Chapter 154: The Competition Begins — “Clouds Over My Hometown”

Arriving in Xiangjiang, they rested for the night and held the rehearsal the next morning.
The recording of the singers' entrance segment began in the afternoon.
Tonight's recording was for the seventh episode of "Voice", so a replacement singer would join the lineup.
Just like before, the identity of the replacement singer was strictly confidential.
Afterward, the original lineup of singers began to guess the identity of the newcomer.
When this segment was broadcast, it would also provoke speculation from the audience, effectively enhancing their sense of participation.

Since the previous replacement singer was Li Caiwei, and Fang Xing had known about it in advance, Xie Yuwen took the lead this time and asked, "Fang Xing, tell us first, was the song for tonight's replacement singer produced by you?"
Fang Xing smiled and asked in return, "Why would you ask that?"
Xie Yuwen replied as a matter of course, "You and Li Caiwei gave me post-traumatic stress disorder. If another one comes out later and you're responsible for their song again, are you guys planning to sweep the top three places?"
Fang Xing shook his head with a smile and said, "You can rest easy this time. I don't know who the replacement singer is, and I didn't help produce any songs for them."
Xie Yuwen looked straight into the camera and said, "You all heard that, my fellow audience members. If the replacement singer turns out to be connected to Fang Xing later, you know what to do—tear him apart fiercely."

This segment was packed with variety show effects.
Zheng Tao was extremely satisfied. Next came the selection of the performance order for the competition.
This time, Fang Xing had decent luck, drawing the seventh spot, while Li Caiwei drew the fifth, and Liu Hongsheng the fourth.
Xie Yuwen secured the slot everyone wanted, performing sixth.

With the performance order segment recorded, they took a one-hour break.
At seven-thirty in the evening, the recording of the competitive performances officially began.
Holding his walkie-talkie, Zheng Tao loudly announced, "Everyone take your positions. The recording for the seventh episode's competition of 'Voice' officially begins."

Host He Hao stepped onto the stage with a joyful expression and began his opening monologue:
"Dear singers, guests, audience members present here, and our friends watching the broadcast on television, good evening.
"Welcome to the competitive arena of the seventh episode of 'Voice'. Tonight's theme is 'Hometown'.
"'Hometown' is a word imbued with special significance; it is the place in our hearts we can never forget.
"Much like the roots of a tree, wanderers far from home, no matter how distant their journeys take them, always yearn to return to their roots when the leaves fall.
"'Hometown' is such a special place. It has witnessed our childhood joys and sorrows, and it is the land that birthed and raised us.
"Tonight, we sing in praise of 'Hometown' and recount the stories that took place there."

As soon as he finished his opening remarks, the audience showered Teacher He with warm applause.

He Hao continued, "I believe our audience friends are already growing impatient. The competition is about to begin. First up tonight is our very first singer. Who could it be..."

The first to perform was Zhong Yuanxun, who sang a Mandarin song dedicated to his hometown.
His articulation was fairly clear, and his vocal skills were indeed solid, winning him enthusiastic applause from the live audience.
Following that, singer after singer took the stage in succession.

Liu Hongsheng was the fourth to perform.
As he appeared under the stage spotlights, he instantly won the applause of the audience.
He Hao engaged in a brief pre-performance interaction before asking, "So, what song will Heavenly King Liu be singing tonight? Tell the audience out loud."

Liu Hongsheng cleared his throat and replied, "Tonight's song is called 'Hometown in My Heart'."
"Very well, let us leave the stage to Liu Hongsheng as he brings us 'Hometown in My Heart'." Finishing his transition, He Hao turned and walked off the stage.

The venue quieted down.
Clutching his microphone, Liu Hongsheng began to build up his emotions. A moment later, he glanced toward the band.
The bandleader raised his baton and pressed it downward, and the piano initiated the prelude.

Liu Hongsheng began to sing in his rich, deep voice:
"Deep in my heart, there is a place. Camphors fill it completely, and even in my dreams, I yearn for it. It is a place I can no longer return to, yet it has long since filled my heart..."

Liu Hongsheng's delivery was deeply affectionate.
Ever since Fang Xing's rendition of "The Prose Poem Written by Father" moved the audience to tears last time, Liu Hongsheng had learned his lesson and adopted an emotional route. While singing "Hometown in My Heart", he poured all his longing for his hometown into the lyrics.

After he finished singing, the audience was genuinely touched by the music. Many had mist in their eyes, especially those wanderers struggling away from home, who felt a profound sense of resonance.
As the song ended, the live audience responded with enthusiastic applause.

