After Ouyang Qianxue finished singing, thunderous applause filled the hall. Everyone buzzed with excitement, eager to praise her. But her performance was so brilliant that words failed them. When the clapping faded, Bai Yuxuan stepped onto the stage.
"Since both have performed, let the judges score now."
"Wait!" Bai Yuting suddenly stood up.
"Before scoring, I have questions for Ouyang Qianxue."
"Judge, please go ahead," Ouyang Qianxue replied politely.
"Do you know Wang Shimin? Or rather, what’s your relationship with her?"
"I’ve just loved her songs since childhood," Ouyang Qianxue lied hastily. Wang Shimin was her guardian and mentor, but she’d been warned to keep it secret. Bai Yuting, seasoned in entertainment, spotted her panic instantly.
"Your performance today isn’t just a fan’s. Singing her hardest song perfectly—I suspect a deeper bond, like master and apprentice…"
Bai Yuting’s words exploded like a bomb, igniting the stadium.
"So the School Beauty is Wang Shimin’s student? No wonder she’s so amazing!"
"This is incredible! Beautiful and talented—she’ll be the next pop diva after Wang Shimin!"
Watching the excited crowd, Ouyang Qianxue’s heart raced. If her ties to Wang Shimin surfaced, the mission would fail. She glanced at Bai Yuting, whose face radiated certainty.
(No wonder she’s Bai Yuxuan’s sister. The White Clan is tough to handle!)
Without a solid excuse…
"You’re mistaken," Bai Yuxuan cut in sharply. "Ouyang was abroad before transferring. Wang Shimin stayed in Western River. They never crossed paths."
"Right! Ouyang said she just returned from overseas."
"You scared me—I thought she was Wang Shimin’s student!" the students realized.
Ouyang Qianxue shot Bai Yuxuan a grateful look, but he ignored her.
"I see. Then how did you master Wang Shimin’s song so well?" Bai Yuting pressed. Even she couldn’t sing it.
"My mom’s a huge fan. I grew up listening to her records, mimicking her voice. I only grasped a hint of her skill."
"You’re too modest. At your age, your talent rivals Wang Shimin’s prime. Ever consider going pro? I can introduce you."
"I’d rather focus on studies for now."
"Oh, what a pity." Bai Yuting sat down, dejected. The students below erupted.
"Did you hear? The School Beauty got a pro offer!"
"And turned it down!"
"She’s unbelievable!"
"Any other questions, judges?" Bai Yuxuan asked.
"No." x4
"Then give your verdict. Whose voice wins—Ning Caiwei’s or Ouyang Qianxue’s? Show us." The judges raised their scorecards.
Ning Caiwei covered her eyes. As a pro, she knew Ouyang’s skill crushed hers. She couldn’t look.
Silence fell after the scores appeared.
"Could it be…" Ning Caiwei peeked with a trace of hope. But despair hit her. Every card read "Ouyang Qianxue." The crowd wasn’t stunned by a miracle—they were shocked the School Beauty had shut out a current idol twice.
"Ouyang Qianxue won two rounds. I declare her the victor—Cherry Blossom Academy’s School Beauty!"
"Beautiful and powerful—she swept the idol 4-0 twice!"
"Everything about her amazes us!" Only then did the students snap out of it.
Ning Caiwei’s strength vanished. She slumped against the wall.
"I… lost so badly," she whispered.
"Congrats, Qianxue! That was incredible!" Qian Wang hugged her tightly.
"Only a genius like you is my true idol!" classmates cheered.
"Thank you all. You’re too kind."
Watching Ouyang Qianxue surrounded by joy, Ning Caiwei felt icy desolation. Heartbroken, she saw even her classmates celebrating the winner. The festive buzz around Ouyang clashed with her inner gloom. She scanned the crowd—no one noticed her. All eyes clung to the stage.
"Ah, I see," she realized. Even a third popularity contest would end in total defeat.
Once, she’d dreamed this stage would crown her School Beauty. Now, it was her public execution ground. She was just a clown highlighting another’s glory.
"I’m a complete failure." Unable to endure the cheers, Ning Caiwei walked slowly out, head bowed.
"Wait—Ning Caiwei looks unwell!" Ouyang Qianxue noticed her despair and tried to approach, but swarming classmates blocked her path.
