I desperately want to win on the peninsula

"Don't give yourself away, kid. Be strong."

I know it's lonely, but the boy with tears in his eyes must remember to persevere, stop the tears and pick up his sense of responsibility again...

Amidst the repeated questioning, Song Minhao's singing gradually grew louder, and the lights began to illuminate one by one. He slowly raised his head and looked ahead, an unprecedented sense of bewilderment appearing on his face for the first time.

Gone was the confident champion aura he once possessed; only a profound sense of dejection lingered around him.

This scene struck a chord with countless viewers, instantly plunging them into the same predicament.

Just then, a door on the stage slowly opened, revealing an indistinct black figure standing in the doorway, holding a microphone high and singing loudly. The emotionally charged voice served as a bridge, building a path to redemption after self-doubt.

"Eh—when you dare not think of anything, you will keep your eyes open, simply because you are afraid, because you are afraid."

When you don't want to say anything, you deliberately raise your voice. There's no other reason.

It's because I'm scared, I'm scared~

The footage showed scattered shots of the backup singer, his classic slicked-back hairstyle, and his unique voice that many people found familiar.

Before he could react, Song Minhao stepped onto the path of redemption. His voice, like the lyrics of a song, was deliberately amplified despite his fear, and his conviction refocused on his face.

"One day I'll believe I have no rivals, but an enemy is my mirror..."

Song Minho roared and walked slowly to a middle-aged man in the stands. With a loud "Abuji!" that echoed throughout the stage, he and the middle-aged man embraced.

The touching scene was etched in the eyes of every viewer, washing away the tension of the competition. The heartwarming moment allowed countless viewers to let their guard down, and the audience was deeply moved, with some female fans even shedding tears of joy...

The dark figure standing at the door finally made its appearance; it was Taeyang, the lead singer of Bigbabg, whose appearance instantly triggered a deafening roar of cheers.

The audience below the stage was thrilled. Song Minho turned around and gave him a high-five and a shoulder bump. The appearance of Taeyang seemed to have relieved him of his burdens, and he completely took control of the stage atmosphere.

The two matches featured stellar lineups that were a real treat to watch, leaving Kim Seolhyun stunned with wide eyes.

"The sun was actually invited? That's way too much!"

"It's no exaggeration. Zhou Xian's lineup is so luxurious because this situation was taken into account." Shin Jimin had inside information and happened to reveal a little bit at this time.

"I see, but I feel like their stage styles are a bit similar." Kim Seolhyun nodded after hearing the explanation, and then asked another question.

"You're not mistaken, it's just that the presentation is different." Shin Jimin took a deep breath. "Both stories are told through television, but Joo Heon's story shows the trajectory of his life, gradually strengthening his beliefs with the guidance and help of countless people."

Mino represents reminiscing about the past; the self-questioning and self-answering, along with the sun hook, form a ladder of inner feelings, culminating in a sense of letting go and finding peace in the end. Therefore, the visuals possess a strong emotional impact.

"..." Kim Seolhyun nodded as if she understood, "Unnie knows a lot."

"Kyo designed Zhou Xian's stage, didn't you know?" Shin Jimin asked with a smile, seeing her reaction.

"I don't know..." Kim Seolhyun suddenly felt as if a knife had been plunged into her heart, staring blankly at Shin Jimin, who was smiling beside her.

"Understood." Shin Jimin gave Kim Seolhyun a meaningful look, then turned his gaze back to the television screen.

The show had ended, but the production team did not announce the winner immediately. Instead, they switched to the other group's duel.

"Stop daydreaming, the group you want to see is about to start."

"I didn't want to watch..."

"I'm going to sleep if I don't want to watch anymore, I'm sleepy anyway."

"No! The winner of the first group isn't decided yet! I want to see who wins before I go to sleep!"

"I can tell you in advance~"

"I won't listen! I won't listen!"

Shin Jimin whispered like a demon, and Kim Seolhyun covered her ears and shook her head in refusal.

Basick's stage had already been presented during their conversation, but the viewers watching the show had lost interest in watching the competition and had already rushed to various forums to express their opinions freely. The stage performances of the two amazing lineups directly ignited the internet, and various trending topics were hanging high in the search list.

Even while browsing forums, very few viewers left their TVs, as the outcome was still undecided and many were eagerly awaiting the result.

