Chapter 107: Halftime Show of the CBA Finals

During this period, Zhou Miao had been quite busy. Although Zhao Li had heard about him suddenly pausing his activities, she had never asked directly. Today, since they happened to be together, she took the opportunity to inquire.

“What happened recently? Why have you been hiding at home and not coming out? Did something happen?” Zhou Miao asked.

Zhao Li paused mid-bite, her expression slightly awkward. “Nothing much, I just suddenly felt mentally exhausted and wanted to rest more.”

Seeing that she didn’t want to talk further, Zhou Miao didn’t press on. “That new girl, Ye Ziyu, is really rising fast. Just after her comeback, she landed the lead female role in Director Li Hong’s new drama. Looks like your position as Rainbow’s top star might be at risk.”

“I don’t care about being the top star. Whoever wants it can take it. But Sister Qiu really values her, has fed her plenty of resources. I heard she’s trying to help her claim the title of the new 'Four Little Flowers' of the industry,” Zhao Li replied.

“The new 'Four Little Flowers'? I thought the last batch was only chosen a few years ago. They’re already preparing for the next generation?” Hu San asked in surprise.

Zhao Li sighed, resting her cheek on her hand with a wistful look. “There’s no way around it. The entertainment world is a fast-changing place. Though I still have some popularity now, when new girls come out in a couple of years, the audience will forget me in an instant.”

“That’s why celebrities treat exposure like life itself. They’d rather stir up trouble and get scolded than be forgotten.”

“If one day no one even bothers to criticize you, that means you’re truly done for.”

Zhao Li pointed at Zhou Miao. “Miao Ge is a perfect example. Look at how many people criticize him—that means he’s popular!”

Hu San’s eyes curved into crescent moons with laughter. Indeed, Zhou Miao was unmatched in being scolded; no one in the entertainment circle was criticized more than him.

Even his fans had stopped defending him—it was simply too much to keep up with. They silently watched him fend off the crowd alone.

Sometimes, fans would even trick Zhou Miao by pretending to be his critics to coax a reply.

“Besides you, I heard the CBA halftime show will also feature the champion from 'The Rap of China.' Will you two battle on stage?” Zhao Li asked.

“The champion from 'The Rap of China'? Let me think…” Zhou Miao finally recalled—Wang Liming, nicknamed the 'Houhai Machine Gun,' known for his rapid-fire rap style. He rose to fame by winning the championship on that show.

“A battle’s a battle. When have you ever seen me back down?” Zhou Miao scooped up a slice of fatty beef, dipped it in sauce, and savored it with delight.

……

One week later, at the CBA Finals between Guangdong and Liaoning, Zhou Miao appeared courtside wearing the Liaoning team jersey.

Most of the crowd was young people. When the camera focused on Zhou Miao, cheers erupted instantly.

He smiled and waved at the camera. Today, he and Wang Liming would perform separately for each team’s entrance, both dressed in their respective team jerseys.

The score was tight halfway through the second quarter—55 to 53, with Liaoning leading by two.

Compared to the playoffs, the finals saw fiercer defense, constant fouls, and loud whistles. The players even started shoving each other, clearly agitated.

When halftime arrived, the referee blew the whistle decisively, signaling both sides to cool down.

The halftime show began with Wang Liming, sporting a pair of tattooed sleeves, stepping onto the court. Fresh off his championship win on 'The Rap of China,' he was riding a wave of popularity and was greeted with a big cheer.

Growing up in an African-American community in the U.S., deeply influenced by hip-hop culture, Wang Liming knew Zhou Miao was the hottest star at the moment. But so what?

He slowly approached Zhou Miao’s seat, eyes squinting with a half-smile, half-smirk.

The music started, and Wang Liming rapped coldly and fiercely:

“Hey yo, they always take you at face value,
Because you love to show off,
Hip-hop’s not some industry chain,
That’s the line dividing me from you guys!
Hey yo, I’m already feeling sorry for you,
Because I’m about to kick you ten thousand miles away!
They invited me here just to bully you,
After all, my firepower’s no joke!”

Wang Liming came on strong, face-to-face with Zhou Miao, claws out. From the lyrics, it was clear he had prepared thoroughly, bringing out his best skills.

With intricate rhymes and rapid-fire delivery like a storm, the audience screamed with excitement.

Even Zhou Miao had to admit this guy was impressive—the speed matched his 'machine gun' nickname.

With such preparation, he clearly wanted to make a name for himself by stepping on Zhou Miao.

After a full four minutes, Wang Liming’s stormy rap ended. He looked at Zhou Miao challengingly, waiting for a response.

In a battle like this, Zhou Miao was at a disadvantage—he wasn’t a pure rapper. But he wasn’t easily intimidated either. Thinking quickly, he altered the lyrics of the song he was about to perform.

Snapping his fingers, the fiery intro to “Superman” blasted through the speakers.

Stepping forward, Zhou Miao pushed Wang Liming back several steps with a firm palm. The crowd gasped, and Wang Liming’s eyes flickered with surprise and anger.

Zhou Miao then sang coldly:

“Don’t bark here with that crying face,
Who told you to not know the difference between you and me?
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, you’re the loser!”

At this point, Zhou Miao gave a sharp thumbs-down. Wang Liming’s expression darkened further.

“Step aside quick, we’re having a victory party,
Who told you to not know the difference between you and me?
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, I’m Superman,
Yeah, you’re the loser.
After the game, Superman’s getting ready for the feast,
Loser stays behind to wipe away tears,
All the beauties are by my side,
Remember to return the rag, mister,
Superman’s got no time to comfort you,
If you’re not satisfied, better switch careers,
Whether it’s sweeping floors or working the assembly line,
Maybe you can help me shine my shoes,
Winning depends on skill, not luck,
So you really don’t need to be too sad,
If you want to challenge again, you’re always welcome,
But you’ll need to work hard for another hundred years!”

The atmosphere exploded instantly. Fans on the sidelines whistled wildly. Even the resting players waved towels, cheering Zhou Miao on.

His lyrics were brutally savage. Though Wang Liming’s technique and speed far surpassed Zhou Miao’s, in terms of musicality and lyrical attack, Zhou Miao utterly dominated.

Especially that opening push—so commanding: barking in front of me? Who do you think you are?

The song finished, and Zhou Miao ignored Wang Liming’s sullen face, turning to the crowd.

“Uh, excuse me, let me take a moment to advertise—my latest album ‘Time and Space Intertwined’ will officially release on July 1st…”

Having just roasted someone viciously, and now casually promoting his album, Zhou Miao’s cheeky move sent the audience into fits of laughter. Many fans shouted purposely:

“Okay! Definitely not buying it!”

“Next time! Next time for sure!”