TFEDLAM 34

Chapter 34

I Am the King of Songs

Although I Am the King of Songs had already been recorded once before, it was actually a live broadcast program. The first “song selection by lottery” session had been pre-recorded as a behind-the-scenes segment for promotion on video sites.

That short teaser had already set the internet buzzing.

Some were eagerly anticipating what sparks would fly between King Chu Tian and the legendary producer Teacher Yan;
Some were worried whether Yin Ru would once again “fail on stage”;
Some wondered how pop-singer Zhang Yao had squeezed into a lineup full of powerful vocalists;
And some lamented that Xia Shi and Chu Xun hadn’t drawn lots together, hoping they’d collaborate in the future.

But the most anticipated pairing turned out to be—Zhang Yao and Xia Shi.
With Zhang Yao’s half-baked singing skills, how on earth would she handle a technically demanding folk song?

Beijing Television Station, Studio No. 1

Xia Shi thought the show’s producers were clever for having Chu Xun go first.
He was a powerhouse—strong vocals, great dancer, and the song he was performing had been rearranged by Teacher Yan with Chu Xun’s own input.

It was a rock number—energetic, emotional, and fiery.
Within minutes, he had whipped the audience into a frenzy, everyone clapping and moving with the beat.

When Chu Xun came offstage, he greeted every guest, giving Xia Shi a warm hug.

Xia Shi smiled, “Looks like your half-year of training paid off. Huge improvement!”

“Of course! So—how was it?”

“An auditory feast,” Xia Shi praised sincerely.

“Just auditory?” Chu Xun frowned in mock outrage. “I’ve got this handsome face, killer outfit—look at me, man! I’m walking perfection, the kind that makes cars crash and flowers bloom, and all you noticed was the sound?”

Xia Shi burst out laughing, pointing at the camera.
“Shameless. Totally shameless. You realize we’re on national TV right now?”

The cameras switched angles as they spoke—between performances, the broadcast often cut to the guest lounge for reactions.

Chu Xun waved a finger. “Don’t pin that label on me. If we’re ranking shamelessness, your husband Lu Tingchuan is number one in the world. His level of brazenness? Unmatched across the universe! Do you know back in school, he actually had the guts to challenge me online, saying we weren’t even in the same league?”

He was referring to the time during the school sports meet when Xia Shi had hurt her leg. Chu Xun, who didn’t know what happened, saw Lu Tingchuan taking her to the infirmary and assumed he had injured her. The two—already at odds—ended up in a fistfight.

But if we’re talking who got beaten worse…

Cough. Xia Shi cleared her throat. “If I remember correctly, you were the one hurt more that day. Tingchuan said that’s exactly why he started working out afterward—and even learned martial arts! Back then you two were about even, but now? You wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Chu Xun’s grin collapsed. “Can you not expose my weaknesses like that? Ever heard of mercy in conversation? Seriously, you’re all heartless once you’ve got a man!”

Xia Shi laughed so hard her stomach hurt. But inside, she was relieved—Chu Xun’s teasing meant he’d finally moved past his emotional baggage.

They’d grown up together—not romantically, but with deep affection—and she didn’t want to lose that friendship.

Online

Their playful banter had the internet exploding.

“WTF! I’m watching a singing show and suddenly got hit with a husband-and-wife lovefest. Can we live?!”
“Sounds like Chu Xun, Xia Shi, and Lu Tingchuan have history! I’m so curious!”
“LOL! ‘Most shameless man in the world’? @LuTingchuan dude, you’ve been called out!”
“They were the golden boy and girl once! But honestly, seeing Chu Xun and Xia Shi as lifelong friends feels kind of perfect.”
“So when’s Chu Xun getting married? Their kids should totally meet!”
“Bro, you’re thinking too far ahead.”
“You’re all wrong! Xuanxuan’s obviously destined for our Yuanyuan!”
“Get lost! He’s clearly closer to Betty!”
“You’re all delusional—Xuanxuan’s not even aware yet!”

Back on stage, the next performance had started.

Yin Ru went second. Her song was simple and well-suited to her, with Teacher Zhang’s clever rearrangement masking her weaknesses. She performed smoothly—but it was safe, unremarkable.

Then came Zhang Yao.

“Good luck!” Xia Shi whispered, pumping her fist.

Zhang Yao was nervous, but she had one big advantage—she thrived under pressure.
The moment she started singing, Xia Shi knew—they’d already won half the battle.

Xia Shi had gathered thirty backup vocalists from six different ethnic groups, including several experts in vocal percussion.

The opening began with a rich blend of sounds—waves, birdsong, rustling leaves—mimicking the sounds of nature, creating a vivid soundscape that made the audience feel they were inside the song.

Then Zhang Yao’s soft, delicate voice entered. The folk song’s melody was originally grand and sweeping, but her gentle interpretation gave it a fresh tenderness.

