After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me - Chapter 284

Chapter 284: Don’t Come Back If You Lose!
Receiving her “reward,” Zhouzhou was immediately encouraged. She ran up to Huo Ji’an and Lu Zhaozhao, asking, “Little Skinny Pole, Zhaocai, did you think my singing just now was good?”

Though she asked the question, she already stood with her hands on her hips, proudly showing off her chubby chin, her face clearly expressing “praise me” in big letters. Lu Zhaozhao, holding onto her clothes, looked at her hesitantly. She wanted to tell the truth but was afraid of hurting her friend’s feelings. She glanced at Lu Yanyu and Ban Shiyi for help.

However, her brother and sister-in-law just stood by, watching the show with amusement, without any intention of stepping in to help. With a pained expression, Lu Zhaozhao looked back at Zhouzhou.

Before she could answer, Huo Ji’an quickly slipped a coin into her hand. Lu Zhaozhao, having no money, thought for a moment before handing over her hairpin.

Zhouzhou smiled even more brightly. “Since you all liked my singing so much, I’ll sing for you every day from now on!”

As soon as she finished speaking, the coin and hairpin she received flew away.

Huo Ji’an and Lu Zhaozhao both stepped back several times, shaking their heads vigorously. Their faces turned pale, looking as if they were frightened, continuously waving their hands.

Seeing their reactions, Zhouzhou was puzzled. Then she suddenly realized something and patted her chest, saying, “Don’t worry, even if you don’t pay me, I’ll still sing for you. We’re friends, right?”

With a gap-toothed smile, she reassured them.

However, Huo Ji’an and Lu Zhaozhao were terrified. They didn’t want this kind of blessing!

Seeing their reaction, netizens screenshot madly while laughing.

[Look how scared Ji’an and Zhaocai are! Zhouzhou’s singing really is lethal.]

[Hahaha, Zhouzhou is such a confident little girl. Whether you give her money or not, she firmly believes her singing is wonderful.]

[Someone please tell her the truth!]

[Look at those people, who could bear to? If Zhouzhou asked, they’d all praise her singing.]

[Zhouzhou really loves money. Can we crowdfund to make her stop singing forever? Let’s seal her voice!]

[Zhouzhou: Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your tips. Let me sing you a song~]

[We’re done for. See you in the next life.]

The barrage area was lively, and the adults present were having a great time. Eventually, Xiao Lan, holding back her laughter, redirected Zhouzhou’s attention to the competition between Xi Yan and Yu Mian, putting an end to the situation.

Xi Yan and Yu Mian had always been arch-enemies. Despite their age difference of more than ten years and not being from the same era, they still couldn’t stand each other. Their rivalry was intense, fueled by years of competition and mutual disdain.

Especially Yu Mian. After so many years in the industry, the first time he received a large number of haters was because he said Xi Yan wasn’t suitable for this industry. Yet Xi Yan became the hottest singer, dealing him a heavy blow.

He had confidently proclaimed that Xi Yan lacked the talent and presence needed to succeed, only to watch in frustration as the younger artist soared to fame and became a household name. This public humiliation festered into a long-standing grudge.

Yu Mian remembered this grudge vividly. Some even said he wasn’t as good as Xi Yan, which made him even more resentful. Fans and critics alike compared their musical styles, often favoring Xi Yan’s fresh, innovative approach over Yu Mian’s more traditional methods. The whispers of inferiority gnawed at Yu Mian, fueling his desire for vindication.

He wouldn’t miss this chance. He wanted to prove that Xi Yan was not better than him! The production team, ever keen on drama and high ratings, understood the importance of traffic and immediately focused all the cameras on them, ensuring not to miss any details. The tension between them was palpable, a guaranteed magnet for viewers.

Yu Mian was well aware of the importance of this competition. He had prepared meticulously, rehearsing tirelessly and perfecting his performance. His stage presence was polished, his determination steely. In stark contrast, Xi Yan seemed much more relaxed, even yawning as if he didn’t care about the outcome at all. His nonchalance was infuriating to Yu Mian, who was visibly bristling with irritation.

Yu Mian was furious, almost losing his breath. His face reddened with frustration as he tried to calm himself down. The casual attitude of Xi Yan felt like a personal affront.

