Still unfamiliar with the term "Zhang Yiran," she pulled out her phone to look it up.
It turned out to be a goddess from Roman mythology.
*Big Fei really knows how to cause trouble. What kind of garbage song is this?*
After listening to the beginning, Zhang Yiran immediately shut it off.
She already had a strong dislike for Yang Han and Big Fei, and she couldn't be bothered to listen to this awful song.
Glancing down, her brow furrowed.
*Deng Siqing?*
*She's competing too?*
*What's a host doing stirring up trouble in the music industry? Does she really think she's a singing goddess just because she won Crossover Singer?*
Zhang Yiran had heard Deng Siqing's three songs before. She'd been intensely jealous at the time.
Those songs weren't just suitable for Deng Siqing; they were perfect for her too.
The two women had similar vocal styles and temperaments. Zhang Yiran also cultivated a mature, "big sister" image, but being older than Deng Siqing, she was less appealing to younger men.
If she had sung those songs, she could have made them hits too—maybe even better than Deng Siqing.
The name Deng Siqing was preceded by the *Audition* logo, clearly indicating a connection to Big Fei.
With a solemn expression, she clicked on Deng Siqing's song and began to listen.
*Crazy for Love*
*Lyrics and Music: Big Fei*
*Vocals: Deng Siqing*
The intro was simple, just a drum beat and synths.
Nothing remarkable, but decent enough.
"I walked from spring, you said goodbye in autumn.
I promised not to grieve for you, but how can my heart remain untouched?"
Deng Siqing's gentle voice rang out, and Zhang Yiran's brow immediately furrowed.
She quickly called Zhang Yina over, and the two sisters each put on a pair of headphones to listen to the lyrical song.
As soon as Zhang Yina heard the melody, her brow also furrowed.
*It's too similar.*
This voice, this singing style—it was exactly the same type as Zhang Yiran's.
*Cool, mature, and tender, all while celebrating love.*
*She's competing in my lane!*
"Why is it always like this, you buried deep in my heart?
I want to ask if you'd like to stay with me until the end of time."
As they listened, their expressions grew increasingly serious.
Deng Siqing's vocal technique had improved so dramatically.
When she first sang "Red Bean," it was all raw talent.
A good voice, attractive looks, and immense popularity made her a favorite with the audience.
But if you listened closely, her technique was mediocre, lacking any real skill, relying purely on natural ability.
Yet in this song, her technique had improved so much it was almost indistinguishable from a professional singer's.
*Could Big Fei's coaching have caused such a leap in skill?*
"If love is this sorrowful, why not let me share it?
I ask you day and night, but you never answer—how did you become this way?"
As the bridge led into the chorus, the soaring refrain arrived:
"I want to ask if you dare
To love me as you promised
I want to ask if you dare
To be as crazy for love as I am
I want to ask if you dare
To love me as you promised
To be as crazy for love as I am"
*What will you think of me now?!*
After the first chorus ended, Zhang Yiran took off her headphones and tossed them aside.
"The song is good," Zhang Yina said, "but it's not ours."
Both sisters felt a complex mix of emotions. If all of Big Fei's songs had been given to them, their careers would have undoubtedly reached their peak.
Every single one was a hit!
Zhang Yiran said coldly, "That bastard Big Fei... he's actually quite talented."
Even though she hated him so much she could grind her teeth, Zhang Yiran had to admit that Big Fei's songs were indeed excellent.
It wasn't just his writing—Deng Siqing's singing was also superb.
Most importantly, Deng Siqing's style clashed directly with Zhang Yiran's.
The nickname "New Queen of Pop" that netizens had playfully given Deng Siqing wasn't entirely baseless.
Zhang Yiran's popularity had been declining for the past two years. Without any new hit songs, she had been coasting on her past successes.
Her fanbase consisted mainly of those who had supported her in the past; few young people listened to her music anymore.
But Deng Siqing was different. Naturally beautiful and in the prime of her womanhood, she was the type of mature, alluring woman that young men and women alike adored.
This year, Deng Siqing released four songs, each met with widespread acclaim.
If this trend continued, Deng Siqing stood a real chance of establishing a firm foothold in the music industry.
