Chapter 124: Undercurrents (Extended Chapter)

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“Welcome everyone to the live recording of the sixth episode of the Original Music Alliance task handover...” The host’s voice echoed through the hall, cutting off the ongoing conversations.

“We’ve now reached the sixth episode—thank you all for your hard work. Meanwhile, there’s been a slight change in the rules. From now on, there will be no more rounds for adding new members. However, there will still be eliminations. In other words, the competition circle among musicians will begin to shrink...”

This rule change sparked a wave of discussion.

In the previous episode, seeing He Shuyuan and Qiu Zhen join had relaxed everyone’s guard. Eliminations weren’t so frightening when stronger replacements were coming in.

But now it was different: once eliminated, there would be no replacements.

The pressure suddenly intensified.

“Excuse me, what happens if the alliance gets completely eliminated?” someone shouted.

The host smiled slightly. “Then it will disband, and the remaining alliances will compete until the final circle is determined.”

Many people gasped sharply.

Damn, that would be awkward—whoever’s left with fewer members would be in trouble.

“Referring to last episode’s results, the losing groups are the Sunflower Alliance and the Stellar Alliance. This episode’s task selection will be led by the Stellar Alliance, as they have the higher score!” the host announced loudly, then looked toward the back.

On the big screen, shimmering lights flashed, and to an exciting background track, ten golden beams stood out brilliantly—one by one appearing.

Last episode saw two tasks handed over; this episode brought in two more.

“Whoa! Two big tasks!” someone exclaimed.

“No, one is a public welfare song—the million points are for credits, not payment!”

“Xu Huaijin’s martial arts drama! This is impressive!”

“I grew up watching Director Xu’s series! So emotional!”

...

The two projects were: a public service song for a large-scale folk marathon event, and the theme song for the new drama by Xu Huaijin, the top martial arts film director in Huaguo.

Seeing these two projects, Tang Zhichu pondered quietly.

A martial arts drama theme was normal, but adding a public welfare project clearly aimed to broaden the show’s appeal. Even if no song emerged, having it on the task board was like a small ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card.

Yu Hua was truly a cunning old fox.

After five episodes of stage recordings, the Sunflower Alliance had only won once and still lagged behind the Stellar Alliance in points.

This time again, the Stellar Alliance had the priority to choose tasks. After a brief internal discussion, Qiu Zhen stood up.

But instead of immediately selecting a task, he looked toward the Wildfire Alliance, where Tang Zhichu was, and cupped his hands in a bow with a smile.

“Brother Tang, that one’s not your forte. Let me talk to my brothers first!”

Everyone was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

A joke that both lightened the mood and gave Tang Zhichu ample face, subtly nudging him: “I’m backing you up, so you won’t make things difficult for me, right?”

Chen Jianxin laughed and teased, “There’s a reason he’s considered among the top of the new generation.”

Yun Miao glanced at Tang Zhichu and shook his head in amazement.

Tang Zhichu’s confidence was truly intimidating. Privately, some had already nicknamed him the ‘Tang Scroll King.’

He never backed down, always took the initiative, and even produced work on the very first day—three episodes in a row. It was ridiculous.

Qiu Zhen’s playful concession not only didn’t earn contempt but made him seem more down-to-earth, not just riding on his popularity.

Tang Zhichu returned the gesture to Qiu Zhen with a smile.

“No, no, my talent’s all used up—I can’t do it.”

Qiu Zhen immediately looked relieved but still asked, “Then I’ll pick the customized work for the fourth-ranked talent show champion?”

Laughter erupted again, and the host folded his arms, watching them with amusement, not interrupting.

Tang Zhichu shrugged helplessly.

Qiu Zhen then looked to the host.

“Oh, did you two make a deal?” the host teased sarcastically.

Qiu Zhen apologized at once but confirmed the project.

The host was joking and didn’t take it seriously.

Liu Xingyun gave Qiu Zhen a thumbs-up, nodding meaningfully—“Nice move.”

But Tang Zhichu glanced toward the Vanguard Alliance, where no one was joining in the laughter.

