Chapter One Hundred and Ten: Two Against Two!

The task board was updated once again. Streams of light and shadow reappeared on the giant screen.

First place remained unchanged: the Chinese-English promotional song for a cellphone brand, with a labor fee of six million. Second place had changed; it was now the new product launch song for a major beverage company, with a labor fee of two million—one of the newly updated projects.

In addition to the beverage company's promotional song, a solo single by a singer had also been updated, now ranked fifth. Its labor fee was not insignificant—eight hundred thousand—and there was no requirement for the composer to sing it themselves.

“The exclusive endorsement of the fifth episode of ‘Original Music Alliance’ by ****** officially begins. Last episode’s losing groups were the Pioneer Alliance and the Stellar Alliance. This episode, you have priority to pick tasks based on your points. Pioneer Alliance, you have first choice. Please make your selection!”

On the Pioneer Alliance side, Sun Zhe looked behind him. He made no effort to conceal his intentions; He Shuyuan stood up directly.

Quite a few people unconsciously glanced at Tang Zhichu from the Wildfire Alliance, sensing a familiar script—jumping straight into a project as soon as the episode began.

Both were young, both could write and sing, so comparisons were inevitable.

Sig frowned. “He really knows how to stir things up!”

Tang Zhichu shrugged. He wasn’t in a hurry. He followed his usual principle, never eager for the duel stage unless no one else could take on the challenge.

He Shuyuan seemed non-aggressive, much like Tang Zhichu, though he gave off more of a gentle, polished vibe.

There were rumors online that he’d had cosmetic work done, though the truth was unclear.

“Hello, host. I’d like to choose the sixth-ranked web drama theme song,” He Shuyuan said softly, appearing somewhat delicate.

The host looked at Sun Zhe; for a duel stage, the alliance founder had to agree.

Sun Zhe nodded.

“Very well. The first project: the sixth-ranked theme song for the web drama ‘Forbidden Love,’ taken by He Shuyuan of the Pioneer Alliance. Is there a challenger from the winning group?” The host glanced to each side.

Wildfire Alliance and Sunflower Alliance sat on either side.

As soon as the host finished speaking, the Sunflower Alliance began to discuss. This was a project from the very start; someone had surely prepared for it.

Chen Jianxin was forthright. “Wei, why don’t you take it?”

Bai Xiwei frowned slightly. They indeed had someone ready for this project, but the opponent was He Shuyuan—no easy feat.

Bai Xiwei spoke privately with her team, then replied, “Thank you, Teacher Chen.”

If the selection was by points, Wildfire Alliance would have picked first, but since someone from Bai Xiwei’s group was ready, Chen Jianxin, knowing his own alliance’s situation, let Bai Xiwei have it.

Chen Jianxin had his own calculations. He didn’t necessarily believe He Shuyuan was stronger than Tang Zhichu, but it was best not to face He Shuyuan in his debut episode. If he didn’t voluntarily step aside, Tang Zhichu would likely take the challenge again, and Chen Jianxin felt he had figured out Tang Zhichu’s temperament.

Tang Zhichu wasn’t without pride—he had a temper—but he took care of his alliance members.

It was still early; best to let Tang Zhichu observe He Shuyuan before facing him directly, for greater confidence.

As expected, someone from Bai Xiwei’s group stood up, gritting their teeth to accept the challenge.

If you’re prepared but don’t step up, you risk elimination—much more passive.

“The first project duel stage is initiated. Is there anyone who wishes to challenge?” the host called out again.

Everyone looked around; no one stood up.

He Shuyuan remained standing, bowing politely to everyone.

Bai Xiwei’s member, seeing He Shuyuan bow, hurriedly bowed in return.

Though somewhat disappointed, the host continued the proceedings. “Alright, no challengers. The first project is established. Stellar Alliance, your choice?”

This round wasn’t an elimination stage—no accumulated losses—so Liu Xingyun looked behind him. After confirmation, a figure stood up—a young woman.

“Hello, host. I choose the seventh-ranked network film ‘Love Sick’ promotional song.”

After confirming with Liu Xingyun, the host nodded, then turned to everyone. “Second project: the promotional song for ‘Love Sick,’ ranked seventh, taken by Min Min of the Stellar Alliance. Any challengers?”

The host glanced to each side. Bai Xiwei’s group had already chosen, but the rules allowed you to accept up to two duels if you wished.

Chen Jianxin looked to the back, where Yun Miao took a deep breath. She finally got her chance.

Yes, this was the project she had mainly prepared for.

Yun Miao didn’t waste words, standing up directly. “I’ll do it.”

She also knew Min Min of the Stellar Alliance; the two exchanged smiles.

The host nodded. “Second project: ‘Love Sick’ promotional song, labor fee thirty-six thousand. Duel stage officially established. Any challengers?”

Both projects were for online films and dramas—one a series, one a movie—with overlapping genres.

‘Forbidden Love’ was a romance drama; ‘Love Sick’ was a romance film.

Tang Zhichu had reviewed materials for both projects. He originally thought Yun Miao would focus on ‘Forbidden Love’—easier to write—while ‘Love Sick’ leaned darker.

But Yun Miao opted for the harder one.

He could understand; after all, she’d been divorced. Perhaps she had a unique perspective on such themes.

“Any challengers?” the host confirmed again.

Just as the host was about to give up, a sound came from the Stellar Alliance side. Everyone looked over to see the newly joined Qiu Zhen consulting with Liu Xingyun.

The host was visibly excited, watching expectantly.

Moments later, Qiu Zhen stood up. He bowed to both Yun Miao and Min Min. “I’d like to try this theme. It’s quite challenging.”

The host didn’t hesitate. “Excellent, beautiful! Finally, we have a challenger this episode. Everyone, let’s give Xiao Qiu a round of applause!”

Everyone applauded; some wore playful expressions.

The three from Tianhe, though all in the same company and capable of both singing and composing, had a rather ordinary relationship due to intense competition for resources.

Since they were in the same company, they couldn’t challenge each other. What to do?

Conveniently, this episode featured two similar themes. Clearly, Qiu Zhen was aiming for He Shuyuan—a duel across teams.

In other words, for this theme, Stellar Alliance had two participants.

Min Min’s expression barely changed; she was even somewhat pleased. With Qiu Zhen stepping up—a teammate—his victory would count for Stellar Alliance, easing her pressure.

On Wildfire Alliance’s side, Yun Miao’s expression grew tense. Qiu Zhen was no easy opponent.

The host sensed something extraordinary. This episode would be exciting: He Shuyuan stepped up, Qiu Zhen followed, two of the Tianhe trio were in play—plenty of room for drama.

The host didn’t worry about winners or losers—only whether the episode would be entertaining.

“Any more challengers?” the host asked again, just in case.

He didn’t expect anyone else; it was already exciting enough, but the procedure had to be followed.

Just as he was about to announce the duel stage’s formation, a voice slowly rang out.

“Let’s make it two against two.”

Everyone was stunned. What was happening?

Then they all looked toward the source, and sure enough, it was him again.

Tang Zhichu stood up once more!

Many people gasped. Was he really going for three consecutive episodes? Did he have no cooldown at all? Was he pushing himself to the limit?