Start with push-ups to gain experience

"it is good!"

Fang Cheng was the first to react. He shouted from below the stage and clapped loudly.

Wen Xin, standing next to her, jumped up excitedly, clapping her little hands until they were red, and shouted loudly:
"Sister, you're amazing!!"

Then, it was as if a fuse had been lit.

"Crash-"

Applause erupted from all directions, quickly coalescing into a deafening roar.

Many enthusiastic spectators even stood up, whistled, and cheered.

They didn't know the girl named Zhou Xiumei; they were simply captivated by the infectious song she had just heard.

On the judges' panel, Cheng Jiashu was the first to raise his hands and applaud.

The other two, who were initially somewhat reserved, exchanged glances, saw the amazement in each other's eyes, and then applauded enthusiastically.

The atmosphere in the control room of the studio instantly became busy.

"Quick! Switch to camera number two, get a close-up of her face! Capture that look in her eyes!"

"Push the crane up, pan the whole way, I want the audience to stand up and applaud!"

The director shouted orders into his headset while keeping a close eye on Zhou Xiumei on the monitor.

Those in their line of work have a sharper eye than anyone else.

Most of the contestants in this audition were just there for the fun of it; they were lucky if they could even get some screen time.

But the girl in front of me is different.

"With these physical attributes, this distinctive voice, and this natural ability to tell a story... he's definitely a rough gem!"

The director rubbed his hands together excitedly, already planning the follow-up publicity strategy.

With a little packaging and hype of the "genius sickly girl" persona, this will definitely be the next ratings hit!
"This player."

During the commentary segment, Cheng Jiashu picked up the microphone, leaned forward, and spoke with sincerity:

"Your tone is very special, with a natural fragility, like transparent glass."

"But when it comes to the high notes in the chorus, your transition point is handled extremely smoothly, bursting out with amazing power."

"This contrast is very captivating. For a moment just now, I even forgot that I was at an audition and thought I was at a friend's concert with tens of thousands of people."

He paused here, his gaze fixed intently on Zhou Xiumei:
Did you write this song, "Until the End of the World"?

Holding the microphone, Zhou Xiumei glanced shyly at the corner of the audience and said honestly:
"No, it was created by a friend of mine. He gave it to me to encourage me to participate in this competition."

Following her gaze, Cheng Jiashu glanced thoughtfully at the tall figure in the crowd, his smile deepening.

"Your friend is very talented. And you gave this song perfect life."

After saying that, he raised the green "pass" sign without hesitation.

"Wow."

The female host, microphone in hand, rang out with an excited voice at just the right moment:

"Judge Cheng Jiashu gave Zhou Xiumei a very high evaluation."

Next, the veteran producer on the left, wearing glasses, also picked up the microphone:
"My opinion is the same as Teacher Cheng's. The music scene is now filled with too many voices that show off their skills for the sake of showing off, but Zhou Xiumei, your voice is as clean as unpolluted spring water, full of emotion, and touches people's hearts directly."

"In today's superficial market where everyone wears a mask, it is rare to find a singer who dares to dissect himself and sing with his soul."

“I have given it to you, and if possible, I would be very willing to be your mentor.”

After saying that, he smiled and held up the sign.

The music critic on the right follows closely behind:

"The lyrics and music of this song have a grand artistic conception, which most young singers simply cannot handle and would easily sing in a pretentious and empty way. But you supported it with the most sincere emotions."

"I've already given it to you."

The third sign was raised.

"Unbelievable! It passed unanimously!"

The female host's voice rose again, filled with barely concealed excitement:
"This is the first contestant to receive a unanimous vote from all three judges since the start of our preliminary rounds today!!"

"According to the special rules of this competition, a unanimous vote means that Zhou Xiumei can skip the semi-finals and directly advance to the national main competition! Let's congratulate her!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, another wave of applause erupted, even more enthusiastic than before.

"Thank you... thank you teachers, thank you everyone!"

Zhou Xiumei received the golden pass, a symbol of honor, from the hostess, her fingers trembling slightly.

With tears in her eyes, she bowed deeply to the audience.

Then, amidst applause and camera lenses, he ran off the stage with his guitar in hand and light steps like a deer.

As soon as I rushed into the crowd in the waiting area, a small, thin figure pounced on me.

"Sister Zhou! You're the champion! You're a superstar!"

Wen Xin clung to Zhou Xiumei's waist like a koala, rubbing her face against her clothes, and excitedly squealing.

