Marriage Concerto (Small Thing Called Love) Chapter 27

Chapter 27: First Flower of February

After the winner was announced, the audience burst into cheers. Wild with happiness, Ding Meng’s friends and family chanted their slogan again.

“DING MENG DING MENG. UNIVERSE’S MOST MENG!”

……Ding Meng was immediately pulled out of her shock at winning and returned to reality.

“Ding Meng has a blank expression on her face again. Is this like last time, where you didn’t expect to win?”

The female presenter threw the spotlight on her. Ding Meng nodded her head, “Bai Jingrui was leading the entire time, so I really hadn’t seen this coming. I almost suspect that the audience members were too nervous at the end and accidentally pressed the wrong b.u.t.ton.”

Both onstage and off stage, everyone burst out laughing. On her side, Bai Jingrui asked, “Then do you want them to vote one more time?”

The performance hall filled with laughter again. The female presenter spoke to Bai Jingrui, “It’s really a pity to lose by only four votes. However, don’t be discouraged. Coming up next is the battle for third place. Goodluck!”

The third place match was slated to begin before the championship match. Ding Meng and Bai Jingrui both returned backstage and began preparing for their next compet.i.tions.

Tang Shiran had already finished changing. When she saw Ding Meng return, she smiled, “So we’re finally going to face each other. I won’t be going easy on you.”

Ding Meng smiled in return, “Competing with all your strength is a sign of respect to your opponent. I won’t be polite either.”

Tang Shiran wordlessly pursed her lips into a smile. Ding Meng didn’t continue to pay her any mind. Instead, she went to the dressing room to change.

This time, Qiao Yichen’s prepared outfit also included a pair of matching shoes. After changing into the gold dress, she removed her sandals and put on a pair of golden high heels.

Compared to the platform heels she had seen other people walking around in, these couldn’t really be considered that tall. However, this was her first time wearing such high heels. She was really worried that she would trip later.

Nevertheless, they really did match well with her outfit. After changing, she lifted her head to look at herself in the mirror.

This appearance……could only be described as stunning, although she felt rather awkward about calling herself stunning. She was surprised that she didn’t feel uncomfortable at all after changing into the golden dress. When it was paired with her hairstyle, she looked a bit like an empress.

She recalled what the presenter had said earlier on stage. After this period of training, her aura had gradually become more p.r.o.nounced. Did the auras unique to celebrities all develop slowly over time like this?

She checked herself out in the mirror once more and saw her well proportioned figure, soft and beautiful long hair, and her very natural makeup. So she could actually look this good wearing gold.

Perhaps she should be saying that Qiao Yichen’s taste was simply too good?

After she came out of the dressing room, the makeup artist was also shocked that she had transformed so much after putting on the golden dress. She made Ding Meng sit on the chair and quickly fixed up her makeup.

“It turns out that I made the right decision. This look goes really well with this outfit of yours. It’s actually really hard to not look tacky while wearing gold.”

Ding Meng closed her eyes and felt soft brush strokes repeatedly sweep across her face in every direction. After the makeup artist helped her apply some lipstick and eye makeup, the touch-up was successfully completed.

At that moment, the two contestants on stage had already finished their performances. The judges were currently giving feedback. DIng Meng pursed her lips to spread her lipstick. Facing the mirror, she used her hand to brush away the hair covering her cheek.

“Wow, this is the first time in my 25 years that I’ve wondered how I could be so beautiful.”

Hearing Ding Meng talk to herself, the makeup artist who was off to the side putting away her things laughed out loud. “So hurry up and buy the products I recommended you.”

Ding Meng approvingly nodded her head. Even though they were a little expensive, they gave such great results. They were worth the price.

Yup. After she earned more money in the future, she would buy an entire set.

On stage, the judges had finished voting. The performance hall was filled with jubilant music to celebrate the crowning of the third place winner.

Bai Jingrui had won.

In his last match, he had renounced the dancing he was so talented at. Instead, he had opted for a peaceful song. By exceeding expectations, he had obtained the unanimous approval of the judges.

Their match concluded, signifying that Tang Shiran and Ding Meng were to go on stage.

Honestly speaking, Ding Meng had been worried the entire time that Tang Shiran and she had selected the same song. But as the music began to play, she realized that was not the case.

Ultimately, Tang Shiran had not chosen First Flower of February.

The song she sang was Sima Xiaoxiao’s Rays of Light. It was a similarly difficult song, but it didn’t exceed the scope of Tang Shiran’s abilities. She had picked a very safe option.

However Bai Jingrui’s victory just now gave Ding Meng confidence. She was convinced that she needed to catch them off guard to earn a result beyond her expectations.

“Rays of light, rip apart the darkness, within this th.o.r.n.y cage——”

Right from the start, Tang Shiran’s voice awed everyone present. She sang using a hundred percent of her effort. Her performance had already reached the level of professionals in every possible regard. Everytime Ding Meng listened to Tang Shiran sing, Ding Meng was always astonished at how such a pet.i.te person could sing with such astonishing power.

