The day before the show begins.
Times Music King announced the show's rules.
Each episode would last for three days.
For the first two days, contestants were free to gather local material.
On the third day, the song themes would be announced, and cameras would follow the producers throughout the entire creation process, allowing global audiences to witness their progress.
At 8 PM, the competition would commence.
According to the official rules.
Eight countries, starting from the first stop, "Cuba," would be paired against each other based on a draw. The first match was crucial, as its outcome would determine Group A and Group B. The four winning countries would form Group A, and the four losing countries would form Group B.
Within each group, the four countries would face off against each other in sequence.
After the first four matches were completed, the four countries from each group would then compete amongst themselves.
The show consisted of eight episodes, with four matches in each episode. This format ensured that each country would have one match against every other country. A win earned one point, while a loss yielded no points.
After all eight episodes concluded, the country with the highest score would be crowned the champion!
Following the announcement of the competition rules.
There were mixed reactions, some rejoiced, while others despaired.
Strong teams like the United States were unconcerned, viewing all opponents with disdain.
South Korea and Japan were pleased. If they won their first match, their subsequent opponents in the following episodes would be from the losing Group B, making consecutive wins very likely.
Consecutive wins would mean accumulating popularity in the early stages of the competition, setting the stage for the later matches against Group A.
Given the importance of the first match.
Naturally, everyone wanted to be paired against the Chinese music scene, especially against weaker teams like Poland.
After all, in many people's eyes, the Chinese music scene was currently the softest target!
After the competition rules were revealed.
Many netizens flocked to the official website of "Times Music King" to leave comments.
"This is so brutal! So, if you have bad luck in the first match and face a team like the US, losing means you're in Group B. Then your first four matches will be against strong opponents from Group A. Isn't there a risk of consecutive losses?"
"This means you have to go all out in the first match. If you win and are in the same group as a strong team, at least your opponents in the first few matches will be weaker!"
"The Chinese music scene, which was not highly regarded, has suddenly become a coveted prize. Every country wants to face them in the first match!"
"Hahaha, who would have thought the Chinese music scene would gain attention in this way."
The opinions of netizens from various countries were similar.
Winning the first match meant facing relatively weaker opponents later on, offering a chance for consecutive wins.
Consecutive wins would naturally attract a large fanbase, laying the groundwork for future matches.
However, losing would be dire. The following episodes would pit them against Group A winners, and only after all matches were completed would they face the losing Group B teams. Suffering consecutive losses would completely deflate their morale.
Of course, this was not an absolute certainty.
If one managed to defeat a strong team in the early stages, it would undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience, boosting morale significantly.
Ultimately, it all came down to individual strength.
However, the reaction from the domestic entertainment industry was not significant.
At least for now, everyone had great confidence in Ting Yu.
Even if they couldn't compete with the top teams, as long as they were lucky enough to enter the winner's group in the first match, they could at least secure a few wins.
...
Havana, Cuba.
The most luxurious hotel.
This was where the show's organizers arranged for the contestants to stay.
The accommodation conditions were quite good and free, but daily expenses still had to be paid out of pocket.
"This is too much. I saw other contestants' rooms facing the sea, with ocean views. Only our room faces inwards!" Lin Yanyu said indignantly, sitting on the bed after walking into the room with Su Yu and placing their luggage.
It wasn't that she couldn't afford the room, nor was she deliberately picking a fight. It was just that the show's arrangement made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Her identity this time, besides being Su Yu's fiancée, was also his assistant, officially registered, so she wasn't an outsider.
Given Su Yu's unfair treatment, she could use her assistant status to file a complaint.
"We're not staying here long, so don't worry too much about it. Change your clothes. We'll head back after the reception," Su Yu said, sitting next to her.
Lin Chaoyang had already rented them a villa with a private beach for their stay in Cuba.
They were only at the hotel because the show would be hosting a reception later, an event designed to help everyone get to know each other. With musicians gathered, showcasing their talents was inevitable. The reception would also be live-streamed on the Times Music official website with multiple camera angles, serving as a pre-competition warm-up.
However, Su Yu had little interest in these events. If it weren't for the show's mandatory attendance, he would have already taken Lin Yanyu back to the villa.
Compared to boasting and showing off with these foreigners, he was more looking forward to the new swimsuits Lin Yanyu had bought.
He also heard that Lin Yanyu had learned many tropical-style dances, which made him a little excited just thinking about it.
Hearing Su Yu's words, Lin Yanyu could only nod. She then took out her evening gown from her luggage and went to the dressing room to change.
Su Yu also took out a dark gray suit from his luggage.
He generally disliked wearing formal attire, finding it troublesome and uncomfortable.
However, this reception was a very formal affair, and wearing a suit was the most basic etiquette.
Although it was a bit inconvenient, it was better than walking in wearing casual clothes. After all, in situations where the show stipulated formal wear, deliberately not wearing it wouldn't be a sign of individuality; it would be an act of forced arrogance conjured by a novel author.
After Su Yu changed, Lin Yanyu still hadn't emerged.
"Susu, come in and help me with the zipper," Lin Yanyu's voice called out.
Su Yu got up and went to the dressing room.
Lin Yanyu was wearing a short evening gown and was struggling to reach the zipper behind her with both hands.
Her dress was simple in style, not an eye-catching gown, but on Lin Yanyu, it could only be described as stunning.
"Wuwuwu... I think I've gained weight. This dress feels a bit tight," Lin Yanyu pouted as Su Yu entered.
Women were very sensitive to changes in their bodies. Even a slight weight gain could be clearly felt.
"That's great," Su Yu said with a smile upon hearing this.
He walked over and easily zipped up the back of her dress.
"You're happy that I gained weight?" Lin Yanyu didn't quite understand.
Su Yu pulled her into his embrace and said softly, "That means I have more things to love about you."
Lin Yanyu was so captivated by Su Yu's sweet words that she instantly lost all her complaints.
Just then.
A knock sounded from outside the door.
Lin Yanyu quickly pulled herself out of Su Yu's embrace.
The two held hands and went to the door.
Opening the door, they saw a blonde, blue-eyed girl standing there. Upon seeing Su Yu, after a brief moment of admiration, she bowed slightly to Su Yu and Lin Yanyu, smiling, "Mr. Ting Yu, the reception is about to begin."
"Alright, we'll be there shortly," Su Yu nodded.
Hearing this, the girl quietly acknowledged with a nod and then walked towards the next room.
As Su Yu was about to close the door, he heard the girl's soft murmur, "Oh my god, Ting Yu is too handsome!"
Then, the soft flesh on his waist suddenly hurt, and he gasped in pain.
Ah, the little vinegar jar at home had clearly been upset.
But, is being handsome my fault???
...