Chapter 21 The Boycott Against Shen Xian

There was only one day left before the live broadcast of “The Vocalist” PK show, and Shen Xian had already arrived in Nanyang City with Wang Tianqi. The first episode featured thirty contestants in total, all of whom were top-tier singers or current popular idols.

Wang Tianqi was the only competitor with no fame, no representative works, and no following—the so-called “triple-zero” candidate.

Ning Cai was present as well. Apart from Wang Tianqi, her company had two other singers in the competition.

One was Liu Sheng, a singer in his forties, truly talented, who had previously developed his career in eastern Guangdong and on the island but had fallen from grace after offending a major figure in the entertainment industry. He had missed his golden years and was now gradually fading from the spotlight, yet his skills remained formidable.

The other was the trending idol Wu Fan.

In Shen Xian’s opinion, Wu Fan’s singing was utterly atrocious, though Ning Cai still insisted on sending him into the competition, something Shen Xian found difficult to understand.

However, Ning Cai, ever analytical and cool-headed as artificial intelligence, had deduced from Wu Fan’s popularity metrics and fan demographics that he was likely to place well.

As for Liu Sheng, he was presently the only artist in Ning Cai’s company who could truly take the stage. It wasn’t that there were no other outstanding artists in the company, but since Liu Sheng signed with Ning Cai, he’d never had an opportunity to appear in the spotlight. He had been half-shelved, and it was rumored no one would hire him after his earlier offense. Only Ning Cai, adamant and undaunted, had insisted on signing him.

Deputy General Manager Chen Rumeng also showed up that day. When she saw Shen Xian arrive holding Wang Tianqi’s hand, her face was frosty. “You really dare to show up? I can’t decide if I should call you brave or just oblivious!”

“If you can be here, why can’t I?” Shen Xian rolled his eyes.

What was wrong with this woman? She often bought his milk tea, so why was she so hostile?

Wang Tianqi, on the other hand, was visibly nervous. This was nothing like singing at a bar. In a bar, if you didn’t sing well, nobody would say anything. After all, the audience was limited. But today’s program was broadcast nationwide, and who knew how many people would be watching.

Shen Xian patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. Just treat today as your debut.”

At that very moment, a derisive snort sounded.

Shen Xian turned to see Liu Ruyun entering the backstage area, regarding him with mocking disdain.

She didn’t say anything, perhaps wary that Shen Xian might be recording again, but her eyes seemed to say: You’re really sending a blind man onto the show? Is this some kind of joke?

“Someone’s stirring things up,” Ning Cai said, walking over and handing her phone to Shen Xian.

Beneath the official “I Am the Vocalist” media account, a torrent of comments had erupted.

“Have you heard about the Shen Xian incident? To dodge a sky-high breach of contract penalty, Shen Xian just grabbed a blind bar singer for the show.”

“I know, right? I have to say, President Ning Cai of Yu’an Media is incredibly generous to allow this.”

“I strongly demand that Wang Tianqi be barred from performing! The show has such high standards—Shen Xian’s actions are revolting to us viewers!”

“Exactly. The contestants are all top singers or true talents. Letting a bar singer onstage is downright insulting.”

“Boycott Wang Tianqi!”

“Boycott Shen Xian!”

The comments beneath the official account were snowballing.

The staff monitoring the situation hurried to the director. “There’s some bad press swirling—should we allow Wang Tianqi to perform?”

The director pondered, then replied, “Let’s go live. Don’t you see? Wang Tianqi’s appearance is a hot topic—it’ll draw attention.”

The staff hesitated. “But it’s all negative publicity…”

He left unsaid that he didn’t think Wang Tianqi would achieve any notable results.

“Trust me—controversy brings traffic. Besides, infamy is still fame.” The director waved his hand. “Not only that, I want Wang Tianqi to perform last. Also, hire a few more trolls to stir things up about Shen Xian and Wang Tianqi—I have a feeling our ratings are about to soar!”

Given the director’s track record, the staff nodded. “Alright. There are two hours until the show starts—plenty of time to stoke the buzz.”

Soon, with the trolls hired by the production team in full swing, the topic caught fire, even drawing in Liu Ruyun.

#FullStoryOfTheShenXianIncident

#LiuRuyunWasShenXianStudio’sOnlyArtistAtTheTime_ShenXianSignedWithYuAnMedia

#LiuRuyunJumpedShip_ShenXianFacedAn80MillionPenaltyAndCameUpWithADesperatePlanByRecruitingBarSingerWangTianqi

#IntentOnEvadingThePenalty

#ShenXianIsACancerInTheIndustry_BoycottHim

#AfterStealingChenFeng’sSongsNowThis_ShenXianShouldLeaveTheIndustry

Public opinion was overwhelmingly hostile, all calling for Shen Xian’s removal.

“Congratulations—you’re famous!” Ning Cai said, her expression unreadable.

“There’s even more buzz than three years ago.” Shen Xian’s smile was warm, showing he was entirely unfazed by the online mudslinging.

“You’re not angry?” Ning Cai asked.

Shen Xian shrugged. “When your heart is strong enough, these criticisms become irrelevant. I just feel sorry for them.”

Ning Cai nodded slightly. In truth, the negative press didn’t affect her much, either. As emotionless and intelligent as a machine, she never cared for others’ opinions.

Backstage, many had seen the trending news. Those who’d wondered who Wang Tianqi was now understood after reading the headlines.

They exchanged strange glances at Shen Xian and Wang Tianqi.

“Shen Xian’s maneuver is really something,” a top singer whispered to his manager.

“Why would Ning Cai agree to this? Maybe she’s interested in Shen Xian—he is a pretty boy,” a manager remarked.

“As if Ning Cai could have feelings?”

“Maybe she really is as heartless as the rumors say. She just doesn’t care.”

Wu Fan, the company’s idol, was chatting with industry friends.

Chen Feng walked over and shook Wu Fan’s hand. “Wu Fan, Ning Cai doesn’t see your value. Why don’t you join our company?”

Wu Fan was taken aback. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Chen Feng?”

Chen Feng smiled. “With the high caliber of ‘I Am the Vocalist,’ Ning Cai still sent a washed-up singer and a bar crooner to compete alongside you. Doesn’t that imply she sees them as your equals?”

“It not only lowers the standard of the show, but it drags your reputation down too. What will people say? That Wu Fan is now reduced to competing with a bar singer. It’ll hurt your popularity and public image.”

Wu Fan thought about it and realized he had a point.

This was outrageous.

Fuming, he strode toward Ning Cai.