Chapter 129: The Scenery of My Life That Involves You

Once the order of performance was settled, the host smiled warmly and invited the first singer to take the stage.

“Let’s welcome the first contestant, folk singer Sun Zhihan!”

“His performance piece is ‘The Scenery of This Life About You’!”

Among folk singers, Sun Zhihan was considered top-tier, possessing the talent to compose and sing his own songs. Most importantly, his voice carried a weathered depth, making his performances profoundly moving.

Being a seasoned artist, he was confident in his song. Even as the first to perform—bearing the heaviest pressure—he took a deep breath and quickly settled into a state of complete relaxation.

Lin Yu and Bai Yichu exchanged a glance. Both were ranked lower, and the pressure weighed on them as well.

They feared that if the earlier performances were too impressive and the headliners faltered, it would be easy for them to be eliminated.

Adding to the tension, the special guest judges were all heavyweights and music experts.

Even a slight off-key note could affect the entire outcome. Contestants had to stay fully alert, or their careers could be over before they even began.

In the presence of such authority, not a hint of distraction was allowed, lest their stars be extinguished forever.

Even the smallest mistake, showing off in front of these masters, could lead to ruin.

This competition was far more crucial than any before, and even the tiniest slip-up was forbidden.

Backstage, agents and the company were in constant negotiation, equally anxious.

Lin Yu sat calmly in his seat, even planning to play some games to ease his mind.

Unaware of this, Su Xiaolin urgently called Ji Ya backstage.

The program's sudden arrangement caught everyone off guard. Even Ji Ya hadn’t anticipated such a star-studded lineup—it was simply too risky.

They understood the show's intention to create surprises and boost ratings, but they cared little for the pressure on the artists. Their sole concern was viewership.

For the artists, however, this meant the ever-present threat of losing their chance and their future.

Any disapproval from the experts—even a passing critique—could be spun online to shame the artist.

Participating in such a show was usually safe, but once experts got involved, everything changed.

A single remark like “The lyrics don’t capture the right mood” could be twisted online into “Experts say this singer shouldn’t be on stage—better off farming tonight!”

Agents made money from their artists; without them, panic was inevitable.

The director’s phone began ringing furiously, flashing names of various agency heads. Normally, she would answer to coordinate work.

But this time, she chose to ignore the calls and hung up immediately.

Capitalists never increased expenses without cause. Only now did the agents realize the production team had suddenly demanded contract renewals with higher pay.

Ji Ya was probably still in a meeting. This contract was important, and her personal involvement signaled a serious matter. Her not answering was expected.

The situation was urgent, so Su Xiaolin took it upon herself: “Let’s see what Ayu thinks.”

She sent a message and quickly received a reply.

“Panic? Not at all. Look up at the sky!”

“What about the sky?”

“Five words are floating there!”

Su Xiaolin paused, then instinctively typed back: “That’s nothing!”

During the competition, Lin Yu was allowed to keep his phone. As long as it didn’t disturb the event, playing games was permitted—his previous live-streamed game session had even attracted considerable attention.

After replying, Lin Yu glanced toward the director.

Their eyes met.

The director shuddered involuntarily.

What was going on? There was an almost imperceptible killing intent in his gaze!

Not just Lin Yu, everyone present felt an urge to kill the director.

What a mess—this competition had turned into a do-or-die battle.

Previously, losing meant simply being outmatched. Now, defeat equated to the end of one’s career.

What grudge did the director hold?

As for the director, she was unfazed by potential fan backlash.

The critiques came from experts; the performances from the artists.

If experts deemed an artist unfit, who dared to argue against the national team?

When artists fell from grace, fans would defend them, but netizens would mercilessly mock, “Experts have said it’s hopeless—why keep defending them?”

If you truly had talent, could you surpass the national team?

You come on stage to be judged; otherwise, why participate?

If you have ability, why not join the national team or become an expert yourself?

Some agents, in desperation, suggested withdrawing from the competition to avoid trouble.

But their bosses soon reprimanded them harshly.

Withdrawing now would brand them as cowards.

They had already registered their artists; quitting midway would invite ridicule online: “Your artist can’t cut it, huh? Not talented enough but still trying to stand out? Now look, they’ve been humiliated.”

If they didn’t even dare step on stage, they were nothing but scared turtles. They might as well quit being artists—any camera shot would bring criticism.

This move by the director enraged agents and artists alike, yet he remained untouchable.

For the sake of ratings and popularity, he cared nothing for their lives.

Even if artists quit, it was no problem—as long as they bore the consequences. There would always be others willing to risk it for exposure, right?

“I wish I could spend more time with you.”

“Share the scenery of my past life with you.”

“In every silent night, I think of you.”

“The love, hate, and passion about you.”

“I also want to illuminate you.”

“Leave sunshine in your life.”

“Walk with you through mountains and rivers.”

“Grow with you.”

“This life, within your scenery.”

“Who am I?”

The first singer, Sun Zhihan, finished his song.

His weathered voice, accompanied by a gentle folk melody, was deeply moving.

A love story unfolded before the audience, stirring heartfelt emotions and tears.

It was truly touching.

We spend our lives searching for that one person to walk beside us through eternity, the unique one among millions.

Of the countless souls we meet, only a handful become familiar; only a pair find love.

No wonder he was the strongest folk singer in the industry. After his song, he bowed deeply, prompting a wave of applause.

Though the song was beautiful, evocative, and heartfelt, the experts still found faults.

“The voice was deliberately lowered, failing to express the song’s original emotion. Merely aiming for a weathered tone, the touching lyrics lacked genuine feeling, making it hard for listeners to connect.”