Chapter 25: So What If the Songs Are Corny? I Only Have a Few Lines!

2013 Timeline.

I Am a Singer production team.

After seeing the content exposed on the celestial screen, director Hong Tao couldn’t help but sigh in admiration:

“This Zeng Yi is really impressive!”

“And judging by their future fanbase, it seems absolutely massive!”

“I think our show should invite Phoenix Legend to join as guest challengers! What do you all think?”

The expressions on the faces of the competing singers varied.

Top-tier vocalists like Huang Qishan and Lin Zhixuan looked eager, itching to challenge Zeng Yi.

Huang Qishan said curiously, “I think it’s a great idea!”

“Zeng Yi’s high notes are extraordinary—hitting them effortlessly while sitting, matching Ling Hua’s power. I really want to see what his limits are!”

Lin Zhixuan smiled and agreed, “Exactly! I’d love to compete with him face-to-face!”

“I’ve heard some of Phoenix Legend’s songs and am familiar with Ling Hua’s voice, but I don’t know much about Zeng Yi. This would be a great chance to exchange skills!”

As for other singers, like Shang Wenjie—who were more like filler contestants—their faces were full of worry.

These singers weren’t particularly skilled and had only made it onto the hit show due to company connections.

If a powerhouse like Phoenix Legend joined, they’d likely get pushed out!

Still, when faced with Director Hong Tao’s question, Shang Wenjie didn’t want to show weakness and forced herself to say:

“Inviting Phoenix Legend sounds good!”

“After all, out of all the celebrities exposed by the celestial screen, they’re the only ones who haven’t had any scandals!”

Hong Tao smiled.

“Alright, then! I’ll arrange for our team to reach out to them.”

“With the celestial screen’s exposure, their popularity is skyrocketing. Having them on our show would definitely boost ratings!”

2013 Timeline.

The netizens were also stunned by Zeng Yi’s ability to hit high notes while sitting.

Only now did they realize that the seemingly lazy, slacking Zeng Yi was actually the hidden powerhouse of Phoenix Legend!

“Zeng Yi’s story teaches us a valuable lesson: You can slack off, but you can’t actually suck!”

“I’ve had the wrong impression of Zeng Yi all this time!”

“Back in the day, Zeng Yi had a shaved head—I always thought he was just Ling Hua’s bodyguard!”

“Who knew he was the real deal?!”

“Now I finally get why Zeng Yi only has a few lines per song but still splits earnings 50-50 with Ling Hua!”

“Turns out, Zeng Yi is just as indispensable to Phoenix Legend!”

“Fun fact: Zeng Yi isn’t just Ling Hua’s mentor—he’s also her boss!”

“So, Phoenix Legend exists because of Zeng Yi!”

2017 Timeline.

Recording studio.

After seeing the revelations on the celestial screen, Ling Hua realized she had misunderstood Zeng Yi.

She put down her water glass, embarrassed, and said:

“Sorry, Teacher Zeng, I misjudged you!”

“I knew my beloved mentor would never have a scandal!”

“But Zeng Yi, your ability to hit high notes while sitting is insane!”

“How come I never noticed before?!”

“Just how many hidden talents do you have?!”

Zeng Yi, finally vindicated by the celestial screen’s exposure, smirked.

“Hmph! Hitting high notes while sitting? Easy for me!”

“Want to learn?”

Ling Hua nodded eagerly. “Yes! That move is amazing!”

Seeing her admiration, Zeng Yi couldn’t help but laugh.

“Fine, since you’re so eager, I’ll reluctantly teach you.”

2017 Timeline.

Peacock Music.

The company’s boss let out a long sigh of relief after seeing the celestial screen’s revelations.

“Thank goodness! Zeng Yi didn’t have a scandal—our company is safe!”

“But that celestial screen is such clickbait! Almost gave me a heart attack!”

“Lao Liu, contact the marketing team—we can start preparing for Phoenix Legend’s nationwide tour!”

Lao Liu nodded with a smile. “Got it, I’ll arrange it right away.”

Just as he was about to leave, the boss suddenly thought of something else and added:

“Oh, and since Zeng Yi has shown such incredible skill, maybe we should give him more lines in the songs!”

“Otherwise, it’s just a waste!”

“Reach out to top-tier producers—budget isn’t an issue. The songs just need to showcase Zeng Yi’s talent!”

Lao Liu grinned. “Understood!”

“Zeng Yi’s been slacking long enough—it’s time to let Ling Hua take a break!”

2006 Timeline.

At this time, Phoenix Legend was still labeled as “agricultural heavy metal.”

Though they had a decent fanbase, they also had plenty of haters.

Even after Zeng Yi displayed his incredible vocal skills, the critics remained unimpressed.

“So what if he can hit high notes while sitting? Doesn’t change the fact that their songs are corny!”

“Just look at their albums—each one is more cringe than the last!”

“I don’t get how a rural duo like this could have so many fans in the future!”

“Korean oppas are way hotter—their music is on another level!”

“Exactly! Korean idols are perfect—miles ahead of any Chinese singers!”

Fans of Phoenix Legend during this era couldn’t stand the hate and clapped back online.

Just then, the celestial screen began its next exposure.

On screen, Zeng Yi and Ling Hua were guests on a roast show.

Standing on stage, Zeng Yi said with complete seriousness:

“A lot of people say Phoenix Legend’s songs are corny.”

“But here’s my question—what does that have to do with me?!”

“I only have a few lines!!!”

At the same time, singers and celebrities across different timelines were losing their composure.

With this video, Phoenix Legend had now been featured three times!

“Seriously?! The celestial screen is playing favorites!”

“This is their third exposure already!”

“When will it be my turn?!”