Chapter 19: Champion

The host held the microphone, his voice booming: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the finals night! After fierce competition, tonight we will witness the birth of the champion!"

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience, flashbulbs popping one after another.

"First, let's welcome our three finalists to the stage!" the host announced in turn: "Li Keqin! Zhou Huimin! Wu Xiang Qian!"

The three contestants walked out one by one from both sides of the stage, bowing to the audience. Zhou Huimin wore a flowing white gown, while Xiang Qian was dressed in black martial attire, creating a striking contrast.

"Tonight we are honored to have three heavyweight judges." The host turned toward the judges' panel. "First, the godfather of the music scene, Mr. Huang Zhan!"

Huang Zhan rose and waved in greeting: "Good evening, everyone."

"Next, the Cantopop god, Mr. Xu Kuanjie!"

Xu Kuanjie smiled and nodded: "I'm really looking forward to tonight's performances."

"And finally, the eternally radiant Mr. Zhang Guorong!"

Zhang Guorong rose gracefully and waved to the audience: "I hope to see wonderful performances tonight."

"First, please welcome Li Keqin and Mr. Xu Kuanjie performing 'Strolling Through Life's Path'!"

The music began, and Li Keqin and Xu Kuanjie stood side by side. The two worked in perfect harmony—Xu Kuanjie's steadiness and Li Keqin's vigor complemented each other beautifully.

"By your side, though the road is long, I'm never weary..." Li Keqin sang with deep feeling, while Xu Kuanjie occasionally exchanged glances with him.

After the performance, Huang Zhan commented: "95 points! A perfect inheritance; Li Keqin has given this song his own style."

Xu Kuanjie patted Li Keqin on the shoulder: "The young are truly formidable, you've made great progress."

"Next, please enjoy Zhou Huimin and Mr. Zhang Guorong performing 'Silence Is Gold'!"

Zhang Guorong gentlemanly took Zhou Huimin's hand as they walked onto the stage. Zhou Huimin took a deep breath and began to sing.

"The night wind is biting, I look back alone at the past..." Her voice was clear yet carried resolve.

Zhang Guorong joined in for the chorus at just the right moment, and their harmony was especially moving. When the performance ended, warm applause erupted from the audience.

Huang Zhan exclaimed admiringly: "93 points! Ah Min, your performance is getting more and more mature."

Zhang Guorong patted the back of Zhou Huimin's hand: "Much better than last night."

"And finally, please welcome Wu Xiang Qian and his guest performer Cheng Long performing 'Huo Yuanjia'!"

The whole audience gasped, murmurs of discussion rippling through the seats. The lights dimmed, and suddenly a burst of intense drumbeats rang out.

"Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo!" Cheng Long flipped onto the stage, with Xiang Qian right behind him. The two were dressed in black martial arts uniforms, their presence overwhelming.

Xiang Qian's lead vocals were powerful and resonant: "In the small town, the years flow past..." while Cheng Long performed martial arts on the side, every movement hitting the beat precisely.

At the climax, Cheng Long took the microphone: "All martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin!" Then he delivered a beautiful spinning kick, sending the entire audience into a frenzy.

After the performance, all three judges rose and applauded simultaneously.

Huang Zhan said excitedly: "98 points! Now that's stage art! A perfect fusion of music and martial arts."

Xu Kuanjie shook his head in admiration: "I didn't expect Ah Long's stage presence to be this strong."

Zhang Guorong said with a smile: "Xiang Qian, you always know how to surprise us."

The host announced: "After unanimous evaluation by the judges, the champion of this 'New Talent Singing Competition' is—Wu Xiang Qian!"

As streamers flew, Xiang Qian took the trophy, his voice slightly choked: "Thank you to everyone who supported me, and especially thank you, Big Brother Cheng Long..."

Cheng Long laughed heartily beside him, patting his back hard: "Well done!"

In the backstage lounge, Cheng Long threw his arm around Xiang Qian's shoulder: "Little brother, I'm growing more and more impressed with you!"

Xiang Qian quickly bowed: "It's all thanks to your great guidance, Big Brother. Your martial arts performance was absolutely spectacular."

Cheng Long lowered his voice: "Honestly, are you interested in making movies?"

Xiang Qian said to Cheng Long: "Sure, Big Brother."

Cheng Long laughed heartily: "Here, this is my personal contact info." He said, handing over a business card.

Zhou Huimin ran over: "Qian Zai! Congratulations on winning!"

Xiang Qian grabbed her in a hug: "Half the credit goes to you—I couldn't have done it without your support these past days."

Zhou Huimin shyly lowered her head: "What are you saying..."

Cheng Long teased from the side: "Young people are so sweet! Alright, I won't disturb you two—remember to contact me!"

The three exchanged smiles, and in the night, the story that belonged to them had only just begun.