Chapter 15

"Love is essentially a bubble If one can see through it What is there to grieve over? Why grieve? What is there to grieve over? Why grieve?"

Singing of how nothing brings sorrow, yet every single line is steeped in grief. Members of the live audience were already moved to tears.

"Gege, Gege!" "Qin Tian! Qin Tian!" "Keep it up, Xiaotian!"

As the curtains of the performance slowly fell, a subtle, imperceptible ripple stirred in Naza's heart. Being an intensely emotional person by nature, she couldn't help pondering to herself: "Is he really that heartbroken? Was I too heartless? Perhaps I should have given him more encouragement, given him a chance to start over?"

At this thought, she felt as though she heard the rich, booming voice of Little Black Fatty Guo Dagang echoing in her ears: "It's still not too late to give him a chance now!!!"

As for Qin Tian, he was completely oblivious to the waves in Naza's heart; even if he had known, he would have merely responded with that knowing smile. (*′?`*) Everything was under control, and the plan had worked!

Following the performance, the live audience's enthusiastic voting began, and the numbers leaped across the screen: No. 881 Wu Mochou, No. 882 Qin Tian, No. 883 Jike, No. 884 Jin Zhiwen. Hua Shao's voice rang out at the opportune moment: "Following the enthusiastic vote of the live audience, the contestant with the highest vote count is Wu Mochou. Congratulations to her on successfully advancing to the final fourth round. As for the remaining three contestants, the one with the lowest vote count will regrettably depart. Next, please enjoy a commercial break."

Qin Tian couldn't help muttering: "I knew it, this final round wouldn't be so easy to get into. Do they just want to hear me sing one more song?"

If the show's executives could hear his inner thoughts, they would probably be tempted to give him a like!

In truth, Qin Tian knew very well that every contestant who had made it this far was extraordinarily capable. Although he had defeated Liang Bo, the road ahead remained full of unknowns. Compared to his vocal and songwriting skills (cough, cough, let's just gloss over the plagiarism part, shall we?), his raw vocal technique was indeed somewhat lacking.

Sigh, the viewers in front of their TVs were basically all complaining. He just knew they would be like this.

"Why is it Wu Mochou? Shouldn't it be Qin Tian? Qin Tian sings so well! His high notes are full of passion, and his emotions are sincere and moving. What's so great about Wu Mochou just doing vocal runs?"

The live audience was also buzzing with discussion: "Who did you vote for? How on earth did Wu Mochou get the highest vote count?"

While the audience kept complaining, the backstage was filled with harmony. The contestants encouraged one another, and no one wanted to leave any regrets on this stage. Qin Tian even generously promised to write a song for everyone.

Jike chuckled teasingly: "Our big talent had better hurry up, or else we won't be able to afford to buy your songs in the future!"

Actually, they were also using this method to relieve their inner tension.

After the commercial break, Hua Shao stepped back onto the stage to announce: "Moments like this are always the most regrettable. A summer of hard work and sweat is all for this single moment of blooming. Now I announce that the contestant with the lowest vote count is... Jin Zhiwen. Please gather your thoughts and bid farewell to the live audience and mentors."

"Next, please let the two remaining contestants prepare for their third-round performances."

(A quick aside, does anyone remember the grand spectacle during the Season 1 Peak Tournament when that fairy sister also came to present an award?)

The third round of performances officially began. Jike brought a folk-custom-filled song titled "Don't Be Afraid", interpreting it soulfully in the Yi language, which added a unique splash of color to the competition.

As for Qin Tian, he chose the song "Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth", using his unique voice and emotional delivery to once again conquer the hearts of the live audience.

"I put brush to paper for this land, tens of thousands of miles of our nation's bloodline, Six hundred years across the centuries, the descendants of the dragon have weathered the storm and rain. The central axis of the imperial capital remains steadfast as a gentleman's integrity, The glazed tiles atop the Nine Dragon Wall see history decline and rise anew from here."

Overflowing with positive energy!

Huan Ge laughed and said: "This song is truly wonderful, another masterpiece on the level of the Spring Festival Gala. Exactly how many treasures does this kid have hidden up his sleeve?"

Harlem chimed in: "He's playing his trump card now. This song is entirely worthy of being performed in the fourth round, and it definitely has a shot at contending for the championship. So what will he sing in the fourth round? I'm already starting to sweat for Wu Mochou."

Brother Kun joked: "Huan Ge, you might want to consider asking him if he wants to join the song and dance troupe. Songs with this kind of positive energy aren't easy to write, yet he just keeps pulling them out one after another."

