Chapter 102
Why? It shouldn't be like this.
It's important to understand that based on the recent dozen or so stage battles, a score of 45 or even higher is the normal result. Not even 40 points seems like a joke. How could her and Xiaozhu's performance be so terrible?
Chen Yining took a deep breath, cut off her thoughts, and forced herself to calm down. She was always proud, and even if she sensed that something was beyond her expectations, she was unwilling to show weakness before the results were in.
Moreover, regardless of whether the mentors recognize the progress made on this stage, it is genuine.
This near -Flow State successfully cured me of the poison called self-doubt.
Chen Yining believed she could handle defeat and the unexpected outcome. She adjusted her mood, her eyes regained their determination, and she silently waited for the other group of contestants to return to the stage, awaiting the final result from Dream Weaver Rabbit.
Chu Yuanqing walked to the side of the stage with a heavy heart and a somewhat melancholy expression.
Earlier in the dressing room, a Golden Haired Doggy remained silent and didn't mention the "stage mistake" at all, making her very uneasy and guilty, unsure of how to apologize.
What should I do? Could that really be their first kiss?
Chu Yuanqing became increasingly flustered as she thought about it, and something still felt off.
She touched her lips with her fingertips. Her first kiss had been stolen by Green Eyed Cat, and now she'd "stolen" Golden Haired Doggy's first kiss on stage. It all felt like a strange cycle.
Xie Qingxuan remained calm, unaware of her teammate's ulterior motives. It was true that her first kiss had been stolen, but the second kiss was entirely due to her own infatuation and deliberate mischief.
To be honest, after committing this heinous "crime," she was already prepared to pay any price. The reason she remained silent in the dressing room was simply because she was tongue-tied and was waiting for the other person to speak.
Well, as long as Chu Yuanqing is willing, this body, which has been well-nourished since childhood, cultivated through etiquette, physical training, dance, and various other artistic influences, and whose curves and arcs are close to the definition of eroticism under the universal gaze, can be completely at his beck and call.
As for the profound question of sexual orientation, the overly innocent Golden Haired Doggy hasn't pondered it deeply, unlike a certain enlightened Green Eyed Cat.
Xie Qingxuan looked at Chu Yuanqing, whose delicate brows were slightly furrowed, and assumed that the other party was worried about the outcome of the competition. After thinking for a moment, she earnestly comforted him:
"Don't worry, we will win."
Chu Yuanqing felt even more guilty upon hearing this. Not only had he stolen the other person's first kiss, but he had also caused the initial 11 points to be deducted. If they were to lose this stage PK as well, wouldn't that be too unfair?
Even though losing is a good outcome, given Xie Qingxuan's extreme personality—she's capable of nearly drowning herself in a bathtub when faced with setbacks on stage—it's still a good result.
Yes, she needs to find a way to check on the other person regularly to prevent the child from going to extremes again!
On the other hand, perhaps because the audience already knew the outcome, or perhaps because the four A-Class stones in front of them were all of extremely high quality.
The Dream Weaver Rabbit stopped playing those tedious games and snapped its fingers, displaying the scores on the Virtual Screen and determining the final winner of the stage battle.
Chen Yining, Ji Shuzhu -- 85.75 points.
Xie Qingxuan, Chu Yuanqing -- 88 points.
The Dream Weaver Rabbit's crimson eyes were filled with ugly malice. It glanced at the four people's varying expressions, and then, as if having waited a long time, clapped its hands excitedly, exclaiming in admiration:
"A magnificent stage! A dazzling performance! A pure bond!"
"You all deserve your A-Class rating; you were all so outstanding and brilliant. I was heartbroken to see any of your groups lose."
The Dream Weaver Rabbit squinted contentedly and sighed:
"However, sometimes the difference between victory and defeat is just that small."
"Once the dividing line between victory and defeat is clearly drawn, how small the gap is no longer important."
The Dream Weaver Rabbit looked in Chu Yuanqing's direction, opened its arms, and said regretfully:
"And now, it's time for the winners to enjoy the sweet fruits of their labor and claim their prizes."
"Let's decide: Chen Yining, who has consistently ranked at the top, is the sub-center in Public Performance, and has delivered outstanding performances; or Ji Shuzhu, whose performance in the A-Class is average, but who is renowned nationwide for her choreography talent?"
As if weighing the value of a commodity, Dream Weaver Rabbit uttered this inflammatory remark, then looked at the taciturn losers, smiled, and said softly:
"Of course, according to the rules, the losing side can choose to refuse the winner's prize by paying the price of drawing a different dance track and having 10 points deducted from their next performance. 'Flash Dance' is a free program, and all choices are up to you."
