"If I hadn’t married you back then, perhaps my life would be completely different now." Wen Ming said, tightening the belt of her overcoat. "Marrying you is the biggest regret of my life."
"Even that time I tried to take my own life over you... thinking about it now, I realize how incredibly stupid I was. If I could live my life over again, I’d hope to never, ever meet you."
Qi Ying clutched his chest as if he had been dealt a devastating blow, but Wen Ming didn’t spare him another glance. "I thought my position over the past few years has been perfectly clear. We’ve stayed out of each other’s lives, and let’s keep it that way. My friend is waiting for me, so I’ll be going now."
Leaving him with those words, Wen Ming turned to leave. But she’d barely taken a few steps before Jiang Hua appeared out of nowhere. "So heartless..."
Wen Ming glanced at him. "Mr. Jiang, a man who’s spent years playing the field, is calling *me* heartless? Between the two of us, who’s the colder one?"
Jiang Hua held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, you win. Are you free in a bit? Want to grab dinner tonight?"
"She can’t. She has plans with me." Chu Zheng strode over, his demeanor firm and assertive.
Jiang Hua glanced from him to Wen Ming. "And you are?"
He was just playing dumb. Of course he knew Wen Ming had a suitor. He’d gotten all the details about Wen Ming’s recent life from Old Gao. Jiang Hua probably even knew the gender of the mosquitoes that flew past her.
"Hello, I’m Chu Zheng." It takes a man to know one. Just a glance at Jiang Hua’s eyes was enough for Chu Zheng to understand his intentions, so he took the initiative and extended a hand.
Jiang Hua reluctantly shook his hand. "Hello. I’m Jiang Hua. Wen Ming’s... friend."
Wen Ming felt a headache coming on. ’I haven’t done anything wrong, I’ve been perfectly upright, yet here I am, feeling like I’m in the middle of some chaotic, romantic battlefield.’
She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Mr. Jiang, I’m really sorry about today, but I did make plans with Chu Zheng beforehand. How about next time? I’ll invite Brother Qi, Mr. Cheng Ming, Old Yan, and the others, and we can all get together."
Chu Zheng brightened immediately. He always knew how to be tactful and was gracious enough not to gloat. "How much longer until you’re done? Should I wait for you in the audience?"
Wen Ming replied, "They still have to announce the results, right? That’ll probably take another two or three hours. Why don’t you go to my dressing room? The cameras shouldn’t be focused on the dressing rooms now."
Chu Zheng readily agreed. "Sure. I’m in no rush. It’s a good chance to catch up on some sleep. If I’m this tired just from watching, you must be exhausted from recording."
Wen Ming led Chu Zheng toward her dressing room. "It’s actually not so bad. It’s just been a rush for the past few days. Since I agreed to be on the show, I have to show some professionalism, after all..."
As the two of them walked off into the distance, Qi Ying approached Jiang Hua. The two men glanced at each other, then, as if by silent agreement, they both looked away and headed in opposite directions.
And every bit of it was diligently captured by the surveillance camera in the hallway.
After the solo interviews, it was time to announce the results. Wen Ming took first place. She didn’t have much to say about the outcome. For the second round’s tribute performance, everyone except for her and Zhou Mei had sung her songs.
That was part of the reason she won. The other part, perhaps, was an arrangement by the production team. After all, with each new season, rumors about the show being rigged flew more and more wildly.
Tan You said, "But your win is still legit. I watched the whole broadcast. Your vote count was truly number one, no question. There’s no way they cheated behind the scenes."
Wen Ming felt a lot better. "That’s good. I feel more confident knowing it’s a result I earned with my own abilities."
In the second episode, one singer had to be eliminated. Watching the male singer leave, Wen Ming felt it was a genuine shame. In earlier seasons, audiences preferred singers who could deliver explosive performances and belt out high notes.
But as time went on, people’s tastes grew more diverse, and there was room on stage for singers who performed quietly and soulfully. But not this time. And so, the singer with the gentle style had to leave.
The director took a sip of water and glanced subtly at Wen Ming. "The recording for the third episode is in two days. Right now, let’s watch a video of our new challenger singer..."
Wen Ming only needed a single glance to know who it was.
The director could tell from her expression that she knew. He didn’t single Wen Ming out, just smiled and said, "The next round’s contestants are a force to be reckoned with. Everyone, be prepared."
After the crowd dispersed, Sui Yu sidled up to Wen Ming and whispered, "Someone you know?"
Wen Ming heaved a long sigh. "Yeah. Aze. Liuu Yize."
Sui Yu involuntarily straightened up. "No wonder they called him a formidable rival. You didn’t know he was coming?"
Wen Ming shook her head. "Brother Qi didn’t tell me. Oh well, I’ll see him at the recording. Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve gotten together with Aze and his wife."
’Wen Ming was suddenly very grateful that Liuu Yize was married. If he were single too, how much more complicated would her love life get? And it wasn’t like she was leading anyone on. Why was every man and his brother suddenly flocking to her side?’
"You’re back?" Seeing Wen Ming, Chu Zheng put down his magazine and stood up. "I saw the results. Congratulations on first place."
Wen Ming waved it off. "It was just a nostalgia boost, since most of them sang my songs. Want to go grab a bite? I’m starving. Just wait for me to change."
Since Wen Ming needed to change, Chu Zheng tactfully waited outside the door. Twenty minutes later, she emerged, having changed her clothes and removed her makeup. She hadn’t slept well the night before and had spent the entire day recording; without her makeup, she looked a little haggard.
Chu Zheng couldn’t hide his concern. "You look... you don’t look so good. Here, drink some milk to get your strength back. Your lips are so pale. Didn’t you eat properly today?"
Wen Ming shrugged it off, taking a big gulp of the milk. "I only ate a little, to look better on camera."
Chu Zheng said disapprovingly, "Your health is the most important thing. I never knew you had such high standards for your appearance."
Wen Ming replied, "That’s because I’m never on TV. Since I agreed to do this show, I want to look my best. I have an image to uphold, you know."
’Can’t a girl be a little vain? Now that she was finally considered a beauty, Wen Ming certainly didn’t want any embarrassing photos of herself floating around. That was why she was always extra careful, cautious in her every move, whether walking, sitting, or standing—a bit like Lin Daiyu on her first day at the Jia Mansion.’
Chu Zheng chuckled. "What do you feel like eating?"
Wen Ming wasn’t a picky eater. "Let’s get hot pot. It’s so cold out, I want something hot."
Chu Zheng gave her a look. "Not worried about gaining weight anymore?"
Wen Ming had her justification ready. "The next recording isn’t for three days. One hot pot meal is fine. I can let myself indulge just a little today."
When he saw Wen Ming reach for the backpack on the sofa, Chu Zheng smoothly picked it up for her. "Let’s go. I heard there’s a hot pot place nearby with great reviews. They have nourishing broths, too. It’ll be perfect to help you get your strength back."