Chapter 162
This is how both sides evaluate each other.
Well, Ji Shuzhu genuinely had no doubt about any impure relationship between Chu Yuanqing and Little Sakura, because she always felt that the impure relationship between Chu Yuanqing and a certain golden retriever was with a certain Golden Haired Doggy.
On the contrary, she herself has been playing the role of a stubborn "prisoner" these days, tacitly finding the Young Lady at noon every day and making her try to pry open her mouth.
Ji Shuzhu initially wanted to explain, but she was always fooled by his kisses. Later, she simply felt that it would be more exciting to keep Xiao Ning in this interrogation and revenge-seeking state, so she became even more stubborn and refused to speak, which made the unsuspecting Young Lady even more agitated.
Finally, on the day before the competition, the Hyperthymesia that had plagued her for many years was brought under control after the initial perfection of the [Cocoon of the Heart]. As a result, she was able to master the complete state of [Flow State] before the Stage Battle, just as Dream Weaver Rabbit had predicted.
At this point, it was noon.
The Demon King and the Hero arrived at the stage right on time!
Volume 1: 157. A Little More Push, A Change of Bets, A Clash of Ideas. (5K1)
Stage performance.
The mentors are already in place.
At the junction of the Waiting Room, the two groups faced each other directly.
Xie Qingxuan took the initiative to walk over. She was dressed very beautifully today. She wore a slightly austere white shirt, with a barely visible black camisole underneath, and an undergarment that accentuated her full figure and was hidden deep inside.
However, because the shirt was very short, cut to only cover the lower chest, revealing a section of the vest, her fair waist was on full display, showing off its slender and delicate shape. Coupled with the beautifully toned abs, the slightly aloof atmosphere politely overshadowed any sense of restraint.
The young woman adjusted the pure white tie tied at the collar of her shirt with her slender fingers. This accessory largely neutralized the sexiness caused by her amazing figure, adding a touch of playfulness and formality. She wore a leather mini-skirt that only covered a third of her thighs, and black leather boots.
Undoubtedly, even in terms of appearance alone, this Stage Tyrant is the core of the opposing team, not to mention his otherworldly aura that seems to make him the only one worthy of respect, and the dark cross star in his eyes that gazes down on the world like a demon lord.
Kiriwake Yayoi wasn't intimidated. Her progress in the sublimation of her [Cocoon of the Heart] was about equal to that of her opponent. Unlike last time, she didn't need to actively activate her Heart Tide for defense. Her Pink Diamond -like eyes, like cherry blossoms in early spring, had a bewitching charm.
This extraordinary personal aura was subtly challenging him, making those present feel it and instinctively realize that this was the first clash before the PK.
Ji Shuzhu stayed with her two teammates, showing no intention of following them to help boost their captain's morale. Her mind was filled with the memory of Magic Replenishment in the private cinema yesterday, and she couldn't help but purse her lips.
Xiao Ning was unexpectedly rough.
However, it's not annoying.
If this can appease the other person, then going a little further is fine.
Moreover... perhaps because of the long-term effects of Hyperthymesia, which have made some of her sensory dulling irreversible, she actually prefers to be treated roughly deep down.
Especially intimate moments between lovers, if the scale and intensity are not high enough, they completely fail to stimulate the dulled senses.
Even Ji Shuzhu herself didn't know this at first. It wasn't until recently, when a certain Young Lady vented her anger and made her feel good, that she suddenly realized the truth and developed a brand new XP.
That's why I pretended to be annoyed at all, hoping to provoke the opponent into increasing their attack speed.
"Thank goodness, thank goodness I managed to stop yesterday, otherwise it wouldn't be convenient for me to go on stage and dance today."
Ji Shuzhu murmured to herself, recalling yesterday in the private cinema when she told Xiao Ning part of the truth and calmly commented that Xie Qingxuan and Chu Yuanqing's dazzling performance was delicious. After Xiao Ning's rationality collapsed and her behavior gradually escalated under her deliberate indulgence, she felt a rare sense of shame.
