Chapter 87

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Chapter 87: The Show Begins, Charlotte Shines

The next day.

The sun blazed brightly in the sky, and the sound of cicadas filled the air, emanating from the banyan tree on the side of the street. The subway station nearby was teeming with a massive crowd, buzzing with energy despite the scorching heat.

Adjacent to the Daxia Art Palace and the World Expo Axis, outside the venue for Sea City’s “Dazzling Stage” debut performance, media personnel, paparazzi, fans, and enthusiasts gathered in droves, creating a chaotic yet vibrant scene. Security teams had their hands full maintaining order, leaving only a narrow path for vehicles to pass through.

It was 7:00 a.m. The official website had confirmed that the performance of the theme song would begin at 10:00 a.m.

Only two thousand lucky fans had been chosen to attend the live performance, but for many, simply catching a glimpse of their idols was reward enough.

These fans had no way of predicting the exact schedule for “Dazzling Stage.” From the crack of dawn, they held up their idol light boards, eagerly watching every passing vehicle, hoping to spot their favorite contestant’s special car.

Fans can be easily satisfied, yet foolish, entranced by the carefully curated images of their idols. They indulge in this illusion of affection, chasing after recognition through rankings, voting, airport pick-ups, fan events, and purchasing endless products endorsed by their beloved stars.

Caught in this web of lies and self-delusion, they unknowingly build a hollow dream. It’s only when their idol’s image shatters that the harsh truth sets in, forcing them to either step away from idol worship or fall into the cycle again, feeling disappointed until the next sweet lie lures them in.

Idols are commodities.

Most fans in the entertainment industry know this well, except for those who are overly naive.

In an era where peace can feel boring and the distance between people feels ever more pronounced, people invest their emotions in idols who may collapse at any given moment—individuals they’ll never meet—rather than in real people around them.

Under these conditions, the rectification wave triggered by the live broadcast of “Dazzling Stage” on its first day is a blessing for both the country and its people.

A crucial point is that, as a talent show with national backing, every contestant must undergo a thorough background check—a process that ensures their purity. This builds trust among fans, making it more reassuring for them to support their idols.

This guarantees an exceptionally high level of fan involvement, with the first performance of the contestants attracting a massive crowd, so much so that even the nearby subway entrance became overcrowded.

From above, a drone would witness a sea of people gathered, resembling a grand black tide.

In the distance, three specially modified vehicles slowly made their way forward. Their dark metallic sheen glistened as they passed by, adorned with cute Dream Weaver Rabbit designs and the “Dazzling Stage” logo, pushing the wave forward.

The vehicles moved slowly for two reasons: first, the crowd was dense, creating a risk for accidents; second, the slow pace was a gesture of consideration for the fans waiting in the blazing sun, creating an almost pilgrimage-like atmosphere.

In the midst of the clamoring crowd, fans shouted loudly, holding up their glowing signs high in the air, making them stand out against the sky.

Inside the car, Chu Yuanqing rested her head on the window, dozing off.

Her soft black hair cascaded down, brushing against her delicate earlobes, and falling gently on her smooth neck. Her sleepy face pressed against the glass, looking utterly adorable. Her long lashes were bathed in a golden hue from the sunlight streaming through, making the scene feel almost otherworldly.

Though the glass was bulletproof, the privacy mode was turned off.

As a result, this precious moment was captured by numerous fans, who used high-powered cameras to seize the beautiful sight.

Some fans passionately praised the gifted artist, Godly Qing. Others hesitated, feeling restrained in the offline setting, but their hearts were undoubtedly ecstatic.

True fans, excited to see Chu Yuanqing, shouted her name.

“Yay! I finally see Honey Qing alive!”

“Honey Qing, look over here! Mom misses you so much!”

“Qing Qing! Even though I can’t see you perform live, I just want you to know that it’s okay even if you don’t give your best. Don’t stress yourself too much!”

“Honey Qing, don’t overexert yourself, Mom will be heartbroken seeing you exhausted!”

While fans’ cheers were more subdued in this offline setting—without the chaos and wild energy of online fandom—the emotions still ran high.

Even though there were playful moments, the shouts, when heard in person, carried a sense of power.

