Baihe Fan

Chapter 24: Accident Part 2

Xiao Yuran cried as she rejected her, but aside from feeling a bit down, she didn’t have much of an emotional response. Perhaps it was because she already knew that Xiao Yuran was straight, so she didn’t have high hopes, and felt a sense of relief after speaking her mind.

Afterward, their interactions became more natural. She could openly express her affection, whether it was accepted or not. It felt like completing a task.

This was how she had always been. If there was something unfinished, she would persist until it was completed, regardless of the outcome. This was evident from her relentless pursuit of perfecting her acting skills.

“Xia Linxia is about to go on stage,” Chen Nian said while watching the TV. “The last contestant is performing now. After the final round of voting, she’ll take the stage, and the debut lineup will be announced.”

Ji Fengxue nodded and looked at the TV, the camera panning to the mentor seats where Xiao Yuran was seated.

“Do you still like her?” Chen Nian noticed her gaze and felt it necessary to interrupt her thoughts. “She’s straight. Even though she broke up with her boyfriend, there’s bound to be another one. You won’t even be her backup.”

Ji Fengxue chuckled, “Am I that pathetic?”

“Exactly. No matter how well you get along with her, you’ll never share true intimacy.”

“Not necessarily.” Ji Fengxue refuted, and though she didn’t elaborate, she smiled. “Forget it. Let’s not talk about this. When do we go on stage?”

Just as she finished speaking, a staff member knocked on the door, instructing them to get ready and leading her to the audience seats.

The front-row audience erupted in screams upon seeing her.

“Ahhhhh, Ji Fengxue, I love you!”

“Ahhhhh, goddess, you’re even more beautiful in person than on TV!”

“Goddess, you’ve lost weight! Eat more!”

“You and Xiaxia need to be happy together!!!”

The back-row audience, unaware of what was happening, looked forward curiously. The on-site director quickly restored order.

Soon, everyone in the venue knew that Ji Fengxue was there to secretly watch Xia Linxia’s performance, though Xia Linxia herself was oblivious. The audience cooperated with the program, pretending they were unaware of any special arrangements.

Ji Fengxue was seated in the best viewing spot on the left side of the T-stage, opposite the backstage entrance.

She greeted the enthusiastic audience around her. Just then, her phone vibrated twice. She opened it, and a nearby audience member joked, “Is Xia Linxia still chatting with you?”

Everyone knew Xia Linxia had been “chatting” with her earlier, so she nodded, playing along, “Yes.”

The audience: Ahhhhh, live PDA!

Ji Fengxue discreetly glanced at her phone, surprised to see it was indeed a message from Xia Linxia.

[Xiaxia]: What are you doing? Little dinosaur question mark.jpg

[Xiaxia]: I’m about to meet your first love. Anything you want me to tell her? I’ll really do it this time, I promise.

Ji Fengxue: “……”

[Xiaxia’s Big Baby]: Good luck.

[Xiaxia]: Just that simple???

[Xiaxia’s Big Baby]: I mean, you, good luck.

[Xiaxia]: Little dinosaur happy.jpg

“Xiaxia” retracted a message.

[Xiaxia]: Damn it, typo! Never mind, I’m going on stage. Enjoy watching the drama of new and old lovers meeting on a soap opera evening show.

Ji Fengxue put her phone away with a helpless smile. Looking up, she accidentally met Xiao Yuran’s gaze.

Their eyes locked, and Ji Fengxue was unsure how to react. Xiao Yuran smiled first, and the camera captured this moment, prompting the audience to cheer for these “sisters.”

“The final round of voting is about to end. Please, viewers at the venue and at home, make your choice to help your favorite contestant debut.” The host said.

“The voting channel is now closed. Give our statisticians a moment to finalize the results. Meanwhile, we have a special performance coming up. This guest is remarkable, having started her journey from our stage. Now an all-around idol, let’s welcome with applause—Xia Linxia!”

The audience erupted in cheers. Many fans held up light signs, and the stage lights dimmed as the backup dancers took their positions.

The entire venue glowed orange, Xia Linxia’s support color, resembling the scorching summer sun.

Ji Fengxue redirected her thoughts, taking a deep breath as she focused on the stage.

An orange spotlight illuminated the center of the stage, revealing a slender silhouette with long, fair legs, made taller by high heels. She wore a silk robe reaching her knees, adorned with a cherry blossom forest on the back.

