After much discussion, they still hadn’t reached a conclusion when the class bell finally rang.

By noon, Lu Ziqing relented. “Fine,” she told Liang Sheng. “You don’t have to perform with me.”

Overjoyed, Liang Sheng gazed at Miss Lu with sincere gratitude.

“However…” Miss Lu’s tone shifted. Liang Sheng knew it wouldn’t be that simple.

“I’m making you the host—the announcer.” Lu Ziqing smiled. See? So thoughtful.

…Fine. Still better than performing, Liang Sheng thought dejectedly.

“But hosts aren’t just appointed—they have to be selected,” Liang Sheng insisted, clinging to her last shred of resistance.

Mistaking her worry for doubt, Lu Ziqing patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Leave it to me. I’ll get you the spot.”

*No, no, no—I hope your competence is as lacking as possible.*

To prove herself, Lu Ziqing marched straight to Director Dong Yue’s office. By dismissal, Liang Sheng’s role as host was confirmed.

*Sigh. Such is fate.*

At home, Liang Sheng told her mother. Her father, swamped with work, wouldn’t return that evening. Zhong Wen immediately called Liang Wengao.

“Perfect! Our whole family will be there Thursday!” Liang Wengao exclaimed. “I’ll send Assistant Li to buy formal wear—no, *I’ll* go. My taste is superior. Assistant Li’s too rough; his style’s tacky. Done!”

*Boss… I’m standing right here,* Assistant Li thought miserably. *A little dignity?* (He stayed silent. Paycheck safety first.)

By Wednesday, the school buzzed with last-minute preparations.

That night, Liang Sheng saw the dress—and felt the generational chasm deeply. A vibrant red gown resembling a bridal robe. She covered her face. *Is this for a horror movie?*

“Dad… this dress, I—" She hesitated.

Liang Wengao beamed. “Festive enough?”

*Dad… I’m hosting. Not getting married.* Liang Sheng slumped her shoulders.

“How could you pick something so tacky?” Zhong Wen shot back. “Wearing that would embarrass our daughter!”

*Mom! Yes! You said exactly what I couldn’t!*

“Ah…” Liang Wengao slumped too, looking thoroughly displeased.

Liang Sheng softened. “Dad, even though this outfit’s a bit… um… I feel your thoughtfulness. I’m really happy!”

Liang Wengao instantly brightened. *Daughters are such thoughtful companions. Thank goodness for a daughter, not a troublesome son.* He glowed with pride.

“But Dad… I truly can’t wear this. Hosts need formal attire.”

“Well…” Liang Wengao faltered.

“Why not wear one of her old dresses?” Zhong Wen suggested. “No time to shop now.” Liang Sheng nodded. Only option.

The doorbell rang. Zhong Wen opened it to find Assistant Li drenched in sweat, panting heavily.

“Assistant Li? Why here so late?”

Gasping, he stammered, “Madam… after seeing the dress the boss chose today… I couldn’t rest easy.” *He called* my *taste tacky? That red monstrosity nearly choked me!*

He set down a gift box, lifted the lid. Liang Sheng peeked—relief washed over her. A women’s suit. Slightly mature-looking, but infinitely better than the crimson gown.

“This one,” she nodded.

“Acceptable? It’s hideous!” Liang Wengao glared daggers at Assistant Li. *Meddlesome!*

Assistant Li flinched. *I tried to help…* Under that scorching glare, he shrank meekly aside.

Seeing his plight, Liang Sheng said gently, “Dad, Uncle Li helped immensely. Please reward him properly later.”

*Brilliant!* Assistant Li gazed at her gratefully. *How does such a quirky man have such a considerate daughter?*

“Alright, alright,” Liang Wengao agreed sweetly—then, the moment Liang Sheng turned, slashed a finger across his throat at Assistant Li: *You’re done for.*

Assistant Li forced a smile. *With a boss this childish… maturity is my only shield.*

Next morning, Zhong Wen woke Liang Sheng early for prep.