The girl's soft, plump thighs trembled slightly, and a thin layer of mist appeared in her eyes. She recalled that unfamiliar sense of intrusion and still couldn't understand why praising someone else's food would make her own childhood friend so jealous, as if she had turned from a little white rabbit into a carnivore, extremely aggressive.
"But it's quite comfortable."
Ji Shuzhu ignored the subtle red marks on her body and inexplicably found the roughness rather enjoyable. She pondered to herself:
"Xie Qingxuan will definitely go all out this time. This precious moment of glory is something we can't miss. Moreover, the Stage Battle in the A1 area allow spectators to watch from the audience, so the team whose members shine will also get a piece of the action. This Stage Battle is amazing; it's a veritable feast."
"Xiao Ning, she shouldn't be jealous about this, right? Maybe I should try to understand her thoughts more. I'll talk to Xiao Ning about the dazzling moments we created on stage after this performance and see how she reacts."
Fan Qiuling had no idea what kind of dark future awaited the choreographer beside her. She looked expectantly at Xie Qingxuan's heroic figure as he marched towards the enemy lines. Here it comes, here comes the classic pre-match trash talk!
The girl revealed a gloomy expression, currently brimming with confidence. She felt that her captain was about to say something concise yet extremely domineering, and decided to learn from him.
Chu Qiushuang was bored out of her mind. To be honest, after the dazzling moment was taken away, all those dreams, naive ideals, and even her love for the stage were stored in Xie Qingxuan's [Cocoon of the Heart].
Her heart feels empty right now. Her motivation to train hard is just to gain more traffic, convert more fans, and ultimately earn more money. Because of this, the tension is actually much less than before, far less intense than in the B1 area, and she even feels a bit relaxed for some reason.
As for now, performing on stage is just a job for her, so naturally she has no enthusiasm for the scene at hand.
Xie Qingxuan didn't come over to say anything harsh; she simply missed Chu Yuanqing terribly. So, without thinking, she ignored her teammates behind her, the conditions on site, and everyone around Chu Yuanqing, and walked over rather naturally.
Little Sakura suppressed her urge to stand in front of Chu Yuanqing. She had no reason to stop Xiao Qing from meeting her friend. After hesitating for a moment, she politely stepped aside.
Tang Liuli frowned upon seeing this and retreated behind Chu Wangshu. She blinked her emerald eyes and solemnly encouraged herself, "It's just a tactical retreat, nothing to be ashamed of!"
Fear? What's there to be afraid of! I'm not afraid at all! I'm just pretending to be aloof because I need to use my social energy on stage and can't waste it on this kind of bad woman!
Chu Wangshu didn't think the cat lying on her back was aloof; she just felt sorry for her childhood idol, who even had social anxiety when meeting her former roommate.
Unlike Yayoi Liuli, Little Cotton-padded Jacket Yayoi had no objections or hostility towards Xie Qingxuan; in fact, she even harbored some admiration for him.
Well, there's no way around it. Compared to Yayoi, who's more approachable and like a peer, occasionally showing a pure and innocent side, and Yayoi, who's so socially anxious that she's like a kitten and always likes to hide in a Liuli.
Xie Qingxuan, who was already quite famous before the competition, is very talented, has a gorgeous and noble appearance, and her hair is naturally dazzling platinum blonde. She is also a quiet and mysterious big-breasted lady, and she clearly has more seniority and atmosphere.
Chu Yuanqing's impression of Xie Qingxuan was at another extreme, almost like a mother's perspective. As she watched the person she hadn't seen in a long time approach, she felt that this child was like a seemingly aloof but actually obedient puppy. She felt guilty and affectionate at the same time, and for some reason, a lot of guilt and sadness rose up in her chest.
The mist in Xie Qingxuan's eyes cleared, revealing a soft, watery look. Her heart was overflowing with joy. She wanted to say something to her beloved whom she hadn't seen in a long time, to tell him about her recent longing, to reveal her inner feelings, and to share that epic, magnificent dream.