Liu Hongsheng was thoroughly satisfied with his performance tonight, and the audience's reaction gave him an extra boost of confidence.
At the very least, the audience's reaction was much more enthusiastic than those of the first three singers.

...

In the singers' lounge,
following the director team's instructions, the accompanying producer began to question the singers:
"Fang Xing, how do you think Heavenly King Liu performed tonight?"

Fang Xing thought for a moment and replied, "He sang very well. He conveyed the longing for his hometown in a very moving way."
The producer continued pressing, "Then what place do you think Heavenly King Liu will ultimately rank in tonight?"

Fang Xing thought once more: "That's hard to say. Maybe... top three?"

Upon hearing this answer, the producer knew the dramatic hooks were falling into place.
Because this season's broadcast had achieved sky-high popularity, it even stood a chance of surpassing the peak viewership ratings of the first season.
Zheng Tao wanted to push the heat of this season's "Voice" even higher.
The best way to do that was to manufacture talking points.

Zheng Tao had rarely watched boy band survival shows originally.
His initial understanding of Fang Xing came from the clips broadcast by the production team.
Once Fang Xing displayed overwhelming dominance on "Voice", Zheng Tao went back and rewatched Fang Xing's run on "Tomorrow's Star" that season.
He realized that Fang Xing was a walking catalyst for controversy.
As long as you gave him a few questions, Fang Xing could stir up major headlines.
Moreover, even when Fang Xing knew the production team was stirring up drama, he would dive right in without a second thought—he just played hardball.

The producer continued her questioning: "So you think Heavenly King Liu still won't take first place tonight? During our pre-interviews, Heavenly King Liu stated that he was aiming for the championship this time."

Fang Xing shrugged and said, "If it were any other episode, his bid for the crown might work, but tonight it's going to be a bit difficult."
The producer pursued further: "Why? Could it be that the song you're singing is another ultimate weapon?"

Fang Xing sighed with mock dismay: "That would be terrifying. A nuclear-grade ultimate weapon."

The producer was inwardly overjoyed; this interview session was about to exceed her performance quota: "Is it even more fierce than the songs you've sung before?"

Fang Xing deliberated before answering: "Let's put it this way: when this song is sung, even I get scared."
The producer pressed on: "So, you're confident you'll take first place again tonight, right?"

Fang Xing lamented, "I have no idea what the audience will think. All I can say is, anyone who dares not to vote is a warrior."

Hearing this, the producer's eyes lit up.
She was far too familiar with this line.
Fang Xing had said something very similar back on "Tomorrow's Star".
Excitedly, the producer said, "The more you say, the more forward-looking I get."

...

After finishing his song, Liu Hongsheng bowed to the audience and retreated to the lounge to rest.
He Hao stepped onto the stage to deliver the transition and introduce the next singer:
"The next contestant to take the stage is Singer Number 5. Singer Number 5 possesses an ethereal and crystalline voice, and her competitive song was produced by another competing singer.
"Hearing this, you must all be thinking that Singer Number 5 is Li Caiwei.
"However, my friends in the audience, are you really that certain?
"Is Fang Xing the only person on the stage of 'Voice' capable of producing songs for other singers? Could it not be another singer instead?
"I'll tell you—yes, absolutely not, at least not tonight.
"Let us welcome Singer Number 5 to the stage. Please!"

Li Caiwei walked onto the stage wearing an aquamarine sequined evening gown, holding the hem of her dress in one hand and walking with graceful, measured steps, smiling and waving to the audience below.

"It really is Caiwei. The news I got from the director is that Caiwei's song for tonight was once again produced by another singer. Is that true?" He Hao began the interview.

Li Caiwei nodded and replied, "Yes, it was produced by him again."
He Hao continued, "Then are you satisfied with tonight's song?"
Li Caiwei nodded once more, "Of course. He never lets the audience down."

He Hao raised an eyebrow and said, "So you're saying Caiwei is confident about securing a good ranking tonight, right?"
Li Caiwei considered this and answered, "That depends on the performance. I'll give it my all."

He Hao followed up: "Tonight's theme is 'Hometown'. Please tell the audience, what aspect of your hometown are you singing about tonight?"
Li Caiwei smiled, scanned the audience, raised her microphone, and replied, "The Clouds of My Hometown."

"Then let us leave the stage to Caiwei." He Hao shouted his final line and stepped off the stage.