Zhang Yina suggested, "Should we try to reconcile with Big Fei? It's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. At three to four million per song, his quality isn't even that expensive."
Zhang Yiran retorted coldly, "Reconcile with him? What makes him think I should bow my head to him?"
Zhang Yiran had been forced to swallow her pride twice in their past clashes with Big Fei.
"He's just a man who relies on women. He'll never amount to anything."
The first time was after the *King of Songs* finale, when Lin Qiqi forced Zhang Yiran to apologize.
The second was backstage at the Spring Festival Gala, where Deng Siqing intimidated her by smashing two CCTV awards at her.
In both instances, wasn't Big Fei just using women?
Zhang Yina nodded. Given how things had escalated, reconciliation was now impossible.
In the past, Big Fei had no female singers under his label and was short on funds, which is why he sold his songs to others.
Now that he had Yang Han, Deng Siqing, and Lin Qiqi, he had no reason to sell his songs anymore. Any attempt at reconciliation now would likely only invite humiliation.
Zhang Yiran scrolled down the list. The Golden Phoenix Goddess Chart clearly carried significant weight.
Many companies chose this time to release their best songs. As she scrolled, she suddenly spotted Lin Qiqi's name.
"Lin Qiqi, an actress, is even joining the fun? Let's hear her song," Zhang Yina said.
Zhang Yiran was annoyed. "I'm not listening. With her limited talent, she won't even make the top ten."
Lin Qiqi might be popular, but this was a music chart. Most of the voters were music enthusiasts. Even with high popularity, no one would vote for her if her work wasn't good enough.
Upon seeing the song title, "I Am a Girl," Zhang Yiran lost all interest.
***
Early Friday morning, Lin Chudong flew to Beijing, accompanied by Wang Zhi and Xie Yujun.
Tonight, he needed to attend the Aurora Science Fiction Award ceremony.
Tomorrow night was the live finale of *I Am a Comedian*.
In this day and age, a variety show finale without a live broadcast would make the director look like a coward.
Lin Chudong had plenty of live streaming experience, but this was a live sketch comedy performance, and he admitted to feeling a bit nervous.
After checking into the hotel, Wang Zhi and Xie Yujun settled in.
"You two rest up. I'm going to accept an award."
Wang Zhi sat up in bed. "Fei Ge, should I go with you?"
"No need. Sister Deng is coming with me."
"Alright, Fei Ge. Be careful," Wang Zhi said, raising an eyebrow, a hint of ambiguity in his eyes that bordered on lewd.
***
In the afternoon, after lunch, Lin Chudong and Deng Siqing arrived at the Kyoto Science and Technology Museum.
This year's Aurora Science Fiction Award ceremony was being held here. It was his first time winning a literary award, and he had no experience with such events. Everything inside felt fresh and new to him.
Wearing masks, Deng Siqing linked her arm through his. "Big Fei, do you think you'll win?"
Deng Siqing had also read *The Three-Body Problem*. Even though she had never read science fiction before, she found the book utterly captivating.
Setting aside her personal affection for Big Fei, she genuinely believed the book was an outstanding work.
For someone reading a novel for the first time, the world-building in *The Three-Body Problem* felt like it had opened a new world for Deng Siqing.
"Probably," he replied.
*The Three-Body Problem* should have won awards left and right. As for this particular Aurora Science Fiction Award, he didn't really know much about it.
Editor-in-Chief Kang had informed him about it, and he was just here to go through the motions and soak in the atmosphere.
Deng Siqing noticed the cameras around them. "Big Fei, look—it seems like they're live-streaming!"
"So it is."
Lin Chudong didn't mind. A live stream was just another opportunity to boost his popularity.
***
Zhou Shifang was dining with Hu Xiaoxu, Editor-in-Chief of Capital Publishing House.
"Editor-in-Chief Hu, I'd like to propose another toast to you. When I was at the Writers' Association, I often heard leaders speak of you."
"They said you have a unique eye for talent, and that you personally nurtured many bestsellers."
"Your selection as a judge this time is truly what the public wants."
Hu Xiaoxu raised his glass, took a sip, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Xiao Zhou, I've read your book. It's actually quite good."
"Several leaders have also put in a word with me. As you know, the award decision is essentially in my hands."
