Chapter 70: Press Conference

At the Xiangjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, a red carpet stretched across the floor as camera flashes dazzled.

By three in the afternoon, a sea of people had already gathered outside the center. Fans held light-up signs bearing "Leslie," "Anita," and "Sam," their screams rising and falling in waves. Dozens of media outlets had set up their long-lens cameras and short-range equipment, waiting for this unprecedented musical event to begin.

Inside the center, the stage featured a backdrop of giant golden musical notes, while LED screens on both sides looped promotional videos for "Xiangjiang Good Voice." In the center of the stage stood four red mentor chairs, their backrests embossed in gold with the names of the four mentors: Zhang Zhang Guorong, Mei Mei Yanfang, Xu Xu Guanjie, and Luo Wen.

In the backstage lounge, Xiang Fei was making final confirmations with the staff.

"Sound check complete."

"Lighting in position."

"Media section is full."

Xiang Fei nodded, glanced at his watch, and said, "We start in three minutes."

As the background music began, host Ceng Ceng Zhiwei walked onto the stage with his signature quick, shuffling steps.

"Friends from the media, distinguished guests, welcome to the press conference for 'Xiangjiang Good Voice'!"

Thunderous applause immediately erupted from the audience.

"Today, we will not only unveil a groundbreaking music program but also introduce four legendary figures from the music scene!" Ceng Ceng Zhiwei deliberately drew out his tone. "First, let us welcome—the eternally unparalleled beauty, Brother—Zhang Zhang Guorong!"

Zhang Zhang Guorong appeared in a white suit, waving elegantly to the crowd. The fans' screams were loud enough to lift the roof.

"Next, the daughter of Xiangjiang, the ever-changing diva—Anita Mui!"

Mei Mei Yanfang made her entrance in a black sequined gown, radiating an overwhelming presence as she blew a kiss to the cameras.

"Third, the Godfather of Music, the representative of Cantopop—Xu Xu Guanjie!"

Xu Xu Guanjie walked out wearing a casual denim jacket and carrying a guitar, flashing a rock-and-roll hand gesture to the audience.

"Finally, the Golden Voice of Xiangjiang, the powerhouse vocalist—Luo Wen!"

Luo Wen, dressed in a sharp suit, bowed gracefully to the crowd.

After the four mentors took their seats, Ceng Ceng Zhiwei smiled mysteriously. "Today, we also have the honor of inviting the chief planner of this program, Mr. Xiang Sheng!"

Xiang Sheng walked onto the stage in a dark blue suit and calmly accepted the microphone.

"Thank you to all our media friends for coming. 'Xiangjiang Good Voice' is not just a music program; it will be a revolution for the Xiangjiang music scene."

He walked to the control console in the center of the stage and gently pressed a button. The four mentor chairs slowly rotated until they faced away from the stage.

"Our core concept is simple: listen only to the voice, not the appearance," Xiang Sheng declared with forceful clarity. "Every contestant will have an equal opportunity to speak through their talent."

The large screen began playing the program's promotional video: the tension of the blind auditions, the fierce competition among mentors fighting for contestants, and the cruel elimination rounds of the arena battles...

"These four mentors will form the strongest judging panel in history. They will personally guide the contestants, culminating in a grand finale held at the Hung Hom Coliseum."

Reporters in the audience frantically took notes as camera flashes flashed incessantly.

[Mentor Interaction]

Ceng Ceng Zhiwei joked, "Mentors, I hear you've prepared quite a few 'tactics' to snatch up contestants?"

Mei Mei Yanfang raised an eyebrow. "I've brought a secret weapon." She pulled a stack of autographed photos from her handbag. "Whoever chooses me gets a limited-edition autographed photo!"

Zhang Zhang Guorong added elegantly, "I will create custom songs for my contestants."

Xu Xu Guanjie patted his guitar. "I can teach them songwriting."

Luo Wen cleared his throat lightly. "I... can provide professional vocal training."

Ceng Ceng Zhiwei grinned mischievously. "Brother Wen, I hear you joined as a judge 'voluntarily'?"

Luo Wen wiped the sweat from his forehead. "O-of course! For such a meaningful program, it is my duty!"

A wave of good-natured laughter erupted from the audience.

As the session moved to media questions, reporters eagerly raised their hands.

A reporter from Ming Pao asked, "Mr. Xiang, what inspired you to create such a program?"

Xiang Sheng smiled. "Xiangjiang has never lacked good voices, but many talented individuals have been overlooked due to their appearance or other reasons. We hope to change that."

A reporter from Sing Tao Daily asked, "Did the appearance fees for the four mentors set a new record?"

Mei Mei Yanfang snatched the microphone. "We joined for the program's creativity; talking about money is so vulgar!" She winked. "Though Mr. Xiang was indeed very generous."

The entire hall burst into laughter.

A reporter from Oriental Daily asked, "When will the program premiere, and how will the auditions be conducted?"

Xiang Sheng answered in detail, "Island-wide auditions will begin next month; any Xiangjiang resident aged 16 or older can register. The program will air in the prime-time slot on Jade Channel three months from now."

As the press conference neared its end, Xiang Sheng suddenly announced, "Today, we also have a special guest."

Music played as Zhou Zhou Huimin walked onto the stage in a white dress.

"Vivian will serve as the image ambassador for 'Xiangjiang Good Voice' and will perform the theme song."

Zhou Zhou Huimin greeted the audience gently, "It is a great honor to participate in this meaningful project. The theme song, 'Voice,' was personally composed by Xiang Fei. I hope you all enjoy it."

She sang a cappella for a moment; her heavenly voice silenced the entire hall. All four mentors involuntarily turned around—even though the chairs were not yet powered on. After the press conference ended, the media section exploded with buzz.

"This lineup is incredibly powerful!"

"This is absolutely the most anticipated program of the year!"

"Other TV stations won't be able to sleep tonight!"

Backstage, Xiang Sheng celebrated with the four mentors.

Zhang Zhang Guorong said, "Mr. Xiang, you're playing big this time."

Mei Mei Yanfang added, "I turned down three film projects to be here."

Xu Xu Guanjie laughed, "I'm already looking forward to it."

Luo Wen wiped his sweat again, saying, "I... I'll go prepare the training plans first..."