Chapter 139: Baoboli's Endorsement Stolen

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The competition rankings were announced.
Fang Xing took first place once again, and this time, he won through the raw emotion conveyed in his song.
When Zheng Tao read Fang Xing’s name, Liu Hongsheng’s expression froze once more.
Fang Xing taking first place tonight meant that Liu Hongsheng had placed second for three consecutive episodes.
If this continued, he would truly become the "eternal runner-up."
No matter how much Liu Hongsheng pondered it, he never expected this to happen.
For three straight rounds of competition, he had given it his all, aiming for the top spot, but every time, he fell just short.
Furthermore, he had been beaten to first place by the same opponent every single time.
In his original assessment, losing to established powerhouses like Xie Yuwen or Xu Xinyu would have been acceptable.
Instead, he was being upstaged by a newcomer who had appeared out of nowhere, and it had been happening for three weeks in a row.
Liu Hongsheng’s expression almost cracked, but as a king of the music scene, he knew he had to keep up the facade in front of the cameras.
So, when the surrounding singers stood up to congratulate Fang Xing, Liu Hongsheng hesitated for two seconds before forcing a smile and joining in the applause.
Fang Xing thanked everyone one by one, offering a polite "thank you" to Liu Hongsheng as well.
However, the atmosphere on set remained subtle.
In truth, all the singers present knew that Liu Hongsheng, brought in by the production team with a hefty fee, was intended to be the face of this season’s *Voice*.
Yet, that "face" had been suppressed by the same young singer for three consecutive rounds; everyone could feel the tension.
After the congratulations concluded, Zheng Tao asked, "Fang Xing, did you think you could take first place tonight?"
Fang Xing thought for a moment and replied, "Actually, this song wasn't really suited for a competition. In the first two rounds, I was aiming for first place, but tonight, I was just aiming to express myself."
Zheng Tao applauded and said, "This just goes on to show that the audience was truly moved by your singing."
Once the filming for the ranking announcement wrapped up, Zheng Tao picked up another cue card, cleared his throat, and said:
"Alright, it is time for the exciting moment again. We are about to announce the theme for the next round of competition.
"That’s right, the next round will also be a themed competition.
"Before I announce the theme, a quick reminder: Shen Xiyin, although your challenge as a challenger singer was unsuccessful, your ranking is not high.
"If your performance in the next round is still unsatisfactory, you will be in danger of elimination."
Shen Xiyin sighed and said, "I know. I am already very satisfied just to have come to *Voice*. I thank the production team for the invitation."
She had debuted as part of a girl group.
In previous seasons of *Voice*, there was no "challenger" format; given her status in the industry, she would have had virtually no chance to step onto the *Voice* stage.
This season introduced the challenger singer format specifically for newcomers and those with less seniority.
Many challengers came to *Voice* not necessarily to win, but simply to perform their own songs and promote their work.
Shen Xiyin had originally planned it that way, but she hadn't expected to actually win her challenge.
However, there was still a slight gap between her raw ability and that of the mid-career powerhouses.
This resulted in her low ranking of sixth this round; if she kept this position in the next round, she would be in trouble.
After reminding the lower-ranked singers, Zheng Tao officially announced: "One more reminder: the theme for the next round is extremely difficult.
"However, this was a topic voted on by the audience.
"So, the theme for the next round is... Dialects."
Upon hearing this theme, many of the singers present widened their eyes.
"What?"
"Dialects!"
Zheng Tao nodded to confirm, "Yes, dialects."
Xie Yuwen hurriedly asked, "Wait, by dialects, do you mean Cantonese songs?"
Zheng Tao smiled and replied, "It could be Cantonese, or other dialects like Minnan, Mongolian, or folk songs from other minority ethnic groups.
"Also, the requirement for the dialect theme is to integrate the dialect into the song.
"For example, if some minority folk songs lack popularity, they can be adapted by incorporating pop elements.
"You all remember, don't you? In a previous show, a singer performed a folk song in her native Yi language and received recognition from many seniors."
Xie Yuwen said dryly, "But isn't singing a Cantonese song the simplest and most direct way?"
Zheng Tao smiled, "Cantonese is fine, too. It’s up to your own decision."
