Chapter 62: Yang Mengke Targeted

As soon as Hua Xingyu’s unique high notes rang out, the entire hall was enveloped by his resounding voice. The beautiful melody Xu Xiaolu had anticipated never arrived; instead, the performance opened with an explosive, jarring note. The pitch soared beyond what she could comfortably endure, but since the song was dedicated to her, she could only feign admiration. Hua Xingyu, seeing the stars in Xu Xiaolu’s eyes and the adoring way she gazed at him, believed his signature high notes had struck a chord. Raising his pitch even further—so much so that the audience’s eardrums began to protest—he transitioned into his distinctive pharyngeal voice.

At that moment, someone in the crowd exclaimed, “Pharyngeal voice! Time for his signature vocal showcase!” It was well known that Hua Xingyu’s pharyngeal technique was exceptional. When his performance finally ended, the hall erupted in thunderous applause. Hua Xingyu leapt down from the stage, addressing the gathering: “Thank you, everyone, thank you! The sound equipment here isn’t the best—perhaps the effect was lacking. Please forgive any discomfort!”

Xu Xiaolu was the first to speak. “I thought it was wonderful! Poor equipment can’t diminish your brilliance, Hua Xingyu!” Others nodded in agreement, showering him with praise and exclamations of amazement. Hua Xingyu wore a look of proud satisfaction, clearly basking in the adulation.

Meanwhile, Long Ling’er, listening to the chorus of praise, asked in puzzlement, “Am I the only one who didn’t understand what he was singing? The whole thing was just vocal acrobatics—one flashy technique after another, without a hint of emotion! Tell me, is that why we listen to music? For technique alone?” As soon as she spoke, voices shot back, “If you don’t understand, go home and study before you run your mouth!” “Anyone can sing with feeling, but can you hit those high notes?” “Where did this country bumpkin come from, spouting nonsense about music?” Long Ling’er’s temper flared—so now you can’t even criticize a song you can’t understand? Instead of addressing the singer, you attack the one offering an opinion?

Xu Xiaolu, who had been looking for a chance to target Yang Mengke, saw her opportunity when Long Ling’er, who was with Yang Mengke, spoke up. She quickly stepped in to smooth things over: “Actually, both the lady who just spoke and Ms. Yang Mengke beside her are trainees in our national broadcasting network’s new intern program!”

“And Ms. Yang Mengke here is the most promising newcomer in this year’s program. With her outstanding poise and cool demeanor, she’s attracted countless admirers among the male participants—some have even fought over her! By the way, Yang Mengke, are any of your admirers here tonight?” As the topic shifted to Yang Mengke, everyone turned to see just how beautiful she could be, especially since even Xu Xiaolu, renowned for her own looks, spoke of her with such admiration.

Upon seeing Yang Mengke’s ethereal presence, the crowd was momentarily transfixed. She seemed almost otherworldly—a stark contrast to the flamboyantly dressed, glamorous women in the room. Even Hua Xingyu was taken aback; how had he failed to notice such a person before? But having just serenaded Xu Xiaolu, it would be unwise to immediately sing to this celestial woman—he might end up with nothing for his efforts.

Xu Xiaolu, seeing the crowd’s focus shift to Yang Mengke, thought, “This is my chance!” She continued, “Ms. Yang Mengke, perhaps you could have your admirers compete for you in elegant contests of talent, as Mr. Hua Xingyu just did—let their abilities shine, and choose the most talented! It would be so much more refined than constant brawling. Are any of your admirers present tonight? Will anyone sing for you? Let’s see just how talented a suitor such a beautiful woman could attract!”

All eyes turned expectantly to Yang Mengke, as if waiting to see what sort of extraordinary suitor she might have. Yet, after a long silence, no one stepped forward. A few entertainers from Tiandu Entertainment were clearly tempted by Yang Mengke’s beauty and unique charm, but the thought of challenging their senior, Hua Xingyu—now the company’s leading star with immense resources—gave them pause. Offending him could mean an immediate end to their own prospects, or even expulsion from the company. No one was willing to take that risk; no matter how alluring the beauty, their future was more important. Besides, Yang Mengke’s air suggested she was not someone to be won with a mere song—she was simply too unworldly.

Throughout, Yang Mengke never once glanced at Xu Xiaolu, who continued her theatrics alone, ultimately maneuvering Yang Mengke into an awkward predicament. Whispers began to circulate among the women: “She acts all aloof, but it’s just a façade,” “Pretending to be above it all,” “Maybe those men fighting over her were just put up to it by her! Otherwise, why is no one stepping forward now?” The chatter filled the room.

Yang Mengke remained impassive, quietly savoring her glass of juice, her gaze serene as she observed the scene before her—unaffected, as if all this had nothing to do with her. Her composure was hard-won, a result of all she had endured; having walked the line between life and death, such trivialities could no longer disturb her.

But Long Ling’er beside her was not so calm. “You people speak nothing but filth! If you can’t say something decent, then shut your damn mouths. If I hear one more disrespectful word, don’t blame me for getting rough!” At this, the audience erupted. Though people fell silent, many still pointed and whispered about Yang Mengke.

Xu Xiaolu quickly intervened. “Let’s not speak that way! Perhaps Ms. Yang Mengke’s admirers simply aren’t present tonight. Her charm is undeniable! Ms. Yang Mengke, don’t lose heart just because no one has sung for you.” The more Xu Xiaolu spoke, the more triumphant she appeared. So what if you’re beautiful? So what if you’re surrounded by admirers, or caused the most influential heirs in Beijing to fight over you? In the end, haven’t I, Xu Xiaolu, thoroughly shown you up tonight?

“Who says no one will sing for Ms. Yang Mengke?” A commanding male voice broke the tension. “Since no one else will step forward, I won’t hold back any longer!”

The crowd turned, eyes wide with astonishment, as a man strode confidently toward them.