The Gala Begins!

When the broadcast reached Lin Chudong's interview, it once again thrust the subject into the eye of the storm.

"Da Fei sure knows how to show off. That tone—he's looking down on his former band, isn't he?"

"Was Da Fei Band's success really all thanks to him? Could one man's talent possibly carry an entire band? Would it kill him not to brag?"

"Heh, he's already left, and he's still using his former band to get attention. Da Fei will do anything to get famous now—he has no standards at all."

"There's nothing wrong with wanting to get famous, but if he can't prove himself, that'll be the biggest joke of all."

"Don't 'No Hesitation' and 'The You of the Past' prove his talent?"

"He wrote those secretly while he was still with the band. If I'd bottled things up for three years, I could write a good song too. Let's see what he's got today. If he can still crush Wu Bo, I'll admit defeat!"

"If Da Fei has another hit song, I'll livestream myself washing my hair while standing on my head."

"..."

The internet was abuzz with discussion, but Lin Chudong and the others had no idea.

Guan Lu walked backstage and greeted Lin Chudong.

"Da Fei, hello. I'm Guan Lu. You're the finale of the show, and afterward, we'll have a brief interview with the host."

"Would you mind sitting over there afterward so I can ask you a few questions?"

Lin Chudong paused. "Sure."

He'd never met Guan Lu, but he was in the entertainment industry and had naturally heard some rumors.

People said she'd slept her way into a relationship with Li Zhilin, and that was how she'd risen to fame.

There was no hard proof, but things in the entertainment industry didn't happen without a reason.

He'd just clashed with Li Zhilin, and now this woman had come looking for him. Of course he'd be cautious.

Still, it was only an interview, and this was a gala. The more exposure he got, the better.

After two consecutive rehearsals, the entire run-through was complete.

In fact, this was already the fourth rehearsal. Lin Chudong hadn't taken part in the first two because his number hadn't been finalized yet.

Rehearsals for musical performances were relatively simple. Good singers wouldn't have any problems; bad ones could just lip-sync.

Sun Xuan already had a plan. "Director, get a few ads ready. All departments, stand by. Countdown: ten, nine..."

When the countdown ended, Cheng Huanhuan and the three other hosts appeared on television.

"Once again, a bright moon rises. It's the very moon that once illuminated the poems and lyrics of the Tang and Song dynasties."

"Once again, the rosy clouds of autumn chase across the sky. It's that cloud drifting out of the Book of Songs and the words of Confucius!"

"..."

Cheng Huanhuan was an exceptionally skilled host, truly Magic City's leading female presenter.

And as Magic City's top male host, Zhang Ye worked seamlessly with her.

Guan Lu and Tian Ke were more like supporting players, but their professional skills were decent too. The gala had a formidable lineup.

Liang Yin took a deep breath, nervously rubbing her hands together.

"Da Fei, are you nervous?"

"I'm all right," Lin Chudong said. "It's a live gala, and we're singing live, so I'm a little nervous too."

He said he was nervous, but there wasn't a trace of it on Da Fei's face. He looked completely relaxed.

Ding.

Lin Chudong's phone rang.

Lin Qiqi: Da Fei, have you eaten a mooncake?

Lin Chudong: I had one this morning. Have you?

Lin Qiqi: Not yet. Sister Song said I should have one, but I'm waiting until your performance comes on.

Lin Chudong: I'm the last one. You can have a little bite first.

Lin Qiqi: No, I'll wait for your performance. I'm watching TV at home. Dad won't let me go out, or I'd come see you.

Lin Chudong: It's probably better if you don't come. I'd get nervous with you there.

Lin Qiqi: Are you nervous because you'd see me, or because you're going onstage?

Lin Chudong: Both.

Lin Qiqi: Hehe, then I'll stop messaging you. I'll set an alarm so I can watch you later.

Lin Chudong: Okay.

After chatting for a few messages, Lin Chudong focused on the show.

The audience had all taken their seats, though a few spots were still empty. One vacant seat at a round table covered in red cloth had his name on it.

A few mooncakes and several bottles of Hongyun Mineral Water sat on the table.

They were all sponsors of the gala, of course. No matter where the camera turned, it always found a logo.

After nearly two hours of songs and dances, Guan Lu stepped forward and said,

"Three years ago, one band burst onto the scene, and their songs became household favorites. Today, they're bringing us a new song, 'Human Faith.' Let's enjoy it together!"

"Please welcome Da Fei Band!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Wu Bo, Shen Jianbin, and the others took the stage. This time, there were no flashy antics; they launched straight into the song.

This was the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala. Even if it was only a local TV station, Shen Jianbin wouldn't dare to mess around. He stuck to the rehearsal, following it to the letter.

Wu Bo's voice was steady, and his stage presence was just as it had been in rehearsal.

"In the dark of night, we search for light,

In the weariness of life, we search for strength.

The flames of youth illuminate our path,

In the world of music, we are no longer alone..."

The explosive rock music felt somewhat out of place with the atmosphere.

The audience didn't interact at all, making things a little awkward.

But there was nothing wrong with the song itself. It still came across quite well on television.

Liang Yin watched the livestream on her phone, even though she was right there in the audience. She was something of an oddity among the viewers.

"Wu Bo is incredible! What a killer song. I feel like 'Human Faith' is just as good as 'No Hesitation'!"

"Da Fei Band is Da Fei Band. Shen Jianbin, that Gold medal producer, is every bit as good as Da Fei. This proves that even without Da Fei, Da Fei Band still has no rivals!"

"There's a reason they've stayed popular for three years. Da Fei just doesn't see the bigger picture. They've got years of experience behind them. This is only the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala—at a music festival, he wouldn't be able to handle the crowd!"

"Don't get carried away. Da Fei hasn't even taken the stage yet. Don't forget, he's the real finale!"

"Do you even know what you're talking about? The second-to-last act is the finale. Da Fei Band is the finale!"

"The second-to-last act is the finale, and the very last act is the grand finale. The grand finale is supposed to be even better than the finale. So when most people say 'finale,' they mean the best act—but calling the last act the finale isn't wrong either."

"Can Da Fei follow up 'Human Faith'? Even if he performs 'No Hesitation,' I don't think he can win."

"..."

Liang Yin frowned. Shen Jianbin had really brought his A-game this time. The Music tailor's skills were no joke. Could Da Fei stand up to it?

Backstage, Lin Chudong and the others were ready.

Wu Bo finished singing, and warm applause rang out. The gala was going over very well.

A smug smile appeared on Wu Bo's face. The tables had turned. Last time, he couldn't follow Da Fei. This time, let's see how Da Fei could follow him!

Yet Sun Xuan remained expressionless, looking completely confident.

"This is the last act. All the hosts, go onstage and introduce it. Da Fei, get ready!"