"The Clouds of My Hometown" was a song with lyrics by Xiao Xuan, music by Tan Jianchang, and originally performed by Chang Wen.
Using the "clouds" and "wind" of one's hometown to praise a wanderer's yearning, the song voiced the deep-seated desire of millions of drifters to return to their roots.
This track had been covered by many renowned singers.
Among them, Fei Xiang famously performed it at the Spring Festival Gala, and the public's impression of the song largely stemmed from him.
Additionally, Han Hong had also covered it and later performed it on the stage of "I Am a Singer".

The stage lights dimmed.
Li Caiwei took two steps to the left, stood in the center of the stage, and turned to signal the band to begin playing.
The melodious prelude sounded.

Following the rhythm of the music, Li Caiwei swayed her body gently. As the prelude reached its end, she raised her microphone and began to sing:

The clouds of my hometown drift across the horizon,
They call to me without stopping.
When the gentle breeze beside me begins to blow,
There is a voice calling out to me:
Return, oh return,
Wanderer drifting to the ends of the earth...

With her clear and enchanting voice, Li Caiwei sang the song in a narrative, heartfelt tone.
It sounded like a mother calling for her prodigal child to return home.
It also sounded like a wanderer reminiscing about their homeland.
Her singing was plaintive yet tender, filling the hearts of the audience with warmth.

When Li Caiwei finished, the live audience rewarded her with thunderous applause.

Back in the lounge,
the producer resumed questioning the singers: "Fang Xing, Li Caiwei's song was produced by you. How do you think she performed?"
Fang Xing nodded and said, "She sang very well. She expressed the core emotion of this song wonderfully."

The producer pursued: "Then what do you think Li Caiwei's ranking will be tonight?"
Fang Xing replied speechlessly, "I'm not a judge, how would I know? You guys are just trying to stir up trouble."

With a smile, the producer said, "It doesn't matter, just take a wild guess. Besides, you're not someone who's afraid of drama."
Fang Xing sighed, "Fine. Then I'll be blunt. I think Li Caiwei can make the top two tonight."

Hearing this answer, the producer's eyes widened in shock.
Because just after Liu Hongsheng finished singing, Fang Xing's prediction had been: "He can make the top three."
Liu Hongsheng could make the top three, while Li Caiwei could make the top two.
Combine those two statements, and the controversy value would literally go off the charts.

With wide eyes, the producer pressed further: "Then why not guess first place?"
Fang Xing rolled his eyes and said, "You guys definitely wanted me to answer 'because I haven't sung yet.' Fine, you guessed right. Tonight's song has zero reason not to take first place. If this song fails to take first place tonight, it will be a lifelong stain on my record."

The producer chimed in, "You don't need to put it quite that seriously."
"No, it is precisely that serious," Fang Xing emphasized.

The producer felt that the questioning tonight had already reached peak sensationalism.
There wasn't even any need for the competition; the moment this segment aired, it would undoubtedly dominate the trending searches.

...

On the other side.
After listening to Li Caiwei's rendition of "The Clouds of My Hometown", the expression on Liu Hongsheng's face froze instantly.
Because he realized once again that Li Caiwei's song was simply too formidable, making him feel threatened yet again.

Disregarding his internal state entirely, the producer pressed on with her questions: "Teacher Liu, what do you think of Li Caiwei's performance tonight?"
What could Liu Hongsheng possibly say?
To maintain his generous persona as a heavenly king, he could only reply, "Very good. Li Caiwei's performance today was even better than the last."

The production team was dead set on creating drama for this episode.
The producer continued to push: "Then what place do you think Li Caiwei will rank tonight?"
"This... I have no idea. It all depends on how the live judges feel." Liu Hongsheng avoided giving a direct answer.

No matter how the producer probed, Liu Hongsheng played it safe, refusing to give a definitive answer.
In truth,
when faced with such trap-laden interview questions, the best response was non-commitment.
Because if you predicted a high rank for your rival, you were boosting their morale.
If you predicted a low rank and they ended up scoring high, you were essentially slapping your own face.

Thus, Liu Hongsheng answered the producer's questions with seasoned shrewdness to avoid any pitfalls.
Yet, a creeping sense of unease had already taken root in his heart.

What worried him even more was that Fang Xing had not yet taken the stage.
"The Clouds of My Hometown" was produced by none other than Fang Xing.
If Fang Xing could produce such an immensely powerful song for someone else, would the song he himself was going to perform be any weaker?
Even with his toes, he could figure out that the song Fang Xing was about to unleash would only be stronger.

At this thought, Liu Hongsheng felt a suffocating tightness in his chest.
During the previous episode under the "family" theme, he had started out full of confidence, only to be slapped hard across the face later on.
This time, he felt a haunting deja vu, and his mood was exceptionally complicated.