C4

Faang Qing's expression grew increasingly grim.

The audience, upon recognizing the song as "Redemption" by Jian Yan, erupted into applause. Holding the microphone, Shan Ruoshui watched as the crowd made space for her. She noticed the mocking eyes of Su Tian and Liu Xinrui, the concerned look from the host, Ms. Jia, and the displeased face of Faang Qing. A faint, ironic smile played on her lips. Who was she? Jian Yan.

As the prelude gently began, Shan Ruoshui closed her eyes, the silence amplifying the music in her ears. This song, demanding exceptional vocal skill, was Jian Yan's way of proving herself to the world. Now, it was Shan Ruoshui's turn to prove herself to everyone.

Her lips parted slightly, and a voice both clear and tender flowed out, starkly different from Jian Yan's original seductive style. If Jian Yan's "Redemption" was a dangerously alluring poison, then Shan Ruoshui's version was a liberating antidote.

In hell,

In heaven,

Everyone indulges in wanton revelry...

In dreams,

In illusions,

Each person savors the fatal decadence...

Faang Qing's eyes lit up. How could the reports describe Shan Ruoshui as all show and no substance? Clearly, she was a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough.

The broadcast shattered the rumor of Shan Ruoshui's weak singing skills, proving to everyone watching that her talent was not that of a minor singer but one comparable to Jian Yan. Meanwhile, the camera caught Liu Xinrui and Su Tian's faces turning pale, their reactions broadcasted live on TV.

"What is happening..." Su Tian's face, once adorned with a graceful smile, began to twist. She quickly regained her composure upon noticing the camera, but the slight twitch of her lips remained visible on the screen.

"I'm not sure... Shan Ruoshui's singing isn't even that good..." Liu Xinrui muttered in frustration, glaring at Shan Ruoshui, who continued to sing passionately. But as soon as the camera panned to her, she quickly transformed her expression into one of satisfaction.

"Looks like we underestimated this person, playing the underdog," Su Tian remarked, a hint of resentment in her eyes.

After the song ended, the room fell silent. Shan Ruoshui gave a slight bow to the audience. "Thank you..."

That simple gesture seemed to snap everyone back to reality, and the room erupted in applause. It was the most enthusiastic response Shan Ruoshui had received since stepping on stage.

"Our Ruoshui is really amazing at singing!" Ms. Jia exclaimed, stepping out from the side of the stage, clapping along with the audience in awe, and joining Shan Ruoshui. "Why did you choose to sing Jian Yan's 'Redemption'? Even though I'm not a professional, I know it's a very challenging song."

"My idol is Jian Yan," Shan Ruoshui replied, holding the microphone with a hint of shyness, her lowered lashes just concealing the strange glint in her eyes. "I really admire Jian Yan's inspirational journey and wanted to sing her song in memory of her..." Her voice caught slightly with emotion.

"Yes, Jian Yan was truly inspiring..." Ms. Jia echoed, sympathetically patting Shan Ruoshui's shoulder. "If Jian Yan knew she had a fan like you, she'd be very pleased."

Shan Ruoshui lowered her head, a slight smirk playing on her lips. Pleased? If she had a fan like me, she'd probably just look down on me, not be pleased at all.

The applause from the audience grew louder, and Shan Ruoshui's smile widened. Crafting this kind of persona was second nature to her. She had once been a minor newcomer, climbing her way up by building her image. The entertainment industry was a tough place; if you didn't work hard, you'd be devoured, just like what Su Tian and Liu Xinrui were trying to do to her. Shan Ruoshui could easily guess that Liu Xinrui was acting on Su Tian's orders. After all, in their group, one was the scapegoat, one was the victim, and the remaining one was the beneficiary.

Ms. Jia worked hard to energize the atmosphere, gradually drawing the audience's attention back to the show itself, captivated by the song. Faang Qing signaled the director beside him to focus the remaining time on Shan Ruoshui. Everyone on stage noticed the director's cue and turned their attention to Shan Ruoshui. However, Shan Ruoshui maintained her gentle smile, showing no reaction to the prompt.

Faang Qing chuckled softly, crossing his arms as he glanced at Meng Hao, who seemed more interested in appearances than substance. He felt a bit sorry for Shan Ruoshui, but he knew this was all the help he could offer. Shaking his head, he decided to leave the show.

The program wrapped up with more success than Shan Ruoshui had anticipated. She followed behind Su Tian and Liu Xinrui, walking through the corridor to the dressing room. The door slammed shut in front of her with a loud "bang."

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