Chapter 17: Steady This Time for Sure

Tide’s editing style of magnifying conflicts regardless of the guests’ wellbeing was indeed effective.

That very night, #DeadlySilent18Seconds shot straight to the top of the trending charts.

First Sister’s fans were unfazed by her appearing on trending topics, even for controversial events. They didn’t care who was right or wrong; they just rolled up their sleeves and charged in. Protect their Sis first, then adapt!

After fighting a bit, they realized they’d completely overestimated the other side’s combat power.

Why use a cannon to blast a mosquito?

Once they’d gauged the opponent’s true strength, they relaxed slightly but continued their relentless output, flooding the topic square to fully occupy the public opinion high ground.

One: Scold Tide for maliciously editing First Sister.

Two: Scold the program team for using First Sister as a stepping stone for a newcomer’s fame.

Three: Scold Mengmeng. What credentials and level gave him the right to lecture First Sister?

After some time, a big-name fan who had been scouting the enemy lines returned, dropping screenshots in the group and urging everyone to pause the internal strife and redirect fire at Tide and the program team.

Many were still worked up!

It’s easy to unleash, but hard to rein in all at once.

To prevent the situation from escalating, the big fan had to publicly call for a ceasefire.

Though she wanted to say directly: If you don’t want First Sister to look bad later, stop scolding.

But she couldn’t say that; it would dampen the fighting fans’ morale.

@Poetic Soft Wind [Followers Only]:

A quick briefing for sisters just seeing the hot search: MM is LTZ, the composer and arranger of Telepathy. I know some darlings are dissatisfied with his attitude in the Night Heart Seven preview, but privately, he’s collaborating with Sis in his capacity as a producer. This has nothing to do with his age or experience. Even if you’re unhappy, your words should be measured. During the broadcast, try to maintain as much relative harmony with the other side’s fans as possible.

@Poetic Soft Wind [Followers Only]:

Little Telepathy is Sis’s rejuvenation pill. It’s truly important to her. I hope everyone can set aside prejudice. Even if you can’t accept or like him, try to view Sis and MM’s collaboration objectively. Compared to other groups still needing to break in, MM is a familiar collaborator, his live performance is noteworthy, and he was personally chosen by Sis as her guest singer. You don’t really need to be so resistant.

【I just can’t stand his cold attitude towards Sis.】

【Talented people are inevitably proud, but I dislike how he talks to Sis.】

【Let him be a bit proud. Which young person isn’t proud?】

【Actually, I also think everyone overreacted a bit. LTZ and Sis’s collaboration should still be pleasant, otherwise she wouldn’t be doing Night Heart Seven with him. A sequel means future collaborations are possible.】

【Don’t burn bridges, sisters. Trust Sis’s judgment.】

See, there were still sensible people.

Ren Shiyu was very good-natured and easygoing, but her years in the industry weren’t for show. You should know, when First Sister was battling wits and courage against the entertainment industry’s demons and snakes, Li Tingzhou hadn’t even gotten his elementary school diploma yet.

A woman who’d stood tall in the pop music world for over a decade—how could she be easily manipulated by a young newcomer?

Think about it; it was impossible!

More often, her affability was just a tool to achieve her goals.

Instead of worrying about First Sister being put in a difficult spot on the show by a newcomer, why not consider this: On the night she wins the Season 7 championship, how will she handle the masses of netizens potentially labeling it “the weakest season ever”?

In any case, Heartbreak’s side wasn’t anxious at all, quietly awaiting the show’s broadcast.

Tonight, the music circle showed unprecedented unity. First, for Mengmeng, maliciously edited by Tide and bullied by First Sister’s fans. Second, for the wronged Mint Candy Band.

That afternoon, some “All-Star Launch” trainee profile photos were allegedly leaked.

Bandwagon fans and onlookers watching the spectacle chimed in, thoroughly trashing these seemingly odd-looking boys! Every platform except Weibo fell. On platforms with fast-spreading news like Douyin and Green Petal, this talent show was already sentenced to death in advance.

No helping it, they truly couldn’t find a few good-looking ones.

By evening, the program team simply released all the official trainee profile photos ahead of schedule.

