Shanshanâs face flushed; if Lin Fan werenât her actual brother, she would have wanted to marry himâhe is so wealthy, after all.
But it wasnât too bad now; having a wealthy brother.
"So whatâs going on with you, really?" Shanshan asked, still not giving up.
Lin Fan replied casually, "I canât say right now, but Iâll tell you when thereâs a chance."
The interview was held in a large hall, where parents could accompany the candidates. Several judges sat on the stage, and candidates went up one by one for their interviews.
The main focus of the test was impromptu singing or impromptu playing of instruments.
The judges would score based on the candidatesâ performances.
"Cheng Xiaolu!"
One of the judges called her name.
Cheng Xiaolu confidently walked up, introduced herself, and then began to sing.
Her voice was quite sweet, and she sang well, causing the judges to nod frequently in approval.
Watching Cheng Xiaoluâs exam, Shanshan began to feel nervous, slightly trembling.
Lin Fan comforted her, "Donât be nervous; itâs okay, I believe in your abilities."
He had watched his sister grow up and knew she had great musical talent. Singing was no problem for her. He could have used Liu Mengjieâs connections to get her an easy pass, but he chose not to take that shortcut because he believed in her.
Shanshan finally calmed down and smiled, "Brother, Iâm so glad you came with me."
Cheng Xiaolu quickly finished her exam and walked off the stage with confidence.
"Lin Shanshan!"
Finally, it was Shanshanâs turn.
Shanshan took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.
Her beauty immediately caught the attention of everyone present; it had to be said that just by appearance alone, Shanshan had the potential to become a star.
The judges unanimously agreed that Shanshan had a good appearance.
Now, it all depended on her musical talent.
Shanshan introduced herself: "Hello, teachers, my name is Lin Shanshan, Iâm seventeen this year, and Iâm applying for the pop music program."
The judge asked, "Student Lin Shanshan, we need you to sing a pop song on the spot. You may begin."
Shanshan said, "I want to sing Jay Chouâs âFireworks Easily Cold.â"
The crowd was abuzz; this song was quite challenging, and it wasnât easy to sing it well, especially given how the original was a masterpiece few could surpass.
Everyone was curious about Shanshanâs performance.
Shanshan took a deep breath and began to sing.
"The bustling sound fades into silence, shattering the worldâs illusions."
"A dream grows cold, wandering through life, how many emotional debts are there..."
Shanshanâs rendition of the song was entirely different from the original, giving it a completely new feeling.
However, she was only halfway through when the judges abruptly stopped her.
Shanshan had to stop, looking bewildered at the judges.
Judge A: "Sorry, but I believe this song is entirely unsuitable for you; youâve completely ruined the mood of this song."
Judge B: "You should listen more to the original version. Although the original singer slurs his words, it precisely creates that vague and mournful atmosphere."
Judge C: "But your singing completely lacks any mournfulness. We feel you donât understand this song at all. If you insist on singing it this way, your score might not be ideal. We can give you a chance to change your song."
Shanshan frowned and said, "Teachers, I feel I didnât have any issues with my singing. Iâm interpreting it in my own way."
Judge A was a bit impatient: "Why are you being so stubborn? Your approach is wrong, understand?"
Shanshan bit her lip; she didnât feel her approach was wrong, but the judges said she was, which made her wonder how to argue back.
Arguing might result in failing the interview.
But Shanshan wasnât the type to give in easily.
For a moment, the scene became somewhat awkward.
Cheng Xiaolu was nearly frantic with worry.
She and Shanshan were good friends, having planned to study music together at this school. If Shanshan failed the interview, they wouldnât be able to attend school together.
Cheng Xiaolu asked Lin Fan, "What should we do? Maybe we should convince Shanshan to change her song?"
Lin Fan shook his head and stepped forward, saying loudly, "Excuse me for interrupting, but I think she sang perfectly fine!"
As soon as he said this, the entire audience fell silent, with everyone turning to look at Lin Fan.
Thoughts ran through everyoneâs minds.
Some females were smitten, thinking Lin Fan was so handsome.
Some people outside earlier knew Lin Fan was a billionaire, now curious if this billionaire also knew music?
Most people just wanted to see how Lin Fan would counter the judges.
The three judges exchanged glances.
Judge A stated seriously, "Please follow the examination rules; itâs not your turn yet, and you canât interrupt."
Lin Fan smiled, "Iâm not a candidate; Iâm Lin Shanshanâs brother, here to accompany her for the exam."
The three judges immediately looked displeased.
Judge B: "What nonsense. Youâre a parent, so you definitely canât interrupt at will. Itâs not your place to speak here; do you think you understand music better than us?"
"Brother..."
Shanshanâs emotions were complicated.
She knew her brother was tone-deaf, a complete music idiot. He was only standing up for her.
But by doing this, her brother was unable to help her and might even harm her.
Judge A: "Please, parent, step back a little and donât disrupt the exam order."
Shanshan advised, "Brother, please stop. I can handle this. Teachers, Iâve decided not to change the song and to continue interpreting it my way."
The three judges shook their heads vigorously.
Judge A: "Youâre really stubborn!"
Judge B: "If you insist on the wrong approach, then we can only regretfully tell you that you failed the interview."
Upon hearing this, Shanshanâs face turned pale.
How could she handle this alone? The relationship between her and the interview judges was not equal, with her fate entirely in their hands.
Cheng Xiaolu was also very disappointed, not expecting Shanshan to fail.
Just when everyone thought Shanshan had already failed.
Lin Fan spoke again, "Three judges, my sisterâs singing does indeed have a problem."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. What, this brother changed his stance so quickly and now was pointing the gun at his sister?
Judge A smiled, "You realized she had a problem?"
Lin Fan said, "Yes, her problem is encountering three judges who donât know how to appreciate her."
The room erupted in laughter.
Cheng Xiaolu couldnât help but giggle. Brother Fan was too humorous; they thought he was changing his stance, but he was actually mocking the three judges.
Shanshan felt both sad and touched; her brother, although tone-deaf, was trying hard to defend her.
The three judgesâ faces darkened.
Judge A angrily said, "Sir, are you here to cause trouble? Please leave immediately."
Lin Fan said, "I want to perform this song using my sisterâs style; if you still think it doesnât work, Iâll immediately take my sister away!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked that Lin Fan wanted to sing?
The three judges were amused; since the founding of the music academy, this was the first time a candidateâs parent wanted to sing in the interview hall!
After a bit of discussion, Judge A said, "Parent, if youâre seeking humiliation, weâll give you a chance."
Lin Fan had already walked onto the stage, asking Shanshan to wait aside.
Cheng Xiaolu hurriedly went to Shanshanâs side and whispered, "Shanshan, didnât you say your brother was tone-deaf? What is he doing?"
Shanshan was almost frantic with worry; her brother might have gone crazy in his attempt to defend her!
Just as she was about to advise Lin Fan not to sing.
Lin Fan had already started singing.
"The bustling sound fades into silence..."
As soon as Lin Fan began, the entire room fell silent, and everyone was stunned.