Sure enough, that Qiu kid had ill intentions—he was setting a trap.

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Among the Vanguard Alliance, founder Sun Zhe sat expressionless and upright, making things awkward for the others in the alliance—neither happy nor unhappy.

When Tang Zhichu looked toward the Vanguard Alliance, He Shuyuan was also watching him.

He Shuyuan was widely recognized as the strongest of the three Heavenly Harmony Sons. Qiu Zhen’s antics lifted Tang Zhichu but irritated He Shuyuan.

What did this mean?

You don’t even respect He Shuyuan, who’s stronger than you, but only cozy up to Tang Zhichu?

It was clear Qiu Zhen thought Tang Zhichu was stronger than He Shuyuan.

For ordinary people, this might be fine, but Qiu Zhen was also one of the Heavenly Harmony Sons, so it was different.

He Shuyuan represented the face of Heavenly Harmony Entertainment’s music division, and Sun Zhe was a senior executive there. Neither could accept Qiu Zhen’s attitude, so Sun Zhe kept a stern face but internally found Tang Zhichu’s name increasingly conspicuous.

“Little Tang, this guy’s interesting—let’s be friends... Hey, Miao sister, what’s wrong with me now?” Sig’s words were cut off as Yun Miao pinched him.

Yun Miao shushed him and gave a knowing glance toward the Vanguard Alliance, clearly seeing through the situation.

Everyone tacitly accepted Tang Zhichu’s strength as a given, as long as it wasn’t openly declared on screen or by unrelated parties. But Qiu Zhen’s identity was special—he was one of their own at Heavenly Harmony.

That was a problem.

Sig glared at the Vanguard Alliance and challenged, “What’s wrong? Don’t like it? Let’s...”

This time Sig was smarter; Yun Miao still had a hand in mid-air, and Sig jumped back.

Yun Miao stopped paying attention to Sig and whispered to Tang Zhichu, “It’s fine if it comes head-on, but I worry about underhanded moves.”

After saying this, Yun Miao covered his own mouth. The venue was being recorded; if such words were broadcast, it would be social suicide.

Thinking of how ridiculous this was, Yun Miao glared again at Sig—he was the cause of all this.

Making friends with a hip-hop artist? Ridiculous.

“No worries, Miao sister,” Tang Zhichu replied quietly.

He really wasn’t afraid of their tricks; in fact, he welcomed them.

At that moment, Bai Xiwei suddenly stood up, appearing slightly shy.

“Sugar God! I think you should try this project to expand your commercial value!”

Everyone was stunned at first, then burst into laughter.

This episode’s losing groups were the Stellar Alliance and Sunflower Alliance. Qiu Zhen of the Stellar Alliance had done a favor for Tang Zhichu through social ties, so unsurprisingly, Tang Zhichu wouldn’t choose their side.

If Tang Zhichu was to compete, not choosing the Stellar Alliance meant he’d have to pick the Sunflower Alliance. So Bai Xiwei had to speak up.

To everyone, it seemed Bai Xiwei was just playing for show and social courtesy.

But in reality, Bai Xiwei was truly anxious, putting aside her status.

Tang Zhichu possessed unreasonably strong talent. If he performed another blood-soaked love story song, breaking open the project team’s heads with it, combined with the current explosion of romance show popularity, his commercial value would be immeasurable.

To Bai Xiwei, as long as Tang Zhichu’s work was passable, even if not excellent, no project team could refuse him now.

Everyone thought Qiu Zhen was just being courteous; Bai Xiwei knew it was wisdom. Qiu Zhen was clever.

No one would be foolish enough to challenge Tang Zhichu now, right?

Tang Zhichu immediately stood up. Qiu Zhen was popular and an alliance member, but Bai Xiwei was different—she was a founder and senior. He dared not be disrespectful.

“Wei sister, don’t joke. Are you trying to be like Heavenly Harmony Entertainment and DY? Putting me on the spot?” Tang Zhichu’s expression fell.

Bai Xiwei shook her head quickly, looking pitiful.

“No, no, really not! Sugar God, please, how about resting for one episode? Three in a row—you must be tired!”

