Chapter 125: Unmasking

Qin Haiyu’s sweet singing voice echoed through every corner of the studio.

This time, she sang with her natural voice, though she slightly restrained her throat, using a kind of falsetto to perform the song that, so far, was her absolute favorite.

“About us,
I just want to say,
Simply put,
It’s loving you,
Flying side by side,
The golden cicada as matchmaker,
A pair made by heaven and earth...”

These lovey-dovey lyrics, combined with her sweet and melodious voice, were truly enchanting!

The only thing that made the single viewers cringe was an earlier lyric: “The whole world is filled with the scent of mint...”

Though they didn’t catch any minty fragrance, the sour stench of love’s “dog food” was unmistakable!

The entire studio was permeated with the pungent aroma of this love-soaked song!

Before singing, “Red Rose” even took a moment to dedicate the song to her beloved, who was reportedly seated somewhere in the audience—though nobody knew which lucky devil in the crowd was her partner.

Soon, Qin Haiyu finished her performance of “9420.” With the six singers of the first round all done, and the audience having cast their votes, the other five masked singers were invited onto the stage.

The rankings for the first round’s votes were about to be announced. Qin Haiyu was brimming with confidence. Her husband had specially chosen such a beautiful song for her, and she had made no mistakes in her performance. She was certain she would advance to the second round!

As for “Patrick Star,” he had performed a cover rather than an original song. Though the adaptation was quite good, it was uncertain whether he would move on. The other singers had all given their best, leaving no room for error.

She felt “White Swan” was a bit on shaky ground. Singing an English rap song in a competition was always risky. Generally, such numbers didn’t score high because few in the audience understood English well enough to be moved.

After a few minutes of banter and interaction by the host, Ni Qiqin, the first-round results were revealed on the big screen.

Qin Haiyu was somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected “Polar Bear,” who had lost in the first round in the previous two episodes, to claim first place this time!

But on second thought, it was understandable—this episode, “Polar Bear” had unleashed his full power with a rock song that electrified the whole room. The judges and audience had even guessed his identity, so him taking first place was perfectly natural.

Still, Qin Haiyu felt a twinge of regret. She had sung “9420,” a song her husband had carefully prepared, yet only managed second place.

The most infuriating was “Patrick Star,” who actually took third place and advanced to the second round!

Ni Qiqin then announced, “Congratulations to teachers Red Rose and Patrick Star for entering the second round of competition. You can also be congratulated in advance for making it to the semifinals!”

After congratulating the advancing singers, Ni Qiqin regretted, “According to the rules, singers who advance to the second round in three episodes will qualify for the semifinals. Those who fail to do so will be eliminated. Unfortunately, this means White Swan’s journey on this stage ends here.”

At her words, the audience erupted with thunderous cheers!

“Reveal your face!”
“Reveal your face!”

From the judges’ panel, all but Teacher Wu, the eldest, joined in the chant, the younger judges eagerly shouting, “Reveal! Reveal!”

Ni Qiqin raised her hand to calm the crowd, then gently embraced White Swan, saying, “Whether you choose to leave in secrecy or reveal your identity, we respect your decision.”

White Swan steadied her nerves, a little anxious, and said, “This show is terrifying! I... I’m too ashamed to face anyone!”

Ni Qiqin chuckled, and Yu Zhile then offered honest comfort: “Your talent is undeniable, but your song choice and style are too unconventional. This is a show for the masses—singing only what you like satisfies yourself, not the audience. So you didn’t lose because of skill, but because of song selection.”

“Thank you,” White Swan replied, surprised that Patrick Star had praised her vocal skill and strength.

Qin Haiyu also hadn’t expected Patrick Star to be so comforting and speak so kindly.

Yu Zhile added, “So for a unique singer like you, since you’re leaving, why not do so with pride—say goodbye to this stage with your distinctive style!”

In other words: it’s time to reveal yourself.

Yu Zhile was curious about White Swan’s true identity. If she didn’t reveal it now, he’d have to ask Old Yang later to find out—otherwise, the curiosity would keep him awake all night!

The audience continued chanting for White Swan to unveil herself. Ni Qiqin finally asked, “Have you made up your mind? Please make your choice!”

White Swan nodded and lifted the snow-white swan-shaped mask from her head, revealing a slightly rounded, youthful face.

At the judges’ table:
“It’s you!”
“I knew the voice sounded familiar!”

The audience erupted in cheers, but Yu Zhile was utterly puzzled.

Who was she?
Was she famous?

Trying to avoid seeming uninformed, Yu Zhile gave White Swan a scrutinizing look and then dramatically exclaimed, “It’s you! Not bad, not bad! I didn’t realize it was you for the past three episodes!”

“Thank you! Thank you all!” White Swan blushed shyly, her slightly chubby, cherubic face beaming.

The audience began chanting her name in unison, and Yu Zhile learned her name was Yang Xuan, though the name was still unfamiliar to him.

After revealing her identity, Yang Xuan waved goodbye to the stage. The second round of competition then commenced.

Qin Haiyu once again sang an original song specially prepared by her husband. Seeing the song information displayed on the big screen, Yu Zhile theatrically expressed his admiration: “Again? Are these original songs free? How does she have so many originals prepared?”

Other singers smiled wryly. How did the show end up inviting such powerhouse original singers?

One was Patrick Star, and now there was Red Rose too!

And these two had come for three consecutive episodes, singing so many originals.

On stage, Qin Haiyu performed “Red High Heels,” even wearing a pair she had brought from home.

After her performance, Yu Zhile, who went on stage last in the second round, sang a cover. Watching him backstage, Qin Haiyu felt a surge of pride.

Why wasn’t he continuing with original songs?

Had he run out?

Hmph, without the boost of original songs, let’s see how you claim the title of Song King this time!

...

P.S.: If you want to listen to these songs after reading, you can search for the playlist on NetEase Cloud Music or QQ Music. The playlist is updated with the songs featured in the show. Search for “Starting Point Autumn Blade Fish” or the book title “Starting With a Celebrity Wife” to find it. Two more chapters will be updated after 8 p.m., aiming for five updates daily.