Chapter 71

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Chapter 71: You Will Receive Love

Chu Yuanqing gently lowered her raised toes, looking at the girl who had wrapped herself up like a spring roll, crying more intensely now. She couldn’t help but pat her head and softly comfort her:

“Xiaoxiao, please don’t cry. You can tell me what’s wrong.”

After saying this, Chu Yuanqing sighed quietly to herself.

She had barely fallen asleep for a few minutes when she heard the person in the bunk above crying.

Although she could ignore it, the mechanism of “Dazzling Stage” determined that sooner or later many people would become stepping stones and sacrifices.

But Liang Xiaoxiao and Chu Wang Shu were about the same age, both seen by her as children who shouldn’t face hardships and should just be happy every day.

Chu Yuanqing couldn’t fall asleep listening to the child’s crying.

With tears in her eyes, Liang Xiaoxiao looked at her super cute roommate, Daxia, as if looking at a savior. She felt her inner grievance being released, tears flowing like small pearls uncontrollably. She suppressed her sobs and whispered:

“Sob sob, Qing Qing, I’m stuck in the blanket like a dummy.”

Chu Yuanqing held her breath for a moment and tried hard not to laugh out of respect.

She quietly helped the child wipe away tears with a tissue, just like a prison guard releasing a prisoner from foolishness, setting her free from a silly state.

Liang Xiaoxiao sat up unsteadily, her swollen ankle wrapped in bandages. With Chu Yuanqing’s support, she slowly got out of bed, put on pink bunny slippers, and sat on a stool, looking very sad.

Liang Xiaoxiao felt embarrassed yet comforted by a seemingly younger girl. She even sensed a nurturing maternal warmth from her.

To make things worse, despite thinking it was embarrassing, she felt good when her head was patted – this made her feel even more embarrassed.

Chu Yuanqing handed a few tissues to Liang Xiaoxiao, comforting her like a little child, patting her head gently, and softly saying:

“There, Xiaoxiao, wipe your tears, stop crying for now. How about going out with me for a while?”

There were people sleeping in the dormitory, definitely not a good place for chatting.

Liang Xiaoxiao nodded obediently.

Chu Yuanqing supported her, and they walked out of the dormitory together.

The corridor of Building F was spacious, and along the way, they could see several vending machines that could be used freely with access cards.

There were many entertainment facilities in the building, but so far, no one had shown interest.

Probably to take care of the contestants’ mental states, there was a park area covered by a virtual system operating 24 hours a day at the bottom of the building. It synchronized with the external weather, wind speed, and temperature, perfectly simulating fresh clean air, recreating a pleasant evening breeze and gentle moonlight.

Chu Yuanqing found a bench and sat down next to Liang Xiaoxiao. She had two cups of warm coffee in her hands, handed one to the other person, then looked up at the fake crescent moon on the dome, quietly without saying a word.

Due to experiencing dissociative identity disorder multiple times, she could be considered an expert in long-term illnesses. She had counseled many comrades on psychological issues and was an unconventional spiritual mentor.

Liang Xiaoxiao’s situation was obvious, just like Xie Qingxuan’s – both had failed on stage.

From the injury on her ankle, it was apparent that she had likely been in an accident, spraining her foot on stage.

In this situation, not only was it difficult to improve the rating, but it was also challenging to maintain a Grade D. The efforts of the past week might go to waste, and there was a high probability of being cut from the second episode.

Unlike Xie Qingxuan, who came from a small company without strong backing, and whose personal talents were not outstanding, this defeat could determine her future fate, leaving little chance for a fresh start.

It was normal to cry in such circumstances, and words of comfort might seem inadequate.

Therefore, after the little girl next to her calmed down a bit, Chu Yuanqing took the initiative to start a conversation.

She didn’t mention the stage, idols, or secondary ratings. Instead, she talked about everyday topics, picking up bits and pieces to chat about.

Liang Xiaoxiao was daydreaming slightly. Chu Yuanqing’s voice was soothing with a hint of sweetness, like rain-washed skies, exuding a magical charm.

