Chapter 26: Radiance

In the dim stage lighting, Mo Qi appeared like a sprite who had wandered in unexpectedly. Her beautiful features, under the refined makeup, shimmered dazzlingly, directly impacting everyone’s senses.

Gentle music began to play, and Mo Qi started to move slowly in time, her limbs graceful yet powerful. The screen in the background lit up, revealing a real deaf-mute dancer. He stood alone on an empty stage, silently practicing his dance over and over.

Mo Qi’s movements cooperated perfectly with those of the man on the screen. The dancer’s moves were not precise—no matter, he tried again. Still imperfect; he repeated. Practicing a single movement again and again until perfection was achieved.

Soft music lingered in the air. Gradually, the audience found themselves immersed in a unique scene. Mo Qi was no longer merely a contestant performing on stage; she had transformed into the deaf-mute dancer, standing on a deserted stage, practicing repeatedly. Even without an audience or applause, her gaze remained determined and passionate, never once considering giving up.

Suddenly, Mo Qi’s expression shifted. She rushed forward several steps as if someone had just told her wonderful news. Her face blossomed with a smile brighter than sunlight.

From the previously dim stage, only illuminated by a single spotlight, the space suddenly brightened. Everyone couldn’t help but wonder if she had finally arrived at a grand, radiant stage, now with an audience to witness her.

Strangely, though they had always been there, joy surged in their hearts—true happiness for her triumph.

The deaf-mute dancer seamlessly linked all the movements he had practiced, completing the performance smoothly. Though it may not have stunned the crowd, her dedication moved everyone deeply.

As the music ended, the stage lights dimmed again. A gentle spotlight followed Mo Qi’s figure, gradually fading as she slipped backstage.

The audience sat in silence. After a long pause, Su Xiao was the first to stand and applaud.

Her clapping roused the audience from the atmosphere Mo Qi had created; scattered applause slowly rose, eventually swelling into a wave of sustained ovation.

Zhang Fan sighed, “Mo Qi is truly remarkable!”

Su Xiao nodded in agreement, “Her future is limitless.”

In contrast, Wu Jin’s expression soured. She wished Mo Qi were nothing more than an empty vessel. Yet, Mo Qi seemed intent on contradicting her, performing ever more brilliantly each time.

The applause lasted a long while before finally fading.

Waiting in the wings, Li Qingqing was equally shaken by Mo Qi’s performance. As Mo Qi returned, Li Qingqing managed a wan smile. She knew she was doomed to fail.

As Mo Qi passed Li Qingqing, she murmured, “Don’t let any opportunity slip away.”

Li Qingqing turned in surprise, wondering if Mo Qi was cheering her on. Mo Qi smiled back, and Li Qingqing found herself smiling as well.

If defeat was inevitable, she would at least savor the stage—cherish this last performance.

“Thank you.” Li Qingqing walked back, hugged Mo Qi, and whispered, “I used to think your luck was all thanks to King Shen, but now I understand—even relying on yourself alone, you can go far. For that, I owe you an apology.”

Mo Qi admitted openly, “I did receive some privileges.” Without King Shen’s influence, the production team would never have agreed to let her change her performance piece so suddenly, nor would the directors have shown her any special consideration. Mo Qi was well aware of this.

Li Qingqing paused, then smiled, patted Mo Qi’s shoulder, and took the stage.

Li Qingqing had prepared a vocal performance. Though it was good, most of the audience remained entranced by the lingering atmosphere of the previous dance. When her song ended, the applause was only polite.

She couldn’t deny feeling hurt by the audience’s reaction, but she bit her lip, refusing to let tears fall.

Just as Mo Qi’s dance had expressed, without giving one’s all, one had no right to demand a complete response from others. Besides, many who pour their heart into their efforts still may not receive recognition.

Unsurprisingly, Mo Qi received all four judges’ votes, becoming the last contestant to advance into the national top fifteen.

After the recording ended, the eliminated contestants went to their dormitory to pack their belongings and leave.

Lin Zheng and Xie An, thrilled that all three had made it through, discussed where to eat that evening, planning a modest celebration.

“You two pick a place and call me. I need to go back to the dorm for something and will meet you at the restaurant.”

“You always have something going on. I’ll have to straighten you out—don’t be late,” Lin Zheng said, shaking her fist.

Mo Qi laughed, “You can sort me out later. I’m off now.”

Mo Qi went downstairs, hailed a taxi, and returned to the group dormitory.

In Li Qingqing’s dormitory, she was the only one eliminated. The other three presumably were out celebrating and hadn’t returned.

Li Qingqing silently packed her things. The phone rang—it was her mother.

Her eyes reddened instantly. She had come from a small town in another province, traveling by three buses and then spending three days and two nights on a train to arrive here.

She had worked so hard, but during the initial auditions, she fell for Zhao Jianglin at first sight. Her impulsive confession was unexpectedly reciprocated. She thought fate favored her. Yet when she sought out Zhao Jianglin earlier, he deliberately avoided her.

Only then did she realize that what she believed to be happiness was merely wishful thinking—a cruel joke at her expense.

Li Qingqing sniffled and answered the call, “Mom.” The word came out with a sob.

There was a pause on the other end, then a gentle voice, “Sweetheart, Mom has made your favorite dishes and is waiting for you at home.”

That single sentence made Li Qingqing burst into tears. How could she disappoint her mother, who had spent years of savings to support her dream, especially for a man who was never worth it?

At that moment, she regretted so much—hated herself for focusing on romance instead of preparing for the competition.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart. If you failed this time, there’s always next time.”

Li Qingqing cried so hard she couldn’t speak.

Mo Qi knocked softly at the door. Li Qingqing looked up, wiped her tears, and choked out to the phone, “Mom, a friend came to say goodbye. I’ll call you back in a bit.”

After ending the call, Mo Qi approached and handed her a folded piece of cardboard.

“This is a direct spot for the girls’ audition. Just call the number on it.”

Li Qingqing took the slip, staring at Mo Qi in disbelief. “Why?”

Mo Qi’s lips curled into a wry smile, “Perhaps because I empathize. I was just as foolish once.”

Mo Qi patted Li Qingqing’s shoulder. “Seize the opportunity. In this world, you can only rely on yourself.”

With that, Mo Qi didn’t wait for a response and turned to leave.

Li Qingqing stood dazed for a moment, then rushed after her, but Mo Qi was already climbing into a taxi.

Clutching the note tightly, Li Qingqing silently vowed never to make the same mistake again—and to learn how to take advantage of her own abilities.

As for Mo Qi’s kindness, she would always remember it.

When Mo Qi arrived at the restaurant’s private room, she was surprised to find other members of the production team there, including all four judges.

Mo Qi glanced around, and her gaze froze when she saw the man sitting beside Zhang Fan.

He Shuai!