novelraw Chapter 238 - 231: King of Likes
Chapter 238 - 231: King of Likes
In the waiting room, Liu Lixian spoke up, "I saw Feiyu wiping her tears secretly in the restroom earlier this afternoon."
At this moment, seventeen-year-old Liu Feiyu had adjusted her emotions: "Hello, everyone. I am Liu Feiyu, a girl with multiple personas."
This was the characterization set by her initial group—implying she was a versatile and multitalented girl. The audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"Our group is a singer-songwriter team, and in order to complete this song, we’ve overcome many challenges."
The camera then cut to Hu Binbin, who was watching with a serious expression, surrounded by teammates whose faces were filled with emotions.
"We want to deliver the best stage to everyone, so... I won’t cry." As soon as Liu Feiyu finished speaking, the entire venue burst into thunderous applause.
Everyone clapped for this strong, composed, and gracious young girl.
At this moment, the spotlight belonged to Liu Feiyu, marking the beginning of her journey to gather a large following.
It was truly hard to believe that such a girl was only seventeen years old.
"Please give us plenty of likes!"
Liu Feiyu’s closing remarks nearly made Lv Fangxin burst into tears. She instinctively used her hand to cover her face, forcing a smile.
She didn’t dare cry anymore—especially in a situation like this—afraid of being criticized once again.
Chen Yinghan was also moved by Liu Feiyu’s words. Holding her microphone, she flashed a sweet, poised smile that instantly captivated numerous male fans.
Chen Yinghan had a face that was a classic favorite among men.
"Hello, everyone. I am Chen Yinghan."
"We hope you enjoyed our performance just now. To bring joy to you, we’ve worked very hard, but looking back now, it was all worth it."
As fans cheered enthusiastically, Chen Yinghan’s smile grew even wider: "Please give likes to all of us, especially Lu Peiqin—make sure she stays."
Off to the side, Lu Peiqin felt deeply moved. She had a hunch that she wouldn’t be able to stay after this round.
Lu Xiaoman took the microphone and added, "Creating is definitely an extremely challenging process; it requires a clear direction, but we finally pulled through."
Her words subtly implied a jab at Lv Fangxin’s approach, leaving mentor Hu Binbin visibly displeased. The group’s slow songwriting process was due to Fangxin and Pei Qin’s insistence.
Now it was Lu Peiqin’s turn to speak. Choking slightly, she began, "Being part of this group was my luck. Songwriting is truly not easy; we’ve encountered so, so much along the way to stand on this stage."
Her heart still harbored some resentment toward Lv Fangxin, as she believed Fangxin’s incompetence had wasted a lot of their time.
She also felt deeply dissatisfied; why did talented and hardworking girls like herself have to leave? Was beauty and the ability to cry all that mattered in the end?
Meimei’s remarks were brief. Like her former teammates, she wasn’t eloquent.
Moreover, throughout the performance, she barely had any opportunity to shine, rendering her the least present member.
"I know you all worked very hard to finish this, so let’s hear what Mr. Hu has to say about your performance," Tian Jiaxuan said with a smile.
"This song’s creation process involved quite a bit of trouble, but the performance just now flipped my expectations," Hu Binbin commented.
"What moved me the most was Liu Feiyu advocating votes for Lu Peiqin—it reflects teamwork and group spirit."
Hu Binbin’s words made Lu Peiqin feel somewhat remorseful.
She realized she had changed after joining this program, becoming someone she didn’t recognize, someone who entertained thoughts that had never crossed her mind before.
"In fact, they could have simply completed one song."
"But I said if you’re making a girl group, there has to be dancing, so I pushed them to increase the level of difficulty, which created significant pressure for them."
Hu Binbin’s comment aimed to paint them as a group that embraces challenges head-on.
"But they did amazingly well today."
The girls on stage all gave Hu Binbin grateful smiles.
In terms of the completion of the work as a whole, this was stronger than Ye Yuwei’s group.
Ye Yuwei’s group’s song lacked a unified theme, with each member’s lyrics seemingly addressing "heroines" in their own scattered manner.
Moreover, in terms of performance, Ye Yuwei’s group didn’t have "dance," while Lv Fangxin’s group had real formation changes, though not traditional "dance" either.
The stage effects of both groups had distinct styles. Choosing which was superior would ultimately depend on individual taste and perspective.
In terms of vocal skills, Ye Yuwei’s group had Yang Ni and Ge Xiaohui, who were slightly better—though not overwhelmingly stronger than Liu Feiyu and Lu Peiqin.
Without considering the performance aspect, looking at other elements, Liu Feiyu’s persona as a "creative prodigy" was well-established—something that benefited the show’s narrative.
"Please take out your liking devices and vote for the girl you admire most. Countdown begins in 30 seconds," Tian Jiaxuan proceeded according to protocol.
Everyone inside and outside the venue waited for the results.
"Lv Fangxin," Chen Yanran naturally supported her friend.
"Liu Feiyu," Yin Xiren responded without hesitation.
However, most attendees remained silent, convinced that this round was Fangxin’s to win.
Sitting in the Queen of Likes seat, Meng Meixuan felt as if she were on pins and needles, anxious.
She knew that in terms of popularity, Lv Fangxin surpassed her.
If someone were to dethrone her in this group, she would rather it be Liu Feiyu.
"This round’s Queen of Likes is... Liu Feiyu."
Tian Jiaxuan’s declaration allowed Meng Meixuan to release a long-held breath, and deafening cheers erupted in the waiting room.
On stage, Liu Feiyu was also visibly exhilarated, while Lv Fangxin was deeply dejected.
She chuckled bitterly to herself: "Turns out beauty alone really can’t take you far."
Ye Yuwei looked at the results with a calm face.
She didn’t believe this reflected Lv Fangxin’s actual popularity.
Chen Yinghan, after briefly feeling the sting of disappointment, cast a reassuring look toward her friend.
Deep down, she too harbored the desire to claim the Queen of Likes title.
She had heard the cheers directed at her.
However, the one who stood out was another girl with a similar style to hers.
All the teammates extended congratulations to Liu Feiyu. With tears in her eyes, she bowed deeply in gratitude: "Thank you all, thank you mentors."
"Next, let’s see whether Feiyu’s likes can surpass Meixuan’s!"
Meng Meixuan stood up and offered her sincere congratulations to Liu Feiyu. This time, it was heartfelt.
"Meixuan, do you feel any pressure right now?" Tian Jiaxuan asked with a smile.
"Yes."
Meng Meixuan’s response was succinct. She wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words.
"Will Meng Meixuan remain on the Queen of Likes throne, or will Liu Feiyu become the next Queen of Likes?" Tian Jiaxuan teased the audience.
While Liu Feiyu appeared mature and grounded beyond her years, at this moment, her racing emotions betrayed her youth.
She instinctively licked her lips and glanced around nervously, waiting with eager anticipation for the final outcome.
Standing on stage, Lu Xiaoman naturally hoped her friend Meng Meixuan would stay.