The person on stage lazily stretched, raising her arms. A lazy, soft-spoken English line echoed, like a morning whisper upon awakening.

The deep, elegant, and captivating voice elicited immediate screams.

As the music’s intro played, she turned to face the audience, revealing a black high-waisted crop top and shorts, perfectly showcasing her curves.

The most captivating detail was her eye makeup. Her flawless features were enhanced by the makeup, making her extraordinarily beautiful. Her lively almond eyes scanned the audience, with cherry blossom buds painted at the corners. When she closed her eyes, the blossoms bloomed.

Ji Fengxue felt the audience around her going wild.

“Ahhhhh, Xiaxia is so beautiful!”

“Oh my god, sis is stunning! This makeup is amazing, I need to try it!”

“I’m done, I’m done! Seeing Xia Linxia perform live for the first time, the aura is incredible!”

“OMG, this song is super difficult! I rarely hear her solos, her voice is so unique!”

“Seems like the girl group limited her development, haha!”

The song, a classic foreign hit, was challenging, but Xia Linxia’s pronunciation was impeccable. Smartly, she slightly adapted the song, coupled with visually impactful dance moves, making the audience overlook any differences from the original.

The original song begins with high-pitched singing, but after being adapted, it gained a more narrative quality. The entire song seemed to tell the story of a girl waking up in the morning, dressing up meticulously, and then expressing her passionate feelings while waiting for her loved one.

At first, the tempo was slow, and Xia Linxia sang the classic English song with ease, her gaze clear and her lips slightly curved.

As the chorus approached, she stood still in the center, closing her eyes.

The tempo of the song became livelier. Xia Linxia sang effortlessly while walking confidently and sensually to the front of the stage, interacting with the audience and winking at the cameras, causing the crowd to boil with excitement because she was so dazzling.

As she reached the chorus, Xia Linxia turned around, walking back with determined steps as if she were going to meet her beloved. The stage was long, and the stage lights followed her, creating a galaxy behind her. Everyone was mesmerized by this scene.

“Xia Linxia! Xia Linxia! Xia Linxia!”

“This back view killed me, I’m becoming a fan!”

“Xiaxia is so beautiful, my idol is truly amazing!”

“Why did the show invite Xia Linxia? She’s stealing the spotlight; won’t this make the rookie girls feel inferior?”

“Although Xia Linxia’s acting is bad, her stage presence is undeniable. Her gaze is amazing; even one look feels like she’s in love with me.”

“Oh please, she was clearly looking at me! She’s seducing me!”

“I wonder what Ji Fengxue’s expression will be when she sees her girlfriend performing live, haha!”

“Everyone, don’t push! The audience next to Ji Fengxue reports that she smiled! It must be a super indulgent and proud smile!”

Ji Fengxue had no idea that the surrounding audience, while watching the performance, was also spying on her emotions. She subconsciously straightened her back, wanting to see more clearly.

This was the first time she was seriously watching Xia Linxia’s performance up close. Previously, she would occasionally see her on TV, but it was far less impactful than seeing her live.

Being present made it easier to feel the emotions. She had underestimated Xia Linxia’s power. Five years ago, she was busy with work, with almost no time to keep up with every episode of the show, only watching Xiao Yuran’s personal clips online after the fact, completely unaware of such a strong competitor.

With Xia Linxia’s dominant personality, it made sense that she would make such bold statements on the night of the group formation. Because she truly believed, at this moment, Xia Linxia was the queen of the stage, capturing everyone’s attention.

Suddenly, Xia Linxia’s gaze swept in this direction.

Ji Fengxue’s breath caught, then she found it amusing. What was she nervous about? She was taking the program’s mysterious task too seriously.

Fortunately, Xia Linxia didn’t have time to scrutinize the audience; she was just interacting with them.

Ji Fengxue sighed with relief but also felt a twinge of disappointment. She suddenly wanted to see Xia Linxia’s reaction upon seeing her, surely surprised, secretly cursing her and the program’s arrangement, yet helpless.

When Xia Linxia returned to her starting position, only a few meters away, she began dancing with the backup dancers, her movements seamlessly blending with the music—sexy and powerful, creating the most explosive performance.

Everyone chanted Xia Linxia’s name in unison!

“Xia Linxia! Xia Linxia! We love you!!!”

The deafening noise was overwhelming.

Ji Fengxue disliked noise, but she didn’t feel uncomfortable at the moment. Instead, a sense of excitement rose within her.

