular instruments.”

“If it were an ordinary instrument, we wouldn’t be so astonished.”

“Was this really your first time trying this?”

At this, the senior musicians present grew visibly tense, their attention fixed on Bai Ling.

Bai Ling nodded. “It really was my first time.”

She had simply acted on a sudden whim, using teacups in place of instruments when none were available.

In her mind, it wasn’t difficult.

But as she thought back, she finally understood the reason.

“Perfect pitch!”

Not long ago, the system had granted her a reward: perfect pitch.

Though this didn’t directly improve her singing, it elevated her musical talent immensely.

This ability allowed Bai Ling to perceive every note and chord’s movement with crystal clarity.

Unconsciously, this skill had shaped her instincts, making this remarkable performance seem effortless.

It was only now that she truly understood.

Meanwhile, the live stream’s already frenzied atmosphere soared to new heights.

“Whoa, I get it now after hearing the seniors explain. Bai Ling’s musical talent is terrifying!”

“She really is a musical prodigy!”

“What a treasure Bai Ling is. I tuned in because of her wild boar incident, but I never expected to witness something like this.”

“Give her time, and she’ll be an outstanding singer.”

“Give her time? Isn’t she already a remarkable singer?”

“Exactly! Even compared to the veterans, Bai Ling is only a little behind—and besides, Lin Yubai is just there as a prop.”

“Other idols like Wen Yan can only dance, and not that well. She’s not much of a singer. The gap between her and Bai Ling is enormous.”

“Let’s not drag others down. If we praise Sister Bai, just praise her—no need to compare or tear others down.”

“Look at the seniors’ expressions—they probably feel the same way we do, as if they’ve seen a ghost.”

“Was this really Bai Ling’s first time doing this? It’s unbelievable.”

“Then again, who knows—maybe she did practice. These days, variety shows have too many scripts.”

“You’re right. They might be building up a genius persona.”

“If that’s the case, it’s disappointing. But somehow, it doesn’t seem likely.”

“Anything is possible!”

At that moment, Wen Huaiyu looked at Bai Ling and said, “Xiao Bai, I really enjoyed your rendition of ‘Under the Sea.’ Your performance surprised me as well. But could you try another song?”

With that, the audience grew excited once more.

Here comes the real test.

If Bai Ling truly had the ability, performing several songs would be no problem.

But if she had only practiced one song, this would surely expose her.