Jian Xingsui took a deep breath, stood up, and faced the camera, declaring to everyone, "I am ready to take on the challenge."

There was a momentary silence in the room, which was swiftly followed by an eruption of cheers and applause. Some stood up clapping, others whistled in anticipation.

Teacher Li inquired, "Are you sure?"

Jian Xingsui nodded affirmatively.

Zhou Xun revealed a somewhat mocking smile, "Are you truly up for this?"

Without any hesitation, Jian Xingsui replied, "I accept."

The mentors on the panel noticed Jian Xingsui's newfound confidence, a stark contrast to when he first auditioned.

Tu Ya clapped her hands in pleasant surprise.

Fu Jinxiao sported a smile, a glint of approval evident in his eyes.

As the challenger, Zhou Xun began his performance, choosing a challenging rap song titled "You Can't Stop Me – Unstoppable." This explosive number has a very high start, and Zhou Xun's rugged appearance combined perfectly with its fiery rhythm:

You can't stop me

Unstoppable

Better, run, away.

Best keep your distance

When enter, the, game.

As we dive into the fray

We shine bright like lightning

Breaking through the darkest dangers…

His wild voice echoed throughout the hall, eliciting roaring applause. Zhou Xun was clearly adept at rapping. Despite his impressive performance, the fast-paced nature of the song would be a challenge for someone unfamiliar with it.

As the performance concluded and sweat dripped from his forehead, Zhou Xun took a moment to catch his breath and gratefully acknowledged, "Thank you, everyone."

Teacher Li praised, "Your rap skills are genuinely impressive."

Zhou Xun bowed, "Thank you, Teacher."

His performance was indeed exceptional. It was clear that unless Jian Xingsui could match him with an equally impressive performance, Zhou Xun would most likely emerge as the winner in this challenge.

Teacher Li looked towards Jian Xingsui, asking, "Are you ready?"

Jian Xingsui gently nodded.

During the 20-minute intermission, while other contestants rested, they were not permitted to wander around aimlessly. They could only go to the restroom, get a drink, or touch up their makeup. The prevailing topic among them was Jian Xingsui's chances against Zhou Xun. Especially from those aligned with An Ran, one of them asked, "Ran, does that guy who bullied you even know how to rap?"

An Ran honestly admitted, "I'm not sure. From what I recall, he only occasionally sang."

Actually, he preferred just listening to music.

When Jian Xingsui had left his family home, he hadn’t taken many of his belongings. Only after moving did An Ran discover a wall in his room filled with albums, many of them Fu Jinxiao's. It was evident that Jian Xingsui held a deep love for music.

An Ran mentioned, "In truth, Jian Xingsui is quite accomplished. He attended a prestigious music school abroad. I've always admired him and feel quite inferior in comparison."

Hearing this, the teammates rallied around An Ran, quickly consoling:

"Ran, he studied abroad only because of his family's money!"

"He's nowhere near your level."

"No wonder he sings so well; he’s riding on his family's coattails."

"You can't compare yourself to him; you’ve achieved everything through your own hard work."

"His true colors will show this time."

As the group comforted An Ran, Jian Xingsui was below the stage, sound-checking the piano. With his headphones on, rap music echoed in his ears. He sat motionless for a full five minutes.

Even the vocal coach was growing anxious.

Just as the coach thought Jian Xingsui would sit out the entire 20 minutes, he stood up and leaned towards the coach, "Excuse me, may I perform without the backing track?"

The vocal coach blinked in surprise, "Pardon?"

Jian Xingsui smiled somewhat sheepishly, "I'd like to sing a cappella, and accompany myself on this piano if that's alright."

Such a request was rare. Playing and singing simultaneously, especially a newly learned song, was a daunting task.

After considering, the vocal coach said, "I need to discuss this with the directors and mentors."

Jian Xingsui bowed, "Thank you."

The vocal coach hurried off to consult with the mentors and production team.

Left alone, Jian Xingsui didn't sit idly. He began to experiment on the piano, slowly adapting the chords and melodies he had in mind. Each lyric and note seemed to form equations in his mind, reconfiguring and reassembling the entire piece.

As he played a certain musical phrase, Jian Xingsui's fingers faltered. He was uncertain about how best to proceed, causing the piano's sound to abruptly cease. His fingers froze on the keys. Just as he was engulfed in silence once more, the wall clock's minute hand had already ticked past 15 minutes. Time was running out.

Just then, a pair of slender hands reached out, replacing Jian Xingsui's own, pressing down a sequence of notes that flawlessly continued the tune from where he left off. It was as if this sequence was the finishing touch, seamlessly connecting the revised melody.

Looking up in surprise, Jian Xingsui met Fu Jinxiao's gaze.

Fu Jinxiao simply said, "Keep going."

In the realm of music, some people seem to resonate with each other on a spiritual level.

Jian Xingsui regathered his focus and continued playing until the piece was complete. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, the original song still played in his earphones, but a new melody had taken shape in his mind.

