Chapter 86

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Chapter 86: Chu Yuanqing’s Decision, the Unfalling Disaster Shell

Heart Flow is also known as Mental Flow.

In psychology, it refers to a mental state that a person shows when focusing on a certain behavior.

Somehow, in the realm of idols, it has gradually undergone a strange evolution, causing the emotions and thoughts of users in the Heart Flow state to take on a nature with objective interference, thereby amplifying personal charm, stage presence, and intensifying emotions.

This was a long time ago, it was once widely announced and caused a few waves of public opinion hot discussions, and investigated in detail through scientific principles.

So, the entertainment industry was seriously rectified through "Dazzling Stage", which caused a big earthquake at that time, but many people saw it coming and thought it was something that would happen sooner or later.

After all, if an idol understands Heart Flow, the appeal as a public figure would greatly increase. If any real misconduct is exposed, the negative social impact caused will be more serious.

To prevent this from happening, the country will eventually take action to control and standardize it strictly.

The entertainment industry also lacks stages, partly for this reason.

Xie Qingxuan knows more about "Heart Flow" than most people. Her sister understood "Heart Flow" in a talent show three years ago and won the Carry Center crown, making a strong debut and becoming the Carry Center and captain of a top girl group in Daxia.

The dark mist swirling in the girl’s eyes slowly dispersed as she looked down at Luo Chan and whispered to herself:

"Can my sister’s ‘Heart Flow’ have a similar effect?"

"No, based on how ‘Heart Flow’ is formed, it’s just like its name suggests – a vortex phenomenon stirred up by the soul. No one’s ‘Heart Flow’ will be exactly the same."

"So… what ability does Kirimi Miyuki’s ‘Heart Flow’ have?"

"Could Little Qing’s ability to shine on stage also be due to her ‘Heart Flow’?"

Suddenly, Xie Qingxuan realized why her sister looked down on her so much, even considering her unable to enter the "Heart Flow" as definitely unable to debut on the "Dazzling Stage."

Because… when there’s a competition among idols, involving elements of "Heart Flow," previous built-up basic values can only act as a foundation and limit, unable to reach a higher level in a Stage Battle.

So, she was destined to be defeated by sakura girls who were superior in every way and be overwhelmed by Chu Yuanqing who had clearly no singing or dancing foundation.

But things are different now.

Xie Qingxuan lowered her eyes, with a deep darkness spiraling in her soul, reaching out from the depths of her consciousness to grasp Luo Chan’s Dream Puzzle. She breathed in the charm of the "Heart Flow" that belonged solely to her, with a slight curve of her lips, revealing a pure smile.

"Heart Flow" – to steal the shine of others.

"Meditation" – mimicking Personality Fragments, instantly forming the Dream Puzzle.

The combination of these two could completely lead her to a new domain, to step onto a higher stage.

Sister, I will step by step approach you, stealing the shine from your heart, treading on the bones of your dreams, ascending to a higher place you have never reached.

Finally, using your Dream Puzzle to fulfill your dreams, then casually discarding it, completely trampling on all the beauty you possess.

On the other side,

Tang Liuli saw the entire scene play out, her heart turbulent, swallowing nervously.

The young child, once known as a genius, felt different from Chu Wang Shu, who was confused and unable to understand the situation. In that moment, she shared the emotions of Luo Chan and Xie Qingxuan, sensing the terror and strangeness in them.

At that moment, Luo Chan’s evil thoughts and emotions were consumed into nothingness, leaving only a blank confusion.

Meanwhile, Xie Qingxuan also absorbed the same emotions, devouring them instantly and disappearing, leaving only a lingering sense of ugly emotions like raging flames in the chest, almost darkening the consciousness.

It was too horrifying and terrifying.

There was also something strange – due to constantly craving Chu Wang Shu’s motherly love, her own talent remained dormant and wouldn’t activate passively.

However, when Xie Qingxuan grabbed Luo Chan’s arm, it activated on its own, almost pulling her into the "Heart Flow" mode, which was terrifying to think about.

Tang Liuli grew more anxious, huddling close to Chu Wang Shu like a scared cat in the rain, burying her head in Chu Wang Shu’s arms, too scared to even look at Xie Qingxuan. The dark clouds above her seemed hesitant to rain.

The little girl whispered to herself:

"Such a scary bad woman, Xie Qingxuan is even worse than that Sakura girl, no, a hundred times worse!"

"The scary Great Devil always disguises as a friendly golden retriever during the day, she must have a plan, I need to keep her away from Honey Qing!"

Chu Yuanqing blinked her eyes, looking confused and tired. She just had a sudden recurrence of curses after finishing the rehearsal today, barely woke up from the illusions in the Sea of Truth, almost passing out, completely out of it.

Although she instinctively listened carefully to Luo Chan’s picky words out of respect, but the voice of the other person circling in her ears sounded like a spell, making her unintentionally doze off.

