Chapter 7: Contestants Assemble

Earth, Feng Jingyu’s home.

The discussion sparked by Yu Huaiyin’s video could only be described as nuclear-level; the data was skyrocketing at a pace even more terrifying than when “Cycle” had surged up the charts.

“Excellent. Now the entire interstellar community knows that our Earth is about to host the variety show ‘Interstellar Singer.’” Feng Jingyu, satisfied, closed the virtual screen and gazed at Yu Huaiyin beside her with deep affection. “Beloved consort, do you see? This is the kingdom I’ve conquered for you.”

Yu Huaiyin pressed a hand to his forehead. Feng Jingyu, seeing Cen Lan beside them trying so hard not to laugh that she was shaking, grabbed her hand as well and declared with feeling, “Of course, Empress, you are still the one I love most.”

“Can’t you let people eat in peace?” Yu Huaiyin finally couldn’t hold back and protested quietly.

“I’m not stopping you from eating.” Feng Jingyu opened StarNet and checked the video’s shares and comments. “I didn’t expect S-77 to be the first to share your video. Looks like he’s still sore about being overshadowed by you last time.”

“I’ll make them all shut up,” Yu Huaiyin said coolly.

Feng Jingyu gave him a thumbs-up. “So domineering.”

“The public opinion has almost reached its peak. Soon, the government will release a statement, inviting them to participate in the competition.” Cen Lan double-checked the statement draft that was about to be published.

“Wonderful. Our company is finally about to make money.” Feng Jingyu raised her milk tea. “Let’s celebrate in advance for earning our first bucket of gold. Cheers!”

“Cheers.”

Three cups of milk tea clinked together.

·

Official ‘Interstellar Singer’ Homepage:

Announcement on Contestant Eligibility and Voting Rules for ‘Interstellar Singer’

The ‘Interstellar Singer’ production team hereby announces the following regarding contestant selection and voting procedures:

1. Selection Range: Based on the real-time rankings of the “Interstellar Music General Chart” at the time of this announcement, the top 50 singers will receive preliminary selection eligibility.

2. Voting Mechanism:

1) The preliminary list will enter the public voting stage on StarNet from Earth time 5202-12-12 00:00 to Earth time 5202-12-14 23:59.

2) Each StarNet verified account has one voting right during this period and may cast only one vote.

3) Please choose carefully; your vote will directly determine which singers advance.

3. Advancement Mechanism: After the voting period, the six singers with the highest number of votes will officially qualify to travel to Earth for the competition.

4. Travel Arrangements: The Earth government has successfully filed and applied to the Interstellar Federation for the opening of a temporary major route for this event. Qualified singers and their registered companions may use this route to travel to and from Earth, with all related expenses covered by the organizers.

‘Interstellar Singer’ Production Team

Youjian Entertainment Company

Note: All rules and arrangements for this event are subject to final interpretation by Youjian Entertainment Company.

Earth Time 5202-12-01 20:00

·

Wo Shida Chunlu: Earth time? Why not use Interstellar Standard? Typical of a remote planet from a remote system—no manners at all.

Bootlicker #1: My lord, you are absolutely right.

Bootlicker #2: People from backwaters really have no upbringing.

Bootlicker #3: What kind of talent could possibly come from such a tiny place?

Autumn Whisper: @Wo Shida Chunlu, and which illiterate star system did you crawl out of to spout such nonsense here? Can’t figure out how to use StarNet’s built-in time conversion tool? That’s hard to believe—wasn’t universal education supposed to cover the whole Interstellar Federation? How did someone like you slip through the cracks? Or are you a special case, unable to use the basic functions of StarNet? As a civilized person, my advice to someone like you is: have your parents make a new account, because this one is done for.

Have You Been a Dog Today?: Madam Autumn Whisper, your loyal pup is here!!!!

Dog Upstairs: Madam, you are mighty!

At that moment, in the grand estate of the Shida Chunlu family of the Noble Star System, Wo Shida Chunlu, after reading the reply several times, finally understood it—and immediately flew into a rage, crushing his personal terminal in his hand.

“Lowly commoners, how dare they insult me…” His chest heaved violently as he snarled at his servant, “Go! Find out everything about this ‘Autumn Whisper’! I’ll make sure she learns what happens to those who cross me!”

Far away on Earth, Feng Jingyu had no idea that she had so thoroughly rattled an alien. With all her experience, she had nothing but contempt for such fragile, impotent rage. It was simple—they were just too weak.

·

“All right, all right, I’ll definitely cast my vote for S-77.” The Wordweaver, Star Anchor, ended the call with a smile.

Shu, who had listened to the entire conversation from start to finish, couldn’t help clicking his tongue. “Teacher, even these people are coming to you for votes?”