The security personnel remained alert, eyes scanning the crowd with their hands on their batons, ensuring no one crossed the line.

Chu Yuanqing sensed the intensity of the atmosphere in the venue, triggering a faint sense of crisis. She blinked her sleepy eyes, confusion settling on her face as she saw large signs with her name and the names of other contestants. Her thoughts became quiet and distant.

This is scary!!!

Her pupils widened in shock, and her face stiffened with confusion. For the first time, she truly realized the size of her fanbase—how much attention she had garnered—and perhaps even how much popularity she had gained domestically.

The reality of her growing fanbase felt overwhelming, a sensation that would have a profound impact on her.

More than anything, she feared that the more attention she received now, the more difficult it would become to carry out her plans—especially the one concerning Chu Yuanying’s death and the insurance fraud scheme. It felt like she had walked unknowingly into a trap that was now tightening around her.

Most worrying of all, if her fanbase continued to grow, how much trouble would it cause when she eventually passed away? How many people would mourn her loss? Would they hold memorials on Qingming Festival or other occasions? The thought seemed unbearable.

No…

The thought of leaving this world as an idol, remembered as a “Genius Idol, passed away young,” would never let her rest peacefully.

The more she considered it, the more abstract the thought became, and the more upset she felt. This was not the quiet, unnoticed departure she had hoped for—no, her death would be surrounded by unnecessary fanfare and sorrow.

The image of a tragic memorial to her fans… seemed unbearable.

In that moment, a sad poem surfaced in her mind, breaking her heart. She had lost her innocence, and even if she vanished quickly from the world, the fans would still remember her, though it would be for the strangest reasons.

Despite her overwhelming sorrow, Chu Yuanqing forced herself to smile at the fans who had gathered just for a glimpse of her, grateful for their blessings. She waved at them, showing that she was paying attention.

This simple gesture caused waves of excitement among the fans.

As they cheered, their thoughts and emotions swirled, feeding into the already festive atmosphere, creating a buzz of excitement in the air.

Thankfully, most of the fans were supportive. The cheers were less chaotic and far more encouraging. With so many people in the crowd, the situation was complicated, as not all 168 contestants had fans present. However, each fan group still contributed to the cacophony of voices.

Thanks to Chu Yuanqing’s large fanbase and her acute awareness, she was able to distinguish the supportive cheers from the rest. She managed to smile back at every fan who cheered for her.

From this perspective, she was handling the idol business with a deftness that only came naturally to her. Unknowingly, her authentic emotions led to exceptional results.

Meanwhile, the other contestants in the train were eagerly searching for their own fans among the crowd. When they spotted a banner with their name on it, they couldn’t help but embrace one another with joy, showing just how much it meant to them.

Most of the contestants in this train were veterans in the entertainment world, already having a presence before the competition. They weren’t complete newcomers, and their reactions reflected this.

Yet, there was an innocence in their happiness, their sparkling eyes betraying a rediscovery of the joy they once felt.

Tang Liuli, in particular, watched as Chu Yuanqing effortlessly turned even the most self-absorbed individuals into dreamers full of sunshine, inspiring those around her.

The atmosphere in the main stage was charged with a mix of nervous energy and eager anticipation.

Tang Liuli clasped her hands together and silently prayed in her heart.

Chu Wang Shu tilted her head, observing her childhood idol with a curious expression, then turned back to look out the window, blinking as she searched for her fan.

Unknowingly, she had stolen a little piece of her motherly affection from her.

Xie Qingxuan abandoned her usual aloof demeanor and acknowledged the fan outside the window with a polite nod.

It wasn’t surprising.

While Xie Qingxuan could sometimes be extreme, she was always polite and approachable unless the subject of her stage performance or Xie Qing Yu was involved. Due to her natural disposition, she often appeared vulnerable and susceptible to others’ manipulations.

Sadly, in this show, aside from Chu Yuanqing, who never judged anyone, and the perceptive Liang Xiaoxiao, no other contestant had discovered the true contrasts within their fellow competitors.

