[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty":3,"chapter-the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-chapter-107":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The King of 2000: A Mandopop Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2301363,4501,"Chapter 107: The First Collision of the Two Zhous (3) [7k words]","the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-chapter-107",107,"\u003Cp>For the nominees for Best Composition this year, losing to “Hua Tian Cuo” wasn’t exactly a painful blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the current era of R&B’s dominance, Zhou Yi was the first to innovatively blend Western R&B with Eastern Peking Opera to such an extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In comparison, whether it was traditionalists like Li Zongsheng and Zhang Yu, or composers equally imaginative like Zhou Jielun, all fell slightly short in innovation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was precisely what the Golden Melody Awards jury valued most this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s it feel, Zhou Yi? Winning your second Golden Melody Award on your first try—any thoughts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zongxian, hosting the stage, smiled beside the podium as he watched Zhou Yi, trophy in hand, beaming with pride: “Any secret tips for songwriting you can share with me? Whisper it if you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Better whisper it—I want to handle an entire album by myself like you do. Makes releasing albums so much easier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the audience’s table, singers and record company executives all exchanged knowing smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course there are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, trophy in hand, feigned closeness to Wu Zongxian; though he spoke softly, his microphone had somehow drifted to his lips, broadcasting his songwriting secret across the entire venue: “Read more books, read more newspapers, eat fewer snacks, sleep more. Seriously, I’m not lying, Brother Wu—it really works.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zongxian, never hearing such a reply, was momentarily speechless. He instinctively widened his eyes to match Zhou Yi’s deadpan absurdity, triggering a roar of laughter from the entire hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, with zero idol image to uphold, blew a few whistles, grinned widely, and her bright front teeth shone dazzlingly under the camera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, little Zhou— you haven’t graduated yet, so calling you that’s fine, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the audience’s laughter subsided slightly, Wu Zongxian feigned awkwardness, cleared his throat twice, then tilted his head slightly, sizing up the over-one-meter-eight man beside him with skeptical eyes: “Given we’ve known each other since way back, you wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never lie. Everyone who knows me knows that—I’ve got a spotless reputation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi shrugged: “Don’t believe me? Ask Jielun—when have I ever been late to a basketball game with him? I’ve never stood him up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So was the inspiration for ‘Dou Niu’ on Jielun’s ‘JAY’ album really your frequent basketball sessions? I remember seeing photos not long ago—you really loved shooting three-pointers, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zongxian, circling back to the “Double Star Romance” scandal, grinned mischievously, teasing Zhou Jielun along the way: “So Jielun—who’s the girlfriend in this song?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Jielun, caught off-guard, looked visibly shy. As he raised his right hand, he covered his mouth with the back of it, smiling but saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, who had been joining the chaos moments ago, now realized Wu Zongxian’s ill-intentioned teasing. Amid the audience’s deafening screams, she sat down with a wry smile, suddenly looking the picture of elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the “Warner Double Stars” rumor surfaced, even though Jackie Chan and Zhang Ziyi drew some heat, a significant portion of their respective fanbases still believed the gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Online, some fans had even created dedicated accounts to collect “high-sugar past moments” of the Warner Double Stars as proof of their romance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to Baodao’s unilateral restrictions on Zhou Yi, surveillance footage released by Warner—showing Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi interacting—became the primary energy source for these romance fans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s parents, hearing Wu Zongxian’s teasing, turned their gaze toward Sun Yanzi, who had suddenly grown quiet under the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they saw a middle-aged man with thinning hair turn in his seat toward them: “I’m Yanzi’s father, Sun Yaohong. You must be Zhou Yi’s parents—your son is truly extraordinary…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an area outside the camera’s view, Sun Yaohong and Zhou Yi’s parents made their first contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid warm laughter, Zhou Yi descended the stage, having claimed his second trophy of the night. The camera followed his steps until he settled into his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi had intended to hand the trophy to his parents, but when he turned, he saw them deep in conversation with Sun Yanzi’s father, talking animatedly—he decided not to interrupt and kept the trophy in his own hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me hold the trophy for a second.