Just as his mood was somber, Mr. Wang's call came again, seizing the opportune moment.
"Lin Chen, have you seen the new rules?" Mr. Wang's tone carried a confident "I knew it" tone. "Now you know how insignificant individual power is, right? Without a company's team operation, it's almost impossible to get high scores in media reviews and online popularity. Xingyao has the most mature system in this regard: media relations, online commentary control, fan guidance… As long as you nod, all of this can be done for you immediately. Advancement in the next round is a sure thing."
The temptation was laid bare before him. If he signed that contract, many of his current difficulties seemed to be easily resolved. He could get a professional team, media handling skills, and perhaps even… the power to manipulate public opinion.
At that moment, Lin Chen did waver. Faced with such an unfair competitive environment, faced with the overwhelming malice and isolation, relying on a powerful patron seemed to be the only rational choice.
He held his phone, remaining silent for a long time. Mr. Wang on the other end of the phone didn't urge him, but waited patiently, as if certain his prey would eventually fall into the net.
The sky outside the window gradually darkened, and the lights in the training base flickered on, casting long shadows on everyone. Lin Chen stood by the window, looking at his blurry reflection in the glass. His eyes held struggle and confusion, but deep within, a glimmer of unyielding light, carried from the mountains, remained.
Undercurrents surged, trying to push him onto a predetermined path. Should he drift with the tide, exchanging it for temporary stability and a seemingly bright shortcut? Or should he go against the current, holding onto that purity that might leave him battered and bruised?
He knew he had to make a decision quickly. And his answer would determine how far he could go on this path, and ultimately, who he would become.
Lin Chen didn't give Mr. Wang an immediate answer. He used the excuse of needing to "discuss it with his family" to postpone it for the time being. This decision was like slamming on the brakes at the edge of a cliff; though dangerous, it temporarily saved him from further setbacks. However, he knew that Xingyao's patience was not limitless, and the competition's progress wouldn't slow down because of his hesitation.
The second round of eliminations began in an unprecedentedly tense atmosphere. The media jury was filled with reporters from various entertainment sections, music critics, and video bloggers, their eyes filled with professional scrutiny and judgment. Online popularity rankings, like an invisible leaderboard, hovered above each contestant's head, constantly reminding them of the power struggles between the capital and fan base behind them.
Lin Chen drew a classic ballad. He didn't choose the "viral" internet hit the program hinted at, but instead stuck to his own understanding of music. During his performance, he tried his best to ignore the whispers of the media judges and the flashing light boards in the audience, focusing his attention back on the song itself. His performance was stable, even more composed than during practice; his unique sincerity remained his most powerful weapon.
After the performance, the judges' comments were mixed. Li Wei remained supportive, praising him for "maintaining his true self as a singer amidst the volatile competition." Zhou Mufan, however, felt his "song selection was slightly conservative, failing to fully showcase his breakthrough potential." Chief judge Zhang Zhe remarked meaningfully, "Dancing within the rules is also a kind of wisdom. I hope you can find a balance between art and commerce."
The media jury's scoring was as harsh as expected, giving him a moderate score, reflecting a wait-and-see attitude. Ultimately, thanks to a reasonably good score from the live judges and a barely-there online popularity rating, he narrowly advanced to the next round.
This result was like lukewarm water—not too bad, but without any surprises. It clearly told Lin Chen that relying solely on personal ability would be incredibly difficult in this complex game.