During the chorus, the difficult high-pitched segments were carried by the harmonizing ensemble—the thirty voices blending perfectly, elevating the whole performance and balancing Zhang Yao’s weaknesses.

When the song ended, the hall was silent. The audience was stunned—no one had expected that.

Then, thunderous applause erupted, lasting minutes.

Online viewers were equally floored:

“Holy crap, I just heard a different version of this folk song!”
“I grew up with this song but… it’s like hearing it for the first time!”
“Didn’t think it could be done this way!”
“TIME never disappoints! Zhang Yao actually sounds amazing!”
“She’s improved, but let’s be real—the magic was those thirty backup singers.”
“True, but that’s exactly why TIME’s a genius—who else would think to arrange it like that?”

Xia Shi scrolled through the comments, grinning.
“Reviews are great!”

“It’s all thanks to you, Sister Xia Shi! When I drew that song, I thought I was doomed.”

“Believe in yourself,” Xia Shi said playfully. “You’ve got potential.”

No praise meant more to Zhang Yao than that—from a legend herself. She beamed with joy.

When results came out, Chu Xun won first place as expected. Xia Shi and Zhang Yao took second.

The arrangement had been bold and creative—critics loved it—but Zhang Yao’s technical skills still lagged. Without that unique harmonic twist, they likely wouldn’t have ranked so high.

Yin Ru, landing fifth, wasn’t happy. She’d assumed that no matter what, she was still leagues above Zhang Yao.

But reality said otherwise.

She bit her lip hard—but couldn’t show anger on camera. Soon after, the lottery for next week’s pairing began.

This time, it was live.

Xia Shi felt her luck was terrible—she drew a children’s song, “Firefly.”

The singers each held their numbered ping-pong balls.

The director announced, “Now please reveal your numbers and see who your next partners are.”

At that exact moment—clack!—Chu Xun and Zhang Yao accidentally bumped into each other, dropping their balls. Chu Xun quickly picked them up, handed No. 3 to Zhang Yao and kept No. 5 himself.

“Sorry, my bad,” he said.

Zhang Yao blinked. “Teacher Chu, I—”

“Yours is No. 3. Great song—go for it!”

Indeed, the song was easier and more suited to her voice.

Xia Shi noticed though—Chu Xun casually turned to her and said, “We drew the same number this time. Looks like the fans will finally get their wish.”

After the show ended, Xia Shi quietly pulled him aside.
“What’s going on?”

Chu Xun tilted his head toward the staffer holding the lottery box. “Twice in a row, same pattern. Don’t you think that’s too coincidental? Even if production wanted drama, one time would’ve been enough. You’re a top-tier artist—they wouldn’t set you up like this twice. Always with the weakest singer? Something’s fishy.”

Her eyes narrowed. The staff member in charge—Little Qian—had indeed acted strange both times, watching her nervously during her draw.

When Qian left the studio, Chu Xun gestured. “Let’s follow.”

She went into the women’s restroom. Chu Xun stayed outside while Xia Shi listened by the door.

They overheard bits and pieces:

“It’s all Chu Xun’s fault!”
“Don’t worry, I don’t blame you. But I’ll need your help again. I refuse to believe Xia Shi’s luck will last forever. The higher the fame, the higher the expectations—once she fails, she’ll fall hard.”
“You can go now.”

The door opened.

Qian froze—“X-Xia Teacher! Chu Teacher!”

Yin Ru paled. “Chu Xun? No—it’s not what you think! I—I can explain—”

Chu Xun’s tone was icy. “Then explain. I’m listening.”

But Yin Ru stammered, unable to form words.

Chu Xun sighed and turned to Xia Shi. “Let’s go.”

Later, in the production lounge

The director, assistant producers, and guests gathered.

Xia Shi calmly sipped tea. “She should be removed from the show.”

The director hesitated. “Teacher Xia, Little Qian’s actions were our fault. We’ll fire her immediately. But… we can’t replace a main guest mid-season. The audience will notice. And… well, Yin Ru’s sponsor is Liang Feng.”

He didn’t need to explain further—Liang Feng’s money funded part of the show. Crossing him wasn’t easy.

“How about this,” the director tried, “Yin Ru can apologize to you publicly, and we promise fair treatment going forward—”

Before he finished, Yin Ru jumped up. “Apologize? To her? Never! Xia Shi, who do you think you are? You say I should quit, so I should?”

The director’s face darkened. Why did she have to make this worse?

Xia Shi stood. “Fine. Then I’ll quit.”

“Director Jin, you’re right—it’s no big deal. I don’t care what song I draw or who I work with. But I won’t share a stage with someone who keeps scheming behind my back.”

Chu Xun immediately said, “I agree. If Xia Shi leaves, I leave too.”

The director almost fainted. Two biggest stars, gone? The show’s dead!

“Teachers, please—don’t be rash! We can work this out!”