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, who had been glancing over repeatedly, finally couldn’t resist. She grinned and reached out her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wouldn’t win her own Golden Melody Award tonight, but at least she could hold Zhou Yi’s trophy for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not free.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Free? Are you kidding? It’s just a trophy—I’ve got the Singapore Golden Melody Award for Best New Artist too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi took the trophy from Zhou Yi, weighed it several times, and feigned indifference: “You don’t have one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s got the home-field advantage? I won’t say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Sun Yanzi deploy her blatant self-deception tactics, Zhou Yi mercilessly mocked her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, satisfied with her mental victory, didn’t bother replying. After playing with the trophy a bit, she shoved it back into his hands: “Boring. Just another trophy. Here, take it back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks a lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi subtly rolled his eyes: “If you want to hold it, you can carry it for me. I’ve got six nominations—there’s still more to come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… How many trophies do you think you’ll end up with?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the stage resumed performances and lights dimmed, Sun Yanzi leaned back, tilted her head, and whispered near Zhou Yi’s ear: “I feel like you’ve got a huge edge—don’t tell me you’re going to sweep the whole thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly, I’m not sure anymore. I’m starting to lose track of the jury’s preferences this year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi shook his head slightly, his tone unusually uncertain. Winning two nominations was something he hadn’t anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was his album just more to this year’s judges’ taste?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Zhou Jielun, having missed two nominations in a row, grew visibly downcast after the jokes. Even his longtime collaborator Fang Wenshan tensed up—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jielun, what if we don’t win a single award?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the stage began displaying the nominees for Best Lyricist, Fang Wenshan, seeing his own name, sat up straight, clasped his fingers together beneath his lips, and took several deep breaths:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze involuntarily drifted toward Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi seated nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi was also nominated for Best Lyricist this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he really win three in a row?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much did the Golden Melody Awards really favor him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hard to say. The song Zhou Yi was nominated for is ‘Give Me a Song’s Time.’” Zhou Jielun, normally so confident in music, felt a flicker of defeat after losing two awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, he personally loved this song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s handling of it had given him plenty of inspiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Fang Wenshan’s lyrics for “Niangzi” were stunning, if he were a judge, he’d still lean toward Zhou Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention the three other formidable competitors for Best Lyricist—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xi’s lyrics for “Xiao Wang Shu,” from Wang Fei’s album “Fable”;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na Ying’s self-penned lyrics for “Bittersweet Romance,” from her album “Bittersweet Romance”;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zongsheng’s lyrics for “Twelfth Floor,” from Mo Wenwei’s album “Mo Wenwei’s Twelfth Floor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, do you think you still have a shot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Sun Yanzi watched the final nominees appear, she turned to Zhou Yi, trophy in hand, teasing: “I think you’ve got a real chance—given how the awards have been handed out so far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly? I don’t know. But I really want to win.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his memory, the Best Lyricist award this year should have gone to Na Ying’s “Bittersweet Romance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the Golden Melody for Best Female Singer, these two major awards formed the unshakable foundation for Na Ying’s rise to the top of the music industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely after winning these two heavyweight awards at this year’s Golden Melody Awards that she fully surpassed Tian Zhen, Sun Yue, and others in status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The winner of the 12th Golden Melody Award for Best Lyricist is—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the anticipation from Zhou Yi, Fang Wenshan, Zhou Jielun, and others below, the female host on stage paused dramatically, stretching out her words—then the camera instantly cut to the audience—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tense: Zhou Jielun and Fang Wenshan; Sun Yanzi, gripping Zhou Yi’s Best Composition trophy tightly; Zhou Yi, finally showing signs of unease;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na Ying, already adjusting her breathing to calm her racing heartbeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Zongsheng sat calmly in his seat. When the camera turned to him, he even raised his hand in greeting, showing no emotion whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Zongsheng, ‘Twelfth