stjorthotic Chapter 429 Who Understands My Suffering
Chapter 429 Who Understands My Suffering
"Because of capital!"
Chen You's voice boomed across the final square of Cangxing City.
The NPCs looked at each other, their eyes filled with clear stupidity.
They know the city lord, they know the gods, they know the monsters, but what is "capital"?
But the players understand.
I understand perfectly.
Among the crowd, the mage player who had led the disturbance was stunned for a moment, then his eyes instantly reddened.
His staff fell limply to his side, his voice trembling: "You Shen... you mean, the system forced someone into the finals?"
"Otherwise what?!" Chen You suddenly flung his sleeve, pointing with a pained expression to the huge stage behind him that was flashing neon lights.
"Do you think organizing such a city-wide spectacle doesn't cost money? Venue fees, lighting fees, advertising fees—each one is astronomical!"
"Where did this money come from? Did the system just generate it out of nowhere?"
He took a deep breath, tilted his head back, and looked up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, trying hard not to let his "tears" fall.
"I, Chen You, am merely a nominal acting city lord. I'm just a player, like you!"
"Those business tycoons, those conglomerates waving gold coins, they can have whatever they want!"
Chen You suddenly lowered his head, his gaze sweeping sharply over the group of indignant losers below the stage.
"What can I do? To keep 'Star Source Voice' alive, to preserve even the slightest hope for those who truly have dreams, I have no choice but to compromise!"
He pointed at the three-meter-tall berserker: "Your battle dance was breathtaking! It got my blood pumping! I wanted you in too, but it was no use!"
The berserker was stunned.
This tough, unyielding man's eyes were suddenly glistening with tears.
"So...so you've endured so much." The berserker's rough voice trembled slightly. "I misunderstood you, Wanderer."
Chen You then pointed to the scantily clad succubus: "Your seduction magic is simply the pinnacle of art! But would I dare let you appear on television?"
"They say you don't fit the values of all age groups! To protect you, I have to reluctantly give you a low score and keep you out of the spotlight!"
The succubus covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
"You're so amazing, you're protecting me!"
The player community was in complete uproar.
"Damn! I knew it! How could the game be rigged? It's all the fault of capital!"
"We're so sorry, Your Majesty! We misunderstood you!"
The direction of public outrage reversed instantly.
The anger that was originally directed at Chen You has now been transferred to the "capital" in that ethereal system.
An older woman, an NPC, squeezed to the front and looked at Chen You with concern: "Oh dear, young man, look how pale your face is."
"If getting sick from all this, can't we just cancel this ridiculous talent show?"
"Yeah, God of War, take it easy, don't punish yourself for other people's mistakes!" Players chimed in, offering words of comfort.
Chen You forced a smile, but a resolute and tragic look appeared on his face.
He slammed his hand on the railing.
"No! We can't not do it!"
Chen You's gaze was firm as he surveyed the entire audience: "Tonight is the final."
"They think they can buy the championship with money, that they can tarnish art with money! But I, Chen You, will never allow it!"
He raised his right fist, his voice booming.
"Tonight's final match, I'll still be the head judge! Even if it costs me my life, even if it offends the entire city's chamber of commerce, I will uphold absolute loyalty to art in my scoring!"
"I want to let true geniuses stand at the pinnacle!"
"Would you be willing to support me?!"
After a brief silence, cheers that shook the heavens erupted in the square.
"Support the God of Travel!"
"Defeat capitalism! Protect art!"
"We'll support you no matter who you choose, God of War!"
Chen You looked at the enthusiastic crowd below and withdrew his hand with satisfaction.
It's finally done.
With the emotional build-up in place, all that's needed now is to lift Lin Miao to the championship in the finals, and the mission will be perfectly accomplished.
……
The finals plaza was illuminated by magical lights as if it were daytime.
On a huge cyberpunk-style stage, holographic projections changed colors in a dazzling display.
The crowd below the stage was packed, and cheers rose in waves.
Three people were sitting on the judges' panel directly in front of the stage.
The entire Hidden Star City was overcrowded, and players who couldn't get a spot even climbed onto the rooftops of the surrounding buildings.
Three luxurious judges' seats were set up directly in front of the stage.
Chen You sat in the head referee's seat in the very center, holding a thermos cup that he had somehow gotten his hands on.
On the left is Horn, the owner of the largest barbecue restaurant in Cangxing City.
On the right is Sanshui, the head of the Chamber of Commerce.
"Want a skewer, you sir?" Horn handed over a skewer of grilled kidneys.
"Mind your image during work hours," Chen Youyi refused sternly, while simultaneously unscrewing his thermos and taking a sip of goji berry water.
"Distinguished guests! Fellow adventurers!"
In the center of the stage, a goblin host dressed in a tuxedo held a megaphone magic stone, his voice sharp and high-pitched.
"The highly anticipated grand finale of 'Star Source Voice' is now beginning! Let's welcome our first contestant!"
The stage lights suddenly went out.
A beam of deep blue spotlight shone on the entrance to the stage.
Accompanied by the ethereal sound of rippling water, a petite figure slowly walked into the circle of light.
She was a female NPC from the merfolk race.
She had long, sea-blue hair, fair skin like jade, and several delicate, colorful scales on her cheeks that reflected a dreamlike luster under the light.
She wore a short skirt woven from pearls and seaweed, and her big, watery eyes looked timidly at the audience.
So sweet.
This perfectly matches the public's fantasies about "The Siren's Song" and "pure idol".
A deafening scream erupted from the audience, and countless male players' eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
Chen You sat on the judges' panel, his brows furrowed tightly.
The final list was not what he had expected.
Although he eliminated all the good-looking and talented contestants, the final decision still rested with the system.
Chen You quickly opened the system panel and looked at the list of finalists again.
He was only slightly relieved to confirm that the name "Lin Miao" was still inside.
"Good morning/afternoon/evening from the judges and audience members."
The mermaid girl picked up the microphone, her voice clear and sweet, tinged with a hint of shyness.
"My name is Bobo. Today, I'd like to share a traditional folk song from my hometown with you."
"Great!" Horn shouted.
"Excellent image, estimated commercial value rating of S." The Sanshui manager quickly flipped through the abacus, his eyes shining.
The audience held their breath, preparing for an auditory feast.
The songs of the merfolk are known for their ethereal and healing quality.
Bobo took a deep breath.
She closed her eyes, and the shyness on her face vanished instantly.
The next second, she suddenly opened her eyes, and a terrifying fierce light burst forth from her originally watery eyes.
She placed one foot on a speaker at the edge of the stage and leaned forward.
"roar--!!!"
An extremely hardcore, rough, and tearing death roar burst forth from her petite body.