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TTIG Chapter 58

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  • The music promotion stage “Music Billboard” is a platform for “new song promotion”—only songs released within the current year can be performed on this stage, so the participating singers aren’t of particularly high status.

     

    Senior Ji Ying, who was invited to anchor the first episode, was the most formidable. The singers in subsequent episodes were basically second-tier and third-tier artists.

     

    But even so, compared to newcomers like FTM, their vocal skills and stage presence were still much stronger.

     

    A singer’s vocal ability requires extensive stage training. Singers who have performed hundreds of shows compared to those who have only performed a few shows have obviously superior stage presence and psychological quality.

     

    The five members of FTM also learned a lot from their seniors.

     

    In the third week of May, the competition on Music Billboard became even more intense. FTM ultimately secured third place with 831 votes.

     

    Still a middle-of-the-road ranking that was hard to criticize.

     

    In the fourth week of May, the participating singers changed wave after wave, yet FTM persevered and came again.

     

    Netizens couldn’t help but complain when they saw the familiar name—

     

    “Is FTM grinding dungeons to level up?”

     

    “5-person team weekly dungeon ‘Music Billboard’ hahaha”

     

    “Fixed team, don’t even need to shout for people in world chat [dog head]”

     

    “Are they not leaving until they get the weekly championship?”

     

    “These little idols are surprisingly persistent!”

     

    As the music promotion competition continued for several episodes, the show’s viewership kept rising, and more people began paying attention to these five “persistent” little idols.

     

    Some viewers even started looking forward to their stages.

     

    This week’s contestant lineup was also very strong.

     

    Both female singers were well-known powerhouses in the industry. Of the other two male singers, one was from a rock band, and the other…

     

    Was actually Chen Mian.

     

    When Fang Yinnian saw the list, he was very surprised and privately messaged: “Brother Mian, you’re coming to ‘Music Billboard’?”

     

    Chen Mian sent back a smiley face: “Yeah, I recently had a friend write me a new song, so I’m coming to sing it. This show is quite popular lately, and singing new songs on this stage can get higher exposure.”

     

    For a singer like Chen Mian who had already “faded,” being able to appear on a TV variety show was a rare opportunity.

     

    Fang Yinnian was quite happy that he was willing to come to the stage to promote songs.

     

    When they met backstage during rehearsal, Chen Mian actively walked over to hug Fang Yinnian and gently patted his head: “Yinnian, haven’t seen you for a while, you seem to have grown up?”

     

    Fang Yinnian asked puzzledly: “Did I look very young before?”

     

    Chen Mian joked: “Before you looked like an innocent, naive college student, but now… hmm, you have a bit of a big star’s appearance. Your music promotion outfits today are really handsome.”

     

    Fang Yinnian smiled: “Brother Mian, your white suit is also very handsome.”

     

    Mo Xun glanced at Chen Mian’s hand on Fang Yinnian’s head and unhappily looked away.

     

    Wasn’t Yinnian’s relationship with this “fellow townsman” a bit too intimate?

     

    Saturday quickly arrived.

     

    The audience’s most anticipated “Music Billboard” entertainment show was coming again. Who would be the weekly champion this episode? And who would have a mishap?

     

    The production team released the contestant list.

     

    A’nan “Somebody”

     

    Chen Mian “Letters of Longing”

     

    FTM “Blazing”

     

    Ouyang Xi “Secrets in Time”

     

    Ye Qing “If It’s Sunny”

     

    Once the list was published, various forums began betting and speculating, with an entertainment group even starting a discussion thread.

     

    “Everyone come bet on who will be the weekly champion of this episode of ‘Music Billboard’?”

     

    “I vote for Ye Qing, powerhouse + bright voice, vocal skills OK!”

     

    “I’ll vote for Chen Mian, after all he performed excellently in the early stages of ‘Soul Singer’ back then, and his voice is pleasant”

     

    “A’nan’s rock band might also win the weekly championship, rock music sounds explosive live, public judges are more likely to give high scores”

     

    “No one betting on Ouyang Xi? I like this girl, only three years since debut, sings with great spirit, recommending her original song ”

     

    “FTM is the one no one’s betting on. Laughing to death, less than 10% voted for them”

     

    “Is the boy group coming to grind dungeons again this week?”

     

    “This is just a newbie group grinding dungeons for experience, not participating in the seniors’ weekly championship competition hahaha”

     

    “This group is kind of cute, and pretty thick-skinned too”

     

    “At least they’re better than those groups who don’t dare come or don’t want to come”

     

    Amid countless netizens’ discussions, the show started on time.

     

    For this lottery draw, Mo Xun let Fang Yinnian go up to draw—they got fifth, performing last.

     

    Performing last would be very stressful, especially if the previous singers all performed well, they couldn’t afford any mistakes.

     

    Chen Mian drew number 1.

     

    He went on stage to sing his recently practiced new song “Letters of Longing.” This song was very beautiful, with Chen Mian’s slightly hoarse, gentle voice seeming to whisper his longing for his lover in the audience’s ears.

