Chapter 031: The Choice

“Lin Feng? That name sounds so familiar...” Upon hearing Lin Feng state his name, Hansen pondered for a moment. Then, a look of shock flashed across his face as he glanced at Qin Ruolin. “He’s Lin Feng—doesn’t that make him your—” Hansen stopped short, swallowing the word “boyfriend.” Clearly, this was not the place to bring up such things.

His expression, however, drew a burst of laughter from the audience, and Qin Ruolin, sitting among the mentors, blushed with embarrassment.

Indeed, she was genuinely embarrassed—it wasn’t an act. After all, Lin Feng was, at least in the public eye, her rumored boyfriend.

On stage, Lin Feng continued introducing himself. “I’m a professional basketball player, currently playing for the Jiangning Jaguars.”

“Lin Feng, forgive me for interrupting,” Hu Jiangquan interjected. “If I’m not mistaken, you’ve got a game tonight, don’t you? But you’re still here filming the show. I’m honestly worried you might not make it in time.”

“I’ll head straight to North City as soon as we finish recording. I shouldn’t miss the game,” Lin Feng replied.

“Good, I hope you can help Jiangning claim their very first championship trophy. The fans have waited far too long for this moment,” Hu Jiangquan said, his voice tinged with emotion.

“I’ll give it my all!” Lin Feng promised earnestly.

“I believe you will!” Hu Jiangquan gave him a thumbs-up, then smiled. “Alright, enough about basketball for now—this is the stage of ‘Original Great Songs.’ Let’s talk about music. I’m curious: what made you join our show?”

“My pure love for music—and my mother’s encouragement. She’s always hoped I’d pursue a career in music,” Lin Feng answered honestly.

Hu Jiangquan nodded and was about to say more when Liu Hua cut in. “Jiangquan, you’re a bit too talkative. Shouldn’t we let Ruolin say something now?”

At this, the audience erupted in cheers. Clearly, Liu Hua had spoken what everyone was thinking.

“Ah, you’re right—I almost forgot.” Hu Jiangquan laughed awkwardly, then turned to Qin Ruolin. “Ruolin, the stage is yours.”

Qin Ruolin hadn’t expected the focus to shift to her so quickly. She glanced at Lin Feng on stage, furrowed her brow, opened her mouth, but couldn’t get a single word out.

Her awkwardness only amused the audience further.

Amid the laughter, Qin Ruolin finally found her footing. “Honestly, I still can’t believe you’re Lin Feng!”

Her words sent the crowd into peals of laughter once again.

Lin Feng scratched his head in embarrassment. In truth, this was their first real meeting—two days ago, he hadn’t seen Qin Ruolin’s face at all. Now, standing just five or six meters apart, he was taken aback by her beauty, despite all the rumors.

A single glance could topple a city; a second, a nation—perhaps that was no exaggeration.

“Lin Feng, don’t tell me you joined the show just because of me?” Now that she was more at ease, Qin Ruolin teased him.

“Can I say I didn’t?” Lin Feng retorted.

“You can try,” Qin Ruolin replied, slipping into her queenly persona.

“Then I’d rather not,” Lin Feng shrugged.

Their playful banter brought another round of laughter from the audience. This hardly looked like a conversation between mentor and contestant—it was more like a couple flirting on stage.

“Ruolin, I think some things are better left for you two to discuss offstage,” Hu Jiangquan said with a grin.

“I agree with Jiangquan,” Liu Hua added, spreading his hands in mock helplessness.

“You two are just jealous,” Hansen chimed in, then turned to Lin Feng. “Buddy, they’re just envious that you look good and have such a beautiful girlfriend. Ignore them and carry on!”

The audience burst out laughing once more.

Lin Feng smiled and nodded at Hansen. “Mr. Hansen, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I grew up listening to your music—especially ‘Blazing Desert,’ which I really love.”

“Is that so? In that case, you should join my team!” Hansen seized the opportunity to campaign for him.

“Come on, Hansen, that’s not fair. Lin Feng came here for Ruolin—how could he possibly pick your team? You’re wasting your breath!” Liu Hua said.

“Not necessarily. Lin Feng doesn’t strike me as the type to put romance above friendship,” Hansen replied, beckoning to Lin Feng. “Come on, Lin Feng, join my team! We’ll sing ‘Blazing Desert’ together!”

“Lin Feng, if you don’t choose Ruolin, then you have to pick my team—Chen Fan and I are both your fans. We can make music and play basketball together,” Hu Jiangquan added, jumping into the competition.

“You two really don’t know how to read the room,” Liu Hua laughed. “Lin Feng, go ahead and join Ruolin’s team. But I have one small request—could you sign an autograph for me? My daughter is a huge fan of yours. Just during the last break, I asked Ruolin to get one for me. Who’d have thought you’d show up in person?”

“Of course—I’d be happy to, and thank you for your daughter’s support,” Lin Feng answered.

“Great, now go ahead and make your choice. I know the odds are slim for the rest of us, but I should remind you—all four mentors have turned their chairs. Whoever you pick, that’s whose team you’ll be on,” Liu Hua said, knowing he stood little chance and urging Lin Feng to decide.

“Wait, I have one more thing!” Hu Jiangquan suddenly interjected, tapping the table with his right hand. “If you choose my team, I’ll give you a fast-track pass! I don’t just want you on my team because I’m your fan—your music truly moved me. Honestly, I think your song, ‘Smiling Eyes,’ is the best of all the auditions!”

According to the rules of “Original Great Songs,” each mentor had three fast-track passes, which allowed a contestant’s song to advance directly to the final album.

These passes were precious, and now Hu Jiangquan was using one to recruit Lin Feng, showing just how much he wanted him on his team.

“Jiangquan, isn’t that a bit hasty? I’m not saying Lin Feng’s song doesn’t deserve it, but even with your fast-track, he probably won’t pick you,” Liu Hua said, shaking his head.

“Worth a try, either way,” Hu Jiangquan smiled at Lin Feng. “Come on, join my team!”

“Join me—I’ll give you a fast-track too!” No sooner had Hu Jiangquan finished than Qin Ruolin also pressed her fast-track button.

The audience immediately erupted.

The Diva herself was blatantly playing favorites!