Perfect Superstar.

There were a total of 35 contestants in the first qualifying round of 'Singing China' in the Capital City Division.

Lu Chen's number was 0030, and Mu Xiaochu's number was 0032.

At that moment, competitor number 0017 was on the stage.

There was still plenty of time, so Lu Chen opened his guitar case and took out his guitar again.

With skillful hands, he strummed the steel strings and began to play "Sweet Memories" to accompany Mu Xiaochu.

This famous sweet song had a simple melody and didn't require any complicated finger techniques. It was a beginner-level guitar piece, and even though Lu Chen hadn't played it many times, he still played it with ease.

He even added some embellishments to it.

At first, Mu Xiaochu was shy, and her expression showed some nervousness. However, with Lu Chen's encouraging smile, she quickly found her rhythm and began to sing in her own voice.

''I'll walk with you, along the most beautiful coastline.''

"The feeling of happiness, lingering and unforgettable, sharing the same world."

"Those sweet memories, staying in our hearts."

''La~ la la~ la...''

Mu Xiaochu's voice was beautiful, soft and gentle, like honey flowing into one's ears. It was so sweet and refreshing that it made people feel as if they were drinking cool, sweet nectar and unconsciously getting lost in it.

Of course, many of the candidates and their entourages gathered around. Everyone was polite and quiet, listening to her singing with smiles on their faces.

Beauty and a beautiful voice, it was a pleasure to the ears.

One of the staff quietly turned down the volume of the wall-mounted TV.

Mu Xiaochu, obviously a little nervous with the crowd watching, quickly adjusted and managed to finish the entire song!

"La la la~ This is our sweet memories!"

As the song ended, the lingering notes seemed to hang in the air, enough to be savored for a long time.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Although the applause was not as enthusiastic as one might expect, it was sincere and filled with affection.

Mu Xiaochu blushed with embarrassment and bowed to the crowd, quietly thanking them. "Thank you."

"Xiaochu."

Two of her close friends, one on each side, hugged her and smiled, "You were amazing!"

Mu Xiaochu struggled to break free of their embrace, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Lu Chen and said, "Senior, why don't you sing a song for us? Please?"

Everyone's attention immediately turned to Lu Chen.

Among all the 35 contestants, Lu Chen stood out for his extraordinary appearance.

He was tall, young, and handsome, with a sunny smile like a neighborhood boy, the kind that the masses adored.

As for his talent, Lu Chen had just demonstrated an impressive fingerstyle guitar playing, clearly showing that he knew music.

Everyone was curious to hear how well he could sing. After all, Singing China was a talent competition for vagabond singers.

There was no limit to the number of contestants who could advance to the qualifying round, and even though the contestants weren't true competitors yet, those with talent and ambition kept an eye on their potential rivals.

Lu Chen was a strong competitor!

But did he have any weaknesses? Perhaps his singing was dull, or his voice was too ordinary?

"Sure, sure!" 

Two bystanders clapped and cheered, eager to stir things up.

Lu Chen couldn't help but laugh. After a moment of thought, he said, "All right, I'll embarrass myself with a song. Since Xiaochu-senpai sang a Chen Fei'er song, I'll sing a Tan Hong song."

Everyone smiled knowingly - Tan Hong and Chen Fei'er.

Lu Chen adjusted his posture, picked up his guitar, and began to play.

"Flying Pigeon!"

After just a few chords of the intro, some people immediately recognized it as Tan Hong's famous hit, a classic folk song.

"On a rainy day, I walk down a desolate, empty street..."

"Watching the flowers bloom and fade"

"I stand before you, dreaming of becoming a dove flying in the azure sky."

"La la~ flying pigeon!"

This was a song that Lu Chen had played countless times before. It was his signature song at the Daylily Bar. Even though he hadn't practiced for a while, he still performed it perfectly- his finger techniques, vocal skills, and emotions were impeccable.

The participants in the room, regardless of their skill level, all had a basic understanding of music.

As they listened, their expressions changed.

Some were impressed, some were surprised, some were envious, and some were cautious!

After Lu Chen finished, Mu Xiaochu was the first to clap, and she clapped enthusiastically, her palms turning red from the power.

The others followed and applauded.

Lu Chen bowed and smiled and said, "Thank you! Tan Hong, 'Flying Dove'."

There was an inexplicable light in his eyes.

This song had carried Lu Chen's first dreams, and now that he was playing it here, how could he not feel nostalgic?

Someone asked, "Lu Chen, was that the only song you prepared?"

Everyone in the back area, including the contestants' entourages and staff, wore ID badges with their names clearly visible.

Lu Chen shook his head and replied, "No, I also prepared an original song of mine.

It was only the qualification round so there was no need to hide anything. Soon everyone would hear it.

His original song?

He really was confident— many people thought so.

For most, Lu Chen could easily secure a spot in the semi-finals with "Flying Dove". However, he chose to perform his original song on stage. It seemed like he was overly ambitious!

What original song could compare to Tan Hong's 'Flying Dove'? After all, Tan Hong was on the jury, and Lu Chen's performance was so good. If he got advice from that superstar, he'd definitely stand out!

Performing an original song might also attract attention, but if the song wasn't up to par, it might backfire.

This kind of situation wasn't new in previous talent shows - some contestants, overconfident, chose to perform their original works and ended up failing spectacularly.

Singing China" wasn't "The Strongest Singer"!

Many people felt that Lu Chen might have come to the wrong competition, and their expressions changed to one of surprise and confusion.

Of course, there were also whispers.

Lu Chen saw their expressions, but he didn't care because he knew that time would prove everything.

Pure-hearted Mu Xiaochu supported him and said, "Senior Lu Chen, you'll definitely get the pass!"

Lu Chen smiled, "Let's all do our best."

"Candidate #0021, please come with me!"

At that moment, a staff member appeared in the back and loudly announced, "Contestant 0022, get ready!"

The crowd began to disperse- the competition was still going on!

Mu Xiaochu and her friends returned to their seats, no longer sneaking a peek at Lu Chen.

For many, the time passed slowly, like an ordeal, but for some, it seemed to fly by.

One by one, contestants 0022, 0023, and 0024 entered the stage. Some luckily made it to the semi-finals with the approval of the judges, while others were ruthlessly eliminated.

Crying as they left.

The number of people in the Capital City TV studio was dwindling.

Shortly after 8:00 p.m., contestant 0029 stepped onto the stage.

Lu Chen, number 0030, went to the waiting area near the stage.

Contestant 0029 was the bearded middle-aged man who had sat next to Lu Chen earlier. His clothes suggested that he was a street performer or a vagabond singer from Beijing. His name was Gao Feng.

On stage, Gao Feng briefly introduced himself, saying he was from Black River in Northeast China, confirming he was a "Beijing drifter."

Tan Hong said, "You may begin, good luck!"

Gao Feng nodded and said, "Thank you.

He turned and gave a thumbs-up to the sound technician standing beside him.

The accompanying music started immediately.

However, the familiar melody shocked Lu Chen, who was waiting in the back area!

"Remember the spring many years ago, 

At the time, I hadn't cut my long hair short, 

Without credit cards, without her, 

Had a home but no 24-hour hot water."

"But then I was so happy, 

Although with only a broken guitar."

Gao Feng was singing 'In Spring'! 

'(End of Chapter)'

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