Yin Ru swayed, her face white. Xia Shi’s stance she could ignore—but Chu Xun siding against her crushed her completely.

She laughed suddenly, an eerie, brittle sound. Everyone stared—uneasy.

Sensing danger, Chu Xun stood, ready to calm her down—
Just then, Ye Ping, Yin Ru’s manager, rushed in. Seeing Yin Ru’s expression, she grabbed her arm. “A’Ru, let’s go.”

“Why should I leave?!” Yin Ru screamed, struggling.

Ye Ping whispered urgently in her ear: “Liang Feng is looking for you.”

Four words—and Yin Ru froze. Her face drained of color, her body trembling violently.

Ye Ping’s eyes flickered with pity. She told an assistant, “Take her home.”

Once Yin Ru was gone, she turned back to the others. “I apologize on her behalf. She was wrong, but thankfully, no lasting damage was done. Director Jin, Teacher Xia… surely there’s room for compromise?”

The director stayed quiet. His phone rang—his deputy handed it over. “Director, it’s Jiang Ling’s agent.”

After a short call, he returned, smiling brightly. “Ye Ping, you’ve been in the industry long enough to know how this works. What Yin Ru did was out of line. If word of this manipulation spreads, our show’s finished.”

Ye Ping’s face paled. She understood instantly—the call had changed everything.

Jiang Ling, one of the top male vocalists in the Chinese music scene, second only to Chu Xun—and from the powerful Jiang family, shareholders in Tianyao Entertainment, one of the industry’s “Big Three.”

In other words—Yin Ru was expendable.

Ye Ping sighed. “Understood. We’ll handle her exit quietly. Please give us a few days to prepare a proper announcement.”

That was as good as an admission—and a request for silence.

Director Jin nodded, relieved. “Teacher Xia, the show’s only aired one episode. If a scandal breaks now, it’ll hurt everyone. What do you think?”

Xia Shi wasn’t unreasonable. She nodded. “Do what you think is best.”

The director finally relaxed.

Outside, Xia Shi found Lu Tingchuan waiting by his car.

Her assistant Tian Tian raised a hand. “I’ll head back in the company van. See you, Sister Xia Shi!”

Xia Shi got in. “So, Jiang Ling—your doing?”

Lu Tingchuan chuckled. “That’s what you’re curious about? Not even a compliment for your brilliant husband?”

She crooked a finger, kissed his cheek. “There. Your reward.”

“Thank you, my queen.”

“So tell me the truth. Jiang Ling’s from the Jiang family, not your company. How many favors did you burn to pull this off? Wasn’t worth it.”

He grinned. “None at all. The Jiangs are shareholders, not executives. They’ve been trying to move into tech investments but losing money fast. Right now, they’re looking for funding for a new project. Coincidentally, Universe Group was considering investing. Zhou Zhang mentioned it to me earlier. Half an hour ago, I called the Jiangs directly.”

Xia Shi laughed. Half an hour ago—exactly when she’d discovered Yin Ru’s sabotage. Tian Tian must have informed him, and he’d simply seized the perfect timing.

By “helping” Jiang’s project get approved early, he’d earned their gratitude—and in return, Jiang Ling appeared on King of Songs. A small favor for a huge business payoff.

“You’re shamelessly efficient,” she teased. “Aren’t you afraid they’ll see through it?”

“Zhou Zhang won’t out me,” he said easily. “By the way, you and Chu Xun catching the culprit together—why didn’t you call me to join in?”

So jealous.

“Are you jealous?” she laughed.

“Chu Xun talked smack about me on air today!”

She burst out laughing again.

Lu Tingchuan grinned, plotting already—he’d show everyone who the real golden couple* was.

“Oh, by the way,” he added, “Yu Siyuan asked if we’d guest on his show.”

“A Date with the Stars?”

“Yeah.”

Xia Shi frowned. That show was infamous—it was live, unscripted, and host Yu Siyuan’s questions were often embarrassingly direct. Only the boldest celebrities dared appear.

Lu Tingchuan saw her hesitation. “Don’t worry. We’re friends. We even did Where’s Baby Going? together. He won’t cross the line. Plus, Xuanxuan and his daughter Wanwan are close—he wouldn’t dare upset you. If he does, we’ll tell Xuanxuan to ignore Wanwan. He’ll surrender instantly.”

Xia Shi facepalmed. Using their kid as leverage—how typical.

He continued, “The next guest canceled last minute. He’s desperate. Think of it as doing a favor—favors come in handy later. Next time we’re stuck with a bad filming location, we can swap with him. You don’t want Xuanxuan living somewhere awful again, right?”

That last line made her squint suspiciously. Whenever he brought up Xuanxuan, he always had an ulterior motive.

“Really?” she asked dryly.

“Really!” He nodded fervently.

After three seconds of silent staring, she sighed. “Fine.”

He exhaled in relief, grinning inwardly—mission accomplished!