So… only after this child went weak, did she belatedly start thinking with her brain.

Huh? What happened? Why did this child suddenly collapse!

Chu Yuanqing woke up as if from a dream, a little panicked as she squatted down, she touched Luo Chan’s head, but the other party seemed unconscious, with no response at all.

No way? Is this a scam?

Or is it very courageous to vent these things to oneself, so after saying it, she just felt exhausted?

Chu Yuanqing fell into silence.

She remembered the intense competition at Carry Center where "Little Deer’s Clumsy Dance" received 11.79 million likes, suddenly feeling that other participants might be afraid of being incited to cyberbully by her fans. It seemed like a reasonable concern.

In an instant, her heart felt like it was stabbed hard.

Chu Yuanqing felt more and more guilty, and even started to feel sad.

Luo Chan’s slightly harsh accusations seemed completely valid in her eyes.

"Dazzling Stage" is ruthless, with maybe only single-digit number of contestants out of the 168 eventually debuting. The remaining trainees will be deprived of the chance to step on stage, losing hope of becoming idols for life.

This theme song performance might be the first and last time on stage for them in their lives, they couldn’t help but take it seriously, care deeply, and strive for perfection.

Those assigned to the main stage are the cream of the crop, the trainees who have worked hard and sweated their way to the top ranks among the 168 contestants.

If her incompetence in the main carry position caused them to lose the shine, applause, glory, and praise they rightfully deserved, being criticized, resented, scorned, and accused would be only right.

It would be more accurate to say that it was outrageous for her to realize everyone’s thoughts so late, forcing this young girl to face the pressure of being cyberbullied and gather the courage to speak out.

Chu Yuanqing doesn’t like idols or the stage. She is not even a half-hearted performer, just a misunderstood thief who receives fake love from the public.

But because she is in the wrong place, she must do everything she can to make up for it.

Today is the final day of rehearsal. Even if the program group agrees, it’s too late to change to the Carry Center now.

What should we do?

Chu Yuanqing’s dancing and singing are not good. She is boring, dull, likes daydreaming, and is like an old man who can’t keep up with the times.

She has only this decent body and memories to rely on, trying to recreate the echoes of the world’s first idol through the Heart Flow technique.

But…

That stage was a real disaster.

Without the Sea of Truth’s illusions dragging her into the distant past, with her current level of Heart Flow purity and the gradually blurring memories of the past, she can’t even imitate or capture the essence of Charlotte.

If I change my mindset based on Miyuki’s advice and see myself as Charlotte, who is considered the top idol in the world, can I match the stage presence of the other two Vice Carry Center members?

No matter what!

Anyway, to protect the dreams of these children, she will do her best to fulfill her duty.

Chu Yuanqing made up her mind, temporarily ignoring the risks of using the interpretation method.

Just like many years ago, she still cares more about others’ happiness than her own.

The girl lowered her head apologetically, the pendant on her chest shining pure white, she gently embraced Luo Chan as if giving a blessing, showed a comforting smile, looked around seriously, and said:

"I’m sorry for disappointing you these days. I’m not as talented as you, but I will try my best."

"On the stage tomorrow, I will try to show you a different Chu Yuanqing and the Chu Yuanqing on the secondary rating stage."

"So… at least until then, please don’t be sad or unhappy, okay?"

Chu Yuanqing’s eyes were clear and bright, shining brightly in the colorful night. The deep kindness engraved in her bones overflowed in the entire train cabin, even making the usual mocking smile freeze on the lips of Dream Weaver Rabbit, the super AI.

The voices faded away.

All 55 players in the train cabin felt their hearts beating faster subconsciously, unable to take their eyes off each other.

How strange.

Just by looking at the girl’s smile and the guilt in her eyes, a wave of unfamiliar yet familiar shame arose in the depths of their souls. Strong feelings of guilt rushed up, overwhelming the self filled with delusions.

This is like…

A long, long time ago, everyone owed her a thank you.

Ji Shuzhu’s eyes softened, she touched the fabric on her chest, feeling the emptiness suddenly overflowing with shining light, transforming continuously into a strong sense of happiness. Mist filled her cool eyes, making her feel ecstatic, gradually unable to stop biting her lip.

Tang Liuli took the initiative to activate her talent, "stealing a taste". The self that had just been "tainted" by the Great Devil instantly returned to its original purity. She indulged in this taste mixed with maternal love, yet shining with a touch of divinity, pretending to be unaware to her close friend beside her, secretly enjoying.

Xie Qingxuan quietly activated her "Heart Flow," dark energy swirling in her eyes, gradually covering her pupils in a chaotic spiral. She didn’t want to steal Chu Yuanqing’s shine, she just wanted to see her more clearly.

Next, she saw an endless sea of darkness, with only a faint but constantly burning light, spreading warmth that could protect the whole world.

Unfortunately, this image only lasted a moment before shattering in her sight, causing the "Heart Flow" to retreat passively, leaving her consciousness and eyes in a painful twitch.

