Perfect Superstar.

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On July 3, Lu Chen successfully passed the official audition for "Singing China" and advanced to the qualifying round. 

Singing China" is the first reality talent show launched by Capital City TV. Its theme, "Walking while Singing", aims to showcase the voices of Greater China. Co-hosted by Capital City TV, YouVision Network, NetEase Music, and Tianya Culture, the program has attracted widespread attention across the country. 

The competition features seven major singing divisions: Capital City, Shengjing, Huhai, Hangzhou, Tianfu, Huacheng, and Bihai. Its unique elimination-style tour format determines the ultimate champion, with a total prize pool of over 30 Million Yuan! 

Since 2008, China's variety show scene has been booming. Programs such as "The Strongest Singer," spearheaded by Xiangnan Satellite TV, sparked a wave of reality talent shows that achieved massive success. 

Inspired by this trend, many satellite TV stations followed suit, creating a competitive landscape of similar programs. Over the years, this rivalry became increasingly intense. 

At first, Capital City TV stayed out of the fray, seemingly disinterested. But in the face of enormous potential profits, indifference was unsustainable. 

So with the arrival of summer, Capital City TV boldly launched the long-prepared "Singing China". Backed by its vast resources and connections, the network signaled its formal entry into the variety show arena. 

Capital City TV's three partners - YouVision Network, NetEase Music, and Tianya Culture - are all industry leaders, and together they pooled their resources to challenge Xiangnan TV's 'The Strongest Singer'. 

The timing of the auditions for 'Singing China' was strategic, coming right after 'the Strongest Singer'. Many of the contestants who were eliminated from 'the Strongest Singer' were naturally drawn to Singing China, which was much more inclusive in its selection criteria. Good looks and decent singing could secure a chance to advance. 

And in the Capital City, there was no shortage of such talent. 

During the official audition, Lu Chen didn't even use any of his own compositions. With just an acoustic performance of "Flying Pigeons", he easily secured his promotion card. 

"Good news, everyone! I'm going to participate in the 'Singing China' competition on July 10th!" 

"Watch the live broadcast, and please support me!" 

When Lu Chen announced this to tens of thousands of fans during his 'Whale TV' livestream, the chat room exploded. The screen was flooded with messages, a torrent of words and emoticons covering the entire interface. 

"Long live the host!" 

"Wow, we can actually see our Lu Fei on TV!" 

"Support! Keep it up!" 

"Congratulations! Hope you win the championship!" 

"The capital sends its blessing - Lu Fei, invincible and unrivaled!" 

"Xiangnan sends its blessing!" 

"Zhedong sends its blessing! 

"Deep Sea sends its blessing!" 

"Treasure Island sends..." 

As the chat filled with messages, countless fish balls and even fleets of virtual gifts poured in. 

The fans had been urging Lu Chen to participate in a talent show for a long time. Many believed that with his talent, he shouldn't limit himself to online streaming, but should take the stage in front of a wider audience and become a true star. 

Although online streaming is very popular, and top streamers earn as much as minor celebrities, traditional perceptions still favor the latter in terms of influence. 

Now that Lu Chen had taken this step, most fans were excited and wished him well. 

For these fans, Lu Chen was someone they had supported together, and if he could dominate the television stage, it would be a collective victory. 

If Lu Chen eventually became a superstar, they could proudly say that they once chatted, joked, and fought alongside this rising star. 

"Congratulations, Boss!" 

After the livestream ended, Li Bai sent Lu Chen a private message on WeChat: 

"Say no more. Just watch what the Lu Family Army can do - we won't let you down!" 

No reality talent show can ignore the influence of its audience. Whether through text messages, online votes or phone calls, audience support has always been crucial. 

Even with possible behind-the-scenes manipulation, audience votes often made up the largest portion of the visible data. 

This was Lu Chen's advantage. His livestream channel on "Whale TV" had nearly one million followers, and his WeChat group "Lu Family Army" had over 50,000 members. Once mobilized, they were undoubtedly a formidable force of support. 

Lu Chen wasn't the first to make the transition from online streaming to mainstream entertainment - there had been successful precedents before. 

"Thank you!" Lu Chen replied, attaching a file from his hard drive and sending it to Li Bai. 

Li Bai: "?" 

Lu Chen: "A small gift for you. I hope you like it." 

Li Bai laughed: "Boss, is this a personal selfie video? Just to be clear, I'm straight!" 

Lu Chen: "..." 

Li Bai received the file. 

After a full five minutes, Li Bai asked, "Boss, is this really for me?" 

Even through the screen, Lu Chen could sense his surprise. 

He smiled and quickly typed on the keyboard: "Yes, this song is my gift to you. I haven't registered it in the Greater China Music Library— it's all yours to complete and release under your name!" 

Lu Chen had always been deeply grateful to this invisible friend, his number one fan. 

In the early stages of his streaming career, Lu Chen wouldn't have achieved his current success-or made so much money from livestreaming- without Li Bai's unwavering support. 

Li Bai alone had spent over 200,000 yuan on gifts for his channel. In addition, he had tirelessly managed and nurtured the Lu Family Army fan group, often distributing countless red envelopes to keep the community thriving. 

For Lu Chen, a favor received, no matter how small, must be repaid many times over. 

He had always been clear about gratitude and resentment. Li Bai's support was invaluable, but Lu Chen struggled to find a way to truly express his gratitude. 

Li Bai was a classic second-generation wealthy heir. As he once confided to Lu Chen, his life revolved around spending money. His father didn't expect him to accomplish much - just to stay out of trouble and eventually carry on the family name. 

Through their conversations, Lu Chen also learned that Li Bai had a deep love for music. He had once formed a band and dreamed of becoming a singer, but lacking talent, he had resigned himself to performing in bars for fun. 

This knowledge inspired Lu Chen. He carefully selected a song that he believed would be the perfect gift for Li Bai. 

Lu Chen was confident that this was the most appropriate gift he could give! 

Li Bai fell silent. He didn't answer for a long time. 

Lu Chen began to wonder if he had lost the connection. He couldn't help but ask, "Are you there?" 

Li Bai finally replied, "I'm here. Thank you, Boss!" 

Lu Chen sent a smiling emoticon and said, "I should be the one to thank you. Get someone to arrange the composition for this song, preferably someone who knows country rock. Then release it as a single!" 

Several minutes passed before Li Bai replied, "Got it. 

Lu Chen found his reaction a little strange, but he didn't dwell on it. He bid him goodbye and logged off to rest. 

At the same time, in a villa in Ping'an Community, Second Ring Road, Capital City. 

The study on the third floor of Villa A7 was still lit. 

A young man in his twenties sat dazedly in front of a computer, his eyes unfocused as if lost in thought. 

A musical score was displayed on the screen. 

After a moment, he suddenly snapped out of his daze, sprang to his feet, and grabbed the phone on the desk. 

Quickly dialing a number, the young man paced anxiously around the study. 

After a few seconds, the call went through. "Hello?"

"Hello, my ass! It's me, Li Mubai!" The young man barked impatiently. 

"Find me a composer - one of the best. He must specialize in country rock. I don't care how much it costs. I have a song that needs to be arranged!" 

"Late? What's late about it? Nightlife hasn't even started yet. Which of those guys goes to bed this early?" 

"Remember, I want the best!" 

"I'm putting the band back together." 

After hanging up, the young man sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. 

He blinked, suddenly feeling something unusual. Instinctively, he reached up to wipe the corner of his eye. 

His fingertips came away damp. 

The young man froze for a moment, then muttered, "Motherf'cker." 

But his voice was soft. 

--- 

'(End of Chapter)'