Chapter 168: Chinese Pop Is the Ultimate Peak

Is Su Chen truly fearless of cyberbullying?

"Ru Kiln" isn't a pleasant name for a song... even if it is objectively unpleasant, couldn't he have been a bit more tactful? If anyone who loves Ru Kiln hears this, Su Chen is going to get absolutely shredded by them! But since Han Hong had already asked the question, she had no choice but to follow Su Chen's lead. Han Hong could only pray that the second reason Su Chen gave would be enough to convince the public.

"...Then what is the second reason?" Han Hong asked, "You mentioned earlier that there were two reasons. So, what is this reason that makes you care even more, and led you to make this decision?"

Han Hong emphasized the word "more" heavily. She was practically giving him a hint to think carefully before he spoke. If he gave another blunt answer or an inappropriate justification, then once the show ended, Su Chen would just have to sit back and wait to be torn apart. Even Jesus himself couldn't save Su Chen! Han Hong said so!

After all, the internet trolls these days never show mercy; they are experts at twisting facts and taking things out of context. Not to mention, Su Chen’s current popularity is coveted by far too many people. The moment Su Chen showed any flaw, that crowd would swarm in like piranhas to leech off his fame, magnifying that flaw infinitely until they had picked him clean—leaving not even a bone behind!

Su Chen met Han Hong’s expectant gaze. While he found it amusing, his heart was also filled with warmth. Whether it was Zhou Zhiqian or Han Hong, they were both exemplary seniors in the entertainment industry. If it were someone like Zheng Huayu, he would probably be wishing for Su Chen’s downfall just to use the buzz to climb higher himself.

So, Su Chen stopped playing around. He picked up the microphone and said earnestly, "The second reason is an immature wish of my own."

Hearing this, Han Hong raised an eyebrow, playing the part of a perfect foil. "...A wish? Can you share this wish with us?"

Su Chen nodded. "Of course. Or rather, to achieve this wish, what I'm about to say next is essential."

Su Chen paused, as if deciding how to begin or gathering his emotions. Once the entire venue fell silent due to his hesitation, he spoke slowly: "Actually, I have noticed that in recent years, the Chinese music scene has been flooded with too much foreign musical culture—be it rap or other genres."

"It has even reached a point where English songs occupy the top spots on all the major charts!"

"Of course, I’m not saying English songs are bad. I’m just saying that our Chinese music scene needs its own character and its own attitude."

"Likewise, this starting point doesn't just apply to music; it applies to everything else."

"Take my song 'Blue and White Porcelain,' for example. If Mentor Han Hong hadn't studied porcelain, wouldn't everyone have assumed that the 'sky-blue' color mentioned refers to blue and white porcelain?"

Hearing Su Chen's question, the crowd nodded silently. Who bothers to study porcelain these days, even if Ru Kiln and blue and white porcelain are both brilliant crystals of Chinese history and culture? If the "sky-blue" isn't blue and white porcelain, then what is it?

Su Chen simply smiled and continued: "That is the intention behind naming this song 'Blue and White Porcelain.'"

"As long as people enjoy listening to this song and are willing to learn the story behind it, they will realize that 'Blue and White Porcelain' isn't actually about blue and white porcelain, but about Ru Kiln."

"Whether for Ru Kiln or for blue and white porcelain, this provides people with another way to learn about them."

"That is my wish as well. I don't reject people liking foreign culture, but I don't want them to lose our own heritage."

"Chinese pop is the best!!!"

After Su Chen finished these words, the entire venue remained silent for several seconds before erupting into thunderous, tsunami-like cheers! Even the four mentors on the panel couldn't help but stand up and applaud Su Chen!

Han Hong and Zhou Zhiqian, in particular, felt this deeply, but no one had dared to say it or bring it up because it touched upon the interests of too many powerful figures. Yet, here on this stage, Su Chen had spoken their inner thoughts, to the point that Han Hong’s eyes grew moist.

However, among the four mentors who stood up, one held a different view. It was Cai Xukun. Because all the works that had earned Cai Xukun awards were English songs, and everything he had learned led him to believe from the bottom of his heart that foreign things were superior.

His experiences made it impossible for him to deny that he recognized the truth in Su Chen's words, but since the other three mentors were standing and clapping, he couldn't just sit there!

Once Han Hong’s emotions had calmed slightly, she gave Su Chen a thumbs up and said earnestly, "Su Chen is right. Chinese pop is the best, and in my heart, you are the best too!"

Han Hong didn’t offer any other critique, but that single sentence made her meaning clear to everyone.

Next, the critique moved to Yan Mi. Everyone assumed she would just echo the others, but she didn’t. In fact, she provided a very rigorous evaluation!

Yan Mi said, "Because I am sitting relatively close to the six mentors on the panel, I heard their comments. Compared to their appreciation for the verses of 'Blue and White Porcelain,' I actually prefer the chorus."

"I would like to explain the lyrics of the chorus with my own interpretation. I hope you'll forgive me if it's not well-said. After all, the lyrics Su Chen wrote are so classical that it reminds me of doing translations of classical Chinese texts back in school, haha!"

At this point, even Yan Mi couldn't help but laugh.

"For example, the line 'The sky-blue waits for the drizzle, and I am waiting for you'—my interpretation is: 'When I miss you, I write a letter to tell you, asking how you’ve been lately, while I sit by the green mountains and clear waters, a lover of blue and white porcelain.'"

"These lyrics use concise and clear language to express a sense of longing and a yearning for a loved one."

"First of all, 'The sky-blue waits for the drizzle, and I am waiting for you' expresses a yearning for the beloved."

"The 'waiting' in this sentence can be understood as a way of expressing emotion, using words to convey inner longing and concern."

"It conveys a warm sentiment, implying that even if they are far apart, he is thinking of the other person, hoping to stay informed of each other's lives..."

"...In summary, the chorus of 'Blue and White Porcelain' uses concise, clear language and rhetorical devices to express longing, concern, and hope for a loved one."

"By depicting beautiful natural scenery and using metaphors, it creates a romantic and warm atmosphere. The melody of this chorus is beautiful and moving, the lyrics are profound, and it gives people a sense of joy while prompting reflection and yearning for love."

Having said this, Yan Mi paused, looked directly at Su Chen, and declared, "So, my rating is: 100 points!"