Chapter 54: Reba: "[Image] Do my black silk stockings look good?" Lü Ming: "Yes, we have a child together!"

"Reviewing the singing skills of that washed-up celebrity."

"What is your take on the washed-up celebrity's performance tonight, Ziqi?"

Barely two minutes into the broadcast, the viewer count in the live stream skyrocketed to thirty thousand and was still climbing. Seeing numerous viewers asking about this in the chat, Deng Ziqi directly took over the topic.

"His craziness is real, but his singing skills are also real—the exceptionally powerful kind!"

While acknowledging this, Deng Ziqi immediately began venting her frustration:

"Every single review of him online right now is either from people who know nothing about music or from trolls just creating malicious controversy. I want to ask those singers who resort to any means necessary for clout, spreading utter nonsense online to smear a singer with genuine musical talent: do you people still have even a shred of professional ethics as singers?"

"Good is good, bad is bad. Why must you deliberately close your eyes and talk nonsense, stubbornly trying to turn black into white?"

"I really don't understand you people!"

"???"

"Holy shit!"

"Ziqi has lost her cool too?"

"Why is she speaking up for that washed-up celebrity?"

"Can that washed-up celebrity's singing skills even be hyped up? Anyone with a brain can see he was parodying Teacher Yang's style. As for his actual singing, I admit it's much better than before, but calling it 'exceptionally powerful' is a huge overstatement, isn't it?"

"Quickly confess that you were threatened by the washed-up celebrity! Otherwise, even if you are my waifu, I won't be able to protect you!"

"Sis, who gave you the guts to sit at the same table as the washed-up celebrity?"

"Are you guys the classic, mindless sheep who just follow the crowd? That song 'Even Death Can't Tear Us Apart' he sang tonight was absolute dynamite! The messy noises online can lie, but high notes don't. It's not like you guys don't have ears; whether he actually hit those high notes is something everyone could see with their own eyes, right?"

"High notes mean strong singing skills?"

"Belting out top-tier high notes without cracking—if that doesn't prove it, what does? Have you people in the chat never been to a KTV?"

The chat flew by rapidly. Seeing this, Deng Ziqi realized that most netizens actually understood nothing. She immediately pulled up the replay of *Who is the King of Singers*, deciding to hold a little Ziqi Class for these copy-pasting gossips:

"I am going to explain it to you lyric by lyric, alright? Just to save certain bottom-dwelling bloggers from spreading rumors everywhere."

"During this verse, you literally cannot hear him taking a breath. This alone is enough to prove that his breath control is extremely, extremely steady—something many first-tier singers in the current Mandopop scene cannot achieve."

"Now, look at his falsetto-to-chest-voice transitions in the chorus. Have you ever seen anyone play the guitar while outputting high notes at such a high decibel, and on top of all that, executing smooth, seamless switches between falsetto and chest voice? Nowadays, singers who even dare to challenge high-note tracks are rare in Mandopop, let alone someone playing with his life like Lü Ming is."

"And the climax section right here is a textbook example of chest resonance!"

"Many people actually don't know this technique, and even those who do only know it by hearsay. In fact, chest resonance is an essential technique for first-tier singers, but depending on the degree of mastery and differences in timbre, it produces vastly different results."

"Some people never quite grasp its true essence; even if they master the technique, they can't use it fluently, and it might even backfire. But others can use the chest resonance technique to polish and refine their voice to an extreme degree. The most direct sensation is a full, rich tone with an overwhelming sense of power!"

"If anyone wants to understand the relevant knowledge here, you can consult some professional bel canto bloggers."

"Understand the principle of chest resonance, and now listen to this section."

Having finished her explanation, Deng Ziqi unpaused the video. Everyone heard Lü Ming make a silky transition from falsetto back to his true voice during the climax, followed by the chest resonance technique to further amplify the explosive power of his voice!

It was precisely because of the explosion in this section that the atmosphere at the venue was completely ignited. Many girls in the audience who had previously held hostile attitudes toward Lü Ming couldn't help but sing along.

Netizens who had previously been unimpressed were guided by Deng Ziqi, and listening to this section now, they immediately felt the vibe was completely different. Although they couldn't grasp the subtle nuances, understanding the basic principles allowed them to discern a thing or two.