Normally, it would be fine, but it seemed that in her attempt to comfort someone, she unintentionally lowered her voice, slowed her tone, making the breaths from her lips vivid, like a light song by the fireplace, swaying the soul and consciousness slowly into a warm embrace.

The young girl felt light-headed, as if she was lifting up, akin to a devout prayer in a church, where sunlight penetrating through the stained glass dome bestowed a sacred baptism.

This warmth, different from that of her original family, flowed into her strong heart like water.

The hidden scars and unhealed wounds deep inside found brief comfort in gentle silence.

Liang Xiaoxiao understood.

She used to think Tang Liuli was too childish to ask Qing Qing to read bedtime stories to her every day.

But now she realized it wasn’t that Tang Liuli was childish; it was just that Qing Qing’s gentle voice was so soothing and captivating that anyone would want to listen every day.

Even someone as mature as herself now wished to hear bedtime stories every night.

And as Chu Yuanqing continued to ask questions, these fanciful thoughts vanished into thin air.

Liang Xiaoxiao felt almost enchanted, revealing everything like pouring beans from a bamboo tube.

She mentioned being forced to do farm work by her mother since she was young, nearly missing out on education until the local government introduced subsidies for school.

She shared that her father started drinking when she was in junior high, feeling like she was a burden and once almost tried to strangle her in a drunken state, believing he could scam the insurance company for a large sum of money.

She said that after her little brother was born, the elders in the family stopped smiling when they saw her. They only frowned as if dealing with a burden.

She said that when she was forced to sign the contract, she felt not only sad and wronged but also surprisingly relieved. Because by doing so, she didn’t owe her parents anymore, she didn’t have to stay in this backward small county, and she didn’t have to stay in this cold home.

Liang Xiaoxiao talked a lot, as if she had been holding it in. From the unappetizing meals at the company to the teachers’ indifferent attitude in class, even the trivial matter of her waist getting smaller recently, all came pouring out.

The girl’s expression changed from sadness to a light smile. She held the coffee can in her hands, sniffed the rising steam, took a sip, and felt her whole body relax.

Sometimes it is just like this.

Even though the problems were not solved and past sorrows continued to sting like sharp blades, just by opening up to someone, it felt like releasing built-up pressure, finding mental relief and liberation.

Chu Yuanqing’s gaze showed a hint of pity. Being an old item that had witnessed countless events, she knew that even without the Calamity God and disaster beasts, beings in the world still endured other hardships among the chaos.

Daxia was the most developed country in the Donghong Federation and held a high position in the global economic system. However, the flourishing era, overall peace, and most people’s happiness couldn’t stop the breeding of mud and filth.

As a savior, she could sacrifice millions of lives to create a world line without the Calamity God and disaster beasts, but she couldn’t build a utopia where everyone could be happy.

Human nature is evil.

This argument may seem extreme, but there are always examples in the world that make people firmly believe in it.

Liang Xiaoxiao’s family is just a tiny reflection of a larger truth.

Chu Yuanqing has seen too much suffering, tasted too much malice from human nature.

—Betrayal, deceit, disappointment, harm, ridicule, conspiracy.

—In that muddy era, if one wants to save the world, they must first step over the thorns laid by their compatriots with malice.

Chu Yuanqing should have been numb to the world’s suffering, but because she was able to listen to the gaps of all things, peering into the soul realm of rules and lines, she still retained her flawless original intention.

The girl, unlike earthly beauties, showed a compassionate look on her face, her clear eyes tinged with pity, the lantern pendant on her chest slightly warming up, releasing the personal charm hidden deep in her soul.

Chu Yuanqing reached out and gently touched the other person’s cheek, her slender palm hanging down, the moonlight gently veiling her fingertips, like the halo that gradually tainted the fingers when a deity bestowed a believer.

“Xiaoxiao, your parents are bad people without a doubt, your company is doing bad things for their benefit, and ‘Dazzling Stage’ is very harsh and realistic. You might be eliminated soon and never get to perform on stage or become an idol.”