“Ji Fengxue, do you want a light sign?” The girl next to her suddenly asked excitedly.

Ji Fengxue glanced at the light sign in the girl’s hand, not wanting to hold such a thing. Before she could refuse, the girl had already handed it over.

“No need to be polite! I know you really want it!” The girl smiled, then turned back to the stage, waving her hands and shouting, “Ahhh, Xiaxia! Mommy loves you!”

Ji Fengxue: “……”

She helplessly placed the light sign on her lap, finding the experience quite novel, as if she had suddenly become a fan.

Moments later, she joined the crowd’s cheers, softly chanting, “Xia Linxia, you can do it.”

The girl next to her shouted, “Ji Fengxue, your voice is too soft! Come, shout louder with me!”

Ji Fengxue: “……”

“Don’t you want to cheer for Xiaxia? Don’t you want her to see us? Don’t you want to sleep with her… Oh, you can already sleep with her! Ahhh, I envy you!”

Ji Fengxue: “…………”

The girl urged, “Ahhh, Xiaxia is looking over here! Ji Fengxue, raise the sign so she can see us, ahhh!”

She was so excited that she even called her by her full name.

Ji Fengxue surrendered to the girl’s wild enthusiasm, raising the light sign with both hands. The audience behind them immediately cheered, “Wow!!!”

Fu Xiaoxuan watched Xia Linxia’s textbook-level performance, then glanced at Ji Fengxue, who was holding the light sign with a focused, faintly smiling expression.

She couldn’t help but nudge Xiao Yuran, gesturing in that direction and whispering, “She used to be only your audience and never held a sign for you.”

Xiao Yuran smiled without a word. Hearing this, she looked for a moment but didn’t show any particular emotion, which frustrated Fu Xiaoxuan. Xiao Yuran was too kind-hearted, allowing Xia Linxia to overshadow her. Now, even Ji Fengxue was being taken away, and she felt injustice for Xiao Yuran.

Xiao Yuran laughed, “Because Linxia’s performance today is excellent.”

Fu Xiaoxuan wanted to say something, but noticing the camera was on them, she remained silent and focused on the stage, giving a cold smile.

As the performance neared its end, Xia Linxia maintained perfect breath control. Despite the intense and physically demanding dance moves, her singing remained flawless.

The accident happened in that split second.

As the chorus ended, a high-difficulty dance move was performed. Xia Linxia lifted her leg and as she landed, the heel of her high-heeled shoe suddenly broke. Caught off guard, she stumbled and fell backward with a loud “thud” that echoed through the entire studio via the microphone.

The audience was momentarily stunned, then cries of alarm erupted.

The music stopped, and staff rushed to the stage.

Viewers watching the live stream online flooded the screen with comments.

[Oh my god! What just happened? That fall looked painful!]

[The shoe broke—this is on the production team. How could they give her such crappy shoes for a performance?]

[That looked serious; she should see a doctor immediately. Her performance already blew me away!]

[This was the best performance of the night, no question! Xia Linxia’s talent is undeniable.]

[Stay strong, Xiaxia! I’m crying for you!]

Xia Linxia felt a sharp pain; her ankle was sprained, and her back and thigh had various degrees of injury. She had used significant strength in the dance, making the fall particularly harsh. She wasn’t sure if she could stand up again.

Just a little more, and she would have completed the performance. This was live—how could she let such an accident happen?

The backup dancers gathered around, asking how she was. She bit her lip, sweat forming on her forehead, and said with difficulty, “Help me up, let’s continue.”

“But… it’s better to go to the hospital first. Your foot is swelling, and you don’t want to risk a long-term injury. There will be other chances to perform,” one dancer suggested.

She knew the most important thing right now was to go to the hospital, but she felt unwilling. This was a performance she had rehearsed for a long time, and so many of her fans were here, cheering so enthusiastically.

Then, a voice called out from the side of the stage.

“Xia Linxia!”

Everyone looked over. Xia Linxia’s eyes widened as she slowly opened them to see Ji Fengxue standing among her fans, holding up a sign with her name on it.

“Xia Linxia, you can do it,” Ji Fengxue shouted.

The audience and online viewers joined in, chanting, “Xia Linxia, you can do it.”

Xia Linxia blinked, her eyes moistening. She looked at the backup dancers and said, “You guys continue, don’t mind me.”

The dancers didn’t quite understand her at first, but then she removed her high heels. Her red lips parted, and her heavenly voice filled the room again.