     

    Chen Mian sang very movingly, with the tremolo at the climax stirring up emotions. Some of the live public judges even shed tears, and he ultimately scored a high 885 points!

     

    The second performer, A’nan, brought his rock band for an intense rock song that got the whole venue hyped.

     

    However, his high-pitched screaming parts cracked several times, possibly due to poor vocal condition, and he scored 755 points.

     

    The third performer, Ouyang Xi, was a musical talent who had risen to fame in recent years, a very spirited girl. Though only 19 years old, she had debuted at 15, so in terms of experience she was also FTM’s senior.

     

    She had rich stage experience, but today’s new song had a relatively gentle overall melody. This type of song didn’t have much advantage in PK competitions. Her performance was flawless, ultimately scoring 843 points.

     

    The fourth performer, Ye Qing, was a powerhouse bright-voice singer who indeed opened with spine-tingling high notes.

     

    She sang very well, with the only flaw being that she didn’t stabilize the final vocal run, with a slight tremor audible in her breath.

     

    Ye Qing’s powerful vocal skills were enough to conquer the public judging panel—she scored 901 points, temporarily ranking first.

     

    Various forums began popping champagne early to congratulate Ye Qing on her weekly championship.

     

    The last to perform, FTM, was naturally considered newbies coming to “gain experience,” not a threat.

     

    Backstage, Mo Xun extended his hand, and the five stacked their hands together, shouting loudly: “FTM, let’s go!”

     

    They walked onto the stage once again.

     

    Today the five had changed into new music promotion outfits—all black pants, black base layers with red leather jackets. The leather jackets had some exquisite silver ornaments that would sparkle when dancing.

     

    Fang Yinnian had also styled his hair up, exposing his forehead.

     

    No wonder Chen Mian said he looked like a big star now. He used to always let his bangs hang down, looking obedient and gentle.

     

    Today with his bangs styled up, exposing his entire face, his delicate features made him look incredibly spirited. Compared to his previous “quiet and well-behaved” image, today’s Fang Yinnian was strikingly handsome.

     

    “Ahhh FTM this styling is killing me!”

     

    “My god, everyone in leather jackets is insanely handsome!”

     

    “Our boy group is super cool today~”

     

    “The five little brothers have such good figures [nosebleed][nosebleed]”

     

    “Everyone has such long legs ahhh!”

     

    This styling went for a cool, handsome, and sexy vibe, perfectly complementing the fast-paced dance track “Blazing.”

     

    For the previous three weeks they had worn black music promotion outfits.

     

    This set of red leather jackets that Xu Baichuan had specially ordered for them was being worn for the first time today, with outstanding effect and very eye-catching.

     

    The familiar rhythm of the song rang in their ears.

     

    This was already FTM’s fourth time participating in the music promotion stage.

     

    Beside them were the most trustworthy teammates.

     

    The stage, lights, music rhythm—everything was so familiar.

     

    Nearly 20 seconds of intro, with Mo Xun leading the dance.

     

    This opening knife-group dance segment wasn’t complex in choreography, but the five wearing cool leather jackets today danced with incredible synchronization, creating a quite stunning visual effect!

     

    Many in the judging panel below even sat up straight.

     

    The intro ended, and Mo Xun began the opening rap.

     

    Despite such intense dance moves, when he opened his mouth there was absolutely no audible panting, shortness of breath, or other flaws—his voice was incredibly stable!

     

    “yoyo~”

     

    “Blazing blood flows in my heart like a raging river unstoppable”

     

    “This is my most steadfast strength, lighting the way even in darkness”

     

    “I don’t want to be defeated by difficulties, won’t easily choose to give up”

     

    “We will always be lively and boisterous, constantly advancing toward our goal”

     

    Mo Xun’s rap was full of momentum. His dancing was already crisp and decisive, his body muscles full of tension, with incredibly precise rhythm.

     

    Singing while dancing, his absolute control of the stage drew all the live judges’ attention to him.

     

    Mo Xun finished his rap, and Fu Fei emerged from his side.

     

    Xiao Fei’s voice was sunny and warm. When he sang rap he was full of energy and vitality, and this dance segment was also very handsome, with jumping and bouncing, incredibly strong rhythm.

     

    Next was Tan Junwen. As FTM’s rap specialist, Tan Junwen’s rap ability was naturally beyond question.

     

    After the three rap segments ended, Fang Yinnian’s clear, ethereal, yet highly penetrating high notes instantly filled the entire venue like sunlight breaking through clouds—

     

    “A blazing heart is an eternal flame”

     

    “Burning in every corner of the world”

     

    “All those cold stares, I see right through them”

     

    “Our legend will never sink”

     

    The five harmonized together, singing the chorus once more—

     

    “A blazing heart is an eternal flame”

     

    “…”

     

    The most handsome team knife-group dance began, with Mo Xun moving to center position to lead the dance, while Fang Yinnian stepped back to his side.

     

    They had practiced this dance segment countless times, staying in the practice room until 2 AM on many nights, all to perfect a single movement.

     

    Today, wearing their brand new red leather music promotion outfits, they finally presented this dance perfectly.

