Chapter 102 Part 1
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Chapter 102 Part 1: The Game of Humanity, Lightning War (1)
Lead singer.
This is the duo’s greatest weakness.
Kirimi Miyuki, hailing from the island country, could hold her own in normal conversations, but singing posed a different challenge. Once she lost control, her native accent would slip out, breaking the illusion of fluency.
The previous song, Candy, was a foreign track, allowing everyone to start from the same baseline. However, this time, Kirimi Miyuki’s group had drawn a song from Daxia. This presented a looming disadvantage, especially when future random selections from the dance library could include similar challenges.
Chu Wang Shu’s issue, on the other hand, was technical ability. Her voice was pleasing, but her skill level was closer to karaoke standards. Despite her dedication and ongoing improvement since joining the competition, her progress without a cheat-like accelerator such as “Heart Flow” was concerning.
In short, what they needed most now was an exceptional lead singer—someone capable of covering their vulnerabilities.
Chu Wang Shu agreed as she analyzed the situation.
“This time, the stage competition is judged solely by the Tutor Group’s criteria. Popularity and hype won’t save us. We can’t afford any glaring weaknesses.”
Kirimi Miyuki lowered her gaze to the Group 83 list, a collection of data from various practice rooms, resembling a battlefield map. Her tone turned contemplative.
“We need to wait patiently for the right moment to challenge the group in Zone B1.”
Which group, exactly? There was no need to say it out loud.
Xie Qingxuan, unarguably the top-ranked contestant, possessed overwhelming strength, even without tapping into Heart Flow. No one in their right mind would willingly face her in a one-on-one dance battle.
During the initial seating phase, a certain proud lady had chosen the second spot—perfectly justifiable, given her abilities.
As for Chu Yuanqing, she could effortlessly dominate the competition with just a glimpse of her charm. Together, these two formed an unassailable fortress in Zone C1—a team so formidable that challenging them seemed like an invitation to disaster.
Kirimi Miyuki understood this stark reality.
Her own teammate, Chu Wang Shu, while competent, wasn’t exceptional. In this cutthroat environment, even minor weaknesses would be magnified. Winning required strategy as much as skill.
Chu Wang Shu continued, listing their options.
“Only a few lead singers stand out—Lin Baor, Luo Chan, and Fang Xiaoke from Grade B, and Tang Liuli from Grade A.”
She paused, her gaze narrowing.
“Lin Baor and Liuli are on the same team, which leaves us just three potential targets to challenge.”
Kirimi Miyuki’s expression grew determined.
“We aim for the best.”
Her voice softened, carrying a quiet resolve.
“To increase our chances, our target must be Tang Liuli.”
A flicker of amusement crossed her face as she added, almost playfully,
“Besides, I have a strong feeling there’s a ninety percent chance Tang Liuli will challenge Chu Yuanqing directly.”
This wasn’t just instinct; it was a calculated prediction based on her analysis.
From Tang Liuli’s perspective, going after lead singers wasn’t much different from targeting other Grade B contestants. However, choosing to challenge her former roommates—despite the high risks—might be her best strategic move.
If successful, Tang Liuli’s team would gain a Grade A member, forming an epic powerhouse. Such a lineup would easily dominate the upcoming three-on-three matches and prepare well for the second performance.
Kirimi Miyuki foresaw this scenario clearly.
Even lacking a lead singer, Tang Liuli was a valuable chess piece that needed to be intercepted before the gap widened further.
Chu Wang Shu caught on quickly, her mind whirring with possible schemes.
“You’re right. Liuli might really go for it.”
She frowned, her voice tinged with suspicion.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past her to suggest a fake match just to sneak into Little Qing’s dorm.”
Miyuki’s lips curved into a soft smile, her green eyes glinting mischievously.
“It’s fine. If it’s her, I think I can handle it.”
Chu Wang Shu glanced nervously at the names on the screen, silently praying.
Hopefully, she’s okay…
Meanwhile…
Three days passed in silence from Sea City’s Dazzling Stage.
There were no livestreams, no behind-the-scenes footage. Fans were left restless, sparking heated debates online. The frustration was palpable, like being teased and abandoned.
Xu Ling, like many others, found herself coping with withdrawal symptoms. She immersed herself in fan forums, praising the creativity of fellow fans and consuming every bit of fanfiction available.
Her own passion for editing motivational videos featuring her idol, Little Sakura, kept her busy. Perfectionism drove her efforts, though progress was slow. Yet, this dedication gave her solace, providing an escape from the void left by the show’s inactivity.
On another front, a surprise hit had emerged—a video titled Calling All Mom Fans: Honey Qing’s Growth Journey. It went viral, racking up millions of likes on a pink app. The video showcased Chu Yuanqing’s journey, blending moments of vulnerability and brilliance, creating a narrative that resonated deeply.
While fan content kept Dazzling Stage alive in the public consciousness, rival productions like Kyoto’s version struggled. Despite heavy promotion, their performances paled in comparison, sparking comparisons and criticism.
Back in Zhelong Town’s base, however, none of this external noise mattered. The contestants were preparing for war—a game of humanity, strategy, and survival.
