Chapter 19: Champion

The host held the microphone, his voice resonant: "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 below, while camera flashes popped continuously.

"First, let us invite our three finalists to the stage!" the host introduced one by one: "Li Keqin! Zhou Huimin! Wu Xiangqian!"

The three contestants walked out sequentially from both sides of the stage, bowing to the audience. Zhou Huimin wore a long white dress, while Xiang Qian was clad in black martial arts attire, forming 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 stood up and waved in greeting: "Good evening, everyone."

"Next is the Cantopop god, Mr. Xu Guanjie!"

Xu Guanjie nodded with a smile: "I look forward to tonight's performances."

"Finally, the eternally unparalleled 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 Guanjie to perform 'Walking the Road of Life'!"

As the music began, Li Keqin and Xu Guanjie stood side by side. Their coordination was seamless; Xu Guanjie's steadiness and Li Keqin's youthful vigor complemented each other perfectly.

"Though the road beside you is long, I am not weary..." Li Keqin sang with deep emotion, while Xu Guanjie occasionally exchanged glances with him.

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

Xu Guanjie patted Li Keqin on the shoulder: "The younger generation is formidable; your progress is immense."

"Next, please enjoy 'Silence is Golden' brought to you by Zhou Huimin and Mr. Zhang Guorong!"

Zhang Guorong gallantly took Zhou Huimin's hand and led her onto the stage. Zhou Huimin took a deep breath and began to sing.

"The night wind is biting; looking back alone at past events and dust..." Her voice was clear yet filled with determination.

Zhang Guorong joined in for the chorus at the perfect moment; their harmony was particularly moving. When the performance ended, enthusiastic applause rang out from the audience.

Huang Zhan praised: "93 points! Ah Min, your performance is becoming more and more mature."

Zhang Guorong patted the back of Zhou Huimin's hand: "Much improved compared to last night."

"Finally, please welcome Wu Xiangqian and his guest singer, Cheng Long, to perform 'Huo Yuanjia'!"

The entire venue buzzed with shock, and murmurs spread through the audience seats. The lights dimmed, and suddenly, a surge of intense drumbeats rang out.

"Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo! Huo!" Cheng Long flipped onto the stage, with Xiang Qian following closely behind. Both wore black martial arts uniforms, exuding an imposing aura.

Xiang Qian's lead vocals were powerful and sonorous: "In the small town, the years flow away..." while Cheng Long performed martial arts beside him, every movement precisely timed to the beat.

Singing into the climax, Cheng Long took the microphone: "All martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin!" He immediately executed a beautiful spinning kick, sending the entire crowd into a frenzy.

After the performance, all three judges stood up simultaneously to applaud.

Huang Zhan said excitedly: "98 points! This is what stage art is called! A perfect combination of music and martial arts."

Xu Guanjie shook his head and sighed: "I never expected Ah Long's stage presence to be so strong."

Zhang Guorong smiled and said: "Xiang Qian, you always manage to bring us surprises."

The host announced: "After unanimous deliberation by the judges, the champion of this year's 'New Talent Singing Competition' is—Wu Xiangqian!"

Amidst dancing confetti, Xiang Qian accepted the trophy, his voice slightly choked with emotion: "Thank you to everyone who has supported me; I especially want to thank Big Brother Cheng Long..."

Cheng Long laughed heartily nearby, slapping him hard on the back: "Well done!"

In the backstage lounge, Cheng Long put his arm around Xiang Qian's shoulders: "Little brother, I am increasingly optimistic about you!"

Xiang Qian hurriedly bowed: "It is all because Big Brother led the way; your martial arts performance was magnificent."

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

Xiang Qian replied to Cheng Long: "Yes, Big Brother."

Cheng Long laughed heartily: "Here, this is my private contact information." Saying this, he handed over a business card.

Zhou Huimin ran over: "Qian-zai! Congratulations on winning the championship!"

Xiang Qian hugged her tightly: "Half of this merit belongs to you; I couldn't have done it without your support during this time."

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

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; in the night, the story belonging to them had just begun.