The Journey to Godhood in Another World

Chapter 176 Lu Shen

Amidst much anticipation, the music competition reality show "I Am a Composer" has finally aired its final episode. This episode carried the expectations of countless viewers and embodied the hard work and dreams of every musician.

The host, Shen Yan, walked confidently onto the stage in a gorgeous gown.

His voice, full of magnetism, echoed throughout the studio: "Dear friends, welcome to the final episode of 'I Am a Composer'! This episode's theme is 'Songs for the Motherland.' At this special moment, let us use music to express our deep love and respect for our motherland."

As the theme was revealed, classic patriotic songs from her past life flashed through Luo Li's mind like a revolving lantern. The melodious tune of "My Motherland and I," the majestic spirit of "Singing for the Motherland"...

Each song carries countless memories and emotions, and for a moment, she found it difficult to choose. "Which one should I choose?" Luo Li murmured softly, "Or should I first see who the singer is for this collaboration?"

Ever since Shen Yan'an's warning, Luo Li has remained vigilant. She knows that behind this competitive stage, there are many unknown undercurrents.

Today, she paid extra attention to everything around her, silently thinking, "I wonder where this mastermind will trip me up. It's very likely that they'll dig a hole for me with the singer."

When the partner selection process began, the other composers were surrounded by excellent singers, exchanging ideas and laughing together in a lively atmosphere. Only Luo Li's side was cold and deserted.

Only one slightly immature-looking boy stood before Luo Li. His name was Lu Shen. He was thin and wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, with a hint of nervousness and unease on his face. His eyes revealed a trace of confusion, like a fawn lost in the forest.

Luo Li was slightly taken aback, a sense of doubt creeping into her heart. She scrutinized Lu Shen closely and noticed an unnatural glint in his eyes.

Lu Shen lowered his head slightly, avoiding Luo Li's gaze, and said softly, "Teacher Luo, I... can I be in a group with you?" His voice was somewhat feminine and sounded a little unsteady.

Luo Li smiled and nodded gently, saying, "Of course, Lu Shen, we'll be partners from now on, let's work hard together!"

Lu Shen looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, then lowered his head again and said softly, "Thank you, Teacher Luo."

The two went to the practice room together, and Luo Li gestured for Lu Shen to sing a few lines first. Lu Shen took a deep breath and began to sing. His voice trembled slightly at first, as if he was suppressing something.

Luo Li frowned and listened carefully. Gradually, she discovered an astonishing fact—Lu Shen's voice was remarkably similar to that of a famous singer from her previous life!

Luo Li felt a surge of joy, as if she had found a ray of light in the darkness. Her eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Lu Shen, your voice is amazing! I've already thought of the song we're going to sing!"

Lu Shen looked at Luo Li with some surprise; he had never imagined that his voice would receive such praise.

Luo Li immediately immersed herself in composing. The melody and lyrics of that classic song from her past life kept replaying in her mind. Soon, she completed the composition.

She handed the sheet music to Lu Shen and said patiently, "Lu Shen, this is a song I tailored just for you."

Lu Shen took the sheet music, his eyes filled with gratitude. Looking at it, a warm feeling welled up inside him. He secretly resolved to practice diligently and live up to Luo Li's expectations.

In the days that followed, the two began intensive rehearsals. Lu Shen arrived at the practice room early every day and practiced the song over and over again.

His voice had become hoarse from excessive practice, but he never complained. Luo Li patiently guided him throughout, and she discovered that although Lu Shen was young, he possessed extraordinary perseverance and a deep love for music.

After several days of hard rehearsals, Lu Shen's singing became increasingly excellent. He gradually gained confidence and was no longer as timid as he had been at the beginning. Every time Luo Li saw Lu Shen's progress, she felt extremely gratified.

On the eve of the competition, the online world, which had been like a calm lake tossed with a boulder, was suddenly engulfed in turmoil. From nowhere, videos of Lu Shen singing in the past quietly resurfaced online, like a spark that instantly ignited a firestorm of public opinion.

In the video, Lu Shen appeared young and inexperienced, and his uniquely delicate and melodious singing voice became the target of criticism. The comment section was flooded with malicious remarks, with the words "sissy" appearing repeatedly, which were both glaring and hurtful.

People questioned whether his voice lacked the masculine qualities expected of a man, contradicting the public's deeply ingrained perception of male singers' voices.

One highly upvoted comment read: "How can a boy's voice be even higher than a girl's? It sounds weird. Does he really think he can make it in the music industry?" These negative comments, like a cold tide, completely overwhelmed Lu Shen.

Lu Shen was full of anticipation for shining on the stage of "I Am a Composer" with Luo Li, but he never expected that this overwhelming cyberbullying would hit him like a heavy hammer, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

Those vile words, like sharp thorns, pierced his heart. Every time he opened his phone and saw that malice, he couldn't help but tremble, filled with self-doubt.

This heavy blow also genuinely affected his practice. The Lu Shen who used to be focused, dedicated, and passionate about music was gone; in his place was a boy with shifty eyes and a scattered mind.

Standing in the practice room, facing Luo Li's patient guidance, his responses were always slow and weak.

When singing, the rhythm was frequently wrong, and the high notes were always just a breath short. The once clear voice seemed to be shrouded in gloom and lost its brilliance.

Luo Li saw this and was anxious. After each practice session, she would pull Lu Shen aside and sit in the corner of the practice room, gently comforting him: "Lu Shen, don't take those negative comments to heart. They don't understand your uniqueness at all. Your voice is a gift from heaven, so pure and so moving. So many people can only envy it."

Lu Shen just kept his head down, silent, his fingers nervously clutching the hem of his clothes. Luo Li smiled, looking at Lu Shen with a firm gaze, "You should know the King of Singers Yang Xingchen, right? His experience might give you some strength. Like you, he has a unique voice and has struggled in the vortex of public opinion. But he believed in himself and bravely persevered. Lu Shen, you can do it too."

Lu Shen's eyes gradually brightened, as if he had seen a glimmer of light in the darkness. He clenched his fist and said in a low voice, "Teacher Luo, I understand. I can't be defeated by these negative comments. I want to prove myself with my strength, just like Yang Xingchen."

Luo Li smiled with satisfaction and patted Lu Shen on the shoulder, "Yes, let's work together to bring the most beautiful songs to everyone on stage."

In the days that followed, Lu Shen seemed like a different person. He no longer avoided those negative comments, but instead used them as motivation to move forward.

Every day, he would arrive at the practice room early, practice his vocalizations, adjust his expressions, and correct his movements in front of the mirror over and over again. Luo Li was always by his side, providing him with the most professional guidance and the warmest encouragement.