"Luck is not on my side,
Because the path I chose is hard to tread.
If I'm outstanding, yet can't break through,
At least there's no one else like me…"
At this moment.
Some people in the bar had already started to sob quietly.
Emotions are interconnected.
In this world, most people have their own persistence.
At a certain moment, a person shedding tears upon hearing a lyric proves they haven't given up yet, that they are still holding onto something.
"Whether you like me or not is your freedom.
I just hope, at certain times, to grab your ear.
To sing the first note for my musical dream,
And never give up since then…"
When this part was heard.
Zhu Xinyu's shoulders trembled slightly.
This song depicted how, in a harsh environment, even if one is outstanding, they might not be able to succeed. It’s easy to say to stick to one’s path, but many die along the way.
And he was the lucky one; he had fought his way through this cruel path.
Even becoming a King of Singers was a success, but the memories he paid for this had been completely brought back by this song.
He liked to show off, he liked his presence, but this was the chance to show off that he had earned through his own hard work.
Zhu Xinyu felt a lump in his throat, but his status as a King of Singers made him hold back the tears that were about to well up.
"…
When one strives alone, does anyone see?
Does anyone know? Singing until thoughts melt away.
Singing until the voice is hoarse,
Call me possessed or driven mad, it's all the same.
If I can't express myself, what's the point of being a singer?"
This song, compared to the Vietnamese version's frenzy, was more restrained.
But compared to his usual songs, it was explosive enough.
When the last chorus arrived.
"Look at me shining for you,
Whether it suits your taste or not, please accept it gracefully.
The next moment, I'll spark for you… ha!!"
Still explosive.
Still the e5 high note that shot straight to the brain.
Yet, listening to it brought two different feelings.
Hu Yang's entire face was filled with shock.
The same melody could evoke two entirely different emotions, and those emotions were polar opposites.
"Is Ting Yu still human?" he murmured.
The cigarette in his hand had burned out, held between his fingers, its heat stinging his skin.
Hu Yang quickly dropped the cigarette butt.
He took out his phone and searched for the Mandarin version of "Exaggeration."
After carefully studying the lyrics,
He was even more astonished.
The Vietnamese version of "Exaggeration" was filled with hysterical resentment, accusation, and unwillingness.
Whereas the Mandarin version of "Exaggeration" conveyed determination, resolve, and defiance.
One was wild, the other restrained.
But both were incredibly explosive.
At this moment, Zhu Xinyu from across the table looked up.
Seeing Hu Yang's face streaked with tears, Hu Yang was startled.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just choked on that last sip of wine."
Zhu Xinyu waved his hand.
He saw the cigarette pack on the table and reached for it.
Only after picking it up did he realize it was empty.
He shook the empty cigarette pack and met Hu Yang's gaze, seeing a hint of awkwardness in each other's eyes.
"I just finished mine…" Hu Yang coughed twice. The spot on his hand that was burned by the cigarette was still stinging fiercely.
"Let's go buy a pack."
"I only smoke Huazi."
"Alright, my treat!"
The two men linked arms and walked outside…
…
After the Mandarin version of "Exaggeration" was released.
The online buzz exploded.
Professionals bestowed upon Ting Yu the title of "Master of Emotion."
And many who had previously bashed Zhang Wei rushed to his Weibo to apologize.
In everyone's eyes, the Mandarin version of "Exaggeration" was Zhang Wei's response to the netizens' criticism.
Zhang Wei was not a lucky one, yet he was a lucky one.
Unfortunate because, despite persevering on this path for so many years, he still couldn't gain recognition.
Fortunate because he met his benefactor, Ting Yu.
With two versions of "Exaggeration," Vietnamese and Mandarin, he was remembered by everyone.
When the Mandarin version was released, Zhang Wei posted a lengthy article on Weibo.
In it, besides thanking his fans for their support, he reminisced about the hardships he had endured along the way.
And while everyone was touched by his arduous journey as a singer.
His Weibo was updated again.
This time, it was even longer than the previous one.
The content was entirely filled with gratitude for Ting Yu's help, every word sincere and touching.
It made netizens exclaim that it had the "Gong Ju Ren vibe."
At the end of his long post, he also thanked the members of the Singer Troupe for their encouragement during this time.
In response, the members of the Singer Troupe all liked his Weibo post.
The rumors that Zhang Wei and the Singer Troupe were at odds were thus debunked.
Just then.
The disappointing Shen Yin Zhe suddenly posted on Weibo.
Still in his usual style, a screenshot of a WeChat chat.
"Since Ting Yu is seeking death, I shall fulfill his wish. The massive bounty for eliminating Ting Yu is mine."
"This legend, I shall be the one to end it!"
This time, there were even two "Bible verses."
It inevitably made netizens exclaim with delight.
"This legend, I shall be the one to end it… Haha, it still has to be Shen Yin Zhe!"
"This is the vibe, it has to be the exclusive 'face-slapping' Shen Yin Zhe against Ting Yu."
"Satisfying, even Hu Yang didn't escape. Looks like we have hope for the main competition."
"Haha, followed, followed, the grand finale of the year's drama is a must-see!"
Originally, the netizens had given up this time.
Because Hu Yang was a top player among the aces, getting his screenshot was difficult to even imagine.
But unexpectedly, Shen Yin Zhe had done it again and again!