Chapter 77: Sharing the Stage

Li Daoquan stormed off, enraged by Cheng Chen's three lethal questions.

The recording of the show was paused; the producers of "Singer" hurried after him to console him.

Xu Chunni hadn't expected Cheng Chen to be so bold—he actually dared to confront Li Daoquan head-on on stage.

But upon closer thought, Cheng Chen did have the right to strike back; Li Daoquan had provoked him first.

Moreover, Cheng Chen had been begged to join "Singer"—if he walked away now, it wouldn't affect him at all.

As for the contract restrictions of "Singer"—please, with Cheng Chen's current wealth, he didn't care about any of that!

Public opinion might be affected, but judging from today's situation, the only ones who would truly suffer were Li Daoquan and the "Singer" production team.

After hearing the news, the leadership of "Singer" personally showed up and went backstage to persuade Li Daoquan.

Watching the crowded backstage, Cheng Chen yawned boredly and sat on the judging panel, playing Snake on his phone.

Only after Cheng Chen filled the entire screen with his snake did Li Daoquan finally emerge from backstage, like a wronged little wife.

He strode straight to Cheng Chen, face dark, eyes locked on him, and said:

"Since you're so articulate when criticizing others, dare you step onto the stage and compete? You and I—let music decide. The live audience will be the judges. Whoever loses leaves this stage!"

Hearing this, Cheng Chen glanced playfully at a middle-aged man nearby, around forty, and asked:

"Director Zhang, is this also your idea?"

Director Zhang looked awkward and smiled:

"Teacher Cheng, this is… Teacher Li Daoquan's request. Of course, if you refuse, that's fine too—we can still discuss it…"

"Lao Zhang, no more discussion! If he refuses, I'm walking out right now!"

Li Daoquan declared firmly.

Cheng Chen looked at Li Daoquan and sneered:

"Teacher Li, your calculations are flawless—500 audience members, all born in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

You've been famous for years; at least half of the audience are your fans.

Even those born in the 80s still remember you vividly.

You propose we win votes from these fans based on our music—do you think that's fair?

And if I refuse your challenge, what do I lose? Nothing at all!"

Cheng Chen shrugged, utterly uninterested in accepting Li Daoquan's challenge.

His unyielding attitude sent Li Daoquan into a rage so fierce he felt like his soul was being torn out.

"Then what right do you have to criticize other singers!"

Li Daoquan shouted angrily.

Hearing Li Daoquan's irrational outburst, Cheng Chen actually laughed, pointing to Wang Director standing nearby:

"Didn't your production team invite me to be a judge?"

Li Daoquan, silenced by Cheng Chen's words, fell quiet for a moment, then blurted out:

"In the end, you're just clinging to an exclusionary mindset—you're suppressing Piao Zhengshuang because you personally can't accept his performance style.

You're not selecting outstanding contestants for the Singer Competition; on this stage, only Piao Zhengshuang's K-pop singing and dancing is truly superior, even crushing all other contestants!"

What?

Cheng Chen couldn't believe his ears—what nonsense was this old man spouting?

K-pop had indeed shaken the current Chinese music scene, but only as a shock—not yet an unstoppable tide.

It hadn't yet grown into the overwhelming force it would become years later.

Right now, any one of China's top vocalists could easily crush those Korean songs flooding China.

"Bel canto is the same—it's kept out by people like you, stuck in your old ways.

But it's undeniable that bel canto is more refined, more elegant than your so-called pop music!"

Cheng Chen rubbed his forehead in disbelief—after all that, this old man had been waiting to ambush him with this.

"You just said whoever loses leaves the stage, right?"

Cheng Chen no longer wanted to waste time with this old man—he asked directly.

"Whoever loses leaves!"

"Director Wang, you're the witness here—this isn't some staged show effect!"

Cheng Chen said coldly to the leader of the Arts Channel.

Director Wang was stuck—losing either of them would be a blow to the show.

But the words had been spoken—what could he do now?

He nodded in agreement.

"Fine, then let's get ready now."

Facing Li Daoquan's provocation, Cheng Chen didn't hesitate—he found the old man unbearable.

He could've simply walked away from the "Singer" stage, but leaving would be admitting defeat.

The outside world would spin all kinds of rumors—better to shut Li Daoquan up outright.

Once Cheng Chen agreed, the "Singer" Music Choir immediately began preparations.

Cheng Chen asked for paper and pen and began coordinating with the choir.

Li Daoquan also went backstage to prepare for his upcoming performance.

The competing contestants stared in stunned confusion.

Wait, weren't we the ones here to compete? Why are the judges stepping onto the stage?

Xu Chunni felt awkward too—three judges, two of them now competing, leaving only him with no talent to show.

Should I just go up and try too?

After all, the judges need to be neatly matched too!

When the audience on site learned of this, their shock turned to excitement!

This trip was worth it!

……

After waiting about an hour, Li Daoquan stepped onto the stage first.

As a long-established singing star, Li Daoquan stood on stage with immense presence.

The audience below erupted instantly!

"My mom used to love listening to Teacher Li Daoquan's songs! He didn't just sing opera—he had many classic old songs everyone knew, songs from their Time!"

"Amazing! To hear Teacher Li Daoquan sing live—he's my idol!"

"I remember as kids we'd huddle by the radio listening to Teacher Li Daoquan's songs; now it's been over a decade!"

With his own hit song, Li Daoquan instantly transported the older audience back to their past.

The flavor was perfect!

As Cheng Chen listened beside him, he too felt deeply moved.

Li Daoquan, as a veteran artist, certainly had talent; the only thing that made Cheng Chen frown was that Li Daoquan kept praising opera, yet ultimately did not perform in opera style.

It seems even he, this rising Heavenly King, feels pressure!

After Li Daoquan finished his song, every audience member stood and clapped endlessly.

The applause lingered long in the studio.

Occasionally, a few middle-aged people secretly wiped away tears.

Li Daoquan bowed and left the stage; all the stage lights went dark.

"Phew… the opponent is quite strong!"

Cheng Chen took a deep breath backstage, then strode forward with firm steps toward the center of the stage.

……