The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

Zhao Qianfan and Li Zichun listened quietly to Ma Qian's introduction along the way.

Li Zichun was quite surprised after hearing this, as it turned out to be different from what he had imagined. In his mind, the singing competition was nothing more than a one-on-one contest or a group competition, with some small tests or quizzes, and finally, the best performer was chosen as the singing champion once every five years.

He was confident that as long as the eight major entertainment companies did not interfere, or even if they did, as long as there was a public voting process, he would definitely win the championship.

But after hearing the explanation, he realized why this money-grabbing entertainment competition could only be held once every five years; the selection of judges alone was already chaotic enough.

Five judges with no direct connection to the eight major record labels were selected from the entire entertainment industry. In addition, there were fifty appreciation guests from all over the world who were interested in Chinese music.

The remaining 945 are professional elites selected from various industries, rotating in each round.

That means there were only one thousand audience members in the entire venue, and each of the two hundred people had two votes, for a total of two thousand votes.

In addition, there is a live stream for watching and voting. This requires advance reservation via mobile phone so that statistics can be compiled on-site; otherwise, you can only watch and not vote. Those who watch for less than one hour are not eligible to vote.

Similarly, to ensure the authenticity of online voting, viewers of the live voting session need to complete real-name authentication, and each person is only allowed one vote. If someone registers but doesn't watch, they will not be eligible to vote in the next session. If someone watches but doesn't vote, it will be considered an abstention.

Each match will have both live and online elimination slots, meaning that one or two people may be eliminated in each match.

This is just the simple review and voting rules.

The competition content is divided into...

Just as Li Zichun was about to interrupt her introduction, she took out two beautifully made booklets from the folder. The covers were even ceramic sets, which was quite exquisite.

She continued, "These are the specific competition rules and details. Please review them carefully, and feel free to ask me if you have any questions."

Zhao Qianfan took the handbook, flipped through it symbolically a couple of times, and then handed it to Li Zichun, who was typing away in his notebook in the back row. Li Zichun glanced at it briefly and got a general understanding of the woman he was interviewing.

Wow, good heavens, it seems the authorities are really going to crack down hard. He just secretly checked out this woman online, and her resume alone is terrifying. This kind of academic prodigy who's excelled in everything since childhood is clearly being groomed as a hidden reserve talent by the Great Zhou Kingdom. And she's here to interview him—is this an interview or surveillance?

He couldn't help but glance at the cameraman out of the corner of his eye. Although he was looking down at the camera, he exuded righteousness and looked fierce with dark skin. He couldn't help but swallow hard.

Damn, this guy is probably a soldier. I wonder if Zhao Qianfan can take a beating. Pshaw, we haven't done anything wrong, what are we afraid of? We're just worrying unnecessarily.

Li Zichun unconsciously shook his head, touched the still unconscious Qitong in his arms, and found it ridiculous. What was he thinking? He should continue reading the booklet.

The entire competition is divided into thirteen matches: the first six are free-for-alls, the middle three are team battles, the last three are battles between foreign players, and the final match is a one-on-one showdown.

As for the competition content, well, it's pretty much the same old thing. With the entire Chinese music repertoire as his backing, why would Li Zichun be afraid of you old fogies playing dirty tricks?!

Bring it on! If the entire Chinese civilization can't handle it, then I'll admit defeat.

Seeing his relaxed expression, Zhao Qianfan smiled and asked, "How was it?"

Li Zichun quickly glanced through the list and said to Zhao Qianfan, "No problem. As long as the Eight Entertainments don't resort to underhanded tactics, the title of Singer is ours for the taking."

Ma Qian coughed twice as she listened: "Um, we're doing a live stream."

Li Zichun looked at her cautiously and Jia Hui, who was holding a camera behind her, and said with a smile, "Just broadcast it. Where there's a will, there's a way. Since we're here, we're definitely aiming for the title of King of Singers. Otherwise, what are we doing here? Joining in the fun with those humble people and becoming stepping stones on their path to victory?"

Ma Qian frowned slightly and said, "Isn't that too much of a boast? What if we lose?"

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Even if we lose, so be it. If this place doesn't want me, there are other places that will. Talented people aren't afraid of being unknown. What this world lacks is not opportunities, but people who know how to create them."