“This public voting system the Earthlings have set up is simply irresistible to us.” Star Anchor’s psychic tendrils moved methodically over the terminal, recording something. “Have you ever experienced this before? Using your own vote to decide another’s fate?”

“Never,” Shu shook his head.

“That’s why—the Earthlings have let you truly experience it for once.” Star Anchor pulled a book titled “Power and Control” from the bookshelf and handed it to Shu. “Once you’ve tasted this feeling, it’s hard to go back.”

Shu shook his head. “Teacher, I have no interest in power. I only love literature.”

Star Anchor stuffed the book into his hands. “Not liking it doesn’t mean you don’t need to understand it. Read it well—it’ll be useful to you someday. If you get the chance, I hope you’ll seek out Autumn Whisper for an exchange. She’ll benefit you greatly.”

“Yes, Teacher.” Shu nodded.

“By the way, isn’t it trendy these days to make friends with Earthlings? How many have you met?” Star Anchor asked with a smile.

“Teacher, I can’t believe you don’t see it—making friends with Earthlings is just about getting their votes, isn’t it?” Shu grew a little indignant at the thought. “I have no respect for such opportunistic relationships.”

Star Anchor’s smile grew even wider. “You’re only seeing our side. Haven’t you noticed the Earthlings are eager for this as well?”

Shu was puzzled. “Why?”

“Because Earthlings need to export their culture. These ‘friends’ are the perfect audience for that.”

“Export…” Shu recalled some Earth-related anecdotes his friends had shared, and those “memes” that had taken StarNet by storm. Suddenly, it all clicked. “You’re right—it really is a two-way street.”

“Shu, if you want to inherit my position, you still have much to learn.” Star Anchor spoke with heartfelt gravity.

Shu shook his head vigorously. “Teacher, Senior Sister is much more suited to this position than I am.”

“Yu Hui can never settle down. For her, this position would only be a shackle.” Star Anchor looked fondly at her youngest disciple. “Shu, you have a talent no less than Yu Hui’s. Believe in yourself.”

For some reason, Shu felt the urge to cry, but he held it in.

“Teacher, I’ll do my best.”

·

Official ‘Interstellar Singer’ Homepage:

Announcement of Finalists and Competition Details for ‘Interstellar Singer’

Following the StarNet public vote, the following six singers, listed in order of votes received, have officially qualified to travel to Earth for the competition:

1. S-77 (Third Star System)

2. Morning Dew (Aurora Star System)

3. Seeker (Interstellar Wanderer)

4. Le Huan (Dawn Star System)

5. Ming Ke (Resonance Star System)

6. Qing Wu (Wither-Prosper Star System)

1. Core Arrangements:

Contestant Arrival: Earth time 5202-12-25

Arrival Ceremony: On the day of arrival, an official ceremony will be held at the Earth spaceport, broadcast live via the official StarNet platform.

Dress Code: Contestants from each star system are encouraged to showcase the distinctive attire of their civilizations.

First Performance: Earth time 5203-02-05

Song Duration: All competition songs must not exceed 7 minutes in length (timed by Earth standards).

Judging Mechanism: The results will be determined by a joint vote of 1,000 randomly selected ordinary viewers from Earth and each of the six star systems represented by the contestants (a total of 7,000 people).

Competition Rules: Detailed procedures and rules will be announced prior to each performance.

2. Travel Arrangements

Route Usage: The Earth government has successfully filed and applied to the Interstellar Federation for a temporary major route for this event. Qualified singers and their registered companions may use this route to travel to and from Earth, with all related expenses covered by the organizers.

Check-in Deadline: To ensure the smooth running of subsequent events, all contestants must arrive at the designated Earth spaceport and complete check-in by Earth time 5202-12-25 16:00.

The entire competition will be conducted under the supervision of the Interstellar Review Committee to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency.

‘Interstellar Singer’ Production Team

Youjian Entertainment Company

Note: All rules and arrangements for this event are subject to final interpretation by Youjian Entertainment Company.

Earth Time 5202-12-15 20:00

·

After this announcement, the song duration limit became the focus of the interstellar public’s attention. But after the previous incident, no one dared protest in the comments section; instead, they turned to their Earth friends to ask why there was a time limit.

The Earthlings patiently explained the characteristics of Earth’s music, and, without restraint, roasted interstellar music on StarNet, saying it was as long and stinky as a bound foot cloth. The indignant interstellar citizens tried to argue back, only to be shut down by Earthlings with, “Yeah, yeah, we short-lived species aren’t worthy of listening to the music of long-lived ones.”

However, the personal homepages of the contestants remained silent. They all knew perfectly well that Earth was the true rule-maker for this show. By choosing to participate, they tacitly accepted those rules. Besides, the Review Committee was no mere figurehead; if Earth was allowed to set a time limit on songs, it meant the Committee had agreed.

With everyone watching, the day arrived for the contestants to set foot on Earth.