Emily Thompson replied a bit unhappily, her gaze fixed on Brian Clark, waiting for him to start singing. The contestants in the contestant seats and the audience in the audience seats were all the same.

"Life has been pulled by the tides, ebbing and flowing"

"With you, the distant place is heaven"

After much anticipation, following Grace Carter's beautiful and melodious high notes, Brian Clark finally raised the microphone.

Is the big moment coming?

The cameraman had been secretly observing Brian Clark's reactions, sensing that he was holding back a big move. When he saw him raise the microphone, he immediately switched the camera over, giving a big close-up.

"Oh yeah!"

"Oh yeah~~"

After Brian Clark sang with deep emotion and seriousness, he put the microphone down again.

The cameraman rubbed his eyes, looking utterly confused.

"That's it? He's done singing?"

Chapter 8: He's a Slacker

Why was this guy's part so short?

The live audience, contestants, judges, and staff were all a bit stunned, murmuring in their hearts.

Surely he wouldn't just sing that little bit?

Surely not, the song isn't over yet, let's listen a bit more to be sure.

Because there were so many groups performing, there wasn't much time for each group to finish their showcase. The debut songs were all limited to under two minutes.

Besides, with his current ability, he couldn't handle those lyrics anyway. If he tried, he'd just embarrass himself. The best way was to muddle through for now and improve gradually later.

So Brian Clark cut down the male rap part, keeping only the most soulful section.

—Oh yeah!

Not just anyone can pull off an "Oh yeah."

Brian Clark's two "Oh yeah"s were perfectly timed, and his voice had a unique charm, adding the finishing touch and elevating the song.

Unfortunately, it was just too short, like a novel cutting off at a critical moment, leaving you feeling like ants were crawling on you.

The instrumental interlude began, with folk elements and electronic music blending perfectly, highlighting the vastness of the grasslands and bringing a strong sense of nature.

Even after hearing only half the song, many in the audience had already fallen in love with it, and the live stream chat was flooded with comments.

"Listening to this song, I felt a surge of passion to do something, so I turned over in bed, then realized my charging cable was too short, so I turned back."

"This song makes me want to break out some street dance moves for everyone... whew~ I'm exhausted, please give me a like."

"Hey, you upstairs, no life drawing in the comments section!"

...

The interlude ended, and it was time for the second half of the song.

"Who is calling out with deep affection"

"Let my longing float like white clouds"

"Herding horses in the east, tending sheep in the west"

"Passionate love songs sung until dawn"

Grace Carter's performance remained steady, her powerful and penetrating voice winning over the audience. People might question the song, but no one could question her singing ability.

Pigeon, you really are something, you make me proud!

Brian Clark hyped up the atmosphere with his mic tricks and cheers. He truly admired her now—inviting her to bind with the system was the best decision he ever made.

With her and the system around, he could totally take it easy. Teaching dance and starting a business in his previous life was exhausting; in this life, how great would it be to make a fortune while lying down?

Maintaining a long-term relationship would be simple too. He could have a child with her and live a beautiful life where she farms and weaves, she fetches water and he tends the garden.

Just thinking about this life made him happy.

"She sings so beautifully..."

Ethan Brooks gazed at Grace Carter on stage, his eyes full of admiration. When he glanced at the almost invisible Brian Clark, he immediately felt disgusted, and the upward curve of his lips slowly flattened.

...

"After the vicissitudes of sun and moon, who will you be with"

"Let your gentle gaze make the night brilliant"

After a long, melodious note, Grace Carter lowered her raised microphone and turned to face Brian Clark.

Receiving the signal, Brian Clark also turned around, and the two gazed at each other, raising their microphones together.

Is it time for the duet?

Definitely time for the duet!

The anticipation in the room reached its peak, all eyes focused on the two of them. The cameraman carefully zoomed in for a close-up.

Under everyone's gaze, the two opened their mouths at the same time and sang together.

"Oh yeah!"

"Oh yeah~~"

Except for the last "Oh yeah" being held a bit longer and the harmony sounding a bit nicer, there was no difference from before.

The music slowly faded out, and Brian Clark and Grace Carter put down their microphones and bowed deeply to the audience together.

There was no response at all...

Everyone just stared blankly, as if the scene had frozen.

In contrast, the live stream exploded, the chat scrolling so fast it was dizzying.

"That's it? They're done singing?"

"The last 'Oh yeah' was even sung by the girl. So this guy only soloed two 'Oh yeah's the whole time?"

"Wow, this guy really just coasted through the whole thing!"

"This girl is such a diva, even brings a bodyguard to sing!"

It wasn't until a smattering of applause broke out that the dazed audience snapped out of it, and then the applause became a wave.

"This applause is for the girl!"

"As for the song... it felt a bit weird, but it's really catchy. Overall, just so-so."