The thunderous applause thundered throughout the venue, an explosion of sound that echoed the shock and awe of the audience. The crowd was captivated by Lin Shen's celestial voice, a sound that resonated with such purity and depth that it seemed to transport them into another realm. His graceful movements, a dance that was as much a visual spectacle as his song, added an ethereal charm that made the event not just a concert but a grand spectacle of sound and sight.

Each note, each gesture, was a testament to Lin Shen's unparalleled talent. His singing was not just a performance but a meditation, a journey that allowed the audience to feel the very essence of his music. While his voice might not have reached the heights of Su Chen's technical prowess, Lin Shen's unique, delicate tone made "This Monk Friend of Mine" resonate deeply within the hearts of the listeners.

Gasps filled the air as the final note echoed. The audience, still reeling from the performance, indulged in hushed whispers of admiration.

"How amazing was that? Lin Shen, you're just too good!"

"I'm in love with you. What am I going to do?"

"There's something magnetic about Lin Shen. I can't explain it."

These were the sentiments that flooded the venue as the audience reflected on the song. Such a dramatic shift in perception was, in many ways, expected. Lin Shen's singing abilities were undeniable, and the quality of his performance was top-notch.

Lin Shen concluded his performance and prepared to descend the stage, his heart pounding with relief at the sight of Su Chen's approving gaze. The moment clarified any doubts he had carried; he had delivered, and Su Chen was pleased.

The story was not without its detractors, though. Yan Rui, seething with resentment at the success of his rival, watched Lin Shen with narrowed eyes, his gaze laced with a poison of envy. But Lin Shen, caught up in the joy of victory, paid him no mind, the focus of his joy firmly on Su Chen's approval.

Yan Rui's fury turned inward as he seethed over being overshadowed by Lin Shen, his pride wounded by the turn of events. His favorite's newfound fame, combined with the audience's enthusiasm, only served to deepen his resentment.

As the emcee stepped forward to announce the final stage of the contest, the atmosphere shifted, leading to the scoring phase. The results were a foregone conclusion, with the votes overwhelmingly favoring the multi-talented Lin Shen. The audience, now enlightened, understood that appearances could be deceptive, and that it was essential to delve deeper to appreciate the true nature of a person.

Lin Shen, who had been the epitome of elegance and refinement, was no longer just a label but a beacon of talent and grace. His было had become a symbol of sophistication, a representation of the gentleman in the Western world.

Seconds turned into minutes, and as the voting results were announced, Lin Shen's breaths were drawn in a sigh of relief. He had won by a landslide, with a total of seventy-eight votes. Yan Rui, in stark contrast, collapsed in shock, his mental fortitude crumbling under the weight of his defeat. The audience erupted in laughter, mocking his frailty, dubbing him "Fainting Brother."

As the emcee declared the list of qualifiers, the competition came to a close. The venue buzzed with chatter as the crowd left, but Su Chen remained seated, waiting.

Finally, as everyone had cleared out, Su Chen put on his hat and mask, preparing to leave. Just as he was about to step away, Lin Shen, out of breath, ran up to him.

"Su Chen, I really can't thank you enough. Without you, I might have been eliminated. I'm so grateful! By the way, what's the copyright fee for this song? I'll pay you. I don't have much money, but I'll try my best. If I can't pay it all back, I'll owe you, and I'll pay you back when I have more."

Su Chen, amused by Lin Shen's earnestness, decided to play a prank. "Lin Shen, my song's copyright fees are anything but cheap."

"Of course, I know. With Su Chen's reputation, this song must be worth a lot of money, and I'll work hard!"

With a laugh, Su Chen revealed the truth. "Lin Shen, I never intended to charge you for the copyright. I'm just glad you sang my song."

With that, Su Chen approached Lin Shen, placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke with gentle sincerity. "Lin Shen, are you interested in joining my company? If you are, you can sing all my songs in the future."

Lin Shen was momentarily frozen, his eyes wide with shock, his entire body trembling with emotion. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he let out a cathartic wail, embodying the essence of a child who had just been validated after a long, lonely struggle.

The scene was touching, but from Su Chen's perspective, Lin Shen was incredibly adorable. But alas, Lin Shen was only to be his brother.