There's so much I want to say, but when the words reach my lips, I don't know where to begin.
And so, a brief silence ensued.
Chu Yuanqing broke the silence. Under Fan Qiuling's greatly shocked gaze, she hugged the tyrant who had dominated the stage, as if comforting a child, even patting his head and smiling gently as she whispered:
"Long time no see, how have you been?"
Xie Qingxuan inhaled the scent of nostalgia, obediently lowering her head and nestling in the arms of the girl who was slightly shorter than her. There was no desire in her heart, only a warm sense of satisfaction.
The girl comfortably squinted her eyes, her eyelashes drooping. She nuzzled Chu Yuanqing and, in a serious yet calm tone, easily uttered words that sounded like a plea for praise, yet also like a coquettish plea:
"Xiao Qing, I miss you so much."
"I... I've prepared a stage for you, will you enjoy it? There's something I want to share with you in it."
Chu Yuanqing was deeply touched, her heart melting. She felt the Golden Haired Doggy had become even more obedient and adorable, and couldn't help but stroke its head a few more times. Her clear eyes filled with laughter, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, and she whispered:
"Okay, I'll watch carefully. Shall we play rock-paper-scissors first?"
"Dream Weaver Rabbit suggested using rock-paper-scissors or other games to decide who goes first. What method does Qingxuan want to use?"
Xie Qingxuan nodded without hesitation and said:
"Xiao Qing, do whatever you want."
Fan Qiuling:...
Chu Qiushuang:...
Damn, how could they so easily hand over such an important step as deciding the order of appearance to their opponent? Is this still the same taciturn, extremely imposing Stage Tyrant? He looks like a stupid little dog who's been completely fooled by a bad woman!
Chu Yuanqing also felt it wasn't a good idea. After thinking for a moment, she said:
"Why don't you discuss these things with Yayoi? We can talk about it after the match."
Upon hearing this, Kiriwake Yayoi felt she had a legitimate reason to intervene. Her expression turned serious, and in a flash, she stepped between the two, saying:
"We can talk about this later; we haven't changed our clothes yet."
Xie Qingxuan thought it made sense. She stared at Chu Yuanqing without moving and casually said:
"Let's play rock-paper-scissors then."
Little Sakura was furious. She felt that this Stupid Dog didn't respect her at all. She took a deep breath and said quietly:
"Shouldn't you explain what you did to me before that?"
Kiriwake Yayoi did not explicitly mention the contract because it was too absurd and she had no evidence to prove it, making it difficult to bring it to the forefront.
Xie Qingxuan thought for a moment and said:
"If you don't want to, I can cancel it."
Upon Kiriwake Yayoi's emotions were interrupted. In her eyes, Xie Qingxuan had always been a very domineering and domineering woman. Calling him "Stupid Dog" was just a derogatory nickname, and she didn't really think he was stupid.
But now...
Is this person really just naturally dense?
Little Sakura felt a sense of defeat, like punching cotton. She suddenly found the nickname "Imperial Fierce Tiger" quite ridiculous, and muttered suspiciously:
"Real?"
Xie Qingxuan said earnestly:
"Really, because someone told me that I should try to see things from the perspective of the person I like, so that I won't be disliked. I think Xiao Qing would dislike me if I did that, so if you don't want to, I'll remove it."
Kiriwake Yayoi was even angrier after hearing this. Although... although these words meant that the other party wasn't so bad, what was the difference between these words, which were practically a confession to Chu Yuanqing, and publicly stealing her boyfriend?!
No, I have to argue with this person.
Little Sakura thought for a moment and suggested a very cruel punishment:
"Then let's change the bet. Whoever loses has to bark like a dog!"
Xie Qingxuan- hsuan nodded in agreement and dispelled the contract buried within the other party's [Cocoon of the Heart].
