As expected, the subsequent performances by Zhang Bichen and Zhou Xing on stage did not stir the emotions of the audience. Instead, many viewers began to get up and leave for the restroom or to stretch. The few contestants who walked off the stage had increasingly dejected expressions. Although they knew yesterday after meeting Wang Shu that they couldn't compete with him, today they realized they not only couldn't compete with a formidable person like Wang Shu but were also in a precarious position on this stage. Now, they could only pray they wouldn't be voted last by the judges, as the last-place contestant would still be eliminated.
"Alright, next, please welcome Wang Shu to bring us his new song!" Deng Xiaoqi announced to the audience on stage.
When the audience heard that Wang Shu was next, they immediately returned to their seats. Many who had planned to get up for the restroom held it in and returned to their seats, believing Wang Shu would surely have another trump card today, and it would be too regrettable to miss it.
The lights brightened, and Wang Shu, dressed in what appeared to be bargain-bin clothes, once again stood on the stage.
"Why is Wang Shu still wearing the same clothes from yesterday?"
"Doesn't he even have money to buy a new outfit? He sold so many songs! He can't afford a single new shirt?"
"He's really stingy. He must have made quite a bit of money writing songs for those other singers."
When sharp-eyed audience members noticed Wang Shu still in his bargain outfit from yesterday, they began to whisper in confusion. After all, three singers in today's competition had their songs written by Wang Shu, meaning he should have earned at least hundreds of thousands from selling his songs. Yet, he was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday and couldn't even bring himself to buy a new one, which could only mean Wang Shu was incredibly frugal.
However, most of the audience and public judges weren't paying attention to Wang Shu's attire. Instead, they were all looking at him, eager to know what song he would perform today. Wang Shu took a deep breath, picked up the microphone, and looked towards the accompanying band. Then, a light and cheerful melody began. Everyone was slightly taken aback, as the intro to this song felt inexplicably familiar.
"The sky seems like it's about to rain
I really want to live next door to you
Standing foolishly downstairs at your house
Looking up, counting the clouds..."
As Wang Shu began to sing the first verse, everyone was desperately trying to recall where they had heard this song before. It felt like they had heard it somewhere. Gao Dajin and Liu Huan, the professional music consultants, exchanged glances, a playful smile appearing on their lips.
"What is this kid up to?" Gao Dajin thought to himself with a wry smile, watching Wang Shu on stage. He had expected Wang Shu to deliver an even more explosive piece to outshine the previous three singers. But he never anticipated that Wang Shu would choose a song like this. Meanwhile, on stage, Wang Shu stood relaxed, continuing to sing the unfinished piece.
"If a piano were to appear in the scene
I would sing for you
Even if many buckets of water were poured down
..."
"I give up! I really want to recall where I heard this song before, but I just can't remember!"
"Why not! This song is called 'Why Not!' I heard my son humming it at home!"
"No wonder! Last time I saw lyrics like these in my daughter's notebook, I thought some boy had written her a love letter!" Many audience members who had heard or encountered the song before suddenly remembered.
"Singing this song for you
It doesn't have a specific genre
It simply represents
My wish for your happiness
Tossing and turning for you
Giving up the world for you, why not..."
Suddenly, many in the audience seemed mesmerized, involuntarily humming along with Wang Shu. Even many public judges looked bewildered, watching this strange scene. They were puzzled how these people knew the lyrics. Even Gao Dajin and Liu Huan exchanged confused glances. Could there be Wang Shu fans in the audience?
Backstage, when Xu Yunshang heard "Why Not" again, she also unconsciously started singing along with Wang Shu, much to the bewilderment of the other contestants backstage. Their eyes showed a look of surprise: "How do you know this song too?" Xu Yunshang, however, paid no attention to their expressions, happily singing along to Wang Shu's melody.
"...
Tossing and turning for you
Giving up the world for you, why not
In the cool late summer, with a hint of warmth
With the colors of changing seasons"
With the audience singing along, Wang Shu completed the entire song. "Thank you, everyone, for letting me sing this unfinished song completely today!" Wang Shu bowed deeply to the entire audience with the microphone in hand. Xiao Su, his agent, stood at the backstage exit, quietly wiping away tears. She hadn't expected Wang Shu to be so thoughtful, choosing to sing an unfinished song for the audience today. She believed Wang Shu certainly had better songs, but he had chosen to complete this unfinished one instead.
"Wang Shu, I'd like to ask, why did you choose a song like this for your performance today? You should know it's not quite suitable for the stage of 'I Am a Singer'!" Liu Huan asked Wang Shu earnestly.
"Because this song is something I owe my fans. Last time I only sang half of it for them, and this time I want to sing the complete version for them. This is my respect for them!" Wang Shu replied to Liu Huan with equal seriousness.
"I'm crying! Wang Shu is so gentle, he actually remembers owing his fans half a song!"
"Love him! A man like Wang Shu is so much better than those 'gege's' who only know how to exploit their fans!"
"I regret not bringing my daughter. She would probably love this song!"
When the audience heard Wang Shu's answer, they were deeply moved. Although many of them hadn't heard Wang Shu's "Why Not" before, and some had only heard the song without knowing Wang Shu sang it, as listeners, they couldn't help but feel touched by Wang Shu's heartfelt words. Many public judges, while not fully grasping the song's appeal, greatly appreciated Wang Shu's professionalism and nodded in approval of his actions.