Chapter 122: United in Appearance, Divided in Heart

In the lounge of “Voice of Heaven,” everyone appeared to be congratulating Zhang Yuan on her performance, but beneath the surface, a few had already started to harbor secret resentments. Xu Yan was one of them. Though outwardly she seemed no different from the others, offering Zhang Yuan her congratulations, inside she was the least willing to see Zhang Yuan succeed in her performance.

Xu Yan knew very well that, in this program, Zhang Yuan was her only real competitor. Who would ever wish for their rival to outshine them? If Zhang Yuan did well, it would inevitably mean Xu Yan would fare worse by comparison.

Their positions in the entertainment industry had grown awkward: for various reasons, their roles and images overlapped, so most events would choose between the two. This meant that any popularity or attention they gained was always split, and such a dynamic destined them never to become true friends.

Still, Xu Yan played her part, knowing that the cameras would surely record these moments and the production team would air them. Regardless of what everyone truly thought, as public figures, they all had to keep up the pretense for the audience’s sake.

Zhang Yuan, seeing Xu Yan’s blessing, felt nothing but disdain. She was well aware of what Xu Yan truly thought—after all, who knows you better than your own adversary? Nevertheless, Zhang Yuan feigned gratitude. She was not yet in a position to disregard others' opinions; few had that level of clout, not even Zhou Ran. Such behavior could easily alienate viewers, so even those who could afford it wouldn’t dare risk it.

Zhou Ran, meanwhile, enjoyed a rare moment of peace. Since Zhang Yuan had drawn all the attention, everyone in the lounge gathered around her, leaving Zhou Ran with a rare opportunity to relax. He hadn’t experienced such tranquility in a long time. Ever since he rose to fame, he could never find a quiet moment in places like this; whenever he was idle, someone would come to chat or seek some of his spotlight, knowing the cameras would always be on him.

It’s true what they say: “Fame brings trouble.” The moment you become famous, countless matters will seek you out. Before fame, nothing happens; after fame, everyone comes knocking. “The poor find no friends in a bustling city, while the wealthy have companions even in remote mountains.”

With Zhang Yuan’s return, the last two singers took their turns on stage. However, much fewer people paid attention to them compared to the earlier contestants, as these two were second-tier singers. They had joined the show simply to gain some screen time and increase their exposure.

Their performances turned out much as the other singers in the lounge had predicted: nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible either—just ordinary, steady renditions. For them, this was already a good showing.

When the final two finished, it signaled the end of the first round of performances on “Voice of Heaven.” The production team began tallying the judges’ votes.

The voting rules were simple: there were 100 voting judges, each with one vote to cast for their favorite singer. The one with the most votes would be crowned champion of the episode.

After a period of counting, the production team finally compiled the results. Director Wang Chong entered the lounge with the freshly tallied results, a smile on his face and a lightness in his step. He had personally overseen every stage of this episode and was quite satisfied with how it had all turned out. Every key moment had hit its mark, and Zhang Yuan’s surprise performance delighted him most. The song she’d sung was, in his view, destined to become a massive hit—one that could even boost the show’s ratings significantly.

It was reminiscent of the effect Zhou Ran’s rendition of “Sunny Day” had had on “Who Is the King of Singers.” In Wang Chong’s eyes, Zhang Yuan’s song might make an even greater impact, especially with the added draw of both Zhou Ran and Zhang Yuan’s fanbases.

As Wang Chong prepared to announce the results, Xu Yan grew increasingly anxious. She desperately wanted to win, hoping to make a strong impression from the very first episode. She had been confident before Zhang Yuan performed, certain of victory. But after Zhang Yuan’s performance, Xu Yan felt a wave of panic—she sensed that her top spot might just be snatched away.

Still, no matter how much Xu Yan speculated, only the list in Wang Chong’s hands could reveal the true outcome.

Wang Chong allowed the tension to build before announcing the rankings, starting from sixth place up to first. This order was the best way to pique the audience’s curiosity and hold their attention.

The results from sixth to third were all within expectations: Li Si took sixth, Lou Yi secured third, and the two singers who performed last placed fourth and fifth.

Once those names were read, it was time for the climax: who would be the champion? Wang Chong, with deliberate slowness, teased both Zhang Yuan and Xu Yan. He’d learned this trick from Ning Wei—it might be a little underhanded, but it was undeniably effective at stoking curiosity and drawing in viewers.

“I now announce: the runner-up for this episode is…”

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Chapter 122: “Smiles on the Surface, Rivalry Within”