After the two National Team members appeared, the negative voices surrounding the “Wu Ha” program significantly decreased, though many viewers still doubted the authenticity of the events.
However, it wasn't until the second half of the first episode of “Wu Ha” was released that netizens finally understood the situation clearly.
The reason was that the conversation between Wang Xin and Gao Hanyu was edited into the main episode by Wang Xiang, allowing viewers to directly hear Wang Xin's evaluation of Mu Li's song.
“For a Heavenly King Level, making an ice path of one or two kilometers should be no problem…” Hearing Wang Xin's explanation, coupled with the previous videos from Ren Wei and Wu Bing, everyone concluded that Jigglypuff was just a very powerful Pokémon.
Even if some truly knowledgeable experts analyzed it online, there were simply too many people analyzing things on the internet, so netizens focused on one thing: 'Words alone are not enough; if you have the ability, be like Wu Bing and Ren Wei and release a video first before making such claims.'
At this moment, Wang Xin was surrounded by his National Team teammates.
“Brother Xin, I heard you can make a two-kilometer ice path with Ice Punch.
I wonder if you could let me see it?”
“Brother Xin, how long is two kilometers?”
“Brother Xin, when did you get so strong? You can just casually make a two-kilometer ice path?”
…Wang Xin's face was flushed.
“Go, go, go, stop teasing me.
Can't I even brag a little outside?”
Meanwhile, Ling Fei, Zhu Yuping, Ren Wei, and Wu Bing were also discussing the matter.
“This time, thanks to Ren Wei and Wu Bing for stepping in, it helped A Li clear up this rumor crisis,” Ling Fei said.
Upon hearing this, Ren Wei and Wu Bing both looked a bit embarrassed.
“Don’t even mention it, if it weren’t for taking advantage of the seawater this time, we wouldn’t have been able to create such a long ice path.
Otherwise, if it were like A Li, making ice on flat ground, achieving even half the effect shown in the video would be considered good,” Wu Bing said helplessly.
“I don’t know how that kid trains his Pokémon; he’s truly a monster.”
However, after this public opinion crisis, Mu Li had truly entered the public's view.
Not only did his Weibo followers increase to over 200,000, but his previous songs also gained widespread attention.
In Magic City, Mu Li was on the phone with Liu Yun, who asked, “You’ve finally officially debuted.
How’s the debut album coming along?”
“The songs have been selected.
The album will be called ‘Youth Journey,’ which also serves as a record of my university life,” Mu Li explained.
“I’ve also prepared the songs, and recording can begin soon.”
“I’m afraid your new album might have to be postponed,” Liu Yun said.
“Postponed?” Mu Li asked, puzzled.
“Is something wrong?”
“Have you heard of the ‘Vocal Creation Chapter’ program?” Liu Yun inquired.
“What kind of program is that?” Mu Li asked curiously.
“It’s a music variety show that discovers high-quality original musicians and their works, integrating competition, creation, cultural inheritance, and innovation, to create music with both artistic merit and widespread appeal,” Liu Yun explained.
“It’s a variety show focused on original music, and the first episode is currently in production.
What do you think? Are you interested?”
“Of course, I am,” Mu Li said.
“I originally wanted to be a singer, but after a month in the entertainment industry, I’ve been constantly appearing on various variety shows.
I feel like I’m not even a singer anymore.”
Liu Yun couldn’t help but laugh.
“Now that you mention it, that’s true.
However, this program isn’t something you can just join.
The audition period ended long ago.
They started preparing for the official recording a month ago.”
“So, if I want to participate, I’ll have to wait until next season?” Mu Li said with some regret.
“Not necessarily!” Liu Yun explained.
“I heard yesterday that the production team had a temporary problem.
One of the original musicians who was supposed to participate was restricted from appearing due to certain issues, so an extra spot opened up.”
Mu Li said excitedly, “So, I can participate too?”
“It’s difficult,” Liu Yun continued.
“Now, not only us, but major entertainment companies are all eyeing this spot.
If you want to participate, you’ll need to stand out from these entertainment companies.
And more importantly, even if you manage to officially compete, you might only last one round.”
“What do you mean?” Mu Li asked, a little confused.
“That’s the competition format,” Liu Yun said.
“There are a total of 32 original musicians entering the official recording, and only 16 will advance.
Of those, 12 spots are direct qualifiers, and the remaining 4 will be contested by the contestants who didn’t directly qualify.”
“Currently, the production team has finished recording the first two episodes, which means all 12 direct qualification spots have been given out.
Even if you enter as a substitute, you’ll need to compete with the remaining 24 people for those 4 remaining spots.”
“What do you think? Are you still willing to participate?”
After hearing Liu Yun's question, Mu Li couldn't help but smile and say, “Competition? I’m very good at that.”
“I knew your answer.
I’ve already signed you up,” Liu Yun said with a smile.
“Go directly to Hang City for the interview tomorrow.
As for the rest, you’ll have to rely on yourself.”
To be fair, for Liu Yun, being an agent was quite comfortable.
One of her artists was constantly filming, and the other didn't require her to find connections or resources; variety shows came to him.
Furthermore, neither of her artists was famous yet, let alone having endorsements or commercial performances.
Until now, the only thing she needed to do was handle some miscellaneous studio tasks, which made her feel a bit embarrassed as an agent.
