Chapter 100: Should We Try Participating?

"Masked Singer? That actually sounds better than the name I had in mind!"
Yang Bing nodded slightly, realizing all at once that he might not be very good at naming things.
Yu Zhile spoke frankly, "Of course it's better than your awful name! Guess Who I Am? Just hearing it, you know it’s destined to flop. No one can tell what kind of show it is!"
Yang Bing replied awkwardly, "Uh, I guess you’re right! Truly, those involved are the most confused, and bystanders see things clearly. If you hadn’t pointed it out, I really would have used that title!"
Yu Zhile asked again, curious, "Aside from hiding the performers' identities on stage like I did back then, do you have any fresh ideas for the show?"
Yang Bing started to explain eagerly, and as Yu Zhile listened, he found himself growing increasingly surprised.
If he didn’t know Yang Bing so well, he’d suspect the guy had traveled through time as well!
The new program plan was almost identical to the original format of "Masked Singer" as Yu Zhile remembered it.
Singers would wear masks or animal costumes while performing on stage; their voices would be disguised with a voice changer so no one could guess their identities. The competition rules allowed eliminated singers to choose whether to reveal their identities or leave the stage in mystery.
The winner was required to unmask immediately after the final performance.
Additionally, Yang Bing planned to invite a panel of celebrity judges to form a guessing team.
It was as if Yang Bing had copied "Masked Singer" straight out of Yu Zhile’s memories!
Yu Zhile couldn’t help but admire him.
All because he once performed in a panda suit, standing in for Cai Lanlan on the piano, Yang Bing had been inspired to develop "Masked Singer" by sheer coincidence.
Indeed, Yang Bing had a knack for program planning!
Yu Zhile exclaimed, "Yang, say no more—this show is much more interesting than 'I Am a Singer'! Go ahead and make it happen! This time, you’re really going to take off!"
Yang Bing was excited. "With your support, I feel much more confident! I didn’t have much faith in myself before, but since even you think this show will succeed, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got!"
Yu Zhile cautioned, "The concept is great, but remember: the quality and level of music are still the most important factors! And you shouldn’t invite singers whose voices are too recognizable—otherwise, the moment they start singing, everyone will know who they are, and that ruins the fun.
It’s best to invite strong singers who might sound like someone familiar, but aren’t easily identified. That way, you get extra buzz."
Yang Bing nodded. "I agree! That’s why, apart from singing, I want all the contestants’ speech to be altered with a voice changer, so their identities aren’t revealed in conversation."

Yu Zhile added, "When the time comes, I’ll ask my wife if she wants to participate. Her voice is similar to several other female singers, so she wouldn’t be easily recognized. Such an interesting show—I think she’d really enjoy it!
And since 'I Am a Singer' wraps up just before summer, my mom will be helping take care of our daughter, so my wife can relax and record the show."
Yang Bing replied, "Alright, if I get approval for the program, I’ll contact you!"
Yu Zhile reminded him, "By the way, if you’re in charge of this show, I suggest that aside from the higher-ups, you keep the singers’ identities secret from all colleagues and staff. Otherwise, someone might leak it online, and there goes the suspense."
Yang Bing agreed, "Exactly! Those people are like spoiler dogs—so annoying! If I get the green light and the station lets me lead, I’ll sign the singers myself. Other than me, no one will know their identities!"
"It's all about how well you play the game. And make sure the singers themselves don’t leak their identities within the rules. It should be clearly stated in the contract; otherwise, some might use any dirty trick to win votes."
At this point, Yu Zhile recalled a particularly frustrating moment while watching "I Am a Singer"—a certain performer deliberately acted coy and revealed their identity to win votes, which was infuriating.
Yang Bing took Yu Zhile’s advice to heart. He realized how valuable it was to have a like-minded friend with whom he shared common interests.
If he hadn’t invited Yu Zhile over for dinner today and discussed ideas for this new program, he wouldn’t have thought about these crucial details beyond the concept itself.
It’s often these small details that determine the success or failure of a show.
At this moment, Yang Bing felt more confident and driven than ever about his new program.
"If only I weren’t driving, I’d love to share a few drinks with you!"
Yang Bing said gratefully, "Yu, thank you! Really, thank you so much! Honestly, in the past, before I knew about your novels and how talented you are, I envied you, even looked down on you, just like the others. I thought you were just a pretty boy living off Qin Haiyu.
Looking back, I’m ashamed.
After graduation, I lost touch with most of the friends I played basketball and chatted with. Once out in the working world, friends became fewer and fewer. You might not believe it, but now, you’re the only one I feel comfortable talking to and thinking of as a friend."
"I believe you, because I’m the same."
Yu Zhile felt a surge of emotion. Ever since arriving in this world, the only friend he regularly talked with was Yang Bing.
But he was luckier than Yang Bing; even though he only had one friend, he also had a wife and daughter, making life rich, enjoyable, and comfortable.
Yang Bing, a little moved, said, "Come on, let’s leave the heavy topics behind! Let’s talk about something cheerful!"
Yu Zhile laughed, "Sure! Let me gossip a bit—when you came to my house for my daughter’s birthday, you mentioned you had someone you liked. Who is it? A classmate or a colleague from the station?"

Yang Bing replied, embarrassed, "A colleague from the station..."
Yu Zhile asked, "Did you win her over?"
Yang Bing answered awkwardly, "No... I haven’t confessed yet. I want to wait until I’ve earned more money, gotten a promotion and raise, then pursue her."
Yu Zhile shook his head. "That’s no good! What if you finally get promoted and she’s already taken by someone else?"
Yang Bing said bitterly, "Then I’ll have to chalk it up to fate."
Yu Zhile guessed, "Is it one of the female hosts?"
Yang Bing nodded shyly.
Yu Zhile was surprised, "Is it Ni Qiqin?"
Yang Bing was taken aback. "Wow, how did you know?"
Yu Zhile laughed, "Because out of all the female hosts at your station, she’s the only one I know by name! I can’t believe you fancy her! Once your new show gets approved and she’s the host, you’ll have a chance to really get to know her!"
"That’s exactly what I was thinking!"
Yang Bing scratched his head, embarrassed.
After dinner and their chat, Yu Zhile packed food for his wife and mother and headed home.
He suddenly wondered, if his wife isn’t interested in participating in "Masked Singer," should he give it a try himself?
After all, if he’s eliminated, he can keep his identity secret!
Well, there are still three months to go—he’ll decide when the time comes.