Ming Han curled his lips into a smile that had a hint of wickedness. Seeing this, even Lin Li, a woman in her thirties or forties, couldn’t help but feel her heartbeat quicken. Damn, he’s truly a lady-killer... "Those who are too psychologically fragile don’t belong in this circle. Upholding my responsibility to protect our country’s young buds, I give them a preemptive shot of strength. I’m doing a good deed, hehe." Lin Li: You make a good point, I am at a loss for words. The next contestant took the stage, a tall and skinny youth. He was dressed in a black T-shirt, black leather jacket, and black ripped jeans. A shiny silver chain hung around his neck, and a black cap shaded half his face. Holding a guitar, he stood in the center of the stage, in front of the microphone. His slender hand grasped the mic. Under the spotlight, his long, bony fingers were incredibly striking, far from what a girl’s hand should be, thought Lin Li, who couldn’t take her eyes off them. "Good evening, judges." Lin Li asked as usual, "Why did you want to participate in this show?" "I joined this show to prove myself, actually." He suddenly looked up at the camera, and beneath the brim of his cap was a handsome face with striking eyes and brows, the visual impact of which was stunning in that moment. "Dad, I want to tell you, I can do it too." "Today I’m going to perform a song I wrote myself, and I hope the judges will like it." Performing an original song on the show took a lot of courage; otherwise, one could be eliminated in the first round. Lin Li was the first to applaud. Ming Han glanced at the youth and subconsciously frowned. The youth strummed the guitar strings to test the sound and began playing a gentle and melodious intro, soothing and pleasant to the ear. Lin Li nodded in approval. He seemed practiced, knowledgeable about music. "I pluck an apple as I pass by your door, to bring it to your hands and quench your thirst." The youth’s voice was crisp, slightly husky, and he sang with a relaxed ease, instantly capturing the listeners’ attention. Lin Li found herself humming along quietly. "Like cola in the summer, like cocoa in the winter, you’re the right person at the right time." The warm and lively melody combined with his clear and magnetic voice painted a vivid picture before the audience. The audience could almost feel the innocence and confusion of young love, sweet and warm like the sun on a winter’s day. "It’s you who made me see a flower bloom in the barren desert, you inspire me to write a love song for you every day. With the most romantic chorus, you quietly harmonize..." At the chorus, the song portrayed the intense emotional collision between a man and a woman, resonating with the audience and drawing them into that world. The last note faded, and Lin Li was the first to lead the applause. "Good, the young man is talented. I really song." The youth bowed slightly, humble in his demeanor: "Thank you, teacher." Gu Yue and Fan Yu gave their affirmative responses in turn; Gu Yue even wanted to sign the young man on the spot. With three votes, a contestant could advance, and since Gu Yue, Fan Yu, and Lin Li had given their approval, Ming Han’s judgement wasn’t as crucial. Nonetheless, the youth looked towards Ming Han, "Uncle Ming, I’d like to hear your thoughts." Ming Han looked at him sharply, his gaze penetrating as if to see through the person. The youth lowered his gaze slightly. "You’ve never been in love, have you?" The youth did not expect such a question and quietly murmured in agreement. Ming Han chuckled: "The song is good, but it lacks feeling. It sounds dull. Maybe it’ll be better after you’ve experienced love." The youth’s cheeks flushed slightly as he bowed his head: "Thank you for your advice, teacher." Then Lin Li asked, "By the way, young man, you haven’t introduced yourself yet." The youth looked up, his eyes shining like stars as he faced the audience, "My name is Mai Zheng, from Hong Kong, and I’m seventeen years old." A Mai from Hong Kong? This text is hosted at n̷o̷v̷e̷l̷f̷i̷r̷e̷.net Lin Li stared at the youth’s face for a moment longer and then exclaimed in shock, "You... Are you the son of Famous King Mai?" Mai Zheng smiled with a hint of a smirk: "I am Mai Zheng, I have no significant connection with Famous King Mai." Lin Li understood the youth’s intention of not wanting to rely on his father’s fame and couldn’t help but laugh, "You really are Famous King Mai’s son, talented at such a young age, with limitless prospects." Both Gu Yue and Fan Yu were momentarily surprised but soon smiled in realization. No wonder he looked so familiar — he was Famous King Mai’s son after all. Mai Zheng, looking at Ming Han: "Uncle Ming, I was on a show with you as a child. Do you remember me?"