Chapter 116: Angel on Earth

Even the devoted fans of Xuanmi felt a bit intimidated after Zhao Ziqi’s performance of “Les Misérables.” Compared to her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence last week with “I Don’t Love You,” this rendition of “Les Misérables” struck an even deeper chord with its rock spirit.

Though countless singers have covered this song time and again, Zhao Ziqi’s version left an indelible impression. At just twenty-two, her mature and resonant voice was like an ancient hammer, striking deeply into the hearts of the audience, imprinting the weight of history.

Amidst the thunderous applause, as she walked backstage, the close-up caught the proud yet restrained gleam in Zhao Ziqi’s eyes, as if silently challenging every other singer: Who’s next?

And then there was Li Xuan.

Feeling the pressure Zhao Ziqi had exerted that evening, Li Xuan was determined. Tonight, she would step out wearing the radiant crystal heels custom-made by the master shoemaker, ready to dazzle the entire arena and utterly outshine that young upstart.

The crowd, both live and watching on television, had been electrified by Zhao Ziqi’s battle anthem, their excitement and anticipation for Li Xuan’s appearance reaching a fever pitch.

Backstage, as Li Xuan prepared to take the stage, a faint, composed smile played at her lips, her bright eyes shimmering with a subtle thrill. Clearly, she was ready for the challenge and prepared to give her all.

Suddenly, the band area swelled with musicians—a full orchestra had been brought on stage. Center stage stood an elegant white piano.

A girl of about twelve or thirteen, dressed in a peach-pink dress matching Li Xuan’s color scheme, stepped onto the stage ahead of Li Xuan, gracefully seating herself at the piano. Though she tried to suppress her nerves, barely daring to look at the audience, her posture was far from stiff.

She radiated a calm artistic aura, faintly exuding the bearing of a young prodigy.

This was the latest prodigy trainee recruited and nurtured by Dongyu Music Department, destined to break into the music scene.

To ensure Li Xuan could claim a powerful consecutive victory this week, Dongyu unveiled this secret ace to support her.

The crowd erupted with delighted cheers at the girl’s appearance, their anticipation for Li Xuan’s performance growing even stronger.

The Chu Entertainment team, noticing Dongyu’s elaborate tactics, couldn’t help but feel displeased.

Back in the singers’ lounge, Zhao Ziqi caught sight of Li Xuan’s grand setup for the night and scoffed inwardly: “Just singing, huh? Why all this flashy nonsense? Afraid, are we? Ha!”

Li Xuan paid no mind to others’ opinions. She was determined to present her best self, her most flawless performance to every admirer.

“Ohhh—!”

Amidst the standing ovation and cheers, Li Xuan glided onto the stage in her shimmering peach-pink gown, radiant as a star.

Just her presence alone was enough.

The audience immediately sensed an overwhelming aura that eclipsed all others.

In this realm, many female singers could claim the title of diva, but none combined grandeur, beauty, and elegance quite like Li Xuan.

If judged purely by looks, Li Xuan outshone all others in the Mandarin music scene by leagues.

On stage, her beauty was unparalleled.

Not only did she overshadow other female singers, but even among the goddess-filled world of cinema, very few actresses dared to share a frame with Li Xuan.

On the Hupu forum, popular in this realm, every year straight male fans vote on the continent’s top beauties in entertainment.

Li Xuan had never placed outside the top four.

In the past three years, she had claimed the straight men’s beauty crown twice.

This year, the title would likely fall to the increasingly mature and majestic Li Xuan once again.

Her beauty as a diva was truly unrivaled.

Watching her perform was not merely hearing a celestial voice—it was to feast upon the most breathtaking sight in the human world.

Even many young women, like Qin Pangniu, found themselves irresistibly drawn by Li Xuan’s beauty, almost questioning their own desires.

Whenever Li Xuan graced the stage, glowing and presenting her best, her beauty was utterly irresistible.

After taking the stage, Li Xuan smiled and gently held the little girl’s hand—a pure and beautiful moment that made many fans watching on television want to reach out and touch the screen.

Back in the singers’ lounge, the six performers who had just finished, including Zhang Qiyang, all felt Li Xuan’s radiant brilliance through the screen.

Yet their appreciation was tinged with different emotions.

Zhang Qiyang simply admired the natural, god-given beauty Li Xuan embodied, without any other thoughts.

But the other competitors, seeing Li Xuan’s dazzling allure, felt a pang of discomfort.

The giant screen displayed the title of Li Xuan’s song for tonight’s competition—“At Least There’s You.”

Lyrics and composition by: Caidao.

Arrangement by: Caidao and Xiaowa.

Attentive viewers were beginning to take note of this newcomer named Caidao.

But most eyes remained glued to Li Xuan, unwilling to look anywhere else.

They longed only to savor the exquisite joy she brought.

Every smile, every glance from Li Xuan could crystallize into a dreamlike image in the hearts of many fans, making their hearts race with unbounded love.

If Zhang Qiyang was seen by many as a dangerous devil from hell, then watching Li Xuan live felt like entering heaven to behold an angel.

Especially with the innocent little girl at the ethereal white piano on stage, Li Xuan’s angelic presence was even more pronounced.

Her slender figure, adorned in the peach-pink gown, exuded an endless romantic aura of love.

Reflecting on the song’s title, “At Least There’s You,” the audience’s hearts were already filled with affection before she even began to sing.

Wearing the love-themed crystal shoes custom-made by the master shoemaker, Li Xuan herself was filled with vows as eternal and solemn as the song’s promise.

This piece was prophetic in nature, singing of a hoped-for lifelong, unwavering love—deep, tender, and warm.

Everyone harbors such a wish: to love someone so profoundly that one longs to grow old together in one night and never part.

Though such love is nearly impossible in reality, humanity’s yearning for pure, faithful love remains unchanged through the ages.

Even as a revered diva, Li Xuan was no exception.

Her contract strictly forbade her from dating before the age of thirty—no earthly or underground romance allowed.

Since she was eighteen, Li Xuan had been completely cut off from all forms of love.

Yet humans are creatures of emotion.

The love suppressed deep within, waiting to burst forth, made Li Xuan yearn desperately for a love like the one celebrated in “At Least There’s You.”

She wished her years would pass quickly, but her youth linger just a little longer.

She looked forward to the day her love ban lifted on her thirtieth birthday, hoping to meet a man she would love so fiercely she wished to grow old with him.

Though she did not yet know where he was, she believed that tonight her heartfelt plea would reach him.

He must hear it.

Standing graceful and poised, Li Xuan gently pressed her lips, took a deep breath, lifted her chin at a forty-five-degree angle, and with eyes soft as flowing water and a heart full of longing for love, she prepared to begin her performance.