“Uncle, go for it!” Zhouzhou’s chubby body bounced around, her small hand forming a makeshift horn by her mouth. “I bet a coin on you. If you lose, don’t come back!”

Xi Yan: “…” It’s cute, but not much. He was actually less important than a coin!!!

He was so angry that he almost stumbled and fell. The thought that his worth was measured against a single coin was both amusing and maddening. When he looked back at Yu Mian, his body straightened up, a hint of seriousness appeared on his face, and his eyes sparkled with determination. The playful facade dropped, revealing a competitive fire.

He would prove to Zhouzhou that her one-coin bet on him was definitely right! Even he didn’t realize how serious he was about competing against that one coin. After all, he was still Xi Yan. He couldn’t lose to a coin. Otherwise, the little money enthusiast would definitely be upset about losing it. The idea of disappointing Zhouzhou fueled his resolve.

Thinking this, Xi Yan’s expression became even more focused. The playful indifference was replaced by a sharp, intense concentration. This was more than just a competition; it was a matter of pride and personal honor.

Yu Mian looked at him, sneering coldly, not taking him seriously at all. His dismissive attitude was evident, confident that Xi Yan’s apparent lack of preparation would be his downfall. He believed that experience and meticulous planning would trump Xi Yan’s casual approach.

Soon, the competition began.

This round was about recognizing tunes. Humming was easy, but to reproduce the original sound, they had to find the corresponding instrument and play the tune.

Originally, either option would suffice, but since both were determined to compete against each other, they naturally wanted to thoroughly defeat the other.

With a powerful competitor like a one-coin bet, Xi Yan pressed the buzzer first, then picked up a guitar and started humming. The melody was exactly the same as before, without any mistakes.

He scored a point.

Yu Mian’s face immediately darkened.

Zhouzhou watched as the staff wrote down the score, unable to contain her excitement. She clapped her chubby hands and exclaimed, “Uncle, you’re amazing! Your singing sounds just like mine!”

Xi Yan choked. He didn’t know whether she was praising or insulting him.

[Hahaha, Xi Yan: There’s really no need.]

[I advise Xi Yan not to be ungrateful. This is Zhouzhou’s acknowledgment, after all. In her heart, her singing is superb.]

[True, Xi Yan has been called a musical genius since his debut. Zhouzhou’s also a genius in mimicking a ghost wailing, they are kindred spirits.]

[The commenter above is definitely a hater.]

Seeing the smug smile on Xi Yan’s face, Yu Mian felt a surge of discomfort and frustration. “Let’s continue,” he demanded, his voice strained.

Xi Yan glanced at him, a sneer playing at the corners of his mouth, and crossed his arms casually. “Go ahead,” he replied, his tone dripping with condescension.

Determined not to let Xi Yan score any more points, Yu Mian steeled himself, his earlier casual demeanor giving way to intense focus. However, the outcome was a harsh slap to his pride. Despite his renewed determination, he failed to score any points at all.

Originally, the competition was intended to be best of three rounds. But the director, sensing an opportunity for heightened drama, decided to extend it to ten rounds.

Xi Yan triumphed effortlessly in the first nine rounds, each victory deepening the humiliation Yu Mian felt. By the end of the ninth round, Yu Mian’s face had turned a deep shade of crimson, the color of embarrassment and anger. He could feel the weight of the spectators’ gazes, each pair of eyes like a burning spotlight on his failure.

He had truly been bested by Xi Yan this time.

Just as despair threatened to overwhelm him, the prelude to the tenth song began to play. A spark of hope ignited in Yu Mian’s eyes, and he quickly pressed the buzzer. This time, the light flashed on his side.

He had finally buzzed in first.

Yu Mian was momentarily stunned. He had known the answers in the previous rounds too, but Xi Yan had always been quicker. This small victory felt monumental.

Confidently, he declared, “It’s ‘Black Night.'”

This song was his creation; he knew it inside and out. How could he not recognize his own work? He glanced over at Xi Yan, expecting to see disappointment or surprise. Instead, he was met with a mocking smile. Xi Yan’s lips moved silently, forming words that Yu Mian instinctively understood.

A sudden, overwhelming buzz filled Yu Mian’s mind, draining the color from his face. A chill spread through him, replacing the fleeting warmth of his small triumph.