In the following days, Xu Dongyou signed up for the competition online and asked Zhang Feng, Tian Haomiao’s current manager, to act as his manager.
However, it turned out that Zhang Feng’s presence wasn’t really necessary. Just three days after registering, Xu Dongyou had to travel to another city to participate in the first round of auditions. He requested time off from school in advance and also called his family to inform them that he wouldn’t be coming home that weekend.
He hadn’t yet told his parents that he was participating in a talent show. At the same time, he didn’t forget to visit the sealing array to explain everything to Zhulong. Zhulong immediately asked for the name of the show, thinking it could watch Xu Dongyou through the internet in the future.
Xu Dongyou thought it was a good idea, but he felt an inexplicable sense of embarrassment when mentioning the name of the talent show to a being that had once saved the world and was incredibly powerful.
Still, he obediently told Zhulong the name and then quickly left the sealing array.
He was worried that if he stayed any longer, his embarrassment might boil over.
All expenses incurred during the show were actually covered by the Anomaly Handling Bureau since Xu Dongyou was technically on a mission.
However, Xu Dongyou didn’t plan to seek reimbursement from the department, as it wasn’t much money, and besides, with his current points, he could exchange them for a considerable amount of cash.
He was well-off now!
Thinking about this, Xu Dongyou felt more confident. After arriving in the city, he checked into a hotel and began selecting the song he would perform. After much consideration, he decided to use an original song he had written for the competition.
First, it would leave the judges and the show with the impression that he was an original artist, and second, his goal was to become an original singer with a focus on skill.
Xu Dongyou started practicing his singing and guitar, ensuring that he was well-prepared with the once-unfamiliar song. When the first audition phase arrived the next day, Xu Dongyou, with his guitar strapped to his back and his hat pulled low, blended into the bustling crowd at the audition venue without attracting any attention.
He found a quiet place to wait. Soon, another boy who also had a guitar on his back sat down next to him. The boy, naturally sociable, started a conversation with Xu Dongyou. He introduced himself as Li Ge and then asked for Xu Dongyou’s name.
Xu Dongyou felt a bit helpless. However, his politeness made it hard for him to ignore the other person, especially since Li Ge didn’t seem to have any ill intentions—he simply wanted to chat.
Xu Dongyou also noticed that Li Ge seemed a bit nervous, probably trying to calm his nerves by talking to someone.
So, Xu Dongyou gave a brief answer and then added, “You don’t need to be so nervous.”
Li Ge didn’t deny it; in fact, it made him even more talkative. “I wish I could not be nervous, but I just can’t help it. You know, it took a lot of courage for me to join this show. If I don’t make it, I’ll have to go back home.”
Xu Dongyou thought for a moment and said, “I think you’ll make it.”
He wasn’t just offering comfort; even though he didn’t know how well Li Ge could sing or what his voice was like, Li Ge’s appearance was definitely among the best in the group. Based on that alone, he should be able to get through the first round of auditions.
Li Ge nodded in agreement, flipping his hair, “Yeah, I think so too.”
Xu Dongyou found Li Ge quite interesting. Despite being nervous, he wasn’t insecure. But it made sense—those who actively participate in talent shows are usually bold.
After chatting for a while, the auditions officially began. Those with number tags entered one by one. Some came out with smiles, some were dejected, and some even came out in tears.
Soon, it was Li Ge’s turn. He took a deep breath and walked in. About three minutes later, he emerged with a pleased expression, clearly having made it through.
Xu Dongyou quickly congratulated him. Li Ge, in return, clenched his fist and cheered Xu Dongyou on, as it was now his turn to go in.
Though Xu Dongyou felt a bit nervous inside, he didn’t show it. He stood at the door, took a deep breath, and then stepped inside.
Once inside, the judges, noticing that Xu Dongyou was wearing a hood that obscured his face, discreetly furrowed their brows.
Xu Dongyou then realized he had forgotten to take off his hat. After removing it, he politely bowed and introduced himself, “Hello, judges. I’m Xu Dongyou. Next, I will perform an original song of mine called ‘Spring of Tomorrow’. Thank you.”
However, the judges didn’t seem to pay much attention to what Xu Dongyou was saying. Instead, they displayed rare looks of astonishment and delight. His appearance as a potential talent was so outstanding that even without having debuted, he was already among the top three in terms of looks in the entertainment industry.
If he became popular in the future and dressed up even better, he might become a huge sensation.
Not just the judges, but even the staff showed surprise. A contestant with such a stunning appearance was bound to become popular, and it would undoubtedly raise the prestige of their show.
The director in charge of this segment immediately made a decision. He looked down at the registration materials and decided to directly advance Xu Dongyou to the final stage of the program. This choice was sure to attract a lot of attention.
Xu Dongyou was unaware of all this. Instead, he focused on performing his song. His voice was as clear as spring water or a forest spirit, accompanied by the gentle strumming of his guitar. It seemed to soothe the restless hearts of the audience, drawing them in and making them attentively listen to his performance.
