But thinking carefully, since FTM came to “Sounds of Nature’s” stage, Teacher Ji Ying sang ballads and didn’t understand dance music, while team members Ouyang Xi and Zhao Jing were also ballad singers.
These weeks’ competition songs were all slow tempo without dancing, so FTM’s singing-dancing abilities couldn’t be showcased on stage.
Junwen’s rap, Mo Xun’s dance, Xiao Fei’s versatility, and Tang Che’s unique voice—none could be properly displayed.
Teacher Ji Ying’s arrangements tended to make Fang Yinnian main vocalist, naturally making the other four teammates supporting harmony backing roles.
She wasn’t as familiar with FTM as Teacher Yu, plus “Sounds of Nature’s” weekly schedule was rushed, making it difficult to arrange particularly rich harmonies short-term.
Compared to Fang Yinnian, other teammates seemed dim, no wonder netizens said FTM became Fang Yinnian leading 4 little brothers.
Fortunately FTM had many group fans and music fans—if it were other boy groups with such differential treatment, members would definitely fight their way onto trending topics.
Fang Yinnian didn’t consider himself FTM’s most capable member. Their group each had strengths. He just had good high notes and naturally wide vocal range—other teammates were also very capable.
If Teacher Ji Ying continued arranging songs this way, future competitions would still have him as main vocalist with other teammates as supporting roles.
Fang Yinnian didn’t want to monopolize benefits.
Because he knew teammates worked hard on harmonies too. Though everyone didn’t mind and gladly supported Fang Yinnian, constantly playing supporting roles would make them feel bad, right?
Thinking this, Fang Yinnian privately approached Teacher Ji Ying.
This was actually overstepping boundaries, but after this period together, he found Teacher Ji Ying quite open-minded with a straightforward, humorous personality—she probably wouldn’t get angry.
During this episode’s recording, Fang Yinnian told Ji Ying: “Teacher, actually our team member Junwen is amazing at rap, Mo Xun and Xiao Fei are strong dancers, Tang Che likes rock music and plays many instruments.”
“If there’s opportunity, could we try different song styles with more attempts? Like rap, rock, etc. My teammates also have many discoverable highlights.”
Meeting the youth’s clear eyes, Ji Ying couldn’t help but be stunned—ballads were most advantageous for Fang Yinnian, yet he actually considered teammates and wanted to change styles. This child was too honest and kind-hearted.
Perhaps precisely this peaceful mindset—not frantically pursuing popularity and fame—made his singing voice so clean and pure, easily reaching people’s hearts.
In entertainment circles, knowing worldly ways without being worldly was too rare.
Looking at Fang Yinnian, Ji Ying liked him more and more. She patted his shoulder, smiling: “No problem. We’ll wait for flying guests—if there are suitable ones, we’ll try different styles and give your teammates performance opportunities.”
Fang Yinnian said excitedly: “Thank you, Teacher!”
Actually, winning or losing wasn’t that important in “Sounds of Nature”—what mattered was leaving classic collaborative pieces.
Netizens would browse each season’s stage compilations on Bilibili and Weibo. Well-performed stages, even if they lost, would be saved and repeatedly watched by many netizens, greatly boosting singers’ recognition.
Meanwhile, major music platforms would also launch “Sounds of Nature” seasonal adaptation song compilations.
Last season, an old song became so popular because two singers collaborated beautifully that saves broke ten million.
So regardless of winning or losing, more attempts were always good!
The opportunity came quickly.
Episode 6’s guest was actually rock singer Jeson!
Jeson wasn’t ordinary—he was Chinese music’s most popular independent rock singer, very welcomed and even able to hold national tours with countless fans.
With such a big shot air-dropping into “Sounds of Nature,” all three mentors wanted to collaborate and actively pressed green lights.
Mentors began competing for him.
Teacher Luo Liang was the godfather of rock, smiling: “I have rich experience arranging rock music—don’t hesitate, quickly join my team!”
Yang Dahong said: “Our team has a female smoky voice who can collaborate with you for an extremely passionate male-female rock duet. Join our team.”
Teacher Ji Ying was somewhat troubled.
What could attract flying guests to us?
Fang Yinnian leaned to her ear, quietly saying: “Teacher, we can form a rock band and provide live accompaniment for flying guests, letting Tang Che duet with him.”
Ji Ying’s eyes lit up: “You guys play instruments?”
Fang Yinnian said: “Yes, we were Tang Che’s rock band for his birthday before.”
