Chapter 078: Challenging the Speed of Death

At last, time arrived amid the anticipation of fans—it was Saturday night. The live finals of Talent Show returned once more to Los Angeles.

The camera swept across the audience during the live broadcast of the finals. The crowd was packed to the brim, not a seat unfilled! Even the front-row spots had been sold at exorbitant prices!

For those unable to experience the event in person, they were already settled in front of their televisions, waiting eagerly. Ever since the rise of the internet and 4G technology, as streaming giants took the stage, it had become rare for variety shows to inspire such feverish anticipation in viewers.

NBC’s executives watched the backstage data closely. Though the suspense of the finalists’ showdown was minimal, the show itself was filled with uncertainty. Many people tuned in for the season finale just to witness Lee Lokang’s miraculous magic—and to wager with family and friends whether he would take the crown in a landslide, becoming king.

Under the glittering lights, the judges took the stage: the bald, gleaming Howie, the alluring Sophia... Each had taken their seats, waiting for the performances of this ultimate final.

Lee Lokang was scheduled for the latter half, the grand finale.

The network was cunning; by arranging it this way, they ensured viewers would endure the commercials with patience—every ad slot becoming pure gold!

Thus, the first half of the competition featured a medley of acts—singing, acrobatics, or masterful dancing—and Lee watched with great interest from the dressing room.

Judy, however, was even busier than him, coordinating here and negotiating there, constantly moving about. Lee glanced back at her and beckoned, “Don’t worry, come sit down. Everything is under control!”

Judy walked over, muttering, “I have no idea how you can be so calm; this last-minute change is throwing everyone off.”

“Nervousness never helps anything. Trust in professionalism.”

Lee placed his hand on her shoulder, calming her.

“To have come this far, I must thank you. You’ve made the endless trivialities orderly and clear. You’re truly outstanding!”

“Save your victory speech for when the results are in,” Judy replied, unable to share his composure.

“When the time comes, I’ll bring you on stage. I want to embrace the woman behind the scenes in front of everyone!” Lee laughed, then turned to the side. “Ladies, are you ready?”

Sandra and Daisy, his stage assistants for this act, both signaled their readiness.

They continued to check their makeup in the mirror, determined to look their best before an audience of over ten million. Nothing could bring greater exposure or fame.

These two, with their superficial sisterhood, had long been eager for celebrity—from the days when they still lived in a small apartment, it was evident.

Lee smiled, refraining from disturbing their preparations.

Just then, a staff member appeared with a reminder, “Mr. Lee, the previous act is ending. Five minutes until your performance begins!”

“Okay!” Lee rose, stretching and preparing to take the stage.

The prior contestant’s act concluded, and commercials began.

The stage at the Talent Show’s venue dimmed, but one could vaguely see a crew bustling about, moving props—even bringing in carts!

Lee’s previous performances had been streamlined, but this time, as the audience glimpsed machines and conveyors, they realized this would be a large-scale stage illusion.

Even before the set was complete, the audience was abuzz, and all four judges couldn’t help but speculate about the “impossible mission” Lee had teased.

Howie joked, “This is the only act where we don’t have to worry—just stay shocked like the audience.”

“Who isn’t?” Simon chimed in, “He’s got all our gorgeous ladies turning into fans. When will I have that kind of superpower?”

The person teased was, of course, Sophia. She had publicly declared herself a die-hard fan, even saying Lee was attractive—and that, if she were younger, she would surely date him.

Sophia, ever fiery and passionate in her Latin way, laughed with crimson lips, “Who could deny his charm?”

Heidi, herself once a model, added, “I believe romance has no age limit!”

After the judges finished their banter, the stage lights came up again.

The crew had cleared the stage.

The network now played Lee Lokang’s VCR.

At the venue, Lee stood, taking a deep breath.

“Mr. Lee, get ready! Thirty seconds!”

“Twenty seconds!”

“Ten seconds!”

As the countdown ended, the stage lights blazed fully.

Lee stood at center stage, head held high before the audience.

Applause and cheers erupted instantly!

The audience’s passion ignited!

After all the anticipation, the master finally appeared—many had waited all night for this moment!

Backstage, the production team saw ratings climbing ever higher—now reaching 13.5 million, the week’s best numbers! It was also number one across NBC’s lineup!

Lee Lokang was clearly the show’s ratings magnet; any episode featuring him easily carried half the channel’s viewership.

Simply by standing on stage, he radiated more presence than any other performer.

All eyes fixed upon him.

Facing the dense crowd with confidence, Lee looked left and right, then posed a question: “Isn’t something missing?”

“—Missing the sexy magician’s assistants, isn’t it?”

“Whoop!”

The audience laughed, applause breaking out.

Lee pulled out a cloth, gave it a flourish—Daisy appeared, striking a pose to showcase her long legs.

He turned and flicked it again—Sandra, with her curves, stepped forth!

Such crisp, effortless production of assistants left many magicians in awe.

But everyone knew this was just the appetizer.

As expected, Lee introduced his challenge: “Tonight’s magic is a huge challenge! It carries real danger, so viewers at home, please do not attempt to imitate!”

“You can see behind me—a wood-chipping machine, a conveyor belt, a chipper, and a bin for sawdust. Now, let our lovely Daisy switch it on!”

Daisy presented a large red switch, pulled it down to ON. The electric chipper roared to life, its harsh mechanical sound echoing through the hall.

“Our stunning Sandra—give this lady some applause!”

Sandra, smiling, brought over a wooden plank, tapped it to demonstrate its solidity, then placed it on the conveyor.

Before the audience’s eyes, the plank was drawn into the chipper, and with a thunderous noise, sawdust sprayed out the back, filling the bin!

“Clearly, this is a fully operational wood-chipping device! Powerful and efficient—solid wood stands no chance, reduced to waste in its jaws!”

Lee scooped up a handful of sawdust, letting it trickle from his palm.

“But tonight, I will challenge the chipper—I will challenge the speed of death! My hands and feet will be shackled, I will be placed in a coffin and nailed shut, then sent down the conveyor!”

“Once again, I remind you—this is a dangerous act. Do not imitate! If I fail, my fate will be just like that plank—reduced to splinters!”