Ji Zhiyuan was sorting through documents when he glanced toward the sofa area.
As the saying goes, three women make a drama. But truth be told, three elderly men were no less lively, especially with Duoduo added to the mix. The office had been buzzing with chatter nonstop.
Duoduo, the youngest, was the most adept with her phone, sitting there helping her three great-grandfathers navigate theirs.
"Duoduo, how do I leave a comment here?"
"Duoduo, can you check why my stickers won’t send?"
"Duoduo, how do I delete this post…?"
One after another, the questions made Duoduo’s head spin.
Ji Zhiyuan: "…"
He genuinely felt sorry for her.
At the right moment, he spoke up, "How about this, gentlemen? I’ll arrange for you to attend a few classes at a senior smartphone training center?"
Duoduo exhaled in relief and quickly added, "Dad, I’m not that skilled either. Can I go with them?"
With Duoduo saying that, Old Master Ji and the others couldn’t very well keep shamelessly relying on a child for help.
Afraid they might change their minds, Ji Zhiyuan immediately called his assistant to bundle the three elders and one child off together.
Finally, peace was restored.
The talent show continued.
One group after another took the stage, but none performed particularly well. The highest score so far was 852 votes, achieved by the fifth group.
At last, it was Rong Ruoyao’s group’s turn—the final performance.
During the long wait, Rong Ruoyao’s anxiety hadn’t subsided; instead, it had grown worse.
As the leader, her unease naturally affected her teammates. Jiang Shuang, who had chosen Lisa, was drowning in regret, her palms nearly bleeding from how hard she’d been clenching them.
"It’s our turn," Rong Ruoyao said, taking a deep breath before leading her group onto the stage.
The song she had chosen was an original by Yan Ting, a hit that had taken the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan by storm upon its release.
On stage, she and the production team had incorporated many elements.
Water was poured across the floor, and the members danced atop it.
Then, during the song’s climax, flames rained down from above—fire and water, two opposing forces, blending seamlessly to create a breathtaking sensory experience.
For the finale, the entire group was hoisted into the air on wires…
The live stream erupted.
"Holy crap, this is insane!"
"Of course, a stage by our Yaoyao is going to be spectacular!"
"No one can argue if this performance takes first place, right?"
"I think the visuals are a bit too overwhelming."
"Hey, hater from Rong Yu’s fanbase, get lost!"
"…"
The performance ended.
Rong Ruoyao’s group descended slowly from the air, landing gracefully.
She saw the audience’s reaction—she knew her performance had been a success.
Getting 900 votes shouldn’t be a problem.
But!
Rong Yu’s group’s score was too high. Could she surpass it?
"Alright, now it’s time for voting! If you loved Rong Ruoyao’s group’s performance, please pick up your voting devices…"
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip.
After a moment of hesitation, she suddenly lifted her head, flashing a sweet smile, and walked straight into the audience.
The crowd went wild, waving frantically at her. She took their hands, pleading, "Could you vote for us? Just press eight. I really need this vote… Please…"
The audience couldn’t resist. They immediately grabbed their devices and pressed eight.
Her teammates followed her lead.
Backstage, the other contestants watched in shock.
"Can you even campaign for votes like this?"
Lisa smirked. "Who knew Rong Ruoyao would stoop so low? Isn’t this just begging?"
Another team leader shrugged. "If they can get votes, that’s their skill."
Voting ended quickly.
Rong Ruoyao hurried back to the stage, her heart pounding as she stared at the giant screen.
The numbers settled.
"908 votes!" the host announced loudly. "Let’s congratulate Rong Ruoyao’s group for securing second place in the team competition!"
Rong Ruoyao swayed on her feet.
She had given everything for that spectacular performance.
She had thrown dignity aside to beg for votes.
And yet… this was all she got?
Still second to Rong Yu—how could she accept this?
She knew countless cameras were trained on her, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t force a smile. Her expression looked more like she was about to cry.
Her fans in the live stream were heartbroken.
"Hugging Yaoyao tight… This is so unfair."
"I don’t get it. How is this explosive performance worse than Rong Yu’s simple singing act?"
"Rigged! The show must be manipulating votes. I’m reporting this!"
"…"
"All performances have now concluded!" the host declared. "Next, please vote for your top three favorite contestants. This will determine their individual popularity rankings, which are crucial for their survival in the competition. Choose carefully…"
All the contestants returned backstage.
Except for Rong Ruoyao.
She slipped away from the cameras, hiding in the women’s restroom, muffling her sobs. Only after composing herself did she return to the group room, wearing a practiced smile.
"Congrats on second place," Lisa said with a mocking grin. "I thought all that effort would’ve beaten Rong Yu."
Rong Ruoyao’s smile didn’t waver. "As long as we’re in the top two, the whole team is safe. Lisa, does your group have anyone at risk of elimination?"
Lisa’s face darkened.
Her group had placed second to last. The rankings were brutal—at least two or three of her teammates would likely be cut…
She stormed off without another word.
After a brief wait, the host entered. "Congratulations on completing this round’s performances. You’ve seen the team rankings. Now, I’ll announce the individual popularity rankings. The bottom sixteen contestants will be leaving us today."
The room tensed.
"First, let’s reveal the number one contestant in individual popularity."
Rong Ruoyao straightened her back.
So what if she didn’t win the team round? As long as she kept her top spot in individual votes, she’d still be the most popular.
"First place—Rong Yu! With 841 votes in individual popularity, plus 100 bonus points for winning the team round, totaling 941 votes!"
"W-what?"
"Rong Yu is first?!"
"Not Rong Ruoyao?"
The girls exchanged stunned looks.
Rong Yu had started somewhere in the 70s or 80s. Last round, she’d suddenly jumped to third, which was shocking enough. But now, after this performance, she’d shot straight to the top—even surpassing the show’s two most popular contestants.
This was terrifying.
Rong Ruoyao nearly collapsed in her seat.
She thought she must have misheard.
Or maybe the host had read the wrong name?
But when she saw Su Tian, Li Ying’er, and others swarming around Rong Yu in celebration, she knew it was real.
She had lost first place.
Rong Yu had taken it from her.
How could this happen... How could they do this...
