Chapter 56: So You’re Doraemon After All

Xu Ze looked up, puzzled. “And you are?”

Seeing Xu Ze’s apparent unfamiliarity, Zheng Xiyi silently grumbled to herself:

“He’s really putting on a good act. Are there still young people these days who don’t know me?”

So what if she’d gotten a bit popular recently, now he was pretending not to recognize her. When she first debuted, she had been far more famous than Xu Ze was now.

With a forced smile, Zheng Xiyi said, “My name is Zheng Xiyi. Surely you’ve heard of me? I sing ‘Dora Cat’—Dora Dora Cat?”

Dora Cat? Xu Ze could only recall Doraemon.

Still, he feigned sudden realization. “Ah, yes! Dora Cat, I’ve heard it! So you’re Zheng Xiyi. Hello, hello.”

A dark line appeared on Zheng Xiyi’s face—his acting couldn’t be any more fake.

Then, curiosity piqued, she asked, “Haven’t you had your rehearsal yet?”

The show was about to begin, and most participants had already rehearsed.

Xu Ze shook his head. “I don’t rehearse.”

“No rehearsal?” Zheng Xiyi was incredulous.

Impossible. For a Yang TV program, everyone had to rehearse, even someone of Zhang Yingjing’s stature had to obediently go through the motions.

Unless… something had happened to Xu Ze’s segment, and it wouldn’t even make it to the stage!

That thought made Zheng Xiyi inexplicably happy.

Serves him right for showing off. If his performance got cut, let’s see how awkward he’ll be.

Nevertheless, outwardly, she maintained a concerned facade. “Didn’t you ask the director?”

Xu Ze spread his hands. “The director told me not to rehearse.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiyi was certain—Xu Ze’s act had been axed.

So this was as far as Xu Ze would go.

With that, she resumed her cold expression and walked straight past Xu Ze without another word.

Wasting even a single expression on a flash-in-the-pan contestant was beneath her.

Watching Zheng Xiyi’s departing silhouette, Xu Ze frowned. Why had this woman’s mood changed so suddenly, leaving without a word?

He couldn’t make sense of it.

7:50 p.m.

The entire auditorium was packed. The venue was spacious, with two levels, accommodating nearly a thousand people.

Many in the audience were principals from elementary and middle schools across the country, invited specially, along with students and their parents.

In the front row, the various officials had already taken their seats.

Since all the heads of government departments were present, the event was high profile—even the Yang TV station chief had to sit at the edge as a companion.

Tonight’s program would be broadcast live on Yang TV’s third channel, both online and on television.

Given the show’s growing buzz these past few days, even though there were still a few minutes before it started, the ratings for Yang TV’s third channel were already soaring.

No one could have predicted that because of Xu Ze, a children’s music competition would receive such overwhelming attention.

Finally, at 8 p.m., the show officially began.

First, there was the leader’s address, followed by dimmed lights and the opening guest performer taking the stage.

Wang Yihan took a deep breath and strode from backstage to the center, awaiting the music’s cue.

Though the weather had turned chilly, Wang Yihan wore a sleeveless black leather jacket, revealing his muscular arms.

Meanwhile, the live stream chat exploded.

“Wow, Wang Yihan is so handsome!”

“Wang Yihan, Wang Yihan!”

Though there hadn’t been much discussion about him online lately, that was only because Xu Ze’s staggering popularity had overshadowed him—his actual fanbase remained strong.

Tonight, Wang Yihan performed his hit new song, “Simply Too Beautiful.”

“Too beautiful! Too beautiful!”

Wang Yihan’s electronic sound was displayed in full.

A little boy in the audience pointed at Wang Yihan on stage, admiration shining in his eyes. “Mom, that brother is so cool! I want to be like him when I grow up!”

His mother, hearing her son aspire to be like Wang Yihan, immediately gave him a gentle smack on the head.

“Of all people, you want to imitate Wang Yihan? Try it and I’ll break your legs.”

“Oh.” The boy looked utterly aggrieved.

The chat was lively as ever.

“Wang Yihan’s songs are still so good.”

“His dancing is amazing too!”

“What’s so good? It’s all electronic music, nowhere near Xu Ze.”

“I agree, I just can’t appreciate it.”

Wang Yihan’s fans saw their idol being criticized and instantly fought back:

“That’s because your brains aren’t fully developed, so you can’t appreciate real music!”

“Xu Ze’s songs are just pointless whining, nowhere near Wang Yihan!”

Someone dropped a bombshell in the chat:

“Then tell me, why is Wang Yihan’s song only third on the new music charts? The top two are both Xu Ze’s!”

Wang Yihan’s fans fell silent.

But quickly, they retorted stubbornly:

“So what if Xu Ze’s songs are higher on the charts? Only Wang Yihan is qualified to be the opening guest. Xu Ze? He’s not even worthy!”

Immediately, the chat devolved into heated arguments.

Wang Yihan finished his opening song and stepped off stage, letting out a long breath.

Truth be told, it was his first time singing live at a Yang TV event, with so many officials in the audience—he couldn’t possibly not feel nervous.

Many celebrities sing well in the studio, but when it comes to live performances, they often make mistakes, simply because the distractions on site are overwhelming.

Luckily, he made it through without any mishaps.

He sneered inwardly:

“Let’s see if Xu Ze will be too scared to sing later.”

Even with his wealth of experience, he felt nervous—let alone Xu Ze, who was a newcomer and had only performed twice before.

Those rows of officials below truly held real power, and their presence created an oppressive atmosphere that was no joke.

Honestly, he couldn’t bring himself to look any of them in the eye while singing, focusing instead on the distant audience.

Fortunately, he spotted a young boy crying especially hard among the spectators, and this distraction helped ease his nerves—he even felt a bit grateful to the boy.

The competition moved to its midsection.

The next guest performer was Zheng Xiyi.

She appeared in a stunning low-cut gown, slowly ascending the stage, looking radiant and alluring.

The audience erupted with cheers, proving Zheng Xiyi still had many admirers.

The live stream chat buzzed with awe.

“Ah, Zheng Xiyi looks gorgeous!”

“That dress is beautiful.”

“She seems even prettier than when she debuted.”

Zheng Xiyi performed her signature song “Dora Cat,” her sweet voice and dancing paired with the hint of sensuality from her low neckline, creating a striking contrast that electrified the male audience.

Cheers broke out.

Little Lonely Bar.

At that moment, the bar’s big screen was broadcasting the children’s music competition.

Many regulars, knowing the owner would be showing the program tonight, had arrived early to claim their spots.

Initially, most came for the discounted drinks, but now, the majority were there just to see Xu Ze.

Many had become Xu Ze’s fans.

Imagine a burly man, tattooed with dragons and tigers, chugging beer in a bar and shouting:

“Xu Ze! Xu Ze, I love you! Just like a mouse loves rice!”

“I want to see Xu Ze! Why isn’t Xu Ze on yet? Ah, Xu Ze’s here! Xu Ze is so handsome!”