Chapter 70: Press Conference

At the Xiangjiang International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a red carpet was rolled out, and magnesium lights flashed.

At three in the afternoon, a huge crowd had already gathered outside the convention centre. Fans held up light signs reading "Leslie," "Anita," and "Sam," their screams rising and falling in waves. Dozens of media outlets had set up their long lenses and short-range cameras, waiting for this unprecedented musical extravaganza to lift its curtain.

Inside the convention centre, the stage was backed by a giant golden musical note, with LED screens on both sides looping the promotional video for "The Voice of Xiangjiang." At the centre of the stage, four red coaches' swivel chairs stood quietly, their backrests emblazoned in gold with the names of the four coaches — Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Sam Hui, and Roman Tam.

In the backstage rest room, Xiang Fei was going over final confirmations with the staff.

"Sound check complete."

"Lighting in position."

"Media section fully seated."

Xiang Fei nodded and glanced at his watch: "Starting in three minutes."

As the live music kicked in, the host Eric Tsang strode onto the stage with his signature quick little steps.

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

Warm applause immediately erupted from below the stage.

"Today, we will not only unveil a groundbreaking music programme, but also welcome four legendary figures from the music scene!" Eric Tsang deliberately drew out his tone. "First, let's welcome — forever dazzling and peerless, Big Brother — Leslie Cheung!"

Leslie Cheung stepped out in an all-white suit, gracefully waving to the audience. The fans' screams nearly blew the roof off.

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

Anita Mui made her appearance in a black sequined gown, her aura at full blast, blowing a kiss to the cameras.

"Third, the godfather of music, the representative of Cantonese pop — Sam Hui!"

Sam Hui, in a casual denim jacket and with a guitar slung over his back, took the stage and flashed a rock-on gesture at the audience.

"And finally, the golden voice of Xiangjiang, powerhouse vocalist — Roman Tam!"

Roman Tam, in a crisp tailored suit, bowed to the audience with gentlemanly poise.

After the four coaches took their seats, Eric Tsang smiled mysteriously: "Today, we also have the chief planner of this programme — Mr. Xiang Sheng!"

Xiang Sheng, dressed in a deep blue suit, walked onto the stage and took the microphone with composure.

"Thank you, friends from the media, for being here. 'The Voice of Xiangjiang' is not merely a music programme — it will be a revolution for the Xiangjiang music scene."

He walked to the control console at the centre of the stage and gently pressed a button. The four coaches' swivel chairs slowly rotated, turning their backs to the stage.

"Our core concept is simple — listen only to the voice, never to the face." Xiang Sheng's voice rang out firm and clear. "Every contestant will have an equal chance to let their talent speak for itself."

The big screen began playing the programme's promotional video: the tension and excitement of the blind auditions, the fierce competition among coaches scrambling for contestants, the brutal elimination of the battle rounds......

"The four coaches will form the strongest panel of judges in history. They will personally mentor their trainees, and the grand finale will be held at the Hung Hom Coliseum."

Reporters below frantically took notes, flashbulbs popping one after another.

【Coaches' Interaction】

Eric Tsang cracked a joke: "Coaches, I hear you've all prepared plenty of 'tricks' to snatch trainees?"

Anita Mui raised an eyebrow: "I've brought a secret weapon." She pulled a stack of signed photos from her clutch. "Whoever picks me gets a collector's-edition signed photo!"

Leslie Cheung added elegantly: "I will tailor-make songs for my trainees."

Sam Hui patted his guitar: "I can teach them songwriting."

Roman Tam cleared his throat lightly: "I... can provide professional vocal training."

Eric Tsang grinned mischievously: "Tam, I heard you 'volunteered' to be a judge?"

Roman Tam wiped the sweat from his forehead: "O-of course! Such a meaningful programme — how could I possibly refuse!"

A wave of good-natured laughter erupted from below the stage.

Moving into the media Q&A segment, reporters scrambled to raise their hands.

Reporter from Ming Pao: "Mr. Xiang, what made you come up with a programme like this?"

Xiang Sheng smiled: "Xiangjiang has never lacked great voices, but many talented people have been overlooked because of their looks or other reasons. We hope to break that pattern."

Sing Tao Daily: "Have the four coaches' fees set a new record?"

Anita Mui snatched the microphone: "We're here for the creative concept of the programme — talking about money is so tacky!" She winked. "Although Mr. Xiang is indeed very generous."

The whole room burst into laughter.

Oriental Daily: "When does the programme premiere? How will the auditions be conducted?"

Xiang Sheng answered in detail: "Open auditions across the entire territory will begin next month. Any Xiangjiang resident aged 16 or above may sign up. The programme will air in three months during TVB Jade's prime time slot."

As the press conference drew to a close, Xiang Sheng suddenly announced: "Today, we also have a special guest."

Music began to play, and Zhou Huimin walked onto the stage in a flowing white gown.

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

Zhou Huimin greeted the audience gently: "It's a great honour to be part of such a meaningful project. The theme song 'Voice' was composed by Xiang Fei himself — I hope everyone will like it."

She sang a passage a cappella, and a heavenly voice silenced the entire room. All four coaches turned around involuntarily — even though the swivel chairs weren't powered yet. After the press conference ended, the media area exploded.

"This line-up is incredible!"

"Definitely the most anticipated programme of the year!"

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

Backstage, Xiang Sheng celebrated with the four coaches.

Leslie Cheung: "Mr. Xiang, you're playing a big game this time."

Anita Mui: "I turned down three movie offers to be here."

Sam Hui laughed: "I'm already looking forward to it."

Roman Tam wiped his sweat: "I... I'll go prepare the training plan first..."