Chapter 73

Just as Yang Jingyu had feared, the internet launched a full-scale rebuttal and ridicule of her earlier remarks.
[Why did Yang Jingyu say Xia Xi performed the worst? Is there something wrong with her eyes?]
[I think she was just picking a fight. Wasn’t Xia Xi’s rendition of "Fisherman’s Song at Dusk" the best?]
[I was healed by this performance of "Fisherman’s Song at Dusk."]
[To be honest, even though I think Xia Xi isn’t a great actress and lacks professionalism, I absolutely loved her performance of "Fisherman’s Song at Dusk." It was so soothing.]
[I don’t get why Yang Jingyu always targets Xia Xi.]
[Yeah, I remember Yang Jingyu kept picking on Xia Xi in the last episode too. And from what I know, Yang Jingyu even snatched resources from Xia Xi before.]
[It’s understandable why Yang Jingyu holds a grudge against Xia Xi. The two of them are competitors, they debuted around the same time. Back then, Xia Xi’s god-tier looks completely overshadowed everyone else in their batch.]
[They have that kind of history?]
[Was Xia Xi that impressive when she first debuted?]
[Yeah, when Xia Xi debuted, everyone adored her because her looks gave her a huge advantage. But later, she started acting up, which caused her to lose a lot of fans.]
[If Xia Xi had focused on singing from the start instead of acting, she might have become a top-tier artist by now.]
[But honestly, I feel so embarrassed for Yang Jingyu. She just called Xia Xi the worst, and then Xia Xi ends up in first place. What a slap in the face.]
[That’s why you should never speak too absolutely, it just leads to awkwardness.]
[Between Xia Xi and Yang Jingyu, who do you prefer?]
[No need to think twice, definitely Xia Xi. Neither of them are great actresses, but at least Xia Xi has her looks. I’m totally obsessed with Xia Xi’s beauty.]
[I like Xia Xi. She feels more genuine.]
[I like Xia Xi too. +1]
"I thought I was the only one who would choose Xia Xi, but I never expected everyone else to pick Xia Xi too!"
"Obviously, I’d go with Xia Xi. If I had to compare Xia Xi with the Four Young Dan actresses, I might hesitate a bit. But when it comes to Xia Xi versus Yang Jingyu, there’s no hesitation at all, Xia Xi is clearly better."
While netizens were passionately discussing online, Liang Hui had already announced the results of this round of the competition. With two consecutive first-place finishes, Xia Xi deservedly became the champion of this segment. Meanwhile, Lin Wei, who had performed poorly in the previous round, delivered a surprisingly impressive performance this time. As a result, she luckily climbed two spots from her last-place position, securing the second-to-last spot in this segment and successfully advancing. In the end, the eliminated contestant from Cross-Border Singing Joy was a female artist temporarily brought in by Fruit TV to fill the spot. Since she truly lacked musical talent, her early exit could be considered a relief. As for the young heartthrob contestant Wang Jia, despite his terrible performance this round, his die-hard fans unconditionally supported him, allowing him to advance with an impressive fourth-place ranking, a result that left many speechless.
When the rankings were announced, Yang Jingyu should have been happy. Her performance was quite outstanding, and her overall ranking in this segment was second, which was an excellent result. However, due to the traps Liang Hui had set for her earlier, her excessive remarks had backfired. Not only had she offended Wang Jia, but she had also lost face because of Xia Xi.
All these factors cast a shadow over Yang Jingyu’s initial joy. She pursed her lips and sat awkwardly beside Lin Wei, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible. She deeply regretted deliberately making things difficult for Xia Xi just to satisfy her momentary pride, it was truly a case of lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot.
But there’s no such thing as a pill for regret in this world. No matter how much she regretted it now, time wouldn’t reverse, nor would she get another chance to make the right choice in that moment.
"Alright, this episode of Cross-Border Singing Joy has come to an end. Although it’s sad to say goodbye to an old friend, as the saying goes, 'All good things must come to an end.' Our show is inherently competitive, survival of the fittest, where the best advance and the weak are eliminated. So, after the sadness, let’s double our efforts and strive not to be the one eliminated!" Liang Hui paused here, and the previously noisy lounge suddenly fell silent. Everyone turned to look at him, unconsciously drawn in by his words, eager to hear what he would say next.
