41: "moonlight"

Before Lu Jin could speak, the audience below shouted out the name "Nine Songs."

Host: "Nine Songs? What is that?"

Lu Jin took over the conversation with a smile: "They're talking about me. This song is an original I wrote when I was 16. However, I didn't use the name Lu Jin back then; I used the name Nine Songs."

The Host put on an expression of sudden realization: "I see. No wonder everyone is so excited."

"In that case, Lu Jin, you're truly impressive. You were already writing songs at 16."

Lu Jin said, "I've studied music since I was a child and have always been interested in it. It was something I did unintentionally."

Hearing Lu Jin say this, the people online became even more excited. Lu Jin was a bona fide young genius; it made them want to worship him.

Seeing that time was almost up, the Host said, "Time's up. Let's see what Lu Jin's final vote count is."

The large screen in the back shifted, and Lu Jin's vote progress bar surged. When it surpassed one million, the audience's cheers rose another octave.

It slowly surpassed Zhang Xiaoxiao, and finally, it actually overtook Lou Qingran as well.

Lu Jin actually had 1.73 million votes!

Lu Jin quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had his father find someone to buy 500,000 fake votes; otherwise, he really wouldn't have been able to beat Lou Qingran.

But it didn't matter. With this result, he was definitely first. As for Lu Qingyu, he didn't even acknowledge him.

The figure of 1.73 million stunned the audience. Chen Ting was a bit worried about Lu Qingyu. This was his first time singing on stage, and he feared Lu Qingyu would be affected by Lu Jin.

"Qingyu, don't be nervous when you go on stage later. Just focus on singing your own song."

Chen Ting came over to cheer Lu Qingyu up. Lu Qingyu stood up: "Don't worry, Brother Chen. If you're really that worried, just give me a bonus to calm my nerves."

Chen Ting: !!! "Go, go, go!"

Chen Ting really liked Lu Qingyu. Although he wasn't a particularly strict boss, for some reason, the artists in the company were all afraid of him.

But Lu Qingyu was different. Lu Qingyu didn't have that fear of a boss; instead, he was quite friendly.

The feeling was quite peculiar. It wasn't like treating him as a brother. If he had to describe it, it was as if Lu Qingyu was the boss and he was the employee, with Lu Qingyu constantly feeding him empty promises.

When it was Lu Qingyu's turn to go on stage, Lu Jin sat below and cast a contemptuous glance at him. Hmph, Lu Qingyu, you will never be able to compare to me.

Lu Qingyu walked onto the stage. The stage lights slowly dimmed, and a deep orchid hue washed over him while a crescent moon rose on the screen behind him.

The words "moonlight" appeared on it.

Both Lou Qingran and Zhang Xiaoxiao were stunned when they saw the song title. Lu Qingyu actually wasn't singing "dispelling sorrow."

"dispelling sorrow" was currently very popular online, and the song itself was indeed excellent. If he sang that song, he would definitely get a good result, yet he had actually given it up.

Zhang Xiaoxiao: "Sigh, I somewhat understand Lu Qingyu's mindset. He probably has confidence in himself and feels he can create even better works. Every singer thinks this way, believing their next song will be their best. But the reality isn't like that; they might work desperately for ten years and still not create a song that surpasses their previous work."

Lou Qingran silently agreed with Zhang Xiaoxiao's thoughts. She felt Lu Qingyu was probably a bit arrogant; after a small taste of fame, he thought his abilities were extraordinary and that he could get good results even without singing "dispelling sorrow."

"He's too young. He'll be fine once he has more experience."

Both of them felt sorry for Lu Qingyu, as did many in the audience.

"I came here to hear 'dispelling sorrow,' but he's not singing it."

"'orchid pavilion preface' is also good, why isn't he singing that either?"

"What is 'moonlight'? I've never heard of it, but I don't think it'll be as good as 'dispelling sorrow.' I'm so disappointed; I didn't get to hear what I wanted."

"I want to hear 'orchid pavilion preface' too. I don't want to hear some 'moonlight.'"

Lu Jin had been incredibly happy since seeing the words "moonlight." If Lu Qingyu had sung "dispelling sorrow" or "orchid pavilion preface," he might have gained some traction, but singing a new song was simply seeking death.

The accompaniment even had a traditional Chinese style. Since he had already sung such a popular traditional-style song, Lu Qingyu actually dared to sing the same genre. Lu Qingyu must have been beaten stupid by thugs back in school; there was something wrong with his head.

On stage, Lu Qingyu stood before the microphone stand. As the accompaniment ended, he began to sing:

"moonlight's hue, a woman's fragrance"

"Tears break the sword, how long does love endure?"

"How much pain, thoughts beyond words"

"Forgetting you"

"A lonely soul, drifting with the wind"

"Who cares for the infatuated man?"

"This battlefield of the mortal world"

"Among thousands of troops, who can be king?"

Unlike when Lu Jin was singing and the audience was screaming and shouting, the audience was deathly quiet right now.

But it wasn't because they weren't interested in the song; it was because this song was just too damn good!

The lyrics were simple yet rich with narrative, and the melody was even more captivating—especially every vocal run, which struck right at the heart.

Lou Qingran was already listening in a daze. Having studied music since childhood, she knew very well how good this song was and how difficult it was to sing.

Even she was moved by this song; she hadn't felt this way in a long time.

This younger brother, Lu Qingyu, had truly given her a massive surprise.

Lou Qingran hadn't felt that the traditional-style song Lu Jin sang earlier was particularly brilliant. It was good, but she felt that over 1.7 million votes was a bit exaggerated.

Some songs became popular not necessarily because they were outstanding, but also due to luck and timing.

But for this song, "moonlight," it would be a travesty if it didn't become a hit.

At this moment, Lu Jin felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly by a hand, making it hard to breathe.

How could Lu Qingyu sing "moonlight"? He hadn't studied music growing up. Could it be that Chen Ting was helping him?

Yes, Chen Ting must have written the song and the arrangement for him. Otherwise, with Lu Qingyu's background, how could he possibly create a song like "moonlight"?

Chen Ting, the boss, had personally brought Lu Qingyu to the show, so it seemed he was going to push him heavily. Having a good Agent really was beneficial; all of this must have been secured by Su Jixing.

That dog Xu Dongcai had mediocre abilities and only knew how to drink and socialize all day, yet the resources he brought back were ordinary. It seemed he needed to find a new Agent.

On stage, Lu Qingyu continued singing.

"The trial of love, who dares to brave?"

"Gazing at the bright moon, the heart feels desolate"

"Eternal regrets, tasted through reincarnation"

"With eyes closed, who is the most arrogant?"

"Gazing at the impermanence of this world"

"Those who dare to love are destined to be hurt for a lifetime"

The live stream comments saw another legendary moment, being completely taken over by a screen full of "Holy crap!"

The last time this happened was when Lu Qingyu participated in "Love Journey."

"Forgive my lack of culture, but 'holy crap' says it all."

"Lu Qingyu is young but his path is wild. This song is absolutely incredible."

"Ahhh, I've found a treasure! I'm going to listen to 'moonlight' a hundred times tonight."

"Help, as soon as I heard it, I started imagining so many scenes. This song's vibe is just too perfect."