Floor’! Let’s congratulate Old Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the host announced the winner, Mo Wenwei’s rendition of “Twelfth Floor” began playing. Li Zongsheng, surprised he’d won, blinked in disbelief—but quickly recovered, stood up, and embraced those around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, seated below, felt an unexpected sigh of relief. Seeing Li Zongsheng approach him, he stood and clapped, smiling warmly: “Congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zongsheng patted the young man’s shoulder, then shook hands with Na Ying, Fang Wenshan, and others before ascending the stage to receive the trophy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stage lights illuminated this pioneer of the previous generation of Chinese-language music, highlighting the silver at his temples: “To be honest, I’m genuinely surprised to win this. Last year, when I heard Zhou Yi, Zhou Jielun, and other new-generation musicians, I told Hua Jian that our era might be ending.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled warmly: “Thank you, Golden Melody Awards, for letting this old man cling on a little longer. Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His humble speech matched his usual demeanor. Zhou Yi, who had little prior contact with Li Zongsheng, clapped sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like your Best Arrangement nomination might be in trouble too. Isn’t your nominated song ‘Hate Hongloumeng’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Li Zongsheng descend the stage, Sun Yanzi whispered: “Will the jury give you nothing else now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, a newcomer winning two out of six nominations was already excellent. After all, other singers weren’t just sitting ducks for Zhou Yi to pick off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the initial two nominations and two wins, Sun Yanzi’s expectations had soared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hard to say. The Golden Melody jury is still made of people—people always have conflicting opinions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dream of sweeping every award had collapsed. Though he’d prepared for this, Zhou Yi still felt a pang of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evidence proved Zhou Yi right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Best Arrangement category, he lost again—to Zhang Yadong, also from mainland China, for his arrangement of “Chanel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This concept-driven song was one track from Wang Fei’s nominated concept album “Fable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So far, two out of four nominations. You’ve got two left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi counted on her fingers, seriously analyzing: “Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Album Producer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given your strength in album production, I think you might win both. But your biggest rivals here are definitely Zhou Jielun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a singer with limited creative input, Sun Yanzi quickly identified Zhou Yi’s main competitors in these categories—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coincidentally, Zhou Jielun, who had lost every previous award, now turned his gaze toward Zhou Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If any male singer-songwriter on Baodao had posed a threat to Zhou Yi’s awards last year, it was unquestionably Zhou Jielun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Host Wu Zongxian, back on stage, clearly understood this. After livening the atmosphere, he didn’t rush to bring out the award presenter. Instead, he smiled and interviewed the nominees for Best Album Producer—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Sisong and Li Weisong, who produced Na Ying’s “Bittersweet Romance” album;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yadong, Wang Fei, and Alvin Leong, who jointly produced “Fable”; Li Zongsheng, who produced Mo Wenwei’s “Mo Wenwei’s Twelfth Floor”;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—Zhou Jielun for “JAY,” Zhou Yi for “Zhou Yi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous few were all veteran figures in the music industry, speaking with great tact. Only Zhou Jielun, this newcomer, though humble in words, clearly revealed his strong desire for award recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really is a true newcomer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the award presenters were brought out by Wu Zongxian, the nominees’ spirits instantly perked up—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Danyou, Wu Bai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undeniably heavyweight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This also indirectly demonstrates the Golden Melody Awards’ high regard for these two categories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m delighted that over the past year, Mandarin pop has produced a wealth of outstanding albums and album producers—especially young talents like Zhou Yi, Jielun, and Lihong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a godfather-level figure in Mandarin pop, Luo Danyou’s voice—rough and raspy—immediately felt familiar to Zhou Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Bai, tasked with responding, glanced at the unopened list of nominees in his hand and eagerly rubbed his palms: “It’s truly hard to choose—thank goodness I’m not a judge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Otherwise, faced with so many outstanding musicians and albums, just selecting the nominees would be enough to give anyone a headache.