The camera happened to focus on Ji Ying as the host asked: “Teacher Ji Ying, what advantages does your team have?”
Ji Ying smiled: “Jeson is an independent rock singer—we can form a brand new rock band for you!”
“Everyone get hyped together—let FTM provide live accompaniment!”
After struggling, Jeson said: “I choose Teacher Ji Ying.”
Actually he initially wanted to choose Luo Liang’s team, but reconsidered—Luo Liang had collaborated with him before on previous shows without freshness.
But FTM boy group was extremely popular recently with high attention. Their willingness to provide live accompaniment was really an interesting attempt!
Jeson walked down to Teacher Ji Ying’s team.
For this episode’s song selection, after Teacher Ji Ying consulted with the arrangement team, they chose classic English rock “Fly Away.”
Coincidentally, they’d sung this song for Tang Che’s birthday—one of Tang Che’s playlist favorites and a classic Western rock masterpiece.
While the teacher was still arranging, Fang Yinnian proactively suggested: “This episode, Tang Che, you be main vocalist—we four will accompany.”
Tang Che said: “This song’s range isn’t particularly high—you can reach it too. You sing, I’ll play keyboard.”
Fang Yinnian directly lay flat on the bed: “I’ve sung four episodes straight—can you let me rest?”
Tang Che couldn’t help laughing.
He knew Fang Yinnian wanted to give him more performance opportunities. Yinnian was always their team’s most considerate little angel.
Thank you.
Tang Che said decisively: “Fine, this episode I’ll be main vocalist!”
***
Variety show recording quickly ended.
After post-production editing, “Sounds of Nature” Season 5 Episode 6 premiered punctually on Saturday 8 PM on Nanxing TV.
This episode’s battles were also quite fierce, with three teams refusing to yield—the stage became gods fighting.
Third round: Ji Ying team vs Yang Dahong team again.
Ji Ying smiled: “Our combination is Jeson and FTM, bringing everyone brand new rock song ‘Fly Away.'”
Host: “Please welcome Ji Ying team guests to perform.”
Stage lights blazed.
Live stream audiences were surprised to discover—today Tang Che and Jeson stood together in front?!
Where were FTM’s other four members?
They had actually formed a rock band!
Mo Xun held a black-red bass, Xiao Fei held a white electric guitar, Tan Junwen sat at the drum kit, while Fang Yinnian stood at keyboards with hands gently placed on keys.
This song had no backing track.
FTM playing live accompaniment?
Tang Che nodded at teammates, and the four began playing their sheet music—immediately explosive, passionate rock music.
Live stream audiences were stunned.
“Holy crap? Instantly transforming into FTM rock band?”
“Tang Che is today’s protagonist? Fang Yinnian went to play keyboard?”
“This combination is so creative!”
“First time seeing Tang Che as main vocalist on stage!”
The four’s temporarily formed rock band wasn’t just there to fill numbers.
Mo Xun’s bass and Xiao Fei’s electric guitar were very professional, Tan Junwen’s drumming had incredibly precise rhythm, and Fang Yinnian’s keyboard playing was very smooth.
The intense drumbeats mixed with bass, guitar’s passionate electronic sounds and keyboard’s flowing melody, combined with colorful flashing lights overhead, instantly ignited the entire stage!
After the intro, Jeson opened with the first verse.
Jeson’s natural smoky voice carried distinct weathered tones—a very story-rich timbre.
His voice evoked wandering singers walking highways with guitars—casual, free, unrestrained and wild.
After he finished the first verse, Tang Che followed with the second.
Compared to first-tier domestic rock singers, Tang Che’s voice surprisingly held its own.
His tone carried very special cool undertones, perfectly balancing Jeson’s bass cannon while bringing brighter colors to the song.
The second verse was quite high. Unlike Jeson’s screaming, roaring style, Tang Che’s voice was more soaring.
He used cool-toned vocals to give passionate rock another unique flavor.
In this moment, Tang Che seemed like the entire stage’s king, easily mastering this song. His voice carried lofty, contemptuous pride that made people want to submit.
More crucially, Tang Che’s English pronunciation was too accurate.
So accurate there was no detectable accent, with smooth, silky word connections—to the degree you’d think a foreigner was singing with eyes closed.
“Holy crap, Tang Che is this amazing?!”
“English is excellent—worthy of a top student”
“My god, isn’t his tone quality on par with Fang Yinnian?”
“Cool aloof guy singing rock—the contrast is so shocking!”
