Chapter 26 Moral Blackmail?

Several judges exchanged glances, each seeing the shock in the others’ eyes. This was the most fervent atmosphere the “Singer” show had ever seen since its inception.

The host, Wang Ling, also felt her blood surge with excitement, forcing herself to remain calm. “Now, let’s have our five judges give their scores!”

Judge Number One spoke first. “The lyrics of ‘The Postman’ are honest and unpretentious, the melody is smooth, and Wang Tianqi has breathed soul and emotion into the song. I really like this piece—‘You Are My Eyes!’ I give it a perfect 10!”

Chen Feng gave Judge Number Two a subtle signal. Judge Number Two nodded almost imperceptibly before raising his sign. “I’m not particularly fond of this song. It gives me a sense of emotional manipulation. It feels to me like Shen Xian, the Postman, and Wang Tianqi are using this song to harvest the audience’s sympathy. So, I can only give it a 5.”

As he spoke, he looked at the other judges. “Honestly now, do you really think this song is that good?”

In truth, he was scoring against his own judgment. But he couldn’t ignore Chen Feng’s wishes. Years ago, when he became a household name, it was Red Queen Entertainment that backed him with countless resources, securing his current status.

He also knew he’d probably face a barrage of insults and online abuse, but he had no choice. He had to take the lead in guiding the audience’s reaction.

Many in the audience lacked real aesthetic sense; they went with the flow, easily swayed by a few words from others. Especially from an expert like Judge Number Two, whose words seemed all the more convincing.

Judge Number Two continued, “The song’s quality isn’t actually that high. What you think is beautiful is really just your sympathy at work. You think Wang Tianqi’s struggles are moving; you hear his defiance in his singing. I feel bad for him too, but this is a competition, and I must ensure fairness and impartiality!”

Sure enough, under his influence, many in the audience began to look thoughtful.

The remaining judges glanced at each other, seeing contemplation in each other’s eyes. Judge Number Two’s sudden attack was certainly not without reason.

The others looked at Chen Feng, and each understood the situation perfectly.

What to do? Should they score low, or dare to go against Red Queen?

None of them realized the streaming chatroom had exploded.

“There’s a fix in Geneva! How could they give only five points for such a beautiful performance?”

“He’s deliberately steering the audience—this guy isn’t a good person!”

“I remember him—he’s Wang Kang, a singer who was famous thirty years ago!”

“Unbelievable! His own songs are garbage, yet now he criticizes Wang Tianqi?”

The comments scrolled by in a frenzy.

Li Xiurong was furious, but there was nothing she could do for the moment.

Chen Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief. If Wang Tianqi advanced today, it would have been a slap in his face.

Liu Ruyun smirked coldly in her heart. “Shen Xian, did you really think that just getting a song from the Postman would turn the tide? The entertainment industry is not as simple as you imagine!”

Wang Kang, Judge Number Two, put on an air of righteous indignation. “I know that after saying this, many will criticize and insult me, but I must speak my truth. I believe music should be pure, not used to manipulate anyone. This song is nothing but empty lamentation!”

Even Zhou Wan was incensed. She immediately picked up her phone and posted on Weibo, “Are some people really acting for the sake of fairness? How many in the industry today could write a song like the Postman’s?”

The diva’s influence was immense.

In less than twenty minutes, Zhou Wan’s post was trending.

#Diva lashes out, suspected of calling out Judge Wang Kang’s unfairness!#

#Singer live update: Diva Zhou Wan blasts judge’s injustice!#

#Is it the truth, or is there a fix?#

None of this, of course, was known to Wang Tianqi.

Wang Kang then turned to him and asked, “Wang Tianqi, do you have any complaints about your score?”

Wang Tianqi smiled and shook his head. “Thank you for your evaluation and guidance, teacher. My singing skills do have flaws and cannot match those of industry veterans. But I don’t believe this song is just empty lament. The Postman wrote it without ever meeting me, yet managed to capture my inner world—clearly, he has a wealth of life experience.”

“Five years ago, I began to lose my sight. For the past seven years, my girlfriend, Li Xiurong, has cared for me in every aspect of life.”

“She has become my eyes, taking me traveling, shopping, even cycling with me to see the sights. Though I cannot see, with her guidance I can feel the changing of the seasons.”

“She takes me to buy groceries, to see the sea, to navigate through crowded streets.”

“So, she is my eyes.”

“You may insult me, but you cannot defile my love. So, judge, I cannot accept your claim that this song is mere empty lament.”

At these words, many in the audience had tears in their eyes. Remembering Wang Tianqi’s singing, they found themselves deeply moved once more.

Who would have expected such pure love in today’s restless world?

Support for Wang Tianqi flooded in.

“We won’t stand for rigged scores, and we won’t allow newcomers to be suppressed!”

“Wang Tianqi’s vocal skills are plain to see—he’s every bit as good as professional singers!”

“This song is top quality—judge, don’t go scoring it blindly!”

“Exactly! If you think it’s lacking, why don’t you try writing a song like this? If you can, step up!”

In the live chat, the comments were even more frenzied.

“Geneva, Wang Kang, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Rigging things right in front of us?”

Judge Number Three, seeing the crowd’s reaction, felt a chill run down his spine. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Wang Tianqi, you spoke well. I think this song is excellent. I give it a 10!”

Judges Four and Five also spoke up. “This is a wonderful song. Love should not be desecrated. I give it a 10!”

Wang Kang, Judge Number Two, was stunned, his expression briefly twisted before he composed himself.

Chen Feng’s face darkened, wishing he could strike down every person in the audience.

You fickle crowd—before Wang Tianqi sang, you were the most eager to please; now you’re the loudest ones supporting him. Why don’t you all just get lost? Don’t you have any brains? Do you believe whatever anyone says? You useless lot, go eat dirt!

Host Wang Ling announced, “Now, let’s have the audience vote!”

“Wang Tianqi’s story is so moving.”

“The Postman is truly talented, writing a song tailored just for Wang Tianqi.”

“Where on earth did this Postman come from? He’s incredible!”

The audience discussed among themselves and began to cast their votes.

Wang Tianqi gripped the microphone tightly, awaiting the host’s announcement of the results.

At that moment, time seemed to stretch endlessly.

Would he advance, or be eliminated?

Even Liu Sheng couldn’t help but feel nervous. “How many votes will there be?”

Ning Cai maintained her calm expression, but for the second time she looked up seriously at the big screen.