Host Bai Yuxuan, mic in hand, announced, "Judges are all here. Let's welcome today's two stars to the stage!"
"First, the challenger: popular idol Ning Caiwei!"
Ning Caiwei stepped out in a stylish, body-hugging dress. Its cinched waist highlighted her near-perfect proportions, while ruffled sleeves added unique charm.
Cheers erupted below. Most students had never seen a real idol live before, and their excitement was palpable.
Seeing the roaring crowd, Ning Caiwei on stage looked thoroughly satisfied.
"Next, the challenged party: Cherry Blossom Academy's School Beauty, Ouyang Qianxue!"
Ouyang Qianxue appeared in her school uniform. Yet the cheers for her matched Ning Caiwei's exactly.
"This match is after school, and curfew looms. Time is tight. Straight to the contest," Bai Yuxuan continued. "First segment: dance. By draw, popular idol Ning Caiwei goes first."
Rhythmic music filled the gym. Ning Caiwei stood ready at center stage.
*(I drew first? How unfortunate for you, Ouyang Qianxue. After my dance, you won't even dare step on stage!)* Ning Caiwei thought smugly.
As the intro ended, she launched into a signature routine from a famous Asian dance troupe. Her skills had built her fame at just sixteen.
Every step hit the beat—powerful yet fluid. She'd fit seamlessly into that troupe.
"Incredible," murmured the dance club teacher. "I thought idols relied on packaging. Clearly not."
"At sixteen? Remarkable," added entertainment veteran Bai Yuting, unable to hide her praise.
Thunderous applause shook the gym when she finished.
"I had no idea Ning Caiwei was this good! I'm officially her fan now!"
"Me too!"
Many students who rarely followed idols were instantly won over.
Hearing the praise, Ning Caiwei flashed a smug smile.
"Now, our School Beauty Ouyang Qianxue's turn. What will she show us?"
All eyes fixed on the curtain. They awaited the all-round genius's dance comeback. But when Ouyang Qianxue appeared, everyone froze.
She wore jeans and a baseball cap. Only her golden shoulder-length hair and stunning face made her recognizable.
"With that outfit, could the School Beauty be planning..."
"Street dance?" Bai Yuting burst out laughing. "This girl's fun. Show me your surprises!"
Music started. Ouyang Qianxue's body moved like a robot—sharp, segmented motions.
"Popping!" Her choice stunned the entire audience.
"I expected quiet girls like her to pick elegant ballet," students whispered in shock.
"But this contrast is so charming!"
As she danced, every student was awestruck.
"Are those moves even human? Is she a robot wearing the School Beauty's face?"
"Why does reality feel like it's lagging?"
"Popping uses rapid muscle twitches for that trembling effect. But basics? Ouyang Qianxue nailed every advanced move—flawlessly fluid!" the street dance teacher explained.
"Plus, Qianxue's slender, flexible frame makes it breathtaking," the dance teacher added.
Bai Yuting's face lit with excitement. "Brilliant! Ouyang Qianxue, I remember you now!"
Watching from below, Ning Caiwei was stunned within seconds. She'd never seen a girl master popping like this.
"So... so cool!" she breathed, unable to look away.
Thunderous applause exploded as Ouyang Qianxue finished.
"The School Beauty is amazing!"
"I was so mesmerized, I forgot to record it!" Praises for her flooded the gym.
"Thank you both for incredible performances. Judges, your verdict," Bai Yuxuan addressed the panel.
Each judge held two cards: "Ning Caiwei" and "Ouyang Qianxue."
"Choose the better performer!" All four raised their cards. Every one read "Ouyang Qianxue."
"A clean sweep! Truly our School Beauty. Ouyang takes the first point! Rest for round two," Bai Yuxuan declared.
"Unbelievable! She beat a current idol!"
"Of course—our School Beauty outshines them all."
Hearing the result and the chatter, Ning Caiwei's mood plummeted. She'd guessed the outcome after Ouyang Qianxue's dance, yet clung to a trace of hope she might win.
Facing reality, she realized she'd underestimated her opponent. Her confidence vanished, replaced by endless fear and regret.
