Perfect Superstar.

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August 28th, Friday. 

Capital City TV T1 Broadcasting Hall, the national finals of "Singing China."

This brand-new broadcasting hall, which opened just half a month ago, occupies an entire floor of the new Satellite TV building. Its facilities are not only advanced and complete but also unmatched in scale among all local Satellite TV stations in the country.

With a capacity for 3,000 live audience members and a total stage area of 3,500 square meters, the interior is grand and spacious, reflecting the ambitious spirit of Capital City TV!

By 6:30 PM, the broadcasting hall is already filled to the brim, with all on-site staff in their designated positions.

Tonight marks the final competition of "Singing China," a battle for the top 10 championship.

Unlike Xiangnan TV's "The Strongest Singer," Capital City's "Singing China" features only one national competition. The real excitement lies in the six regional PK matches, which perfectly align with the show's theme of "Walking while Singing, Singing China."

However, this final competition still draws the attention of countless viewers and fans of the contestants! 

Who will claim the ultimate crown? Who will take home the grand prize of 5 million yuan? Who will shine the brightest tonight?

All the answers are about to unfold!

Backstage at the T1 Broadcasting Hall, the top 10 singers of "Singing China" are waiting.

The backstage area, part of the broadcasting hall's luxurious facilities, is spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of performers and staff. The ten contestants barely fill the seats, even with their family and friends present.

Everyone maintains a respectful distance, with no loud laughter or chatter. The atmosphere is thick with tension.

This competition is crucial, as it will significantly impact everyone's future.

Whether they will successfully embark on a glittering path to stardom or fade away like a fleeting moment, whether they will be watched by millions or be forgotten, hinges on their performance tonight.

Including Lu Chen, all the contestants are giving it their all! 

None of them want to lose! 

In contrast, Lu Chen seems the most relaxed.

He has his family and friends with him. Besides Lu Xi and Chen Xin, Qin Hanyang, the four members of the Wandering Band, Sister Na, and Chen Jianhao have all come to support him. The lineup is quite impressive!

With time to spare before his performance, Lu Chen leans back in a soft chair that still carries the scent of new leather, gazing at Chen Jianhao and Zhang Nana across from him.

Or rather, he's staring at their clasped hands, his gaze particularly intense.

Even Sister Na, usually so open and straightforward, blushes under his scrutiny, displaying a rare shyness.

Chen Jianhao, feeling embarrassed and a bit annoyed, glares at Lu Chen and retorts, "Why are you looking at me? Shouldn't you be preparing yourself?"

While everyone else is busy practicing and warming up, Lu Chen is just staring at him.

What's so fascinating about holding hands?

Lu Chen grins and says, "Congratulations to both of you! When can we expect the wedding wine?"

His words send Qin Hanyang and the others into fits of laughter.

The old-timers at Daylily know that Sister Na has had feelings for Chen Jianhao for a long time.

But lacking confidence in her appearance, she has never confessed, fearing it might ruin their friendship.

Chen Jianhao is well aware of this too.

He has remained single, with several close female friends, and having experienced many ups and downs, he doesn't place much importance on marriage.

He considers Sister Na a friend, a good friend.

That was until Lu Chen wrote a song for Sister Na titled "I Want A Family."

When Sister Na first performed it at Daylily Bar, Chen Jianhao felt a stir in his heart.

Then, last night, everyone surprised him.

When Sister Na pushed a birthday cake in front of him, tears streaming down her face as she wished him a happy birthday, Chen Jianhao's defenses crumbled completely! 

After knowing each other for so many years, he suddenly realized that the love he had doubted had always been right beside him.

Sister Na, illuminated by candlelight, looked stunning.

Now, Chen Jianhao can only endure Lu Chen's teasing, holding Zhang Nana's hand tightly.

Sister Na, after her initial shyness, regains her composure and says, "Being together is enough. Marriage isn't important."

"No!" Chen Jianhao interrupts her suddenly. "We'll get married on October 1st, National Day!"

What?

Everyone is taken aback—so soon! 

Even Qin Hanyang finds it hard to believe. As a true friend of both Chen Jianhao and Sister Na, he never thought much of their chances together. Now they're discussing marriage.

Sister Na is even more shocked, her eyes wide and speechless.

Chen Jianhao looks at her and smiles gently, "I've made up my mind. Let's get married, if you're willing."

If this is a proposal, it's not particularly romantic.

Chen Jianhao isn't a man who cares much for romance.

But Sister Na is still moved to tears, managing to choke out, "I am willing, but I'm afraid you..."

Chen Jianhao shakes his head, tightening his grip on her hand. "I won't regret it!"

