All-rounder Artist

Chapter 467: Chapter 445 How Come You Have So Many Fish_1

Tong Shuwen played a good hand.

His way of thinking was indeed correct, who would expect that Xian Yu was actually a singer about to debut, but couldn’t sing because of his damaged vocal cords and thus reluctantly turned to composing, with enormous success as a result?

As for whether losing the competition would affect Xian Yu’s position as a judge…

There is even less to worry about with that.

Here, you can make an incomplete but appropriate analogy:

The relationship between a composer and a singer is like that between a screenwriter and an actor.

You say that a screenwriter and an actor compete in acting, and if the screenwriter loses, does that mean he is not qualified to judge the actor?

There’s no such rule.

Plus, Xian Yu’s relationship with his collaborating singers is probably not just that of a screenwriter and an actor, but also that of a director and an actor.

Think about it.

For Xian Yu’s songs, he writes the lyrics, composes the melody, and even does the arrangements himself. The singers are responsible only for the singing part.

Even how to sing is mainly up to Xian Yu’s discretion.

Most top composers in Blue Star control the quality of their songs and choose their singers themselves.

Of course, this is not absolute.

If the composer is not high-profiled enough, while the singer is very influential, then the singer does have the right to speak out.

Just like in a film crew, popular actors can make novice directors listen to them.

But let’s not discuss unconventional situations.

Because the judges invited to “The Masked Singer” are all high-ranking individuals in the music industry, including the Maestro.

No singer can surpass the Maestro, not even the King or Queen of Singing.

Bear in mind that the Kings and Queens of Singing were created by the Maestros, and there wouldn’t be any Kings or Queens without them.

“Release some information.”

The program director, Tong Shuwen, said with a smile: “The public is getting impatient.”

“Alright.”

The assistant director nodded.

On the same day.

The production team of “The Masked Singer” announced a message:

“Our program will start recording on February 1, and the six mysterious guests for the first episode are already prepared. We can’t disclose their names here; everyone can guess who they are based on their voices and performances, which is the real fun of this program. Nevertheless, we can share some exciting news with all of you. Among the six guests on the first episode, each one is extremely prominent. Not only are there top singers in the industry but even the Kings and Queens of Singing. Also, the panel of the first episode is led by the Maestro. To know who it is, make sure to tune in to the program on time!”

Boom!

The news caused a sensation, not only because of the announced date of the recording but also due to the revealed information about the singers –

“Finally, it’s here!”

“Each guest is extraordinary. Who will be the first revealed?”

“Top-level singers?”

“Huh? Kings and Queens of Singing!?”

“It was worth the long wait. Not only are top-level singers competing on the same stage, but also the Kings and Queens of Singing!”

“And this is only the first episode!”

“Hahaha, the first episode already poses a hellish challenge. I love it!”

“The judges are damn impressive too! The Maestro is leading the panel right off the bat!”

“Damn, Maestros are usually elusive figures behind the scenes. They’re the hidden giants in the industry and rarely show up in musical programs!”

“One million times better than ‘Bloom’!”

“I remember that ‘Bloom’ would invite the Maestros to preside only in the grand finale. These Maestros are top dogs in the music industry. Their words are truth and they are not afraid of offending singers. Unlike ordinary judges who prefer to play nice and blindly blow their trumpets.”

“…”

Who says behind-the-scenes go unnoticed?

Some are indeed of great interest to the public.

For instance, those top directors in the film industry, or the key scriptwriters in the core production.

Or the Maestros in the music industry.

Therefore, as soon as the production team released the news, it caused a stir both inside and outside the industry. Everyone’s attention was firmly drawn to the anticipation created by the team!

…

In a certain community,

Sun Yaohuo called his agent and asked a question: “Why are my songs popular but I’m not?”

“Because you’re not attractive enough.”

The agent replied without hesitation.

Sun Yaohuo’s face immediately darkened: “Open your damn eyes and look, aren’t I a million times better looking than you?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

The agent chuckled: “I mean, your looks are too ordinary for our entertainment industry. Even though everyone cares more about the singer’s ability, no one would deny the bonus points an artist gets for good looks.”

“What about my voice?”

“Pretty good.”

“What if I cover my face to sing…”

“You want to participate in that program?”

“Yes.”

The agent said: “I think it’s a good idea. This program suits you well. The audience can’t see your face, so they will pay attention to your voice. And your voice is actually the kind that doesn’t amaze you at first but becomes surprisingly appealing the more you listen to it.”

“Then let’s apply. I’ve even figured out my stage persona. What do you think of the ‘Fishman’?”

“Fishman…”

The agent laughed: “Sounds good.”

Meanwhile,

In a hotel,

Jiang Kui stared at her manager: “I want to participate in ‘The Masked Singer’.”

“Even if you didn’t say it, I would suggest you participate. Your singing skills are as good as the Kings and Queens of Singing, but your experience is a big problem. However, this show doesn’t look at experience. After everyone puts on their masks, they can only rely on pure singing skills. If the Maestro-level judges announce that you are as good as the Queen of Singing, the moment you reveal yourself will be incredible…”

The manager’s eyes flickered.

Jiang Kui said: “I’m confident that no one will recognize my voice. When the time comes, everyone will be guessing who this powerful mermaid is.”

Her manager was stunned: “Mermaid?”

Jiang Kui smiled: “I plan to make my appearance as a mermaid. There’s a fairy tale called ‘The Daughter of the Sea’ that’s popular recently, right?”