Inwardly, she encouraged herself and warned herself to not feel intimidated. The moment she began fearing the enemy would be the beginning of defeat.

At that moment, Bai Jingrui returned backstage after accepting everyone’s congratulations. Seeing Ding Meng standing alone, he walked up and encouraged her.

Ding Meng was rather moved. She had only just defeated him, yet he hadn’t held any grudges.

After Tang Shiran’s performance ended, the audience’s applause was enthusiastic. Ding Meng took a couple deep breaths and listened to the presenter on stage declare, “Next up on stage is Ding Meng. What song will she sing for us? To speak the truth, I am also dying of curiousity. Okay, I won’t keep rambling. Ding Meng, please come on stage!”

As the audience loudly cheered, the stage lights began to transform. The invigorating and infectious melody of First Flower of February began to play.

For a split second, everyone was stunned. Before they had a chance to recover, Ding Meng had already walked out singing, “In an unknown corner, pedestrians hurriedly pa.s.sed by, ah, no one saw me bloom like a flame.”

The hall suddenly burst with excitement. Not only was this because of her lively voice, but also because she had taken on an entirely new persona.

Ding Meng was no longer the delicate Ding Meng of their memories, who sang gentle and slow ballads. She could also wear bold makeup, strut around on high heels, and sing rock ‘n’ roll!

“Time is running out, I can’t afford to lose more, ah, I don’t care about about what they’ll say.”

Wearing her golden dress, Ding Meng entered looking like a queen. One after another, the audience members screamed. However this didn’t shake her up at all. Inwardly, she was composing herself because the chorus was coming up.

She tightened her grasp on the microphone. Her voice burst out like fireworks exploding in the sky.

“First Flower of February——」

Right as she raised her voice, dazzling golden fireworks simultaneously shot out from multiple points on stage, illuminating the entire performance hall. These concert effects completely ignited the enthusiasm of the audience, bringing them all to the brink of losing control.

“——Blossoming among the wind and snow, no need for anyone to appreciate, my solitary fragrance.”

The entire hall was drowned by wild screams. Ding Meng was infected by the atmosphere. When she sang the second half, she no longer stuck to one spot to avoid tripping. Rather, she followed the music and rhythm and began to stride along the stage.

She even walked to the very front of the stage, letting the closest audience members hear her voice, ““First Flower of February——”

When her voice rolled out and hit the audience’s eardrums, a ‘PENG’ sound rang across the stage. Golden confetti flooded out of the ceiling and rained down.

The energy of the audience erupted like a volcano. Even the presenters on stage could barely contain themselves. Ding Meng’s hair was covered in the golden confetti. As she moved her hands to brush some off, she heard the male presenter speak, “Really too stunning! I didn’t expect to hear First Flower of February in this compet.i.tion! More so, I didn’t expect that you would be the one to sing it!”

After all, this song was extremely difficult. If the contestant wasn’t a true fan of Sima Xiaoxiao, no one would want to court disaster like this, let alone Ding Meng who had been singing gentle ballads this entire time.

The female presenter also spoke excitedly, “I feel like the phrase “completely reborn” can’t even completely describe your appearance today. This golden dress and high heels coupled with this song transformed you from a cute girl into a queen within a second!”

Ding Meng almost died of embarra.s.sment from their praises. Her group of family and friends used all their strength to shout, “LEMON LEADER. LEMON LEADER. UNIVERSE’S MOST MENG! UNIFYING THE JIANGHU THROUGHOUT THE AGES!”

T/N: Lemon leader is meng zhu in chinese, which sounds the same as sect leader. Their chants are very wuxia novel-esque xD Unifying the Jianghu throughout the ages is a typical worship-y chant in sects to the sect leader. Think something like “long live the king!” Jianghu is the pugilist world in which wuxia novels take place!

Literally ‘for a thousand years and ten thousand generations’

Ding Meng, “……”

The strike was a critical hit.

“Now that our two contestants have finished their performances, let’s invite them both to stand on stage. Between the two of them, one will be chosen to be this season’s Heavenly Voice champion!”

Tang Shiran walked on stage as the audience applauded. She smiled and waved to the spectators, but her smile seemed a bit forced.

After the two of them settled into their positions, the presenters asked them to comment on the other’s performance. Then the presenters handed the conversation off to the judges.

Xiao Qi had consistently been the first of the three judges to make a statement, and this time was no exception. “Today Ding Meng exceeded everyone’s expectations. The moment she emerged on stage, Judge Sun and I stared as our mouths dropped. That formidable and s.e.xy golden dress looks completely natural on her. She was incredibly stunning! Her performance just now made me forget this was a compet.i.tion. I actually believed that she singing at a concert!”

By her side, Sun Rui laughed, “So we’re sitting in the VIP seats?”

