I became a movie star at the age of three; Dilraba and I are childhood sweethearts.

One sentence silenced the entire room instantly.

Everyone was stunned.

What does that mean?

Only selecting people from China?

What kind of operation is this?

On this American national talent show?

The host was also stunned, and he subconsciously pressed for an answer.

"Why? Is this some kind of... strategy?"

Xiao Chen looked at him, a very slight smile curving his lips.

Instead of answering the "Why," he brought the microphone closer and switched to another language.

The sentence was pronounced clearly and distinctly, carrying the clear and melodious Chinese unique to a young person.

"Mandarin is the coolest."

The American audience at the scene couldn't understand it.

All they could see on the big screen was the matter-of-fact expression on the handsome young man's face after he said those words.

But Wang Jinhua, who was sitting in the audience, understood.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

That kid is still that madman!

On the world's most prominent stage, he declared his cultural confidence in the most arrogant manner.

The host smiled awkwardly; he hadn't understood at all and could only try to smooth things over.

"Okay! It seems our Xiao has his own unique criteria for selecting people! Let's wait and see!"

"Now! Let's move on to our mentors' opening show!"

Music begins, and the lights change.

Katie took the stage first, performing her number-one single, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

Next up was Adam, who, holding an electric guitar, blasted the entire venue with his screaming rock vocals.

Blake's country music is like a refreshing breeze, intoxicating and captivating.

The performances of all three mentors were world-class and impeccable.

Finally, it was Xiao Chen's turn.

The stage went dark.

A dead silence.

The audience held their breath, curious about what kind of performance this young man from the East would deliver.

Is it a popular love song like "Baby"?

A lone spotlight shone down.

Xiao Chen sat quietly on a high stool, holding a wooden guitar.

There was no glamorous band, no dazzling stage design.

He was all alone, with only an electric guitar.

His slender fingers gently plucked the strings.

Ding--

A crisp note rang out.

Immediately following, a slightly melancholic yet powerful guitar intro, like a rushing river, echoed throughout the entire studio.

Everyone was captivated by the melody.

It's not just a simple combination of musical notes; it contains a story, a struggle, and an indomitable spirit.

Xiao Chen closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, the calm in them was replaced by a raging fire.

He faced the microphone and sang the first word in a husky, slightly gritty voice.

"Today, I watch the snow fall in the cold night..."

It's Cantonese.

For 99% of the audience, it was a completely unfamiliar language.

But music knows no borders.

When he sang the line "Forgive me for my unruly and unrestrained love of freedom throughout my life," it conveyed a sense of determination to break free from constraints and run towards his ideals.

Like a heavy hammer, it struck everyone's heart hard.

He didn't sing with heartbreaking intensity.

His voice carried a maturity and determination beyond his years.

That was a cry that had been sung through two lifetimes and countless trials and tribulations.

"I'm also afraid that one day I'll fall..."

"Anyone can betray their ideals..."

"Why would I be afraid of a day when it's just you and me!"

As the song reached its climax, his voice suddenly soared, like a sharp sword piercing the sky!

That stubborn refusal to bow to fate, that unwavering dedication to ideals, touched everyone present through the song.

Many audience members couldn't understand the lyrics, yet inexplicably shed tears.

They heard their own dreams echoing in the voice of this eighteen-year-old boy.

I heard the rough edges worn smooth by life, and I heard the fire in my heart that had never been extinguished.

Wang Jinhua stood below the stage, tears already streaming down her face.

She understands this song better than anyone else.

Forgive me for my unruly and unrestrained love of freedom throughout my life.

Isn't that Xiao Chen?

Since his debut at the age of three, starting with filming "The New Legend of Shaolin," every step he has taken has been one of breaking conventions.

They are all challenging the rules of this world.

He gave up comfort and chose the most difficult path.

This road is lonely and bumpy, but it also leads to a truly vast and boundless future.

The song ended, but the lingering melody still resonated.

Xiao Chen stood up, holding his guitar, and bowed deeply to the entire audience.

There was a full ten seconds of silence in the studio.

Then, a deafening roar of applause and cheers erupted!

"Xiao! Xiao! Xiao!"

The shouts were deafening.

The other three mentors stood up and applauded him without prior arrangement.

Adam's face showed the excitement of having met his match.

Katie's eyes were full of admiration and amazement.

Blake kept shaking his head and praising.

"This guy is a monster."

After the mentors' performance ended, the four returned to their swivel chairs, and the real competition began.

The first contestant to step onto the stage was a blonde sweetheart wearing hot pants. As soon as she opened her mouth, she sang in a standard pop style, demonstrating skillful technique and a steady stage presence.

Katie and Blake turned to her almost simultaneously.

The girl screamed excitedly, but her gaze went past the two instructors and was fixed on the chair that was still facing away from her.

After finishing the song, she couldn't wait to start singing.

Thank you, teachers!

"But... I came here today for Teacher Xiao!"

Katie's smile froze for a moment.

Blake helplessly spread his hands.

The host asked with a smile.

"Oh? You're a fan of Xiao?"

The girl's cheeks flushed as she spoke excitedly.

"Yes! I absolutely love Titanic! I love Jack!"

"Teacher Xiao, could you please transfer me? Please!"

All eyes were on Xiao Chen.

His chair slowly turned around.

When the girl saw Xiao Chen's face so close to hers, she was so excited she almost fainted on the spot.

"Oh my god! You're even more handsome than in the movies!"

Xiao Chen smiled, a smile so gentle and captivating it could melt an iceberg.

He nodded to the girl in approval.

"You sang very well."

His voice came through the speakers, magnetic and pleasant to the ear.

The girl's heart was pounding in her chest.

"Thank you! Teacher Xiao, please choose me! I can sing any style! I'm willing to do anything for you!"

This is a blatant confession.

However, Xiao Chen's smile remained unchanged, but his words carried a hint of apology.

"I'm sorry, you are very talented."

"But as I said before, my team will only stay for the Chinese this year."

His tone was gentle, yet unquestionable.

The girl's ecstatic joy froze instantly, turning into immense disappointment.

Why...?

Xiao Chen said softly.

"No reason."

"This is my promise."

The girl stood blankly on the stage, and finally, she bowed to Xiao Chen.

She walked straight off the stage without even considering the other two mentors who turned their chairs for her.

Katie called after her, but to no avail.

"Hey! Wait a minute!"

The situation then became very awkward.