“But don’t lose hope in this world, and don’t lose hope for the future.”

“There will definitely be many good people waiting for you in the future. As long as you live your life diligently, stay positive and optimistic, you will eventually meet someone who makes you feel warm from within, feel loved.”

“And when you meet that person, even though the past hardships won’t disappear, the happiness you will experience will still make you feel like your life has meaning.”

“So, don’t cry. Your life is still long, isn’t it?”

Liang Xiaoxiao was a bit absent-minded, feeling the warmth of fingertips touching the skin, the sensation was slightly cool but in the moment of heartbeat, it melted into intense warmth, causing her fair cheeks to blush suddenly.

Chu Yuanqing’s voice was like feathers gliding by the ears, itching and confusing the mind, the warmth and care reflected in her words felt like sharp knives stabbing into the heavy heart, triggering a burst of burning emotions.

The girl felt her heart beating rapidly, much more nervous than when standing on stage.

She stared at the person in front of her, so close yet seemingly unreachable, someone who was offering love and redemption like a deity, awakening emotions that broke free from past beliefs, like a wildfire burning at the core of her heart.

Liang Xiaoxiao never felt loved by her family. Her grandparents didn’t like her when she was young, her father treated her like she wasn’t important, and her mother wished she was a boy. She remained cheerful because she had to be cheerful.

The warmth in her chest, the burning desire in her heart, and the yearning for comfort deep in her soul felt so unfamiliar that she couldn’t recognize them at first.

She welcomed the warmth, the love, and the longing.

Liang Xiaoxiao docilely lowered her head as tears formed in her eyes, instinctively leaning into the gentle hand as if craving the affection she had never known before.

The scars in her heart melted away, leaving an emptiness that eagerly absorbed the intense warmth, transforming it into a joyful current coursing through her entire body like electricity.

Chu Yuanqing noticed nothing amiss; she merely sighed inwardly, feeling sympathy for Xiaoxiao who seemed starved for love, having never been treated with tenderness since childhood, now uncertain how to respond to even the smallest gesture of care.

Little Shu had grown up without a mother, and due to a curse, she hadn’t received much attention even after entering middle school, though she at least had regular meals.

Despite her own modest upbringing, she had always tried her best to give love and companionship to others.

Liang Xiaoxiao had both parents, yet in reality, she had received no love at all, experiencing life’s hardships even more intensely than Little Shu, making her situation seem all the more tragic.

After gently pinching her cheeks, Chu Yuanqing glanced at the artificial crescent moon in the sky and casually withdrew her hand, saying softly:

“It’s getting late now. Shall we go back to sleep?”

Liang Xiaoxiao suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of reluctance and loss, followed by intense shame as a blush crept up from the corners of her eyes, as if awakening from a dream.

Still dazed, the girl followed the other person back to the dormitory, only beginning to process her thoughts after lying in bed.

Well, as Honey Qing had said, someday I will meet someone who will make me feel warm from the depths of my heart, as if I am truly loved, and through this, understand life’s meaning.

But this warmth… this feeling of being loved…

Isn’t this exactly what Honey Qing just made me feel?!

Liang Xiaoxiao bolted upright, her pupils dilating.

She nervously glanced toward Chu Yuanqing’s bed, then silently rolled around on her own bed, wrapping herself up like a spring roll, her mind in complete disarray.

What’s happening? Am I really in trouble?

Why am I fantasizing about little Qing Qing?

Do I have romantic feelings for her? Or am I projecting maternal feelings onto her? No, no, no, either way would be too strange!

Liang Xiaoxiao had always considered herself ordinary.

At least before being overshadowed by someone’s brilliance, she was just a girl from a broken home, but otherwise normal.

Now, she questioned not only her sexual orientation but also her psychological state.

Despite her internal struggle and self-doubt, she couldn’t help but repeatedly replay the warmth of those fingertips in her mind.

