Chapter 111: The Sole Criterion of the Open Audition

Niu Jun spoke nervously, “Yes, I...”

“Don’t be nervous. Let’s just think of this as a casual chat,” one of the judges comforted warmly.

As judges, all professionals by training, encountering such a promising talent stirred a sense of excitement in them. Hence, their demeanor was notably gentle.

Through the Q&A between the judges and the contestant, Su Chen gradually grasped the situation.

This contestant had been studying music since childhood and possessed a unique talent in the field. Throughout middle school, high school, and university, he consistently performed exceptionally well. However, due to an accident in his youth, his body remained forever that of a teenager.

After graduating from university, his physical condition prevented him from entering the professional circle. So, he found a job, working while playing music in his spare time.

He registered for almost every public music competition he knew of, but without exception, he was always eliminated during the selection process.

After learning this, the judges at the scene were quite conflicted—should they accept him or not? Rejecting him seemed a pity, yet accepting him felt like neglecting their duty.

The judges asked the contestant to wait for a moment and privately discussed in hushed tones. A few minutes later, they returned to their seats and straightened up.

One judge hesitated before, under the silent cues of the others, clearing his throat and saying, “We’re sorry. Although your singing is excellent, we still cannot approve your advancement…”

He did not voice the reason, but everyone understood. Setting aside his appearance, they genuinely admired this young man’s talent. Being professionals, they could tell at a glance who sang well and who did not.

Yet, sometimes a good voice alone isn’t enough to break through.

Even they sighed silently for this boy, thinking what a pity it was.

If only…

But reality offers no “if.”

Onstage, Niu Jun heard the score and seemed unsurprised. Still, he stepped forward a few paces and bowed deeply to the judges, which made them feel even more uncomfortable, some unable to meet his eyes.

Just as Niu Jun was about to leave the stage, a voice called from the back row, “Wait!”

Su Chen stood and slowly walked forward. Seeing this, Ji Lin hurried to follow.

The judges, already feeling uneasy, grew even more irritated. It was already hard enough to accept this—now someone was interrupting again. And this was the second time! It was Su Chen who had caused a scene earlier. Though they did not know his relationship with Ji Lin, they suspected some backstage connections.

“What is it?” one judge asked, frowning, his tone less than friendly.

Ji Lin quickened his pace, took over the conversation, and introduced, “Teacher Wu, this is the chief planner of our program and also our investor.”

At that, the judges instantly cooled down. Their pent-up frustration cleared away, and they quickly stood to shake hands with Su Chen.

After some polite exchanges, Su Chen said, “I think he’s very good. Both his vocal skills and technique are the best I’ve seen so far.”

Several judges nodded in agreement, but one hesitated and lowered his voice to say quietly, “But he…”

With the main character present, he dared not say more.

“I understand your concerns,” Su Chen replied, “but on ‘China’s Best Voice,’ we never judge by external conditions.”

“Why is it called the Best Voice? Because the voice is what matters most!”

“We provide a stage for talent to be showcased. What you worry about is a matter for later, unrelated to our selection criteria.”

He smiled at the judges and added, “Perhaps you haven’t yet seen our official competition rules. You’ll understand in due time.”

“I set only one standard here: No matter who you are, if you sing well, you’re welcome.”

Though surprised, the judges could not argue further. After all, he was the key figure here.

At the same time, they grew curious about the competition’s format.

After further discussion, the judges gave Niu Jun the highest score and approved him.

On the other side, just as Niu Jun was about to leave, the unexpected turn gave him a new chance. Passing with the highest score felt like a dream.

He knew such treatment never happened in other competitions. Being eliminated at registration was common, but this time was a first.

All thanks to the man before him, whose identity remained unknown but to whom he felt deeply grateful.

Still dazed, Niu Jun made his way to the exit yet remained composed enough to turn back and bow deeply toward Su Chen and the judges.

Su Chen nodded in acknowledgment.

His actions were purposeful. In a previous life, when first watching a similar program, what attracted him was the blind audition format, which made the unknown intriguing, and the fact that ordinary people could be recognized solely by voice, resonating with the audience.

If that core principle couldn’t be upheld, how could the show succeed?

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At Lv Yuanqing’s place, the four mentors had also been finalized.

Besides himself and Jiang Yan, he invited two others.

One was the veteran singer Zhu Qingmei, a longtime friend of his. Though not top-tier, she was undeniably a powerhouse. When in full form, even the reigning stars would step aside.

Unfortunately, Zhu Qingmei had missed her prime due to various reasons, causing her career to be interrupted. Having recently returned to the scene, Lv Yuanqing felt obliged to lend a hand.

The other mentor he invited surprised Su Chen—it was Qin Pei.

Curious, Su Chen inquired further and learned that Qin Pei was recommended through a friend’s connection.

Could it be Fang Xiao?

Within Star Orange Entertainment, only she had such insider connections and influence.

Perhaps the tip came from Bai Shu?

But Bai Shu mainly handled daily affairs and knew little about their program. Why would she entrust Qin Pei to this show and not approach Su Chen directly?

Su Chen did not dwell on it.

Whether it was Qin Pei or not, the show had just begun and lacked attention. It was a good opportunity to ride Qin Pei’s current popularity for some exposure.

He only wondered what expression Qin Pei would wear upon meeting him.