usatvline Chapter 36 Backstage Dispute
Chapter 36 Backstage Dispute
On a night of twinkling stars and dazzling lights, the city's hustle and bustle surged like a tide, yet was kept at bay by the heavy walls of the performance hall, creating two distinct worlds. At the Brilliant Entertainment singing competition, the atmosphere was as fiery as a burning flame and as tense as a taut bowstring.
Lu Jinchen personally hired a makeup artist, hoping to create the most perfect stage image for Luo Li. To achieve the ultimate stage effect, the makeup artist meticulously applied an extremely delicate yet slightly heavy makeup to Luo Li. Her already fair and jade-like face appeared even more beautiful and captivating under the heavy makeup, like a mysterious and enchanting flower blooming in the dark night. Luo Li wore a snow-white dress, the hem swaying gently as if caressed by a breeze, each fold whispering a moving story. The delicate material shimmered softly under the lights, like dreamlike silk.
Lu Jinchen was still dressed as always in his simple yet sharp white shirt and black trousers, his posture as upright as a proud pine tree, exuding a unique aura. He gripped the microphone tightly in his hand, his gaze firm and deep, occasionally glancing at Luo Li, his eyes filled with encouragement and tenderness. When they stood together, they were truly a perfect match, like a couple who had stepped out of a painting, attracting the attention of those around them.
By this time, all five performers of the first song had finished. The stage lights gradually dimmed, as if an invisible hand had slowly drawn back a curtain, leaving only a few faint rays of light illuminating the edge of the stage, like dim stars in the night sky. The 20,000 audience members anxiously awaited the voting results, a suffocating atmosphere of tension filling the air. The beating of each heartbeat seemed audible, a powerful surge of love and anticipation for the music, like a silent symphony.
In the darkness, Lu Jinchen gently grasped Luo Li's hand; his hand was warm and strong. He whispered, "Don't be nervous, we can definitely do it." His voice was deep and gentle, carrying a reassuring strength. Luo Li nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling with determination, and replied, "Yes, let's cheer each other on." Their hands clasped tightly, their strength flowing through their grasp, as if forming an invisible bond that tightly connected their hearts.
The voting results were finally in. The numbers on the big screen flashed like leaping sprites, tugging at the hearts of every contestant. When the final result settled on the screen, the audience erupted in a clamor. Lu Jinchen only managed fourth place in the first song, a result that left him somewhat disappointed. He frowned slightly, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes, a resentment like a flame flickering in the darkness. But he quickly composed himself, taking a deep breath, as if to encourage himself. He said to Luo Li, "It's okay, there's still the second song. We'll give it our all." His tone was firm and decisive, carrying a stubborn refusal to admit defeat. Luo Li nodded vigorously, "Okay, we can definitely do it." Her eyes were filled with trust.
The fact that the contestants' fate was decided solely by the votes of the audience and judges meant that the organizer, Brilliant Entertainment, controlled who would advance. Simply having the audience vote for Ji Lingkun's fans guaranteed his advancement. Even with Lu Jinchen's exceptional performance, his first song only secured fourth place; Jinchen's chances were truly hanging by a thread.
The order of performance for the second song was determined by the voting results of the first song, with the song receiving the most votes performed last. The total votes for the second song were calculated by adding the votes from the four judges and the audience, with one judge's vote equivalent to 100 audience votes. The top three songs based on the total votes from both songs advanced to the finals. This rule made the competition more intense and exciting, but also significantly increased the pressure on the contestants, as if an invisible mountain was weighing on their hearts.
Lu Jinchen knew his situation was dire, but he didn't give up. He told himself silently: if things can't be helped, then sing well. At least leave everyone with one song to prove we were here. His eyes revealed a firm belief, a dedication and love for music, like a burning flame that would never be extinguished.
While waiting backstage, Ji Lingkun's guest performer was Du Ran, the only veteran singer from Brilliant Entertainment. They performed a love song, Du Ran's signature song. Ji Lingkun received the most votes for the first song, and he would be the final performer for the second.
However, Ji Lingkun kept provoking Lu Jinchen. He deliberately swaggered around in front of Lu Jinchen, a smug smile on his face, a smile full of mockery. He said, "Lu Jinchen, you've found a newbie to help you sing, haven't you? Don't struggle, my guest performer is Goddess Du, you're just waiting to lose. This competition's champion will definitely be me." As he spoke, Ji Lingkun turned to Luo Li, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "And you, Lu Jinchen is destined to lose anyway, so why don't you stop helping him sing, quit, and I'll get you involved in a talent show to debut, then you can follow me, how about that?"
Luo Li said without fear, "You don't need to worry about that. I don't want to debut yet." Her eyes were firm, and her tone carried a hint of stubbornness.
"Pretty arrogant, huh? You just wait and see how I deal with you." Ji Lingkun said viciously, then turned and left. His retreating figure exuded an arrogant aura, as if declaring his victory to everyone.
Lu Jinchen was dejected. He clenched his fists tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging slightly, as he struggled to control his emotions. He didn't want to clash with Ji Lingkun at this moment; he knew his most important task was preparing for the second song performance. He silently thought to himself, "I can't let him succeed. I must prove myself with my talent."
Seeing Lu Jinchen's downcast mood, Luo Li felt a pang of heartache. She gently walked to his side, took his hand, her hand soft and warm. She said softly, "Don't pay him any attention. He's just trying to distract you. Let's just focus on ourselves." Looking into Luo Li's concerned eyes, Lu Jinchen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He nodded, "I know, but I felt it wasn't good to involve you. He'll definitely target you later, I'm sorry." Luo Li smiled slightly, a smile as warm and bright as the spring sunshine, "You don't need to worry about that. I'm studying composition, not necessarily becoming a singer, so it won't affect me much for now."
Time ticked by, each second feeling like torture for their hearts. Finally, it was Lu Jinchen and Luo Li's turn to go on stage. When the host announced their performance, they took a deep breath, as if trying to inhale all their tension and anxiety, transforming it into strength. They strode confidently onto the stage, their steps carrying a resolute air, like warriors heading into battle.
The stage lights gradually brightened, illuminating their figures. Standing center stage, they seemed to be the center of the world, all eyes focused on them. At that moment, the entire performance hall was plunged into darkness, with only a spotlight shining on them. That darkness was like an endless abyss, oppressive and unsettling. But Lu Jinchen and Luo Li were not intimidated by the darkness; their eyes revealed unwavering conviction, a conviction like a lighthouse in the darkness, illuminating their path forward.
Lu Jinchen gripped the microphone tightly, feeling its cold, metallic texture. His heartbeat was exceptionally clear in the silent darkness, as if keeping time for his performance. Luo Li stood quietly beside him, her eyes filled with anticipation. She knew that at this moment, they would fight for their dreams, for music.