Huayu: Starting with living with a girl from Taiwan

The audience seemed still immersed in the desolate atmosphere of the song.

Many people still had the focused look on their faces, even a slight look of confusion.

The applause came a few seconds late.

It wasn't nearly as frenzied as the previous performance of "Riding a White Horse," but it was long enough.

Many viewers felt that this song... was indeed very good.

But its goodness isn't the kind that immediately gets your blood pumping.

Rather, it is a kind of good that requires you to calm down and savor it carefully.

It's a very contradictory feeling.

The audience reaction wasn't exactly explosive, but many people understood that they had just heard an extraordinary song.

Host Tao Zi walked onto the stage:

"Thank you for your performance, Lin Mo. It was truly... a very beautiful song."

"Alright, now let's hear what the judges have to say."

She looked at Yuan Weiren first:

"Teacher Yuan?"

Yuan Weiren first gave an analysis of the song, which also served as a kind of popular science explanation for the audience:

"Lin Mo, the style of this song, which expresses the artistic conception of classical poetry with modern melodies, reminds me of Jay Chou's new Chinese style, but it is also somewhat different."

"It is more serene, more mournful."

"I think this song is perfect for listening to quietly and repeatedly with headphones on."

"I really like it, Lin Mo. Please release the studio version soon, I will definitely buy it."

Yuan Weiren's evaluation was very high and professional.

Tao Zi turned to Zhang Yu: "Teacher Zhang Yu?"

Zhang Yu smiled; he wasn't very good at using overly literary language, and simply nodded.

"I think this song is very sophisticated, and my opinion is the same as Teacher Xiaopang's."

"Teacher Alyssa Chia?" Taozi looked at Alyssa Chia.

Alyssa Chia picked up the microphone, her beautiful eyes sparkling, her voice soft and sweet:

I love this song so much.

"Lin Mo, I feel that your creative scope is very broad."

"To be honest, I've listened to every song of yours, from 'Those Years' to 'Riding a White Horse' and this song 'Fireworks Fade Easily'."

"Each song has a different style, but they are all done very well."

"And..." Alyssa Chia's eyes darted around.

"I believe there must be a beautiful story or source of inspiration behind this song. Could you share it with us? I'm very curious."

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a slightly disdainful snort from the side.

Tao Zi immediately looked at Huang Zijiao, whose face clearly said, "I have something to say."

"Oh? It seems Teacher Huang has a different opinion? Please speak."

All eyes immediately turned to Huang Zitao.

Huang Zitao, with a half-smile on his face, picked up the microphone:

"First of all, let me state that I have no personal bias against Lin Mo; this is purely from a musical perspective."

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat sharp.

"I've released quite a few albums and read a lot of ancient books."

"Although I am certainly not as professional as a gold-medal producer like Teacher Yuan, I believe I still have a certain level of professional competence in music and cultural appreciation."

He looked at Lin Mo on the stage:

"I think Lin Mo's song is alright, the melody is decent, and the atmosphere is well-created, but—"

"To be honest, the lyrics are a bit too flowery and lack substance."

"Your previous song, 'Riding a White Horse,' referenced Taiwanese opera, which has a clear allusion and source, which is excellent."

"But what about 'Fireworks Fade Easily'? It gives me a feeling of emptiness, an emptiness you know?"

He held the sheet music and tapped his fingers on the table, like a teacher criticizing a student's essay.

"Sounds of bustling activity, empty gates, weathered city gates, the sound of shepherd's flutes..."

"These images are beautiful on their own, but what are you trying to express when they're put together?"

He shook his head, his tone sarcastic:

"In my opinion, this is just... well, how should I put it, a kind of verbal stuffing in pursuit of so-called 'Chinese style' and 'classical beauty'."

"It lacks solid historical allusions and a profound emotional core."

"Academic misconduct, lack of references."

As soon as Huang Zih-jiao finished speaking, the entire studio fell into a state where you could hear a pin drop.

In the audience, many people wore expressions of surprise, confusion, or anger.

On the judges' panel, Yuan Weiren frowned, while Zhang Yu's expression seemed to be trying to laugh.

Alyssa Chia pursed her red lips slightly, a hint of undisguised anger flashing in her eyes.

In the contestants' seats, the members of the Starlight Gang looked at each other in bewilderment.

Some people felt sorry for Lin Mo, while others thought Huang Zijiao's words made some sense.

In the backstage dressing room for the challengers, Zeng Peici suddenly stood up, her face flushed with anger, her fists clenched tightly.

Huang Zitao just said that her singing skills are not good, but she didn't get angry!

But right now, she couldn't wait to rush onto the stage and beat Huang Zitao up!

Xiao Jingteng, who was standing nearby, was startled and quickly pulled her back, whispering to her:

"Calm down! Calm down! Brother Mo can handle this!"

On stage, the three members of Hey Girl also looked completely bewildered.

They came here to compete and perform, but suddenly the scene felt like a cultural debate, and a very heated one at that.

The host, Tao Zi, also felt a bit overwhelmed, unsure how to respond to Huang Zijiao's words.

Her gaze fell upon Lin Mo, who stood calmly in the center of the stage:

"Lin Mo, what would you like to say in response to Professor Huang Zijiao's professional comments?"

All eyes were once again focused on Lin Mo.

Lin Mo showed no anger or resentment whatsoever; he even smiled slightly, nodded, and picked up the microphone.

"May I ask Teacher Huang a question?"

"Oh? Of course." Tao Zi looked at Huang Zijiao.

Huang Zitao seemed somewhat surprised by Lin Mo's composure, but still nodded and said:

"Sure, go ahead and ask."

"You just said you've read many ancient books and have a good understanding of them, is that right?"

"Of course," Huang Zih-jiao replied matter-of-factly, even with a hint of pride. "It's a basic quality of a cultured person."

"Oh." Lin Mo nodded and continued to ask.

"Have you ever read any real ancient books? For example, have you heard of 'The Collection of One Hundred Sorrows,' 'The Chronicles of Xilan', or 'Battle Through the Heavens'?"

A slight hint of doubt flashed across Huang Zih-jiao's face, but he quickly concealed it.

He had just boasted that he was well-versed in ancient books, and now he was in a difficult situation.

Moreover, "The Collection of One Hundred Sorrows" and "The Chronicles of Xilan" sound quite plausible, while "Battle Through the Heavens"... sounds a bit like a supernatural tale?

Who cares? He can't show weakness now.

If Lin Mo insists on discussing it with him, he can simply say that it's been too long and he's forgotten.

So he nodded, his tone resolute:

"Of course, I've seen them all, so what?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Lin Mo reveal a meaningful smile.

Lin Mo picked up the microphone, and his voice clearly resonated throughout the venue:

"Excuse me, Teacher Huang."

"What I just said was all made up on the spot."