Xie Yuwen looked toward Liu Hongsheng and said, "Then the next round will be the King’s home turf again. He released many Cantonese hits twenty years ago."
Liu Hongsheng waved his hand in response, "I welcome everyone to sing my Cantonese classics."
Shen Xiyin’s eyes brightened, and she asked, "Then can I sing in Mongolian?"
"Of course," Zheng Tao nodded.
"But if it's entirely in Mongolian, the audience won't understand it at all. Can I adapt some of the lyrics into Mandarin?" Shen Xiyin asked.
"Yes, as long as there are Mongolian elements, that’s fine," Zheng Tao agreed.
For someone like Shen Xiyin, who had a native dialect that could be turned into a song, it was relatively straightforward.
At this point, Zhong Yuanxun, after hearing the translation, raised his hand and asked in Korean, "I want to ask, is a Korean song okay?"
"That is also fine. As long as it is your native language, it is acceptable," Zheng Tao nodded.
The other singers had no objections to Zhong Yuanxun singing in Korean.
After all, singing Chinese songs was already a huge challenge for him; asking him to sing a dialect song would be impractical.
Since other singers could perform their native folk songs, Zhong Yuanxun could certainly do the same.
Once the theme for the next round was announced, the night’s recording officially concluded.
The singers left one by one.
Fang Xing returned to his hotel to rest, preparing for the recording of *Happy Weekend* the next day.
Because *Voice* started broadcasting ahead of schedule, the recording for *Happy Weekend* was moved up as well.
Due to this shift, many singers could not adjust their schedules.
Therefore, when they arrived for the *Happy Weekend* recording the next day, only Shen Xiyin, Xie Yuwen, and Wang Tingwei were present.

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Other singers did not attend this episode of *Happy Weekend*.
Having just met yesterday on *Voice*, they ran into He Hao again at the *Happy Weekend* studio.
He Hao laughed, raised an eyebrow, and joked, "We meet again. Does it feel a bit like we’re haunting each other?"
"A little bit," Fang Xing replied with a smile.
He Hao widened his eyes and said, "Are you already impatient with me?"
Fang Xing laughed and said, "I’ve noticed that the host for every show I go on is Teacher He. Maybe next time you do a show, Teacher He, you should give me a heads-up so I can jump in."
He Hao said happily, "That sounds great! If I can bring a top-tier star on every show I do, the sponsors will be chasing after me, won't they?"
After the opening introductions, He Hao began the interactive Q&A:
"This time, Fang Xing, Xiyin, Yuwen, and Tingwei are here to promote *Voice*, right?
"So, you four are all initial contestants, correct?"
Wang Tingwei raised his hand and said, "Not me, I’m a replacement contestant."
Shen Xiyin also raised her hand and said, "Neither am I, I’m a challenger."
He Hao said in surprise, "Wow! So, Xiyin, did you succeed in your challenge?"
Shen Xiyin held back a laugh and said, "You’re the host of *Voice*, why are you asking me?"
He Hao replied as if it were obvious, "I know, but the audience doesn't."
Shen Xiyin corrected him, "No, the audience knows now; the first episode aired the day before yesterday."
He Hao looked stunned and said, "Ah, that seems to be the case. Well, that’s not important. In any case, congratulations to Xiyin on a successful challenge."
Shen Xiyin sighed, "But I might be eliminated soon. Unlike Fang Xing, who takes first place every time—it’s just too much."
He Hao made an exaggerated expression again: "Fang Xing, you take first place every time? Is it really that dramatic?"
Fang Xing used Shen Xiyin’s own words to reply, "You’re the host of *Voice*, why are you asking me?"
The variety show effect was achieved.
He Hao laughed and said, "Congratulations to Fang Xing for three consecutive first-place finishes. That’s truly impressive!"
After the first part of the interactive Q&A ended, He Hao moved the segment along:
"Since we’ve invited so many talented singers today, it wouldn’t be right not to sing, would it? Come on, let’s get the Happy KTV started."
They entered the first game segment: Happy KTV.
The production team brought out a karaoke machine, and they took turns picking songs to sing live.
This segment had been rehearsed.
