As soon as Ian Song stepped onto the stage, someone in the audience shouted his name. Looking up, he saw Zach Zhang and Leo Li holding up a banner that read: "Ian Song, you're the coolest! You'll definitely beat your opponent!"
Seeing this 'creative' banner, Ian couldn't help but feel amused and a little helpless, but deep down, he was genuinely moved.
Before he got the ring system, Ian barely had any friends besides Leo Li. But now, he was surrounded by a whole group of friends. The feeling was strange, but wonderful.
Because his performance video from the auditions aired on TV, and he took first place in yesterday's preliminaries, the students from Class 9 started a wave. Soon, a lot of young audience members joined in, all shouting Ian Song's name.
"Looks like you've got a lot of fans, Ian Song. But don't get cocky—maybe I'll be the one to beat you!" Evan Zhou said, sounding a bit jealous.
"Alright, I'll be waiting," Ian replied.
Ian smiled back. After spending some time with Evan Zhou, he'd realized Evan was actually pretty genuine—he didn't hide his feelings and always wore his heart on his sleeve. Sure, his personality was a bit goofy, and he loved to brag about "my dad is Zack Zhou," but deep down, he wasn't a bad guy. That's why Ian was willing to be friends with him.
Yesterday, Ian took first place, so the host gave him a special introduction, which brought another round of applause from the crowd.
Then, Ian and Evan Zhou each took their seats at the piano.
"You go first," Ian said.
"Alright." Evan Zhou knew Ian Song was stronger than him, so he didn’t hold back. His fingers started dancing across the black and white keys.
A string of notes poured out from beneath his fingertips.
The piece sounded simple, almost too easy, but several judges picked up on the hidden trick within.
"Black keys turning to white, white keys turning to black—a mixed pattern. This Evan Zhou isn’t simple. If Ian Song gets even a little careless, he’ll fall right into the trap. Mess up once and it won’t just be a single wrong note." one judge quietly analyzed.
"Exactly!" another judge nodded. "Ian Song’s playing is already beyond professional grade nine. If he loses in the PK round, this whole competition loses its appeal."
"I think you’re worrying too much. He’s already surpassed grade nine at such a young age. If we can hear it, how could he not?" another judge chimed in, looking at Ian Song with admiration.
"Not necessarily. Sometimes the one in the game can’t see the whole board!" the stubborn judge retorted.
……
On stage.
"Ian Song, it’s your turn!"