Chapter 84: After the Championship

Then, unlike in previous years, the announcement of the winner was followed by a hasty conclusion. Because Li Lekang's popularity was so immense, the production team reserved a special segment for his victory speech.

Li Lekang calmed himself and continued speaking to the audience: "I must invite someone up here—someone who discovered me early on, who has always supported me from behind the scenes, worrying about me and taking care of everything."

"I am deeply grateful to her, and I want to declare my love for her on this stage—to everyone. She is my manager, my godmother, Mrs. Judy Valentine!"

Standing at the wings of the stage, Judy couldn't help but cover her face, overwhelmed with excitement and exhilaration. Her entire body tingled as she walked onto the stage, embracing Li Lekang tightly.

"That's her! The hero behind all my masterpieces!" Li Lekang laughed heartily, his arm around her shoulders. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"Ha ha ha!"

The judges and audience burst into laughter, appreciating his humor and charm, as well as the silent efforts of the woman behind his success. Once again, applause swept through the venue.

Compared to Li Lekang, seasoned by many grand occasions, Judy was still a bit awkward facing so many people and cameras. Her smile was frozen in place as she listened to the applause, realizing that being a star was not as easy as it seemed.

Watching anxiously from backstage, Chloe was beside herself: "Say something, Mom! Oh my God! If only I'd gone up instead!"

The young girl’s enthusiasm for fame was reignited. Had she been beside her brother on stage, she would surely have delivered some sensational remarks—after all, that's how variety shows thrive; the more buzz, the hotter the show!

But Judy was a composed adult. When Li Lekang handed her the microphone, she restrained her excitement and said, "I will always take good care of this treasure, so he can bring you even more visual wonders!"

"Thank you, thank you all for supporting him! This victory belongs to everyone who loves him—I love you all!"

Her cultured words resonated with the audience and fans alike.

She was right: the final votes were indeed cast by the vast audience.

In the confrontation with the liberal left, their collective effort had prevailed.

Judy's words gave everyone a sense of participation.

Li Lekang waved at the camera, and the talent show that launched him onto the path of fame finally came to a perfect close. He had won the championship, living up to everyone’s expectations!

The live broadcast, long over its allotted time, eventually flashed the credits, panned out to show the whole venue, and brought this thrilling, nerve-wracking, and satisfying season to a triumphant conclusion!

…

Backstage, Li Lekang was immediately surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers.

His old friend Mike Doyle arrived with a group of buddies, cheering as they lifted him up and tossed him into the air… Nearby, Chloe laughed and captured the moment with her camera.

After the commotion, they set him down. Mike hooked his arm around Li Lekang’s neck and shouted at the camera, "Tonight—the champion’s party begins!"

"We’re going to celebrate all night long!"

"Yeah!" The photographer herself cheered, then turned the lens to her mother. "Nothing can stop us from celebrating a champion, right, Mom?"

Judy shrugged at the camera, "Would I ever say no?"

Everyone, swept up in excitement, packed their things and left together.

Outside, vehicles were already waiting. Mike had organized a special victory party, inviting LAA artists, star models, glamorous women, and friends from all walks of life.

Champagne and fine wine were piled high, desserts and delicacies were laid out. Surrounded by friends, Li Lekang quickly replied to a few messages on his phone before diving into the cake-cutting festivities.

He picked up a dinner knife and approached the towering multi-layered cake.

Everyone encircled him.

Li Lekang made a ceremonial cut, surprised to find the blade was blunt—when suddenly, the cake exploded!

A dazzling woman emerged, adorned in sparkling jewelry, dressed in a sizzling bikini, striking a captivating pose atop the table!

A classic Al Capone-style gangster movie moment: the sexy lady bursting out of the cake!

Nothing could heighten the party’s atmosphere more.

Pop music blared!

The woman swayed her hips, jumped off the table, and danced provocatively right in front of Li Lekang!

Li Lekang laughed, applauding, as everyone around him was swept up in a sea of joy.

No need to guess—this was definitely Mike's idea.

So Li Lekang grabbed a handful of cream and, catching Mike off guard, smeared it across his face, shouting, "Cake fight!"

That move unleashed utter madness!

But it only made the celebration even more joyous!

…

As they celebrated with abandon, news of Li Lekang’s triumph as the champion swept rapidly across the media!

Clearly, NBC’s approach had won the public’s favor, allowing true talent to rise, and so the American Talent Show champion’s popularity was no longer confined to the United States.

Across the ocean, in China, news outlets also reported the victory of the Chinese-American magician Li Lekang, releasing his performance videos and speech clips at the earliest opportunity.

Li Lekang’s reputation grew as he accumulated likes and shares.

Gone were the days when people had to search vaguely for "foreign guy amazing magic" just to find his shows.

Alongside news of his victory, Li Lekang’s dazzling past performances were carefully curated and translated, then uploaded to Chinese internet platforms.

His debut on the talent show with the levitation act—an unsolvable feat—made him an overnight sensation.

His public lottery prediction magic on the streets of Los Angeles, performed without any contact, became a signature piece.

Then came smoke illusions, stage magic, walking on water, and the dramatic antics in the finals… The name of the genius Chinese magician Li Lekang entered the domestic scene!

The very next day, Li Lekang received questions from Chinese media. Besides congratulations on his victory, they asked the question so many were eager to know—when would he perform in China?

As a transmigrator, Li Lekang, though living in America in this lifetime, always felt himself to be Chinese. Now that he was famous, he had strong aspirations to return home in glory.

He planned to gather more fans, accumulate more travel funds, then organize a world tour—to China, to Europe—the idea was already quietly taking root.

After all, relying solely on American fans, even with a population of over three hundred million, wasn’t enough. Across the world, there were several billion more!

He dreamed of leading his team through countries and cities, traveling and performing along the way—a wonderful lifestyle!

No need for frequent shows, just once or twice a month: New York, London, Beijing… Touring the world, selling tickets, taking ads, earning and spending locally—wasn’t that the joy of life?

So, after a brief thought, Li Lekang replied to the reporter: "I think there will be an opportunity very soon. A world tour has always been my plan, but I need to finish my work here first. I have more shows to film, and I want to prepare one or two large, representative performances. I hope to earn enough reputation to live up to everyone’s expectations!"