Furthermore, the production team had arranged for Fang Xing and Shen Xiyin to perform a duet, which included a simple dance routine.
During the performance, Fang Xing held Shen Xiyin’s hand and spun her around.
The recording of *Happy Weekend* was very relaxed.
The whole process was just playing games, unlike *Voice*, where one had to worry about competition rankings.
When Fang Xing used to watch *Happy Weekend*, his favorite game was "Who’s the Undercover."
This time, while recording *Happy Weekend*, he finally had the chance to play it himself.
After the Happy KTV segment finished, they moved on to "Who’s the Undercover."
The production team pushed out a long, counter-shaped prop.
There were eight playing positions. Fang Xing, Shen Xiyin, Xie Yuwen, Wang Tingwei, and four other guests and the host stood in their places.
He Hao took charge as the host.
The directing team handed out cards for "Who’s the Undercover" to the guests.
In this game, every player is given a card with a word written on it. It could be an animal, a person’s name, or an idiom.
Then, each guest describes the word in turn without saying any of the characters in the word itself.
Usually, one player is the "undercover."
The "undercover" receives a different word than everyone else.
For example, everyone gets the word "Tiger," but the undercover gets "Leopard."
Then, the guests take turns describing their word.
Because the undercover’s word is different, they might make a slip-up while describing it.
Once the other guests suspect that the undercover’s description is off, they vote to eliminate them.
The game ends when all undercovers are voted out.
If the undercover lasts until the end, they win.
After the directors finished handing out the cards, the guests started checking them, sneaking peeks to make sure no one else saw.
Fang Xing picked up his card and glanced at it, his brows arching immediately—there was nothing written on the card. He had drawn a blank.
This was another variant of the game.
Besides the "undercover," there could also be a "blank."
Because the blank card had no words on it, the player had no idea what the secret word was and could only guess based on the descriptions of the other guests.
He Hao began to control the flow: "Alright, everyone has looked at their cards, right? Then let’s start the descriptions with Tingwei."
Wang Tingwei thought for a moment and said, "It’s a bit scary."
Following him, it was Shen Xiyin’s turn.
Shen Xiyin tilted her head, looked at Wang Tingwei, and asked, "Just a bit?"
He Hao pressed, "Xiyin, is that your description?"
Shen Xiyin nodded to confirm, "Yes, I’ve finished describing."
Next was Xie Yuwen: "It’s not that scary, either."
"Hmm?"
The other guests all let out confused noises and looked at Xie Yuwen.
Wang Tingwei slapped the table and said, "Alright, no need to describe any further. I’ve found the undercover. Let’s vote Brother Yuwen out."
Shen Xiyin chimed in, "Agreed, agreed."
Xie Yuwen widened his eyes, trying to struggle, and said, "Wait, wait, I have a second half to that. It’s not that scary, but he’s a bit handsome."

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He Hao continued to control the room: "What does everyone think of this description? Can we keep Yuwen for one more round?"
Wang Tingwei frowned and said, "Maybe we can keep him for a little longer. Let’s see how the others describe it first. If we don’t find the undercover, we’ll vote Brother Yuwen out."
Shen Xiyin followed along, "Agreed, agreed."
Fang Xing, who held the blank card, was completely baffled by their descriptions.
The people before him were describing the word as "scary" one moment and "a bit handsome" the next.
Next, He Hao cued the process: "Next, it’s Fang Xing’s turn to describe. What is the word you were given like?"
Fang Xing thought for a moment and said, "He’s more than just a bit handsome."
"Hmm?"
The guests once again made questioning faces.
Fang Xing’s eyes darted around. He knew that changing his tune now would only make him look more suspicious, so he asked with a firm attitude, "Is it really just a bit?"
Shen Xiyin had no choice but to nod and say, "Fine, fine."
After the first round of descriptions ended, He Hao said, "Now, let’s start voting. Point your finger at whoever you want to vote for."
The guests raised their hands, pointing back and forth slowly, finally landing on Xie Yuwen.
Xie Yuwen struggled, "Why are you pointing at me? Where do I look like an undercover? Was there something wrong with what I said? More than scary. Also a bit handsome."
He Hao began to create variety show effects, asking, "Xiyin, why did you vote for Yuwen?"
