In Japan, an album costs over 200 RMB, and the RIAJ-certified double platinum record is further proof of Henry Reed's popularity. He has sung several well-known anime OPs and enjoys considerable national recognition in China as well.

“I am indeed quite worried. Your country has many powerful singers, and Mr. Parker's strength truly amazed me,” said Henry Reed. Since his partner was not present, he had to rely on a translator for communication.

“At your age, your singing technique is among the best. Just enjoy the songs,” said David Parker.

“Thank you for your encouragement, Mr. Parker. I feel empowered,” Henry Reed said earnestly after listening to the stiff machine translation.

“Judging from the previous two surprise guests, we still shouldn’t let our guard down,” “The production team is guarding like thieves. I just walked by earlier, wanting to sneak a peek, and two staff members immediately stopped me,” “Nervous and excited at the same time,” and so on.

While chatting, the music partner returned to the hall with the signed contract, and the contestants suddenly lost interest in small talk, all concerned about their order of appearance.

Over 200 meters away from the main gathering hall, another independent small room was arranged, still decorated in blue tones. Eric Carter arrived very early. The surprise guest had to remain mysterious and couldn’t leave the room. There was no restroom inside—so what if you needed to pee? After all, a young male idol isn’t a girl group member who never poops. Of course, Eric Carter only wondered about this in his mind and didn’t say it out loud.

In front of the camera, he tried his best to maintain a “silent as falling petals, calm as a chrysanthemum” demeanor, sitting quietly.

“Mr. Carter, who are you planning to challenge on stage later?” Grace Bennett took the initiative to cue the conversation, knowing she had to say something for the recording.

“I’m not challenging anyone,” Eric Carter replied. “I’ll sing last.”

“Huh?” Grace Bennett’s face showed surprise. She said worriedly, “If you choose not to challenge anyone, you’ll have to get into the top three by audience vote to stay.”

Grace Bennett felt that picking an easy target like Emily Harris might give her a slim chance—maybe Emily Harris, or Emily Harris, or even Emily Harris. To get top three right away, with Sarah Clark, David Parker, and Henry Reed all being tough competitors, would be almost suicidal.

“Mr. Carter, you…” Grace Bennett almost blurted out: Mr. Carter, do you still think you have your old popularity? But that would be too hurtful, so she swallowed her words.

“Tongtong, what is it?” Eric Carter looked up and asked.

As a host, Grace Bennett was quick on her feet and immediately changed the subject: “Mr. Carter, are you hungry? If you are, we have our super delicious Chunsheng.”

“Since you highly recommend it, I have to try it.” With that, Eric Carter casually picked up a box from the table, took a couple of sips, and said, “It’s really good. So this is the legendary Chunsheng organic milk? It’s delicious Chunsheng organic milk. I said Chunsheng organic milk twice—our sponsor should have heard that clearly.”

“That’s three times, you little advertising genius,” Grace Bennett laughed. The guest had a real sense for variety shows.

While the two were chatting, the show began. Eric Carter could watch the live broadcast of the other contestants on the screen. The first contestant to go on stage was Sarah Clark, and the 800-strong audience cheered—his popularity was indeed high.

The song Sarah Clark drew was a very energetic rock number. Rock is especially good for hyping up the atmosphere live. Even though he doesn’t have any signature rock songs, his ability to stir up the stage was impressive. They didn’t even use the TV station’s band, but invited the veteran rock group Zha Laopao, earning thunderous applause!

After about four minutes of singing, the audience could vote with their remotes—679 votes.

Chapter 7 Unless I Can’t Hold Back

“That’s a really high score,” Grace Bennett exclaimed.

Eric Carter feigned ignorance: “Is that a high score?”

In fact, before coming, this guy had studied this season’s data back and forth countless times.

“Last episode, the highest score was Mr. Parker’s 704 votes. 679 is either the champion or at least third place,” Grace Bennett said.

Contestants went on stage one by one, receiving 594, 611, and 647 votes respectively. Whether it was luck or just a good day, the first batch of contestants all performed well, and even the audience votes were higher than last time.

One of the easiest targets, Emily Harris, also drew a sweet song that suited her, made some minor arrangement tweaks, performed steadily with some highlights, and got 635 votes.

In the small room, Grace Bennett’s gaze was intense—sometimes looking at Eric Carter, sometimes at the button. When looking at Carter, she felt close, but when looking at the button, it felt far away.

According to the show’s rules, pressing the red button on the table would trigger a surprise attack alarm on stage, and the lights would flash red. In the end, Eric Carter didn’t reach out, and Grace Bennett’s eyes flashed with disappointment.

The only advantage for the surprise attacker is being able to choose their own song, while the other contestants’ songs are drawn by luck at the end of the previous episode, then have a week to arrange them. This episode’s songs were all quite popular, so Eric Carter’s advantage was greatly diminished.

“So scared, thank goodness no one challenged me.” After singing and not being picked by the surprise guest, Emily Harris patted her flat chest in relief.

With a smile on her face, Emily Harris returned to the main hall. Sarah Clark, Henry Reed, and the others stood up from the sofa and applauded: “You sang so freely today,” “Amazing, an outstanding female singer”…

“Yingying was in top form today, singing with ease and brilliance,” said David Parker, who, as a senior, didn’t need to stand up but still applauded and praised her.