"This guy, each poem is more amazing than the last, and it seems like he can write them effortlessly!"
"I told you, this kid is definitely not human. No human could be so heaven-defying, writing works of such high caliber with just a casual flick of the wrist. This fellow must be a monster!"
"Didn't you see the look on the face of that vice president on the judging panel? He looked extremely displeased. Although many from the China Poetry Association made it to the final round today, not a single one could shake the position of the first-place winner."
The audience whispered amongst themselves, and the vice president on the judging panel's expression was grim.
"I'm sorry, but this year's first place belongs to us, Jiangnan Television!"
The old station manager said with a grin, his mood greatly lifted by the vice president's expression.
After all, this was the first time in years that Jiangnan Television had secured first place, and also the first time the China Poetry Association had lost its top spot.
While this honor wasn't particularly significant for Jiangnan Television, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the China Poetry Association and various local poetry associations to see this honor fall into the hands of a television station.
"Young man, may we see your true face?"
The vice president picked up the microphone and asked Wang Shu a question.
This time, even if he lost, he wanted to do so with a clear conscience.
Upon hearing the vice president's words, everyone's gaze shifted to Wang Shu.
They were also incredibly curious about what this genius poet truly looked like.
After all, from the beginning of the program until now, Wang Shu had worn a mask and a baseball cap, revealing only his eyes.
This had led many to speculate about Wang Shu's true identity.
Wang Shu looked at the vice president's expectant gaze and the hopeful eyes of everyone in the audience.
He nodded, and under everyone's watch, removed his baseball cap and mask.
"Holy crap, isn't that Wang Shu!!!"
"My god, it really is Wang Shu! I thought his silhouette looked familiar, but I didn't dare to guess!"
"Oh my goodness, this is too incredible! I thought he was only amazing at writing songs, but I never expected him to be so brilliant at writing poetry too!"
"I'm floored. Completely floored this time. This guy definitely isn't ordinary. Otherwise, who could be so handsome, good at writing poetry, good at writing songs, and also a great singer?"
Many of the younger audience members present immediately recognized Wang Shu. Most of them were students from Jiangnan University of Chinese Studies.
Conversely, the older contestants and judges, upon seeing the shocked state of the students, couldn't help but look surprised.
"Who on earth is this kid? Why are these students so excited? But I have to say, I didn't expect him to be so young!"
"I don't recognize him either. He's probably not from our poetry circle; I've never seen him before. Truly, genius comes from youth. Poetry still depends on talent!"
"I just heard them call this guy's name, something like Wang Shu. What does he do?"
Many contestants also expressed their bewilderment and exclamations, marveling at Wang Shu's youth and questioning the students' fervent reactions.
This was because the contestants participating in this competition were generally in their thirties and forties, considered middle-aged. Moreover, they were constantly immersed in the study of poetry and literature, and paid little attention to the entertainment industry.
Naturally, they didn't recognize Wang Shu, and thus found the students' excited behavior quite baffling.
"Wang Shu, I love you!"
"Wang Shu, I'm your fan, can I have a photo with you?"
"Sisters! Everyone quickly look, Wang Shu is at our school today! I even know a bombshell secret about him!"
At this moment, the female students of Jiangnan University of Chinese Studies were going wild with the revelation of Wang Shu's identity.
The scene even descended into chaos at one point.
"Is this guy this popular?"
The vice president, witnessing the atmosphere, couldn't help but ask in confusion.
"Of course! He's the savior of the future music and poetry scenes of Longguo!"
The old station manager said with immense pride.
He hadn't expected Wang Shu to be this popular.
He had previously heard from Gong Tao that Wang Shu had been forcibly removed from a program by the high-level executives of Xiangnan Television.
Thinking back, those high-level executives of Xiangnan Television were truly foolish for not cherishing such a talented individual.
However, he also had to thank these fools. If they hadn't kicked Wang Shu out, he wouldn't have encountered this guy.
"Old man, you're exaggerating a bit. I haven't heard his songs, and besides, what kind of songs could this young man write?"
The vice president shook his head, not entirely believing the old man. To call a young man the savior of Longguo's music and poetry scene was perhaps setting expectations too high.
"You can always listen. I believe you'll agree with me after you do."
The old station manager said with a smile.
...
After the competition ended, Wang Shu intended to discuss his payment with the old station manager. However, before the event was even over, the old man had gone off to entertain guests with a group of elders.
As a young man, Wang Shu couldn't blend in with these elders, so he had to put the payment issue aside for the moment.
Furthermore, due to the exposure of his identity, he had quietly slipped out of the school immediately after the competition.