Fearing that the guitar might bump into Wen Xin, Zhou Xiumei quickly protected the guitar with one hand and hugged the little girl with the other.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but her lips trembled uncontrollably.

Tears finally streamed down my face.

This was both an excitement and a sense of relief, like surviving a catastrophe.

Fang Cheng stood to the side, watching Zhou Xiumei cry her heart out. He smiled, reached out, and gently ruffled her hair, his gesture tender and affectionate.
"Xiu-mei, you sang very well. This is your true talent."

As he spoke, he took a tissue out of his pocket and handed it to him:
"But don't cry for too long, or your makeup will run and you won't look good. This is just the audition; there are bigger stages waiting for you in the future."

Zhou Xiumei sniffed, took the tissue and carefully wiped the corner of her eyes, then nodded vigorously, her eyes full of dependence.

Fang Cheng took the heavy guitar case from her back, slung it over one shoulder, and patted her shoulder with his free hand:

"Let's go, our future superstar, we have to celebrate today."

Leaving the noisy studio, the outside world did not become any quieter.

The spacious public rest area and corridors were still bustling with people.

Everywhere you look, there are staff members rushing around, as well as other people participating in the auditions and their accompanying family and friends.

Fang Cheng, carrying a guitar case, used his shoulder to forcefully clear a path through the crowd, protecting the two girls, one big and one small, as they arrived at the elevator.

The red numbers on several elevators were slowly climbing, indicating they wouldn't arrive anytime soon.

The surroundings were noisy, with everyone discussing the competition and the lucky few who passed the preliminary round.

Fang Cheng found a spot slightly to the side and stood there, protecting Zhou Xiumei and Wen Xin on the inside, separating them from the crowd.

"By the way, Xiumei."

While waiting for the elevator, Fang Cheng asked with a seemingly casual smile:

"When you were on stage just now, I noticed that you were quite nervous at first, but then you suddenly relaxed and performed very steadily."

"Is the meditation breathing technique I taught you very effective?"

Upon hearing this question, Zhou Xiumei paused for a moment, then blushed slightly and said in a somewhat embarrassed voice:

"Actually... I was so scared I almost fainted. My mind went completely blank, and I didn't even think to try your method."

"But when I saw you raising your hand and calling my name from below the stage, I don't know why, but for a moment I felt like I was seeing things."

"I'm seeing things?"

Fang Cheng raised an eyebrow.

"Ah."

Zhou Xiumei carefully recalled that feeling:

"At that moment, I felt like everything around me was dark, except for the light and warmth in your direction."

"It was like...like seeing the sun. Then I felt full of energy, my mind was very clear, and I wasn't afraid at all."

Upon hearing this answer, Fang Cheng nodded thoughtfully.

Sure enough, it is related to the "Sun Heart Network".

While watching Zhou Xiumei's performance from below the stage, he vaguely sensed that subtle flow of energy. The originally timid girl seemed to have undergone a transformative baptism, and her entire aura had changed dramatically.

This change is not merely an emotional reassurance, but also an amplification and strengthening at the level of consciousness.

An invisible bridge seemed to have been built between the two, triggering a deep "spiritual resonance".

His spiritual strength, through this bridge, became the pillar supporting Zhou Xiumei's soul.

Fang Cheng had tried using this ability on Zhou Xiumei before, but he was never able to establish a stable mental link.

Although Zhou Xiumei's feelings for him were sincere, they were merely a simple romantic love between a man and a woman.

They do not possess the almost religious fanaticism or absolute obedience of "believers," and therefore cannot form nodes in the network of their minds.

But just now, the link was working without my knowledge.

Not only did it work, but an unprecedented reverse feedback also emerged.

The spiritual energy within him is being continuously transmitted to Zhou Xiumei through this network, becoming her spiritual fuel.

"Was it because, in moments of extreme fear and helplessness, they saw me as their only savior...?"

"No, not exactly."

Fang Cheng secretly shook his head, denying this conclusion.

Simple fear and helplessness only lead to dependence, not strength.

This should be a fundamental sublimation of the relationship between the two under extreme pressure.

Love, adoration, redemption amidst fear, unreserved trust, pure and unadulterated...

A multitude of thoughts flashed through his mind, giving him a vague sense of reaching a certain threshold.

Fang Cheng shifted his gaze slightly, glancing at the innocent and carefree Wen Xin beside him.

Perhaps, we can try with someone else when we get back.

If this conjecture can be confirmed.