"Although it's a bit embarrassing to be inferior to Lü Ming in a professional field I've deeply cultivated for so many years, the fact is what it is. Not just me, but many singers in the Mandopop industry fail to reach his current level of technical application. In terms of foundational vocal techniques, he has already reached the level of many conservatory professors!"

"I think this guy was simply born to eat this bowl of rice!"

At this moment, the live viewer count in her room had already exceeded 100,000+

"Holy shit!"

"So that means the washed-up celebrity can actually sing?"

"More than just 'can sing'! Didn't you hear Ziqi? Conservatory professor-level technique! Even she admits she's inferior."

"Could it be that the washed-up celebrity is actually aiming to win the crown and become the king of singers in a music variety show?!"

"Please explain to me how 'Begging for a Loan' was sung so damn terribly."

"When a person is driven to desperate straits, there's bound to be a bit of a mental breakdown. I know this feeling deeply from experience."

"How do you explain that single from back then? My sister spent three yuan on it, and every time she mentions the washed-up celebrity, she re-emphasizes the trauma he inflicted on her back then. There are tens of thousands of victims like her!"

"Perhaps human epiphanies happen overnight..."

"I major in bel canto, and I can prove that everything Ziqi said is true!"

"Earlier, in another comment section, I told people that the washed-up celebrity's vocal foundation was phenomenal, and my phone instantly blew up. For half an hour, over a thousand replies were cursing me out. At that time, I even doubted if I was studying a fake major. Now someone has finally stepped up to speak the truth; otherwise, I was about to burst from holding it in!"

"If a washed-up celebrity has real talent, can he even be called a washed-up celebrity anymore?"

The chat room instantly exploded into chaos.

Seeing that the netizens had finally learned the truth after she spoke her mind, Deng Ziqi immediately revealed a deeply satisfied expression.

Half an hour later, she ended the broadcast and went to sleep contentedly.

With such a top-tier female singer in the Mandopop industry stepping up to speak for Lü Ming, coupled with hundreds of thousands of netizens witnessing the firsthand scene, the influence spread rapidly, and online public opinion immediately executed a 180-degree reversal!

Marketing accounts instantly shifted their tune, vehemently criticizing and holding accountable those third-rate singers who had previously talked nonsense about Lü Ming.

Whether driven by professional ethics or simply failing to catch the first wave of clout, various bloggers, prominent internet influencers, and other public figures immediately stepped out to follow closely behind Deng Ziqi's charge. While bombarding those who had previously given harsh reviews of Lü Ming, they simultaneously lifted Lü Ming high onto a pedestal. Some unprincipled bloggers even went so far as to proclaim, "The washed-up celebrity is the hope of the rising Mandopop industry!"

In short.

The next day.

When Lü Ming woke up and saw the internet everywhere hyping him up as the savior of the declining Mandopop industry, he was completely dumbfounded.

"Am I still drunk?" Lü Ming patted his head in disbelief. After confirming it repeatedly, he forwarded the trending search tags to Dilraba: "These haters treat me like a washed-up celebrity every day, and overnight they all turn into fans? How is that even possible?"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "Have you ever dated Deng Ziqi?"

[Ming]: "What kind of nonsense is that?!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "The other party forwarded you [Entertainment Gossip]: *Shocker! Latest inside story on Zheng Ming's breakup: The washed-up celebrity and Sister Zheng were originally on good terms, but later the washed-up celebrity supposedly cheated with Deng Ziqi, causing their relationship to break down. Deng Ziqi has never had any interaction with the washed-up celebrity, yet she started a broadcast late at night to speak up for him. The reasons behind this give food for thought!*"

Looking at the gossip tag, Lü Ming sent a face-palming emoji: "What kind of messy junk are you paying attention to day in and day out?"

"Please help me issue a lawyer's letter warning; this marketing account has completely lost its mind!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "You have the nerve to call others crazy?"

"My studio hasn't launched legal services yet. Well, this actually reminds me—once *Wu Xin: The Monster Killer* blows up, I must hire a few more lawyers. Every single one of those people ruining my reputation is getting sued!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "You still have a reputation? In a sense, them ruining your reputation is practically helping whitewash you!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "By the way, I read the script for *Wu Xin: The Monster Killer* this morning. Where on earth did you dig up this script, duck?"

