Perfect Superstar.

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The song "Follow the Dream of the Red Heart" holds a cherished spot in Lu Chen's "dream world."

At first, it flew under the radar; many people didn't even know it existed. But then, it skyrocketed to fame after being featured in an animated film. The song spread rapidly online, resonating deeply with countless listeners. It quickly became a favorite among young audiences and earned its status as a rock classic.

In its original form, the song's uplifting lyrics were delivered through soaring melodies and raspy screams. This unique vocal style, almost frenzied in its emotional depth, gave the song a distinct charm that became more poignant with each listen.

However, Lu Chen chose not to replicate this singing style, as it didn't suit his vocal range.

Instead, he decided to include the song in his competition setlist and collaborated with Gu Rui, the music director of "Singing China," and the accompanying band to rearrange the music.

This led to significant changes in the song's style compared to the original version.

Yet, the lyrics and melody remained intact, and the emotional impact was just as powerful!

When Lu Chen performed this song, he gradually built up his emotions. The beginning conveyed a sense of suppressed endurance, pain, longing, loneliness, introspection, and a clear-eyed melancholy—a struggle between emotion and reason.

"…

The dazzling future beckons me,

Even if pain is my only companion, I will press on boldly.

I dream of sailing on the bluest seas,

Unconcerned whether I return or not.

To wallow in despair after failure

Is the mark of a coward.

So long as there is breath in me, clench your fists tight!

Before dawn breaks,

We must be braver still.

Awaiting the most radiant moment of sunrise.

…"

But when these complex emotions reached their peak, they erupted with fierce intensity!

"…

Run forward, through sneers and ridicule,

How can we grasp the vastness of life without enduring hardship?

Fate cannot make us kneel and beg for mercy.

Even if our arms are drenched in blood,

Keep running, with the pride of an innocent heart.

How can we see the brilliance of life without holding out to the end?

Better to burn out with passion than cling to a hollow existence.

For the beauty within our hearts,

Never compromise until we grow old!

…"

The massive venue fell silent, save for Lu Chen's voice and the resonating sound of the band. The song echoed, striking everyone's ears with a powerful impact.

No one had anticipated Lu Chen would deliver a rock song— especially one so unique and electrifying!

In a small basement apartment on the outskirts of Capital City's Fourth Ring Road, Chen Xiang stared intently at the screen with his body trembling.

He felt as if something deep within him was roaring and howling, desperate to break free.

Lu Chen's song brought back memories of when Chen Xiang first arrived in Capital City.

At that time, he carried dreams in his heart but was repeatedly battered by the harsh realities of life. Lacking formal education, he faced rejection after rejection in his job search. To survive, he took on odd jobs wherever he could.

He handed out flyers on the streets, washed dishes in restaurants, delivered packages, and hustled for business. Countless times, he was ignored or met with cold stares. Countless times, he thought of giving up and returning to his hometown.

But Chen Xiang persevered. Life taught him resilience and the importance of knowledge.

While working tirelessly, he also studied diligently. Eventually, he landed a job suited to his field and settled down in Capital City. He kept the spark of his dreams alive, no matter how small.

After enduring so much, Chen Xiang thought he had grown brave and strong. Yet, hearing "Follow the Dream of the Red Heart," his emotions crumbled instantly!

"Run forward, through sneers and ridicule,

How can we grasp the vastness of life without enduring hardship?"

"Fate cannot make us kneel and beg for mercy."

Chen Xiang clenched his teeth and fists, forcing himself to finish listening to the song.

Then, he picked up the instant noodles on his desk— already soggy— and slowly twirled them with his plastic fork to eat.

Unconsciously, his eyes brimmed with tears.

…

Back in the stadium, a thunderous round of applause erupted, igniting waves of cheers and excitement.

Many people stood up, clapping and shouting in celebration for Lu Chen.

Lu Chen bowed deeply to the audience, a faint glimmer of tears in his eyes as well.

Then came the judges. Tan Hong and Lin Zhijie were the first to rise, with Chen Fei'er and Zhen Zhen following closely behind.

Even the live band members— known for their pride— returned Lu Chen's bow when he turned to thank them as if completing a solemn ceremony.

It took several minutes for the live-streamed venue to calm down.

The four judges resumed their seats, and Tan Hong spoke first: "This song…I don't want to comment too much on it. Even though it's a little rough and not entirely perfect, I'm giving it a '10'!"

With that, Tan Hong firmly pressed the scoring button, and the golden number "10" immediately appeared on the big screen.

Lu Chen smiled and thanked him. "Thank you, Teacher Tan."

"No!"

Tan Hong shook his head solemnly. "I should be the one thanking you. You've delivered a song that's moving, worth listening to with one's heart, and full of emotional depth. In you, I see the future of pop music!"