Huan Ge nodded in agreement, saying he would ask about Qin Tian's thoughts after the competition. The public jury members present also wore expressions of astonishment. As long as this kid didn't stray down the wrong path, just these competition songs would be enough for him to live comfortably for the rest of his life.

After the performance, Hua Shao walked onto the stage looking conflicted to announce the eliminated contestant: "I kind of hate myself at this exact moment; this moment is truly too cruel. However, I must still announce that the one advancing is... Qin Tian!"

After finishing her concluding remarks, Jike shouted: "Let's welcome Wu Mochou back to the stage! Next, Wu Mochou and Qin Tian will engage in the ultimate showdown!"

Upon announcing the showdown, the leader from Zhejiang Television grinned from ear to ear, because the viewership ratings had already broken 11 and were poised to break 12! He gazed affectionately at their mascot Qin Tian, as if looking at a guaranteed viewership rating.

In the next round, Wu Mochou would perform "Living Alone", while Qin Tian would sing "Chiling". Because Qin Tian's makeup was quite complex, Wu Mochou would perform first.

(Fan Xiaopang presenting an award to Li Daimo, hahaha, both of these people ended up banned, and even Zhou Libo came over to join the fun of presenting an award.)

After going through a complicated makeup process, Qin Tian finally waited by the side of the stage to be called. He was like a soldier about to go into battle, both nervous and excited.

Finally, it was Qin Tian's turn to take the stage!

My lord, there is more to this chapter; please click the next page to continue reading, the rest is even more exciting!

"A fold of the opera, water sleeves rise and fall, Singing of sorrow and joy, meetings and partings, having nothing to do with me. Fans open and close, gongs and drums sound then fall silent, Who can truly speak of the emotions within the drama and the people outside the play? Accustomed to blending joy, anger, sorrow, and delight into facial makeup, So what if the old verses are sung through? Bones, white and ash-gray, are all me. A drifting duckweed in troubled times, bearing to watch the flames of war burn mountains and rivers, Though of humble station, I dare not forget to worry for my country, Even if no one knows me."

"Hey, is this another song with Beijing opera flair? It sounds quite down-to-earth, but it seems a bit too 'approachable'!"

"This song has a difficulty coefficient that's practically zero! How did it become the closing treasure? Is the production team playing with our heartbeats, or just messing with us purely for fun?"

"Oh my, are there some unspeakable little secrets behind this? Or is our 'Rigged-Game Lord' quietly back online, putting obstacles in Wu Mochou's path to advancement? After all, Qin Tian's first two tracks were simply absolute dominance in terms of sheer strength!"

The audience members furrowed their brows one by one, their little question marks piling up like a mountain. This song selection was simply too "commonplace," making people suspect that Qin Tian was deliberately "throwing the match." Sure enough, the buddies in front of their TVs couldn't hold back anymore, flooding Weibo with their "complaint convention," and all kinds of bullet comments about "rigged matches" and "unfairness" filled the air—it was simply bustling with excitement.

As for the bigwigs of the production team, however, they were as happy as could be. Look at these viewership ratings shooting straight up and breaking 12! Such results were enough for them to brag about for a lifetime! It seemed the initial decision was truly wise and magnificent—allowing Qin Tian to sing three songs was simply a masterstroke. However, if you thought about it even more closely, this segment design could be upgraded further: a five-round battle with Qin Tian singing four songs would be nothing short of breathtaking!

The performance continued:

"The people below the stage walk past without seeing the old colors, The person upon the stage sings a heart-breaking song of parting. The character for 'love' is hard to brush onto paper, She sings that it must be blended with blood. The drama curtain rises, the drama curtain falls, who is the guest? Ah, Deep affection, regret of taking it seriously, Looking back, all is an illusion. Who is the person right before me?"

"What the heck, male dan singing style?!" "Too awesome, can he actually sing Beijing opera?" "This is very similar to 'The New Drunk Concubine'!"

Back then, the release of the song "The New Drunk Concubine" shocked everyone so much their jaws nearly hit the floor, and today this "Chiling" was no less impressive. The lyrics were completely filled with the national soul, telling of the grand sentiments of humble people, which was deeply touching.

Harlem smiled at Sister Na and said: "Well then, Xiaotian has completely won this time. Once this song comes out, who can contend with him? Sister Na, congratulations, congratulations on taking in such a prized disciple!" Although Harlem was from Taiwan, she was well aware of the power of greater national righteousness.

Sister Na beamed from ear to ear: "Congratulations to us both! Xiaotian is a grateful child, the four of us all have a share in this!"