With Qiu Zhen leading, Bai Xiwei’s second attempt had everyone laughing uproariously.

Some veteran musicians shook their heads, marveling at Bai Xiwei’s youthful spirit.

At over thirty, she should be very mature, but she still smiled like a little girl, radiating genuine joy.

After all, the most important thing is to live happily.

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The mood lightened instantly, and the host finally took control.

“So, the highest scoring Wildfire Alliance, and the losing Stellar Alliance choosing the customized talent show champion song—will you accept the challenge?”

Everyone looked toward the Wildfire Alliance.

But no one moved.

They truly weren’t prepared for this project; if anyone was to respond, it had to be Tang Zhichu. Chen Jianxin glanced at him, but Tang Zhichu shook his head.

Chen Jianxin shrugged. “We won’t accept.”

With Qiu Zhen and Bai Xiwei boosting Tang Zhichu, Chen Jianxin felt no pressure refusing. It wasn’t losing face; it was a gesture of respect—they were afraid of being chosen.

The host was slightly taken aback but understood, then turned to the Vanguard Alliance.

“Teacher Sun, what about you?”

Behind Sun Zhe, He Shuyuan was about to stand without hesitation, having tolerated Qiu Zhen for long enough. If Qiu wanted to play, he’d play back.

Ignoring himself was one thing; now Bai Xiwei too? He felt coming here was a mistake.

But if he did nothing, he’d be marginalized.

His pride wouldn’t allow it; nor would his company—it would cost him status.

But Sun Zhe held him back, giving He Shuyuan a reassuring glance.

“Sorry, this time we won’t accept either,” Sun Zhe said gravely.

The venue erupted.

At the sixth episode, finally a project was rejected.

But upon reflection, it made sense.

The Wildfire Alliance declining was a face-saving gesture; the Vanguard Alliance’s refusal was understandable. If anyone was to accept, it would be He Shuyuan, which would pit him against Qiu Zhen in internal Heavenly Harmony conflict. Sun Zhe stopping that kept face.

Many sharp observers sighed: all these players were cunning old foxes—none simple.

The rejected project seemed expected by Qiu Zhen. He shrugged helplessly and high-fived Liu Xingyun.

He made the move; no one took it. Overall, the Stellar Alliance had gained face—something to be proud of.

The host was dumbfounded but had to announce the project’s rejection, then looked to Bai Xiwei.

“Wei sister, it’s your turn.”

Bai Xiwei looked startled but stood.

“This time I’ll take it myself. I choose the seventh-ranked project—the movie insert song for ‘One Hundred Percent Lover’!”

She glanced at Tang Zhichu, silently urging him to keep his promise.

The host nodded, then looked at the Wildfire Alliance.

“Teacher Chen, your decision?”

Chen Jianxin glanced back. No one seemed willing; Tang Zhichu obviously wouldn’t.

Yun Miao had just joined; this episode was a sage mode. Sig wasn’t suited for this—sending two others to face Bai Xiwei would be unfair.

Just as Chen Jianxin was about to decide to handle it himself, Tang Zhichu whispered something to him.

Chen Jianxin was stunned, glanced toward the Vanguard Alliance, then confirmed, “Are you sure?”

Tang Zhichu nodded.

Chen Jianxin nodded back, then told the host, “We won’t accept this project either!”

The host was surprised. “Teacher Chen, you’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

The host then looked to the Vanguard Alliance. “Teacher Sun, your decision?”

Sun Zhe again shook his head.

Seeing this, Chen Jianxin frowned. Tang Zhichu had warned him about being targeted—this confirmed it.

Many were surprised, but it aligned with the rules. The host had never encountered this before.

According to the rules, if a losing group’s project is rejected, they must join the challenging side to form a confrontation stage.

Once formed, the remaining two alliances would compete again by point ranking to select a project.

The host turned to the Stellar Alliance.

“Teacher Liu, you won’t refuse, right?”

Liu Xingyun smiled and shook his head. Behind him, Qiu Zhen smiled too—it was the best outcome he had envisioned.