Ma Qian responded with a smile: "Just like how you were affected by the 'Moon Emperor's Fall' incident, you shouldn't have had the chance to appear on screen, but because of your strength and accurate judgment, you made a great splash in Kowloon. Just like how you managed to get your people to participate in this National Singing King competition, and you were able to watch the show as a resident songwriter and composer, watching them fight to the death. What do you think of what happened before?"

Li Zichun didn't expect her to bring this up. It seemed to be an official instruction, otherwise no one would talk about his embarrassing things in front of others.

He chuckled and said, "Heh, it's nothing more than flattery and criticism, plus some petty tricks like setting up a stage for him. Since the mainland entertainment industry doesn't welcome me, I guess I'll just have to go to Kowloon to join in the fun. I didn't expect to accidentally help him win the Best Singer award."

Before Ma Qian could continue asking, Li Zichun said bluntly, "Ms. Ma, I'm just the contestant's lyricist and composer assistant. You keep asking me instead of asking him. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse and showing him no respect?"

Ma Qian quickly apologized, saying apologetically, "I'm so sorry, these questions were all selected online. There are so many questions online about you two, so I couldn't help but ask them."

Zhao Qianfan said with a smile, "Everyone on the internet has a different perspective, Miss Ma. It's best to avoid reading false news. Those news stories are all about a clue today, a reversal tomorrow, and another reversal the day after. Where is the truth in them?"

Ma Qian quickly agreed, and asked a few more questions about Zhao Qianfan on the way. The car arrived shortly afterward.

Ma Qian led the two to the door, and before they even entered, they saw an old acquaintance, Zhang Xiaochuan.

Although Li Zichun had seen a few episodes of the show during the flower fair, he was surprised to learn that the director of the "National Singing King Competition" was Zhang Xiaochuan, a national-level program officially selected by the government.

Zhang Xiaochuan stood at the door as if he was waiting for him on purpose. He didn't care about his sensitive identity. During the "Moon Emperor's Fall" incident, he was one of the few people who didn't kick him when he was down. He even publicly supported him, which attracted a lot of discussion and abuse. He actually survived. He was indeed a veteran who had been in the entertainment industry for more than ten years.

It seems that the previous variety show revamp had been a success for him, and he successfully completed several small filming assignments later assigned by the authorities, thus catching the eye of those in power.

As expected, talented people will never do too badly given the opportunity. It seems my plan to cast him in a film or television series will have to be put on hold.

Now, he was accompanied by several celebrities who seemed to be waiting for his arrival. Li Zichun glanced at them from left to right: Cheng Xinghe, Li Jiawei, Zheng Conghu, Zhang Xiaochuan, Jiang Yiyi, Zhong Lingling, Xue Qingrou, Feng Zhennian, and Lin Fengmian.

Oh my, all the people who supported him were here. He felt something was missing, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Before he could even speak, Li Jiawei had already slyly bowed and stepped forward, saying, "This humble woman is here to welcome the return of 'Moon Empress' and 'Flower Ancestor'."

The people behind him were speechless and rolled their eyes. "Sycophant, you're all talk."

Li Zichun laughed and said, "Hehe, Fan Liwen was willing to let you come here? And you guys, didn't the company arrange any activities for you? Why are you all gathered here? And you two veterans, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be participating in the competition?"

Zheng Conghu and Jiang Yi exchanged a glance, and the latter said with a smile, "We originally wanted to pick you up at the airport, but seeing that the whole street was full of people, we changed our plans and met at the recording studio instead. We are one of the two thousand judges on site, so you'd better do your best."

Li Zichun said with a complicated expression, "You're not the head judges, are you? I remember the head judges are officially appointed."

Zheng Conghu said with a smile, "Of course we can't be the same 55 judges all the time. We're just one of the 2,000 judges who applied for you to come back for this round. It took a lot of effort, but it's to cheer you on. Do your best, because we won't be able to show up later. We can only vote for you with our fingers."

Li Zichun said with satisfaction, "Oh? So you represent all walks of life? I didn't know that. Name a few for me."

Zheng Conghu patted his chest and said, "Of course, I'm a soldier."

Jiang Yiyi: "I am a horticulturist."

Cheng Xinghe: "Theatrical actor".

Li Jiawei: "Professional nurse."

Zhong Lingling: "Foreign language translation."

Xue Qingrou: "Financial Analyst".

Feng Zhennian: "Beauty and body care."