Without the distorted angles of the sneak shots, maybe there was still hope…

Netizens also finally realized the truth: There was no staff member secretly photographing a computer screen; it was a self-directed reverse-hype stunt!

After the initial impression rebounded, the first batch of entertainment bloggers focusing on the new talent show began rapidly gaining followers. They operated with incredibly practiced speed and efficiency. In just three hours, dating scandals, hookup scandals, and bullying scandals involving the boys had already fed the melon-eating spectators to satiety.

Amidst this, a contract-breaking scandal involving a certain independent trainee stood out.

On a small scale, who hasn’t stood someone up?

But on a larger scale, if this trainee could break a preliminary agreement with the Mint Candy Band today to chase a bright future on a talent show, would he, in the future, also abandon his talent show gains for an even better platform opportunity?

If he broke faith again, what would the fans’ real-money votes count for?

From the small to the great, was this person even worth liking?

People standing at the edge of the pit couldn’t help but hesitate. There were so many fresh faces. A damaged first impression would be hard to recover from later, unless he received a dedicated redemption script…

Heartbreak, back at the hotel after work, also watched the commotion for a while.

Dai Jier and Mao Maoyu, with their excellent information networks, gave Li Tingzhou a real-time report. “That kid who bailed supposedly signed with an agency and now has an agent communicating with Mint Candy on his behalf.”

“Did Zheng Bing clarify what their demands are?”

“Yes, demanding a formal, written public apology.”

Since this supposed agent argued the matter could be big or small, Zheng Bing went along with the logic:

If you think it’s a small matter, then give a simple apology.

If you think it’s a big matter, then give a solemn apology!

Either way, an apology was required, clearly stating the cause and effect. Now it was up to his company’s choice: Apologize before the trainee really takes off, to placate new fans and create a record for future black fans to dig up? Or, relying on the talent show’s backing and his own guaranteed success, choose to confront Mint Candy and the wider music fanbase head-on?

“In summary, Mint Candy also managed to capitalize on this wave of buzz.”

Even if it was capitalizing on a loss.

After summarizing, Mao Maoyu looked at Li Tingzhou. “What about you, Mengmeng? Are you feeling okay? First Sister’s fans have gone crazy since seeing the preview. We always communicate that way normally, how can they be so fault-finding…”

Li Tingzhou was already mentally prepared. He remained calm. “Let’s wait until the show airs.”

Once it aired, they’d discover this was just the beginning.

There would be much more to argue about later.

~

The performance stage for “Sing My Heart Tonight” Season 7 was located in the grand studio on the 12th floor of Wave Tower’s Area A, capable of accommodating over 500 audience members. The on-site sound system was rumored to have cost close to nine figures. It wasn’t until the dress rehearsal the day before the public performance that Li Tingzhou felt it was worth every penny.

“It really is very different.”

What was even more different was that, as Ren Shiyu’s guest singer, the microphone he held was identical to hers.

Li Tingzhou didn’t know the arrangement for other groups, but what he had was undoubtedly top-tier.

Liu Lusi watched from backstage, exchanging a tacit glance with Ren Shiyu’s Agent Zhou. Neither said much, tacitly accepting this as compensation from Associate Director Pan Jun. After the song ended, the entire venue fell silent for several seconds before belatedly erupting in applause and cheers. Without a doubt, even for a dress rehearsal, this “Telepathy” was flawless!

As soon as he finished singing, Li Tingzhou began reviewing the performance.

Meanwhile, the First Sister was beaming, all smiles. On one hand, she was happy to have broken through a bottleneck and conquered the challenge, itching for the official performance that very night. On the other, she was smug about her own magnanimity, so different from others!

Ask yourself, among the seven main guests, who else dared to let their guest singer shine so generously?

The on-site orchestra was full of praise. “Teacher Ren is steady this time for sure.”

Their gazes also involuntarily drifted toward Mengmeng.

This young producer and band lead singer would, without a doubt, shine brilliantly!

The blues version of “Telepathy,” with the addition of the male voice, was like chocolate mixed with milk— neutralizing the cloying sweetness, adding smoothness. The delicate texture brought infinite enjoyment upon entering the ears. Mengmeng’s insistence on keeping the key change firmly anchored the lingering charm, extending the aftertaste.

Ren Shiyu really wanted to crack open the champagne at halftime, but she held back.