“That’s right!” Xiao Qi smiled as she glanced at him. She continued, “Through her performance today, she didn’t just break out through my image of her, she also broke through her performance style. Many singers are easily trapped inside imaginary walls which restrict their careers. I’m impressed that she dared to jump over that wall today and show us such a huge transformation. Anyone who sang First Flower of February before would know how difficult it is. There was even a rumor online that not even Sima Xiaoxiao dared to sing this song live. Well then Sima Xiaoxiao, it’s time to prove those rumors false!”

The audience members began to laugh. Xiao Qi continued, “Ok now let’s talk about Tang Shiran. Your song Rays of Light was also sung very well. You’ve sang quite a few of Sima Xiaoxiao’s songs ever since the start of this compet.i.tion, but do you know where you and Ding Meng differ?”

Tang Shiran shook her head.

Xiao Qi spoke, “Even though you both sang songs by Sima Xiaoxiao, when Ding Meng sang, I didn’t confuse her for Sima Xiaoxiao. She was Ding Meng.”

Tang Shiran wordlessly pursed her lips. The female presenter didn’t miss a beat and asked, “Therefore, Judge Xiao, who are you going to vote for?”

“Ding Meng.” Xiao Qi’s voice projected through the microphone.

The performance hall filled with applause. Every member of the Little Lemon fan club shouted out their slogan again.

At that moment, Ding Meng was no longer embarra.s.sed because, like them, she was filled with joy. She bowed to Xiao Qi to express her grat.i.tude. The male presenter looked over at the next judge. “Next, let’s invite Judge Sun to give his comments.”

Sun Rui crossed his arms, muttered to himself, and then looked at Tang Shiran. “Did you understand Judge Xiao’s words just now?”

Tang Shiran faintly nodded her head. Sun Rui spoke, “When you are singing, you always accidentally begin to imitate Sima Xiaoxiao. Perhaps you really like her, but the music industry needs a Tang Shiran, not a second Sima Xiaoxiao. Additionally, Judge Xiao and I had been guessing before this compet.i.tion whether or not you would sing First Flower of February, since that was the song that crowned Sima Xiaoxiao as an empress. I didn’t expect that in the very end, we still got to hear First Flower of February, although Ding Meng was the one to sing it.”

“I understand how contestants think when it comes choosing a song in the finals. Naturally, the more confidence you have in performing the song, the better. Your decision can’t be criticized, but it does highlight Ding Meng’s courage. At the most crucial moment, Ding Meng dared to give herself such a big challenge. This really earns people’s respect. The fact that she successfully met her challenge is very worth celebrating. From the preliminary round to the finals, I’ve watched her improve step by step. Over these years, I’ve been a judge on many compet.i.tions and I’ve seen many contestants. However, I can count on my fingers the number of performances that have stunned me like the one just now. I admit that, if we looked at this compet.i.tion as a whole, Tang Shiran’s skill is a degree above Ding Meng’s. But based solely on their performances a moment ago, please let me be headstrong this once. I will be voting for Ding Meng.”

“Ding Meng obtains another vote! Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this season’s Heavenly Voice has been decided. She is Ding Meng!” Following the male presenter’s enthusiastic announcement, the audience burst into applause and the band began to play celebratory music.

On the other hand, Ding Meng had actually calmed down. The female presenter congratulated her and then asked the male presenter, “Don’t you think Great Producer Qiao’s expression looks really bitter?”

The audience laughed out loud. The male presenter cleared his throat and looked at Qiao Yichen, “Even though no one cares about Judge Qiao’s vote anymore, I’ll still stand up for his right to speak.”

Ding Meng spoke, “Actually, I still care very much.”

The male presenter spoke, “Alright then, since our contestants respect you so much, you really must be nicer when you speak.”

Qiao Yichen leaned toward to the microphone and began to speak, “My next words aren’t for Ding Meng alone to hear. I’m also speaking to everyone who is still making music. The atmosphere of the music industry is becoming more and more restless. The number of people who can truly endure and continue making music is already very small. The majority of people simply want to bask in the adoration of their fans. Finding a person who can seriously record an alb.u.m has already become difficult. Therefore, my reason for coming to this compet.i.tion was to find a newcomer with both potential and work ethic. I am very pleased that I have found that person. Not only is she tough, today’s compet.i.tion has also shown me how much promise she holds. That person is Ding Meng. My vote goes to her.”

The family and friends group burst into cheers. On stage, the presenter spoke emotionally, “Qiao Yichen has also voted for Ding Meng! Ding Meng obtains three votes. She is the unanimous winner!”

Ding Meng also bowed to Qiao Yichen to express her thanks. Qiao Yichen spoke again, “However, like Judge Sun said just now, looking across this entire month of compet.i.tions, Tang Shiran’s skill is better than yours. I hope you don’t become overly self-satisfied from this tiny victory.”

“…….En, I won’t.”

“Then let us look forward to Ding Meng’s future growth on the singing stage! This season’s Heavenly Voice satisfactorily concludes. Thank you to everyone for supporting our program! Also, thank you to the sponsors!”