Her manager broke into a hearty laugh: “I’m guessing it’s not because of the fairy tale, is it?”

Jiang Kui rolled her eyes: “Can’t I pay tribute to my idol?”

The manager was speechless.

Meanwhile,

Chen Zhiyu also contacted his agent: “Did you sign up?”

“You’re already signed up, you’ll debut in the second installment.”

“Good.”

“Have you decided on your stage persona yet?”

“What do you think of Fishman?”

Agent: “…”

Chen Zhiyu coughed, “The Golden Dragon fish persona.”

His agent, struggling to suppress a laugh, said, “No problem at all, but be prepared for your old quirks to be dredged up once you reveal your identity online.”

Chen Zhiyu retorted grumpily, “Let’s not dredge up the past.”

His agent agreed, “Stay on the show as long as you can. If you can knock off a few Kings and Queens of Singing, it’ll do wonders for your future.”

“I’m aware of that.”

Chen Zhiyu clenched his fist.

…

The waves of popularity from The Masked Singer drew in not only netizens but countless singers, too.

Everybody’s faces are covered. So what if they’re Kings of Singing?

Who’s afraid of whom?

Meanwhile, at the program group…

Tong Shuwen’s phone was ringing non-stop.

After hanging up another call, Tong Shuwen couldn’t help but laugh, “The initial applications for the show were enthusiastic enough, but today has been even more intense than I expected!”

“Naturally.”

The assistant director chuckled, “The further you go in this program, the more you can prove your singing prowess. Following the merger of Qin, Qi, Chu and Yan, there are so many singers, but many are only known within their own regions. This show offers them a chance to be recognized by other regions!”

“Hmm.”

Tong Shuwen answered another call. After hanging up, he said, “That was a singing queen hoping to be recognized by audiences of other regions. She requested to reveal her identity late in the show, as it would be hugely embarrassing for her if she as a top-tier candidate, even a King or Queen of Singing, were eliminated early.”

“No chance.”

The assistant director said, “The Kings and Queens of Singing didn’t get their titles by bluffing. It would be hard for an average top-tier singer to beat them.”

“…”

Dazzling Silver Glow.

Fei Yang’s agent looked at him intently, “Surely you’ll participate?”

“No!”

Fei Yang retorted angrily, “What if Xian Yu becomes a judge, publicly evaluates my singing, and even criticizes me? Won’t I lose face then?”

“Fearful of criticism about your singing?”

His agent sneered, “More like you’re afraid of appearing in the same program as Xian Yu and everyone dredging up your past, right?”

“Anyway, I’m not participating!”

Fei Yang fumed, “Even if I starve to death, or leap from this place, I’d never join The Masked Singer!”

His agent sighed, “I never heard anything about Xian Yu being a judge. He doesn’t seem to like showing his face.”

Fei Yang snorted, “Even a slight risk isn’t worth taking. Plus, do I really need a show to prove my talents?”

“But this is a chance for fans from other regions to recognize you.”

“Do you think fans from other regions would find me unfamiliar?”

His agent held his forehead in frustration.

Of course not. After all, who doesn’t know the Perennial Runner-Up?

Fei Yang gained widespread popularity through his “Perennial Runner-Up” quirk!

Even the newly joined people from Yan Continent, through the enthusiastic introduction of the Qin, Qi and Chu netizens, have learned about King Fei’s glorious track record.

“Alright,”

The agent said in disappointment, “This program’s a golden opportunity. As far as I know there are many Kings and Queens of Singing participating.”

Fei Yang waved his hand dismissively.

His agent didn’t say anything further.

Back to the program group.

Tong Shuwen hung up another call.

He had lost count of how many calls he’d received that day.

Just then, a strange look came across Tong Shuwen’s face

“What’s wrong?”

The assistant director thought something had put Tong Shuwen in a difficult position.

“Nothing,”

Tong Shuwen wondered out loud, “Just don’t know why, but many singers seem to like using fish as their stage personas.”

The assistant director stared blankly, “Fish?”

Tong Shuwen nodded, “There’s a mermaid, a golden dragon fish, and one without a stated type, anything as long as it’s a fish…”

“Three of them?”

“Three so far, is there some special significance to a fish?”

Tong Shuwen thought for a moment, then laughing, said, “I think I’ve figured it out.”

“Figured out what?”

“Nothing.”

Tong Shuwen was being mysterious.

His phone rang again.

On the other end of the call, the voice said, “We’ve decided on the mermaid persona, the color will be…”

“We already have a mermaid.”

“Ah? There’s already a mermaid. Well, it’s no surprise, they’re really pretty. Let’s go with the golden dragon fish then.”

“We also have a golden dragon fish.”

“Why do you have so many fish?”

“Perhaps everyone just likes fish. How about we design a carp persona for you?”

“Sure, but make it pretty.”

“That’s a given. We will tailor it specifically for your singer… No no no, there won’t be any persona clash. Every fish is… er, distinct.”

“…”

The call ended.

Tong Shuwen shrugged at the assistant director, “That’s four fish now. I wonder if there’ll be a fifth. Maybe our show should be renamed ‘All Fish Banquet’.”

Assistant Director: “…”

———–

PS: My keyboard seems to have malfunctioned, calling it quits for today. I’ll try to fix it with a bit of force, and we’ll start with ‘The Masked Singer’ subplot tomorrow.