Chapter 40: Do You Think I’ll Guess?

“I Am a Singer” was being recorded live.

As the host, Ni Qiqin, announced the end of all the singers’ performances, the stage recording wrapped up. The panel of judges and the audience would no longer participate in the show’s filming; instead, the program continued backstage, because the announcement of the Top Four and the unveiling of the champion would take place there.

Therefore, before the broadcast, neither the judges nor the live audience would know who the season’s champion was. This was a departure from previous seasons, where the final votes were revealed immediately onstage at the end of the finale, and the champion was announced at once. In the past, the news would spread online before the finale aired, leaving viewers with nothing to anticipate.

This season, under Yang Bing’s advice, the show was restructured: the champion would not be revealed onstage as before, but rather backstage, with the host announcing the final rankings and the director presenting the awards. Although this made the ceremony less lively—no applause, no cheers from the crowd—the director agreed with Yang Bing that preserving the suspense until the very end was a worthwhile gamble for ratings.

At that moment, in the backstage lounge where the singers were resting, Ni Qiqin chatted with the four finalists as if making small talk. For a music competition, there was now a hint of reality TV.

“Who do you think has the best chance of winning this season?” Ni Qiqin asked with a smile.

Teacher Wu answered crisply, “Qin Haiyu’s performances in the last two rounds were flawless. The first song was delightful, the second deeply moving. She is the undisputed champion in my eyes.”

Receiving such high praise from Teacher Wu for the second time, Qin Haiyu felt embarrassed and quickly replied, “You overpraise me, Teacher Wu. Your performance today was also perfect.”

Teacher Wu shook his head and gave a rueful smile. “Time spares no one. Don’t try to comfort me—I know the level of my own singing now. Compared to you all, I’m far behind. My voice just isn’t what it used to be.”

Ye Fei immediately interjected, “Teacher Wu, you’re too modest. When it comes to technique and experience, we’re the ones lagging far behind you!”

He gave a short laugh, but said nothing more, though his reaction made Ye Fei feel a bit awkward—was that a jab at her?

Chen Yuzhong, though the least skilled and accomplished musically among the Top Four, was the show’s most popular male idol and a strong contender for the title. Calmly, he said, “I agree with Teacher Wu. I think the champion should be Qin Haiyu. Her rendition of ‘Afterwards’ was just beautiful—so moving.”

“Thank you,” Qin Haiyu replied with a gentle smile.

Ni Qiqin continued, “Now it’s time to announce the ranking for this round!”

Of the four, only Teacher Wu seemed unconcerned; the other three were visibly nervous. Especially Qin Haiyu—she had promised her husband to bring home the champion’s trophy. If she failed, she would truly lose face!

Because the finale would be aired in two parts, the director had asked Ni Qiqin to interact with the singers a bit longer and draw out the ranking announcement. Otherwise, with only four performances in the second half compared to eight in the first, the timing would be almost halved.

So Ni Qiqin deliberately heightened the suspense: “Now, I will announce the singer ranked fourth in this round!”

“Chen Yuzhong.”

The moment his name was read, Chen Yuzhong was stunned.

I actually came in last? Impossible!

Just as he was reeling in disbelief, Ni Qiqin asked, “Did you expect to be fourth this round?”

Chen Yuzhong almost fainted. With a bitter expression, he said, “I suppose it’s me. I really didn’t perform well this time.”

Ni Qiqin smiled, “I’m sorry, Teacher Chen, but you are not the singer ranked fourth this round.”

Chen Yuzhong’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Could you just get to the point already?

Qin Haiyu was equally mystified. What was going on? Why was the ranking announcement so drawn out, so nerve-wracking?

What had gotten into Ni Qiqin tonight?

Yet she found this way of revealing the results rather entertaining—a touch of humor in the tension. Compared to previous seasons, it added a layer of spectacle and amusement. Was this a new segment in the revamped show?

Chen Yuzhong was on the edge of his seat. “So I’m not fourth?”

Ni Qiqin replied, “That’s right. You’re not fourth. So which position do you think you took?”

“Third?” he guessed.

She smiled, “Try again.”

“Second?” Chen Yuzhong brightened. That must mean he was runner-up; as for first, it was surely Qin Haiyu.

Ni Qiqin finally announced, “Correct! You ranked third in this round!”

“Tha—” Chen Yuzhong began to thank her, then stopped, bewildered. “Third?”

Ni Qiqin couldn’t help but laugh, “Yes, you ranked third. Now, let’s reveal who is fourth.”

Qin Haiyu nearly burst out laughing. “Ni Qiqin, your way of announcing the rankings is enough to drive us mad! You’re making me want to hit you!”

Well, what could I do? The director asked me to stall for time!

Ni Qiqin smiled, “Qin Haiyu, who do you think came in fourth? Don’t worry about offending Teacher Wu or Ye Fei—just say it.”

Qin Haiyu retorted, “So you’re saying it’s not me?”

“Guess,” Ni Qiqin teased.

Qin Haiyu rolled her eyes and shot back playfully, “Guess if I want to guess?”

Teacher Wu, his old heart nearly giving out, pleaded, “Xiao Ni, stop tormenting us! Just announce the rankings and then the final votes and the champion!”

Ye Fei nodded in agreement, “Exactly! This is nerve-wracking—my hands are sweating!”

Director Zhang Qian, observing from the sidelines, was surprised by how entertaining and humorous Ni Qiqin’s drawn-out hosting had become. Yang Bing was thoughtful, considering that perhaps the next season’s ranking announcements could follow this style. This kind of interaction and entertainment value was truly a highlight.

“Teacher Wu, since you’ve requested it, I’ll announce the results now. The singer ranked fourth in this round is—”

She added mischievously, “Their name has three characters!”

Qin Haiyu rolled her eyes again. Of the three of them, only she and Teacher Wu had three-character names!

Ye Fei, on the other hand, was thrilled. That meant it wasn’t her—her chances of winning just increased!

Teacher Wu sighed, “Fine, I’m fourth this round. Now you can announce first and second place!”

Ni Qiqin said, “Congratulations, Teacher Wu, you guessed right!”

He scoffed, “Congratulations for what? What’s there to celebrate about coming last!”

Ni Qiqin chuckled and continued, “Now, let’s reveal first place! This contestant has set a new record for the highest audience votes since the show began. All five hundred audience members voted for her! And she is—Ye Fei…”

At this, Ye Fei’s face lit up with joy.

Ni Qiqin paused deliberately, then added, “—’s neighbor, Qin Haiyu!”

Ye Fei’s smile froze instantly.

First place isn’t me? It’s Qin Haiyu?