Chapter 104: Golden Melody Award for Best New Artist (Fourth Update)

In Zhou Yi’s memory, the 12th Golden Melody Awards had at least not drawn such intense public attention back then.

Since May 1st, hype had been building, and only after F4’s “Meteor Shower” completely surpassed “The Main Theme of Love” and topped the charts on May 5th did every major island newspaper’s front page scream headlines like “Zhou Yi Defeated?…”

Those who didn’t know might think the Golden Melody Awards ceremony had already ended yesterday, with Zhou Yi winning nothing despite six major nominations.

“Relax, don’t be nervous—it’s just a red carpet.”

On May 5th, at the Kaohsiung Chung Cheng Cultural Center, outside the venue, in the Warner zone.

Watching his parents, dressed in formal attire, stand beside him with solemn, tense expressions, Zhou Yi chuckled: “They’re just reporters—they won’t eat you.”

“We’ve never walked one before—back at the Global Music Chart Awards, your mom and I just sat down and waited.” Zhou Yaoguo, a straightforward man, gripped his wife’s hand, visibly nervous.

This was his first time walking a red carpet, with so many reporters outside.

The moment he saw the cameras, his mind would spiral into wild thoughts—like whether he’d embarrass his son.

He was already regretting coming to witness his son’s first Golden Melody Awards.

“Zhou Yi’s right—it’s no big deal. If you’re really nervous, just treat them like cabbages.”

Zhou Jianhui, general manager of Warner, also dressed formally, stood beside Zhou Yi and his parents, cheerfully offering reassurance.

In contrast, Chen Zeshan, vice president of Warner and Sun Yanzi’s manager, stood on the other side with Sun Yanzi’s two teachers and her father, waiting to enter.

As one group of artists after another entered, Zhou Yi greeted familiar musicians like Zhou Jielun, then, to the music, led his parents confidently down the red carpet—

The moment he appeared at the red carpet’s starting point, fans lining both sides erupted in the day’s most intense cheers—

“Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Aaaah!!!!”

Screams and cheers echoed on both sides; Zhou Yi, dressed in burgundy suit, smiled charmingly, waving constantly to the fans beyond the barriers in greeting and thanks.

At the same time, the outdoor host’s passionate voice blared over the background speakers—

“Now approaching us is the singer hailed as the biggest surprise of the millennium’s Chinese-language music scene: Zhou Yi.”

“As of today, May 5th, his self-titled album ‘Zhou Yi,’ released last August, has sold over 1.9 million copies across Asia.”

“Several songs from the album have been purchased by Korean entertainment companies for cover rights.”

“He is also the singer with the most nominations at the 12th Golden Melody Awards—a total of six!”

As the female host’s tone grew more intense, Zhou Yi and his party were guided by staff to the end of the red carpet, where they stopped before the massive backdrop reading “12th Golden Melody Awards.”

“Welcome, welcome, welcome Zhou Yi!”

Two female hosts stood on either side, leading Zhou Yi, his parents, and Zhou Jianhui directly in front of the cameras.

“Hello, hosts, hello, fans—thank you so much for coming out in this sweltering summer to cheer for me.” Zhou Yi took the microphone, waved to the crowd outside, and triggered another wave of screams and cheers.

“It’s well known that Zhou Yi has been nominated for six major awards—the biggest winner on this year’s list. Do you have any prediction for how many trophies you’ll take home tonight?”

“Probably one.”

“What? Only one? Is your expectation really that low, Zhou Yi?” The female host exclaimed in shock.

“Many of my competitors are veteran artists in the industry—better to be humble.” Zhou Yi grinned teasingly: “If I said I’d win several trophies, my parents would scold me tonight for being disrespectful.”

“What about Best New Artist? All the nominees are newcomers from your generation.”

“No, no, no—strictly speaking, I debuted in August. Even Yanzi debuted before me—she’s my senior.”

What about Jay Chou? His popularity is also high, and his album’s nominations overlap almost entirely with yours—what do you think?

“Jielun? Jielun’s easy. If I win, I’ll treat him to milk tea and a game of basketball. If he wins, he’ll treat me out for a night on the town.”

Zhou Yi glanced at the two female hosts, smiled, dodged the trap, and handed the microphone to Zhou Jianhui.

The Warner general manager stiffened slightly; the two hosts dared not dig further, politely ran through the motions introducing Zhou Yi’s father Zhou Yaoguo and mother Zhao Ping, then cheerfully ushered Zhou Yi and his party inside.

Since both were under Warner, Zhou Yi’s seat was next to Sun Yanzi’s. Their families were seated behind them, alongside Zhou Jianhui, Chen Zeshan, Qian Jiang, and others.

Because Sun Yanzi had an opening performance, Zhou Yi saw her walking toward the backstage area in a black-and-white strapless gown as soon as he entered. She smiled and waved at him upon seeing him, then politely greeted Zhou Yaoguo and Zhao Ping: “Hello, Uncle and Auntie.”

Seeing the son’s rumored romantic interest appear before them, the elderly couple’s eyes crinkled into slits of joy—until they sat down, right beside Sun Yanzi’s father, Sun Yaohong.

Sitting in his seat, Zhou Yi sensed someone watching him; he turned and saw Zhou Jielun across the way staring intently at him. His phone vibrated immediately—

【Don’t you have a performance? If you don’t go now, you’ll be late.】

【No, I’m not performing tonight—you know why.】

【...That’s unfair!】

Upon reading this, Zhou Jielun’s face visibly darkened with resentment.

Watching the young Zhou Jielun’s unguarded expression, Zhou Yi couldn’t help smiling.

Soon, with the opening performance underway, the 12th Golden Melody Awards ceremony—themed “Anti-Piracy”—began.

As the first award in the pop music category, with Sun Yanzi returning and Wu Zongxian joined by another host, the nominees for Best New Artist flashed on the big screen amid roaring cheers from the audience—

“Best New Artist:

“Sun Yanzi, ‘Sun Yanzi’;

“Zhou Jielun, ‘JAY’;

“Fan Weiqi, ‘Fan Fan’s World’;

“Dai Peini, ‘Penny’;

“Zhou Yi, ‘Zhou Yi’.”

The crisp announcement ended; Wu Zongxian stood on stage, calm and composed, watching the five nominees rise from their seats. He smiled at the female host: “Every year at this time, us old-timers are happiest—because new talent has arrived.”

“And this year’s five nominees? They’re extraordinary. We just don’t know who’ll walk away with the Best New Artist trophy tonight.”

Wu Zongxian deliberately stretched the last word, triggering a unified roar from the audience: “Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi!...”

“It seems one newcomer has the people’s heart and the crowd’s expectation.”

Holding the winner’s list, Wu Zongxian smiled slyly, pretending to open it, then suddenly lowered his hand and turned to the five nominees standing onstage.

The camera instantly focused on Zhou Yi, who shrugged, his helpless smile sparking another round of fan screams!

Beside Zhou Yi, Sun Yanzi grinned widely, joining in the fans’ cheers, completely oblivious to the fact that she herself was also a nominee.

“Alright, I announce the winner of the 12th Golden Melody Awards for Best New Artist is…”

“Let’s congratulate—Zhou Yi!”

(End of Chapter)