Chapter Fifty-Nine: Coincidence?

In order to capitalize on the popularity of “The Voice of New Songs,” “Creation Camp” also adopted a live broadcast format for its recordings. The official promotion announced three mentors: one a veteran of the music industry, another a trending pop idol. As for the final mentor, “Creation Camp” deliberately kept it a secret, preserving the suspense by only showing a silhouette and a short interview in the teaser episode.

Of course, Chen Nian already knew that the last mentor was himself!

Because Chen Nian had to drop Wei Xi off at Dawn Media first, he arrived at the recording site relatively late. He was greeted by several leaders and producers from the show’s team. Ye Hao, occupied with other matters, did not come in person, but still called Chen Nian for a brief exchange.

Chen Nian was not one for formalities and asked to be taken to meet the executives at Rainbow Channel.

“Hello, hello, Mr. Chen Nian. I watch every episode of ‘The Voice of New Songs’ that you’re on,” said Feng Lei, the leader from Rainbow Channel, a man in his forties. Naturally, he was delighted to have Chen Nian on board, as Chen Nian was now a symbol of popularity.

In a sense, they were riding both Chen Nian’s and the show’s wave of fame.

“I hope we’ll have more opportunities to work together in the future,” Feng Lei said, shaking Chen Nian’s hand and smiling broadly.

“If the chance arises, I’d certainly like to continue collaborating with you, Mr. Feng,” Chen Nian replied with a smile.

“By the way, speaking of collaboration, I happen to have a script here. I wonder if you have any interest in film, Mr. Feng…”

Meanwhile, in the contestant area, many were waiting—almost eighty people altogether. The selection process was tough: if any mentor chose to pass on a contestant, it was as good as being eliminated.

As a vocal mentor, Chen Nian held the power of three direct elimination votes.

At that moment, Lin Xinyou was in the dressing room, exuding confidence. As a former top idol in the entertainment scene, she felt it was effortless to compete against these amateur contestants.

Whether in looks, figure, or talent, she was undeniably in a league of her own.

For this former idol, the “Creation Camp” production team had given her special treatment, even providing a private dressing and rest room.

“Sister Xinyou, you’re so beautiful! You’ll definitely make it through!” a young girl ran over, her singing a little off-key and her appearance less striking than Lin Xinyou’s.

It wasn’t just this girl; several boys and girls came to Lin Xinyou’s lounge to greet her.

Despite being shunned online for plagiarism, Lin Xinyou was still a prominent figure in the music world. Naturally, these amateurs hoped to connect with her if they could.

“Do your best, everyone. There’s always a chance,” Lin Xinyou replied with a mature and reassuring smile.

To her, this competition was hardly a challenge.

Compared to these amateurs, she was performing at a higher level entirely.

“Alright, everyone, come draw lots to decide the performance order,” a staff member called out.

Dozens of contestants grew nervous, sweaty palms betraying their inexperience. For most, this was their first time on such a stage, and being the first to perform became the biggest worry.

“What the hell? Why is that plagiarist here?”

“Is your show shameless enough to invite even a plagiarist just for popularity?”

“This is ridiculous. I waited so long for this, and this is what you give me? No wonder ‘Creation Camp’ has been running for four seasons without taking off…”

The instant Lin Xinyou’s face appeared in the live broadcast, the comment section exploded.

The live stream’s viewership shot up from just a few thousand to over half a million—more than a tenfold increase.

“Director, something’s wrong. The stream’s popularity is up, but the comments are overwhelmingly negative,” the assistant director said helplessly.

“No problem,” the experienced chief director said, shaking his head. “Reputation and reviews can be fixed later. Right now, what matters is attention. If nobody’s watching, even the best reviews are wasted.”

The assistant director nodded in agreement and said no more.

In the studio, seeing that no one wanted to be the first to perform, Lin Xinyou took the initiative and raised her hand.

“Excuse me, perhaps I could go first?”

Her words immediately earned her newfound respect from those present, who looked at her with admiration.

Seeing the reverence in the eyes of the contestants and the approving gaze of the director, Lin Xinyou was delighted inside.

This was exactly the effect she wanted: to present herself as a reliable leader, a caring big sister who could stabilize the scene and relieve others’ worries.

With this approach, she could suppress the others, discourage competition, and win the favor of the director and the audience.

As long as she maintained this image, she could change public perception, shake off the label of plagiarist, and reclaim her former popularity.

“Alright,” the staff member agreed.

Having someone volunteer to perform first was a relief, especially when that person was the former top idol, Lin Xinyou.

No matter her true ability, Lin Xinyou’s star power was undeniable.

“Very well, let’s have Ms. Lin Xinyou take the stage first and set an example for everyone!”

Meanwhile, in the main recording studio, the audience and other mentors were already in place. When the hidden mentor, Chen Nian, made his entrance, the crowd erupted into cheers.

After all, he was now recognized as the god of song and a young genius in the music world!

He was even given the center seat.

Chen Nian sat among the three other mentors.

As soon as it was revealed that the special mentor was Chen Nian, the other three mentors eagerly greeted him, shaking hands and jokingly asking for songs.

Following the routine, the host took the stage to introduce everyone.

The first introduction was Hua Chengyu, the rookie king who had just participated in “The Voice of New Songs” with Chen Nian, earning warm applause.

Second was Shang Pin, whom Chen Nian didn’t know, but the audience still responded enthusiastically.

Third was Qin Xue, the only female mentor among the four.

When it came time to introduce Chen Nian, the applause and cheers were deafening, with many in the audience even standing up.

Backstage, the contestants, unaware of what was happening outside, tried to peer out when they heard the commotion.

After the introductions, the host once again took up the microphone.

“Now, let’s welcome our first contestant of the day, Lin Xinyou, performing the vocal piece ‘Unrequited Love’!”

Hearing Lin Xinyou’s name, Chen Nian was briefly taken aback but quickly masked his expression with calm composure.

Elsewhere backstage, Lin Xinyou, oblivious to what was happening in the studio, confidently held her microphone and strode down the long corridor at the staff’s prompting.

For Lin Xinyou, this program was the first step in her comeback.