Then, they heard Liang Hui continue, "Although our competition format is harsh, it’s also filled with anticipation and new beginnings. In the next episode, we will welcome a new friend as the 12th contestant, maintaining the completeness of our team. Aren’t you looking forward to it?" As he spoke, Liang Hui cast a half-smiling glance at Xia Xi, leaving her utterly baffled and awkwardly rubbing her nose.
To look forward or not to look forward?
Who should we look forward to?
And what did that look in his eyes right before he left mean?
Xia Xi pursed her lips, staring at Liang Hui’s half-smiling expression as she fell into deep thought. She had a growing feeling that things were taking a strange turn, and she couldn’t tell whether it was for better or worse.

At the Entrance of Fruit TV
Xia Xi stood at the entrance of Fruit TV, glancing up at the now completely darkened sky. Bored, she hopped up and down on the top step, waiting for Da He to pick her up.
As she paced back and forth, she distractedly checked her phone, waiting for Da He’s call, and also for a WeChat message from Lu Yisheng.
But there was no response.
“Lu-Lu Yisheng!”
“Oh my god, I saw Lu Yisheng! Am I dreaming?”
“What’s Lu Yisheng doing here? Could he be waiting for someone?”
“…”
“Wow, why is Lu Yisheng heading that way?”
Just as Xia Xi sat dejectedly on the steps, lost in thought, a commotion erupted from the crowd ahead. Then, the boy who made her heart flutter stepped into the moonlight, followed by a swarm of fans, walking straight toward her.
Xia Xi lifted her head and watched the man approaching under the moonlight, momentarily at a loss for words. Instinctively, she licked her lips, slowly rose from the steps, and stared blankly at Lu Yisheng. Her lips parted nervously as she asked, “Why… why are you still here?”
“I’m waiting for you.” Lu Yisheng quickened his pace, stopping beside her. Hearing the excited screams behind him, he narrowed his eyes, turned around, and placed a finger to his lips with a soft “shh.” Then he turned back to Xia Xi and explained, “I just called Da He and told him not to pick you up. When I leave, I can take you home myself.”
“Da He isn’t coming… You, you’re taking me back?” Xia Xi was both surprised and embarrassed by his words. She unconsciously pressed her lips together, her cheeks flushing. Her fingers twisted awkwardly, betraying her unsettled heart. “Won’t I be bothering you?”
“Of course not. It’s on my way.” Lu Yisheng shook his head with a light laugh. “Shall I take you home now?”
Looking at him like this, Xia Xi nodded without thinking. She felt that if anyone tried to talk to her now, she wouldn’t be able to hear them. Her mind and eyes were completely filled with Lu Yisheng. At this moment, if he tried to sell her off, she might even help him count the money, completely trusting, completely reliant.
“Then let’s go.” Lu Yisheng stepped closer, reaching out with his right hand to take her left. With a gentle tug, he guided her to walk alongside him, step by step.
He felt that holding Xia Xi's hand like this, he could keep walking, for a lifetime.
How wonderful.
"Oh my god, what am I seeing! Xia Xi and Lu Yisheng are real! They're real! So sweet yet so heartbreaking, but I still want to watch more."
"Lu Yisheng is so handsome! The scene of him holding Xia Xi's hand and strolling leisurely ahead is absolutely adorable!"
“...”
"Is Lu Yisheng out of his mind? Why is he so careless with his reputation? How can he be with Xia Xi? Lu Yisheng, please don’t be with Xia Xi!"
Xia Xi followed Lu Yisheng’s steps, moving forward little by little under the soft moonlight. She could faintly hear the whispers of the fans behind her. When everyone saw Lu Yisheng showing affection toward Xia Xi again, their reactions had become much calmer. It seemed they were more composed and supportive of Lu Yisheng’s choice, at least, among the murmurs, voices of blessing outnumbered those of sarcasm.
This was a good sign!
"Xia Xi, what are you thinking about? Let’s get in the car!" Just as Xia Xi was lost in her rosy bubble, Lu Yisheng’s voice suddenly rang in her ears. His voice was incredibly pleasant, like the chime of wind bells hanging at a cafe entrance in May, enchanting and intoxicating, gently plucking at the strings of her heart, making her drown in it.
Lu Yisheng was really so handsome.
"N-nothing," Xia Xi stammered. She realized she had unconsciously followed Lu Yisheng’s steps and arrived right in front of his car. She sneakily glanced up at him, her face flushing even redder. Pressing her lips together, she quickly walked to the passenger side and, before Lu Yisheng could say anything, swiftly opened the door and got in.
During this time, after meeting Lu Yisheng, she finally understood what love truly tasted like!