Chen Yining confusion. Ever since she realized the strangeness of her score, she had been somewhat prepared to face failure, but when the fact actually hit her head, the sense of emptiness and bewilderment still made her heart skip a beat.
Calm down, it's okay.
Even if they lose, they can simply draw another dance song. With her and Xiaozhu's dance skills, they can only waste five more days before choosing a new team to challenge.
That's right, let's be more cautious this time. With the negative buff of losing ten points and falling behind by five days, the only group they can challenge without risk is the C-Class combination. If they have to take a slightly riskier approach, they can only choose the 1B1C combination.
With Xiaozhu's choreography skills, even if her teammates are a little weak in the 3V3 stage, she can turn adversity into opportunity and challenge other high-rated teams again.
Yes, as long as Xiaozhu is by my side, the current predicament is nothing.
Chen Yining relaxed. She believed in the bond between herself and Ji Shuzhu. The fortress built by this emotion was the reason why she had been able to persevere day after day.
Chu Yuanqing looked bewildered, feeling as if he were dreaming.
Huh? That's strange. What happened to the future path she envisioned in her mind that would bring happiness to everyone?
What about that seemingly perfect ending where, after defeat, they returned to the waiting area, stubbornly dragged out the month, and were ultimately eliminated by the remaining contestants' votes?
How could they win like that?!
Good heavens, did the Golden Haired Doggy really work the sleep-sharing thing she mentioned? Otherwise, how could she, carrying only one of them, manage to take down a team that was practically a double-A team?
Chu Yuanqing was filled with grief and indignation. She even had a "dark" thought that she should not lie to Chen Baijiu and tell him that the kiss was a mistake. That way, she might be able to lose a few more points and change this terrible situation.
Xie Qingxuan's mindset was completely different. Even after softening her "Flow State" state, it still exuded a wicked, unconventional quality. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she would win by taking the first move; it would be normal for her to win.
Rather, it's quite remarkable that the opponent managed to score 85.75 under these circumstances.
Xie Qingxuan looked up, pointing to the aloof and world-weary beauty in the distance. Her lips parted, and with a tone of indifference that trampled on her opponent's ideals, she declared:
"Dream Weaver Rabbit, the player we request to take away is Ji Shuzhu."
Chen Yining a beat. She pursed her lips, forcibly suppressing the unease rising deep in her chest. She couldn't help but look at her childhood friend beside her, as if seeking reassurance from her. With a smile, she asked softly:
"Xiaozhu?"
Ji Shuzhu didn't speak, nor did she look at Chen Yining beside her. She had spoiled the other girl too many times, so much so that the girl's natural charm had almost been stripped away, yet she hadn't been able to fully express her intentions and repeatedly give her chances.
The Second Evaluation was the first.
This is the second time the performance has taken place on Public Performance.
The second round format was initially the third.
Chen Yining had the opportunity to keep her by her side, whether by refusing the PK or by awakening [Flow State] to defeat the opponent.
But she chose neither the former nor the latter, and failed again.
And failure, of course, requires punishment.
Ji Shuzhu silently took a step forward.
Chen Yining didn't react in time; her smile froze, and she instinctively reached out to take her hand.
But the mere touch of those cool fingertips was enough to melt away the remaining warmth like the first snowflakes, vanishing without a trace.
--I've been left behind.
Chen Yining's heart was being devoured by the venomous tongue of fear. The intense feeling of falling into the air chilled her blood to the bone. Her fingertips trembled, and she could only stare blankly as the other person walked step by step to the center of the stage and uttered those words that froze her soul.
"Dream Weaver Rabbit, I agree to join the opposing team."
Agree to join? How could that be? Must I be hallucinating?
That was Ji Shuzhu, her childhood sweetheart of 15 years, an inseparable friend who was as close as blood and flesh, a partner she had promised to take to the world stage, and a family member who understood her better, cared for her more, and loved her more than her parents.
How could someone like her abandon herself for someone else?
Just kidding, it's fake, such a thing couldn't possibly happen.
The pillar in Chen Yining's heart crumbled in an instant. A strong sense of suffocation engulfed her body like a tsunami, and a deep fear surged and collapsed. The bewildered monster frantically devoured her flesh and blood.
How scary, how scary, how scary.
I simply can't imagine what it would be like without Xiaozhu by my side.
The Young Lady was bright and beautiful, and often wore a proud and confident smile.