Naza felt secretly pleased in her heart: "Hmph, as expected of the man who took a fancy to this lady!" At this moment, Qin Tian was simply glowing brilliantly in her eyes; talent had an undeniable pulling power, otherwise how could those average-looking guys hook so many beauties? It certainly wasn't all because of money.

(Feng Dapao, Xu Fan, Director Chen, Chen Hong, Director Zhang—which of these people wasn't a big shot? Not to mention those advisors who started out as cinematographers; if Shang Wenli wanted to find a director, it would be as easy as taking candy from a baby.)

When the song ended, the mentors began their vote-solicitation segments.

Harlem waved her hand: "I'm not lobbying for votes here, haha! Wu Mochou's songs always make people happy the moment you hear them. The reason I didn't laugh today is because your song was just too touching. Thank you for choosing me; I've got immense pressure on my shoulders! Though Wu Mochou has always been surrounded by controversy, isn't controversy exactly what we want? In a moment, we're going to go record some happy songs!"

Hua Shao turned to Sister Na and said: "Sister Na, it's your turn to lobby for votes."

Sister Na said with deep affection: "Qin Tian, from the very first time I turned my chair, I knew it was worth it! What I want to say today... um... this is a broadcast live, sorry Hua Shao, I want to say a few more words. Today at the 80,000-seat stadium, the moment I sat right here and listened to you sing 'Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth', interpreting a national song with your unique post-90s emotions, I knew you had already won! Your 'Chiling', your voice, your ethereal quality—they all deeply moved me. You've completely hooked the Beijing opera-loving hearts of the Golden Senior Group! From now on, I'm not singing 'Conquest' anymore; I'm switching to Beijing opera! I am so proud!"

When it was the singer's turn to solicit votes, Wu Mochou said gratefully: "Thank you everyone for your support! I've always sung happy songs, but music isn't just about happiness; there's also sadness, warmth, and the ability to convey emotions. I've been so lucky this summer to meet such wonderful audiences and Teacher Harlem. Just now, hearing Teacher Harlem's words—these tears of mine aren't from sorrow, they are tears of joy! Thank you!"

Hua Shao turned to Qin Tian: "Qin Tian, do you have anything you'd like to say?"

Qin Tian scratched his head: "I'm not very good at speaking. Even though this is live, I feel so lucky to have made it to today. No matter when, I will keep writing and singing songs."

Shedding his usual image of a youthful big boy, Qin Tian now looked somewhat ruffianly and handsome; this kind of style was simply irresistible. Naza looked on with little stars in her eyes. At this very moment, which girl could not be fascinated by Qin Tian? Able to be soft or hard, warm or ruffianly, mature or youthful, able to go up and down—he was quite simply the epitome of the perfect boyfriend!

Following Wang Toutiao's performance, the voting channel closed.

Hua Shao announced the rules: "The public jury members will vote by standing up. Combined with the proportion of the live audience's votes, the final vote count will be determined. Please begin!"

After a round of tense voting and tallying, Wu Mochou received 36 votes from the media jury, while Qin Tian received 63.

Hua Shao continued: "The final voting percentage will now be announced by the Chairman of JDB Group."

The Chairman announced: "The final proportions are 43% for Wu Mochou and 57% for Qin Tian."

Hua Shao excitedly asked: "Then who is the winner of the 2012 Voice of China?"

"Qin Tian! Qin Tian!" Qin Tian's fans shouted frantically.

Hua Shao confirmed once again: "The winner of the 2012 Voice of China is—Qin Tian!"

At this moment, Qin Tian felt as happy as an 18-year-old kid. He had thought about winning the championship, but that was only something in his dreams. Originally, he had only wanted to reach the level of someone like Li Daimo, then release songs and do commercial performances to make money. He never expected that, quite by accident, he would become the champion.

He only wanted to say that his talent had finally triumphed over capital.

As for Naza, her heart was filled with a complex mixture of emotions. She slowly followed the crowd as they exited. Perhaps there was a trace of regret for having turned Qin Tian down. But who could tell what the future held? The Qin Tian of today was, after all, a dazzlingly radiant existence.

Women, they were just like that. The harder you chased them, the more annoyed they got; if you ignored them, they would miss you all the more instead. The art of playing hard to get really was the most effective trick after all.

At this moment, apart from thanking the sponsors, Qin Tian was also hosting his parents, relatives, and friends. They had all come to the scene to witness Qin Tian's championship moment. Yet amidst all this, Qin Tian secretly sent a WeChat message to Naza: "Sister Naza, thank you. The encouragement you gave me kept me moving forward. I'm the champion, I did it!"