Shen Xiyin held back a laugh and said, "I suspect Fang Xing and Brother Yuwen, so I’m voting for Brother Yuwen."
Wang Tingwei followed up, "I also suspect Fang Xing and Brother Yuwen, I’m voting for Brother Yuwen, too."
"On what grounds?" Xie Yuwen struggled desperately, hoping to be saved.
"Alright, Xie Yuwen is eliminated with five votes. The game... continues," He Hao announced.
"The game continues? That means there are two undercovers," Wang Tingwei judged immediately.
Xie Yuwen stepped out and looked at the front of the table.
The display screen in front of the table showed the word each person had received.
Therefore, one only needed to glance at the screen to know who the undercover was.
After checking, Xie Yuwen shouted, "I’m not the undercover! You all voted wrong!"
Shen Xiyin insisted, "No, no, Brother Yuwen must be the undercover. There are two undercovers."
He Hao continued to guide the game, another round of descriptions took place, and one of the hosts was eliminated.
Then, it was the third round of descriptions.
Host Sun Yue started: "He’s right here on site."
Hearing this, Fang Xing frowned. Combining the clues from the previous descriptions, he had mostly guessed what the word was.
A bit scary, a bit handsome, and he’s right there on site.
When these pieces were combined, the most likely answer was the name of one of the guests.
Fang Xing looked down at his card. Since he had a blank, this guest’s name was likely...
The turn went around the circle.
When it was Fang Xing’s turn to describe, he said directly, "It’s really troublesome for me to describe this word. I can only say, he is a very good singer."
All the guests present had come from *Voice*, so this description wouldn't be wrong.
However, it reached the voting stage.
Shen Xiyin smiled and said, "I know who the undercover is. It must be Fang Xing. He definitely got a blank card. In the first round, he just followed everyone else’s description.
"By the third round, Fang Xing must have guessed what the word was, so he started getting specific.
"Voting for Fang Xing in the first round wasn't right, but now it’s the third round—it’s time to vote."
Wang Tingwei also chimed in, "I agree. In any case, voting Fang Xing out first is definitely the right move."
Thus, everyone pointed at Fang Xing.
He Hao announced, "Fang Xing is eliminated by unanimous vote. Game over."
Fang Xing walked to the front and looked at everyone’s words.
Sure enough, everyone’s word was "Fang Xing," while his card was blank, and Xie Yuwen’s card was "Xie Yuwen."
He Hao asked, "So the 'scary' you guys were talking about—what was scary?"
"Of course, his singing is scary," Shen Xiyin and Wang Tingwei answered as if it were obvious.
Fang Xing said dryly, "I love this game the most, but the directing team set me up on purpose. That’s going too far."
The recording of *Happy Weekend* was very fun, and after playing a few more games, it ended.
...
After the *Happy Weekend* recording concluded, Fang Xing took a flight back to Donghai.
As soon as he stepped off the plane, he was picked up by a company van and taken to headquarters.
Qiao Yinghong was in the middle of a studio meeting.
Fang Xing walked into the conference room.
Qiao Yinghong immediately reported, "Boss, we just received news. Baoboli is about to sign a contract with Liu Hongsheng."
Fang Xing frowned and asked, "Didn't they say they were still in negotiations a few days ago?"
Qiao Yinghong said helplessly, "Yes, they were still talking a few days ago, but we received news yesterday that Liu Hongsheng took the initiative to lower his price—and by quite a lot.
"Baoboli was already interested in Liu Hongsheng; they just hadn't reached a price agreement.
"Now that Liu Hongsheng has proactively dropped his price, the Baoboli executives didn't hesitate and decided to sign the endorsement contract with him."
She paused and continued, "Boss, I think Liu Hongsheng just wanted to snatch the Baoboli endorsement as an act of revenge against us. After all, you beat him three times on *Voice*, so it’s no surprise he’s unhappy and wants to retaliate."
"Let him be. If the Baoboli endorsement is gone, so be it. It’s not that important. Everyone, don’t get discouraged; just continue with our work as scheduled," Fang Xing said, not overly concerned.
Even though he said that, Qiao Yinghong still felt it was a pity, as it was a multi-million-dollar endorsement.