Chapter 108: They Argued Over Ranran
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Soon, the host invited Xia Wanqing to the stage to receive her award. Then, he called up the eight champions from the previous eight episodes and introduced each of them in turn.
"Tonight truly is a gathering of stars, a dazzling constellation! So, I believe our performances will be even more exquisite and captivating!" Yang Kai, as usual, took charge of the playful banter and keeping the atmosphere lively.
Mina wore a graceful smile. "Yes, I believe the audience here and the viewers at home are all eagerly looking forward to it."
"Now it's time for our mysterious mentor to make an appearance. Can everyone guess who it might be?"
The audience enthusiastically shouted out their guesses for the mentor.
Mina gently shook her head. "No, you're all wrong. This episode's mysterious mentor is—our esteemed Best Actor."
"Ahhh—"
"Ahhh—"
"Is this for real? The Best Actor? Ahhh—"
Ye Ziyan entered from the left side of the stage, the soft spotlight casting him like a noble prince. His impeccably tailored suit hugged his strong physique; his right hand casually slipped into his pocket. His bangs slightly shadowed his forehead, concealing the expression at the corner of his eyes.
He walked steadily toward the center of the stage, pausing briefly by the woman holding the trophy before casually standing at the center.
"Ahhh, it really is the Best Actor!"
"This is incredible, Ye Best Actor has actually appeared!"
"It's truly the mentor!"
"I’m not mistaken—this is really my Best Actor!"
The audience's passionate cheers filled the entire recording hall. With tens of thousands of spectators roaring in unison, the atmosphere was electrifying.
Huang Pu gently sheltered the young girl’s head beneath his suit jacket, not wanting her to hear the wild cries from the crowd.
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Shangguan Ranyan was intently watching the stage when a man suddenly covered her completely with his coat. Blushing, she asked, "Mr. Huang Pu, what are you doing?"
"Be good, stay still. They’re shouting at Ranyan."
"But then I won’t be able to watch."
His suit jacket shielded her entire head as she nestled close against his chest. Her pure eyes blinked beneath his coat; her long lashes seemed almost perceptible through the fabric. Her delicate nose was inches from his, and the scent of the young girl filled his embrace.
He wrapped the sides of his coat around her, hiding her face from onlookers. They stood side by side, facing each other—not simply watching the show, but seemingly studying one another.
He lowered his head, their noses almost touching, and whispered, "How about watching me instead?"
The girl’s cheeks flushed a deeper red; her large eyes shimmered with emotion. "No way, I want to watch Wanqing."
Ouyang Mufeng couldn’t help but roll his eyes at his second brother—coming to watch a show and acting all lovey-dovey like that.
Zhen Mi looked on with envy at their closeness, knowing she might never have something like that.
Ouyang Muya sincerely felt happy for Shangguan Ranyan; finding someone you love who loves you back is rare.
As for her? She was four years older than Ranyan and still uncertain when she might meet the right person.
Shang Mingcheng always ignored the two of them—preferring not to trouble himself and believing ignorance is bliss.
On stage, the host invited Ye Ziyan to greet everyone before moving on to the next round of performances.
The first performer sang a beautifully ethereal foreign song.
The second played the pipa, its elegant melodies accompanied by a plaintive vocal that resonated with many.
The third was a strikingly handsome man who sat at the piano, playing with refined grace.
The fourth, a man in his forties, powerfully performed an operatic aria.
The fifth sang and played guitar with deep emotion.
The sixth delivered a captivating piece on a wind instrument, dressed in a cheongsam that accentuated her figure, catching many eyes.
The seventh played a lively harp piece, prompting several audience members to hum along.
The eighth performer, Jun Rui, presented a seductive dance.
Her dramatically extended black eyeliner, intense lipstick, and heavy contouring gave her makeup a vivid, striking effect.
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Her well-maintained figure was subtly revealed with each movement, but what drew the most attention were her long, exposed white legs and flat abdomen—igniting a wave of excitement.
“Thank you, Miss Jun, for such a sensual dance. Would any of the judges like to share their thoughts?”
The judges eagerly raised their hands—everyone except Ye Ziyan.
The host joked, “It seems Miss Jun’s dance was truly moving! The judges all want to comment. Don’t worry, we’ll take them one by one.”
Jun Rui’s smile betrayed her joy—this was the fruit of her daily hard work. No one could surpass her.
One by one, the judges spoke, affirming the quality of her performance.
“Miss Jun’s dance technique, proficiency, stage presence, and expression management were all on point.”
“I agree with Mr. Li’s remarks—Miss Jun’s performance was flawless.”
“To me, Miss Jun’s was the best performance of the evening.”
“If it were up to me, I’d definitely vote for Miss Xia.”
“Miss Jun’s current form is unmatched.”
Jun Rui modestly smiled and slightly bowed her head. “Thank you, teachers. I will continue to work hard.”
As host Yang Kai was about to invite Jun Rui off the stage, Ye Ziyan suddenly spoke.
He sneered, “Heh, who gave you permission to advance last episode? Were they brainless?”
Jun Rui’s smile stiffened, feigning hurt. “May I ask what advice the Best Actor has?”
“Can’t you tell? I’m saying you don’t deserve the championship, nor do you deserve to be on this show.”
Jun Rui began to quietly sob, “I don’t know what I did to offend the Best Actor to deserve such words.”
“No, you haven’t offended me. I just think even kindergarten kids dance better than you. That’s all. And that’s the truth.”
His words cast a heavy shadow of humiliation and reproach over the surrounding mentors.
The host was utterly embarrassed, unsure how to handle this sudden turn of events.