But now, the girl's expression was pale, her vulnerability transparent, like cracks creeping across porcelain. Even as she struggled to maintain her composure and forcefully suppress her emotions, it was clear her spirit was trembling violently. She could barely breathe, shaking her head as she said:
"Xiaozhu, stop joking. Aren't we the best partners?"
"It's just one defeat. We can win it back. Didn't we agree on that...?"
Ji Shuzhu calmly turned her head. She swallowed her sorrow, her entanglement, and her soft heart. With an almost indifferent, forceful attitude, she interrupted softly:
"Xiao Ning, I've said it before, promises should be kept until they're fulfilled. Otherwise, if we keep bringing them up, it'll be embarrassing if we fail, won't it?"
Chen Yining was stunned.
That childhood promise has always been a steadfast commitment in her heart, a sacred place that cannot be violated or defiled. She is always happy when she mentions the promise, as if she is showing off her most precious treasure.
So... does this seem so embarrassing to Xiaozhu? So the agreement wasn't important at all? So even if it wasn't true, I wouldn't care?
Why? It shouldn't be like this. When did it become like this?
The world seemed to collapse, shattering and crackling, with a continuous roar. My heart became desolate and barren. The anger of being fooled, the sorrow of being betrayed, and the despair of being abandoned were mixed with complex emotions, turning my mind into a tangled mess.
Chen Yining looked blank, her voice hoarse:
So, were they all fake?
Ji Shuzhu fell silent.
She wanted to say that you are very important to me, and so is our promise; both are unique treasures.
She wanted to say, "I chose to leave so that my feelings for you wouldn't be consumed by the disease. If I could, I would like to stay by your side forever."
She wanted to say, "Don't look so sad and upset. It's completely unsuitable for a proud and dazzling girl like you. Smile."
Ji Shuzhu wanted to say so much more, but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
If Xiao Ning tells the truth, she will only feel guilty and internally drained, her self-doubt will swell again, and the [Flow State] state that she could originally reach will become unattainable.
Moreover, a troublesome and hopeless wretch like myself will eventually be consumed by Hyperthymesia and self-destruct. There's no need to continue being a shackle for the other person; it's better to take this opportunity to break free.
Although it will be devastating and painful for a while, Xiao Ning will be free afterward. She will no longer have to force herself to be an idol, nor will she have to work so hard, and she will no longer grieve for her terrible future.
But... I didn't know it would hurt this much to do it like this.
Over the years, she thought she had almost lost all human emotions.
But in the moment of hurting Chen Yining, all emotions were forcibly revived, as if the burning emotions of a raging fire were forcibly piercing through the wound, like the clanging of swords colliding and intersecting in flesh and blood, squeezing out an intense and painful sorrow.
It was as if another, complete Ji Shuzhu, full of emotions and capable of a fulfilling life, was struggling to grow out of this body, trying to break through the bones and flesh to speak the words of the heart.
Ji Shuzhu took a deep breath, masochistically savoring the emotion. Her hands clenched involuntarily, her nails digging into her flesh, before she dared to look at her childhood sweetheart in the distance, meeting the lingering hope in her eyes. After a long silence, she said:
"Yes, they're all fake."
After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.
The silent hammer crashed down, shattering the vows into ashes.
"I see."
The shimmering light in Chen Yining's rose-red eyes faded, and glistening tears welled up, silently dripping down her cheeks. She stood there quietly, silently, and alone.
The Young Lady's pride and stubbornness, ingrained in her very bones, made her refuse to show weakness even at the cost of her life. Perhaps because of this, she could hide her vulnerability, and even when she shed tears, she did not appear disheveled, but rather possessed a kind of melancholy and fragile beauty.
Ji Shuzhu pursed her lips and remained silent. She should have turned and left, should have been more resolute, more ruthless, but this was the first time she had seen Xiao Ning like this, the first time she had seen Xiao Ning so sad, as if she were about to disappear.
It's strange, her heart is about to break, if we don't do something soon, her eyes might turn red too.
Ji Shuzhu said softly:
"Chen Yining, why did you come onto this stage?"
"Come find me again when you find a reason other than me."
Chen Yining to awaken from a dream, and she murmured:
" Came to see you?"
Ji Shuzhu uttered the lie in a detached tone:
"You just said we were the best duo, but the truth is we lost. Our decade-long partnership was defeated by a team we'd only known for a month, one of whom had only been learning to dance for a month."
"In this situation, do you still think we're the best partners?"
Chen Yining had no rebuttal.
Whatever the reason, they lost to the other team.
This defeat, which cannot be concealed, is the core reason for the current situation.
Ji Shuzhu uttered words of egoism: