NABC Chapter 165: Barely Passing the Test, Lin Zhou Broke Down in a Cold Sweat
Chapter 165: Barely Passing the Test, Lin Zhou Broke Down in a Cold Sweat
As the villa gate clicked shut, Lin Zhou's nerves, which had been taut all morning, finally relaxed completely.
He was like a lump of dried-out mud, throwing himself back onto the large bed that still carried the scent of Su Qingge. Limbs outstretched, staring at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling, his heart still pounding in his chest, as if he had just finished a marathon.
That was too dangerous.
That was really dangerous.
He was just a hair's breadth away from turning from a "winner in life" into a "divorced young woman... no, a divorced young husband" because of something he said in his sleep.
"call--"
Lin Zhou let out a long breath and wiped the fine layer of cold sweat from his forehead.
"System, you son of a bitch."
He cursed viciously in his mind.
"Could you pick a better time to give out rewards next time? Why did you have to do this in the middle of the night as a surprise attack? Do you know you almost got me killed?!"
Deep in my mind, that long-dormant electronic voice finally responded.
However, this time it wasn't a cold, mechanical broadcast; instead, it carried a hint of extremely human... disdain?
[Host, please watch your words.]
This system simply distributes rewards according to its programmed settings. As for interpreting "system" as a general term for "tying red strings" (a system used to distribute rewards based on merit)...
To be honest, in all the generations of hosts I've mentored, I've never seen anyone so shameless.
"Hey! You're panting now?"
Lin Zhou laughed in exasperation, turned over, reached for the cigarette pack on the bedside table, took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth, but didn't light it.
"That's called quick thinking! That's called improvisation! Do you understand?"
"If I didn't have this ability, I would have died eight hundred times over at the hands of Su Qingge, that woman who is the reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes."
The system remained silent for two seconds, seemingly disdainful of arguing with him, and directly displayed a line of golden task panels.
[Main Quest Update: Conquer the World of Singing.]
[Mission Description: The host's alias, "Lanling King," has successfully advanced to the finals of "The Masked Singer." Please win the finals and complete the glorious unveiling.]
[Mission Reward: ??? (Depending on the scale of the event)]
[Failure Penalty: Randomly confiscate one of the host's bodily functions (e.g., taste, smell, or... a critical ability).]
Upon seeing the last line of small print, Lin Zhou almost dropped the cigarette from his mouth.
"A key capability?"
He instinctively squeezed his legs together, feeling a chill run from his tailbone straight to the top of his head.
"You win."
Lin Zhou tossed the cigarette back into the box, his eyes instantly sharpening.
Now that the system has issued a death order, it's time to get back on track and get down to business.
He got up, went to his study, turned on his computer, and pulled up the information on his opponents in the final of "The Masked Singer".
This show is the hottest phenomenon variety show this year, and its main selling points are "mystery" and "talent". All the singers are masked throughout the show and speak only through their voices.
His opponent, the woman codenamed "Red Lotus Saintess," was practically a bug-level existence.
"Han Hongmei?"
Lin Zhou frowned slightly as he looked at the singer on the screen, whose physique and signature high notes were impossible to hide despite being masked.
This guy is a pillar of the national team and a mainstay of the Chinese music scene.
That voice—it was like a deep bass cannon kissed by an angel, combined with a high-pitched bomber; any casual shout could shake the ceiling.
"That's interesting."
Lin Zhou tapped his fingers lightly on the table, showing no fear despite his opponent's strength; instead, a long-lost fighting spirit surged within him.
"Competing with the national team for the championship, that's what makes it challenging."
In the past, he might have had to think twice.
But now?
With the newly arrived "All-Round Singer's Voice," plus those nuclear-level masterpieces from Earth's music library...
It's really not certain who will win or lose.
Which song should we choose?
Lin Zhou closed his eyes, and the music library in his mind began to flip through pages rapidly.
When facing such a powerful singer with a loud voice, trying to out-shout her into high notes is the dumbest approach.
To win, you have to take an unconventional approach.
You need to choose a song that can electrify the entire audience, resonate deeply with everyone, and evoke a complex mix of emotions that can be broken down and pieced back together.
Sudden.
A melody, tinged with a touch of madness, a hint of resentment, yet utterly breathtaking, lingered in his mind.
Lin Zhou suddenly opened his eyes, a wicked and arrogant smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"That's it."
"If you're going to go crazy, then go completely crazy."
……
Friday night, Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.
As night falls, the lights are on.
The massive stadium, capable of holding 90,000 people, was now submerged in a sea of glow sticks. The atmosphere was electric, the heat was intense, and even the scalpers outside felt the suffocating tension.
The final of "The Masked Singer" will be broadcast live worldwide.
In the backstage lounge, the staff were so busy they barely had time to breathe.
"Lighting team in position! Sound team, final tuning! Five minutes to go!"
The director's roar exploded in my earpiece.
Four distinguished guests have already taken their seats on the judging panel.
Sitting in the very center position is none other than tonight's special guest judge—Su Qingge.
She wore a silver-white fringed dress, her makeup was exquisite, and her demeanor was aloof and noble. But if you looked closely, you would notice that her eyes were somewhat unfocused, and her fingers were unconsciously rubbing the red string on her wrist.
Clearly, although the "red rope incident" last night has passed, it still left a small knot in her heart.
"Qingge, who do you think will win tonight?"
The veteran songwriter next to him asked a question with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Su Qingge snapped out of her daze and gave the camera a polite, professional smile.
"Teacher Guren's strength is beyond doubt; it's textbook-level."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the pitch-black contestant tunnel, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes.
"But personally... I'm more looking forward to Lanling Wang."
"Oh? Why?"
"Because he...is special."
Su Qingge pursed her lips, offering no further explanation.
That special quality wasn't just because of his talent, but also because of that inexplicable sense of familiarity. Every time she heard him sing, she felt as if his voice was piercing through her mask, whispering in her ear.
Just like...
Like that jerk who always cooks noodles for her late at night.
What am I thinking?
Su Qingge shook her head and cursed herself inwardly.
Although Lin Zhou is tone-deaf, he's only at the level of a karaoke virtuoso. How could he possibly stand on this stage that represents the highest level of Chinese music?
Just then.
The lights in the entire venue suddenly went out.
Only a pale spotlight remained, like a sharp sword, piercing the darkness and striking the center of the stage.
Before the music even started, an extremely oppressive atmosphere already enveloped us.
"Next, please welcome the last contestant of the evening—"
The host's voice was high-pitched and passionate, instantly igniting the hormones of the entire audience.
"Lanling King!"
The gate to the passageway slowly opened.
The figure wearing a hideous mask and an extravagant clown suit emerged step by step from the darkness.