"But if I give this award to you instead of *The Three-Body Problem*, I'm afraid I'll be in trouble."
Zhou Shifang quickly put on an ingratiating smile. "Editor-in-Chief Hu, I've already reserved my next book with you. I'm one of your people."
"If you don't look out for me, who will?"
Hu Xiaoxu smiled faintly. "Very well. It's just an award. This year, the gold prize will go to you. After all, several leaders from the Writers' Association have already spoken to me."
"We're all in this community. We can't let outsiders take our award, can we?"
Hu Xiaoxu had certainly read *The Three-Body Problem*. In a sense, it was an unparalleled masterpiece.
But unfortunately, the author, Big Fei, wasn't part of the literary world. Even if he won the award, Big Fei wouldn't thank him.
But if the gold award went to Zhou Shifang, it would be a completely different matter.
After all, Zhou Shifang was a well-known author in their circle, with extensive connections and influence within the Writers' Association.
Since they were all part of the same community, they could all become valuable contacts for each other in the future.
The Aurora Science Fiction Award was considered the highest honor in Chinese science fiction. Such a prestigious award couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of an outsider.
People are inherently selfish. When it came to awarding prizes, Hu Xiaoxu's first consideration was how it would benefit him.
If they gave the award to Big Fei, the author might not even know who he was. So, a silver medal would suffice.
As time was running out, the two quickly downed their drinks and headed to the venue.
***
The awards ceremony began, with the event being broadcast live on Tianxun Video.
A male host took the stage and invited the organizers and leaders to speak.
Hu Xiaoxu stepped up to the podium. "In this year's awards, we have upheld the principles of impartiality and fairness..."
Leaders typically say, "I'll keep it brief," but the online audience was already growing impatient.
"Enough already, I'm waiting for Da Fei."
"Da Fei should be up there speaking, let him say a few words."
"Right, right! Da Fei's few words are still better than these two."
"Listening to you is like listening to you."
"Da Fei's 'bullshit literature' is the perfect satire of these leaders."
"Who would watch this ceremony without Da Fei? Hurry it up!"
***
Magic City Normal University, girls' dormitory.
Xiao Ting was sprawled on her bed, engrossed in a tablet.
Her roommate across the room looked surprised. "Xiao Ting, the sun must have risen in the west today! You're actually watching a TV show? Have you seen *Bright Sword*?"
Xiao Ting shook her head. "Not yet, but I've heard good things. I plan to watch it later. Right now, I'm watching the award ceremony."
*Bright Sword* had become incredibly popular lately, not just among TV viewers but also among college students.
Xiao Ting had always been a bookworm, with little interest in TV shows.
But after reading two of Da Fei's books, she developed a strong fascination with him.
*How could a singer write such brilliant work?* she thought. *He must be a man of great depth.*
Even Xiao Ting, who rarely listened to music, had recently started enjoying pop songs.
When her roommate mentioned Da Fei was at the award ceremony, everyone quickly pulled out their phones to watch too.
"The bronze award for the Aurora Sci-Fi Literature Award goes to... *Terror on Mars*! Please welcome author He Qun!"
A slender middle-aged man walked onto the stage, his face tinged with excitement.
"Thank you to the leaders, all the readers, and the esteemed authors..."
Deng Siqing murmured, "I don't know why, but I find these literary types a bit hypocritical."
Lin Chudong nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way."
Truth be told, every industry was like this. The entertainment world was even worse, with its commercial hype and backstabbing. It was just that these literary types spoke in such flowery, academic language, giving off an air of sour pretentiousness.
After the speeches, a leader gave a brief address, followed by the announcement of the silver award.
"The silver award for the Aurora Sci-Fi Literature Award goes to... The Three-Body Problem! Please welcome author Da Fei!"
Lin Chudong and Deng Siqing froze in their seats. Silver?
This was unexpected. Da Fei's The Three-Body Problem had already sold over half a million copies. According to Editor Kang, it would definitely break a million within three months.
How could such a wildly popular book only win silver?
Lin Chudong slowly rose to his feet and made his way to the stage.
Sparse applause rippled through the audience.
This was the first time Da Fei had faced such an awkward silence since becoming famous.
Netizens immediately erupted in outrage.
