CHAPTER 568: 222 GENIUS AND MEDIOCRITY

Joyful songs and dynamic dances marked the opening of the gala.

Performances like these, involving group singing and dancing, were great for livening up the atmosphere—an all-time favorite of the leadership.

It was lively and festive, perfectly conveying the holiday spirit.

Following this, the second program was a solo by Luuo Yunqi. In gatherings like these, this slot was considered a significant opening act that only those with enough prominence and influence could occupy.

Currently, Luuo Yunqi was somewhat of a celebrated figure at Lanya High School—a sought-after Cen girl, and a burgeoning star in the entertainment industry.

She wore a long purple tulle gown, its hem embroidered with sequins and fragments of diamonds. Her hair styled in an elegant princess bun, with soft lilac eyeshadow and glimmering diamond-like embellishments at the corners of her eyes. Her eyes seemed even larger and brighter because of them.

Standing poised on stage, she radiated sweetness and grace, at once refined and angelic.

Luuo Yunqi’s dazzling debut won rounds of applause.

From the audience, students held up banners and light sticks displaying her name, cheering her on.

Luuo Yunqi took a deep breath. This was her first time facing such a large crowd, and the hand holding the microphone trembled slightly. As the prelude began, her gaze shifted to the first row, where Liu Runxi was seated.

And the girl sitting beside him.

The girl tilted her head, speaking to Liu Runxi about something. Liu Runxi remained composed, his expression detached, but he didn’t reject her proximity. The two appeared to be somewhat intimate.

There was a brief flicker of distraction in Luuo Yunqi’s eyes—a momentary lapse that proved fatal.

She missed her cue.

Realizing quickly, she jumped in, but the rhythm was still off.

The audience responded with scattered jeers and boos.

Under the spotlight, Luuo Yunqi’s face turned pale as sheet. Yet, she swiftly composed herself, channeling all her focus into the performance. Gradually, she regained control, delivering an impressive finish in the latter half.

When her song ended, the audience gave an enthusiastic round of applause.

Smiling, Luuo Yunqi exited the stage.

Once her back was to the audience, the smile vanished from her face, replaced instantly by a shadowy cloud of gloom.

Xiao Ling handed her a thermos: "Flaws don’t obscure the brilliance. See? They’re still rooting for you."

When Luuo Yunqi ignored her, Xiao Ling awkwardly backed away and stood quietly at the side.

From the stage, the lilting and exaggerated tones of a comedy sketch faintly reached backstage. The audience burst into hearty laughter at the performers’ punchlines.

Feeling irritable, Luuo Yunqi looked up, catching sight of Qin Xiangge touching up her makeup in front of a mirror. With calculating precision, Qin Xiangge added black-and-gold rose decals to the corners of her eyes and her Cupid’s bow, pairing them with her gown to create an ornate Baroque-style regal look.

Qin Xiangge appeared to be in high spirits. Her kohl-smudged eyes flicked toward Luuo Yunqi through the mirror, and she curved her lips into a smile.

"Congratulations, Luuo. A strong start! Your singing was quite remarkable. Once you’re in the entertainment business, excelling at both acting and singing, you’ll have nothing to worry about."

Ever since the campus beauty competition, the two had been locked in an unspoken rivalry.

Luuo Yunqi could never forget how, during that incident in the cafeteria when Leng Yunyang exposed her, Qin Xiangge had mercilessly twisted the knife.

How could she not hear the veiled mockery in Qin Xiangge’s tone?

"I heard someone didn’t place in a piano competition but claimed to have secured first prize. It’s better not to be too vain, don’t you think?"

Luuo Yunqi remarked airily.

Qin Xiangge’s expression shifted subtly.

Luuo Yunqi pressed on: "By the way, I heard Shen You’an also registered for a piano solo. That person sure knows how to throw surprises. If she ends up playing well, I wonder how a certain ’Piano Princess’ will cope with losing face."

Qin Xiangge slammed her palm on the table, turning around furiously.

"Luuo Yunqi, shut your mouth!"

Luuo Yunqi, already in a foul mood, was spoiling for a fight. Qin Xiangge’s outburst only stoked the fire in her heart.

"Did I say anything wrong?"

Luuo Yunqi lifted her chin defiantly, refusing to back down in terms of presence.

Backstage, everyone was preoccupied with their own preparations, too busy to pay attention to Luuo Yunqi and Qin Xiangge. Even if someone noticed the brewing conflict, they had no time to get involved.

Given the host of important figures sitting in the audience, any slip-up would be beyond anyone’s ability to bear.

Qin Xiangge scoffed coldly: "Luuo Yunqi, if you think mentioning Shen You’an will get under my skin, then you’re sorely mistaken. Your little ploy won’t work. Shen You’an probably doesn’t even know how to play..."

A woman in a gray business suit entered the backstage area, her eyes immediately locking onto Qin Xiangge.

Recognizing her as President Lan’s assistant, Qin Xiangge’s expression shifted.

The woman gave her a brief glance, then turned her attention away indifferently, walking toward Ling Yue, who was going through her lines for the next act.