[19]

Shan Zeyu and Yuan Ming both nodded in agreement. "Who isn't?"

It was then that Shan Zeyu suddenly understood why He Jinyun had to have Ye Zexi.

Not everyone possessed such strong adaptability.

One person's solo had become a dance for two.

Other than the mentors and their teammates, no one had noticed.

When the netizens saw the two of them in the same frame, the barrage of comments sped up:

"Ahhh! Mom, the CP I ship is feeding us!"

"It really is a fated showdown, hahaha."

"They're both way too good!"

"Damn it! My friend and I bet on Tang Jing winning before, but why do I suddenly feel like Tang Jing is going to lose?"

Dazzling lights danced, following the final

Chapter 19 [19]

"I'm sorry. This time, I dragged everyone down with me." Tang Jing apologized to the group, his eyes red.

Yu Yan's lips moved, but after a long while, he swallowed the words that had reached his throat.

Wan An had even less idea what to say, so he simply kept quiet.

Jiang Ran was the one who spoke up. "It's fine. At least the mentors gave us two votes, and we still have the audience vote. It doesn't mean we'll lose. Right, Ye Zexi?"

Ye Zexi nodded, but before he could speak, a familiar voice said—

"Well, this is rare. I never thought Tang Jing would make a mistake too."

Everyone turned around. Cui Yi had approached at some point, his face piled with a mocking smile.

Jiang Ran frowned, somewhat displeased.

Yu Yan spoke up for Tang Jing. "Everyone makes mistakes. There's no need for you to kick someone when they're down so quickly. Besides, the results aren't out yet. No one knows who'll win or lose. Right, Ye Zexi?"

The others also looked at Ye Zexi beside them, Tang Jing included.

The five-person group had already, without anyone realizing it, begun to regard Ye Zexi as their leader.

Ye Zexi did not answer Yu Yan. He merely turned his head and glanced at Cui Yi.

There was a faint glimmer of moisture in his beautiful peach-blossom eyes. He seemed somewhat puzzled as he seriously studied the person before him.

Cui Yi grew uncomfortable under his gaze, but mindful of Ye Zexi's status, he could not openly fall out with him. He could only suppress his impatience and ask, "What is it?"

Only then did Ye Zexi curve his lips into a smile. The confusion vanished from his eyes as he shook his head. "Nothing. I was just very curious about the foundation product you used today."

Cui Yi frowned. "What?"

Ye Zexi raised a slender finger and tapped beneath his own eye, his meaning obvious. "It covered up your panda eyes. I was thinking that if the brand knew, they'd definitely be more than willing to invite you to be their exclusive spokesperson."

Cui Yi's expression changed immediately.

The bruises from the fight he had had with Tang Jing a few days ago had not completely faded. Afraid that people would notice, Cui Yi had been wearing very heavy makeup these past few days.

Jiang Ran could not hold back and burst out laughing. The way Ye Zexi roasted people was exactly the same as when he had roasted Jiang Ran that day.

The others had undisguised smiles on their faces, and even Tang Jing's lips curved slightly.

"You..." Cui Yi gritted his teeth.

Ye Zexi feigned surprise. "Me?"

"You are indeed very strong, but..."

"I'm strong, I know. You don't need to emphasize that again," Ye Zexi cut Cui Yi off. His smile deepened, his tone certain. "And we'll advance too."

Cui Yi still wanted to argue, but seeing Ye Zexi like this, it was clear that he intended to protect Tang Jing. Cui Yi did not want to make an enemy of Ye Zexi, so he could only swallow his anger.

Cui Yi's heart burned with rage, but he consoled himself that there would be plenty of time in the future.

After shooting Tang Jing a furious glare, Cui Yi left with a dark expression.

Only after Cui Yi had gone far away did Yu Yan snort. "Let him keep acting smug!"

The gloom hanging over the group vanished completely. Everyone looked much more relaxed, and Tang Jing's emotions had steadied somewhat as well.

Looking at Ye Zexi's faint smile, Tang Jing's heart stirred. Where was the man who had once pestered him so relentlessly?

It was because of his dislike that he had only ever seen all of Ye Zexi's flaws and shortcomings, deliberately overlooking Ye Zexi's excellence.

Tang Jing lowered his eyes.

At some point, Jiang Ran had sat beside him. He nudged Tang Jing with his elbow and lowered his voice. "You understand how I felt back then now, don't you?"

Tang Jing looked at Jiang Ran.

Jiang Ran was not looking at him. Following Jiang Ran's gaze, Tang Jing saw Ye Zexi curled up on the sofa.

The pink-clad young man had his head lowered, his bangs falling over half his face. His fair skin held a jade-like sheen, and his lips curved in a lovely arc.

Through the gaps in his hair, one could vaguely glimpse the striking little mole at the corner of his eye.

Some people seemed to shine from birth. One glance was enough to make others feel inferior.

Ye Zexi was that kind of person.

Tang Jing stared, stunned.

Jiang Ran sighed.

He had already let it go. What Tang Jing needed was simply time.

*

That night, the competition results were announced.

Just as Ye Zexi had said, all five members of Ye Zexi's group successfully advanced.

When the rankings were announced, Ye Zexi still held firmly onto first place. Cui Yi had risen to second, while Tang Jing dropped one place to third.

Jiang Ran and Yu Yan were fifth and sixth respectively. Wan An fell just short at seventh place.

Upon hearing the results, Yu Yan cried out in excitement. With tears and snot streaming down his face, he rushed forward, intending to hug Ye Zexi.

Ye Zexi immediately took a step back, making his refusal completely obvious.

The camera happened to catch that moment, and the viewers and fans laughed so hard they doubled over.

Yu Yan hugged empty air and could only settle for second best, hugging Wan An beside him, who was just as excited.

Jiang Ran was equally thrilled. He knew he had not followed the wrong person!

Tang Jing could not help looking at Ye Zexi beside him.

Ye Zexi noticed his gaze, turned to meet his eyes, and smiled softly as he mouthed: What's wrong?