As the show was about to begin, individual livestreams were shut down. Several photographers gathered, discussing amusing anecdotes from their time with various producers.
"You know, Sean has a habit of drinking coffee while writing songs. He drank over a dozen cups today, I don't know how he sleeps at night!"
"That's nothing. When Kim Sung-hyun writes songs, he likes to touch the thighs of girl group members. I really wanted to zoom in with my camera, but I didn't dare."
"You're the lucky one, getting to see girl groups. I'm not so fortunate. That Polish producer must have a bad stomach, he keeps farting, and they're silent ones too. I estimate he lets out at least seven or eight an hour!"
"Hahaha..."
Everyone looked at their colleague, who had been the photographer for the Polish producer, with sympathy.
At this moment, Lisa, standing nearby, caught everyone's attention.
"Lisa, why are you guys only arriving now? Where did you go?" Charles, Sean's cameraman, asked with a smile.
Lisa pursed her lips and said softly, "We went sightseeing in Havana this morning, had local delicacies for lunch, and then rode vintage cars by the beach this afternoon..."
She recounted her activities one by one.
Gradually, the expressions of everyone present became more interesting.
Seriously, were they here to compete or to tour???
Especially the photographer who had endured a day of foul-smelling farts, he was utterly dismayed.
"Lisa, you're not tricking us, are you!" he asked with a hint of envy.
"If Senior feels I'm lying, you can check the livestream playback," Lisa replied, trying to stand tall to maintain her composure.
Everyone fell silent.
Indeed, anyone could verify their activities by watching the playback, so there was no reason for Lisa to lie at this moment.
After accepting this fact, their hearts grew even more sour.
We spent a whole day in the studio, and you, a newcomer like Lisa, get to enjoy good food and drink outside?
However, upon realizing that while Su Yu had enjoyed himself, he wouldn't be able to compete effectively, they felt a slight sense of balance. If their producers stood out in the competition, their behind-the-scenes footage would help them gain followers rapidly!
...
At the same time.
Cuba's largest stadium was bathed in brilliant lights, the sound of the audio system deafening.
This was a world-class music festival!
A spectacular event capable of boosting a city's economy!
"Welcome everyone to 'King of the Times Music'!" Kevin, known as the world's top announcer, took the stage, his words instantly igniting the entire venue!
Boom!!!
Audiences from all over the world erupted in thunderous cheers!
"Next, please welcome the producers and singers from each country to the stage!"
"The first is Sean from the United States, known as the era-leading producer! And the singer Brown, known as the music demon king!!!"
Screams raged, assaulting the eardrums of everyone present!
Sean had immense popularity worldwide, consistently ranking at the top of the Times Music Chart, earning him the title of era-leading producer from his fans.
"The second is Kim Sung-hyun from South Korea, a handsome, wealthy, and talented producer, along with his girl group singers!!!"
Kim Sung-hyun had quite a few fan girls, and EOY was South Korea's hottest girl group, with fans even across the globe. Thus, in this regard, Kim Sung-hyun was in no way inferior to Sean.
"The third is Lauren from the United Kingdom, known as the master of instruments, and his singer, Miss Mina!!!"
"The fourth, from Japan..."
As each producer appeared, the cheers from the audience surged like waves.
These producers were all the top talents from their respective countries and frequent guests on the Times Music Chart.
Except for the domestic entertainment industry, the overseas market had already recognized this chart. Currently, domestic data was also integrating with the Times Music Chart and developing in that direction, achieving decent results. From time to time, new songs would appear on the chart for a few days. Although their rankings were not very high due to their lack of widespread recognition, this was a very good start for the domestic entertainment industry.
Everyone also believed that if Ting Yu achieved excellent results in this competition, the Chinese music scene would officially enter the global spotlight, and Ting Yu would truly revitalize the entire Chinese music industry.
"The eighth, from China, the producer and singer known as a legend, Ting Yu!!!"
Finally.
The host called Su Yu's name.
And as Su Yu walked onto the stage, there was a considerable reaction and cheers from the audience.
He scanned the crowd and saw a large area of sky-blue light boards, with "Ting Yu" written on them.
"Ting Yu, go!"
"Ahhh! Ting Yu! I came from the United States just to watch your competition!"
"I changed my parents' post-high school travel reward from Paris to Cuba, Ting Yu, you have to do your best!"
"That's nothing compared to me. My honeymoon trip after marriage was originally planned for Switzerland, but I changed it to Cuba last minute!!"
Some of these fans came from China, while others were international students. It was summer vacation, and they had chosen to come support Ting Yu and China's producer!
Honestly, this scene was a pleasant surprise for Su Yu. He had expected a few cheers at most, but now, with such a vast expanse of sky-blue, he was reminded of how fans on Weibo had urged him to decide on an official fan color. At the time, he found it inexplicable. After discussing it with Lin Yanyu, they settled on sky-blue, as the song "Blue and White Porcelain" held deep significance not only for Su Yu but also for Lin Yanyu.
Within that sea of sky-blue lights, Su Yu saw someone holding a sign, rallying fans to chant a slogan.
"Sky-blue awaits the misty rain, and I am waiting for you!!"
The meaning of the lyrics at this moment took on a different interpretation.
It not only included the "Yan Yu" couple but also encompassed the fans.
It could be said to be a very fitting slogan for Su Yu's support.
"As expected, it's these grand occasions that are the most moving," Su Yu admitted, feeling a touch of emotion.
Whether it was these people who had traveled from all over the world for him, or the girl whose eyes were always focused on him.
He could feel a sense of being cherished. This feeling was subtle; normally, it was barely noticeable, but in this particular situation, it stirred ripples in Su Yu's heart.
After the producers had all made their appearances, it was time for the drawing of lots.
Knowing that Su Yu had written a song in just ten minutes, everyone eagerly anticipated drawing him as their opponent.
"Number one?" Su Yu opened the lot he held, raising an eyebrow.
The number not only represented the draw but also the performance order.
Having often been the last to start, Su Yu was not yet accustomed to this.
"Now, those who drew the number one, please step forward!"
Seeing that everyone had completed their draws, the host proceeded to the next stage of pairing.
Producers who drew the same number would be opponents for the round.
As soon as he finished speaking, Su Yu took a step forward.
Swish!
All eyes turned to him.
Ting Yu had drawn number one!
"Hahaha, I got number one!!" Suddenly, Lossov from Russia couldn't contain himself and burst out laughing.
The other producers were taken aback for a moment, then looked at him with peculiar expressions.
He was being too smug, not even bothering to restrain himself.
However, most of them felt a degree of envy. Lossov might be able to redeem Russia's reputation this time.
After all, the incident where Viktor was whitewashed had subjected them to ridicule across the entire internet.
"Hmph, isn't this Lossov being too impolite?"
"He's already this happy before the competition even starts. Does he really think Ting Yu can write a trash song in ten minutes?"
"It's quite normal, this is an information gap. If this Lossov knew a bit more about Ting Yu, he wouldn't be acting so exaggerated!"
Netizens in China watching the livestream were instantly agitated.
After all, in China, such behavior was indeed considered very impolite!
...