136: Chapter 136 Who is the Hero?

Chen Shaoping had heard Zhang Ying's "listening to the sea" many times.

However, listening to the album and listening live felt different.

The audience's reaction precisely showed that Zhang Ying's title as a Heavenly Queen was well-deserved, without any exaggeration.

"Another one, another one."

Someone started the commotion, and more and more people joined in.

Even the judge Fang Wenshan stood up, shouting along like a fan.

Zhang Ying smiled sweetly at the audience, bowed, and then walked off the stage.

She did not satisfy the audience.

If she sang one more song, it would severely disrupt the program team's arrangements.

Host walked onto the stage with a smile, "Teacher Fang, I saw you were very excited just now. Do you have anything to say about Teacher Zhang Ying's performance?"

"I am a fan of Zhang Ying, and I really love her voice."

"Her voice combined with Young Master Ping's songs is simply a perfect match."

Fang Wenshan said loudly, his eyes fixed on where Zhang Ying had left.

Teacher Gu Jianfen lightly coughed, "You young people, you only say what sounds good. Then let me add a few words."

Zhang Ying, who had just walked into the lounge, happened to hear Teacher Gu Jianfen's words.

Her heart tightened, and she watched the TV screen intently, listening carefully.

With her achievements, it was difficult to get sincere evaluations from older veterans.

"I listen to the songs on her album, and I've heard today's song too."

"But..."

Zhang Ying's heart was in her throat; she knew the crucial part was coming and was incredibly nervous.

"But, today's melancholy had a hint more sweetness than the melancholy in the album."

"From the perspective of emotional expression alone, today was undoubtedly slightly inferior."

"Perhaps it's because she achieved the title of Heavenly Queen and was too happy."

Her evaluation did not resonate with everyone.

Because most people couldn't hear it, except for a few judges.

Even Chen Shaoping, the 'lyricist and composer,' didn't notice it.

After hearing Teacher Gu's words, he was utterly bewildered.

At the same time, he secretly admired these older generation artists; they truly had something special.

Zhang Ying compared it herself in her heart, and it was indeed as Gu Jianfen had said.

However, it wasn't because she achieved the title of Heavenly Queen.

It was because she was in love and had experienced the most wonderful things in life.

No matter how hard she tried to immerse herself in the song, there was always a hint of sweetness.

"Thank you, Teacher Gu, for your evaluation."

"Next is our most important segment today; let's invite our five groups of contestants."

Host's voice echoed throughout the studio.

Thus, this scene unfolded.

The contestants in the show no longer had number 1, only numbers 2 to 6.

Before this, the program team had asked for the contestants' opinions, hoping they would move up one position sequentially.

However, the contestants refused, stating that they were already used to their current numbers.

Chen Shaoping walked last; by the time he reached the stage, all the other contestants had already appeared.

"Please, all teachers, public judges, and the audience present, give us a topic for today's program."

Chen Shaoping watched the people writing furiously, full of anticipation for what the topic would be.

Although no matter the topic, it wouldn't be a challenge for him.

Zhang Ying sat in the lounge, eating fruit alone, looking relaxed.

Whenever the camera swept across Chen Shaoping's figure, the corners of her mouth would unconsciously curve upwards slightly.

Soon.

The small ball with tonight's topic was already in Liu Huan's hands.

He would announce today's topic.

He opened the small ball, first unfolding the strip of paper inside, showing it to the audience so the camera could capture it.

Then he read it carefully.

"Today's topic has quite a few words. I'll read it slowly, and everyone can listen carefully."

"There are many unsung heroes in our Dragon Country. Further back, there are revolutionary soldiers of the older generation, and scientists who silently dedicated their entire lives."

"More recently, there are border defense soldiers and anti-drug police. Even more recently, there are the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the chemical plant fire a few days ago."

"Please use this as the topic, choose your own theme, and compose a song."

Liu Huan's tone became a little heavy after reading.

"I think this is more like a college entrance examination essay topic."

He tried to lighten the solemn atmosphere, but it didn't work well.

Host took the topic paper, "Let's see who proposed this topic."

As soon as he finished speaking.

A young boy stood up from the public judging panel.

"Tell us why you came up with such a topic."

The young boy was not shy at all, "Just now, Teacher Liu Huan said this was like a college entrance examination essay topic."

"That's right, I wrote it in the format of an essay topic."

"Because I just finished my college entrance examination and am now a freshman in university."

No one interrupted him; they all listened quietly.

"As for why I came up with such a topic, it's because my cousin was among the sacrificed firefighters."

"He was only one year older than me."

"His departure caused great pain to our family, but it seemed to be limited to that. No one remembered them, and no one considered him a hero, except for me."

"So, I came up with this topic."

...

The boy sat back down, but his words cast a stone into the hearts of those present at the live broadcast, and even among the netizens watching the live stream.

The five groups of contestants all entered the creation room.

Everyone looked troubled and fell into deep thought.

Netizens were also seriously discussing the topic.

"My grandfather was an old-generation soldier, diligent his whole life. Besides knowing that his hand was crippled and he had at least seven shrapnel pieces in his body, we knew nothing else. When he told me about fighting wars as a child, I even thought he was exaggerating. It wasn't until he passed away half a year ago that we found dozens of shiny medals he had polished in his room.

I then realized his greatness. Three first-class merits, seven second-class merits, countless third-class merits and other honors. At that moment, I knew my grandfather had never boasted to me, he hadn't even mentioned his achievements.

Now, if he were still alive, I would definitely pester him to tell me the story behind each medal. So I could remember his history, and that period of history."

"My grandfather was the same, but he passed away early. My grandma said that when they were about to starve to death, my grandfather never thought of revealing his identity to the country.

They never wanted to be a burden to the country; even as he was leaving, he kept muttering that if the country ever needed them, their souls would always be there."

"Now some streamers, to gain traffic, spread rumors and slander the pillars of our nation. Even Elder Yuan is being targeted. I hope the country will soon improve its laws and ensure such streamers spend their lives in jail."

"I am a mother. Seeing those young firefighters bravely rush into fires, my heart aches."

"Zero tolerance for drugs. Those who endorse drug-using celebrities, don't your consciences hurt?"

...

The netizens discussed fiercely; they weren't saying how to write.

They were more discussing the unsung heroes they knew around them.