The trio of Li Mengjiao seemed to have overimagined things. Right up until the gala began, the Miracle Boys didn’t even glance their way.
Tonight’s Hunan TV gala was star-studded, with celebrities galore invited by the station. Broadcast live, unlike pre-recorded shows, a live gala allowed no mistakes.
Zhang Yangning performed a song from her own album.
Since Mr. Guan’s company didn’t funnel resources her way, Zhang Yangning’s debut album wasn’t a hit, with limited reach. But produced by Huang Yongjuan, its quality was solid, and since Zhang Yangning wanted to sing it, Yuan Fenghui didn’t object.
Zhang Yangning nailed it!
It had been ages since she’d sung freely on a big stage.
What a thrill!
Zhang Yangning felt grateful—she had no regrets leaving Mr. Guan’s company, only that she hadn’t left sooner!
Those months idling at Mr. Guan’s were a waste of life!
Every cell in Zhang Yangning’s body sang, from her hair to her toes, brimming with vitality. She’d rediscovered her form from last year’s competition—no, she was better now, more mature, clearer on what she wanted!
Unbeknownst to her, Huang Yongjuan was in the audience.
He was there with a diva planning a new album, hoping he’d produce it. Huang Yongjuan hadn’t committed, wanting to hear her live first.
The diva, absent from albums for years, still had undeniable skill, though her style had shifted. Huang Yongjuan was there for inspiration.
The main course hadn’t arrived, but Zhang Yangning’s appetiser did.
Huh, Zhang Yangning’s in better form than last year?
Huang Yongjuan thought she’d be a one-hit wonder, fading after her debut album, like last year’s champion Xu Mei, now acting on TV.
“Little lass has some grit.”
Huang Yongjuan muttered to himself.
Leaving was wise.
Trees die when moved, but people thrive. Staying with Mr. Guan’s company would’ve dimmed her future; leaving sparked new life.
Huang Yongjuan had worked for Mr. Guan for money, but with Mr. Guan’s clout, dreaming of creating superstars was delusional.
Last year’s and this year’s talent show contestants were all signed by Mr. Guan’s company—what’s the point? Good talent needs quality, not quantity, and he lacked the resources!
Huang Yongjuan was a bit happy for Zhang Yangning. In the fickle entertainment world, few stayed as music-focused as her.
After several other performers, Li Mengjiao took the stage, surprising Huang Yongjuan again.
As a brand ambassador shooting ads, Li Mengjiao always sang “Sour and Sweet” or “Sing If You Want”—catchy but, to Huang Yongjuan, bubblegum pop.
Singing bubblegum, she wasn’t a true singer, more like a mindless jukebox!
Now, with her drama soaring in ratings—big enough for even music-circle Huang Yongjuan to hear about—he thought she’d pivot fully to acting.
Records don’t sell well anymore!
Some albums even lose money.
Acting’s easier—ratings aren’t the actor’s burden, just collect the paycheque.
Yet Li Mengjiao, amidst her hit drama, was still singing?
Not bubblegum, not a jukebox, but singing with heart.
Zhang Yangning’s performance brimmed with emotion and life; Li Mengjiao’s carried confidence and joy. Last year’s crown should’ve been hers. Liang Dan’s vision was too narrow, and Hunan TV played small. On stage, Li Mengjiao was a natural star— audiences loved her. Not crowning her would’ve sparked doubts about the talent show’s fairness!
Besides Huang Yongjuan, the audience included fans of various performers.
This year’s talent show contestants had huge followings, but Li Mengjiao’s fans weren’t few.
Competing a year earlier, her fate had truly changed. If the old Li Mengjiao had her current vibe, she’d never have stalled outside Rongcheng’s top 20.
Confidence was key to fans’ loyal devotion.
“Sis sings great, no one else decides. Sis sings loud and proud!”
“Jiaojiao’s the best!”
“Jiaojiao, look at me!”
Fans with glow sticks were nearly fainting with excitement.
Though many had followed her since last year’s competition, each performance brought fresh feelings.
Jiaojiao was truly putting in the work!
Hardworking Jiaojiao was ace!
After her song, Li Mengjiao bowed, pleased with herself: tonight’s performance was flawless, no missed steps or beats, no shame for Teacher Yuan!
Next up were the Miracle Boys.
Their singing? Passable, but it wouldn’t wow Huang Yongjuan.
No surprise—idol boy bands sell style, not vocals. Huang Yongjuan wouldn’t judge them by pro-singer standards.
Their strength was stage presence.
Their singing was average, but their confidence exuded a touch of superstar swagger.
To be fair, Huang Yongjuan had to admit Yuan Fenghui’s keen eye and knack for shaping talent.
She wasn’t a top album producer or drama maker, but she knew a bit of everything—a top-tier manager and star-maker!
The audience was charmed by the Miracle Boys.
With Taiwanese idol dramas sweeping Asia, the four members, cast in hit dramas by Yuan Fenghui, rose to fame. Even non-fans in the crowd had seen their shows, cheering and clapping naturally.
“Thank you all.”
The Miracle Boys’ leader, Yu Tianlin, a rugged heartthrob, spoke, sparking screams. Fans shouted names of his past roles, shared memories for many.
“Thrilled to perform in Hunan.”
Sweat glistened on Yu Tianlin’s striking features, unfazed by close-up cameras. His sunny smile hid the ruthlessness of betraying Yuan Fenghui: “…We hope for more chances to come to Hunan.”
His words carried intent.
Backstage, Yuan Fenghui’s gaze darkened.
Yun Chen hadn’t performed yet.
Some idiot had scheduled Li Mengjiao before the Miracle Boys and Yun Chen after.
Both male idols banking on looks, the Miracle Boys had polished stagecraft. Could Yun Chen hold up under the pressure?
