At the scene, the biggest name was Anita Mui. Chen Jin might have been more radiant, but the most dazzling was still Sister Mei. Naturally, she was also the most newsworthy. Therefore, after Wu Zhizheng announced the free questioning, almost all journalists and cameras were aimed at her: "Sister Mei, is it true that you announced your withdrawal from competing for music awards?"
"Sister Mei, it's said you're considering a temporary departure from the stage. Is that true?"
"Sister Mei, it's rumored you yearn for a happy and warm family life. Who is your other half? Is this the reason for your thoughts of leaving the stage?"
A flood of questions was thrown at Anita Mui all at once, and photographers captured her expressions. Chen Jin knew well that any slight slip would be sensationalized for headlines, bringing fame and fortune.
Who was Sister Mei? Although she had only been in the industry for a mere ten years, her life experiences were enough to embarrass those a decade older than her. With a slight smile and a wave of her hand, she said, "Thank you for your questions, but today is the press conference for the New Talent Singing Contest. My personal matters can wait for another time."
Sister Mei was straightforward, which most reporters understood. They immediately switched topics, and the place buzzed with questions again. Wu Zhizheng finally stepped in to maintain order, "Everyone, one at a time, please. Let Sister Mei pick whom to answer, okay?"
The thirty or so contestants, including Chen Jin, stood at the back, watching all this with various feelings—envy, excitement, disappointment, dissatisfaction, and boredom. Chen Jin was indifferent; such talent shows were always just for show at the beginning. Only as the show got more popular and garnered more attention would they become the media's darlings. That moment would be the real test.
However, that was temporary. After the competition, everything would be fleeting, unless one immediately signed with a record company, released albums, and gathered the fading attention and popularity again, prolonging it. Then, one would always be the media's darling. By then, one would surely be a big star.
Finally, the reporters quieted down. Anita Mui randomly pointed to a guy in the front row. He excitedly stood up and asked, "Sister Mei, among the contestants this year, is there anyone you particularly admire, or who do you think is most likely to win?"
Anita Mui smiled slightly, showing her veteran's demeanor, "Although we've just met, I think each of them is fantastic and has the potential to win." At this moment, only clichés could be spoken, or rather, the reporter's question lacked depth. Even a newbie, let alone an old hand like Sister Mei, knew how to sidestep it.
Next, Sister Mei pointed to a reporter from TVB's Jade channel, one of the three undercover reporters at the press conference. Pretending to glance at Chen Jin, whom he had already seen in photos, he asked, "Sister Mei, I heard that one of the contestants this year received a direct pass to the top 32, also known as a 'golden ticket.' Do you think this contestant has a stronger chance of winning?"
Wu Zhizheng, who had arranged the drama, took the stage, "Excuse me, dear journalists, let me introduce the contestant who received the direct qualification—Chen Jin."
As he called Chen Jin to the front, Chen Jin, being tall, had been standing at the back. Not having sought attention, his sudden move to the front gave everyone a huge visual shock. Many couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, he's really handsome!"
Dressed simply in a popular oversized beige shirt and ink blue jeans, he was charming and poised, exuding an irresistible allure, captivating everyone almost instantly.
Coming to his senses, the undercover reporter took the opportunity to ask, "Sister Mei, with Chen Jin's excellent physical appearance, does that add points to his favor?"
Anita Mui smiled and shook her head, "I'll answer your first question. Getting a direct qualification is indeed recognition from the judges, but that's all in the past. From now on, he is just one of the thirty-two contestants, no different from the others. To succeed or win, he must work hard and prove himself."
After speaking, she looked at Chen Jin, finally nodding in approval, "Regarding your second question, I think everyone can see for themselves. Chen Jin's appearance is indeed outstanding, and he may gain more fans in the future. However, I must say, the New Talent Singing Contest is about singing skills. I encourage the other contestants to work hard. As long as your singing is strong, you will stand out."
Everyone knew they wouldn't get any sensational news from Sister Mei. To make headlines, they had to turn to the seemingly naive contestants, with Chen Jin being the prime target. Not just for his looks, but his 'golden ticket' was also a great hook.
When the next journalist asked Chen Jin, "Hello, Chen Jin, I'm a reporter from ATV. I wonder, how much do you think your direct qualification is due to your appearance?"
ATV and TVB were rivals, and the question was sharp. Wu Zhizheng, Anita Mui, and even Chen Zichen were worried Chen Jin might be too inexperienced. But Chen Jin just smiled slightly, "As Sister Mei just said, this is a singing contest, not a beauty pageant. I trust the judges' ability and insight. Since they chose me, they have their reasons, and I believe I deserve this qualification."
Neither humble nor arrogant, maybe a bit proud, but he was just a young man, so why not?
The next reporter twisted his words, "What are your thoughts on receiving the direct qualification, and you just said you're worthy of it. Does that mean you're the best and certain to win?"
Chen Jin inwardly despised him for blatantly trying to trap him. On the surface, he maintained a charming smile, even more handsome than Brother Fa's signature look, "I'm grateful for the judges' recognition, giving me the direct qualification. I'll work under the pressure and motivation it brings, striving to show my best and not disappoint them. As for being the best, sorry, I think you misunderstood me. All thirty-two of us are great, and I'm just a regular member of this team. Of course, since I'm here to compete, I'll naturally aim for the championship."
Flawless, Wu Zhizheng led the applause, thinking this young man was like a fox who had been in the industry for years, appreciating him even more. Anita Mui also looked at Chen Jin approvingly. Although she didn't know his actual abilities yet, he had already made a deep impression on her.
Envy, jealousy, and hate—these were the emotions of the other twenty-nine contestants. And for Lian Junying, it was adoration, his eyes sparkling. As for Tang Baoru, her feelings were complex, indescribable.
The journalists, hoping to exploit a naive contestant for sensational news, met a tough nut in Chen Jin. He was no less cunning than the old foxes, quickly losing interest in probing further and turning to other contestants.
This time, they succeeded, largely due to Chen Jin's influence. Seeing Chen Jin handle everything effortlessly, those envious of him couldn't stand being outdone. Without his savvy, they blurted out whatever came to mind. Wu Zhizheng, seeing the situation getting out of hand, announced the end of the press conference with a forced smile.
The conference was meant to be simple, just gathering enough material for news. There would be more opportunities later, so the journalists didn't linger and dispersed like bees.
After the conference, Sister Mei left in a hurry. A big star's time is precious. Then, Chen Zichen sternly began reprimanding those who misspoke, scolding them thoroughly. Finally, she approached Chen Jin, looking up due to his height, and scolded, "And you, didn't I warn you not to talk too much?"
In fact, Chen Zichen was initially pleased to see Chen Jin so calm and composed. However, after the situation escalated, she naturally blamed him. Feeling wronged, Chen Jin touched his nose and defended, "Miss Chen, I didn't say anything wrong just now."
"How dare you talk back!" Chen Zichen huffed, ready to lecture him, but Wu Zhizheng, who had been watching her scold others, smiled and smoothed things over, "Alright, alright, Ah Chen, it's their first time. A small mistake is fine. They'll learn with more guidance."