Something is fishy!

This year’s National Music Exchange Conference, aiming to boost public engagement, broke from tradition by ditching prerecorded broadcasts and inviting the official television station to livestream the entire event.

On the day of the audition, even more media outlets showed up.

The outer hall of the Long Kingdom Music Academy’s concert hall was exquisitely decorated.

A plush burgundy wool carpet covered the stage, with a massive LED screen in the background continuously playing promotional videos for the exchange conference.

Excited and curious netizens flooded into the livestream chat.

“Wow, is this really the National Music Exchange Conference I know? They’re actually livestreaming it?!”

“I thought I had the wrong stream—this is quite an eye-opener!”

“Look, look! Isn’t that Zhou Fangran? The maestro Zhou? I heard he’s the president of the Long Kingdom Music Association, a true titan in the music world.”

“And over there, that’s Professor Li! Oh my, back when I studied music, his textbooks were my nightmare!”

“Wow, who’s that beautiful lady over there? So stunning!”

“To the person above, you must be out of the loop. That’s Lin Wan, a famous composer and a national treasure-level bel canto singer, winner of multiple international awards. So elegant.”

The livestream viewers eagerly commented as the distinguished guests from the music world made their grand entrances one by one.

“I don’t know anyone here; I’m just here for Ji Shen.”

“+1. If it weren’t for wanting to see what’s going on with the bet between Ji Fanxing and Zhao De, I wouldn’t be interested. No matter how great they are, the music they produce every year is just the same.”

“There they are! It’s Qu Feiyang, followed by Zhao De and Yuan Bingbing! The three of them together.”

On screen, Qu Feiyang was confidently walking down the red carpet with his proud protégé Zhao De, Yuan Bingbing trailing just behind.

Today, she wore a champagne-colored evening gown, its hem adorned with tiny diamonds that shimmered under the lights, making her skin appear even more radiant and captivating.

“Yuan Bingbing! Yuan Bingbing! My goddess is here!”

“Ahhh, goddess Bingbing looks absolutely breathtaking today! Like a fairy descended from the heavens!”

“Can’t wait to see Bingbing’s performance.”

“Is Bingbing dressing so beautifully just to outshine Ji Fanxing?”

The chat was ablaze with Yuan Bingbing's name when suddenly a vibrant splash of red appeared on screen.

“???”

“No way, did I see that right? What’s that?!”

“That outfit... is it a period costume?”

“What period costume? That’s Hanfu!”

The camera followed the figure in red, and the viewers finally made out two young people walking the red carpet, accompanied by several students also dressed in Hanfu.

“People still wear Hanfu on the red carpet nowadays? What’s going on?”

“That question’s ridiculous. Why can’t you wear Hanfu on the red carpet? It’s cultural confidence, get it?!”

At the front walked a young woman wearing a modified red-and-black Hanfu, embroidered with delicate gold patterns along the hem. Her jet-black hair was tied into a high ponytail with a red ribbon, revealing refined facial features.

Her brows and eyes bore a hint of heroic spirit, softened by a slight smile on her lips, making her appear both valiant and gracefully classical.

“Ahhh! It’s Ji Fanxing! Ji Fanxing!”

“At first, I didn’t notice from afar, but now with the close-up, she looks so stunning—strong and beautiful.”

“Who knew ancient clothes could look this cool?”

“Ten minutes, I want a link to this woman’s outfit.”

“Wait, who’s that guy next to her? He’s quite handsome.”

The young man, Chu Hao, wore a dark-colored, mandarin-collared long robe embroidered with simple cloud patterns in silver thread. A black belt cinched his slender waist, and his short hair was neat and sharp.

His sword-like brows and starry eyes, high nose bridge, and thinly pressed lips exuded a cool, aloof aura. Standing beside Ji Fanxing, the two looked unexpectedly well-matched.

“Holy crap! Chu Hao! He’s here too!”

“That looks, that aura—absolutely stunning! I’m sold!”

“No way, is that really him? What’s he doing here?”

“Didn’t he reject Master Fang’s invitation? Why is he showing up anyway?”