Tie adjusted, mirror check—*Wow. How am I this cool?* She struck a pose she deemed effortlessly stylish, utterly pleased.

Hair pulled back tightly, light green strands cascading to her waist, forehead clear of stray hairs. *Hey… sharp career woman vibes. Efficient. Mature.*

Liang Wengao, unusually excited, brought out the car. Liang Sheng realized—*We own a car?* Since her transmigration, she’d never ridden in it.

Settling into the luxury sedan, emotions swirled. *So this is being part of the wealthy elite…* She nearly teared up.

At school, freed from uniforms, students bloomed in colorful outfits.

“Mom, Dad—find seats. I’m heading backstage,” Liang Sheng said before leaving.

Backstage buzzed with frantic, mostly performative activity—leaders kept inspecting, so everyone *acted* busy.

Four hosts: Liang Sheng, two unfamiliar students, and a familiar face—Su Ze.

Uncertain of this world’s truths, Liang Sheng kept her distance, glancing his way only occasionally.

Su Ze noticed. He turned, met her eyes, and approached. “Liang Sheng… is something wrong?”

“Nothing! Nothing!” she denied quickly.

“Hehe~” He chuckled softly. “You’re really adorable.”

Testing him, she asked, “Su Ze—who’s more adorable? Me or Lu Ziqing?”

He froze. After a long pause: “You, of course. How could she compare?”

*Flattery overload. Doesn’t he fear Lu Ziqing hearing?* Disgust and suspicion deepened within her.

Su Ze frowned, expression complex. “Are… you unhappy? Did I say something? Tell me—I won’t say it again.”

“No,” she denied instantly.

*Why ask that?* Liang Sheng looked down, ignoring Su Ze’s gloomy silence beside her.

At 9 a.m., the show began. Liang Sheng and Su Ze opened with formalities before announcing the start.

In the audience, Liang Wengao vibrated with pride. He grabbed a neighbor, pointing upward. “That’s my daughter! *My* daughter!” The neighbor offered perfunctory praise.

First act: Grade 10 Class A’s dance. Girls in short skirts moved to upbeat music. Liang Sheng was captivated. *Tsk… those legs, that energy, those skirts! A+! Shorter would be perfection!*

Next: Lu Ziqing’s violin solo. Long hair loose, simple hairpin, white dress, crystal heels—ethereal on stage.

Trained since age seven under a master for ten years, her melody flowed clear and refreshing as a mountain spring. Liang Sheng listened, utterly enchanted.

Backstage, Liang Sheng hurried over and hugged her. “Miss Lu, your violin nearly conquered my heart!”

*Ding~* Affection Level increased.

*Lu Ziqing’s Affection Level toward Liang Sheng: 73*

“Hmph~ Everyone says that,” the young mistress huffed, tsundere mode activated—pleased, yet refusing to show it.

Su Ze approached with polished grace. “Flawless performance. You were radiant on stage, Miss.”

Lu Ziqing glowed. Both people she cared about praising her? *Absolutely wonderful~*

Liang Sheng shot Su Ze a subtle glare. *Here he goes again—flirting everywhere, a charm offensive leaving no heart untouched.*

The show continued. Grade 10 Class E’s performer emerged: tall, sunny smile, micro-mini skirt, crop top.

Peeking from the curtain, Liang Sheng blinked. *Wait… familiar? Ah! That cross-dressing performer!* Right—the story had her here. *My memory… sigh.*

Ye Yuzhe wore a long dusty-pink wig, a thick braid swaying near her hips. Liang Sheng winced. *If that flies off mid-dance… total disaster!*

In the original plot, Ye Yuzhe’s performance succeeded, winning mostly male fans.

But this time—near the finale, a sharp head toss. The wig flew off. Gasps rippled through the hall.

Liang Sheng stared, stunned. Mouth agape. *How…?*