In reality TV talent shows, it's common for judges to shower contestants with praise. Sometimes, these compliments are exaggerated for dramatic effect or promotional strategies, often bordering on insincerity.

But who was Tan Hong?

His status and influence in the entertainment industry meant he didn't need to resort to such tactics. His admiration for Lu Chen's performance came straight from the heart.

Tan Hong particularly appreciated the song's new rock spirit, which resonated with him more profoundly than any of Lu Chen's earlier works.

He gave Lu Chen a 10 because there was no option to give higher.

Lin Zhijie also awarded a 10.

The music director of Flying Stone Records remarked, "If only you had been born twenty years earlier."

Twenty years ago marked the golden era of the record industry— a time when legends and icons emerged in droves.

Lin Zhijie believed that era would have been the perfect stage for an artist like Lu Chen.

Tan Hong burst out laughing.

Chen Fei'er then said, "Lu Chen, do you know? I was originally going to give you a 10, but since Big Brother Tan Hong already gave you a 10, I'll give you a 9."

The crowd erupted into murmurs of confusion.

Why would Chen Fei'er give a 9 just because Tan Hong gave a 10?

Tan Hong's hearty laughter turned into a wry smile, and he shook his head helplessly. "Such a willful little Junior Sister," he thought.

He knew it was because Chen Fei'er favored Xi Jia. Earlier, Tan Hong had given Xi Jia a 9, and this was her playful way of retaliating.

But as a judge, Chen Fei'er had the right to score as she pleased, and Tan Hong couldn't object.

Seeing the helpless expression on Tan Hong's face, Chen Fei'er's lips curved into a playful smile.

She pressed the scoring button lightly.

The big screen displayed a bright "10"!

Chen Fei'er had given Lu Chen a full score after all. The sudden twist took everyone by surprise.

She smiled coyly and said, "I was just kidding. Lu Chen, your song truly deserves a perfect score!"

It was hard to believe that someone as stunning and sly as a fox was already in her thirties.

Lin Zhijie laughed. "Since both Senior Brother and Junior Sister have given 10s, I'll give a 10 as well."

He gave Lu Chen a thumbs-up. "Great song!"

As Tan Hong said, the song didn't need excessive commentary— a perfect score said it all.

Zhen Zhen also gave a 10.

She said, "This song made me feel strength— the strength to rise above challenges. It absolutely deserves a perfect score!"

All four judges awarded Lu Chen 10s, giving him a total judge's score of 40.

This score surpassed Xi Jia's 38 points!

Standing in the waiting area, Xi Jia clapped along with the audience. There was regret in her expression but no sadness.

She knew she had lost.

A perfect 40 from the judges had never been achieved in the touring PK competition until Lu Chen's performance.

Only he could have done it.

Losing to Lu Chen didn't feel unjust to Xi Jia.

After Lu Chen expressed his gratitude, the host returned to the stage and invited Xi Jia back as well to announce the final results.

First, Xi Jia's scores:

Judge's score: 38 points

In-house audience votes: 4,875 votes

External audience votes: 428,530 votes

Total score: 97.52 points

Next, Lu Chen's scores:

Judge's score: 40 points

In-house audience votes: 4,623 votes

External audience votes: 725,506 votes

Total score: 98.79 points

The outcome was clear—Lu Chen defeated Xi Jia and claimed the 6th spot in the national top 10.

He topped the rankings with the highest comprehensive score.

Though Lu Chen trailed Xi Jia by over 200 votes from the in-house audience, his superior judge's score and overwhelming external votes gave him a clear advantage.

"Congratulations!"

When the results were announced, Xi Jia showed a trace of disappointment.

Still, she graciously congratulated Lu Chen.

"Thank you!"

Lu Chen shook her hand, unsure how to offer comfort. After all, he was the winner.

Praising her performance might seem hypocritical or arrogant, so he opted for a simple thank-you.

At least that wouldn't be seen as pretentious.

He was genuinely wary of being misunderstood.

Fortunately, Chen Fei'er stepped in, hugging Xi Jia onstage and sparing Lu Chen the awkwardness.

The Sweet Song Queen whispered a few words into Xi Jia's ear, and Xi Jia's expression transformed— surprise and delight overtook her features.

Curious as he was, Lu Chen didn't feel it was appropriate to ask and quietly returned backstage.

Tan Hong, however, was just as curious. When Chen Fei'er returned, he asked, "What did you say to Xi Jia?"

Chen Fei'er gave him a sly glance. "That's a woman's secret!"

Tan Hong smiled bitterly.

After more than a decade, his mischievous Junior Sister hadn't changed a bit.

But the PK competition would continue.

However, the subsequent matches no longer had anything to do with Lu Chen.

For now, he only needed to savor the sweetness of victory!

(End of this chapter)