Dad, Please Let Me Be Your One-and-Only Fan! Chapter 398

So much so that when the Little Cotton-padded Jacket excitedly rushed into her arms, she was so overwhelmed that she couldn't muster any strength, not even able to wrap her arms around her. She could only manage a weak smile and softly comfort her:

"I'm sorry, Dad made you worry."

Chu Wangshu a pang of sadness. She pursed her lips, forced a smile, and shook her head understandingly, saying:

"How could that be? Dad is pushing himself so hard to save everyone and protect the world."

Chu Wangshu learned the cause and effect of the matter while the other party was asleep. If it weren't for the 9 seconds that her parents disappeared, there would have been sacrifices in the four forbidden zones where the riots broke out.

Every Magical Girl who falls in battle now casts a further shadow on the world's hope.

If the suppression is not timely, and the power of the Disaster God is allowed to overflow, it will give rise to even more tragedies.

Even though she, as a daughter, had her own selfish reasons for not wanting her family to take risks, she still had to admit that, from a broader perspective, her Dad's decision to force himself was the "right" one.

Correct to...

Chu Wangshu couldn't bring herself to say anything impulsive.

Charlotte sighed inwardly, but she talked enthusiastically about dinner and sunflowers, saying that they could go see the night view of the river later and experience the prosperity of the Sea Capital. With a very infectious atmosphere, she skipped the heavy part and naturally changed the subject.

Chu Yuanqing struggled to sit up, leaning against the pillow. Her long, curled eyelashes drooped like frost and snow as she listened wearily yet happily to the mother and daughter's conversation, occasionally smiling in agreement, enduring the increasingly intense pain as her willpower burned out.

For a moment, she felt that her body and soul no longer belonged to her; everything was like a feather falling in the wind, torn to pieces, spinning wildly and getting lost.

The dense, throbbing pain, like veins, connects the fragments called the self, making the passage of time sometimes fast and sometimes slow.

Chu Yuanqing felt that the gaps in her memory were widening, and her nerves and body were becoming incredibly sluggish. The consequence of forcibly reaching the pinnacle of martial arts and reconstructing the Light of the Soul was that after the fall, her resistance to the curse was even weaker.

But just be patient a little longer, just a little longer.

That future that everyone anticipates, loves, yearns for, and is for which everyone is willing to sacrifice everything, will soon... very soon truly arrive.

Volume 1: 370. The Missed Public Performance, A Showdown with the World.

At dusk, the setting sun falls magnificently.

A silver-haired, red-eyed girl stood in the bright red light. Her beautiful face, seemingly synthesized by AI, conveyed sorrow and heaviness as she looked at the frail figure lying on the bed, devoid of any heat or majesty, and said:

"Time is running out, isn't it?"

Chu Yuanqing seemed to have just broken free from chaotic thoughts, or perhaps she was imprisoned in a void devoured by something. She remained stunned for a long time before turning to look at Astrid and smiling as she said:

"There's still time."

"You will succeed. [Pure White] will eventually perish, but that Shining City will take its place, just as the sunlight now falls upon you, illuminating the earth and ushering in a brighter future."

Astrid could sense that her once vigorous and powerful spirit, like Eden gradually dimming after the galaxy had burned away, was slowly losing its strength to fight against the swarm of disasters. Even the enormous magical power that had been sublimated and evolved last night had almost completely vanished.

Those ten minutes of slumber, those nine breaths of intervention, had exhausted the last fuel of this Savior, making her fragile, dull, and brittle, like an ice sculpture melting in the sun, her pure radiance shining into the depths of her life, even the blood she shed was clean and holy.

Ice that melts cannot truly wash away stains.

So she continues to endure, continues to struggle, continues to persevere, waiting for the day when she can truly burn herself out and make the most of her abilities.

Astrid perceived this fact, and that increasingly thinning humanity, just as it had been before Aili, trembled and shuddered, responding with an emotion called sorrow. She tasted the feeling in her heart and asked:

"Can you still use magic?"

Chu Yuanqing looked at the lantern -Lantern Gem, its surface mottled, its texture rough to the touch, and almost overflowing with fragments. Feeling a pang of guilt, she ignored the pain and gently rubbed the surface with her fingertips, whispering:

"Not for now. After a week, it should gradually recover to the initial stage [Lighting Up first turned on]."

The lantern symbolizes the state of the soul. This trauma was too severe; even the magic and willpower stored in the ideal realm could not quell the cost of using the full realm in this way.

In fact, if the complete realm used in the illusion hadn't been somewhere between illusion and reality, exempting her from most of the consequences, she would have been no different from burning her life prematurely.

Contrary to what others might imagine, Chu Yuanqing's current state is largely a side effect of the battle within the illusion. His cultivation level naturally dropped while suppressing the four forbidden zones.

In those nine seconds, she weakened second by second, until she finally used up all her strength.

Even without those nine seconds, the pain would have been less, so why make those children pay with their lives?

Astrid looked at the Pure White Witch's profile, which revealed emotion, and asked a more important question:

"And... dancing?"

"Are you still able to move?"