She has a way to control or even plunder some of her emotions through contracts because these can be attributed to the definition of Shining. But she can't do that with a wager like barking like a dog, so she simply cancels it and turns it into a verbal agreement.
Kiriwake Yayoi was somewhat discouraged. How come she wasn't angry at all?
However, after careful consideration, she thought it was a good idea. As long as she won this stage, the Imperial Fierce Tiger would turn into the Empire's Adorable Silly Dog! She'd tell Yuki about this Black History later and see if she still idolized this Stupid Dog!
Little Sakura asked:
"Let me ask you this: how many other people have you done something similar to?"
Xie Qingxuan honestly said:
"61 people, I stole the spotlight from 61 people."
Upon hearing this terrifying number, Kiriwake Yayoi's initial awkwardness instantly transformed into deep anger. Barely maintaining her composure, she asked:
"What do you mean by 'shining'?"
Xie Qingxuan answered softly:
"A love for the stage, a passion for dreams, and an admiration for idols—these are the elements that make them shine on stage, and that's what makes them radiant."
Kiriwake Yayoi fell silent; she had always held the most sacred and devout feelings for her idols, the stage, and her dreams.
That was seven years of my youth and sweat, the emotion that arose from seeing my idol's shining figure since childhood. Whenever I wanted to give up, as long as I recalled these precious emotions in my memories, I could regain the courage to move forward.
Kiriwake Yayoi couldn't imagine what she would become if these things were taken away from her without reason.
That was incomplete, fragmented, stripped of its luster, weakened once more, and utterly unable to accept itself —that Kiriwake Yayoi.
Therefore, upon hearing the other party's seemingly self-evident reply, a burning anger, like a raging fire scorching the soul, caused the restrained Heart Tide to surge continuously, sweeping across the entire room like a whirlwind, making everyone aware of the shift in atmosphere.
Kiriwake Yayoi looked at that still calm and beautiful face, and asked, word by word:
"Don't you feel even the slightest bit guilty?"
The cross-shaped star in Xie Qingxuan's pupils slowly condensed, followed by a dark arc of light. She stated indifferently:
"Yes, but <Flash Dance> is not child's play. 168 trainees are competing for an unknown number of Debut Spot. At least 90% of them will be eliminated before they can enter the round to compete for the Center position and Debut Spots. The price of being eliminated is losing the qualification of an idol for life and never being able to step onto the stage again."
"So far, only 25 teams have reached the A1 area, and the remaining 68 people are still struggling at the bottom. Of these 25 teams, only half will be able to advance. If failing to form a team is considered elimination, how many people do you think will be eliminated before the second Public Performance?"
"Dream Weaver Rabbit said it before, the consequences for those who fail to form a team through voting are self-evident."
"In conclusion, every victory in this Stage Battle over the past month has meant that someone's dream has been trampled on and stripped away. Kiriwake Yayoi, you have no reason to be angry with me."
Xie Qingxuan wasn't lying; she genuinely believed it.
Those contestants whose brilliance they themselves have stolen have no reason to secure Debut Spot in the finals, and since they can't debut, their only fate is elimination.
At the same time, according to the rules of the show, elimination is a physical stripping away of one's spotlight, so the final result is the same. Being stripped of one's spotlight in advance will also mean losing all related aspirations, which is equivalent to painlessly removing them.
As for those players who were stripped of their brilliance, do they actually have the potential to turn the tables on themselves later in the game?
Following the logic of competitors, preemptively stripping Shining of her power and eliminating enemies becomes even more reasonable.
Kiriwake Yayoi remained silent. She admitted that Xie Qingxuan's logic was correct. In the fiercely competitive world of Flash Dance, the other party's behavior was simply implementing the principle of "survival of the fittest."
Yes, wanting to debut is not wrong, wanting to win is not wrong, wanting to win in the end is not wrong, and even eliminating competitors is a correct approach in this competition format.
However... there are some errors here.
Idols should not be indifferent.
The stage shouldn't be cruel.
This issue is difficult to resolve by conventional standards of right and wrong.