Chapter 234 — The Mystery Challenger

Meanwhile, the Sing! Asia production team had already launched their publicity campaign the moment Kessoku Band’s flight took off.

Unlike most local trends that fade quickly, the buzz surrounding the show spread rapidly across multiple social media platforms. The producers wasted no time fueling the excitement and curiosity.

Countries like Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Japan were among the most active participants in the competition. Fans from other parts of the world also tuned in—either to support their favorite idols or to cheer for special guest performers from outside Asia.

Before long, a post shot straight to the top of the trending list, boldly titled:

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[Singer Episode 6 – The Challenger Artist Is Coming!]
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The contents, intentionally mysterious, read:

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[After last week’s elimination of Huang Qi from China, who got defeated by Haneul Lee from South Korea, a new challenger is about to take the stage!]

[This artist is one of the fastest-rising global sensations of last year—amassing millions of fans worldwide in just a single year!]

[Many listeners say this artist’s songs have changed their lives.]

[Every original track is a masterpiece in its own right.]

[With this new challenger’s arrival, The Sing! Asia might never be the same again!]

[More details will be revealed tomorrow—stay tuned!]

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No name, no photo—just two key hints:

“Many original songs” and “debuted last year.”

That alone was enough to ignite speculation across the internet.

The comment section exploded:

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“Fast-rising global star? Must be someone international!”

“So many original songs… I think I know who it is!”

“It doesn’t sound like they are in Asia. Are we finally getting a global crossover?!”

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Guesses poured in nonstop.

Of course, not every comment was about the mystery singer, some were still venting about the last episode:

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“Total rigging! How could a powerhouse like Huang Qi lose to some pretty-girl K-pop idol?!”

“Judges were fair, but the fanbase is out of control.”

“Careful, it’s almost the weekend—you sure you want me to come to your house? 🔪”

“...”

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Kei knew nothing about any of this yet.

The moment they enter the ship, the production staff whisked Kessoku Band away to film their promo videos, introduction interviews, and other pre-show materials.

At first, the girls were excited—it was all new and glamorous.

But after hours under the studio lights, even their enthusiasm started to fade…

Except for Kita.

For some reason, she seemed to have boundless energy—her eyes sparkled at everything, and she couldn’t stop asking questions.

“Senpai, when do we perform?”

“Probably next week.”

“Senpai, who are we challenging?”

“We’ll decide later…”

“Senpai, if we win the challenge, won’t that singer’s fans hate us?”

“...That’s actually possible.”

“Senpai, you went sightseeing with Ryou last time—can you take me around this time? I wanna try local food!”

“How did we go from competitions to food again?”

“Don’t worry about that—just say yes~!”

She leaned in close, whispering so the mic wouldn’t pick it up, practically glued to his side the entire time.

Kei, half amused and half exhausted, could only respond quietly until the recording finally wrapped up.

By the time they were done, it was already six in the evening.