Lin Fengmian: "Piano tuner".

Hmm, has something strange gotten mixed in?

Li Zichun became increasingly suspicious as he listened, and asked doubtfully, "Is it all true? Aren't you afraid of getting arrested for fabricating this?"

Seeing that he didn't understand, Zhang Xiaochuan explained to him, "These are all professionals. They have all received professional training, obtained certificates, and opened stores. Don't underestimate the entertainment industry. It's full of hidden talents. Anyone who has made a name for themselves has a few side businesses and special skills. They're just in case their popularity wanes and their careers decline one day."

Li Zichun nodded and said with a smile, "And what about you, Director?"

Zhang Xiaochuan chuckled and said, "My family runs a food business. Remember to come and visit sometime! Just mention my name and you won't need a reservation; I'll give you a 5% discount."

Li Zichun's face twitched. Was he really that stingy? But he still smiled and said, "Thank you so much."

Seeing that he didn't understand, Zhao Qianfan quickly explained, "Director Zhang's shop is one of the most famous shops in Beijing. You usually have to make a reservation a month in advance. And, apart from relatives within three generations of the family lineage, they generally don't offer discounts."

Li Zichun became increasingly confused as he listened, but he couldn't help but nod inwardly. Why should family members have to pay for their own meals? Even close brothers keep clear accounts; they really know how to do business.

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Thank you for your support, but I'm not the one performing this time. You must have the wrong person."

Zhang Xiaochuan said with a smile, "I'm the director. If I say you're here, then you're here."

It turns out that each competition starts with a guest performer singing a song as a warm-up. They hadn't noticed this before because they always skipped to the end of the show.

After hearing their explanation, Li Zichun chuckled. So that's what they were waiting for. But seeing how sincere they were, he agreed, "Okay, but I want a 50% discount."

Zhang Xiaochuan laughed heartily and said, "Deal."

Li Zichun: Damn it, the report is too low.

Zhang Xiaochuan: Oh ho, I originally wanted it all to be free, but I didn't expect to save money.

After exchanging greetings, everyone originally planned to get together after they finished rehearsing and familiarized themselves with the venue. However, since they had just gotten off the plane and had a performance the next day, Zhang Xiaochuan suggested that he would treat everyone to a gathering at his family's restaurant next time.

After listening, Li Zichun smiled and nodded. After rehearsing with Zhao Qianfan, they went to the luxury house that Jin Dili had arranged for them. The production team had originally prepared a hotel, but Zhao Qianfan was afraid that he would be disturbed again, so she took him away and made other arrangements.

The accommodation arranged by Jin Dili was not far from the stage, only a ten-minute drive away. No wonder people say that there are many villas in the capital; he has seen it for himself today.

Seeing his satisfied expression, Zhao Qianfan smiled and said, "How is it? Are you satisfied? I arranged it according to your poetic living conditions requirements."

Li Zichun looked at the room, then at him, and said with a smile, "We're not staying here permanently, so there's no need to make it so nice. I'll miss going back. But thank you anyway, it's thoughtful of you."

With a meow, Qitong jumped down from his arms and went to survey this new territory to find a place to nest, leaving the two of them looking at each other and then bursting into laughter.

After settling in briefly, we rested, and the next day arrived quickly.

With Zhang Xiaochuan's strong support and arrangements, Li Zichun once again stood on the stage of the mainland entertainment industry. Li Zichun started his career in Kowloon, and this time, his opening song was naturally in Cantonese. This song couldn't be too outstanding, nor too bland; it served as a model for the singers who followed, and only those who performed better could take the stage.

Zhang Xiaochuan thought about it and agreed. After all, it was a national stage, so it wouldn't be surprising to see any language.

After the host's introduction and advertising presentation, it was finally time to get to the main topic. While the participating guests were fixed, the opening guest was randomly invited by the production team. Everyone was curious to see who it would be.

When Li Zichun stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted in a commotion, followed by enthusiastic applause.

Good heavens, that man, he's back again.

This man, who once dominated the top ten of the monthly music data charts in the Great Zhou Kingdom, has once again stepped onto the stage of the domestic entertainment industry.

In an instant, doubts, cheers, and applause rose and fell, and the entire venue was already abuzz even before the song had started.

Zhang Xiaochuan nodded with a smile. "As expected, it has to be you. This ratings are guaranteed."