“Listening gives me goosebumps”
“Tang Che really is eye-opening”
“The teammates playing instruments are also so exciting~”
After both finished main verses, the chorus raised pitch as Tang Che and Jeson began collaborative alternating vocals.
Tang Che actually wasn’t overshadowed by the senior?
He sang back-and-forth with the veteran, their vocal lines cooperating like a snow peak suddenly appearing at desert’s end—strongly contrasting tones creating a rare auditory feast for audiences.
Melodies grew increasingly passionate as both sang the surging passion of artists wanting to break free from constraints toward freedom.
When the final note dropped, enthusiastic applause erupted as Tang Che stood center stage, bowing to everyone.
Live voting began.
Streaming viewers also started discussing.
“So noisy, don’t like this ear-piercing song”
“This round I support Luo Liang team’s ballad”
“I think Ji Ying team has good winning chances—this rock was sung very well, the alternating vocals section was excellent”
“Those who don’t understand rock please stop talking—this cover was great”
“Everyone should listen to the original—this cover is indeed quite good”
“Original is North American rock electronic king Classen, world TOP level—their cover reaching this standard is very impressive”
On-site, the host had the judging panel begin voting.
First row: 5 blue, 5 green.
Second row: 4 blue, 6 green.
Third row: 6 blue, 4 green.
“Battle situation so intense!”
“It’s tied?”
“The kind where you won’t know the outcome until the last row?”
“Rubbing hands in anticipation—I vote for Ji Ying team!”
As row after row of judges raised their signs, the big screen vote count kept climbing.
30:31
…
42:43
…
After the final row of judges showed signs, votes finally settled at 52:49—Ji Ying team narrowly won by 3 votes!
Tang Che excitedly hugged Jeson, then turned to embrace his teammates.
He was truly so happy today.
His childhood rock dreams were actually realized on such a major stage as “Sounds of Nature,” collaborating with renowned industry rock singers to perform his idol world superstar Classen’s song!
This was truly maximum buff—becoming unforgettable stage experience for life.
Four teammates thoughtfully played supporting roles for him once.
Tang Che said chokingly: “Thank you, brothers.”
Fang Yinnian patted his shoulder: “Che Che, you were amazing.”
Tan Junwen smiled: “Our Tang Che’s voice penetration is so impressive—wasn’t overshadowed even duetting with Jeson.”
Tang Che smiled at his teammates and walked off stage together—this smile wasn’t as villainous as usual, quite brilliant, showing his excellent mood.
Ji Ying team won both rounds this week.
Weibo #Sounds of Nature# hashtag was discussed into trending.
Many netizens approved FTM’s approach of temporarily forming a rock band with Tang Che as main vocalist.
Especially FTM’s group fans and other members’ solo fans.
Previous four episodes always had Fang Yinnian controlling scenes while other handsome guys got no performance opportunities, barely any camera time.
Though fans didn’t say it aloud, they worried inwardly—would the entire season continue like this? Did the company really only want to promote Fang Yinnian?
Fans of other members felt quite indignant but didn’t want to cause trouble, though they complained plenty in private fan groups.
Fortunately today, FTM brought everyone another surprise!
Forums also opened threads discussing Tang Che.
“No exaggeration, Tang Che’s tone and vocals could dimensionally crush any other domestic boy group”
“Tang Che is positioned as FTM’s secondary vocalist—being main vocalist in other groups would be no problem, even crushing other teammates”
“He could also form a rock band as main vocalist”
“Feel like he really loves rock—sang extremely excitedly today, and domestic entertainment doesn’t have rock singers with his tone yet!”
“Sigh, it’s because FTM’s configuration is too high—each individual could take center position in other groups”
“Music group fans are really thick-faced”
“Starting to step on other boy groups again?”
“You music group people really believed your own hype”
Fan-hater wars resumed, with forums naturally producing HOT posts.
Onlooking passersby commented: This group is truly bloody storms.
Fang Yinnian browsed posts, couldn’t help sighing—every “Sounds of Nature” episode had so many guests, yet FTM received the most criticism and most discussion.
They were truly watched by countless eyes—anything they did could trigger massive discussions.
Don’t worry, the excitement was still ahead.
***
Episode 7’s flying guest was rapper Zhou Lei.
Zhou Lei was “China Has Hip Hop” Season 1 champion and extremely popular domestic rapper—a major senior in rap circles.
Actually, “Sounds of Nature” production team invited different style singers as flying guests each episode for selling points and topics, preventing audiences from finding repetitive song types too monotonous.
