Chapter 17: Battle on the Stage

Led by the staff, Lin Chuan stepped onto the stage.

The moment he appeared, the entire recording studio fell silent. Every gaze turned toward him. The sensation made Lin Chuan deeply uncomfortable, especially with the three judges seated below. Their eyes, sharp as blades, swept over him with undisguised disdain and mocking smiles.

Today's competition differed significantly from the previous rounds—the most glaring change being the number of judges. The original five had been reduced to three, and all of them were unfamiliar faces. Even the highly respected titan of the music scene, Master Chen Dong, was absent for reasons unknown.

Lin Chuan had originally planned to sing a popular song from this world and hadn't even brought his guitar. Yet with the sudden change in judges, this plan was thrown into uncertainty. The new judges' unfriendly stares made their intentions clear.

"Good evening, teachers. Good evening, host," Lin Chuan greeted, bowing to the three judges and the host beside them, trying to steady himself in the tense, oppressive atmosphere.

"Ah... Xiao Chuan, as a singer-songwriter, every round brings great expectations from everyone. I wonder what surprises you'll bring us today?" the host said with a forced laugh, walking over with a hint of awkwardness.

"Today I would like to—"

"Lin Chuan, is it? Sorry to interrupt, but regarding your previous original songs, we've all listened to them. While each is quite good, this is a talent show, not a songwriting contest. If you insist on performing another original, it's not just us judges—I'm afraid even the audience won't approve," one of the judges interjected, his tone dripping with scorn. He looked to be in his thirties, wearing glasses and a suit, projecting a scholarly air that was belied by his words.

"Indeed, I wholeheartedly agree with Teacher Yang Wei's suggestion. If you insist on performing your own songs, this may be as far as you go," the female judge in her forties chimed in, nodding.

Though Lin Chuan maintained a stoic expression, he simmered with frustration inside. In the history of such talent shows, while original songs were uncommon, they were by no means unheard of. Never before had judges openly forbidden contestants from singing their own work.

Even the host seemed momentarily taken aback by the judges' words, glancing uncertainly at Yang Wei, the first to speak.

"Heh, the judges make a fair point. No matter how good an original song is, it's unfamiliar to the audience and hard to win them over at first listen. If you want to advance, I’d suggest, like the others, choosing a song everyone knows. What do you think, Xiao Chuan?" The host's remarks seemed aimed both at the judges and the audience, concluding with a clear suggestion to Lin Chuan.

Lin Chuan frowned, speculating inwardly. Judging from the situation, whether he performed an original or a familiar song, he would gain nothing. It was clear the new judges were targeting him, perhaps even looking for any excuse to eliminate him this round.

Of course, he might just be overthinking it. After all, with his current standing, it seemed unlikely that such heavyweights would go out of their way to make trouble for him.

Regardless, whatever song he sang tonight, the outcome was already set—he would gain no advantage.

Watching Lin Chuan standing there, brows tightly knit and lost in thought, the host waited patiently for his decision. Meanwhile, the three judges whispered among themselves, their glances at Lin Chuan full of ridicule.

The oppressive, tense atmosphere thickened with Lin Chuan’s silence, spreading through the entire studio. The audience, too, could practically hear each other's heartbeats and breaths.

"Sing 'Ten Years'!"

No one knew how long this standoff lasted, but just as the tension reached its peak, a voice suddenly called out from the audience. Everyone, including Lin Chuan, turned toward the source. It was a young man in glasses, holding up a sign as he shouted the name of the song without hesitation.

There was no doubt—this was a die-hard fan of Lin Chuan.

In such a moment, having a loyal fan step forward, no matter the effect, was a deep encouragement and support for Lin Chuan. It warmed his heart to know he was not fighting alone on stage.

"No, not 'Ten Years'! We want 'Childhood'!" a girl suddenly stood up, shouting at the boy who had called for 'Ten Years'.

"No, we want 'Ten Years'! That's Lin Chuan’s signature song!"

"'Ten Years' is great, but 'Childhood' is more meaningful—we long for our younger days!"

Suddenly, the audience erupted into debate, quickly dividing into two camps.

From Lin Chuan's entrance till now, only ten minutes had passed, yet the atmosphere had shifted from oppression and tension to a brief silence, and now to a fervent outburst.

It was as if the audience had forgotten the judges and production team entirely. They shouted at the top of their lungs for the song they wanted to hear, and some even looked ready to rush the stage to grab Lin Chuan by the collar and demand he sing 'Ten Years' or 'Childhood'.

For Lin Chuan, this was undoubtedly a turn for the better. No matter how powerful the judges were, they could no longer resist the expectations and demands of the entire audience.

Now, whichever song Lin Chuan chose, the judges would not dare eliminate him lightly. Of course, if his performance fell short, even his fans couldn't guarantee his advancement.

"Everyone, please quiet down. It seems our audience is full of Lin Chuan's most loyal supporters!" The host quickly spoke up as the scene threatened to spiral out of control.

Fortunately, the crowd calmed as soon as the host's voice rang out.

With a faint smile, the host ignored the judges’ grim faces and spoke directly to Lin Chuan. "It looks like the audience has high hopes for you, Xiao Chuan. I’m curious too—which song will you choose for today’s competition?"

"Thank you all for your support. Honestly, before today’s competition, I planned to perform a more familiar song. But seeing such passion for 'Ten Years' and 'Childhood,' I’m truly moved. However, this is a competition, and singing both songs isn’t really possible. I’m sure the three judges wouldn’t agree—am I right?" Lin Chuan concluded, turning his gaze to the judges.

At once, everyone else followed suit, fixing their eyes on the judges.

Yang Wei and his colleagues looked visibly uncomfortable, realizing Lin Chuan had backed them into a corner.

If they agreed to both songs, it would break the rules—each contestant was only allowed one song, no matter how many fans they had. But if they refused, although no one could do anything to them here, the competition would be televised. If a backlash from fans followed, their reputations could suffer, especially with the media eager to stoke controversy. They risked being labeled as "bullies" or "veterans oppressing newcomers," a pressure even they could not withstand.

As the judges huddled together, struggling over what to do, Lin Chuan quietly walked over to the band. No one knew what he said to the musicians, but after a moment he returned.

"So, judges, have you reached a decision? Can you share it with everyone now?" The host smiled as Lin Chuan resumed his place beside him.

"Uh..." Yang Wei forced a smile, opening his mouth but unable to say a word. The other two judges sat deflated, faces dark, saying nothing.

"Judging by the look of things, I suppose the judges have made up their minds. Well, let's not delay any longer. Let's give the remaining time to Lin Chuan." With that, the host swiftly exited the stage.

His words were ambiguous, making no effort to clarify the judges' intentions, but simply handing the decision over.

For a moment, both the audience and the judges stared at each other in confusion.

Now, only Lin Chuan remained on stage. His mood was buoyant, a faint smile never leaving his face.

Soon, as the music began, everyone held their breath, eyes fixed unwaveringly on Lin Chuan and the stage.