He hailed a taxi and returned to his hotel.
It was only upon returning to his hotel that Wang Shu could finally relax.
At this moment, Zhang Liangying sent him a message.
And she also invited him out for a meal.
Speaking of meals, Wang Shu couldn't help but rub his stomach, realizing he was indeed quite hungry.
After all, he hadn't eaten well that morning at Jiangnan University of Chinese Studies, and after experiencing a competition, he was now extremely hungry.
So, Wang Shu readily agreed.
He then got up and headed to the location Zhang Liangying had sent him.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, he was led by a waiter into the private room Zhang Liangying had booked.
"Good afternoon!"
Zhang Liangying greeted Wang Shu very proactively.
Judging by Zhang Liangying's expression, the young lady was clearly in a good mood today.
"What's got you so happy this afternoon?"
Wang Shu asked with a touch of curiosity.
"Of course, it's because of the song you wrote for me, I successfully advanced!"
Zhang Liangying said with great joy.
"Which program?"
Wang Shu asked, pretending to be unaware.
"There's no harm in telling you. Since I've been exposed anyway, it's a new program called 'Masked Singer.'
The day before yesterday, I was eliminated by someone wearing a monkey mask. This time, relying on your song, I finally advanced. Once I reach the semi-finals, I'll definitely defeat that guy!"
Zhang Liangying declared confidently. Recalling the scene of her competition that day, she was determined to have a good match with that monkey in the semi-finals!
"Is that guy very formidable? He could even eliminate you?"
Wang Shu asked, suppressing a chuckle.
"Yes, he's quite formidable. At least I think his songwriting skills are on par with yours. You'll have to write me another song then. Whether I can win depends on you!"
Zhang Liangying said earnestly, looking at Wang Shu.
Although that guy's creative level was high, she now had Wang Shu as her cheat. If she could buy another song from Wang Shu, who would win was still unknown!
Zhang Liangying thought to herself.
"No problem, but I can't guarantee I can beat your 'Monkey Brother'."
Wang Shu replied with a smile.
"It'll be fine, sister believes in your skills!"
Seeing Wang Shu's slight lack of confidence, Zhang Liangying patted his shoulder and said.
"Alright, let's eat. The dishes are getting cold!"
Then, Zhang Liangying hurried Wang Shu to eat.
Wang Shu didn't stand on ceremony and ate heartily.
However, as he ate, he suddenly noticed that a few dishes tasted a bit strange.
"Is there something wrong with how these dishes were cooked?"
Seeing Wang Shu frown, Zhang Liangying asked curiously.
"Yes, these few dishes are poorly prepared!"
Wang Shu said directly. As someone with master-level culinary skills, he was now extremely discerning about the quality of dishes.
For example, he could taste the shortcomings in three common home-style dishes in front of him.
At this point, Zhang Liangying called the restaurant manager over, asking Wang Shu to voice his opinions.
"This Mapo Tofu, the bean flavor is too strong!"
"This Stir-fried Green Pepper and Potato Shreds has a terrible texture, it's overcooked!"
"And this Candied Banana is the worst. The sugar syrup wasn't prepared properly!"
Wang Shu pointed to the three dishes in front of him and critiqued them one by one.
The manager couldn't help but frown slightly. This was the first time he had encountered such a picky customer.
However, he could only relay these opinions to the chef.
"Who is this guy? Does he know anything about cooking? Is he deliberately looking for trouble?"
In the kitchen, Liu Da Niu, the head chef, was filled with anger.
This was the first time someone had pointed out so many flaws in public, and he felt extremely displeased.
"These comments came from the guest in VIP Room 88. If you have a problem, go talk to him!"
The manager rolled his eyes and said.
Upon hearing the manager's words, Liu Da Niu grabbed a cleaver and stormed into the private room where Wang Shu and Zhang Liangying were seated.
"Who is unhappy with my cooking?"
Liu Da Niu glared at Wang Shu and Zhang Liangying, demanding.
Wang Shu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and raised his small hand.
"It was me!"
Wang Shu said softly.
"I'm a chef. This is how dishes are made. If you're not satisfied, you'd better be able to make something better than me!"
Liu Da Niu pointed at Wang Shu, saying indignantly.
In his view, Wang Shu was purely looking for trouble. He had always cooked this way.
He didn't believe his methods were wrong, but today this kid said his cooking was incorrect, so he wanted to see what the "correct" way was!
"And what if I make something better than you?"
Upon hearing the other party challenge him to demonstrate, Wang Shu couldn't help but ask with a smile.