“Dude, you’re naive. With the Chu family’s status, getting an invitation is a piece of cake.”

“I got it! He must be here to support Ji Fanxing!”

“I think so too! Look at their outfits; they’re so coordinated. And those students following behind—they must be preparing something extraordinary!”

“Wait, could they be performing ‘Mountain and River Scroll’?”

“Highly likely! Their clothes today resemble the style of the group that sang ‘Mountain and River Scroll’ in the competition.”

“No way? Ji Fanxing is going to perform a previously released song at the audition? That’s so disrespectful to the others.”

“Isn’t that against the rules?”

“Exactly! Boycott Ji Fanxing! Boycott this rule-breaking contestant!”

“Hold on with the insults. Wait until she actually does it before you judge.”

“Ji Shen hasn’t even sung yet, and you’re already babbling. Ji Shen’s character is beyond doubt, okay?!”

“No matter what, I support Ji Shen! I believe she won’t disappoint us!”

Online, many were surprised by Chu Hao’s appearance. At the audition hall, those present also glanced at him with interest.

His status was extraordinary; no one dared to neglect him.

As Ji Fanxing and Chu Hao stepped off the red carpet, they were immediately surrounded.

“Chu Hao, long time no see. Remember me? I’m from XX Entertainment, an old acquaintance of your mother. You can just call me Uncle Wang…”

“Master Chu, I’m Li XX from XX Music. I’d like to discuss a potential collaboration…”

“Master Chu…”

Compliments and flattery rang out incessantly. Chu Hao barely concealed his tension as he dealt with these “long-admiring” elders and “friends.”

This kind of event was truly the most exasperating.

“I didn’t expect Master Chu to be not only accomplished at a young age but also ambitious enough to come to the exchange conference for learning.”

Even Qu Feiyang, usually a sycophant, came over to flatter him, smiling broadly as he shook Chu Hao’s hand.

Chu Hao returned the handshake lightly, his tone cool: “Mr. Qu, you flatter me.”

Qu Feiyang’s gaze then shifted to Ji Fanxing, his attitude completely different from last week—warm and gentle.

“Fanxing is here too? Work hard today. My student has prepared thoroughly.”

A chill ran down Ji Fanxing’s spine, but she smiled calmly, “Don’t worry, Mr. Qu. I’ll win with style.”

“Pfft.” Hearing Ji Fanxing’s words, Chu Hao relaxed a bit, finding this kind of occasion not so unbearable for the first time.

He even nodded slightly, silently endorsing Ji Fanxing’s confidence.

Qu Feiyang’s face stiffened for a moment but quickly recovered. He patted Chu Hao’s shoulder and squeezed out through clenched teeth:

“The future of music depends on talented young successors like you…”

“Miss Ji’s ‘Pipa Language’ is indeed impressive,” Yuan Bingbing chimed in as she approached.

She seemed to be praising Ji Fanxing, but her eyes were glued to Chu Hao. If she could get close to him, resources would be hers for the taking.

Ji Fanxing found this amusing—Yuan Bingbing’s angle of flattery was quite unique.

Realizing she had misspoken—‘Pipa Language’ was first in votes, but second place was Zhao De—Yuan Bingbing quickly turned apologetically to Zhao De.

Zhao De, in turn, showed no displeasure and waved her off kindly, signaling not to worry about it.

Ji Fanxing observed their interaction and expressions carefully, her brow slightly furrowing.

Zhao De was not someone with a good temper.

Last time, he had even tried to have her removed by security and had spoken rudely to Fang Zhijing.

For Yuan Bingbing to openly flatter his rival and belittle him so lightly was suspicious.

There was definitely something going on.

The rise in votes for ‘Pipa Language’ was expected, but the current tally far exceeded Ji Fanxing’s expectations.

She had suspected someone might be manipulating the votes behind the scenes.

Now, it seemed this matter might be connected to Zhao De.

“Guests, please take your seats. The first group of performers, please prepare. The audition will officially begin in ten minutes,” the host’s voice rang out from the stage.