'Journey', when translated into English, meant a journey.
But, because the English language was better suited to the competition, the organizers decided to turn it into a battle of the kings.
The competition was split into three parts: the qualifiers, the semi-finals, the top 300 and then the top 100. The competition was a direct and cruel elimination round with no revival round or other rules. In other words, only the top 100 contestants had the right to hear the rules of the competition.
From the semi-finals onwards, every Saturday night would be broadcasted live. In other words, the top 100 contestants would be determined in one month's time.
The competition could be said to be very tight. The contestants had to prepare for the next battle in just a few days. This was the extremely cruel path of this competition.
"The number of people that made it through the qualifiers is quite surprising. So, don't relax just because you think you still have a lot of spots. I'm not against you relaxing, but you need to understand how important this competition is to you, "Lin Lan escorted Tangning back to her home. She then scanned her eyes across the apartment that Tangning was currently living in. "No, this place is too shabby. You need to move somewhere else."
"But, won't my sister get suspicious?"
"Don't worry, from the day you signed with Superstar Media, unless you tell her yourself, she won't hear about you from anyone else," Lin Lan reassured. "She will simply assume that her sister is still an unknown teacher at a music academy."
"OK, I'll listen to the agency."
"In that case, I'll take you out for dinner first before I send you back to pack your luggage." Lin Qian led her into the hotel. But, not long after they sat down, they overheard the people around them discussing the competition. After all, a grand event like this only happened once every few years, so it was naturally a hot topic for discussion.
"You guys just joined the competition. Did you guys pass the qualifiers?"
"Who do you think our Nana is? How could she not pass? She's so pretty and has such a great voice. She's a natural-born celebrity. "
Hearing the people at the next table discussing the auditions, Lin Qian shook her head at Xing Lan, "Remember this pretty girl called Nana. I bet she will definitely be eliminated in the next round."
"That can't be. She's so pretty. "The woman was dressed in a long white dress and had a sweet appearance. No matter how one looked at her, she was definitely going to get a good placing.
"Do you really think this competition is a beauty contest? Also, believe me, it won't be long before some ugly and dirty things start to spread in the circle. "
Fame and fortune were the most attractive things in this world. Once you had the opportunity to possess them, who would be so foolish to let go?
"Don't worry, it's good that you're keeping a low profile." Xing Lan wouldn't become a thorn in other people's side. At least, in the early stages, it wouldn't be easy for trouble to find her. Lin Qian was very confident. Of course, this was all thanks to her teacher, Tangning.
Xing Lan smiled in response.
The semi-finals were to be held in 6 days. However, Tangning was not in a rush to train Xing Lan like everyone else. She didn't hire an expert to help her with her singing. Instead, she told her to relax as usual. She knew that Xing Lan didn't lose to anyone when it came to talent. All she lacked was stability and confidence.
Soon, the semi-finals were held at Beijing's stadium. As usual, Lin Qian accompanied Xing Lan to the venue.
This time, it was still an elimination round. There were 5 contestants in a group and only one person would advance.
At the venue, the two women spotted the beautiful woman that they had met at the hotel the other day, Nana. Today, she was dressed beautifully and no one could take their eyes off her. But, Lin Qian had already said that this woman was definitely going to be eliminated this time.
"Let's go and draw lots," Lin Qian reminded. After drawing lots, they each found their group and waited patiently.
But, as soon as Xing Lan entered her group, the other girls looked at her questioningly. In fact, they even looked at her as if she wasn't a big deal. They didn't feel threatened because Xing Lan didn't have a sharp edge.
At this time, Xing Lan finally understood why Lin Qian wanted her to act like a country bumpkin. If she wasn't a threat in the eyes of others, it meant that they would underestimate her.
"What's your strategy this time?" Xing Lan whispered into Lin Qian's ear.
"Sing a song that you're comfortable with and keep your true abilities to yourself. It's not time for you to reveal your true abilities yet."
"Understood."
So, while the other contestants were singing hysterically on stage and crying, Xing Lan remained unusually calm.
She was still as simple and plain as ever. But, one of the judges this time happened to be one of the judges, so he was particularly curious when he saw Xing Lan.
But, he did not mention this to the other judges because he still needed to confirm Xing Lan's abilities. Otherwise, if he told the others now, it would only increase their expectations of Xing Lan.
"Child, you can begin," the judge reminded.
This time, Xing Lan no longer sang a nursery rhyme. Instead, she sang a heartwarming song. After so much hysteria, the judges' ears were about to explode. So, a heartwarming song was the best way to relieve their fatigue.
Xing Lan's voice was as clean as usual and she had a sweet and warm smile. As she immersed herself in her singing, her emotions were like Tangning's acting. Naturally, she was able to portray the essence of the song.
When it came to singing, it wasn't easy to tell how good her singing was. But, her singing was very stable and her voice was very comforting.
Out of the five contestants, only one would advance. So, there was a 20% chance.
It didn't seem like a big or small opportunity, but once it was lost, it would be lost forever.
As the five contestants stood together on stage, it was time to decide their fates.
The rest of the people didn't even think that the unprepossessing person on the far left could possibly advance.
What kind of joke was this? The entertainment industry wasn't a place that a country bumpkin who didn't understand fashion could enter.
But, the judges announced Xing Lan's name.
"Congratulations, Xing Lan. You've obtained the highest score in your group and successfully advanced. Next week, prepare for the top 100 from 300."
Xing Lan bowed and thanked the judges. Meanwhile, the other contestants looked at her in surprise.
"What?"
"What just happened?"
"How did that country bumpkin advance?"
"There's a conspiracy!"
At this time, Xing Lan no longer cared about the discussions around her. She simply left the stage with her head held high and returned to Lin Qian's side, "I've successfully advanced. But, I'm looking forward to the top 100 more."
"The day you enter the top 100 will be the day you see that person. That's when the real competition begins."
As for Tangning, she was planning to officially announce to everyone that she was back!
When she thought about how the media would react …
They would probably find it funny.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