Meanwhile, Ji Shuzhu sat with her eyes closed, conserving her energy. She never viewed herself as an idol, so she didn’t care about the fans outside the window. Her heart was clouded with conflicting emotions, making it hard to focus.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes. Placing a hand on her chest, she felt a dull ache in her heart. Quietly, she muttered:

“Little Ning, this is your first time as the Carry Center, stepping onto a real stage.”

“If you can’t even enter the Heart Flow in a situation like this, it means… our fate is truly sealed.”

Would Little Ning disappoint herself again?

Or was she secretly hoping for Little Ning to fail once more?

The radiance emanating from Chu Yuanqing was overwhelming. The happiness she spread threatened to overshadow the meaning of life itself, causing Ji Shuzhu’s long-neglected soul to stir.

Ji Shuzhu realized that even if she surpassed herself and reached the “Heart Flow” realm, she would never be able to match Chu Yuanqing’s brilliance.

This was a fundamental difference—born of soul, personality, and experience.

That kind of passionate, gentle brilliance—perhaps even world-class idols could not possess it, could they?

So, she both hoped for Chen Yining to fail, wanting to avoid thinking too deeply and follow Chu Yuanqing, continuing the happiness she longed for in her past life.

At the same time, she wished for Yining to succeed, so she could overcome her desires and join her to fulfill the promise made in their youth, not wanting to make that proud and arrogant young lady sad.

It’s the collision of reason and emotion, the struggle between desire and memories, the twisted and chaotic entanglement, a contradiction spiral that can only be resolved when standing on the stage.

Time passed, and soon, the bus left the lively and noisy streets behind, entering the outskirts where the fans couldn’t reach, heading straight toward the destination of the group.

The contestants disembarked from the bus, each one walking into the venue in an orderly manner. They soon arrived at their respective dressing rooms according to their assigned groups.

“Dazzling Stage” didn’t hire additional makeup artists. Instead, they used the same people who had worked in the underground base — those responsible for filming behind-the-scenes footage, conducting interviews, creating Easter eggs, and acting as personal assistants. These individuals, once arriving here, transformed into professional makeup artists.

Chen Xiaoxiao felt the same way.

The assistant who had previously interviewed Chu Yuanqing easily suppressed her excitement and slyly swapped places with a colleague, squatting in the area assigned to makeup for the main stage performers.

Chen Xiaoxiao blinked repeatedly, staring at the door. As soon as she spotted Chu Yuanqing, she forced herself to calm down. She naturally guided the naive girl to the makeup mirror, gently seating her and taking out her kit with a casual demeanor.

In reality, the assistant’s mind was already flooded with thoughts and excited fantasies.

But soon, she composed herself. Secretly encouraging herself, she reminded herself not to disappoint Honey Qing’s extraordinary beauty. She had to bring out her true charm and let her shine on stage.

Chen Xiaoxiao had learned makeup in high school, turning it into a side job during college. She obtained a senior makeup artist certificate upon graduation, gained extensive work experience during her postgraduate studies, and with her graduate degree from a prestigious university, she smoothly passed the screening process and was hired by “Dazzling Stage.”

Now, it was time for her skills to shine brightly.

Chu Yuanqing sat in her seat, obediently looking into the mirror. She recognized the makeup artist — the same assistant who had interviewed her. But the awkwardness of the makeup process distracted her too much to greet her.

Chen Xiaoxiao washed her hands clean and began applying primer.

During this process, she couldn’t help but admire the girl’s natural beauty.

Chu Yuanqing’s skin was smooth, soft, and velvety to the touch, with a delicate rose tint. Coupled with an excellent bone structure and facial features, she radiated a naturally harmonious perfection.

Chen Xiaoxiao gazed at her idol’s face and couldn’t help but praise:

“Your skin is incredible. No wonder you look so stunning even without makeup.”

“…You are beautiful too.”

Chu Yuanqing’s eyelashes fluttered as she felt a little uncomfortable with such compliments. After hesitating for a while, she awkwardly responded.

Chen Xiaoxiao watched the “shy” Honey Qing in the mirror and felt as though countless fireworks were blooming in her heart.

Oh, so adorable, my dear!

The assistant nearly melted from the cuteness overload. Determined to show her appreciation, she cast aside all distractions and entered a super-efficient “Heart Flow” state, smoothly completing all the makeup steps.