Lu Chen, Lu Xi, and Qin Hanyang all applaud in unison, offering their blessings. If it weren't for the setting, they might have cheered loudly! 

Even so, their excitement draws attention from those around them.

Chen Jianhao wipes the tears from Sister Na's face and turns to Lu Chen, saying, "Are you satisfied now? Sister Na and I are getting married. If you don't win the championship tonight, don't bother coming to our wedding."

"I can't afford to lose face!" Lu Chen replies, his smile turning bittersweet— the pressure is mounting!

Laughter erupts, and the atmosphere in their small circle becomes incredibly joyful.

With no other option, Lu Chen takes out his guitar and starts practicing on the side.

After nearly two months of hard work, traveling across half of China, if he loses in the final battle, not only would his family, friends, and fans be disappointed, but he himself wouldn't be able to accept it either.

The competition piece was submitted long ago, and according to the rules, he rehearsed with the accompaniment band under strict confidentiality. He feels confident but doesn't dare to claim he has a 100% chance of winning.

The top 10 singers of "Singing China" may not be the strongest among all contestants, but those who have the right to stand on tonight's stage are no ordinary performers.

Just like in the Bihai regional PK match, Lu Chen's opponent Xi Jia once posed a significant threat to him.

No one can be sure that the other nine singers won't bring out similar surprises!

So even though Lu Chen appears calm on the surface, he is actually preparing meticulously, striving to keep himself from getting too nervous or too relaxed.

…

Time flies, and it's already 7:30 PM.

The national finals of "Singing China" officially begin! 

Compared to previous competitions held in the old broadcasting hall, this final in the T1 Broadcasting Hall boasts an opening that far surpasses in grandeur and splendor. The large backdrop made up of countless LED screens creates stunning effects, combined with the stage lighting, resulting in a dazzling spectacle.

The number of hosts has increased to two, who use passionate lines to easily ignite the enthusiastic atmosphere of the entire venue.

At the invitation of the two hosts, Tan Hong and Chen Fei'er take the stage to perform their respective hit songs.

Since the Capital City regional preliminaries, these two big names in the pop music industry have served as judges, but it's the first time they've personally taken the stage to perform, undoubtedly surprising the audience both inside and outside the venue.

Especially Tan Hong, who has been semi-retired in recent years and rarely takes on commercial performances, making this opportunity to see him on stage and hear him sing truly rare.

A Heavenly King is a Heavenly King. His classic old song, "End of the World Prodigal Son," performed with heartfelt emotion, leaves the 3,000 audience members spellbound. By the end, they even sing along in unison, elevating the atmosphere to its peak!

Chen Fei'er doesn't disappoint either. With her heavenly voice, she performs her hit song "Sweet Memories," transporting the audience back to beautiful moments of the past.

The two stars steal the spotlight effortlessly!

But Tan Hong and Chen Fei'er have already enjoyed their share of glory. They don't covet the limelight and, despite the audience's pleas, return to the judges' seats.

Because tonight's stage belongs to the top 10 singers of "Singing China"!

The order of the ten contestants' performances is prearranged. The first to take the stage is Mu Xiaochu.

In the last match of the national tour PK, Zhang Junhua lost to Lin Meiru, one of the top 10 from Bihai, leaving only Mu Xiaochu and Lu Chen from the Capital City region.

With her sweet voice and girl-next-door charm, Mu Xiaochu hasn't shone as brightly as Lu Chen in the "Singing China" competition, but she has fought her way to the final.

Even her fans can hardly believe it, fervently discussing her journey on blogs, post bars, and forums.

Of course, it's all praise.

For this final, Mu Xiaochu's parents have come to support her, and Lu Chen even went to greet them earlier.

The song she will perform tonight is called "Tianshan Lotus."

"Tianshan Lotus" isn't a very famous piece, leaning more towards a thematic style, and it places high demands on the singer's skill. If the aura isn't just right, it can be embarrassing, and many established vagabond singers dare not attempt it.

Mu Xiaochu choosing this song is truly going all out!

Lu Chen watches the large LCD screen hanging on the wall, secretly sweating for her.

However, this delicate girl doesn't disappoint. She fully showcases her vocal characteristics through this song, demonstrating her unique talent in singing.

If there's any flaw, it's that the high notes are slightly lacking, a bit inferior to the original singer.

But it's still enough to be awe-inspiring.

After the song ends, the entire venue erupts in thunderous applause, with many audience members standing to applaud her.

Lu Chen also stands up.

But after clapping twice, he notices Lu Xi across from him staring at her phone with a strange expression.

Lu Chen can't help but ask, "Sis, what's wrong?"

(End of chapter)