Chu Yuanqing fell silent. She had tried to get out of bed before, but considering the embarrassment of falling and not being able to get up, she gave up the idea. After a moment of hesitation, she told the truth:

"It's somewhat difficult."

That means it can't move.

Astrid sighed inwardly. She knew that with Chu Yuanqing's personality, if he could make it in a few days, he would definitely add that it wouldn't affect the Public Performance.

The fact that they haven't mentioned it means that the other party understands that, given their current physical condition, performing on stage is impossible.

In other words, this "Lighthouse" of the Donghuang Federation, the most popular contestant in the Sea Capital division, will not be able to perform in the Public Performance three days later.

This has a significant impact.

If it were a normal talent show, either the program would be postponed or the contestants would Withdraw from Competition.

Of course, it was impossible for <Flash Dance> to let Chu Yuanqing Withdraw from Competition, but due to the tight schedule, postponement was also impossible, so the Third Performance had to be held as scheduled.

After a moment's thought, Astrid abandoned the idea of using Virtual Projection or magic to create a stand-in to impersonate her on stage.

Chu Yuanqing's "Flow State" and stage presence are too distinctive. Even if she can fool the audience, it will also lead to unnecessary questioning. It would be better for her to openly announce that she has health problems, which would also generate buzz and make up for the lack of exposure due to not being able to Public Performance.

The Super AI read this aloud and whispered:

"I'll temporarily change the rules for <Flash Dance> for you. Only team points will be awarded for the Third Performance, so your teammates just need to be able to perform as usual."

"As for the five-person dance being changed to a four-person dance at the last minute, I will approve their temporary trip to Ideal Country for a day. Ten times the flow rate is enough to adjust the choreography."

After a moment's thought, Chu Yuanqing reluctantly nodded in agreement. She didn't want to disappoint her fans, nor did she want to trouble everyone, but she couldn't come up with a better solution, so this was the only option.

As for having Charlotte or someone else temporarily replace her, even if she agreed, her fans wouldn't accept it.

The Pure White Witch hesitated for a moment, then asked:

How should I explain this to my fans?

Astrid was at a loss; she simply couldn't handle Chu Yuanqing's personality. He was clearly the one who needed to be worried about more than anyone else, yet he was still thinking of others.

But... compared to the majestic authority of this Savior who single-handedly suppressed the Disaster God, she now seemed somewhat silly and cute. Even the cold AI subconsciously softened its voice as it replied:

"You don't need to post on Weibo or worry about this. FlashDance will handle the explanation for you. Just get some rest these days."

After she finished speaking, she asked again:

"By the way, do you need me to notify your teammates?"

Chu Yuanqing initially wanted to refuse, but recalling the unease she sensed that morning, she changed her mind and nodded in agreement. The current situation was indeed not suitable for everyone to be separated so far apart.

Besides, the Public Performance requires three dance songs. If she leaves, it's all for nothing. Even if everyone becomes Magical Girl, their memory and learning efficiency are not what they used to be. It's still a considerable workload, and we can't afford to delay any longer.

Astrid indicated that she understood, and her ethereal figure vanished into the light as she went to arrange the subsequent series of trivial matters.

After the other person left, Chu Yuanqing stared blankly for a while, then lowered her eyelashes wearily, lay back in bed, closed her eyes, and tried to rest and recuperate so that she could get out of bed and walk as soon as possible.

Before the person in question could even get some sleep, the official website of Flash Dance announced the bombshell news that Chu Yuanqing would be unable to participate in the Third Performance.

In an instant, the Little Yuan Xiao was abuzz with excitement, millions of fans were in an uproar, and the storm of public opinion spread across Douyin, Weibo, and other major media platforms within an hour, becoming almost universally known.

During this period, countless fan support groups were forwarding and discussing related information, expressing concerns, anger, doubts, or sadness. The number of messages was increasing by 99+ every minute.

"What happened? Is Qing Bao sick???"

"What's the reason? Didn't the authorities give any reason? Who can accept this unilateral notification?"

"Since Flash Dance has made this announcement, it means the Public Performance won't be postponed. Does that mean Qing Bao will be automatically Withdraw from Competition or eliminated???"

"If that's the case, then that's incredibly unfair. Chu Yuanqing is a guaranteed contestant to advance; this Public Performance is merely to determine her ranking in the next round."

"And if Qing Bao can't participate, what will happen to the Great Demon King, Little Sakura, Yue Bao, and Liuli? They've always practiced a five-person dance, how can they possibly change the music in time?"

"This team is the ace of the Sea Capital division, and their popularity is almost entirely in the top ten of Flash Dance in China. It's outrageous that they can't advance for this reason. Why not postpone it?"

Questioning, arguing, anxiety, anger, worry...

Countless fans discussed this topic.

This happened so suddenly and so strangely.

Chu Yuanqing's Weibo still features a sunflower field that resembles a family photo, bathed in warm sunlight and blue sky. Her delicate features are more striking than the scenery, and the smile on her lips remains unforgettable.

But in the blink of an eye, the next message I heard was filled with such negative meaning.