After completing the piece, Jian Xingsui glanced sideways, only to realize that Fu Jinxiao was still standing behind him. He quickly stood up in a flustered manner, and in his haste, banged his knee. Wincing, his face contorted in pain.

Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly, "What are you doing?"

Rubbing his knee, Jian Xingsui replied, "Nothing, just a little accident."

Leaning against the piano frame, Fu Jinxiao teased, "Are you always this clumsy?"

"No," Jian Xingsui hastily shook his head, softly admitting, "I just wasn’t expecting you to still be here."

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "Not pleased to see me?"

Jian Xingsui almost shook his head off, "No, no! I'm pleased... very pleased..."

Realizing the potential implication of his words, his ears reddened, and he stole a brief glance at Fu Jinxiao.

Instead of teasing further, Fu Jinxiao clarified, "I was watching you play. I didn't want to disturb you."

It turns out that some people, regardless of their status or how precious their time is, are willing to stand silently behind you as you work. They won't interrupt but will step forward to help when you face difficulties, and then gracefully step back. They handle things with tact and politeness.

Moved, Jian Xingsui bowed, "Thank you."

"What for?" Fu Jinxiao, with a penetrating look from his dark eyes, said, "I came to tell you that you can sing a capella. It's almost showtime. Are you ready?"

Taking a deep breath, Jian Xingsui confirmed, "I'm ready."

Fu Jinxiao gave a sly smile, calling out, "Jian Xingsui."

"Yes?"

As he looked up, he saw the tall man stand straight, and as he turned to return to the judges' table, he threw a comment over his shoulder, "Good luck."

It felt like an offhand remark, but this encouragement inexplicably bolstered Jian Xingsui's confidence. As the spotlight descended, he found himself back on stage.

A grand piano was at the center, catching many off-guard:

"Wasn't it supposed to be a rap song?"

"A piano rap?"

"Is he about to throw in the towel?"

Regardless of the speculation from the audience, as the spotlight shines, it feels as if the overall brightness of the room dims. Only the person in the center of the stage is illuminated. Everyone is waiting for the background music to start, but there is none. The person at the piano lifts his hands, and an elegant cascade of notes pours forth. Jian Xingsui begins to sing:

"You can't stop me..."

Unstoppable...

"I better, run, away..."

Best to walk away...

Though the song is filled with passion, the manner in which it is sung from his slightly deep voice, combined with the serene piano tones, feels like a heartbroken boy expressing his longing for a cherished girl.

Not just the viewers online, but even the ambitious Zhou Xun and a group of onlookers eager for some drama are all agog, finding it hard to believe someone could adapt a song in just 20 minutes!

The melancholic piano sound paired with the deep male voice feels like a lover's painful plea.

"Using my tears as fuel, igniting the speed..."

"Never compromising, I cannot yield..."

Jian Xingsui's voice is deeply moving. This was evident in his initial performance. When he sings a love song, the sensation of heartbreak washes over like a tide. But as he now sings these fiery lyrics, with a deep, romantic tune harmonizing with the gentle piano, he manages to draw everyone in, calming their souls.

It's as if everyone is silently listening to the lament of a heartbroken boy.

As the last piano note falls, the room remains eerily silent.

Yet, the online chat is exploding:

"What a brilliant arrangement!"

"It actually sounds so good."

"I wasn't too impressed with his singing initially, but compared to other performances that make me wish for a fast-forward button, I was captivated throughout this one."

"Perhaps he's a hidden vocal powerhouse!"

In his first performance, Jian Xingsui appeared quite reserved, almost as if he was about to grab his cash prize and leave. But now, seated at the piano, with the spotlight fixed on him, he is the sovereign of the stage, drawing every gaze.

After the performance, Teacher Li smiled and said, "Great, please have Zhou Xun come up. We will re-evaluate Jian Xingsui's performance. Please wait a moment."

As the judges discuss amongst themselves, the tension is palpable.

This feels like a turnaround. It seems as if everyone is on tenterhooks. Some speculate if Jian Xingsui might be promoted to the 'B' rank, others wonder about Zhou Xun's fate. The mentors at the judges' panel converse. Tuya hasn't stopped smiling; she had believed Jian Xingsui deserved a 'B' rank during his first performance, and his dazzling display now only reaffirmed her belief.

The discussion takes a little over five minutes. When it concludes, everyone's heart is in their throat.

While some students' results are announced by Teacher Li, and some by Tuya or other mentors, this time, Fu Jinxiao still picks up the microphone. He had previously announced that Jian Xingsui could only get a 'B'. Now, with his expressive eyes filled with a hint of laughter, making it hard to discern his true feelings, he asks, "Do you think you'll make the cut?"

Jian Xingsui felt a pang of anxiety.

Taking a deep breath with the microphone, he whispered, "I hope I can."

"Hmm." The smirk in Fu Jinxe's eyes deepened, his voice projecting to everyone, "Congratulations, Jian Xingsui. After re-evaluation, you've achieved a grade of A."

Author's note:

Fu, the Actor, remarked: "I reserved grade A for my darling."