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Bai, naturally comedic, let out two chuckles and playfully commented on the Golden Melody Awards’ judges—prompting the camera to focus on several named young musicians—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Jielun, dressed sharply in a suit for once, still looked visibly nervous, his emotions not yet adjusted;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Lihong, radiating the aura of a returnee elite, confidently gave the camera a big YES gesture—even though he hadn’t won his sole nomination for Best Male Singer tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhou Yi…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still chatting with Sun Yanzi when the camera swept over—their close, whispering posture triggered wave after wave of screams from fans watching the ceremony live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems the tale of the talented scholar and beautiful maiden still wins hearts—1+1 > 2,” Wu Zongxian, the host, teased, sensing the crowd’s energy had been drowned out by the Warner duo. He glanced at Zhou Jielun and Wang Lihong, already calculating the show’s timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing this joke wouldn’t pass, Sun Yanzi could only grin widely with her teeth showing, staying silent, trying to charm her way out of it with her smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Wu Zongxian, don’t go matchmaking—I’m still a virgin bachelor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s retort sent the entire hall into laughter; the fresh term “virgin bachelor” was just too absurd to hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright then, Mr. Virgin Bachelor—do you still think you have a chance to win a trophy tonight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zongxian, a true variety show host, adored Zhou Yi’s spontaneous jokes. If only his own company’s Zhou Jielun could talk like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Personally, I hope for as many trophies as possible—my trophy room is still pretty empty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it weren’t illegal, I’d storm the Golden Melody Awards’ trophy display room and claim every single one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s brow lifted with playful mischief: “Can’t help it—my major at Peking University taught me discipline and kept me from doing it. Thanks, alma mater.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Sun Yanzi, unable to hold back, burst into goose-like cackles, utterly devoid of idol decorum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi could only shrug helplessly: “Understand—her sense of humor might be a bit low.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they’d already teased her this far, Sun Yanzi decided to go all in. After Zhou Yi said that, she slapped his arm, snatched his microphone, and protested: “Correction, everyone—I don’t usually laugh like this. Today, I just couldn’t help it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, now microphone-less, turned to the camera with an innocent expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This guy’s interesting. Warner Music seems to be courting you—haven’t you met him in mainland China?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Fei nudged Zhang Yadong beside her, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’ve only been to Warner Music once. Never met him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yadong, also hailed as a musical genius from the mainland, studied the Warner duo with interest: “Are they real? Why is Wu Zongxian even playing up this rumor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Fei nodded toward Na Ying’s direction: “Who knows? No solid rumors yet. Ask Lao Na—she’s probably already finished signing with Chen Zeshan at Warner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nah, forget it. No need. This kid’s had rumors flying everywhere—he doesn’t seem like the stable type.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yadong shook his head with a smile and turned his attention back to Wu Zongxian, who had reclaimed the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the playful interview, Luo Danyou opened the first envelope—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The winner of the 12th Golden Melody Award for Best Album Producer is: Zhou Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Luo Danyou’s hoarse voice, Wu Bai shouted loudly: “Congratulations, Zhou Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the classic track “Happy Worship” from Zhou Yi’s album played live, Zhou Jielun’s eyes, filled with anticipation, darkened with bitterness—but he still clapped, offering sincere congratulations to the winner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, Zhou Yi. You single-handedly produced an entire album—you’re not leaving any room for other teams to make money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Bai, ever talkative, added a teasing remark after handing Zhou Yi the trophy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an original singer, he knew better than anyone how many teams must collaborate meticulously to produce a great album.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, dominating alone while every other team merely served as his tools—this was extremely rare. That’s precisely why he won this Best Album Producer trophy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, thank you. I’m grateful to the Golden Melody Awards for recognizing me, and to everyone who encouraged me during my album production—I’ll keep working hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, radiant, raised his trophy, beaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three out of five—I’m convinced.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his seat, Sun Yanzi gave Zhou Yi a thumbs-up, eyes full of envy: “You came here to bulk-buy trophies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keep it low-key, keep it low-key.