"The Three-Body Problem only got a silver award? Are the organizers messing with us?"
"Do you know how high The Three-Body Problem's online ratings are? I heard it's been nominated for international awards. This Aurora Science Fiction Award is a joke."
"Giving Da Fei second place? What were they thinking? Did Sister Deng give you too much courage? Aren't you afraid he'll flip the table?"
"..."
In the girls' dormitory, Xiao Ting frowned deeply.
"There's clearly something fishy going on here."
She loved The Three-Body Problem and, as a sci-fi enthusiast, had read every science fiction novel published in the past year.
As an experienced reader, she believed no other book could compare to The Three-Body Problem.
Yet the organizers had only awarded it a silver prize. She was curious who would win the gold.
Her roommate asked, "Xiao Ting, do you know who will win the gold?"
Xiao Ting shook her head. "Whoever it is, this award is rigged. If The Three-Body Problem doesn't win first place, its prestige will be ruined forever."
As a prestigious award, if the public perceives it as rigged, it will lose all credibility.
Lin Chudong walked onto the stage and looked at the trophy Hu Xiaoxu was holding out. He didn't take it and said calmly, "Which of the gold award winners is it? Let's present it together."
Hu Xiaoxu's expression stiffened slightly, then turned cold.
This was exactly what he had feared.
Da Fei wasn't part of this literary circle; he was a pop star. Even if the award were given to him, it would just be another line on his resume.
He wouldn't be grateful to the judges for it—the gold award *shouldn't* go to him!
Since the ceremony was being broadcast live, Hu Xiaoxu couldn't make any sarcastic remarks. "Alright, let's cut to the chase. I now present the gold award."
He took the microphone and card from the host and announced, "The gold award for this year's Aurora Sci-Fi Literature Award goes to... *Alien Home*! Please welcome author Zhou Shifang to the stage to accept his award!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. It seemed Zhou Shifang was far more popular in this circle than Da Fei.
Most of the audience consisted of Zhou Shifang's peers. While fellow writers could be rivals, those from different fields were outright enemies.
Da Fei's The Three-Body Problem had caused a major stir in their industry. Originally, everyone had hoped to win an award, but here was Da Fei, a singer, sweeping through the literary world. His peers naturally resented him.
Zhou Shifang strode to the stage with a smug expression and accepted the gold award trophy.
"I'd like to thank Chief Editor Hu and all the leaders. Winning the gold award at the Aurora Sci-Fi Literature Award is truly a testament to your high regard for me. I will certainly continue to strive for excellence."
"I've prepared a short poem to share with everyone."
The audience erupted in thunderous applause. It seemed Teacher Zhou had been preparing for this moment.
"Why dwell on success or failure in life?
Every twist and turn brings something new.
Gain and loss are but fleeting dreams,
Fame and fortune are mere passing clouds."
Then, Zhou Shifang turned to Lin Chudong with a teasing smile.
"Da Fei, winning the silver award as a newcomer is already quite impressive. To use a popular internet phrase, everything is just 'passing clouds'."
The live chat exploded instantly.
"This Zhou Shifang is such a show-off! How dare he mock Da Fei? Has he never faced death?"
"I have to admit, I'm impressed by his audacity. He dared to mock Da Fei to his face—the man who fought wolves! Ten Zhou Shifangs wouldn't be enough for Da Fei to handle."
"The fix is too obvious. Da Fei exposed the flaws in Zhou Shifang's trash book online—the logic is full of holes and riddled with errors. Yet it still won a gold medal? What a joke."
"How could Da Fei tolerate this? If it comes to poetry, Teacher Zhou, you're still no match for him."
"..."
The host on stage announced, "Now, let's hear a few words from our silver medalist, Teacher Da Fei."
The microphone was handed to Lin Chudong, who turned to the camera and said,
"Since Teacher Zhou's acceptance speech was a poem, I'll recite a short one as well."
"This poem is titled 'Ode to a Needle'."
Under the gaze of the audience, Lin Chudong recited each word slowly and deliberately:
"Forged through a thousand fires, a single needle,
Up and down it travels through the fabric.
Its eye is placed on its backside,
Recognizing only clothes, not the person within."
-----------------------
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