I am going to make a scene!

Ji Shengxue and Xu Mo, guided by the ceremonial host, took their places beside Ji Fanxing and Ning Ze.

At this moment, Ji Fanxing stood in the center, Ning Ze at her left, while Xu Mo was positioned over a meter away to her right. Ji Fanxing’s gaze lingered briefly on Xu Mo; after all, he had been the last person in Ji Shengxue’s waiting room. Xu Mo, usually uninterested in variety shows, had returned to "King of All Singers" as a supporting guest, all for Ji Shengxue. For reasons unknown, Xu Mo looked over at Ji Fanxing, and their eyes met unexpectedly.

Ning Ze, standing at Ji Fanxing's right, noticed their silent exchange. With subtle composure, he circled half a turn around Ji Fanxing, positioning himself at her other side, effectively standing between her and Xu Mo, separating them. He greeted Xu Mo with a bright smile, “Long time no see!” Xu Mo merely nodded, his eyes averted, distant and cold.

“Long time no see,” Ji Shengxue said, her tone unconcerned, friendly as if past grievances were nothing.

“Heh,” Ning Ze replied, polite but clearly uninterested.

From the way the four stood on stage, it was clear the show’s producers were stirring things up. The camera zeroed in, capturing every subtle interaction, magnified on the big screen for the audience. Ji Fanxing drew all attention, Ji Shengxue’s red dress blazed like fire, Xu Mo looked distinguished and aloof, and Ning Ze’s fox-like eyes widened into almonds as he orbited Ji Fanxing.

In that instant, both the live audience and viewers at home conjured countless dramatic scenes in their minds: the villainess from a wealthy family, rivalry between sisters, unrequited love—who loves whom, who loves another, she loves him, he loves her, she loves her...

[These four are so stunning, handsome and beautiful—amazing!]
[This is a hundred times more entertaining than TV, so much drama, my god!]
[Honestly, if these four starred in a show, I’d watch it no matter how bad it was.]

Other contestants continued to take the stage, but the audience hardly noticed; the online chat was abuzz, with viewers creating scripts starring Ji Fanxing and the others, line by line.

Finally, all contestants had appeared. The host, Brother Du, returned to the stage.

“Next, allow me to give the highest welcome to our special guest tonight—the music master Fang Zhijing!”

As stirring, majestic symphony music played, Fang Zhijing walked slowly onto the stage. The audience finally abandoned their imagined dramas, erupting in thunderous applause.

Fang Zhijing waved gracefully to the crowd. Passing by the contestants, his gaze fell on Ji Shengxue. He offered a gentle smile and encouraged her, “Girl, do your best.”

After his words, he looked ahead and moved toward the elevated mentors’ platform. This gesture immediately sparked speculation throughout the venue.

[Master Fang actually greeted Ji Shengxue!]
[Shengxue is incredible! The invitation letter must be hers this time.]
[Though I like Ji Fanxing, Ji Shengxue has sung several of Master Fang’s songs on the show, so I think he’ll favor her this time.]
[Honestly, I’m not surprised; that’s just how the entertainment industry works. Still, Shengxue’s talent is solid—she deserves the invitation.]

All the mentors took their seats, and the contestants, together with family and friends, sat at their designated tables.

The final round’s seating was completely different from before: nine groups of sofas arranged around round tables, spaced apart, each with its own camera for direct shots. The king’s exclusive lounge was set right beside the mentors’ section.

Viewers watching the livestream could not only follow the main program but also switch to their idol’s direct camera feed.

Always particular about her surroundings, Ruan Lin refused alternative arrangements and insisted on sitting with her eldest daughter, Ji Shengxue. She gazed at Shengxue with concern, growing increasingly discontent toward her second daughter, Ji Fanxing.

Ji Rufeng saw Ji Fanxing naturally enter the king’s exclusive lounge, and his teeth clenched with anger. Recalling his elder sister’s fragile state backstage, his youthful temper could no longer be contained. He stormed over.

Ji Rufeng barged menacingly into Ji Fanxing’s lounge, the door barely closed before he began venting his frustrations for his elder sister:

“Ji Fanxing! Do you think you’re so great sitting here? You’re a useless nobody, yet you dare steal your sister’s spotlight!”

Ning Ze frowned, about to retort, but Ji Fanxing gently pulled him back. She smiled at Ji Rufeng, “Brother, you need to understand—this seat was won by me, not taken.”

“You won it?” Ji Rufeng’s fury grew.

“You’ve never beaten your elder sister! She’s so talented. If you hadn’t caused her injury, making her unwell, how could you have possibly beaten her?”

Ji Fanxing suddenly wished she didn’t have to acknowledge this fool as her brother.

“Ji Rufeng, her injury was to her leg. This is a singing competition. How could that affect her?”

Ning Ze added, “In the last round, Ji Shengxue’s leg had already healed, yet she still couldn’t surpass her.”

Ji Rufeng glared at them in frustration. “But…” he wanted to argue further.

“But what?” Ji Fanxing cut him off.

“If you truly care for your elder sister, you should support her in showing her best side to the audience—not accuse others of being undeserving behind their backs.”

Her tone was calm, yet carried a sharp edge.

“Go tell Ji Shengxue: if her skills aren’t enough, she should work harder to improve, not covet what belongs to others.”

Ji Rufeng was stunned, confusion and a trace of innocence in his eyes.

Once again, Ji Fanxing had confronted him head-on. Ever since childhood, whenever he lashed out, she would either remain silent or speak gently.

“You…”

Emotionally, Ji Rufeng felt Ji Fanxing’s words were nonsense, but rationally, he couldn’t find the words to refute her. He stood there for a long moment, lost for what to say, when the door was pushed open once more.

She gently took Ji Rufeng’s hand. “Rufeng, stop making a scene.”

Although Ji Shengxue said nothing to rebuke him, the unmistakable disappointment and helplessness in her expression was enough to stir the audience’s hearts.

“But elder sister…” Ji Rufeng still wanted to argue.

“It’s alright,” Ji Shengxue interrupted. “You’re just worried about your sister. Let’s go.”

She spoke to the still-stunned Ji Rufeng, never once looking at Ji Fanxing.

At Ji Shengxue’s insistence, the obedient Ji Rufeng could only relent. “Alright…”

“Sorry, Fanxing, for disturbing you.”

The direct camera quietly broadcast the scene, and Ji Shengxue’s departing figure seemed especially forlorn.

Many viewers who chose Ji Fanxing’s direct feed were moved by what they saw.

[I feel like Ji Fanxing is getting a bit arrogant.]
[She dares criticize others, but a few days ago, while everyone worked hard, she hid in the villa being lazy.]
[Has she gotten cocky just from winning a few rounds? A true master is humble.]
[She’s too confident now, isn’t she? Has she really become conceited?]