Chapter 92: Only a Second from Heaven to Hell

Xu Xiaolu walked confidently to the center of the stage, casting a provocative glance at Yang Mengke. She then addressed everyone, “Hello, everyone. I believe our program ‘Scroll’ aims to promote the traditional culture of our Da Xia nation.”

“While our language skills sketch a beautiful scroll, we also express a belief in truth, kindness, and beauty.”

“So, today, the talent I bring is a song that similarly celebrates Da Xia’s civilization and spirit—‘Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth’!”

“I’m sure many of you have heard this song. It was also chosen as the commemorative anthem for the 600th anniversary of the Palace Museum’s culture.”

“It happens to fit our program’s theme perfectly!”

Yu Lan and Yang Liuqing exchanged glances.

Song selection—choosing her opponent’s brother’s song—what was this?

It was blatant provocation.

Although Xu Xiaolu didn’t know that Su Bai was Yang Mengke’s brother, the online news of Su Bai dedicating ‘Fairy Maiden’ to Yang Mengke made it clear their relationship was extraordinary.

But one had to admit, the choice was clever.

The song indeed matched the theme of the program.

Both aimed to showcase the rise and fall of Da Xia’s civilization and express a certain spirit.

This way, even if Yang Mengke wanted to sing, she couldn’t choose this song.

If they sang the same piece, the judges would easily see it as opportunistic for the second performer.

And picking another song would lose its advantage.

Unless there was a significant gap in their abilities.

If their skill levels were close, ‘Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth’ would be a smart move.

Long Ling’er, furious, exclaimed, “How shameless, choosing your brother’s song!”

Yang Mengke gave Long Ling’er a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, Sister Ling’er. She can’t win.”

Her tone was calm but filled with enormous self-confidence.

After her troubles, Yang Mengke was more reserved and composed than before.

“This land, I set pen to it,

The bloodline of the nation stretches thousands of miles…

Searching the world for dragon scales,

The dragon’s lineage flourishes like a forest.”

When the song ended, the judges fell into brief silence.

Despite having heard it online many times, hearing it performed live was still overwhelmingly powerful.

That grand, majestic energy rushed forth,

Showcasing the splendor of Da Xia’s civilization.

Every word, every line, radiated unrivaled dominance.

Afterward, everyone couldn’t help but sigh in their hearts: Da Xia, my pride!

“Amazing, even though I’ve listened online countless times, hearing it live is still shocking!”

“Indeed, it’s impressive. After listening, my heart was stirred and couldn’t settle for a long time.”

“I almost wish I could join in singing myself!”

Hearing the judges’ admiration, Xu Xiaolu clenched her fist tightly and quietly flashed a victory sign.

She knew that her position as a CCTV host was secure.

The thought of the endless resources that would come with being a CCTV host made Xu Xiaolu excited.

At the same time, a bolder idea sprouted in her heart.

Her interactions with Zhao Hongbing lately had given her a deeper understanding of the formidable power of the Zhao family.

Although she was humble as a puppet before Zhao Hongbing,

She didn’t mind. As long as she could board the Zhao family’s ship, she would pay any price.

She knew her status wasn’t worthy of their attention.

But after becoming a CCTV host, everything would change.

At least, she’d be somewhat qualified.

The farther she went on CCTV’s stage and the more resources she accumulated,

The greater her bargaining power with the Zhao family.

She cast another slightly provocative glance at Yang Mengke.

Even if you are deeply loved by Yang Liuqing, so what?

Even if you’re entangled with Zhao Hongbing, so what?

Even if you have the musical genius Su Bai singing for you, so what?

If you don’t know how to use Yang Liuqing’s reputation to build momentum for yourself,

If you don’t know how to board Zhao Hongbing’s express train to the top,

If you don’t know how to leverage Su Bai’s songs,

In the end, aren’t you just making it easier for someone else?

There’s no way around it—victory belongs to the king, defeat to the outcast.

The successful are those who step over countless corpses to reach the summit.

And you, Yang Mengke, are destined to be my stepping stone.

Long Ling’er, hearing this, tightly clenched her fist.

Is it really so good?

Does Yang Mengke still have hope?

She glanced back at Yang Mengke, who remained calm and composed.

It was enough to make anyone anxious.

“Yes, the lyrics and melody complement each other perfectly!”

“It’s been years since I’ve seen such a talented composer!”

“If only we could hear Mr. Su Bai sing live—his performances are the most powerful!”

“That’s right. Although Xu Xiaolu sang smoothly, she lacked the grandeur.”

“She didn’t capture that overwhelming feeling.”

“Yes, she couldn’t quite hold it up!”

“But the choice of song is good!”

Xu Xiaolu was stunned, and the more she listened, the more uneasy she felt.

Weren’t those initial comments praising her?

Hearing the final words, Xu Xiaolu felt utterly cold.

So none of the glory belonged to her?

It was all Su Bai’s glory?

Did she still have hope?

Her restless ambition shattered abruptly.

From heaven to hell, it took only a second!

She once more looked at Yang Mengke.

Now, she could only hope Yang Mengke wouldn’t sing,

Or at least would sing worse than herself.

“Next, let’s welcome Yang Mengke to bring us her wonderful performance!”

Yang Mengke walked onto the stage and bowed to everyone.

Then she softly said, “Hello, everyone. The talent I bring today is also a song.”

“This song has special significance for me.”

“Once, in my darkest moments, my brother was always by my side.”

“He gave me hope for life; his presence was my ray of light!”

“In those days, my heart was shrouded in gloom, and it was this song he hummed to me that showed me the beauty of the world again!”

“Now, I will sing the song my brother hummed for me, here for everyone, and for myself!”

“And, I want to say thank you to my brother.”

“The song’s name is ‘Because I Happened to Meet You’.”

After Yang Mengke finished speaking, Yu Lan and Yang Liuqing exchanged glances again.

Others might not know who the brother she mentioned was,

But they did.

Moreover, this song was one Su Bai had never released.

It was written simply to help his sister overcome her psychological struggle.

How capricious must a genius be, to do such a thing?

To write a song solely to comfort his sister,

And not release it,

Only humming it privately.

They were filled with curiosity about the song.

What kind of song could possess such magic?