Chapter 114: In Pursuit of the Finest Voice

The next four contestants appeared: one was recruited by Lu Yuanqing, one joined Qin Pei’s team, and the other two, unfortunately, were not chosen by any mentor and were eliminated.

The audio-visual equipment on site was top-notch, and with the stage effects enhancing the atmosphere, even contestants who had performed only moderately well during auditions shone brightly on this professional stage.

Suddenly, a question arose in everyone’s minds in the audience: Huh? Eliminated already? The singing was quite good—why didn’t any mentor turn their chair? Is the standard for this show really that high?

Unintentionally, this added a sophisticated filter to the program “China’s Best Voice.”

Typically, when the show airs, each contestant’s performance is edited down to about ten minutes of screen time. But the actual recording took far longer—five contestants had already taken over an hour. The audience was starting to feel a bit weary.

So, the production team arranged a mid-show break. During this intermission, Lu Yuanqing and the other mentors interacted with the audience, joking and teasing, graciously accepting photos and autograph requests.

Once the audience settled back into their seats, Ji Xiangyang returned to the stage.

“Next up, please welcome our next contestant!”

Though the phrase was familiar from earlier, it never grew dull, for everything ahead was still unknown.

As Ji Xiangyang spoke, a small figure appeared on stage.

Hmm? A child?

No!

When the audience caught a clear glimpse of the contestant’s face, shock rippled through the crowd.

A special-needs participant!

Suddenly, the earlier statement Ji Xiangyang made about the rules came back to mind: “The sole purpose of our blind selection is to choose the best voice.”

“China’s Best Voice” truly allowed anyone to compete!

Since the four mentors faced away from the stage, they couldn’t see the contestants. But from the audience’s reaction, it was clear this participant was extraordinary.

“Go for it!”

Someone shouted, and soon the entire studio filled with waves of encouragement.

Leaning forward, Lu Yuanqing exchanged glances with Jiang Yan and Qin Pei, silently asking, “What’s going on? Do you know?”

They all shook their heads, indicating they had no clue.

Having frequently appeared on such shows, they were familiar with the production team's tactics. Sometimes, the show would arrange for friends or other artists to pose as contestants. Over time, they became highly alert to such ploys. Whenever something unusual happened, their first thought was that it was orchestrated by the producers.

Seeing their expressions, Lu Yuanqing smiled—perhaps he was overthinking it.

Just as he was about to compose himself and listen, a powerful, piercing high note rang out:

“I want to fly up to the sky, shoulder to shoulder with the sun,”

“The world is waiting for me to change it,”

“The dreams I chase never fear being seen,”

“At this moment, I can make them all come true.”

The opening was explosive!

Bang!

Regardless of whether it might affect the contestant’s live performance, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.

Some even rose to their feet, waving their hands in sync with Niu Jun’s singing.

At that moment, BOmm!

Zhu Qingmei was the first to hit the “turn” button.

Then, BOOm! BOOm! BOOm!

Jiang Yan, Qin Pei, and Lu Yuanqing almost simultaneously pressed their buttons.

Four turns!

Wow!

The crowd went wild.

This was the first contestant to receive a four-chair turn so far.

And though this four-turn contestant was somewhat unique, the honor was well deserved.

After turning, Zhu Qingmei’s gaze immediately locked onto the small figure at center stage.

Her eyes flickered briefly.

But her professionalism quickly took over, and she smiled, swaying with Niu Jun’s rhythm.

To outsiders, there was no noticeable difference.

Niu Jun himself seemed surprised that mentors had turned for him so quickly—and four at once!

For a moment, his excitement nearly threw off his rhythm.

Still, he forced himself to steady his voice.

“I believe I am who I am, I am tomorrow,”

“I believe youth has no horizon,”

“By the sunset sea, on bustling streets,”

“All these are the most beautiful gardens in my heart.”

Throughout, he maintained high notes, reaching an almost unbelievable pitch during the chorus.

Just as Su Chen had noted earlier, Niu Jun’s voice was crystal clear, flawless.

“Oh my God!”

Lu Yuanqing couldn’t help but exclaim from the mentor’s chair.

Zhu Qingmei clasped her hands over her chest, deeply moved.

When Niu Jun finished, all the mentors stood and applauded, openly showing their admiration.

“Let him introduce himself...”

“Wait, wait, wait... Let me go first.”

Just as Lu Yuanqing was about to invite Niu Jun to speak, Jiang Yan interrupted, eager to seize the moment.

“Stop, stop. I know what you’re trying to do, but how about letting the contestant introduce himself first?”

Lu Yuanqing retorted bluntly.

“No way. To show respect, I have to introduce myself first. My name is Jiang Yan...” she said, gazing affectionately at Niu Jun on stage.

“We all know your name, Jiang Yan. No need to waste words!” Lu Yuanqing cut her off, and the two quickly began bickering.

During the commotion, Qin Pei and Zhu Qingmei weren’t idle.

“My name is Zhu Qingmei...”

“Come join my team...”

Seeing their territory being encroached upon, Lu Yuanqing and Jiang Yan quickly united, launching a joint attack on Qin Pei and Zhu Qingmei.

The studio descended into chaos!

On stage, Niu Jun held the microphone tightly, watching the legendary singers fight over him.

His eyes glistened with tears.

This was his dream stage, a scene he had imagined countless times.

He never thought he would truly stand here one day.

After a lengthy dispute, the production team stepped in to restore order.

When Niu Jun shared his story and experiences, everyone felt a deep sense of pity.

Some empathetic audience members even quietly wiped away tears.

“So, what is your choice?”

After some conversation, Lu Yuanqing began guiding the reverse selection phase.

Niu Jun’s gaze swept over the mentors. For each, he made a hand gesture, inviting them to choose him.

He pressed his hands together apologetically.

After surveying everyone, his eyes finally settled on one figure.

“I choose Teacher Zhu Qingmei!”

Ah!

Zhu Qingmei jumped up in surprise and delight.

She hadn’t expected the boy to pick her—among the four mentors, she was the least famous.

Though puzzled, this was a good thing!

Up until now, the other three mentors had each recruited one contestant, while her team remained empty.

Now with this ace, she finally had reason to hold her head high.

As Niu Jun stepped down from the stage, she immediately rose to greet him and gently leaned in to embrace him.

Lu Yuanqing approached as well.

“You made the right choice. She’s definitely the best match for your style among us.”

Niu Jun shyly replied, “I know!”

“Oh?”

Lu Yuanqing was slightly surprised. At this age, don’t kids usually like Jiang Yan? Zhu Qingmei was lucky to even be noticed.

“I like Teacher Zhu Qingmei. I’ve listened to many, many of her songs!”

Niu Jun rattled off several of Zhu Qingmei’s older, even obscure songs, some of which Lu Yuanqing didn’t even recognize.

But judging by Zhu Qingmei’s expression, she knew every single one.

This...

He wasn’t just saying it.

He really had listened to her music!

Zhu Qingmei suddenly felt she had found a kindred spirit.

Choosing him was truly the right decision.