A bass voice as familiar as ever.

“I want to do something, but I’m filled with anxiety.”

“No need to be anxious, take it slow. You have to drink wine one sip at a time, walk the road one step at a time. If you take too big a step—crack!—you’ll pull your balls!” another voice chimed in.

“I want to bring a little surprise to this world.”

“Surprise? You want to show them what the hell a real surprise is?”

“Yeah, what the hell is a real surprise!”

“Yeah, what the hell is a fucking surprise!”

“Hahaha!”

In Evelyn’s eyes, this was a patient.

But William Clark felt relieved, cupping his hands toward the computer: “Thanks, Old King, thanks, Mr. Grant! If there’s a good opportunity, I’ll definitely let you guys out, let them see what the hell a fucking surprise is!”

He opened the movie library on the website again.

Those faces, dazzling and radiant, full of charm and brilliance… even Mrs. Green seemed more and more kind and amiable.

He glanced at his own Little Dean, and the thoughts in his mind grew even more restless.

For a second, William Clark felt like a hidden mastermind behind the scenes, in this shabby little room in the stacked buildings, slowly cha(n)gi(ng) two worlds.

Chapter 14: Starting Off with a King Bomb 1

August 1st, still summer.

The Hope Community, used to peaceful days, suddenly became lively. Mr. Carter, taking advantage of his position, used the loudspeaker in the morning and evening to announce:

“Attention! Attention! Today is the fifth episode of ‘Supernova Competition,’ at 8 p.m. You’ve all seen the show… This time is different, this time our own kid is competing.

Even though the previous times weren’t great, got eliminated after just a couple lines, but after all, it’s our own kid, everyone still needs to support, be sure to give a like!”

Evelyn was so embarrassed, his toes were curling into the floor.

In China, 30,000–50,000 people is called a large community, 7,000–13,000 is medium, 1,000–5,000 is small. It’s about the same here—Hope Community is the largest stacked-building district in Tianhai City, probably over 50,000 people.

If you really mobilize everyone, the power is considerable—half a star is guaranteed. Unfortunately, the previous contestants were too terrible, didn’t even get a chance for the crowd to support them, just flopped on the screen like a bear.

Evelyn didn’t go scavenging today.

William Clark also stayed home, browsing the 2021 internet, almost a month had passed without him noticing. He heard that Japan’s public intellectuals had self-destructed, heard that it was a rainy year in both the north and south, heard that the college entrance exam was happening again…

He came across several videos of the Wuling Mini amphibious version, gliding through water and coming ashore, and was thoroughly entertained.

He also watched a few videos about trimming donkey hooves.

Because a donkey’s hoof shell keeps growing longer, causing pain, deformity, and hoof diseases, so an old master needs to use a hoof knife, just like giving someone a pedicure, with a single swipe…

Ah, even more satisfying than slaughtering a pig!

After dinner, around seven o’clock.

William Clark finally put down his phone, took a few deep breaths, and went to the club with Evelyn.

Inside, the lights were bright, with two or three hundred people, all the community’s arts and culture backbone, each bringing their own little stool, sitting in neat rows. There was a light screen on the stage in front, where they could watch the live broadcast.

Suddenly, it felt like watching an open-air movie in the village as a kid.

Mr. Carter was extremely organized, saying, “Xiao Zhuang, we did this the last few times too. Even though it didn’t go perfectly, no one will be disappointed in their own kid. That’s the warmth of our stacked buildings, not like city folks.

So don’t feel any pressure, and besides, isn’t my old face here with you!”

“Just hearing you say that is enough, thank you!”

William Clark was genuinely touched.

“No need to be polite, you’re a true child of the stacked buildings, everyone’s happy to help.” An old lady said.

“That’s right, just tell us a new joke tomorrow and we’ll be happy.”

After chatting for a while, both Evelyn and Mr. Carter’s phones rang at the same time. The show’s staff notified them: “Get ready, get ready, standby soon, don’t eat anything for now, if you need the bathroom, go quickly…”

This way of participating was super convenient—no need to be there in person, as long as you have the equipment, you can join from anywhere.

At exactly 8 o’clock, Mr. Carter and Evelyn put on their VR glasses and finger trackers. William Clark was curious: “What’s it like for you now?”

“Waiting backstage.”

“Are there a lot of people?”

“No, it’s like being locked in a little black room, you can see the stage.”

Fascinating!

William Clark tried the communicator again—he’d have to speak on behalf of Mr. Carter in a bit.

On the light screen, the show began, all special effects, dazzling and flashy, a huge floating stage, three judges with wings on their backs, descending like angels to the stage and taking their seats.

Then a gentle and beautiful female host appeared, saying: “Welcome to the tenth season of ‘Supernova Competition.’ Today is the fifth episode, and also the last battle before the finals.

Currently, our leaderboard’s first place has already broken a million… Will there be an even bigger surprise tonight? Please stay tuned!

Alright, enough talk, let’s start the show! Please welcome our first contestant!”

With a flash, a petite girl appeared on stage—twin ponytails, white stockings, a gorgeous lolita dress sealing away a mysterious volume and weight, ≈1 Jingxiang, ≈2 Yuya, ≈3 Mingli.

Small nose, small mouth, big eyes, classic baby face.

“Hello judges, I’m bringing a dance track…”