Chapter One Hundred: The Stage of Confrontation

When Tang Zhi first stood up, the host was momentarily stunned and asked for confirmation, “Xiao Tang, are you sure?”
At this moment, Tang Zhi finally looked at Shen Jianxin. Their eyes met, and seeing Tang Zhi’s resolute gaze, Shen Jianxin hesitated briefly before nodding, “Yes, we’re sure.”
Shen Jianxin knew Yun Miao’s background well; the film project would be too much pressure for her.
He had planned to step in himself. The Vanguard Alliance was withdrawing, but he certainly wouldn’t. With Tang Zhi volunteering, Shen Jianxin was actually a bit expectant—this fellow seemed to have some talent.
Since Tang Zhi was confident, and this wasn’t an elimination round, Shen Jianxin was happy to take a back seat and instead turned his attention to Liu Xingyun.
Obviously, Liu Xingyun’s smile faltered for a moment, but quickly returned, even appearing a bit more cheerful. “Let’s exchange ideas then!”
It was a surprise that Shen Jianxin didn’t step up.
But it was a good thing; as far as Liu Xingyun was concerned, Shen Jianxin was a bigger threat than Tang Zhi.
“Alright, the fourth episode’s ‘Good and Evil’ end theme project officially begins. Wildfire Alliance and Star Alliance will compete on stage. Sister Wei, which project will you choose?” The host quickly set the projects and then turned to the Sunflower Alliance.
Bai Ximei withdrew her gaze from the Wildfire Alliance, ready to stand up when Guo Jinglong muttered something softly behind her.
After a brief discussion, Guo Jinglong stood up and chose the fourth-ranked project—a main track for a singer’s mini album, with a labor fee of eight hundred thousand. It had been available for a long time, the fee wasn’t low, but no one would touch it.
There was a special requirement: he had to sing it himself, essentially tailor-made.
What others wouldn’t touch was precisely Guo Jinglong’s forte; his main profession was writing songs for others, though he could sing as well.
Shen Jianxin couldn’t help but laugh, then turned to the Vanguard Alliance.
Liu Xingyun’s move was ruthless, but Guo Jinglong’s was no less impressive.
Shen Jianxin commented, “Both projects are tough. Luckily, we won last round.”
Tang Zhi then added, “Teacher Shen, I’m more adept at creations with references. I acted rashly just now.”
Shen Jianxin shook his head, “It’s alright. Having enthusiasm is a good thing. Look at Sister Wei’s team—they didn’t step up either. Actually, it’s better for the four of us to go later.”
Yun Miao quietly said to Tang Zhi, “Thank you.”
Tang Zhi smiled, “It’s nothing, I was worried you’d think I was just trying to grab the spotlight.”
Sig shrugged, “Who’d want that kind of spotlight, anyway? I almost died of anxiety last round. You’re loyal, brother. Don’t worry, this round we’re all here to support you. Let’s do this!”
Because of preconceived notions, Sig still felt Tang Zhi was acting out of loyalty.

Yun Miao hadn’t stepped up yet, so she gritted her teeth and prepared to try, otherwise she’d feel bad—it was already the fourth round.
Teacher Shen didn’t trust Yun Miao, nor did he want to back out, so he’d planned to take the stage himself. But then Tang Zhi did.
To Sig, this was simply loyalty—Tang Zhi shouldered a complicated situation.
Teacher Shen was the alliance founder. What if something went wrong? With his pride, if he lost, wouldn’t he leave on his own? That would be even more troublesome.
So, Tang Zhi’s loyalty made him remarkable.
“Brother, come visit me sometime. My base is in Shu City. I have a rap label with over ten brothers playing together. I’ll introduce you,” Sig whispered to Tang Zhi.
“Sure, I love making friends!” Tang Zhi replied.
He’d never been involved in a rap label before.
Tang Zhi hadn’t intended to step onto the battle stage; seeing no one else could handle it, he did. The project was also somewhat special—he had another plan, a sudden inspiration, so he decided to go for it.
While Tang Zhi and Sig were chatting, someone from the Vanguard Alliance stood up—Bu Yu, considered half a protégé of Sun Zhe, and the winner of the first round for Vanguard Alliance.
Some people sneered, seemingly not fond of him.
“Him again!” muttered a newcomer from Wildfire Alliance beside Shen Jianxin.
Tang Zhi glanced curiously at Bu Yu—this guy seemed to attract hostility.
Yun Miao whispered, “Sun Zhe’s student. You know ventriloquism?”
Sig replied, “Won’t go himself, always sends puppets... Miao, why are you pinching me?”
“Speak less!” Yun Miao glared.
Tang Zhi seemed to understand—Sig probably meant ‘puppet,’ and Yun Miao hinted at ventriloquism. One in front, one behind—Sun Zhe would help, maybe even compose for him?
Tang Zhi looked seriously at Sun Zhe. To disregard public opinion and play like this took real courage.
Tang Zhi actually admired Sun Zhe for it.
“Two battle stage projects confirmed. The excitement begins. Any musicians want to challenge?” The host called out energetically.
Everyone looked around, but no one stood up.
Both projects were too difficult to challenge.

The host asked several times before finally announcing, somewhat reluctantly, that the project selection segment for this episode was over.
Another gathering. That evening, there was a small event—a dinner party in the canteen organized by the show crew.
Tang Zhi hadn’t checked his phone, didn’t even know about it, and was still in his room arranging music. At half past nine, Sig knocked and dragged him out.
The dining hall was lively; the show had been a success, and the dinner was a reward for this stage. The crew didn’t schedule any filming, letting everyone eat and relax freely.
Over twenty musicians chatted and sang, the atmosphere nothing like the tense seriousness during recording.
“Hey, Brother Tang, been looking for you everywhere!”
“Tang, come on, have a drink!”
“Where have you been? Couldn’t find you anywhere!”
As soon as he entered, a crowd greeted him. Tang Zhi responded to each according to their distance.
Sig, impatient, grabbed Tang Zhi and pulled him away.
Many people sneered. Compared to the suddenly popular Tang Zhi, they found Sig annoying.
Rap singers, after all, were seen as not respectable. Tang Zhi was promising, approachable—how could he hang out with rappers? What a waste.
The music scene, for all its surface friendliness, had its own hierarchy of disdain. When it came down to it, everyone looked down on someone else. Rap, being a recent trend, was at the bottom of the chain.
Sig didn’t care. He thought Tang Zhi was loyal, so he had to protect him.
These people were friendly on the surface, but none were trustworthy behind the scenes—always scheming. Why play with them?
Apparently, many hip-hop singers had a ‘big brother’ complex, like Sig, who felt he had to look out for the younger Tang Zhi.
“Tang, over here!” Yun Miao called out, waving to Tang Zhi and Sig.
Tang Zhi and Sig went over.
(End of chapter)