The care and sympathy she had detected in that touch transformed into sweetness on her tongue, making her unconsciously lick her lips like a kitten.

After doing so, her expression froze as she immediately realized something was amiss.

Oh no, I can’t control these feelings.

Oh no, Honey Qing is so captivating, their charisma is like that of a natural-born idol!

So… perhaps it’s not entirely my fault?

Liang Xiaoxiao shamefully continued to drift toward seeking maternal affection.

Meanwhile, a profound fear began to take root.

If previously she had worried about elimination, concerned about her 15-year slave contract, viewing it as her only chance to break free from her chains and gain freedom.

Now, there was an additional fear.

That was – the fear of never seeing Chu Yuanqing again.

This fear, theoretically not as severe as the despair of being unable to change fate, struck deeper when it truly manifested, piercing straight to the heart and wringing out intense emotions.

Those starved for love are always like this, valuing it above all else, as if it’s the final lifeline pulling them into the depths.

As for whether they could be saved after grasping that lifeline? What was its true worth?

These questions held no importance; what mattered was securing that lifeline.

And so…

Liang Xiaoxiao’s determination to remain on the “Dazzling Stage” grew increasingly fierce, as if she had acquired a new trait. It not only dispelled her uncertainties about becoming an idol but also magnified her desires thousandfold, forming a powerful driving force.

– She had to stay at any cost.

Because once she left, the ruthless entertainment company would certainly exploit whatever popularity she had gained from the “Dazzling Stage.” The relentless schedules and work would make it impossible to reach that distant, moonlight-like figure.

– She needed to find a way.

Appearance, mindset, camera presence, dance skills, vocal ability, stage presence.

None of these were sufficient; she needed to develop one outstanding talent, evolve it into a weapon surpassing other competitors, or elimination in the first round would be virtually certain.

Liang Xiaoxiao pondered deeply.

She internalized all the sadness, pain, confusion, dissatisfaction, despair, and negative emotions from her stage failures, and remembered the redemption and love given by that person, melting them all into…

——Obsessive determination.

There was no time for confusion now, no time for self-pity either.

These meaningless sentiments should be discarded, used instead as fuel for self-improvement.

By any means necessary, she had to stay as long as possible; surviving even a few more rounds would be better than nothing.

Every minute spent with Chu Yuanqing meant experiencing a precious moment of love.

The girl seemed to grasp life’s meaning anew, undergoing a transformation in her thoughts, the light in her eyes deepening like flickering black mist. She glanced in that person’s direction, slowly closed her eyes, and revealed a content smile.

Exhaustion washed over her like waves, and dreams arrived right on schedule.

In a dilapidated farmyard, Liang Xiaoxiao saw her childhood self curled up beside a large yellow dog. She appeared frail, small, and pitiful, with bruises on her arms, sitting on the ground crying, feeling utterly helpless and alone.

At seventeen, she looked upon this scene, slowly crouched down, and firmly embraced her seven-year-old self. She smiled and whispered tenderly:

“It’s alright, Xiaoxiao.”

“You will receive love.”

“You definitely will.”

…

…

The following day.

The 168 contestants once again filed into the spacious multimedia classroom.

Dream Weaver Rabbit stood before the podium like a university lecturer, smiling as she observed each contestant’s face. Their expressions varied, though most appeared nervous yet hopeful.

The mascot smiled and remarked:

“Human nature is quite predictable.”

“Even after the stage performance, most of you can likely guess whether your rating will rise or fall.”

“But after reviewing the performance and considering the virtual reality elements, it’s natural to feel hopeful and think perhaps the situation isn’t so dire.”

Suddenly, Dream Weaver Rabbit conjured 168 virtual envelopes that swirled around like a tempest, displaying a wicked grin. With crimson eyes, she gazed down at all present and said softly:

“Dear trainees, the chance for redemption slipped through your fingers yesterday, as the results of the secondary rating have already determined your future paths.”

“And now, it’s time to announce the results publicly and let you all taste the fruits of your efforts.”