Chapter 5: The Preliminary Selection

After hanging up the phone, Lin Chuan found himself completely unable to fall back asleep. Glancing at the time, he saw it was just after seven in the morning—less than two hours remained before he had to be at the venue for the preliminary audition.

He turned to look at the boy beside him, Lin Yiyang, who was sprawled out on the bed in a starfish position, sound asleep. Lin Chuan couldn't help but smile. Perhaps, from today onward, their lives would be transformed in unimaginable ways.

"Yangyang, time to get up. Today we're going to compete!" Lin Chuan gently nudged his son and said with a laugh.

"Mmm... Dad, let me sleep just a bit longer, just a little..." Lin Yiyang mumbled, half-opening his eyes and rolling over reluctantly.

"If you don't get up, I'll go by myself!" Lin Chuan deliberately pretended to be annoyed, sitting up as if to leave.

At these words, Lin Yiyang's eyes flew open. He glanced around in a panic before quickly sitting up and chasing after his father.

Over the past two days, Lin Chuan had already figured out his son's weakness, especially when it came to waking up. He had tried every trick in the book, but only the threat of leaving Lin Yiyang home alone filled the boy with dread and roused him instantly.

No wonder, really. The previous "Lin Chuan" had been a notorious drunkard. For as long as Lin Yiyang could remember, his father had lived in a haze of alcohol. In the absence of affection, Lin Yiyang had grown increasingly lonely, to the point where being alone frightened him.

After a quick wash, the father and son began to prepare themselves with care.

No matter what he tried on, Lin Chuan still felt most comfortable in his usual outfit. Since today was only the open audition, he decided not to change clothes. Lin Yiyang, meanwhile, dug out a baseball jacket and cap, instantly looking much more spirited.

Once ready, Lin Chuan led Yiyang out the door, a wooden guitar slung over his back.

The preliminary round was being held at Beining City Television Station. Because the first audition was only semi-public, there would be no audience.

Before coming, Lin Chuan had taken the time to learn about the "One Song to Fame" talent show. He discovered that the program had been running for three consecutive years and was hugely influential nationwide. In the past three years, many new singing stars had emerged, most of whom signed with entertainment agencies the moment the competition ended.

As for the rules, they were quite straightforward. The preliminary audition was ruthless—ten competition zones in total, and after several rounds of elimination, the top ten from each zone would advance to the next stage.

The hundred who made it to the second round were all formidable contenders. From there, fifty would be selected for the next stage, and so on, until the true champion emerged.

The winner would not only receive a substantial cash prize but also sign directly with an entertainment company, becoming a genuine star.

It all sounded easy enough, but to actually make it to the end and bask in the glory of victory was a challenge beyond imagination. Even though Lin Chuan carried countless classic songs from his previous life, there was no guarantee he would succeed as he hoped.

Nevertheless, for his son's sake, Lin Chuan was determined to give it his all.

An hour later, Lin Chuan and Lin Yiyang arrived at the TV station. The recording hall was already packed with aspiring contestants.

"Are you here for the competition?" A woman with a stern face and cold demeanor asked as soon as they entered the hall.

Lin Chuan nodded, offering no extra words.

"Come register," she said, turning to walk away.

Lin Chuan, with Yiyang in tow, hurried after her.

As time ticked by, the atmosphere in the hall grew more lively. Strangers clustered together, discussing the judges and sharing supposed tips on how to advance. Others hid in corners, quietly rehearsing their chosen songs.

But as some confident contestants entered the studio, only to emerge a few minutes later with disappointment etched on their faces, nerves began to set in. When a few sensitive young women left in tears, even the proudest singers felt their confidence crumble.

"Hey, buddy, are you here for the competition too?" As Lin Chuan watched the scene, a stranger struck up a conversation.

He turned to see a gentle-looking man, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old.

"Yeah, that's right," Lin Chuan replied with a smile.

"Is this your son? Are you two competing together?" The man glanced at Yiyang, raising his eyebrows.