“This time, let Yitong go with you.
If you pass the interview, you’ll probably have to stay in Hang City for a few days,” Liu Yun instructed.
Early the next morning, Mu Li rushed directly to Hang City.
At the “Vocal Creation Chapter” production team in Hang City, Ruolin, the chief director of “Vocal Creation Chapter,” was currently in her office talking with associate director Li Lin.
“How are things going with the substitute candidate?
The official recording is in two days, and you still haven’t found anyone?”
Ruolin was a female director in her thirties, with no makeup on her face and her hair simply tied in a ponytail.
Although her face showed signs of fatigue, it couldn't hide her fair complexion.
She wore a loose T-shirt and cargo pants, completely concealing her good figure beneath her clothes.
Associate director Li Lin was a bald middle-aged man, appearing to be in his 40s, and dressed very simply.
Facing Ruolin's questioning, Li Lin could only offer a bitter smile and explain, “You know as well as I do that so many entertainment companies and individual musicians are eyeing this position.
Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and the recommended people are already scheduled until tomorrow.”
Ruolin said domineeringly, “Why do you care about them?
They’re not contributing money or effort.
This program is a brand-new production.
No one should try to interfere; everything should be based on the program’s effect.”
Li Lin nodded and said, “I know, but after our auditions, basically all the talented original musicians on the market have already gone through a screening.
If they didn’t make it in the first round, it’ll be the same in the second.”
Ruolin tapped the table, thought for a moment, and then replied, “If it really doesn’t work out, let the 33rd place from the auditions take the spot, but a decision must be made today.
We can’t delay any longer.
Make sure to make this clear to those entertainment companies as well.”
Actually, Ruolin wasn't overly concerned about the new substitute candidate.
In her opinion, even if this substitute barely made it into the official recording, no matter who it was, they would be immediately eliminated after the next recording.
The reason for the delay in decision was simply to save face for those entertainment companies.
Mu Li had also arrived at the designated interview location for the program.
“So many people?” Even though Mu Li was mentally prepared, he was still somewhat surprised by the number of people who came for the interview.
The entire corridor was almost completely filled, and by estimation, there were at least twenty to thirty people.
“With so many people, I wonder if they can finish all the interviews today?”
Mu Li followed the staff’s instructions and lined up at the very end of the queue.
In front of him was a slightly chubby middle-aged man, appearing to be in his thirties, who seemed to have just rushed over, still panting and with sweat beading on his forehead.
Seeing Mu Li behind him, the middle-aged man smiled at Mu Li as a greeting.
Mu Li, on his part, took the initiative to say, “My name is Mu Li, and this is my first time participating in an interview today.”
The middle-aged man showed a look of realization.
“Oh, I see.
My name is Su Yi, and this is my second time participating in an interview.”
“Second interview?” Mu Li was a bit confused.
Su Yi smiled bitterly and said, “I came once during the auditions before and wasn’t selected.
Isn’t that why I’m here again?”
“So that’s how it is.” Mu Li nodded and said, “I only heard about this yesterday and rushed over today.
I didn’t expect there to be so many people here today.”
Su Yi sighed and said, “Actually, even though there are many people here, most of them are here for the second time.
I’ve seen several of them during the auditions.
But to be frank, neither I nor they are likely to be selected.”
“Oh? Brother, why are you so lacking in confidence?” Mu Li asked curiously.
“We’ve all been through the auditions, so we have a good understanding of our own skill levels,” Su Yi sighed.
“Those who appear here are either lacking in original composition skills or don’t quite fit the mainstream music market.
Otherwise, why would they have to wait for a second round of interviews?”
“This…” Mu Li found it hard to comment.
“Are there many people like me who are here for the first time?”
Su Yi nodded.
“There are many, but please don’t get offended by what I’m about to say, little brother.
The entire music industry is only so big.
The first audition for this program was a month ago, and basically everyone who wanted to participate in this program came.
Those who didn’t come either looked down on the program or didn’t dare to come.”
“It’s the same with this interview.
Those who looked down on it still look down on it.
As for those who didn’t dare to come, do you think they’ll have a chance to be selected if they come this time?”
Seemingly noticing Mu Li’s slightly stiff expression, Su Yi quickly added, “Little brother, I’m not saying this to target you.”
“I understand, big brother,” Mu Li said with a smile.
“I happen to be the third type of person; I had never even heard of this program before.”
After hearing Mu Li’s words, Su Yi gained some understanding of Mu Li’s identity.
In Su Yi’s opinion, Mu Li was probably a newcomer to the music industry, a novice.
After all, this “Vocal Creation Chapter” had caused such a stir in the entire original music scene that almost every original musician knew about this program.
Looking at Mu Li’s age, he probably just graduated.
Su Yi estimated that Mu Li was just a newly graduated original music rookie.
In reality, Su Yi’s guess was not wrong.
Mu Li was indeed an original music rookie.
In terms of music production, he couldn't create mature arrangements and could only use a keyboard to compose the basic melodies of songs.
However, this program was about original music, not music arrangement.
Regarding originality, Mu Li could say without hesitation, “Everyone present is a junior.”
The line of twenty to thirty people seemed long, but the interview speed was actually faster than Mu Li had imagined.
Two hours later, Mu Li walked into the interview room.