"Pretty good, right?"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "More than just pretty good! The theme is very novel. I showed it to Sister Mi too, and she said if we put together a cast backed by solid acting powerhouses, it's guaranteed to explode!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "However, Sister Mi also said that while the script definitely has the potential to become a massive hit, if I co-star with you, my remaining reputation in life might be ruined!"

"You're not planning to ghost me, are you?" Lü Ming's expression shifted.

[Little Bear Gummy]: "Hehe, of course not. Anyway, I gave your number to Sister Mi. She should be calling you later—just make sure you don't slip up. Oh right, when does our show start filming?"

Lü Ming breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

"Bringing up my past relationship history first thing in the morning—don't you know how much damage my last failed relationship inflicted on my tender soul? I fine you 5200 to transfer to me!"

[[Little Bear Gummy] transferred 52,000 yuan to you!]

Lü Ming decisively clicked accept, then praised: "Not bad, you even know people should multiply by ten. Exactly, I have nothing to do today, so as a reward, treat me to something delicious. Also, remember to dress cooler; it's hot outside!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "Top-tier bro, what happens if I keep spoiling you like this and you gradually get used to it? I just saw a news story about a couple named Li and Zhang. In daily life, Li always unconditionally satisfied Zhang's demands. One day, Li suddenly refused Zhang's request, and as a result, that very night, due to severe domestic violence and failing emergency treatment, Li passed away. I'm so scared!"

[Ming]: "Break up. Let's break up right now!"

[Little Bear Gummy]: "Were we even dating for you to break up? #Speechless#"

Lü Ming stopped looking at his phone. He went to the bathroom, took a hot shower, blew-dried his hair, and picked up his phone again to find several more transfer notifications waiting for him.

[[Little Bear Gummy] transferred 52,000 yuan to you!]
[[Little Bear Gummy] transferred 52,000 yuan to you!]
[[Little Bear Gummy] transferred 52,000 yuan to you!]

[Little Bear Gummy]: "[Picture], does my black silk look good?"

"Sample size is too small, no reference value. Take photos from different angles and send a few more for me to review." Lü Ming silently clicked to save the black silk photo and changed his chat background to it.

Before the two of them chatted much longer, an unfamiliar number called in.

"I know all about you and Dilraba!" A sweet, coquettish voice came from the other end of the line.

Lü Ming paused for a moment: "That's right, we have a child!"

"???" The woman's voice pitched up sharply: "What did you say?!!"

"Didn't you already know?"

"That's not what I knew! Wait, this is too much information to process; let me catch my breath!" Sister Mi on the other end rubbed her temples, feeling like that phrase sounded somewhat familiar. Suddenly recalling Lü Ming's usual unhinged behavior, she began grinding her pearly white teeth and cursed out loud: "Are you insane?!"

"Why are you still cursing?!" Lü Ming acted wronged: "Being a boss is a big deal? Can bosses just go around cursing people?"

"Stop fooling around." Sister Mi gave a light hmph: "I know the relationship between the two of you isn't ordinary right now, but your situation is known across the entire entertainment industry; you're destined not to bounce around for long. Dilraba is currently in her career-rising period. You catch my drift, right?"

Lü Ming paused, then suddenly blurted out: "Five million!"

"???" Sister Mi failed to keep up with his train of thought, asking in utter bewilderment: "Five hundred what?"

"Give me five million, and I'll break up with her immediately!"

Sister Mi: "..."

She took a deep breath and looked around in bewilderment. If her capable manager hadn't been absent, she would have pinned Dilraba's little head down, poured all the water out of her brain first, and then made her soberly look at what kind of weird freak she had actually fallen in love with!

Heaven and earth are her witness—early in the morning, her capable manager had excitedly called her, telling her that Dilraba was either going to act with the washed-up celebrity for zero pay, or had already signed a contract, or faced heavy liquidated damages. How on earth was this any different from a daughter she had raised with bitter hardship suddenly coming home with a marriage certificate saying she married some punk with dyed hair?!

She had thought the washed-up celebrity for whom Dilraba was willing to risk her life must be a real man.

Turns out—good grief!

First thing he asks for is a breakup fee?!

"You bastard!" Sister Mi said in exasperation: "My point was for you two to keep a low profile and have a secret underground romance for now. Who forced you to break up? Besides, with your eye-straining acting skills, you actually dare to act? Who gave you the courage? Fish Leong?"

Oh ho?

Although he had indeed misunderstood, wasn't this woman on the other end displaying way too much anger?

