Lin Xiaoman understood that her singing was not as good as Wei Qinghuan’s, but she had dance and acting skills. Realizing this, she asked Teacher He to help her find a dance instructor.
Due to the tight schedule, she could only quickly rehearse all the movements with the dance instructor. However, with her acting skills, portraying the life of a legendary woman was not difficult.
At this point, the judges began their commentary.
One of them stood up and shouted: “Lin Xiaoman! I’m voting for Lin Xiaoman! She’s simply amazing. I look forward to seeing more of her performances!”
Lin Xiaoman politely bowed: “Thank you for your support.”
“Xiaoman’s performance was indeed surprising,” the second speaker was Xie Xue’er, “but I feel that Qinghuan’s singing was more touching, perfectly presenting the song ‘Legend’. So I vote for Qinghuan.”
Lin Xiaoman had already anticipated Xie Xue’er voting for Wei Qinghuan. Xie Xue’er didn’t want her to advance, so she was not surprised.
She looked at the last person. In terms of overall ability, she was stronger than Wei Qinghuan. As a professional music judge, they would surely choose her.
“Lin Xiaoman’s stage control has exceeded many people. Her performance was excellent and much better than before. She is a very expressive and explosive idol,” the judge looked at her deeply.
Lin Xiaoman felt uneasy. That was not a look of admiration.
Sure enough, the judge suddenly changed his tone: “However, Qinghuan’s vocal skills are better than Lin Xiaoman’s. The Chinese music scene needs such an excellent singer. Compared to her, Lin Xiaoman’s low notes are insufficient, her breath not steady enough. She still needs more practice. Therefore, I’m voting for Qinghuan.”
It was obvious that he was deliberately focusing only on vocal skills, showing favoritism towards Wei Qinghuan. Lin Xiaoman suddenly understood what Ning Yumei meant before going on stage about this being the last round.
No matter how well she performed, she had no way to advance to the final, because someone would not let her advance.
In her previous life, protected by her family, she had never experienced such dirty tactics. Now, without power or influence, no one would care about her. As long as Ning Yumei or other powerful people secretly manipulated things, she would have no recourse.
However, Lin Xiaoman was not sure who was working against her – Ning Yumei or someone else? Coming down from the stage, Lin Xiaoman saw Ning Yumei waiting for her in the dressing room.
“Do you know your own worth now?”
“With no outsiders around, Ning Yumei had lost her usual gentle and obedient demeanor, holding her head high with a superior attitude.
“You’re behind this,” Lin Xiaoman understood, her beautiful eyebrows showing a hint of disdain. “You bribed the judges to prevent me from advancing.”
“My dear sister, you can’t make such slanderous accusations. You simply lack ability. How can you blame others?” Ning Yumei laughed lightly, walking close to her and whispering, “Of course, having money is also a form of ability.”
“Too bad the audience is not stupid,” Lin Xiaoman also laughed, slightly tilting her head and looking at her with a provocative gaze. “A person with no skills wastes money no matter how much they spend.”
Ning Yumei, knowing she was mocking her declining rankings, was provoked: “You’re just tough-talking. In the end, you’ll still obediently marry an old man!”
Lin Xiaoman suddenly raised her hand. Ning Yumei reflexively stepped back, her voice slightly distorted: “What are you doing?”
“I’m telling you, I’m not just tough with words,” Lin Xiaoman stepped forward, looking down at her. “My ability to take action is also strong.”
“You!” Ning Yumei’s eyes widened, but meeting her sharp gaze, she involuntarily shivered, experiencing a pressure and fear she had never felt before.
Completely different from the timid person before, the person in front of her was no longer someone she could bully at will.
“If you want to go on stage with a slap mark, I can help you.”
Lin Xiaoman moved closer to Ning Yumei’s face, whispering threatening words. Ning Yumei was intimidated, involuntarily shuddering.
“Want to try?” Her low whisper was like a devil’s murmur.
Ning Yumei was so scared that she hastily pushed her away and fled in panic. Watching her embarrassed departure, Lin Xiaoman shook her head: “How boring.”
“What would make it interesting?”
A cold and familiar voice suddenly sounded from behind. Lin Xiaoman turned in surprise. At some point, a handsome and cool male had appeared behind her, his calm eyes fixed on her, his emotions unreadable.
Ji Zhixian?!
Lin Xiaoman subtly frowned. How could he coincidentally witness her teaching someone a lesson? Although Ji Zhixian was an investor in this program, with his current status, he didn’t need to constantly watch such a show. His frequent appearances were very unusual.
Moreover, given Ji Zhixian’s aloof and distant personality, he would never casually speak to a strange woman.
Lin Xiaoman tried to remain calm, smiling softly: “Did President Ji come to find me?”
“That’s right.”
Ji Zhixian stared directly at her, sharp as if trying to see through her, which made Lin Xiaoman somewhat uneasy: “If it’s work-related, please contact my agent Xiao Bai.”
“This matter can only be discussed with you,” Ji Zhixian’s tone was extremely domineering.
Did he really recognize her?
Lin Xiaoman became even more uneasy: “I’m not interested in matters outside of work.”
“You will be interested,” Ji Zhixian took two steps closer to her, his deep-as-a-pool eyes reflecting Lin Xiaoman’s charming appearance, “I can help you enter the finals.”
Lin Xiaoman looked up at him, her expression slightly softening. If Ji Zhixian knew her identity, he certainly wouldn’t say such things.
“Agree to my conditions, and I’ll make you famous in the entertainment industry,” Ji Zhixian’s tone was confident and certain.
“Oh?” Lin Xiaoman raised her guard, “I’m penniless, just eliminated from your program, with nothing more than a bit of beauty. What kind of matter would make President Ji offer such generous conditions?”
This was a tone and demeanor Ji Zhixian was extremely familiar with. He looked at her and was momentarily stunned: “You’re very clear about your own situation.”
“People often praise me like this,” she blinked and laughed, “So I know very well that I can’t fulfill the conditions you’re proposing. So, please find someone else.”
“Are you planning to go back and get married?” Ji Zhixian challenged.
It seemed he had heard her previous remarks.
Lin Xiaoman disliked his attitude and retorted, “Are there no other shows besides ‘Create an Idol’?”
“But no show can make you famous as quickly as ‘Create an Idol’.”
Though arrogant, what Ji Zhixian said was true.
There had been reality shows before, but none had caused such a sensation or become as widely known as ‘Create an Idol’.
Lin Xiaoman, who had been in the entertainment industry for years, naturally knew that opportunities were rare, and it would be fake to say she wasn’t tempted.
She looked up at Ji Zhixian again: “What are the conditions?”
Lin Xiaoman was clear that someone like Ji Zhixian, who hated doing useless work, would not suddenly become charitable. His conditions were likely to be extremely harsh.
“Be my kept woman,” Ji Zhixian’s tone was unusually flat, as if he was casually inviting her out for a meal.
This answer was not in her mental preparation.
Lin Xiaoman’s brow furrowed.