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi, who never expected to win three trophies, couldn’t stop grinning: “Next up, Best Mandarin Pop Vocal Album should go to Zhou Jielun—he’s a local from Taiwan, after all. The Golden Melody Awards still have to show favor to locals, just like the Singapore Golden Melody Awards did for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his memory, Zhou Jielun’s only Golden Melody Award as a newcomer that year was precisely the Best Mandarin Pop Vocal Album.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three out of six nominations—this record was explosive, even among seasoned veterans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But his album isn’t as popular as yours, and the vocal difficulty and innovation in your songs are higher than his ‘JAY,’” Sun Yanzi disagreed: “The Golden Melody Awards had to ensure maximum fairness to avoid controversy. I think your album is stronger than his ‘JAY.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one matches your innovation—only Wang Fei’s ‘Fable’ edges you out in conceptual depth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi shook his head: “No, no, you don’t get it. The Golden Melody Awards giving me three trophies is enough. Its name is still the Taiwan Golden Melody Awards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you don’t believe me, let’s make a bet. You win, I fulfill one request of yours. You lose, you fulfill one of mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, fired up, accepted immediately: “Bet. Who’s afraid of whom? I’m sure you’re going to lose. The controversy around your album was huge—they won’t ignore its innovation and popularity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi merely smirked: “We’ll see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, after the performance, Luo Danyou opened the envelope for Best Mandarin Pop Vocal Album—and his face showed clear surprise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, I doubt the Golden Melody Awards have ever seen such a wild night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Zhou Yi in the audience froze—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, I never imagined a newcomer stepping onto this stage for the first time would leave such a bold, unforgettable mark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Bai, also opening his envelope, ran his fingers through his long hair, astonished: “If someone told me this yesterday, I’d have thought they were insane.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the audience, Zhou Jielun’s last flicker of hope dimmed. Fang Wenshan opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, unable to offer comfort—only patting his shoulder helplessly: “It’s okay, Jielun. We can always make a new album next year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the audience, fans holding Zhou Yi’s name card sensed something and began chanting his name—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi!…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Yanzi, barely containing her excitement, gripped Zhou Yi’s wine-red suit jacket, eyes locked on Luo Danyou and Wu Bai, whispering urgently: “Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi—you’re going to lose to me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s heart, unusually uncooperative, quickened. His tongue brushed his dry lips. His eyes held disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The winner of the 12th Golden Melody Award for Best Mandarin Pop Vocal Album is—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Danyou hurled the envelope onto the stage, his raspy voice rising with rare intensity: “Zhou Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Bai, with naturally soaring vocals, unleashed a rock-star roar, pointing toward Zhou Yi: “Congratulations, Zhou Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire hall plunged into darkness—except for one blinding spotlight on Zhou Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the crowd’s cheers and applause, Zhou Yi slowly stood, turned, and caught Sun Yanzi clapping. She tilted her head, winked, stuck out her tongue, and mouthed: I won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, it felt dreamlike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zhou Yi, with his calm demeanor, had never imagined winning four Golden Melody trophies tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided he could retract his earlier judgment of the Golden Melody Awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overcome with excitement, Zhou Yi bounded up the stage in three strides, ignoring the steps entirely, leaping from the audience onto the stage. After receiving the trophy, he raised it high toward the crowd—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi! Zhou Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the night’s biggest award was announced, the music surged—fans chanted his name as if welcoming a new king before the old one, Luo Danyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Yi’s smile was brighter than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prestige of tonight’s Golden Melody Awards was so high, even the Grammys couldn’t match it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even heaven’s emperor himself couldn’t outshine tonight’s Golden Melody Awards!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ps: Over seven thousand characters!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the word count can’t be called small, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3497,"2026-06-20T07:33:41.161Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","18480623e935aeaa0622b5d6651d8f6df94d473ef2677204bc20c137401d3090","the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-chapter-108","the-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-chapter-106",883,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-king-of-2000-a-mandopop-dynasty-cover.jpg"]