A daughter like this will only bring disgrace to the Ji family.

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“I am pleased to see this original, traditional-style song performed on stage, but I must stress that music cannot simply chase after certain elements at the expense of harmony and cohesion. As a performer, one must be especially mindful of this when selecting songs for the stage… I’m sorry, but for me, this song does not meet the standard.”

In the end, Fang Zhijing gave a score of 59. With his assessment made, the other mentors soon followed with their own scores.

Lu Yi looked at this trend-chasing contestant with a mocking expression, exhaled, and gave a score of 55.

Ye Yu stared in disbelief at her score of 58.5. From the start of the competition, she had never received such a low mark!

She fought back tears, entirely forgetting the fact that she had tried to take a shortcut by forcibly performing this song for the sake of convenience.

“Master Fang, I respect you, but I can’t accept this. Clearly, mentor Lu Yi’s earlier song was similar, yet you gave him a different evaluation. Is it just because I am a contestant and he is a mentor?”

Ye Yu’s words caused a stir throughout the venue. No one had expected her to openly question Fang Zhijing.

[This girl is bold, daring to question Master Fang.]
[Who does she think she is? That song was so unpleasant, it was unbearable to listen to.]
[I think Master Fang’s comments were spot on. We aren’t fools—this song was clearly just trying to ride the wave of popularity.]
[But I do think Ye Yu has a point. Lu Yi’s song wasn’t much better—why the double standard?]
[Which eye of yours saw Master Fang using a double standard…]
The live broadcast chat exploded with heated debate. Since “King of All Music” began airing, only Ji Fanxing had sparked such discussions.

For the first time, the usually gossiped-about Ji Fanxing had become a spectator herself. She sat up straight, picked up a slice of watermelon from the fruit platter, and munched as she watched Fang Zhijing on the big screen.

At that moment, nearly everyone was waiting for his response.

Lu Yi, seeing himself dragged into the comparison, turned livid with anger. With Master Fang right beside him, as an artist, he dared not show his anger openly, but he couldn’t help picking up the microphone.

“Ye Yu, as someone being critiqued, what right do you have to question the mentors? Instead of focusing on honing your craft at your young age, you’re trying to stir controversy for your own gain…”

As the scene threatened to spiral out of control, Fang Zhijing’s calm and steady voice resounded.

He showed no embarrassment at being questioned. On the contrary, his tone was frank.

“I apologize for not commenting more on Lu Yi’s performance earlier, which seems to have led to your misunderstanding. However, Lu Yi’s song was an adaptation and can’t be directly compared to yours.”

Lu Yi, interrupted by Fang Zhijing, tried to suppress the satisfaction on his face and looked at Ye Yu on stage as if she were a mere shrimp.

Ji Fanxing, who had been closely observing Fang Zhijing, raised an eyebrow. Was this guiding light of the music world just like all the other parasites of the entertainment industry?

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To most people, Fang Zhijing’s words carried great authority. With Lu Yi’s standing as a senior in the industry, few dared question Fang Zhijing’s judgment.

Some music students even began to wonder if they should study adapted songs.

“I should add, Lu Yi’s adapted song was actually even less competent than yours. If I were to grade it, it would only score a 30.”

Fang Zhijing’s words were measured and unwavering; no one could read his emotions.

“Ten points were deducted for the inappropriate high note at the end, fifty for borrowing from ‘Slow Tune’ without crediting the source, and the remaining ten are due to flaws in the adaptation.”

“Pfft!” Nearly thrown off by this sudden twist, Ji Fanxing set down her watermelon rind and covered her mouth, coughing for a long moment before she recovered.

Well then, she thought, I’ve become part of the drama I was watching.

On the big screen, the camera quickly cut to Lu Yi. He still wore a look of contempt for Ye Yu, but after hearing Fang Zhijing’s words, his face turned ashen.

“Do you have any more questions, Ye?”

“No…”

“Very well, then let’s welcome our next contestant!”

Du Ge’s quick thinking smoothed the situation over in just a few words.

While the live performance continued, the internet was already in an uproar.

#Fang Zhijing Questioned#
#Both Lu Yi and Ye Yu Are Mediocre#
#Be Sincere About Music#
#The Arrogance of the Industry#

Countless topics were trending, with the last one drawing the most attention.

Ji Fanxing’s “Slow Tune” being borrowed without credit spread across the web, prompting public outrage.

[I knew that song sounded familiar—so it’s true.]
[This is exactly the high-and-mighty attitude of the entertainment industry. Disgusting!]
[Master Fang is truly deserving of his title—so fearless.]
[Suddenly, I have faith in the invitation in Master Fang’s hand. Someone like him will surely be fair.]
Gradually, the discussion shifted toward the ownership of the invitation letter. Previously, many speculated that Fang Zhijing’s invitation had already been predetermined for Ji Shengxue.

But now, this latest development left everyone uncertain once again.

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Those in the know were even less certain. Director Ji Changming, seeing the discussions online, felt uneasy.

Others might not know, but he did. In his youth, Fang Zhijing had also done many outrageous things. Society back then was not as it is now. The brash, reckless Fang Zhijing had nearly lost his life once, only to be rescued by the old master Ji—after which he became more reserved and shrewd.

Now, at his current standing, few forces could constrain Fang Zhijing. The previous agreement to give the invitation letter to the Ji family—would that still hold?

Rarely enjoying a day off at home, Ji Changming sat on his leather couch, watching the live broadcast of “King of All Music” on his screen.

As the camera swept across the contestants’ seats, he easily picked out that, aside from the crown prince, the rest were all ordinary people.

Ji Changming let out a sigh of relief, feeling more confident. With a competition of this caliber, since his daughter was participating, she had to stand out to bring honor to the family.

It was said that the crown prince Chu only liked niche genres like rap and had no interest in the invitation.

The remaining ordinary contestants would not be hard to handle.

The competition itself was a small matter; what mattered was the Ji family’s reputation. Ji Changming opened the contestant rankings for “King of All Music,” ready to clear obstacles from his daughter’s path.

But when he saw the name at the very top—a clear leader—he was momentarily stunned.

“Ji Fanxing?”

He had never paid attention to how his daughters performed in the competition, and now his brows furrowed deeply.

No wonder Shengxue hadn’t mentioned her results. He never imagined his rebellious, unfilial second daughter would achieve such a high ranking.

Surprised, Ji Changming stroked his chin, eyes fixed on Ji Fanxing’s name, his mind refusing to believe it.

Although there had been a lot of online buzz lately, calling her a “talented songwriter,” after hearing that bizarre piece “Joy,” he’d refused to listen to any of her other works.

Recalling that eerie, unsettling song, and Ji Fanxing’s recent defiant attitude, Ji Changming felt nothing but distaste.

If such a daughter were to attend the “National Music Exchange Conference,” she would only embarrass the Ji family!

“No, absolutely not!”

If she wanted to win a title in a lowbrow show like “King of All Music,” so be it—it didn’t matter. Only the carefully cultivated, poised, and gracious eldest daughter, Ji Shengxue, could represent the Ji family at the music exchange, bringing honor and good reputation.

On stage, it was just Ji Shengxue’s turn to perform.