The dad gave a great performance on stage, showcasing his best abilities, which made viewers who were browsing the forums but watching TV start watching the show again.

When MAMAMOO, who were providing backing vocals, appeared on the high platform and started singing, most people didn't feel much. It wasn't that they weren't popular, but rather that their previous performances had been so amazing that they felt a bit boring now.

I just want the rest of the stage to end quickly so the outcome of the first group can be revealed soon...

Perhaps the anticipation worked, for Basick walked off the stage amidst cheers, and the camera then cut to the face of the last contestant. The previous spectacular performances had not made him show any fear; confidence was evident on his brow, and he exuded a strong desire to unleash his full potential.

The moment this face appeared, it immediately attracted attention. Countless viewers suddenly realized that this popular player's performance was absolutely no less than any other player's, and even made people look forward to his lineup.

This also happened in the AOA dorm. Shin Jimin saw it and smiled, giving Kim Seolhyun a gentle reminder.

"Here it comes!"

"I already said, I'm not looking at him."

Upon hearing this, Kim Seolhyun quickly defended herself, nodding emphatically as if it were true.

However, to Shin Jimin, her words sounded like a big dog stealing dragon fruit, lying with its mouth all red.

And that was indeed the case; ever since he came on stage, Kim Seolhyun's big eyes never left the television.

The scene shows a stage shrouded in mist, with a tall, slender figure appearing and disappearing in the mist...

The song title appeared on the screen, and the gist of "Forever" is: there's no need to show unnecessary humility.

As a very soft murmur filled the air around the stage, the camera gradually zoomed out.

The entire stage was rendered as if it were a vast sky, like a magnificent dome hanging high, extending upwards in layers until it disappeared into the deep, night-like curtain behind it.

The beat is like the drumbeat of a heartbeat, striking the drum surface of time, and the melody rises and falls gently, dragging the listener's heartstrings.

There was no glamorous appearance, no dazzling spotlights or flashing colored lights.

Only pure, almost solidified, milky-white beams of light poured down from the extremely high dome or from the hidden niches on either side of the stage.

These beams of light were not scattered, but rather solidified, like scepters cast down by angels, precisely illuminating the key area of ​​the stage: the highest-level central platform.

As Lin Qianqiao gradually revealed his form, his face was calm and serene, his gaze lowered, staring at the ground beneath his feet or at the void in front of him, with a detached and almost divine focus.

"Hello universe, it's the me."

That posture was not a performance, but the execution of a sacred ritual. The microphone in his hand was being slowly raised, and his voice was initially a very soft and pure murmur.

The audience was already stunned by the initial stage effects from the very opening prelude, and cheers erupted continuously.

He didn't keep anyone waiting long; he instantly grasped the rhythmic changes of the drumbeats, and his rapid, powerful flow relentlessly assaulted the eardrums of the audience.

"Tearing off the rapper label and becoming an MC, I want to walk up in my own way and take the path of an artist. My belief and self are becoming more and more firm."

I write new history with my footprints, witnessing people's lives are about wanting to live and wanting rights. I need more power, not for money or status. Although my position has changed a lot, I am still here.

I will not be moved by the fleeting things of this world, but will forever pursue eternity. I want to follow eternal love, peace, and mind.

His rap is no longer gentle and rhythmic, but short, dense, and explosive.

The drumbeats strike and cut with the precision of bullets, creating a suffocating sense of urgency and momentum. The accompaniment itself seems to echo the meaning of his lyrics, with the drumbeats becoming heavier and more rapid. The bass part is like an undercurrent, pushing the entire picture forward and impacting the vision of every viewer.

There was an extremely brief, almost imperceptible pause in the drumbeats, as if a frame of time had been pulled away. In that frozen moment, Lin Qianqiao took a deep breath, his chest heaving noticeably. He turned his head slightly, moved the microphone a few inches away, and his eyes swept over the fervent faces below the stage. A smile, almost compassionate yet incredibly resolute, seemed to tug at the corner of his mouth.

"Hey, I heard I'm very popular lately. Look at me now."

This is the first step in becoming an artistic entity, and the places I've recently appeared in are the headphones you're wearing, the studio, and the stage.

Now that I've been busy going through my dream journey to get here, do you feel that there are more and more rappers with furrowed brows because of me?