She turned and patted Li Tingzhou on the shoulder, suppressing her excitement. “Get some good rest. Good luck for the official performance tomorrow!”

Next, the others finished their rehearsals too.

It was hard to say who was better, but in terms of freshness, “Telepathy” had maximized its impact, truly achieving a blend of high art and mass appeal, especially with the live orchestra.

When Liu Lusi picked up Li Tingzhou to leave, they brushed past Zhuang Yifan.

Zhuang Yifan was notoriously dismissive of others.

Li Tingzhou hadn’t intended to greet him either. The two groups went their separate ways. Once they were far enough, Liu Lusi let a hint of displeasure show on her face. “With that attitude, he still wants to come to the mainland to make money?”

~

【Rebuilt Public Opinion Observation Room | Night Heart Seven First Public Performance Report】

————

Only fewer than 300 inner-field tickets were released to the lottery; they were practically all distributed through channels.

The original poster was invited for some reasons. Initially thought they’d have to spend effort on follow-up work, but unexpectedly, Night Heart Seven’s first public performance was already full of gunpowder. Here’s the conclusion, live performance top 3: First Sister, Old Du, Zhuang Yifan (in no particular order).

First Sister chose a revitalization piece from her transition period over her peak-era signature songs. I can feel she wants to present something new, and she has achieved it. The new version’s adaptation is very successful, like how a cabbage can be skewered, sprinkled with chili powder, and grilled, or meticulously crafted into a state banquet-level boiled cabbage in supreme broth.

Can’t say more. You can look forward to the official broadcast.

Old Du, his role is this season’s anchor.

Zhuang Yifan…

This man thrives on pride and falters because of it.

But his stage performance is indeed impeccable. His compatibility with Ancient Style King is better than imagined.

After careful reflection, seems like there’s not much to add.

Since everyone’s preferences for hit songs differ, I personally just like these three.

1L: Can tell OP likes the First Sister’s group best; wanted to say more but held back.

5L: Weren’t First Sister’s fans still chasing and scolding Mengmeng a couple of days ago, practically accusing him of shamelessly clinging on? Now that the first public performance report is out, their tune changes again.

7L: Stubborn First Sister fans are like that.

10L: Ma Du is getting old after all. Attended his concert at the Frost Palace two years ago. His breath control isn’t what it used to be, though still very impressive, a live god!

21L: Initially thought First Sister’s live performance would be barely satisfactory, didn’t expect such great feedback.

26L: Look who her guest singer is, and who the composer/arranger of ‘Telepathy’ is.

35L: First Sister basically used her power-up points on her guest singer.

42L: Breaking through from the band circle proves skill. Mengmeng just suffers from low fame, not having formally navigated inner entertainment. If he had more fans, you think Sister fans would still dare tear into him?

51L: Feels like Season 7 is more interesting than the boy group talent show. The other side is too ugly.

59L: Hope Night Heart Seven can really make the first move. Waiting for next Monday.

70L: Hello, checked out the Lip-sync Fake-play Group briefly. How come Mengmeng is already back in J City? What’s the story?

74L: Don’t worry, guest singers don’t need to participate in recording every day. He might be preparing for the second round. Heartbreak’s base is J City; any work is definitely easier to do back at the studio.

89L: Good news: Mengmeng returning to J City is unrelated to elimination; the first public performance doesn’t eliminate anyone. Bad news: Mengmeng, just landed in J City, immediately went to eat with his girlfriend.

101L: AAAAAHHHH I really can’t take this!

…

1298L: So our group actually still has one surviving report thread (sweating emoji)

1301L: The funniest thing is, this thread survived because its actual report content is relatively low. Everyone’s debating whether, since the male trainees next door can date, why can’t Mengmeng? Should idols and singers be held to the same standard? What’s wrong with going home during a break and having a meal with his girlfriend?

1306L: Actually, the funniest post is on Little Red Book. Another golden quote dropped.

1310L: You know what ’emergency retraction of a 10-point bonus for Mengmeng’ means?

1314L: Hey, she’s even grading Mengmeng now. What, after saving up 100 points, what are you planning to do? Join this little couple?

1326L: So Mengmeng has Career Fans now too (pointing and pointing).