That's right, after the two of them finished pinching that big foreign horse together, William Clark suggested this name, and the other party gladly accepted it, loving it so much they couldn't put it down.

"When the time comes, you'll have to do a ventriloquist act, but don't worry, you just need to wear the equipment, and I'll do the talking."

"Sure, sure!"

Mr. Carter was indeed loyal, agreeing readily without even promising to keep it a secret.

So, before William Clark even left the club, the news had already spread.

"Xiao Zhuang, I heard you and Little Evelyn are going to participate in the competition?"

"How did you know?"

"Oh, it's all over the building, is it true?"

"Yes, it's next month."

"Wow, then we have to support you!"

"You watch Supernova too?"

"Of course, but just for fun, I never give likes. But don't worry, no matter what your work is like, we'll definitely give you a like!"

Well, the pressure was on instantly!

As he walked out the main gate, ready to head back, he ran into Old Foster halfway, who also spoke mysteriously: "Xiao Zhuang, you and Little Evelyn are joining Supernova?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Good, our community has had quite a few contestants before, but none did well, always out in the first round. Do you have confidence this time?"

"I guess so, but now that you all mention it, the pressure's really piling up."

"No, no, don't feel pressured. Even though your ID card hasn't come through yet, you're still a member of the building, and everyone will support you. Good luck!"

Old Foster was usually a serious person, but talking about this suddenly made him full of energy.

William Clark found it odd, so when he got back, he asked, and Evelyn explained, "It's for the Civilized Community evaluation! Our community is weak in the culture department, and we never get selected in the city's annual evaluation. If we get a good result in a competition like Supernova, it counts as bonus points!"

Wow, so it's that practical?

……

A few days later, at the Supernova production team.

The director sat in his office, watching the playback of the second episode, getting more and more frustrated. Then, he checked the online comments about the second episode:

"Hahaha, 'Super Comedian Contest' really didn't let me down, there are silly acts every year, but this year there are especially many!"

"What the heck is that act where someone sings while swallowing a light bulb? And then can't get the light bulb out?"

"Don't be so harsh, Super Comedian is way better than 'Birth of an Actor' next door."

"Exactly, over there someone even pooped on stage!"

The director covered his face. As everyone knows, the entertainment industry is a mess these days, and the whole world is searching for good works, but there are only a few each year, while the bottom line for bad ones keeps dropping.

Supernova did launch some strong newcomers in its early years, but it's been getting worse lately.

Since it's a virtual idol competition, the singing is all simulated by software, so everyone's singing skills are top-notch. So there's no point in comparing singing skills; it's all about the works themselves. If you don't have a good work, you just clown around.

But what if you go viral? Then you make money.

This year was his first as chief director, and he was still ambitious, but reality was harsh. He even wanted to organize a Supernova tenth anniversary gala, but at this rate, forget it!

"Director! Director!"

The assistant suddenly knocked and came in, eyes shining. The director replied weakly, "What is it?"

"A treasure! We've found a treasure among the submitted works!"

"What treasure?"

"I've sent it to you, take a look!"

The director was puzzled by the assistant's excitement. He tapped the desk, and a soft blue light appeared—a row of keyboards. After a few clicks, a holographic projection popped up.

A few boys were jumping and dancing.

"A group? Groups aren't popular anymore!"

At first glance, he wasn't impressed, but as the music started, that catchy, brainwashing melody poured into his ears uncontrollably, and he suddenly felt happy.

He nodded. It was indeed a good piece, and would be very catchy.

Just as he was about to praise the assistant, the assistant pointed at the screen again: "There's another one, another one!"

"Oh?"

He looked again, and this time it was a woman singing.

After hearing the intro, he thought the style was a bit old, but after a few lines, his slouched posture straightened up, and he focused. When the song ended, he slammed the table, suddenly energized:

"Haha, this year we've got it!"

Chapter 13: Give Me Strength

Meanwhile, at Tianyuan Entertainment Company.

David Young was the company's ace music producer and a judge for Supernova. He and Lucas Turner never got along, partly for the show's effect, partly out of jealousy.

The company behind Lucas Turner was called Glory Entertainment, the producer of Supernova, so they had the biggest advantage: monopoly on resources.

Tianyuan was a bit behind, but David Young wasn't a nobody either. Whenever there was a good submission, someone from the production team would secretly tip him off.

At this moment, he was enjoying a song.

Listening to the song and watching the singer, he liked it more and more: because the work was so natural! So natural that it didn't feel designed at all, as if this group really existed.

As a professional, he quickly judged that this song had great market potential and was very valuable. He asked his informant, "This one's good, are there any others?"

"I heard there's another one, but as soon as it was submitted, the director took it away. I didn't get to see it."

"Oh, try to find out more, but don't give yourself away."

David Young cut off the informant and immediately gave orders: "Contact this contestant right away!"

……

"Ding dong!"