I have gained all the attention and acclaim, money and fame, and now I am a role model for young people with dreams.

But as you know... I don't pursue those things. I yearn for something more valuable, something that will last forever.

believe forever forever......"

On stage, Lin Qianqiao raps with ease and confidence, mastering the Trap beat style. Although he doesn't have the effortless ease of old school, his top-notch tone combined with his three-beat technique keeps the listener's ears being torn apart, like a demonic sound piercing their minds.

The audience below the stage was completely absorbed in his performance, waving glow sticks and various support props like believers.

The reactions in the waiting room were also quite interesting. President Park, as always, was very respectful, clasping his hands together as if he were beckoning a saint. The mentor from the opposing team, Brand New, was listless, and someone from Zico's team seemed to have a livid expression, looking extremely unhappy.

But that's not all; the accompanying drumbeats came crashing down again with an even more powerful and heavy bass drum and bass roar!

His voice erupted again, this time with a higher pitch and more intense emotions, like a long-accumulated volcano finally finding its final outlet.

"Those resentful people who only dare to watch silently from afar dare not stand in front of me."

The increasing attention, the problems arising from the growing profits, and the price paid for fame also made me realize that my desires were gradually increasing.

But I will never give up my convictions, and I will never yield to the hordes of resentful people around me. That is only natural…

As this more aggressive and declarative passage burst forth, several new, equally focused but slightly warm-golden beams of light suddenly joined from the previously hidden niches on both sides of the stage!

Their rays intersected and converged with the main beam of light above his head, no longer merely "the scepter of an angel," but more like the glory that crowned him, illuminating the entire highest platform as if it were a burning altar.

The roar from the audience, escalating further, transformed into a deafening, formless thunderous roar.

"Wow~ Such a big production for a solo stage, that's amazing!"

Shin Ji-min, who was watching the performance, couldn't help but sigh, feeling quite envious of Lin Qian-qiao's expressiveness.

This was the first time she had spoken on her own initiative that evening, and Kim Seolhyun quickly noticed it, even sensing something amiss with her words. She tilted her head and asked, "Unnie, what does 'solo stage' mean?"

"Since we're already here, there's no need to hide anything anymore. A solo stage means exactly what it says. No resident singers, no helpers, nothing at all. This is Kyo's solo show..." Shin Jimin shook his head, quite impressed.

She was a little surprised when she received the news. She didn't expect that her solo performance could still maintain such explosive output, even surpassing the top six competition. Her strength was truly unfathomable.

"No!" Kim Seolhyun glanced at Lin Qianqiao on the TV and saw him fighting alone on stage. She felt that he must be very uncomfortable, and a strange emotion welled up in her heart.

"How can Starship be so biased!" she said indignantly. "They clearly have helpers, but they didn't share any of them."

"Ani, this is the situation that Kyo and Jooheon discussed with the company," Shin Jimin explained. "The specifics are complicated, but that's really how it is."

"Really?" Kim Seolhyun pouted, protesting. "I still don't quite believe it."

"Hmm..." Shin Jimin sensed something was off about her tone, and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the resentment in Kim Seolhyun's eyes. She suddenly smiled and said, "I think... you should ask Kyo about the specifics, otherwise my explanation won't help, right?"

"Shh~" Kim Seolhyun stuck out her pink tongue.

After Shin Jimin saw Lim Gan-chiao's performance end, the first group to be selected as the winner was this group. The new dad Basick reappeared on stage and stood in a row alongside Lim Gan-chiao, accepting the audience's votes. Then the winner was announced.

"I'm not watching anymore~" Shin Jimin stretched and got up to leave.

She already knew the answer, and when the moment of revealing the answer arrived, she suddenly felt bored.

Shin Jimin slowly walked back to her room, yawning lazily halfway there. But Kim Seolhyun didn't think so. She glanced at Shin Jimin as she left, reaching out as if she wanted to call her back, but the sound of the TV in her ear quickly drew her attention back to her original spot.

Her bright, piercing eyes were glued to the television screen, her gaze fixed on the amount of money being voted on. The ever-increasing amount made her curl up into a ball, eagerly awaiting the moment the answer would be revealed.

As the vote count settled, before the host, Kim Jin-pyo, could announce the answer, Kim Seol-hyun's face lit up with joy, and she immediately raised her hands and exclaimed "Congratulations to the winner in advance!"