Xia Linxia continued to sing. Fortunately, the tempo slowed down, and the chorus described a girl’s fervent feelings after meeting her beloved. Now, she finally saw her loved one, gently expressing her emotions.

The music director immediately resumed the accompaniment after her a cappella verse, deeply moved.

Some fans had already started crying, while others continued to cheer her on.

Lying on the floor, Xia Linxia sang while lifting her other leg, straightening it, bending at the knee, and twirling in a dance move.

The audience, witnessing this, cried and screamed in excitement simultaneously.

Xia Linxia then sat up with a sharp motion, turning towards Ji Fengxue with an intense gaze. Supporting herself with her hands, she slowly and steadily crawled towards Ji Fengxue, her outer garment slipping off to reveal her smooth, glowing shoulder.

She sang the final lyric lazily, looking up.

Ji Fengxue felt as if pricked by a needle. Xia Linxia, at this moment, shed her usual strong demeanor, becoming both fragile and stronger.

At this moment, Ji Fengxue genuinely felt that Xia Linxia was a charming woman.

The song ended, Xia Linxia smiled, tilting her head back and closing her eyes. The cherry blossom at the corner of her eye bloomed, with a teardrop-like raindrop on the petal.

A beautiful recovery, a perfect ending.

Thunderous applause erupted.

“Xia Linxia! You’re the best!”

“Xia Linxia, stay strong!”

“Fly bravely, Xiaxia, we’ll always follow!”

“Xiaxia, go for it!”

The backup dancers carefully helped her up. The host brought a chair onto the stage, helping her sit down, and emotionally said, “Thank you, Xia Linxia, for that extraordinary performance! You’ve set a great example for the newcomers; cherish every stage. Let’s give Xia Linxia another round of applause.”

Xia Linxia wiped her tears.

“Why did you cry at the end?” the host asked emotionally.

Xia Linxia sniffed, “It hurts.”

Audience: “Hahahahahaha!”

The audience’s emotions were on a rollercoaster tonight.

The host then asked, “When you sang towards a certain direction in the last part, did you have something to say to someone there?”

Hearing this, Xia Linxia turned her head, looking at Ji Fengxue again. Ji Fengxue was still standing there, surrounded by fans, looking like their leader.

She didn’t answer the host’s question directly but asked Ji Fengxue, “When did you come? You didn’t say anything.”

Ji Fengxue looked around and heard the host invite her on stage: “Come on up, Ji Fengxue. This surprise has been revealed early, but when you called out Xia Linxia’s name, it gave everyone a big dose of sweetness, didn’t it?”

Audience: “Yes!!”

Ji Fengxue walked onto the stage, suddenly remembering the sign in her hand and trying to hide it with her hand.

Xia Linxia smiled, “Sneaking here to watch me live, I’ll deal with you later.”

Audience: “Ohhh~!”

Ignoring Xia Linxia’s teasing, Ji Fengxue looked down at her foot and asked softly, “How are you?”

“Not dying,” Xia Linxia shook her good leg, glancing at the mentor’s seat. Fu Xiaoxuan’s face didn’t look good, and Xiao Yuran’s smile had faded considerably.

Thinking of something, Xia Linxia suddenly pursed her lips, stretching out her arms, “But it still hurts a bit, dear, give me a hug.”

Ji Fengxue put down the sign and really hugged her.

Xia Linxia rested her head on her stomach, feeling a bit surprised and a bit secretly pleased. She stuck her tongue out at Xiao Yuran with a smug look.

The host asked Ji Fengxue, “Fengxue, after watching this performance, how do you feel?”

Ji Fengxue took the microphone, instinctively patted Xia Linxia’s back, and after thinking for a moment, said, “I have a bit of regret. I should have realized how outstanding she was five years ago. If I had, I definitely would have voted for her.”

Hearing this, Xia Linxia suddenly looked up at her.

Fans of both sides screamed excitedly, remembering how Xia Linxia had always held a grudge in previous interviews about Ji Fengxue not voting for her.

Ji Fengxue looked at her delicate face, now with a reddish hue around the eyes from crying due to the pain. Unable to resist, she touched the half-bloomed flower at the corner of Xia Linxia’s eye, but quickly pulled her hand back, realizing what she was doing.

Xia Linxia asked curiously, “What? Do my eyes burn to the touch?”

Ji Fengxue: “……”