When Zhou Lei chose teams, he surprisingly picked Ji Ying’s team.
He explained: “I know Junwen. When Junwen participated in ‘Chinese Rap Class’ youth competition, I was his mentor.”
Camera focused on Tan Junwen.
Tan Junwen smiled and stood up for a big hug with Zhou Lei: “Teacher, long time no see.”
This time Teacher Ji Ying selected a very distinctive rap song “Beijing Drifter”—entirely rap from start to finish, describing young people’s bitter experiences leaving home for the capital to pursue dreams.
Fang Yinnian suggested: “Let Junwen go solo. I need to prepare for next week’s exam—we’ll join on recording day.”
Tan Junwen fake-pouted: “Are you abandoning me?”
Fu Fei said: “Can you stop pretending? Who are you trying to scare with those pitiful eyes?”
Tan Junwen squinted and smiled.
Mo Xun patted his shoulder: “Go ahead, don’t embarrass FTM.”
On recording day, Ji Ying team performed first. Seeing Tan Junwen and Zhou Lei walk on stage together, audiences were confused.
“Aren’t other FTM members going on stage?”
“Four people sitting below watching with brilliant smiles~”
“Spectating quartet: So happy we can lie flat and watch battles this week”
“Is FTM unlocking new challenge positions?”
“Mentors probably never imagined these 5 could be used separately, hahaha”
Tan Junwen and Zhou Lei began rapping.
“Living in cramped rooms with damp mold spreading through nostrils”
“After paying rent each month, barely any salary remains”
Audiences: “??”
“None of those skyscraper lights will belong to me”
“Street prosperity’s night scenes only make loneliness tear at my heart”
“Subway crowds’ crushing pressure I can barely bear”
“When companies fire you, you can only suffer silently”
“I’m like a forgotten clown abandoned by this city!”
Audiences: “Holy crap!”
Isn’t this singing about me?
Bullet comments completely exploded.
“Working class heartbreak”
“Who isn’t a workhorse? Everyone’s workhorses together”
“This song is too smooth—as a fellow Beijing drifter, almost want to cry”
“Tan Junwen’s rap is amazing—can already perform with his former competition mentor?”
“Junwen’s rap emotional infectiousness is strong—this part made me cry, holy crap!”
Tan Junwen and Zhou Lei’s song battled Luo Liang team’s ballad—a style the judging panel was somewhat tired of.
But Ji Ying team’s Tan Junwen and Zhou Lei’s rap gave everyone many surprises, singing countless workers’ heartbreak.
Many judging panel members raised hands to vote with tears in their eyes.
Host: “Congratulations to Ji Ying team for winning this round!”
Tan Junwen and Zhou Lei embraced excitedly on stage.
Zhou Lei smiled and patted his shoulder: “You’ve improved so quickly, kid.”
When he first met Junwen years ago, he wasn’t even 17, smiling like a cute teddy puppy. During the rap competition, Zhou Lei selected him for his team and ultimately led Junwen to third place.
In just a few years Junwen had grown up. Performing with his former mentor so naturally with steady rhythm made Zhou Lei very gratified.
What surprised the production team was that this episode’s rap song “Beijing Drifter” actually exploded and went viral on music platforms—breaking one million saves in a day, five million in two days, and still climbing!
Perhaps it sang the heartbreak of too many workers?
Very suitable for late-night listening.
The producer never expected that this season’s “Sounds of Nature,” unknowingly, FTM had become the biggest highlight.
They had three straight losses, then three straight wins.
And these three victories actually had different main vocalists each time?
Netizens finally realized FTM’s abilities had been greatly underestimated.
“Where are those who initially mocked FTM saying they’d lose ten straight?”
“Superficially [idol boy group] but actually [five fierce generals]”
“Teacher Ji Ying’s mouth must be splitting from smiling!”
“Five people can be used separately with countless combination variations”
“Ji Ying says: Thought it was bronze, turns out I recruited kings”
Ji Ying had indeed been in an excellent mood recently.
Initially she thought she’d gotten a terrible hand, but playing along, she discovered she actually held explosive cards… who could understand this contrast?
Like winning the lottery.
FTM’s five members could actually be used separately!
This season, she was confident about winning the team championship, giving these young ones a perfect ending to their first regular music variety show!
**
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
![President Huo Wants Me to Restore His Reputation [Entertainment Circle]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-cd6f642.jpg "President Huo Wants Me to Restore His Reputation [Entertainment Circle]")