Every fan knows that

Chu Yuanqing has no family. She has lived in an orphanage since childhood. The rented house she used to live in has been under the spotlight ever since it was exposed, and has been left unattended until now. Gifts from fans and various letters are still placed at the door, all covered with a layer of dust.

In other words, her social relationships are very simple. The Weibo she made a few days ago was still located in Sea Capital. The reason why she can't go on Public Performance is simply terrifying to think about.

--Chu Yuanqing had an accident.

Almost all the fans, after analyzing the situation, could only come to this ominous conclusion.

However, out of fondness and a sense of wishful thinking, they immediately rejected the idea and flooded the official website of Flash Dance, Chu Yuanqing's Weibo, and various local team-building forums with comments, eager to find out the truth.

Meanwhile, some people have drawn parallels to the core themes of "Flash Dance," and the recent controversy surrounding Chu Yuanqing's alleged Magical Girl status, leading to even more ominous speculations.

"There won't be any behind-the-scenes manipulation in <Flashdance>, but there will be something even more terrifying."

"If Xiao Qing really is Magical Girl, could it be that she was injured during a mission?"

"That doesn't make sense. Isn't Flashdance a program for training Magical Girl? Even if Xiao Qing is one, she shouldn't be going to the battlefield so soon, unless..."

Unless, out of their sight, the situation has become so dangerous that it is necessary to send the new generation of Magical Girl to the front lines as well.

Amidst the various rumors and the lack of official confirmation, unsubstantiated speculation has, through unseen forces, attracted considerable attention, propelling it to the top of trending topics and drawing even more public interest.

#A Magical Girl tragedy repeats itself? The fall of a genius idol!#

#A tragedy has occurred; one of the contestants from the Sea Capital competition area has been admitted to a military hospital.#

#Idol or Hero? Video of what appears to be a battle against Calamity Beasts has surfaced.#

Clicking into these entries reveals detailed and seemingly plausible accounts, though none specify who it refers to. However, considering the announcement from <Flash Dance> that Chu Yuanqing would not be able to participate in the Public Performance, it's hard not to speculate.

When Xu Ling noticed these things, Sea Capital. She had just recovered from the fatigue of writing the copy, sipped her coffee to relieve her drowsiness, and was pondering the editing techniques and background music when Pei Xiaotong burst into the room, excitedly grabbed her shoulder, and told her this important news.

"What? Qing Bao isn't participating!"

The girl's brain, stimulated by caffeine, was struck as if by a bolt from the blue, and she instantly became completely awake.

But abstractly speaking, her first reaction wasn't that she wouldn't see Chu Yuanqing at the Public Performance, but rather, like many Mom Fan, she felt the anxiety of a lost daughter, wanting to call the police immediately.

Unfortunately, Xu Ling had just taken out her phone and hadn't even had a chance to dial when the girl next to her snatched the tool away, forcing her to regain her composure.

After plunging into the internet and reading thousands of group chat records,

The more Xu Ling looked, the more frightened she became, her mind replaying memories of Qing Bao.

From the rainstorm that summer, capturing the divine image of Chu Yuanqing supporting Little Sakura in the rain, to her being the first to enter, her eyes looking up and smiling as she received the ribbon.

From the raw vocals and dance in the practice room, to the amazing performance in the Second Evaluation, the wonderful stage where they made a comeback to A-Class, and the subsequent first Public Performance, the battle for teammates, the second Public Performance, the travel vlog, and the commercial performance that seemed to save their lives.

That Little Idol, who seemed so green and inexperienced in my memory, but steadily progressing step by step, has unknowingly taken up many places in my life. What was originally just a hobby account has grown to an unimaginable number of followers through endless editing.

Xu Ling knew, of course, that she wouldn't be such a fanatical idol chaser forever. One day, whether it was Little Sakura or Qing Bao, her enthusiasm and love for her idols would fade away with the passing of youth, turning into a beautiful memory.

But this dream was too short, too short to end before it was time to leave.

Third Performance, four performances, five performances, until she debuted as part of the group, until she stepped onto the world-class stage, until we watched her soar to the end of her dream, whether she was broken, gave up, or never looked back.

That's what makes it complete from beginning to end.

In its current state, it doesn't even qualify as a peaceful death.

Xu Ling refused to believe this would be the end for her idol. She frantically refreshed the <Flash Dance> official website, wanting to know the latest developments as soon as possible.

As if by fate, she didn't have to wait long before the latest announcement appeared.

This turned out to be a direct link to the Countermeasures Bureau's official website.

The Countermeasures Bureau, also known as the Magic Countermeasures Bureau, is a disaster relief agency recently announced by the World Government to the general public. It is a special force responsible for managing, training, and assisting Magical Girl, as well as participating in disaster relief operations.

The relationship between Flash Dance and the Countermeasures Bureau is well-known, but the fact that the information involving Chu Yuanqing is related to the latter is quite meaningful.

This immediately made anyone who clicked through to the official website realize the seriousness of the problem.

Xu Ling continued clicking, and what came into view was a special file that could only be viewed after entering her ID card number and undergoing verification.

After successfully unlocking, a particularly eye-catching photo appeared.