Chapter Eighty-One: A Small Gathering

As the conversation grew more animated, Lu Zhixuan simply suggested they all go out for a late-night meal together, his treat. The proposal received unanimous support. However, before that, they still had to face the merciless results. It wasn’t until the staff came to notify them to get ready to go on stage that everyone suddenly remembered—ah, this was a competition after all.

This was the world of singers, Lin Qihua thought with a deep sense of emotion. He’d never had such an opportunity before. Now, finally able to participate in this circle, chatting and joking around with these top-tier stars, he felt truly fortunate.

“All right, let’s quickly do the formalities, listen to the results, finish up the interviews, and then have a gathering together. It’s a rare chance; by the second episode, we won’t be in this mood anymore,” Lu Zhixuan said heartily. “Everyone, remember why you’re here. We’ve sung, we’ve done our best—that’s what matters. The result is just a matter of the competition’s structure. Don’t take it too hard. What really matters in our careers is our fans and our popularity. If we perform well, that’s victory.”

“Well said. Whether we win or lose, we should be happy,” Wang Yalin added. “This doesn’t mean one of us is better than another. In music, there’s no real victory or defeat.”

“Agreed.” Everyone responded together and returned to the stage once more, this time to face the final results in front of a nationwide audience.

Wei Hongbo’s command of the live atmosphere was masterful. Under his orchestration, the mood gradually grew solemn. Even the usually boisterous Lu Zhixuan had to fall silent, eyes fixed on Wei Hongbo.

Countless fans watched intently from their televisions, waiting for Wei Hongbo to announce the final results.

One by one, the rankings were read out. Unsurprisingly, Wang Yalin took first place, fully deserving the honor. The true dark horse, Lin Qihua, claimed second.

The audience erupted in applause. Lin Qihua rose, pressed his palms together in thanks, and said, “Thank you all for your support. I never expected to achieve such a good result. I feel I’ve gained so much from this competition, especially getting to know great seniors and friends like Brother Lu. It’s been a true blessing. I’ve learned so much from all of you—things I could never have gained performing alone. Thank you again. This is my first time back on stage in a year, and this ranking is the best welcome-back gift I could ask for.”

“You truly deserve it,” Lu Zhixuan said, patting Lin Qihua on the shoulder. “Your song choice, your stage presence, your vocal skills, and your live performance—all of it proves you’re an outstanding singer, a truly talented artist. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Lin Qihua replied, his voice catching with emotion.

The others stepped forward to offer their congratulations as well. They’d all experienced setbacks themselves and understood the feeling. Now, after enduring so much, there was every reason to celebrate.

In the end, the rankings were finalized: Lu Zhixuan, thanks to his excellent performance, took third place. Fourth through seventh were Cai Yuting, Guan Shengjie, Zhang Yuxian, and Wen Weizhe. Guan Shengjie had been at a disadvantage, having sung first. As for Zhang Yuxian and Wen Weizhe, one had made a mistake, and the other was clearly affected by outside factors. It wasn’t a matter of their abilities, and both would likely make a strong comeback in the next round. Who would stay and who would go was still unknown.

After the results were announced, Wen Weizhe looked calm, but Zhang Yuxian seemed a little dejected. There was no helping it—on this stage, everyone was a master, and even the smallest slip could cost you your place.

“I just wonder if she can handle the pressure and perform well. From the look of things, Brother Wen is already preparing to come back strong next week. Can she withstand the challenge?” Lin Qihua looked at Zhang Yuxian with concern.

“Let’s get these interviews over with—it’s getting late,” Su Jianhao said, noticing his gaze. “There’s nothing anyone else can do to help with this kind of thing. You just have to get through it on your own. If you can’t, it’s the price of growing up. Every year there are singers who face this. Music may not have winners or losers, but competitions do. There’s no avoiding it.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

The television interview didn’t last long. Lin Qihua was mainly asked to recall his singing career, his original intention for joining the show, how he’d been discovered by Director Wei, and his thoughts on his own and the other contestants’ performances that night.

Lin Qihua was well-prepared for all of this. Facing the camera, he spoke with poise and confidence, showing not a trace of nervousness.

After about half an hour, the interview concluded, signifying the official end of the show. The additional footage would be included in an episode of “Our Singing Champions” to be broadcast later.

Leaving the waiting area, Lin Qihua found that the others had mostly finished their interviews as well. Led by Lu Zhixuan, the group headed off in high spirits to a nearby restaurant. The place did business near the TV station year-round and was used to serving celebrities, so their arrival didn’t cause any stir.

Lu Zhixuan ordered food with practiced ease and asked, “Who wants to order drinks?”

Lin Qihua and Zhang Yuxian both shook their heads—well-behaved, cautious, not daring to touch alcohol.

“I’ll have some red wine,” Wang Yalin said with a smile, and the other women also requested red wine.

“All right, let’s have some red,” Lu Zhixuan agreed. “After all, we’re all singers here. Except for me, the rest of you should take care—not worth ruining your voices with spirits.” He ordered several bottles, poured for everyone, and the atmosphere soon grew lively.

With Lu Zhixuan’s hearty presence and a group of hosts around, the mood was assuredly festive. Even though Lin Qihua only had a soft drink, no one laughed at him or tried to pressure him.

“In fact, it just shows his dedication and care for his voice—he has a bright future ahead,” Lu Zhixuan said, coming to his defense. “Everyone saw it tonight—I’m not being modest, but I really couldn’t match him this evening. Maybe I have some edge in technique after so many years, but in every other way, he completely outshone me. I truly admire him. Not everyone can stick it out for a year and then make such a triumphant return, especially on such a demanding stage.”

“Thank you for your praise. I don’t deserve it,” Lin Qihua replied, clinking glasses with Lu Zhixuan, gratitude in his voice.

“I admire you as well,” Wang Yalin said, raising her glass to him. “Your performance tonight was flawless. Your song truly touched the heart and moved the soul. That’s what singing is about—to touch every listener, to lead them to feel the beauty of the world. Those were the words my teacher gave me when I entered the industry. I pass them on to you now—may you continue to make good music and be a true artist.”

“I will take your words to heart and follow your guidance,” Lin Qihua replied, deeply moved.

“Well, with our big brother and big sister both backing you, you have nothing to worry about now,” Su Jianhao chimed in.

“But it all comes down to skill and performance,” Guan Shengjie said, his expression eager. “I’m really looking forward to next week. We’ll see how we measure up.”

“Wow, someone’s fired up.”

“Haha, that’s right. Everyone’s spirit is blazing now. The competition’s only going to get more exciting—I can’t wait.”