I think it would be best if you didn't go.

This time, Ji Shengxue was no longer singing one of Fang Zhijing’s songs, but surprisingly, it was still a traditional-style piece. The melody soared gracefully, with the occasional notes of the guzheng bringing the music to life.

Ji Fanxing leaned back in her chair, unable to help but praise her elder sister’s cleverness.

This song was a reimagining—lyrics added to a classic dance composition that had been around for many years. In the past, her elder sister had won numerous awards with this very dance, so her understanding of the piece ran deep. After adding lyrics and performing it as a song, the effect far surpassed that of the earlier contestants, even outshining Lu Yi’s performance by a considerable margin.

As Ji Shengxue finished singing, she was met with thunderous applause from the entire audience. The stream of live comments showered her with praise.

“Shengxue, you’ve truly surprised me. The creation of traditional-style music is multifaceted, but to interpret it well, the key lies in understanding,” Fang Zhijing said, his tone sincere and heartfelt. Perhaps the previous few songs had left him frustrated, but this time, he made no attempt to hide his admiration.

“Whether it’s adaptation or original composition, one must never lose sight of what a song is at its core—it should be pleasing to the ear and evoke anticipation and delight. At the very least, you’ve achieved that. This time, I’m giving you…”

He paused, recalling the political maneuvering and backroom deals that lurked behind the scenes, and let out an almost imperceptible sigh. Resigned, he added ten points in his mind.

“Ninety,” he announced.

With Fang Zhijing’s high score as precedent, the other two guest judges didn’t dare hold back either, each awarding her marks in the nineties. Xie Huai, holding the scoring device, hesitated for a moment before following his heart and giving her an eighty-five.

Thanks to the rather lackluster performances that had preceded hers, the audience and online viewers, suddenly treated to a genuinely good song, were generous with their votes as well.

Ultimately, Ji Shengxue earned an impressive score of ninety-five.

Hearing this, Ji Shengxue remained composed and gracious on stage, neither elated nor dismayed, and exited with poise.

[Ji Shengxue is really amazing. She has the highest score right now, doesn’t she?]
[This is the first ninety Fang Zhijing has given! That’s a full twenty points higher than the previous seventies!]
[I’m honestly in tears. My girl, Axue, finally made it to first place! Even if it’s not the overall championship, being first in the finals is incredible!]
[Who said our Axue only got the invitation because of backstage deals? She’s clearly here on merit!]
[Axue’s hard work has finally paid off!]

Her fans were brimming with pride, overlooking the fact that her high score was largely thanks to the mediocre performances that came before her. But their joy was short-lived; soon, even stronger contestants would take the stage and put them in their place.

It was now almost Ji Fanxing’s turn to perform. Still dressed in her formal gown, she needed to change backstage. As soon as Ji Shengxue finished singing, Fanxing was ushered by the waiting staff towards the dressing area. Passing by the door of Ji Shengxue’s dressing room, she inevitably spotted her mother, Ruan Lin, from a distance.

Ji Fanxing watched coldly as her mother, who had been waiting in anxious anticipation, immediately wore an unpleasant expression upon seeing her.

“Mother, I’m going to change now,” Ji Fanxing said flatly. Ever since her rebirth, her mother had shown her nothing but a cold face, and she no longer cared. She offered a perfunctory greeting and prepared to walk on.

But just as they were about to pass each other, Ruan Lin called her back.

“Ji Fanxing!”

Fanxing stopped and turned. “Mother, is there something you need?”

“I heard about it.” Ruan Lin’s eyes were sharp, her carefully maintained face darkened with anger. “What did you do to Rufu?!”

Ji Fanxing understood immediately; it was simply a case of her precious son having suffered a setback.

“As his elder sister, I merely offered some guidance when my younger brother acted foolishly,” she replied calmly.

Ruan Lin was seething. No sooner had Fanxing spoken than Ruan Lin raised her hand to slap her. The movement was swift and unexpected, and had it landed, there would have been a visible mark.

But just before the blow landed, Ruan Lin’s wrist was caught.

“No singer would go on stage with a handprint on her face. Mother, isn’t this a little inappropriate?” Ji Fanxing’s voice was icy.

Although Ji Shengxue had often said that Fanxing had changed a great deal, whenever she faced Ruan Lin, she always behaved with courtesy. To Ruan Lin, this daughter was merely rebellious and disobedient.

But Ji Fanxing, who had nearly been struck, was done pretending.

For the first time, Ruan Lin felt a hint of fear, forcibly stopping herself from stepping back.

“Ji Fanxing! Who gave you the right to discipline your brother?!”

“Simply by virtue of being your daughter, I—”

At that moment, an announcement came from the stage: “Congratulations to contestant Ji Shengxue, who has taken first place with a high score of ninety-two!”

Upon hearing this, Ruan Lin’s expression softened a little, relief evident on her face.

“Did you hear that? Ji Fanxing, you’ve already taken so much from Shengxue. There are some things that aren’t meant for you. You’d do well not to covet them.”

Confronted with her mother’s blunt words, Ji Fanxing’s expression grew even colder.

“Oh? So in your eyes, only Shengxue deserves success and applause?”

“Of course,” Ruan Lin sneered. “Don’t you think I know exactly what kind of person you’ve always been?”

“The more you say, the more you reveal your own shallowness,” Ji Fanxing cut her off. “My efforts and achievements were not taken from anyone. If you can’t manage the most basic respect, then please remain silent.”

Seeing her mother’s appearance, Ji Fanxing had no wish to argue further. She released her mother’s hand and began her preparations.

As she waited to go on stage, she wondered whether, as her mother wished, she should simply snatch that invitation for herself.

When Ji Shengxue returned to the dressing room, she found her mother looking pale and out of sorts. Considering the timing, she immediately guessed it had something to do with Ji Fanxing.

Feigning surprise, she asked, “Mother, what’s wrong? You don’t look happy.”

Ruan Lin’s expression softened slightly at the sight of her eldest daughter. “It’s Ji Fanxing… but never mind, let’s not talk about her. You did wonderfully today. I just heard that Master Fang gave you the highest score.”

Ji Shengxue lowered her head modestly. “Mother, it’s all thanks to your teaching. I never could have done it without your and Father’s support.”

“My Shengxue is still the best!” Ruan Lin smiled, patting her daughter’s head. “With your ability, you’d have earned that invitation even without Changming pulling strings behind the scenes. I listened to all the songs tonight, and yours was by far the best…”

Before she could finish, music thundered from the stage—strong drumbeats conjuring the clangor of arms and the sweep of armies, a momentum as fierce as a tiger swallowing a thousand miles.

It was now Chu Hao’s turn to perform.

As always, he delivered a rap, this one inspired by his collaboration with Ji Fanxing, completed just a week before the competition.

This, too, was a traditional-style song.

Unlike all the previous contestants, this was an entirely original composition.

Chu Hao, in the style of a personal narrative, told the story of a general’s life a thousand years ago.

His enunciation was clear, his sense of rhythm strong, and whether the audience was familiar with rap or not, everyone was drawn in. When he reached the part describing the general’s battles, the accompaniment thundered with war drums, stirring every heart.