Chapter 109: Bringing Trouble Upon Oneself

Two rising young stars were scheduled to perform back-to-back. Under the witty and humorous interviewing of He Liang and Qin Yue, the usually reserved Chen Yu surprisingly shared many stories about the creative process behind her new songs. Liu Niwen, accustomed to being on stage and interviewed, revealed some amusing anecdotes from rehearsals, drawing continuous laughter from the fans below.

Both young stars removed their masks. Although the audience had long guessed their identities, they were still dazzled by their presence.

As new-generation artists, it was undeniable that both young stars shone brilliantly in their debut performances. They not only showcased their individual talents and charm but also revealed their immense potential to the wider public.

The live-stream comments kept pouring in, praising the two:

“Ni Ni is so cool and stylish this time!”

“The ballet princess turned street queen—so creative!”

“Da Yu’s original song really touched me, truly a talented woman.”

“Speaking of originals, Chen Yu is definitely the brightest rising star in the music scene. Keep it up, Chen Yu! A new fan here!”

Chen Yu smiled gently, maintaining her usual fresh and casual demeanor, though inwardly she was thrilled. She hadn’t expected much response from presenting an original song on such a stage, especially since the lyrics carried a somewhat serious tone. The audience’s acceptance gave her newfound motivation.

Liu Niwen felt a genuine sense of pride. Although Ye Linyun’s votes were far ahead just now, with Chu Chuo and Ling Ziheng present, Ye Linyun was merely a backdrop.

She always disliked Ye Linyun’s arrogant attitude, constantly shouting at and reprimanding the new generation of artists. Well, it was about time she got a taste of her own medicine.

“Next, please welcome our third contestant,” He Liang said, extending his hand chivalrously as he supported a woman stepping onto the stage in high heels from backstage.

Ye Linyun now removed her mask. Her delicate face, now highlighted by red lips and pearly teeth, was complemented by a flowing white gown that radiated noble elegance and majestic grace.

She nodded politely to He Liang. “Thank you, Teacher He,” but completely ignored Qin Yue’s attempt to speak. Qin Yue, familiar with the diva’s temperament, quickly put on a smile, hiding any sign of offense. Standing beside Ye Linyun, she cursed quietly in her heart: What airs are you putting on? Does anyone not know the real you behind that façade?

He Liang exchanged a glance with his partner and then stood to Ye Linyun’s right. This Medusa was not to be offended. He immediately praised her: “Actress Ye, known for her many talents throughout the industry, the audience surely already guessed who you were. Tonight, you truly shone on stage. Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans and viewers here and online?”

Clearing her throat, Ye Linyun spoke softly, “Thank you to all my fans and supporters. With your encouragement, I will continue to strive and make each performance better than the last. Thank you.”

Her lowered gaze and faint smile exuded an aura of serene nobility, as always. However, below the stage, Mei Ning couldn’t help but feel disgusted. “Ugh, what a disgusting Medusa.”

After a few more simple questions from He Liang, Ye Linyun waved to the fans and gracefully exited amid their loud cheers.

Meanwhile, Ling Ziheng and Chu Chuo were already waiting in the green room. As Ye Linyun slowly descended in her heels, the two rose to their feet. Dressed in black and white respectively, they complemented each other strikingly—a bizarre, mesmerizing beauty.

Ye Linyun caught a distant glimpse of a tall, slender man with an aloof, cold demeanor. For some reason, he still wore a mask, but it did nothing to hide his unparalleled handsomeness. His tightly closed thin lips and lean waist made him an absolute catch, especially in more intimate settings.

Though tempted, Ye Linyun found herself unable to approach him. Suddenly, a clever idea struck her. “Ling Ziheng, with so many people around, you wouldn’t dare deny me this favor.”

With that, she swayed her hips seductively, strutting toward the two men. Xin Xin, the stage assistant, followed behind, puzzled. The dressing room wasn’t this way—where was Medusa going? She dared not ask and quietly prayed that the woman wouldn’t cause any trouble that might get her scolded.

Unexpectedly, as Ye Linyun passed Ling Ziheng’s side, she suddenly twisted her ankle and fell into his arms.

Xin Xin’s mouth dropped open, silently cursing, This is way too obvious. Does she think we’re all fools? Oh God, Emperor Ling, you must hold firm!

Chu Chuo cursed silently, calling her a madwoman, then disdainfully told the assistant to touch up the makeup—out of sight, out of mind.

All eyes turned to Ling Ziheng, who calmly shifted aside, skillfully evading Ye Linyun’s embrace. His quick reaction earned the staff’s silent admiration.

Ling Ziheng turned and, adjusting his in-ear monitor, strode onto the stage without a single glance at Ye Linyun, who now truly had a twisted ankle and lay to the side.

“Why are you just standing there? Help her up!” Ye Linyun’s assistant snapped, calling to Xin Xin.

Though Xin Xin wanted to laugh, she knew Medusa was probably furious and on the verge of exploding. Hastily, she and a few assistants went to help, wishing they could record the scene to share with their friends—truly the epitome of self-inflicted embarrassment.

Ye Linyun, aching from the fall, was lucky to have only hit a foam cushion beside her; otherwise, her face might have been seriously injured. Her eyes were red with anger, but knowing she was in public, she suppressed her fury and muttered, maintaining her goddess-like poise, “Aren’t you coming to help me?”

Assistant Xiao Zhu immediately understood. “The floor is way too slippery. It caused Sister Yun to slip. What do you want us to do?”

“It’s all our fault. Sister Yun, we’re so sorry. We didn’t handle it well. Sorry, Sister Yun,” Xin Xin apologized profusely.

With the help of the two assistants and Xin Xin, Ye Linyun scrambled up and quickly fled the scene.

“I swear, I just went to the restroom and witnessed a real show,” Nan Yu said, having wandered back to her seat. She pulled out her phone and called over Xiao Yu and Lin Zhiwei.

“Lazy people always need to pee, what did you spy on this time?” Xiao Yu shook her head, not wanting to know.

“You won’t believe it until you see it yourselves,” Nan Yu said, handing her phone to Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu’s disbelief soon turned to wide-eyed astonishment, then to enthusiastic approval. Lin Zhiwei’s curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in to watch again with Xiao Yu before bursting into laughter. “That’s impressive.”

“Hey, Lin, are you saying the guy or the girl?” Mei Ning asked, confused.

“Obviously the boss. She threw herself at him like that, and he didn’t even react.”

“Wow, Lin, that sounds a bit heartless. Wouldn’t you be jealous if the boss had accepted her?”

“He wouldn’t dare,” Lin Zhiwei’s eyes sparkled with amusement, tempered by a hint of menace.

“Heh, heh, he definitely wouldn’t dare,” Mei Ning agreed, rubbing her still-sore arm.