"No, I'm just bringing him along for the experience," Lin Chuan replied, chuckling.

"Oh, by the way, have you heard? The judges for this round are stricter than ever—and even Chen Dong, the music industry heavyweight, is here!" The young man suddenly lowered his voice, speaking conspiratorially.

"Chen Dong?" Lin Chuan had never heard the name.

"That's right. He's notorious for being strict. Apparently, when he's on a judging panel, almost no one gets through easily. A couple of years ago, he even scolded the final contestant during a show, and if the producers hadn't intervened, that season might not have had a winner at all!" The young man looked worried.

Lin Chuan couldn't help but draw a sharp breath. If Chen Dong was really as tough as described, he would be a formidable obstacle. Lin Chuan felt the pressure mounting.

"But hey, don't worry—if you're talented, you'll shine anywhere. No matter how strict Chen Dong is, he can't keep the best from advancing," the young man said with a reassuring smile.

Lin Chuan nodded, already considering which song to perform.

The two chatted a bit longer, the young man sharing more rumors. Lin Chuan listened politely but was only half-interested.

The entire morning passed in a haze of anxiety and anticipation. After a light lunch, Lin Chuan and Yiyang returned to the hall to wait. Though many had come and gone, over a hundred contestants still filled the room.

"Lin Chuan!" A woman's voice called from the studio door.

Startled, Lin Chuan hurried over.

"You are Lin Chuan?" The woman eyed him impassively.

"Yes," he replied.

"Alright, you can go in now," she said, checking her list before confirming.

"Um... could you help look after my child?" Lin Chuan was about to enter when he suddenly remembered Yiyang. He couldn't take his son in with him.

The woman frowned slightly, glancing at Yiyang, but before she could reply, the young man from earlier strode over and said, "Hey, let the lady do her job. I'll look after this little guy for you if you trust me!"

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Chuan agreed. He bent down and said to Yiyang, "Yangyang, wait here for a bit. I'll be out soon. Listen to this uncle, alright?"

"I know, Dad! Go do your best!" Yiyang nodded vigorously, raising his little fist in encouragement.

Lin Chuan smiled, pinching his son's cheek before turning to push open the studio door and stepping inside.

The spacious studio was empty, save for three judges seated at the front. All were of considerable age; one, with white hair and glasses, reclined in his chair as if dozing.

From his memories of talent shows, Lin Chuan knew he should introduce himself before singing. He cleared his throat, about to speak, when the white-haired judge, eyes still closed, interrupted impatiently, "Go ahead. Don't waste our time."

"Uh... yes, sir," Lin Chuan replied, startled. He glanced at the judge, feeling a sudden chill.

Without further delay, he took off his guitar and let his fingers dance across the strings.

A bright, cheerful melody filled the empty studio. The two younger judges immediately turned their attention to him, while the white-haired judge, who hadn't so much as glanced his way, continued to rest with his eyes closed.

Unforgettable was the first moment I met you,
Those enchanting eyes,
Your image lingers in my mind, never fading,
Holding your hands, feeling your gentleness,
It's almost more than I can bear,
Your innocence, I want to cherish,
Seeing you wronged, my heart aches...

Wo~

I'm just afraid I'll fall in love with you,
Afraid to let myself get too close,
Afraid I have nothing to give,
Loving you takes so much courage,
I'm just afraid I'll fall in love with you...

As the fresh, lively tune of "Love You More Than I Can Say" soared through the air, the two younger judges' faces brightened with interest.

Even the white-haired judge, who hadn't bothered to look at Lin Chuan until now, slowly sat up, opened his eyes, and fixed his gaze on the stage.

Usually, few contestants in the open auditions were allowed to finish a whole song. Yet Lin Chuan sang "Love You More Than I Can Say" from start to finish before anyone interrupted.

When the last note faded, the three judges seemed to awaken from a trance.

"Young man, tell us a bit about yourself," the white-haired judge said, his face now full of interest.