That means the "SunNet" can be used for more than just communication and real-time monitoring.

Furthermore, it can provide believers with powerful spiritual support when needed.

This is of great significance for planning for one's future.

"Ding--"

A crisp notification sound interrupted Fang Cheng's thoughts.

"Brother Cheng, the elevator has arrived."

Zhou Xiumei gently reminded her.

Fang Cheng glanced at the floor numbers on the display screen and nodded slightly.

Just as the three were following the crowd, preparing to enter the elevator, a slightly hurried shout suddenly came from behind:

"Please wait a moment, everyone!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng and Zhou Xiumei stopped and turned to look.

A middle-aged woman wearing a gray business suit and black-rimmed glasses was seen walking briskly down the corridor toward them.

The other contestants who were also waiting for the elevator turned their heads, their eyes filled with curiosity.

"Isn't that Cheng Jiashu's agent? I've seen him on TV."

Who is she calling out to?

Someone gasped in surprise.

The middle-aged woman walked straight up to Fang Cheng and the others, ignoring the stares of those around her.

"Ms. Zhou."

The woman pushed up her glasses and quickly scanned the three of them.

When her gaze fell upon Fang Cheng's handsome face, which was in no way inferior to that of a celebrity, she clearly paused for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

But he quickly regained his professional smile, looked at Zhou Xiumei, and handed her a business card with both hands:
"I am Mr. Cheng Jiashu's agent, Zhang Hui."

"Mr. Cheng was very interested in Ms. Zhou's performance just now. Now that it's intermission, he would like to invite you all to the lounge for a chat."

Upon hearing this, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

"My God, it really is the top agent Zhang Hui!"

"That's incredibly lucky! Could it be that Cheng Jiashu's management company has taken a liking to them?"

"I saw Zhou Xiumei's performance, she really sang well, I never thought she'd rise to such great heights..."

The other contestants' gazes were filled with envy, jealousy, and barely concealed sourness.

Zhou Xiumei was somewhat at a loss and subconsciously looked at Fang Cheng, habitually waiting for him to make a decision.

Fang Cheng's eyes flickered slightly, and a thought struck him.

The other party is probably targeting me.

After thinking for a moment, he reached out and took the business card from Zhou Xiumei, lightly flicking the high-quality cardboard with his fingers, and looked up at Zhang Hui:

"An invitation from a big star is something I can't refuse."

Zhang Hui nodded, turned to the side and made a "please" gesture, then turned to lead the way.

Under the envious gazes of the other contestants, Fang Cheng and his two companions followed behind, heading towards the other side of the floor.

As you pass through the glass sensor door that reads "Work Area, No Unauthorized Personnel Allowed," the noise behind you is instantly shut out.

The group walked along the quiet corridor.

Finally, Zhang Hui stopped in front of a mahogany door with a gold nameplate and gently pushed it open.

"Please come in, gentlemen."

This is a VIP lounge specially prepared by the TV station for top stars.

The environment inside was completely different from the noisy and chaotic waiting area before.

The soft carpet absorbed the sound of footsteps, and a faint, luxurious fragrance filled the air.

The decor is luxurious, with genuine leather sofas, huge vanity mirrors, and even a separate bar.

"What would you like to drink? Coffee or tea?"

Zhang Hui asked politely, appearing very courteous.

"Plain water is fine, thank you."

Fang Cheng sat casually on a single sofa, relaxed as if he were at home.

"Okay, please wait a moment. Mr. Cheng Jiashu has gone to change his clothes and will be here shortly."

Zhang Hui poured water for the three of them, then smiled and left, closing the door behind her.

Only Fang Cheng and his two companions remained in the room.

Wen Xin curiously peered at the colorful bottles and jars in front of the vanity, exclaiming in amazement:
"Wow, this mirror is huge, and it even has lights! Is this the kind of place celebrities use on TV?"

Zhou Xiumei sat on the edge of the sofa, holding a water glass in both hands, and took a small sip.

Although she was a little nervous, having just experienced the baptism of the stage, her back was noticeably straighter, and she was no longer as timid as before.

"Brother Cheng...what does Teacher Cheng want to talk to us about? Is he really going to sign me?"

She asked softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

"Perhaps so, after all, you are a genius who passed unanimously."

Fang Cheng picked up his water glass, took a sip, smiled, and spoke calmly.

Just then, the doorknob turned.

"Click."

The door was pushed open, and a tall, slender young man walked in.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting." (End of Chapter)