"Are your acting skills not eye-straining? Are your acting skills good? Do others even have the right to question my acting skills, let alone a resource-backed darling like you?" Lü Ming retorted unhappily.

Hearing this, Sister Mi replied unhappily: "My acting skills might be average, but I'm pretty!"

"By your logic, my acting skills are better than yours, and I'm handsome too. Do you understand why netizens call me a 'beautiful piece of trash'? If you were truly pretty, anti-fans would be calling you a 'beautiful piece of trash' as well. Since you haven't earned this honor, it just means you're still not pretty enough!" Lü Ming snorted coldly.

"Ha... haha..." Sister Mi on the other end was laughed into fury: "Big brother, do you think this is something worth bragging about? Are you actually proud of it?"

"What kind of freak did Dilraba actually find?" Sister Mi muttered with a face full of displeasure, then said: "I'm not arguing with you. Anyway, there's no way you two can film this show—I don't agree. As for the script, I did read it. Although I don't know where you dug it up from, the quality is indeed good. My studio will buy it for one million. If you agree, I'll wire the money right now."

Lü Ming dismissed it with disdain: "Your wife transferred over a million to me just yesterday as pocket money. Are you trying to brush off a beggar with one million?"

"She... isn't asking you for a talent fee, and she's transferring money to you?" Sister Mi's thick, coquettish voice carried sheer disbelief: "Wait, her salary is paid by me! Is she using my money to support you, a kept boy?"

"That's right. Effectively, you are keeping me!" Lü Ming sneered.

Sister Mi's magnificent assets heaved violently. The next second, she spat out the word "bastard" and angrily hung up the phone.

Lü Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "This Sister Mi, even her cursing sounds like coquettish flirting. No wonder she's the goddess in so many people's hearts."

Seeing that the other person didn't call back, and Dilraba had already messaged saying she was about to arrive at his hotel, he happily left his room. Walking out of the hotel lobby, that familiar Maserati was already quietly waiting by the roadside.

That feeling of being picked up and dropped off in a chauffeured ride was actually pretty awesome!

...

Over the next two days, Lü Ming's life could be described as quite fulfilling.

Before Dilraba, he used to tease little Ya and scold Song Zhe when he had nothing to do; life was comfortable enough. But now, with an interesting person added to his life, Lü Ming instantly felt that his originally calm, gray-and-white existence had gained countless rich colors. His days suddenly became full of flavor, and Dilraba was quickly developed by him into a dedicated drinking buddy. Having transmigrated for so long, he was finally getting to drink with a girl.

Precisely because he had a drinking partner, Lü Ming made rapid progress over the past two days.

Although he desperately wanted to experience the thrill of the Maserati, because he was in a state of intoxication at all times, Lü Ming had no choice but to put his supercar dreams on hold for the future.

The online controversy continued without a single moment of rest. Deng Ziqi vindicating him did indeed improve his public reputation slightly, and many fan-badge holders boldly proclaimed, "My bro has finally made something of himself!"

However, with Teacher Yang and Teacher Hua making their triumphant returns, coupled with Teacher Huang, Li Changfeng, and Wu Qian—his three old friends—updating the internet over the past two days at a frequency of five small essay-style rants a day, the public opinion that had previously favored him flipped right back around.

These people were either condemning his inappropriate behavior or complaining about how much psychological and bodily trauma he had inflicted upon them, each playing the pity card to the hilt.

Seeing their beloved idols jointly boycotting the washed-up celebrity, various fandoms that usually despised one another now shared a bitter hatred for the enemy, very solidly forming an allied army to crusade against the washed-up celebrity.

Gradually.

The date arrived at May 29th.

At 7:00 PM that evening, the second episode of *Who is the King of Singers* broadcasted once again!

The moment the live stream started, fans of various camps were already frantically boycotting the washed-up celebrity in the live stream chat. At the same time, all sorts of casual onlookers were looking forward to seeing whether the washed-up celebrity could bring new surprises today, while the Ming fans were eagerly waiting for their idol to slap the haters in the face.

For a time, the chaotic, mixed-bag live stream was filled with a red-hot atmosphere.

The Tencent CEO looked at the backend data, smiling from ear to ear: "It's just started broadcasting, and the traffic is already close to the peak of the last episode. We're making a killing—we're totally making a killing!"

...

Seeking monthly votes~