"The person I've been waiting for has arrived."

Me too.

Xu Huijing and Ye Yinhui both had a subtle, intriguing smile on their lips.

…

The process of drawing lots was quite simple, almost no different from drawing lots.

Since it was a last-minute decision, there weren't many complicated procedures.

Lin Rui, representing Xiazhou Conservatory of Music, was drawn against Wanzhou Drama Academy.

This time, only two arts schools from Wanzhou participated in the competition.

Based on theoretical combat strength assessments, the Bay State Drama Academy is undoubtedly a bottom-tier, utterly worthless institution.

In other words, Lin Rui drew the best possible lot.

Upon learning that their opponent was the Bay Area Drama Academy, Qi An, Yao Man, and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

If they perform normally, they can easily eliminate their opponents and secure a place in the semifinals.

For this reason, much of their resentment dissipated instantly.

The eight-school competition will be conducted using an elimination system.

The two art schools that ultimately advanced to the finals then competed in an individual elimination tournament to determine the top three.

In order to demonstrate fairness and impartiality.

The five judges for the competition are from Lisbon, Santorini and France, respectively, and there is absolutely no bias in their selection based on whether they are home favorites or not.

"Now that the draw results are set, then..."

The host was about to ask the school representatives to leave.

At that moment, instructions came through the earpiece I was wearing.

The instruction came from the backend.

The host appeared calm on the surface, but almost everyone in the room was shrewd and quickly guessed what was going on, revealing expressions of anticipation.

Is this a prelude to adding unnecessary scenes?

Yang Zhaoxuan, standing on the podium, frowned slightly before disappearing from view.

"Is Wu Zhenjun, who represented Yuezhou Art Academy on stage this time, Xiao Li's nephew?"

"I've heard Xiao Li mention it before, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. Xiao Li is capable at work, but he sometimes lacks consideration when it comes to things."

The art association executives sitting next to Yang Zhaoxuan all revealed meaningful expressions upon hearing this.

The underlying meaning of Yang Zhaoxuan's words can be summed up in just four words.

Unfit for important tasks.

The host understood immediately and looked at the crowd with a smile.

"You are all elites from art schools, why don't you take this opportunity to showcase your talents to the visiting guests?"

Wu Zhenjun immediately realized that his uncle had added this scene for him on the spot.

After all, it's not easy to get on this stage.

Staying for just one more minute can earn you more exposure.

"It would be my great honor."

"Of course, no problem!"

"OK!"

…

Upon hearing about this great opportunity, the art school representatives present all responded enthusiastically.

Their excitement was no less than that of Wu Zhenjun.

The host began calling out names.

Wu Zhenjun was naturally placed first.

He performed a dance accompanied by rap.

Apart from Wu Zhenjun, who had nearly two minutes of performance time, the next art school representative only had about one minute.

Such blatant favoritism and corruption—Yang Zhaoxuan didn't say it aloud, but in his heart, he had already sentenced Xiao Li, who was in charge of the work, to death.

Normally, he wouldn't care about such trivial details.

But things are different now.

On the stage, there is a person standing.

"Next, please welcome Lin Rui, a representative from Xiazhou Conservatory of Music, to perform his talent for everyone."

While glancing at his watch, the host explained, "Speaking of which, Lin Rui is not a contestant. According to the information, he is the team leader of Xiazhou Conservatory of Music."

There wasn't much of a reaction at the scene.

To be precise, everyone is already fed up with this farcical, impromptu addition.

After watching the performances of the first three students, the novelty had long worn off.

I wouldn't say I was disappointed.

It's not that the performance was bad.

To put it simply, it's utterly unappealing.

"Is Lin Rui going to perform a dance or a song?"

"Songs."

Upon hearing the word "song," the host quickly handed the microphone to Lin Rui.

"Which song does Lin Rui want to sing? Does he need any instrumental accompaniment?"

The host spoke politely.

However, his frequent glances at the mechanical watch on his wrist revealed that the host was not paying attention.

Lin Rui held the microphone and patted it lightly twice.

Once he confirmed that the signal was working, he then raised the microphone.

This time, facing countless gazes from below the stage, Lin Rui remained calm and composed.

No accompaniment needed.

"Singing a cappella is fine."