The Scarlet Performer

Ji Fanxing’s body trembled slightly, and red rashes began to appear on her fair skin. She shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, trying to suppress the growing discomfort that crept over her. At that moment, Ji Shengxue approached her like a gentle spring breeze.

“Xiaoxing, are you alright?” Ji Shengxue took the pungent lilies from her hands, her voice laced with concern. “You don’t look well… Should we go to the infirmary?”

Ji Fanxing shook her head, forcing a pale smile. “Sister… I’m fine. It’s just a little allergy.”

No sooner had she spoken than she felt an itch spreading swiftly along her neck. She lowered her head to hide the red bumps quietly rising beneath her skin.

“So stubborn.” Ji Shengxue leaned in, whispering softly by her ear, “Don’t push yourself. If you’re not up to it today…” She paused. “I can go on stage in your place.”

Among the clustering onlookers, whispers passed from one to another: “See? The eldest sister is always so considerate.”

Another voice chimed in, “Exactly! That’s what family is all about.”

Yet no one noticed the fleeting glint of calculation and satisfaction in Ji Shengxue’s eyes.

Ji Fanxing knew she couldn’t back down. “Thank you for your concern, sister,” she replied calmly, deflecting Ji Shengxue’s attempt to disrupt her focus. “But the stage is mine tonight. Don’t worry.”

Seeing her efforts were in vain, Ji Shengxue simply spread her hands with feigned helplessness. “If that’s the case…” She turned and left before finishing her words.

At that instant, a fan happened to record the entire exchange with a phone—from Ji Shengxue accepting the lilies, to their conversation and eventual parting—capturing every intricate detail.

Soon, the video made its way online: [#All-Round Song King# The Ji Sisters’ Warm Interaction Backstage], complete with footage and photos uploaded to social media.

The comment section exploded:

“Wow~ Our cool Queen actually has a weakness!”

“The eldest sister is so caring!”

All the while, Chu Hao was observing silently backstage, his eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. From the moment Ji Fanxing entered the dressing room, he’d noticed the subtle changes in her expression.

“What’s wrong? You look a bit pale,” Chu Hao asked coldly, though a hint of concern flickered in his gaze.

Ji Fanxing gently shook her head, replying calmly, “It’s nothing serious, maybe just a bit too much pollen in the air this morning.”

Chu Hao frowned and stepped closer. “Don’t force yourself. The way you’ve been sneezing doesn’t look like nothing.”

She tried to ease the tension with a faint smile. “Thank you for worrying, but the performance is about to start. I can’t let a little allergy affect my show.”

But Chu Hao was unmoved. In his eyes, this woman always pushed herself too far. “You call this professionalism? Don’t forget, your body is your foundation!”

Facing his nearly commanding tone, Ji Fanxing did not yield. “Don’t worry. I know my limits.”

They exchanged a silent look, the tension lingering, until the organizers’ urgent call broke through: “Five minutes to curtain!”

Chu Hao took a deep breath. “Fine! Go to the infirmary right after the competition.” He turned to leave but emphasized firmly, “Remember what I said.”

“I will.” Ji Fanxing sent a resolute and unwavering smile at his retreating back.

The lights rose and the music began; the semifinals of “All-Round Song King” officially commenced. When Ji Fanxing stepped onto the stage, no one could see the fine sheen of sweat on her brow or the heaviness in her breath—every eye was captured by her flawless talent and charm.

The lingering scent of lilies still tingled at her nose. She inhaled deeply, drawing in the unique, chaotic air of backstage, trying to suppress the urge of an allergic reaction. The makeup artist flitted in front of her, powder puff gently dabbing her flushed cheeks.

“Fanxing, are you sure you’re alright?” the makeup artist asked with genuine concern.

Ji Fanxing forced another smile. “I’m fine. Just a little allergy.”

Onstage, the lights dimmed as Ji Shengxue’s pure, heavenly voice filled the hall. When the song ended, the applause thundered and the judges gave her high marks.

Backstage, a staff member hurried over. “Fanxing! Are you ready? You’re next!”

“I know.” Ji Fanxing rose, the discomfort still lurking in her eyes, but she strode determinedly toward the stage.

“Did you hear? Fanxing seems to be having an allergic reaction!” whispers buzzed through her fan group.

“Can she still perform? I’m so worried!”

“Go, Fanxing! We believe you’ll overcome anything!”

From the microphone, the host’s voice rang out, tense yet full of anticipation: “And now, please welcome our powerhouse contestant who’s held the King title for weeks—Ji Fanxing! Let’s give her a warm welcome!”

Once more, the lights converged, and Ji Fanxing stepped into the circle of the spotlight. Cheers and supportive shouts echoed in her ears—“You can do it!” “We love you!”—their voices the strongest force propelling her forward.

The stage darkened, and a single beam of light slowly descended upon the center. Ji Fanxing stood there, her silhouette stretched long, like an angel poised to take flight.

“Now, please welcome the so-called ‘musical prodigy’ Ji Fanxing, as she brings us her solo performance!” the host announced with excitement.

The audience broke into thunderous applause and cheers. Fans waved glow sticks, and the live stream’s comment section was already flooded.

“The king returns!”

“We can’t wait for you to blow us away!”

Ji Fanxing took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, all nerves and unease had vanished.

The first note rang out—a piano melody flowing like a clear spring. Then came her voice, pure and resolute, echoing in the vast theater:

“Upon this long journey,
I seek the longing of my heart.”

Her singing was crystalline, powerful yet gentle, each word as if spoken from the depths of her soul. As the tempo quickened, the entire theater was swept up in the beauty of the melody.

The audience listened in rapt silence; even the most boisterous fans ceased their shouting and waving of banners—they knew this moment belonged to Ji Fanxing, and to music itself.

“I am willing to become a cloud,
Soaring across endless skies.
Let the wind guide me onward,
Chasing the spirit of freedom.”

The chorus surged with even greater passion:

“Even if the world changes color,
My song will still ring out.
Even if the future’s unknown,
My dreams will forever shine.”

Each word seemed to carry a stamp of strength, trembling and reverberating in the air. The audience felt the force and impact—the true blend of genuine emotion and art.

When the final note faded, the hall fell into an uncanny silence. But it lasted only a heartbeat—then came a tidal wave of applause and cheers, louder and longer than before!

One of the judges rose to his feet. “Miss Ji…” He paused. “Tonight you brought us a surprise! You have defined, in your own unique way, what true artistic expression means.”

The live stream’s comment feed was a blur:

“Oh my god! That was incredible!!”

“I’m in tears… this feeling goes beyond words…”

“She’s the only one fit for the King’s throne!!”

Because of Ji Fanxing, tonight’s semifinals of “All-Round Song King” were extraordinary—there were no losers here, only victors whose hearts had been cleansed by beauty and souls moved by sincere emotion.