CHAPTER 194: CHAPTER 189: UNEXPECTED

"Next is the 8th place. This trainee is skilled in both singing and dancing, though she’s slightly chubby." Long Zitao’s words immediately piqued everyone’s interest.

At the base, losing weight is an eternal topic. Everyone is very sensitive about their weight.

"It’s Guo Xia. Lately, she hasn’t been working out much." All eyes turned to the captain of Dream Flying.

Guo Xia herself laughed, thinking to herself, shouldn’t they be saying my singing is amazing?

"Yes, it’s Guo Xia." Long Zitao announced her name.

All the trainees from Dream Flying jumped up in joy, and many others came forward to congratulate her.

Guo Xia is truly a wonderful person. She often tirelessly helps others polish their dance moves, and at the base, she’s like a half-teacher figure.

"Thank you so much, everyone. Actually, this is my last time participating in such a show. Before coming here, I had already decided to graduate and return home." Guo Xia’s voice was calm, as if she were stating something ordinary.

"This path is truly tough and hard to walk. You give it your all, you strive, but in the end, you may still fail."

Her words instantly made the atmosphere heavy.

"But it’s okay. What’s most important is that we experienced a youth we loved. Besides, if you don’t try, if you don’t fight, how would you know what you’re capable of?"

Her final words moved everyone, prompting them to applaud.

Working in this industry is undeniably difficult. If your family understands, it’s better; if they don’t understand or support you, it’s incredibly hard.

In the eyes of many conservative people, they think of us as "bad girls" who want to succeed and get rich without hard work.

"The next trainee is someone with a very unique personal style..."

Many people’s first reaction was Meng Meixuan, while others said Yang Ni.

Yang Ni, who had lost all desire to fight, couldn’t help but force a smile. She didn’t believe the program would pick her anymore, just like Chen Afang.

Before the rankings were revealed, Chen Afang suddenly left the show, citing her company’s new plans as the reason.

But the vaguely leaked information suggested she had done something that angered the production team.

Yang Ni could figure out a few things about what the former had done and held an extreme dislike for Chen Afang’s character.

When Meng Meixuan heard people shouting her name, her face instantly turned gloomy. Her goal was the throne, not 7th place.

Long Zitao cast a complicated glance toward Yang Ni; he knew some of the details.

"This person has yellow hair," Long Zitao continued.

But both Meng Meixuan and Yang Ni had yellow hair, making Meng Meixuan incredibly tense at that moment.

Meanwhile, Wu Zixuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched the former.

If Meng Meixuan failed this time, then Wu Zixuan would have the best chance to claim the throne.

"Her hair is short."

With this sentence, everyone knew it was Yang Ni.

She stood up from her seat in surprise, never imagining she would remain in the show. Could it be that Penguin realized she had been framed?

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she walked toward the microphone, her heart surging with emotion.

"Thank you to all the Founders for your support. I will become even better and make those of you who support me proud of me. Thank you."

Saying this, she bowed deeply, then stepped toward the pyramid.

Her speech was brief, though she had a lot she wanted to say, a heart full of grievances.

After that incident, a hater mocked her for not knowing how to read Chinese characters, sending her a "profanity t-shirt." She cheerfully wore it out.

Predictably, an overwhelming storm of online abuse followed like a tidal wave.

As she walked up, Yu Xiaohong immediately rushed to hug her with enthusiasm, saying, "You’re the pride of our company."

Yang Ni, however, let her arms hang loose and ignored her. This girl seemed careless and naive but was, in fact, incredibly opportunistic.

As for her teammate Zhao Juke’s congratulations, Yang Ni accepted them. Zhao Juke had been the first to comfort her after her trouble.

Meanwhile, Yang Ni also cast a grateful look at Liu Danmeng, who stood quietly to the side, shedding tears of joy for her.

"Now, I will announce the 6th place. She used to be an industrious center..."

Everyone turned their gaze toward Qiang Yueting and Duan Yuxin, as both fit the description.

Long Zitao didn’t make them wait long before saying her name, "Duan Yuxin."

She immediately stood up happily, surrounded by people offering their congratulations. For a moment, she felt as if she were dreaming.

Everything seemed as if it were glowing bubbles floating in the air, vibrant and luminous.

A little over a month ago, she was still in a humble mountain village. But now, she was standing on this grand stage.

Li Shihan was also exceptionally happy to see her friend walk to the front.

Duan Yuxin couldn’t hold back her tears and quickly turned around to wipe them with her sleeve.

Before coming here, no one had expected so many tears today. With no preparation, sleeves became the only way to dry them.

The props team felt like losing their minds — the clothes were stained with makeup and couldn’t be cleaned. They’d have to distribute new outfits to all the trainees.

"Hello, everyone, I’m Duan Yuxin, and I’m so grateful to the Founders who voted for me," she began, bowing deeply.

"I also especially wish to thank Chunshu (Ni Chunshu) and Fish Ball (Xiang Sixing), because every time I felt unhappy or needed someone to talk to, they would listen to me and comfort me."

By this point, Duan Yuxin couldn’t stop her tears. Ni Chunshu had been crying nonstop since the beginning and was still unable to hold back her tears.

"I hope everyone can see how wonderful they are," Duan Yuxin said, making a big heart over her head. Ni Chunshu responded with a heart gesture as well.

Life is like this — without realizing it, you’d fall apart from your friends, even grow distant, leaving behind memories that can never return.

"Also, I hope you’ll fill this blank sheet of mine to the brim before sending me off, okay?" Her touching speech not only pointed to her future but conveyed a deep, heartfelt hope.

"Next up, I’m announcing a contestant who is both talented and hardworking."

Long Zitao’s words immediately made everyone think of Qiang Yueting, who also looked eager to hear her name.

"She is Qiang Yueting. Congratulations on achieving 5th place," he declared.

Qiang Yueting stood up excitedly, feeling that she deserved this ranking.

Her singing may not be the absolute best, but it was still better than most, and her dancing skills were also remarkable.

Amid the warm blessings, she stepped onto the front stage.

"I may not be the prettiest, but what I can do is work a little harder each day than I did yesterday, until I become the very, very, very best in your hearts." Qiang Yueting’s voice almost broke into tears as she said this.

Her appearance had often been the primary target of the haters’ attacks.

It saddened her deeply because one of the most important concerns for a girl is her looks.

"And, I want to tell everyone here — earlier, one of my greatest supporters, Xiao Xuan, asked me how I managed to persevere."

"I said to break down a big goal into many small goals, then trust that you can achieve each of those small goals. That way, you’ll keep fighting on."

Her words resonated with many, especially with those seated in the pyramid. They had only achieved one small goal so far; more awaited ahead.

You just have to keep pushing forward to eventually shine brilliantly.