Chapter 79: Do You Have a Girlfriend?

[Your hair is like snow, scattering tears]
[I wait—who have I waited for, growing old?]
[The red dust intoxicates, these slightly drunken years]
[With no regrets, I carve a monument to loving you for all eternity]

At this moment, the song was reaching its end, drawing near to its most brilliant highlight. Xu Ze, in a seemingly improvisational rolled-tongue style, sang the final passage:

[La-er la~ la-er la~ la-er la-er la]
[La-er la~ la-er la~ la-er la-er ah]
[Bronze mirror reflects innocence, hair tied in a ponytail]
[If you want to be wild, I’ll raise my glass and accompany you this lifetime]

In his previous life, this segment was a unique vocalization borrowed from the song "Mudanjiang" by Nan Quan Mama, and was considered the crowning touch of the song.

As expected, when this passage was sung, the audience was once again stunned.

“What kind of singing is this? It sounds so unique.”

“I’ve never heard anything like it, but it’s beautiful.”

“This last section of the song is legendary.”

At this moment, Mentor Wei Ping took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

“What is Xu Ze’s limit, really?”

This seemingly casual rolled-tongue humming was perfectly blended with a hint of folk melody. He was certain that if any master of folk music were present, they too would be convinced by Xu Ze.

Xu Ze’s creative talent was truly terrifying.

At this point, Wang Yihan was completely numb. He knew that his own team’s Yang Yixin stood no chance against Xu Ze. He even felt a bit relieved that Huang Minghao hadn’t been matched with Xu Ze—otherwise, he too would have been annihilated. Xu Ze was simply operating on a different plane from the other two.

This song: whoever faces it, loses.

Suddenly, he thought of Wang Hong, a top-tier singer from their company, who had released a new song this month, currently at the top of the new song charts. Wang Hong was a veteran first-tier singer, his strength comparable to Wei Ping. Initially, he’d thought Wang Hong would easily claim the top spot this month, but after hearing Xu Ze’s “Hair Like Snow”...

He felt Wang Hong’s position was no longer so secure.

Now he was starting to look forward to it.

“Let someone else share in the embarrassment!”

...

Finally, amid everyone’s reluctance for it to end, Xu Ze finished the song.

Afterward, the hall erupted into thunderous applause.

“Xu Ze, that was amazing!”

“Xu Ze! I love you!” shouted an audience member close to the stage. Xu Ze immediately noticed her—a woman older than himself. Catching her eye, Xu Ze blushed.

Sister, have a little restraint.

Still, with his experience on big stages, he handled it with composure.

Just then, the host hurried onto the stage, afraid that Xu Ze might leave. Approaching Xu Ze, he spoke:

“Xu Ze, this song is truly beautiful. Love has always been the most moving thing.”

He immediately followed with, “Xu Ze, could you tell us where you found the inspiration for this song?”

Xu Ze was taken aback. Wasn’t the host supposed to come onstage with Zhang Yixin, announce the voting, and then ask questions? Why skip a step?

The host remained calm, but in his earpiece, the director’s voice urged him, “Yes, just like that! Keep asking Xu Ze questions, don’t rush to the vote! Give him more screen time, let him say whatever he wants—as long as he’s talking, it’s fine!”

Xu Ze picked up the microphone, thought for a moment, and replied, “I believe that in ancient times, fidelity in love was highly revered and yearned for. There are many ancient poems about love. So I wanted to create a song like this, to let everyone experience the view of love our ancestors held.”

The host nodded repeatedly. “Indeed, love has always been a particularly popular topic since ancient times. At this point, I’d like to ask, on behalf of all the women here—do you have a girlfriend?”

“Whoa!”

The moment the host asked that, the audience erupted with excitement. All the women’s eyes were fixed on Xu Ze. The host had truly asked the question on everyone’s mind. They’d been wondering if Xu Ze had written this song for his girlfriend. After all, it was an absolute love song.

Xu Ze was dumbfounded. Host, you’re not following the script. Asking about the song is one thing, but now you’re gossiping?

Still, Xu Ze didn’t intend to hide anything and answered directly, “I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Oh~?” The host’s voice was exaggerated, his face full of disbelief.

Xu Ze could see the host’s doubt, but he hadn’t lied. He truly had never been in a relationship. If they didn’t believe him, there was nothing he could do.

The audience’s first reaction was disbelief too. But trusting Xu Ze, they relaxed.

“It’s good he’s never dated, really good!”

Some of the older women in the audience believed him from the start. They simply couldn’t imagine anyone worthy of such a talented young man. No one—absolutely no one.

Just then, the host’s earpiece crackled with the director’s urgent voice: “Stop asking personal questions! If you upset Xu Ze, I’ll skin you alive!”

Hearing the threat, the host shivered involuntarily. But his professionalism was solid—he immediately switched topics.

“Let’s hear what the mentors think.”

“Hmm... Teacher Wei Ping, would you like to go first?”

Wei Ping turned on his microphone, his expression earnest as he spoke:

“My evaluation of Xu Ze can be summed up in one sentence.”

“And that is: Xu Ze will create an era that belongs to him.”

The audience erupted.

Such high praise!

To be called someone who will create a new era is to be named the leader of their generation. Was Wei Ping saying Xu Ze would lead this era and stand at the summit of the music world? The praise was simply too high.

Jiang Yiyan and Wang Yihan were both taken aback. Wei Ping was always steady, rarely ever giving such praise. Yet now, he’d given Xu Ze the highest possible accolade. It was clear: he was completely convinced by Xu Ze.

The host, ever skillful, played along: “Wow, Mentor Wei Ping’s praise is really something. Audience, do you all agree?”

“Yes!” the crowd replied in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized.

The host then turned to Zhang Yingjing: “Mentor Zhang, you must be pleased to hear that, since Xu Ze is one of your group. I’m sure you gave him lots of professional advice for this song?”

A smile appeared on Zhang Yingjing’s lips. She switched on her microphone, gently shook her head, and replied:

“I completely agree with Teacher Wei Ping. However, for Xu Ze’s song, I gave no suggestions. Every word, every melody—Xu Ze completed them all on his own.”