CHAPTER 191: CHAPTER 186: SADNESS FLOWS BACKWARD

"You all spoke so well. Because of passion, you persevere. Congratulations to everyone for returning to the pyramid!"

The girls in the venue erupted in joyous cheers.

"While you enjoy your victory, remember this: the battle for Class D has just begun."

The 14 girls’ excitement faded—they understood what Long Zitao meant. This time, they had escaped the brutal elimination, but what about next time?

"Now, I’ll announce the Class C list."

"Rank 40, Simona."

Also hailing from Yuehua Entertainment, Simona had not anticipated achieving such a high position.

"Rank 39, Yin Xiren."

Upon hearing her name, the previously downcast Yin Xiren couldn’t suppress her excitement and jumped up with joy.

When her teammate came over to congratulate her, she wouldn’t let them touch her, repeatedly shouting, "Don’t mess up my makeup." It was undoubtedly the most awkward scene of the night.

"Rank 38, Liu Danmeng."

When her name was called, Liu Danmeng stood up but directed her gaze toward Yang Ni.

Yang Ni smiled and clapped enthusiastically, sincerely celebrating her achievement. In Yang Ni’s eyes, Liu Danmeng saw genuine warmth and gratitude.

"Rank 37, Luo Tiantian."

Sitting beside Luo Tiantian, Jiang Mengqi jumped up excitedly, the exuberant expression on her face as radiant as sunshine and a rainbow, celebrating her friend’s survival.

"Tiantian, I knew you could do it."

"Mengqi, I’ll be waiting for you at the top. You’ll get there too."

The two embraced tightly, unwilling to part, feeling as if this moment marked a potential loss of each other.

"Rank 36, Lu Xiaoman."

Regarding her rank, Lu Xiaoman didn’t feel much joy—her company had paid a hefty price this time.

She couldn’t help but glance at Lv Fangxin, knowing the latter must have secured a high rank.

As she descended, Meng Meixuan gave her a big, warm hug, instantly lifting her mood.

"Rank 35, Zhu... Ri... Ri."

Zhu Riri, who had been nervously picking at her nails, froze upon hearing her name. She was painfully aware of her tarnished reputation online.

She hadn’t expected to advance, especially into Class C.

Instead of feeling happy, a sense of dread welled up inside her.

She knew this rank was undoubtedly manipulated by Tencent to capitalize on her controversial presence and notoriety.

The other girls had mixed feelings—how could someone like her advance? It felt like an injustice.

Lin Jiayi was on the verge of tears, unable to comprehend why someone like Zhu Riri could advance while she lost her chance. Why?

Lai Ruoxuan couldn’t hold it in and pointed at Zhu Riri, who was hugging her teammate Liu Mengyao on the pyramid, laughing and saying, "Those two are something else."

"Rank 34, Liu Lixian."

Fan Lei was overwhelmed with emotion as all three of her close friends had advanced.

The girls on-site couldn’t believe it—the underdog "Magic Digits Girl Group" had surprisingly secured so many spots.

Over there, Gao Ziyi was sprawled on her chair. "Ah! My heart can’t take this—I’m done for."

This wasn’t an act; she genuinely tended to react this way.

"Rank 33, Wu Meiying."

When her name was called, Xiao Ying, who had been anxiously behaving like a child afraid of poor grades, broke into an innocent smile.

She was genuinely happy—she loved this stage and wanted to keep performing.

Beside her, Duan Yuxin and Chen Yinghan embraced her to congratulate her.

"Rank 32, Wei Xin."

Another member of Dream Fly, Wei Xin had been haunted by regret over her performance during the first evaluation. Finally, she felt relieved—she hadn’t been eliminated.

"Rank 31, Chen Yinghan."

Lv Fangxin jumped up from her seat upon hearing her friend’s name, clapping madly and gesturing toward her friend.

Chen Yinghan smiled gracefully, waved, and walked confidently toward the pyramid.

She was initially meant to be eliminated early, but she chose to stay for her good friend.

Lu Xiaoman stared at Chen Yinghan with intense envy, her gaze resembling someone eyeing unattainable delicacies.

"Rank 30, Yu Xiaohong."

Yu Xiaohong couldn’t believe she had advanced—after all, she had missed the first evaluation.

At this point, many trainees were beginning to understand the reality.

The show only cared about either talent or popularity. Those who lacked both, and whose companies weren’t pulling strings behind the scenes, would undoubtedly be eliminated.

"Rank 29, Gao Yingxi."

Lin Jiayi walked over and hugged Gao Yingxi tightly, sincerely and genuinely this time.

During a performance she considered a nightmare, Gao Yingxi had supported her the most.

"Rank 28, Su Ruiqi."

Another member from Vitality Era advanced. She widened her eyes in shock, never expecting to rank so high.

She had been part of Class C before, but this time Class C felt entirely different.

"Rank 27, Qi Ziyue."

Upon hearing her rank, Qi Ziyue felt delighted—she was a newcomer, after all. She also recognized her ranking was aided by her company’s efforts.

"Rank 26, Fan Lei."

The members of the Magic Digits Girl Group, already standing on the pyramid, finally heard their team leader’s name. Overcome with emotion, they rushed down to greet her—they knew how much she had endured.

The pressure on her these past weeks had been immense. Her controversial speech in the first episode had deeply impacted them but also brought them some fame.

Fan Lei herself was crying tears of joy. As long as she wasn’t eliminated, as long as she could stay, she would fight.

"The rankings for Class C have all been announced. Founders, you must be eager to share your feelings—please speak one by one," Long Zitao said, smiling.

Everyone shared their thoughts. When it was Chen Yinghan’s turn, she smiled and said, "Hello, everyone, my name is Chen Yinghan."

She introduced herself because she was aware she hardly had any fans—audiences didn’t even know her yet.

With the second evaluation approaching, if she failed to gain any popularity, her company would struggle in negotiating with Tencent to secure her passage.

She couldn’t afford to remain indifferent anymore.

"I would like to sing a song for everyone now. It’s the class anthem from when I graduated high school."

This was something her company and the program team had prearranged—otherwise, such a money-draining show wouldn’t allow impromptu performances during limited airtime.

At this moment, intense emotions swirled inside her. She had always been a person of delicate feelings.

Her background made it difficult for her to form friendships like ordinary people.

But here, she felt as though she had returned to those pure, youthful times.

Friendships were so simple.

I will remember each one of you.

...

Dear friends, we are about to part ways.

Let me sing you a song for this farewell.

This is not a simple song.

This is a song of happiness.

Starting off tightly wound, Chen Yinghan’s voice carried sobs. Eventually, she smoothed out, her voice—though unaccompanied—overflowing with emotion.

The girls at the scene shed tears, some even bawled uncontrollably.

Such farewells seemed painful yet were, in truth, among life’s most beautiful memories.

Experiences like these were rare in a person’s lifetime.

Chen Yinghan finished her song and smiled, "I hope Yang Han can make it."

She didn’t mention her closest friend Lv Fangxin because she knew her friend was destined to rank high.

Yang Han, over there, had already broken down into tears. Upon hearing Chen Yinghan’s words, she completely crumbled, yearning desperately to run up to her right away.