As time passed, Long Aotian became increasingly busy, mostly keeping up with Wan Ning's schedule.

Even talent shows had their scripts.

He also had to pretend to be close with people he'd only just met.

Just watching it all unfold exhausted him.

During this time, Long Aotian was busy yet happy, as if everything had returned to normal.

Soon, May 1st arrived—the official start of the "Happy Girls" talent show.

The elimination format remained: contestants would go through multiple rounds of competition, gradually narrowing down to the top three.

Judges' scores still played a crucial role, though this time, a public voting segment was introduced.

The elimination system was touted as ensuring fairness and impartiality while giving audiences a thrilling viewing experience.

Starting with 300 contestants, the battles raged on—top 20, top 10, finals—until only the top three remained. It was a clash of perseverance and musical skill.

Every contestant on that stage was undeniably talented.

"I'm so nervous! Wan Ning will be fine, right?" Li Qingxue couldn’t stop chattering anxiously.

"Wan Ning will definitely be fine," Hu Yuying said firmly, her trust in her dear sister unwavering.

"It's starting, it's starting," Long Aotian whispered as a reminder.

Every contestant on that stage had their own strengths.

The very first performer set the tone, electrifying both the stage and the audience with their opening song.

"I think this one might be Wan Ning's biggest rival," Li Qingxue analyzed.

Hu Yuying couldn’t pinpoint flaws in the singing, but she felt Wan Ning's voice was more beautiful—though the first contestant had stronger stage presence.

"Long Aotian, why are you so quiet today?"

Long Aotian raised a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, putting on a professional air. "Music is meant to be felt with the heart and heard with the ears. Don’t you get it, you amateur?"

"Oho, look at you, acting all high and mighty! Me, an amateur? I sing better than you!"

Watching the two bicker again, Hu Yuying covered her lips with a light laugh.

Her gaze lingered on Long Aotian. How wonderful.

After each round, ample time was given for live and TV audiences to vote via text.

Soon, it was Contestant No. 8—Lin Wanning’s turn.

Long Aotian had already pre-written his voting text, ready to send the moment the voting opened.

As expected, the highest rankings were held by Contestant No. 1, No. 8, and No. 5. Many others performed, but none surpassed the top three scores...

Advancing was practically guaranteed.

The 300-contestant elimination rounds consisted of eight knockout matches.

Each match had two rounds, with six performances per round, eventually narrowing down to the national top 60.

From May to June, $2in Wanning’s scores consistently hovered in the top three, earning her a growing fanbase and even her own support squad.

Her reputation at school skyrocketed—maybe not overnight, but close enough.

Meanwhile, Hu Yuying wasn’t idle either.

She managed her social media accounts and, after discussions with Long Aotian, launched a webpage and group chats, planning to showcase her outfits in person.

No matter what she did, Long Aotian quietly supported her from behind the scenes.

Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

By July, $2in Wanning’s fanbase had expanded further. She even appeared on a variety show—though her screen time was limited, it still gave her a small taste of fame.

After all, only a select few from her season were invited, a clear acknowledgment of their talent.

Hu Yuying’s account flourished too, flooded with praise.

But with success came criticism.

"Alright, stop looking," Long Aotian said, covering Hu Yuying’s eyes from behind.

That’s how people were—countless compliments brought joy, but a single negative comment could ruin an entire day.

Sometimes, when the criticism piled up, she didn’t even dare to look.

Still, to show gratitude for the support, Hu Yuying forced herself to read through the feedback.

The result? The more she read, the more upset she became...

Even with discounts, coupons, and cashback incentives for positive reviews, it was impossible to please everyone.

"You should learn from Qingxue—carefree and cheerful," Long Aotian remarked, glancing at Li Qingxue sprawled on the couch with a watermelon.

Suddenly called out, Li Qingxue set the watermelon aside and scampered over barefoot.

"Yuying just takes things too seriously. I don’t even read them—why bother if it’ll just ruin my mood?"

Summer break arrived.

None of them went home.

No one knew how Li Qingxue convinced her parents, but she ended up staying in the capital.

Everyone stayed busy, even during the holidays.

Wan Ning often returned, shuttling back and forth, while Long Aotian took on chauffeur duties.

Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue kept up their daily livestreams, their follower count surpassing a million.

The money they earned was beyond anything they’d ever imagined.

Oh, and during this time, Li Qingxue grew increasingly interested in investing.

After trying it out a few times with Long Aotian, she was completely hooked.

Everything seemed different, yet somehow unchanged.

Except for one thing—Long Aotian started sleeping in later every day.

The girls just assumed he was slacking off during the break.

Aside from his newfound love for naps, he’d even lost his appetite.

But he was happy. Occasionally, he’d snap into action—though those moments were rare.

By August, $2ong Aotian stopped oversleeping. He woke up early—sometimes so early Hu Yuying wondered if he’d slept at all.

But seeing him head out with his fishing gear, cheerful as ever, she didn’t know what to say.

After all, by 10 a.m., the heat outside was unbearable.

An early fishing trip didn’t seem unreasonable.

By late August, Lin Wanning had advanced to the top eight.

Every elimination round now felt harder than the last.

Months of competition had brought the contestants closer, and viewers had grown attached to these hardworking girls.

Every text vote became an emotional battle!

When the new semester began in late August, they’d all be upperclassmen.

Time had flown by in the blink of an eye.

"Long Aotian, don’t go out today," Hu Yuying insisted, stopping him from another fishing trip.

Lately, he’d been obsessed—leaving before dawn and returning after dark.

Today, she clung to him, refusing to let him go.

"You’ve gotten darker and thinner. I’m going to fatten you back up."

Long Aotian curled his lips into a stiff smile. "It's too hot to eat. Might as well treat it as a diet. Besides, don’t you think a tan makes me look healthier?"

That might be true, but Hu Yuying didn’t let go.

Long Aotian gave up on getting out of bed and sank back down. "Fine, I’m not going anywhere today. Staying in."

"So, what would you like to eat, Long-ge?"

"Something cold. Otherwise, I really won’t be able to stomach it."

"How about some cold skin noodles and iced beer? I’ll grab some grilled skewers too. Sound good?"

"With you spoiling me like this, I’ll probably gain all the weight back in no time..."