Even worse, the related memories faded away with time, leaving only blurry impressions.

Xie Qingxuan took rapid deep breaths, her dress drenched in cold sweat. She was trembling with fear, forced to exit the "Heart Flow" and even meditation, as fragments of Chu Yuanqing’s personality in her consciousness began to crumble.

She couldn’t even qualify to see that shine, let alone steal it from Chu Yuanqing.

It must be a realm above the "Heart Flow," or some kind of special state more powerful than meditation.

As the Grade A individuals showed their talents, the entire train carriage went through a grand purification, washing away mental fatigue and negative emotions.

Some girls couldn’t help but cry out, stuttering as they spoke:

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry."

"I know I shouldn’t blame you, I know you work hard every day for the rehearsals, and you have done your best. It’s my own fault for not being good enough. But I couldn’t help but put the blame on you. I am so terrible and bad."

"I’m truly sorry, I’m really sorry."

Tears fell, hot and shattered on the pure white skirt, just like the crystal clear purity of the past.

Lin Baor, ranking first among Grade B contestants, fell silent for a moment, scanned around, and earnestly said:

"The main stage is not Chu Yuanqing’s stage alone, it is a stage that all 56 of us must create together."

"Ask yourselves, if Chu Yuanqing truly shows the same strength on the secondary stage, would you really be happier than you are now?"

The answer is quite clear.

The impact of such a stage, not to mention the main stage contestants, even the two side stages, could easily be stripped of all their shine, leaving all 167 trainees devoured by Chu Yuanqing, becoming mere stepping stones for her.

In other words, things will only get worse.

This is a truth that everyone understands.

Blaming others is always easier than improving oneself, as it helps release negative emotions like jealousy, resentment, and envy, which all contributed to Chu Yuanqing becoming a target for everyone.

And what nobody expected was,

Chu Yuanqing, the target of everyone’s criticism and strange looks for seven days, showed such a dignified attitude after being publicly rebuked and insulted in the car, surpassing everyone’s expectations.

Was Chu Yuanqing really at fault?

When criticism and blame become habits, perhaps only such a shocking incident can make people rethink this issue.

The result of this reflection was mostly silence, with a few speaking up, and some scattered sobs.

Zhou Wenqi, who ranked first in Grade C, pursed her lips and spoke up in response:

"Baor is right. We are a group of dancers performing together. While the main carry position is important, isn’t our coordination and understanding of each other even more crucial?"

"Tomorrow might be the last time many of us perform on stage, but we shouldn’t blame others as an excuse for our own shortcomings."

"Maybe it sounds naive, but in my heart, idols and the stage are still pure and beautiful."

"So… if I go on stage with a mindset of blame and complaints, no matter the outcome, I won’t truly feel happy."

"Instead, perhaps because it could be the last time, we should cherish the moment and enjoy it, shouldn’t we?"

Zhou Wenqi’s words echoed in the carriage, leaving the other contestants feeling puzzled.

Yes.

Since when did they forget their pure longing and joy for the stage?

It’s strange. Despite the slim chance of making it based on their current results, why do they care so much about fame and attention, forsaking their initial intentions and falling into their past despised behaviors?

At the very beginning, all they wanted was to step onto a big stage, be surrounded by many people, sing a song and dance freely.

Isn’t being an idol just a simple thing like that?

People started to speak one after another:

"Wenqi is right, let’s all enjoy the stage tomorrow, okay?"

"Whether we dance well or not, as long as we are happy, it’s a win!"

"Just thinking about it, I suddenly feel nervous yet excited. Are we going to meet our own fans tomorrow?"

"Definitely, everyone will have their own fans for sure!"

"But Chu Yuanqing will definitely have the most fans. She’s so lovely and good-natured that I can’t help but feel jealous."

With just a few words spoken, the atmosphere inside the train car changed instantly. The previously dull and gloomy feeling vanished, replaced by lively chatter and laughter.

Luo Chan in Chu Yuanqing’s arms was unharmed.

The girl stood up and bowed seriously, quietly said sorry, then thanked with a serious expression, and shyly sat back down in her original place.

By observing her words and actions, she seemed to have recovered her normal emotions in the warm sunlight, erasing the aftermath of the stolen shine.

Chu Yuanqing sighed in relief, sat back in her seat, felt touched by the gentle atmosphere in the carriage, and struggled with how to excel in tomorrow’s performance.

On the other side,

The Dream Weaver Rabbit looked complicated, its crimson eyes reflecting a delicate and divine face like a water lily, adding information to its database and whispered in excitement inwardly:

"What a terrifying personal charm, how noble and sacred her nature is. She hasn’t even fully realized the true purpose of her Heart Flow but can easily make up for the damage caused by dark magic."

"Chu Yuanqing, you truly are a treasure of the Donghong Federation."

"Such purity, even as a Disaster Shell and fuel, there is still a chance it will never corrupt."