CHAPTER 199: CHAPTER 192: JUST FOR MYSELF

"Next, let’s welcome Meng Meixuan’s teammates: Jiang Meixing, Zhou Xuefang, and Chen Yifan."

The three girls stood there, each looking a bit flustered and unsure.

"Meng Meixuan, if this competition were a war, who would you choose to be your comrade to fight alongside you?"

Meng Meixuan seemed at a loss as she looked at the three people in front of her.

After hesitating for a moment, she said in a choked voice, "I feel like I can’t make a choice right now. It’s not that they’re not good; it’s that they’re all excellent."

Clearly, she wanted to leave the audience with the impression that her choice was made with great reluctance and only because it was unavoidable.

The audience began to buzz with speculation, wondering whom Meng Meixuan would choose.

At this moment, Yang Xiaoyue gave an instruction to Long Zitao, who didn’t seem eager to speak.

"Let the three teammates give their statements," Long Zitao said.

It was obvious that Yang Xiaoyue was helping Meng Meixuan craft an image as a loyal and sentimental person.

The three of them fell silent simultaneously—they genuinely didn’t know what to say in that instant.

Should they bluntly say they wanted to stay? Wouldn’t that make them seem selfish or manipulative?

And if they did say it, there was no guarantee they’d be chosen. Even if they prevailed, they’d likely be mercilessly criticized online.

Sometimes, navigating life really is difficult. A simple, innocent action can suddenly make you look like someone scheming and insincere.

At this moment, Long Zitao spoke: "If you really want to stay here, just speak up and fight for the opportunity. There’s no shame in that—think of it like a job interview."

Long Zitao had to say this to alleviate their concerns and ensure the audience understood this as a fair and healthy competition.

Otherwise, if no one spoke and it turned into a one-person monologue from the chosen competitor, this entire "save round" segment would lose its intended impact.

"It’s not shameful—really, it’s not shameful. Whoever wants to stay, go ahead and speak up." Long Zitao kept encouraging them.

The youngest, Chen Yifan, couldn’t hold it in anymore and decided to go first:

"When I first joined this group, I was always worried I’d be a burden. I kept telling Meixuan that the happiest moment in this program for me was the first day—because I got to meet my favorite idol."

Meng Meixuan was touched by Chen Yifan’s sincerity.

Chen Yifan truly had a pure heart. She had joined the Magic Numbers Girl Group at 16, and unlike Galaxy, they didn’t operate with a "cannibalistic competition" model.

Everything for the group was meticulously arranged, so the girls there were united, innocent, and sheltered from much of the complexities of the world.

"I hope you’ll choose me. But if you don’t, I’ll cheer for you from the sidelines."

With a bitter yet youthful smile on her face, Chen Yifan’s eyes showed hope, hesitation, and a faint reluctance to part.

Meng Meixuan, moved to tears, could no longer hide her emotions.

Zhou Xuefang took the microphone next. In that moment, she felt truly uncomfortable. Since she was a child, she had been exceptional—singing, dancing, and entering the company all went smoothly for her.

But her confidence had been utterly shattered by this program.

Surrounded by countless equally talented peers, she experienced firsthand how hard it was to break into the entertainment industry.

Now, to say outright that she wanted to stay felt embarrassing to her.

"I feel like I haven’t done well enough, and that’s why it’s so hard for you to decide."

Her words implied that her inadequacy had put Meng Meixuan in the difficult position of having to choose.

"Just trust your choice—it’s okay." Zhou Xuefang still couldn’t let go of her pride to outright ask to stay.

Jiang Meixing took the microphone next. As the center of the Bright Moon Girl Group, she had performed on countless stages and had more exposure to the real world.

She didn’t see asking for an opportunity as something shameful—applying for a job meant convincing the employer.

"Honestly, I really want this opportunity. But I don’t want to make you feel uneasy either."

"If I have to leave, it’s okay too. We accomplished an amazing performance together, and I feel like I’ve already grown because of it."

But at this point, she couldn’t help breaking down in tears. Deep down, she desperately longed to stay.

She knew this was the best chance she had to make a name for herself.

Above, Lai Ruoxuan was crying uncontrollably, unable to even look down below.

The other girls stood silently, lost in their thoughts as they watched the scene unfold.

"Please turn your backs to the pyramid so Meng Meixuan can make her choice," Long Zitao said gently.

The three turned around, closing their eyes as if being boiled alive in anxiety.

Meng Meixuan stepped forward, memories of their shared efforts, tears, joys, and hard work flashing through her mind.

Jiang Meixing felt a hand on her shoulder and heard the overwhelming cheers from the crowd.

She knew then that Meng Meixuan had chosen her.

Unable to hold back her emotions, Jiang Meixing crouched on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

Zhou Xuefang and Chen Yifan, meanwhile, showed faces of bitter disappointment and sorrow.

Truthfully, Meng Meixuan had already made up her mind before descending from the pyramid.

Chen Yifan lacked the skills needed. Taking her along would drag her down, and the difficulty of the second public performance would certainly exceed the first.

Zhou Xuefang’s technical abilities were outstanding—her singing and dancing were on par with, if not better than, Meng Meixuan’s. Choosing her would mean selecting a rival.

Jiang Meixing, although a capable singer, had mediocre dancing skills and a soft personality. She would be more likely to follow Meng Meixuan’s lead.

Weighing the pros and cons, she went with the latter.

Above, Lai Ruoxuan breathed a sigh of relief, crying and laughing. From the elimination seats, Lu Peiqin also smiled through her tears.

The Bright Moon Girl Group members had a bond as deep as, if not deeper than, the Magic Numbers Girl Group.

After all, the Magic Numbers Girl Group had financial backing—they didn’t have to worry about survival but were discarded when no longer economically viable.

The Bright Moon Girl Group, on the other hand, had fought together for survival, creating a unique and profound connection.

Meng Meixuan hugged the other two tightly, crying her heart out. Her feelings were undoubtedly genuine.

But often, emotions and reality cannot coexist.

Tears flowed from everyone, as though they couldn’t stop crying today.

"I chose Jiang Meixing because, out of the three, her practice was slightly better," Meng Meixuan stated. "Of course, the other two are also incredible."

"This decision cannot include personal feelings—only then is it fair to everyone."

Jiang Meixing genuinely believed her hard work had moved Meng Meixuan, while the other two blamed themselves for not trying hard enough.

"I won’t let Meixuan down. I’ll give my all in the next public performance and never drag anyone down," Jiang Meixing said with utmost seriousness.

Meng Meixuan held Jiang Meixing as they walked toward the pyramid.

Those awaiting their fate and those eliminated looked at them with envy.

Lai Ruoxuan ran down from above, first hugging Meixuan to express her gratitude, then tightly embracing Jiang Meixing.