Chu Yuanqing sat there, letting the makeup artist work, almost dozing off.

When she opened her eyes again, she blinked in confusion.

Is this really me?

Chen Xiaoxiao’s makeup wasn’t too heavy, following a simple principle: matching the hair and eyebrow colors, using a darker lip color that complements the eye shadow, and pairing the blush with the outer lip color.

The result was a soft watercolor-like blend — natural, sophisticated, and with a gentle haze.

This set of techniques had been learned from a makeup artist in the kingdom.

At this moment, the girl in the mirror had undergone a complete transformation. Her simplicity was shed, leaving behind a nearly exquisite version of herself. Her overall vibe was now upscale and unique. Her features remained distinct, yet they shone brightly, as an idol should on stage.

Chen Xiaoxiao, watching intently, was very satisfied. She thought the girl she was supporting looked incredibly good. Yet, driven by perfectionism, she softly murmured:

“It’s a shame that the theme for this stage requires a simpler look, and your outfit doesn’t quite suit heavy makeup. Otherwise, if I dyed your hair next time and styled it differently, you’d definitely look even better.”

Chen Xiaoxiao paused, then casually asked:

“I think you’d look great with white hair, don’t you think?”

Chu Yuanqing fell silent, startled by the suggestion.

Should she dye her hair white? Would she also need a pair of golden contact lenses?

Luckily, the makeup artist was busy, so Chen Xiaoxiao didn’t have time to ask more questions. She was quickly grabbed by a senior artist to help with the makeup of the other contestants.

…

Time quickly passed, nearing 9:50.

The circular seats were filled with 2000 lucky audience members.

Xu Ling, holding her CP fan’s light stick, quietly blended into the crowd, eagerly watching the stage. Her heart raced as she thought to herself:

“Honey Qing, don’t be nervous, please don’t be nervous. Mom will be very satisfied as long as you finish your performance smoothly.”

Though Chu Yuanqing had once ignored a virtual reality test, many fans still worried that she might fail this time.

As the saying goes, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.

Chu Yuanqing could shine on stage, but she could also fall from grace on the same stage.

These were all uncertain outcomes.

As a fan, Xu Ling could only silently wish for the best. Whether for failure or victory, she would keep supporting her.

The long three seconds passed.

The person above the main carry position finally caught everyone’s eye.

The lights on the stage spun like a magical upside-down tower, preparing to shine on the three Carry Centers next.

In that moment, Chu Yuanqing took a deep breath, whispering a spell in her heart:

Charlotte, help me once more.

In the pure white light, a touch of eternal and magnificent blue blended in.

Suddenly, the scene changed, and the soul boiled.

In the same second, the spotlight fell like a tribute.

Chu Yuanqing’s self-transcendence was complete. She forgot herself, her past, and the pressure. At that moment, she transformed into the irreplaceable world’s top idol in her heart.

Her beautiful face was captured clearly by the camera. She looked down, a slight smile on her lips.

Time stood still.

Chu Yuanqing seemed to look down on all living beings, showing compassion for everything. There was a golden light in her eyes, and her smile was so pure — like love spreading in the sunset, reaching everyone’s heart through her smile.

Unbelievable.

With just a glance, she charmed everyone, both on camera and in person.

Xu Ling was immersed in an endless sea of light, waving her support stick uncontrollably. She screamed, cheered, and forgot all her worries, completely absorbed in the performance as the background music played.

Instantly, the atmosphere in the entire venue intensified.

Though it was a sweet song celebrating youth, the audience felt as though they were listening to an explosive anthem, far exceeding the contestants’ expectations.

Ji Shuzhu’s eyes were misty. Unlike Chu Yuanqing, who radiated with Charlotte’s sparkle, Ji Shuzhu’s emptiness was filled with happiness, overflowing. It made her smile, adding more emotion to her dance steps.

Xie Qingxuan entered the Heart Flow, feeling as though their realms collided. Even without prying into Chu Yuanqing, she still saw purity and loneliness, love and holiness — like a sunset on the sea.

So grand.

So far away.

So radiant.

Is this really Chu Yuanqing?