Chapter Ten: How Beautiful Can a Song Sound?

After they finished discussing, everyone immediately went to find their cars. Several girls, along with Qin Nuanyu, crowded into Yang Xiaofan’s car. It was their first time riding in a car worth two million, and the girls were all excited. Even Qin Nuanyu was less composed than usual. However, thanks to the car’s performance and the short distance to Tropical Paradise, their excitement hadn’t yet faded when they arrived at their destination.

While waiting downstairs for their classmates to gather, the girls shamelessly sat in the M5 and took a bunch of selfies. Soon, everyone else arrived at the entrance to the KTV, and under Wang Ze’s lead, the group strode confidently into the lobby.

A middle-aged man in a suit had been waiting inside. When he saw Wang Ze, he walked over with a smile. “Xiao Ze, you’ve arrived.”

Wang Ze grinned. “Uncle, did you get the private room I asked for?”

“Of course! Don’t you trust your uncle? It’s all arranged—a large room for forty people, more than enough for you all to have a good time.”

“Thanks, uncle. We’ll head up first.”

“Go ahead. I’ll have someone bring up some fruit platters for you. Have fun.”

“Absolutely!” Wang Ze, with his arm around Wang Qian, waved his hand grandly at everyone behind him. “Classmates, let’s go!”

He looked every bit the dashing general leading his troops. Since he was the host, no one objected; everyone followed him in a swarm up to the private room.

Qin Nuanyu took charge. “We don’t have a lot of time—there’s class tomorrow—so let’s not waste any. Let’s start the auditions now. If you know you can’t sing, don’t come up yet. You can have fun after the auditions.”

“Alright! I’ll go first.” One classmate volunteered eagerly and chose a classic old song, “Ten Years.” As the music started, his voice filled the room. Not bad—the rhythm was right, and he stayed on key. When he finished, he even received a round of applause.

Using this method, they quickly auditioned seven or eight classmates, all of whom sang quite well. But Qin Nuanyu’s brow never relaxed. As class president, she was more clear-headed than the others. These were decent singers for a KTV, but to perform at the freshman welcome gala, they weren’t nearly good enough!

Just then, Wang Ze cleared his throat. “So, anyone else want to audition? If not, I’d like to give it a try myself.”

“Wang Ze, you like singing too?” a classmate asked, curious. Before Wang Ze could reply, Wang Qian chimed in, “Of course! Our Wang Ze is talented in every way—singing is a piece of cake for him.”

“Really?”

“How come we’ve never heard you sing before?”

Wang Ze coughed and waved his hand modestly, smiling. “I used to focus on my studies, so it’s normal you haven’t heard me. But this time, it’s about our class’s honor. I can’t keep it hidden any longer. Qian Qian, pick a song for me.”

“Got it!” Wang Qian cheerfully went to choose a song for him—one that was emotionally stirring, “Father.” As the melody began, Wang Ze started to sing, his voice slow and steady.

The moment he opened his mouth, everyone was taken aback—even Qin Nuanyu couldn’t help but be surprised. It was beautiful, truly impressive. Wang Ze had clearly received some professional training. His singing—whether the melody or the transitions between notes—was all very stable. Compared to those who sang before, his skill was obvious.

When he finished, the room erupted in thunderous applause.

“Bravo!”

“That was amazing!”

“Who knew you could sing so well, Wang Ze!”

The praise made Wang Ze beam with pride. “Thank you, thank you.” And then, with a hint of provocation, he glanced at Yang Xiaofan, his eyes seeming to say, Well, Yang Xiaofan—think you can do better?

Yang Xiaofan was speechless. Wang Ze was getting way too cocky.

On the other side, Qin Nuanyu took a deep breath and addressed everyone, “I don’t think we need to continue. Wang Ze’s talent is clear to all. Unless someone else wants to audition, Wang Ze will represent our class at the welcome gala.”

Everyone nodded in agreement; no one objected. Wang Ze felt as though he was basking in the spring breeze—a crushing victory filled his chest, and he wanted nothing more than to celebrate.

But just then, Yang Xiaofan quietly spoke up. “Um… Class President, I’d like to give it a try too.”

Everyone was taken aback. Not just Qin Nuanyu—many classmates looked surprised. With Wang Ze’s skill, why would Yang Xiaofan challenge him? Was he asking for trouble?

Wang Ze hadn’t expected Yang Xiaofan to compete with him. He quickly sneered, “What are you doing, Yang Xiaofan? Can you even sing? Don’t think that just because you’ve come into some money, you’re above everyone else. I’ve had professional training—have you? Could your family even afford lessons?”

Yang Xiaofan shot him an annoyed glance. “Watch your mouth, Wang Ze. Just because I couldn’t afford lessons before doesn’t mean I can’t sing.”

“Fine! Still stubborn, huh? I’ll humor you. Qian Qian, pick him a song. I want to see what Yang Xiaofan is really made of today!”

“Alright!” Wang Qian answered, looking at Yang Xiaofan with the same disdain. “Yang Xiaofan, what song do you want to sing?”

Yang Xiaofan shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Pick whatever you like.”

“Hmph! Don’t blame me for whatever I pick.” With that, Wang Qian chose “Heavenly Road” for him—a widely sung classic, more as a token gesture than a real challenge, since she didn’t believe he could win.

Seeing the tension in the room, Qin Nuanyu quietly approached Yang Xiaofan, her brows knitted. She whispered, “Yang Xiaofan, don’t make a scene. Wang Ze is really skilled—you’re not his match.”

Yang Xiaofan grinned and whispered back, just for her ears, “Are you worried about me, Class President?”

Qin Nuanyu blushed and glared at him. “Don’t be ridiculous—I just don’t want to see classmates falling out over this.”

Yang Xiaofan grinned wider. “You’re so cute when you say one thing and mean another, Class President. But don’t worry. Since I said I’ll sing, I mean it. I, Yang Xiaofan, always keep my word.”