Chapter 5
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Volume 2 + Chapter 5: The First Round of The Competition
“Since all the judges are now present, let us welcome today’s two stars to the stage,” said Bai Yuxuan, the host, holding a microphone.
“First, let’s welcome the challenger of this match — the popular idol Ning Caiwei!”
Ning Caiwei appeared wearing a stylish, form-fitting dress. The cinched waist of the dress accentuated her nearly perfect body proportions, while the ruffled design on the top added a touch of unique beauty.
A wave of enthusiastic cheers rose from the audience — after all, for most of the students, this was their first time seeing a real-life idol in person, and it was hard not to be excited.
Seeing the cheering students, Ning Caiwei looked very pleased.
“Next, let’s welcome the one being challenged — our Sakura Academy’s school beauty, Ouyang Qianxue!”
Ouyang Qianxue walked out still wearing her school uniform, but the cheers she received were no less loud than those for Ning Caiwei.
“Since this competition is being held after school, and the school has a curfew, our time is limited. Let’s proceed directly to the competition. As agreed, the first event is dance. According to the draw, our popular idol Ning Caiwei will go first.”
As Bai Yuxuan spoke, a rhythmic piece of music began playing inside the gym. In the center of the stage, Ning Caiwei was already in position.
(So I’m going first, huh? I almost feel sorry for you, Ouyang Qianxue. After seeing my dance, you might not even have the courage to step onstage!)
Ning Caiwei thought to herself with hidden glee.
As soon as the music’s intro ended, Ning Caiwei launched into her dance. She had chosen a signature routine from a famous Asian dance group. Part of the reason she had gained such popularity by the age of sixteen was undoubtedly due to her solid foundation in dance.
Each of her steps was perfectly in sync with the beat, her movements powerful but not stiff. Even if she were suddenly placed among that famous dance troupe, she wouldn’t appear out of place.
“She’s amazing. I used to think these traffic-driven idols only got popular because of marketing, but clearly, that’s not the case,” said the advisor of the dance club, visibly impressed.
“She’s only sixteen and can already dance like this? That’s really impressive,” even Bai Yuting, who had been in the entertainment industry for years, couldn’t help but praise Ning Caiwei.
When her performance ended, the entire gym erupted in thunderous applause.
“So Ning Caiwei’s this amazing? I will officially stan her from today on!”
“Me too!”
With her dance concluded, Ning Caiwei won over many students who had previously paid little attention to idols, turning them into her fans.
Standing onstage and hearing the audience and judges’ praise, Ning Caiwei wore a proud smile.
“Next up, it’s our school beauty Ouyang Qianxue. What kind of performance will she bring us?”
Students in the audience all turned their eyes toward the curtain, eager to see what the girl dubbed “the all-around genius” would do to counter Ning Caiwei’s routine. But the moment Ouyang Qianxue appeared, everyone was stunned.
She was dressed in full denim and wore a baseball cap. If it weren’t for the golden, cascading hair behind her and that absolutely stunning face, the students might not have recognized her at all.
“That outfit… Could the school beauty be planning to…”
“Street dance?” Bai Yuting burst into laughter.
“This girl is really something. Let’s see how many more surprises she has in store for me.”
As the music started, Ouyang Qianxue’s body began moving like a machine, performing isolations and stuttering movements.
“She’s doing a robot dance!” Her choice shocked everyone in the gym.
“I thought a quiet girl like her would go for something graceful like ballet,” said one student, surprised.
“But this contrast makes it even more captivating!”
As Ouyang Qianxue continued her performance, all the students present were blown away.
“Wait, are those moves even humanly possible? Is she secretly a robot disguised as our school beauty?”
“This is real life, but why do my eyes feel like they’re watching a glitching video?”
“Robot dance relies on quick muscle contractions and relaxations to create a vibrating effect, but that’s only the foundation. Ouyang Qianxue’s routine includes nearly all the advanced techniques of robot dancing, and the whole performance is incredibly smooth!” explained the street dance club advisor with professional awe.
“Plus, this child’s slim build and great flexibility make it even more visually appealing,” added the dance club advisor.
Bai Yuting’s face lit up with excitement.
“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Hahaha — Ouyang Qianxue, was it? I’ll remember you!”
Meanwhile, Ning Caiwei, watching from offstage, was dumbfounded the moment Ouyang Qianxue took her first leap. She had never seen a girl perform a robotic dance at such a breathtaking level.
“S-So cool…” she couldn’t help but murmur as she looked at the girl onstage.
When Ouyang Qianxue’s performance ended, the gym exploded with thunderous applause.
“The school beauty is incredible!”
“Wow, that robot dance was so amazing I was completely mesmerized — I even forgot to hit the record button on my phone!”
Voices praising Ouyang Qianxue filled the venue.
“Thank you both for those incredible performances. Now, let’s have our judges cast their votes,” said Bai Yuxuan, addressing the judging panel.
Each judge had two placards in front of them — one labeled “Ning Caiwei,” the other “Ouyang Qianxue.”
“Please hold up the name of the contestant you believe gave the better performance.”
At his words, all four judges raised their placards.
Each and every one bore the name Ouyang Qianxue.
“It’s a total victory! As expected of our school beauty. Let’s congratulate Ouyang Qianxue for taking the first round! Please take a short break, the next round will begin shortly.”
“This is unbelievable! She’s so strong — she even beat a current idol in the first round!”
“Yeah, no matter how you look at it, our school beauty is still superior.”
Hearing the result and the students’ reactions, Ning Caiwei’s mood hit rock bottom. Though she had already guessed this outcome partway through Ouyang Qianxue’s performance, she had still clung to a sliver of hope, imagining that maybe — just maybe — she could win.
Now that the cruel reality was laid out before her, Ning Caiwei finally realized she had greatly underestimated her opponent. All the confidence on her face had completely vanished, replaced by overwhelming fear and regret.
