Chapter 58: An Outburst at the Crucial Moment

As expected, upon hearing that a national team singer would be auditioning alongside him, Fu Zhuang’s face immediately betrayed his anxiety.

Though he was a third-tier singer, in terms of sheer popularity he surpassed most of those from the national team. But when it came to true vocal prowess and depth, the national team was where real talent lay hidden. The entertainment industry simply couldn't compare.

Wang Mo glanced at Fu Zhuang and smiled, “Don’t panic.”

Fu Zhuang took a deep breath, “Brother Mo, I’m just afraid of embarrassing you.”

Wang Mo replied with a gentle smile, “If I brought you to the capital, it’s because I have absolute confidence in you. Besides, there’s nothing to lose this time. If you lose to the national team, there’s no shame in that. But if you win, this will be your moment in the spotlight.”

Fu Zhuang was stirred by his words, nodding vigorously, “Yes.”

Wang Mo unleashed another incentive, “And even if—worst case scenario—you miss out on ‘Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth,’ I’ll write another fitting song for you in the future.”

In an instant, Fu Zhuang was invigorated, energy surging through him. “Brother Mo, I’m ready to give it my all!”

Now that’s more like it!

While Wang Mo had faith in Fu Zhuang, if he harbored doubts or held himself back, there was a real chance the national team would snatch away the right to perform this song. Fu Zhuang needed just a little more encouragement.

It seemed his approach was working.

Nearby, Yuan Xiong had overheard their conversation. His expression was complicated as he muttered, “Damn, when did this kid get so good at motivating others? Even better than me.”

…

An hour later, the meeting concluded in a friendly atmosphere.

Yuan Xiong wasted no time in pulling Wang Mo aside to a secluded spot. He pressed eagerly, “Tell me, how did you get in with that group of literary giants like He Zhixing?”

Wang Mo didn’t hide anything. “I came clean with them, shared some information, and let Mr. He know that I am ‘Xilou.’”

Yuan Xiong’s face shifted through a range of expressions before finally settling into realization. “So that’s it. I was wondering why such prominent figures in the literary world—He, Professor Tang, and the others—would pay you special attention. If they know you’re ‘Xilou,’ it all makes sense. Just your signature line is enough to capture their notice.”

Wang Mo asked, “Brother Xiong, is revealing my identity as Xilou going to cause trouble for you or the company?”

Yuan Xiong shook his head. “Of course not. In fact, this is great news. Our whole reason for coming to the capital is to build connections. I haven’t even made a move yet, and you’re already making waves. Still, those old masters of the literary world—they’re reluctant to get involved with the entertainment industry. They might admire Xilou’s talent, but don’t push your luck by asking for too much. Maintain a good relationship, but don’t cross boundaries.

With people like He Zhixing, if they’re willing to invite you into their homes, that says a lot. Even if you don’t make any requests, when you do encounter difficulties in the future, they won’t stand idly by.”

“Understood.”

Wang Mo nodded in agreement. Yuan Xiong’s experience was evident—he saw things much more clearly than the twenty-something Wang Mo.

He then gave Wang Mo several more words of advice before pulling out his phone to report the matter back to the company.

Now that Wang Mo had forged connections with the literary heavyweights, the company’s strategy would need to change.

As he made the call, Yuan Xiong couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, “Why does it feel like ever since Wang Mo’s scandal, I’ve been even busier than before?”

Damn it.

Is this really a scandal?

Other celebrities vanish into obscurity after a fall from grace, but from the very first day, Wang Mo hasn’t stopped for a moment—if anything, he’s been more active than ever.

…

The next day, at the crack of dawn.

Wang Mo and Yuan Xiong brought Fu Zhuang to the “Forbidden City” program team.

Outside the recording studio, Wang Mo approached Wu Yong, who had been waiting for some time, and said, “President Wu, I won’t meet the national team singers in person. You know my situation—my identity is sensitive. The more strangers I encounter, the greater the risk for all of us and for ‘Forbidden City.’”

If word got out that Wuyan was actually Wang Mo, and negative press erupted, “Forbidden City” would never dare to use “Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth,” no matter how good the song was.

Wu Yong replied, “I was just about to say the same. During the recording, you only need to watch from the monitoring room. No one else will have contact with you—not even Mr. Yuan will appear.”

“Alright,” Wang Mo agreed, following Wu Yong to a room not far away.

Seated before the computer, he could clearly monitor everything happening in the recording studio.

Before long, Fu Zhuang appeared outside the studio with another man in his thirties.

This man was also strikingly handsome, bearing some resemblance to Li Yugang from Earth. His gaze was sharp and spirited, and he wore a faint, calm smile.

“So it’s him!” Wang Mo was slightly surprised.

From memory, he recalled this man’s name was Shi Qing, a seasoned national team singer—a regular on major CCTV music programs since his debut. Although he didn’t have widely popular songs, his ability ranked high within the national team.

In terms of pure vocal skill, there was no doubt Shi Qing would outshine Fu Zhuang.

Even though Wang Mo believed Fu Zhuang was more suited to “Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth,” if Fu Zhuang didn’t perform at his best, Shi Qing might well surpass him in the audition.

The audition began.

Shi Qing went first.

Having already received the sheet music, Shi Qing simply cleared his throat and started singing:

“This land, I begin with the bloodline of my people stretching thousands of miles,
Centuries, six hundred years, the descendants of dragons weathering storms…”

Just two lines in, Wang Mo’s brows shot up, genuine astonishment on his face.

He had underestimated the national team singer!

Standing in the recording booth, Shi Qing radiated an extraordinary presence, and the moment he began, his clear, resonant voice earned Wang Mo’s silent nod of approval.

His timbre.

His vocal quality.

His command of rhythm and clarity of diction—all impeccable.

“He sings this well?” Wang Mo muttered, startled. This was the true strength of the national team.

Soon, Shi Qing finished his rendition and stepped out of the booth. Even with his formidable skill, singing “Dragon Scales of Heaven and Earth” left his face flushed, clearly a challenge. Yet his eyes remained confident and composed—he was clearly determined to win this audition.

Then, it was Fu Zhuang’s turn.

Wang Mo had heard Fu Zhuang’s audition back in the Magic City and now felt some concern—if Fu Zhuang performed as he had then, at best he would tie with Shi Qing.

In that case, the odds of Fu Zhuang losing the song would be high, as the “Forbidden City” team would certainly favor the national team singer under equal circumstances.

Wang Mo’s expression grew tense as he fixed his gaze on Fu Zhuang.

Inside the booth, Fu Zhuang still seemed a bit nervous.

After several deep breaths to compose himself, he began to sing:

“This land, I begin with the bloodline of my people stretching thousands of miles…”

It was a solid performance.

But.

It wasn’t enough!

Compared to Shi Qing, at best he was on par, perhaps even falling short in certain nuances.

Just as Wang Mo was frowning—

Suddenly.

A soaring voice burst forth, carrying a surge of power and heroic spirit:

“These dragon scales once fell with a ringing crash, like shattered ice,
Each scale a piece of my heart, a story drifting—I can hardly bear to hear it…”

In an instant.

Wang Mo jolted, goosebumps prickling his skin.

At the critical moment, Fu Zhuang had truly unleashed his power!