     

    Their synchronization was like copy-and-paste AI!

     

    Even each person’s arm-swinging angles, turning speeds, and jumping heights were all kept consistent.

     

    In this moment, FTM’s group spirit was blazing hot.

     

    The entire stage exploded with energy!

     

    Many people in the judging panel showed surprised expressions.

     

    Five people singing and dancing with live mics! Singing while dancing, with such stable breathing and such synchronized choreography…

     

    Which other idols in domestic entertainment could achieve this?!

     

    They had been singing this song on the music promotion stage for several weeks. They weren’t just the “newbies grinding weekly dungeons for experience” that netizens called them.

     

    They were rapidly improving and growing!

     

    Each performance was better than the last.

     

    Compared to their first music promotion stage, today’s stage was a complete transformation!

     

    The song finally ended.

     

    All five were drenched in sweat from dancing.

     

    Mo Xun, who led the dance, had sweat completely soaking through his black shirt underneath, with sweat drops continuously falling from his hair.

     

    Fang Yinnian wore a V-neck pure black fitted T-shirt as his base layer today, with the red leather jacket over it. Under the stage lights, the sweat became crystal clear, drop by drop sliding down his collarbone into his collar.

     

    Fans excitedly flooded the screen with screams.

     

    The five stood there, their light panting audible through the microphones—the intense singing and dancing had clearly exhausted them.

     

    The host said: “Thank you FTM for that wonderful performance! Now please have the public judging panel vote and score FTM’s ‘Blazing’!”

     

    Many live judges pressed the voting buttons beside their seats.

     

    300 votes…

     

    600 votes…

     

    800 votes!

     

    The five held their breath, staring at the big screen.

     

    9…

     

    It started with 9!

     

    The numbers weren’t stopping yet.

     

    The five exchanged incredulous glances until the number on the big screen settled at—935 votes.

     

    FTM’s “Blazing” had made a comeback to claim first place this week!

     

    A golden crown icon appeared next to the song, representing that they had finally won the weekly championship!

     

    Enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

     

    Tears almost burst from Fang Yinnian’s eyes. He quickly controlled his urge to cry and turned to embrace his teammates.

     

    The next moment, Mo Xun suddenly stretched out his arms and pulled him tightly into his embrace: “We won the weekly championship!”

     

    The noisy applause around them faded like a tide, and his ears only caught Mo Xun’s low, slightly trembling voice.

     

    Yes, we won the weekly championship!

     

    The moment Mo Xun held him tightly, Fang Yinnian heard his own heart beating violently—thump, thump.

     

    He blinked, stretched out his arms, and hugged Mo Xun back just as forcefully: “Mo Xun, you’re really amazing, so handsome!”

     

    Mo Xun said quietly: “You’re super handsome too.”

     

    The other three teammates also excitedly stretched out their arms. Mo Xun released Yinnian and embraced them together: “Brothers, you’re all awesome!”

     

    Fu Fei smiled until his eyes were red: “Ahh we’re super amazing!”

     

    The TV station’s producer came to present them with awards.

     

    Mo Xun received the golden trophy and 50,000 yuan prize money, shaking hands with the leadership with a brilliant smile, while bowing to the 1,000 judges below to express gratitude.

     

    The judging panel below also gave them applause.

     

    Such persevering little idols.

     

    From their first stage performance where a shoe flew off during dance and they were criticized on trending topics, to their subsequent performances that became increasingly smooth and spectacular.

     

    Tonight was an absolutely perfect stage!

     

    Whether dance or vocals, there wasn’t a single flaw to pick. The red music promotion outfits were super handsome and perfectly matched the theme of “Blazing.”

     

    Not voting for them would have been unconscionable.

     

    #FTM “Blazing” Weekly Championship#

     

    The hashtag quickly climbed the trending charts, and the production team released FTM’s singing and dancing stage from this week, shocking domestic entertainment.

     

    All major forums went crazy.

     

    “Holy crap, that idol group actually won the weekly championship”

     

    “No way? What gives idols the right?”

     

    “Weren’t there several big singers this week? FTM actually won the weekly championship, could it be rigged?”

     

    “Those who doubt can go back and watch this episode. FTM’s stage this episode was truly incredible!”

     

    “I dare say this is the best idol singing and dancing stage in domestic entertainment in recent years. Anyone who disagrees, come debate me!”

     

    “Other groups should learn what real live mic singing and dancing looks like!”

     

    “…”

     

    Under heated discussion from fans, haters, and organic viewers, news of FTM winning the “Music Billboard” weekly championship exploded beyond the circle.

     

    It was also on this day that the public realized—FTM was a group seriously committed to pursuing the music track.

     

    They had persevered on this stage for four weeks, enduring countless put-downs, mockery, belittlement, and abuse, completely unfazed.

     

    Just like the lyrics sang—”All those cold stares, I see right through them, our legend will never sink.”

     

    Because they had blazing hearts and unwavering faith.

     

    They wanted to become an irreplaceable legendary group in the Chinese music scene.

     

    **


     


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