Xiao Ci wants to join too!
Yang Weiyang hadn't considered this possibility before.
She thought Lin Mu Ci would perform solo, but unexpectedly, when all hope seemed lost, Lin Mu Ci was willing to lead a group. Her eyes widened, and she was overwhelmed by immense happiness.
That's right.
With Xiao Ci here.
What was she afraid of, Lu Ke Ke!
She immediately ran out to contact the other girls.
These girls, ostracized and without a fixed practice room, were found by Yang Weiyang, who ran back and forth, out of breath. The few girls gathered together, exchanging glances, still confused.
Yang Weiyang pointed at Lin Mu Ci.
Xiao Ci said she's joining us and wants to team up. Otherwise, should we confirm the song?
The other girls were so excited they were almost in tears.
Especially Han Jiu Zhen, who had thought she wouldn't debut at all and was almost desperate.
She hadn't expected to get this chance for a comeback. She looked at Lin Mu Ci with longing, even doubting if this was a dream.
With her popularity, there was no need for her to join their ragtag team.
Wasn't she afraid of her screen time being cut?
Lin Mu Ci, however, decisively stated her song choice.
I choose "Crimson Butterfly." Do you know this song?
The girls were surprised again.
This song? Of course, we know it.
This song burst onto the scene five years ago, winning awards at every ceremony.
The song tells the story of a woman betrayed by a faithless scholar who committed suicide. Her devoted admirer from the same village carries a sedan chair for a spectral marriage.
Halfway, the woman's soul appears on a tablet in the sedan chair. Red candles are lit, the soul transforms into a butterfly and surges into a paper effigy, resurrecting. She seeks revenge on the scholar, ultimately perishing with the unfaithful man.
The story of the devoted admirer finally returning home with the paper effigy.
The story was somewhat dark but incredibly compelling.
But this song is very famous and has a built-in narrative. Can we perform it well?
Yang Weiyang hesitated.
It seems to require high choreography demands, and the production team isn't providing choreographers. We have to choreograph it ourselves.
Lu Ke Ke has a very skilled choreographer who even appeared on a dance show. How can we compare to them?
Also, this song needs to be adapted. Otherwise, it's too dark. We can't film it according to the original song's plot; the production team might not approve it.
The girls were all troubled.
Lin Mu Ci remained confident.
I'll choreograph it.
I'll adapt it.
The girls were skeptical, as Lin Mu Ci hadn't shown remarkable choreography skills before.
Besides, Xiao Ci is already amazing; she can be the lead vocalist and lead dancer, and she plays a great drum kit!
If she can also choreograph, does such a divine person exist in the world?
But Lin Mu Ci stood up, knowing that actions always speak louder than words.
I can show you a small segment. I've actually done some choreography already. It's just changing from solo to group, but this is better; it can present the story more vividly.
I'm the lead dancer, but I won't be the lead vocalist this time. The lead vocalist will be Ou Ruo La. Ou Ruo La's voice is deep and majestic, fitting the song perfectly.
I'll be the backing vocalist, responsible for the chanting parts.
The rest of you will cooperate with us.
She displayed strong leadership.
A dance needs a central figure, playing the paper bride of the spectral marriage. I can do it because the most difficult choreography in the entire performance is with this character.
There also needs to be someone to cross-dress as the devoted admirer who fancies the paper bride. Weiyang and Jiu Zhen, who will do it?
One maidservant, one devoted admirer. You choose. The maidservant has large portions of identical dance moves with me, so the difficulty will be greater.
Yang Weiyang immediately raised her hand.
I want to be the devoted admirer!
She just wanted to avoid dancing.
Roles were quickly assigned.
Everyone received the lyrics. Yang Weiyang looked at Lin Mu Ci, stroking her chin, still very curious.
Xiao Ci, how are you planning to adapt it?
Isn't there also a faithless, ungrateful scholar?
Do we need someone to help us with the voiceover?
Lin Mu Ci heard Yang Weiyang's reminder and was inspired.
Yes. We do need such a character.
She slowly raised an eyebrow, and then a gentle smile bloomed on her lips.
I know who to ask.
Lin Mu Ci became more animated as she chatted with them.
A team like this can create a stage richer than she had previously imagined, such as Yang Weiyang's devoted admirer, or Han Jiu Zhen's maidservant.
Moreover, Han Jiu Zhen is likely the only one among the remaining girls qualified to perform a duet with her. Her foundational skills are solid, allowing her to execute many difficult moves.
Lin Mu Ci demonstrated a short section of her choreography, leaving them dumbfounded.
If they could truly perform the stage exactly as Lin Mu Ci envisioned, it might become a miracle in the history of talent shows.
There couldn't be a more delicate, love-hate-filled, and captivating stage.
Yang Weiyang gritted her teeth and vowed to practice overnight to perform the stage to perfection.
Then, at midnight, footsteps could be heard outside the practice room.
The door was pushed open.
What are you doing?
The other girls looked up, startled, and quickly stood up.
Teacher!
Hello, teacher.
Only Lin Mu Ci remained unfazed. She sat in her spot, tilting her head to look at Qian He, who walked in from outside. His gaze swept over the other girls before settling on Lin Mu Ci.
As if seeing through everything.
Fifth public performance practice? You've formed a group?
What song are you singing?
The other girls were about to blurt out "Crimson Butterfly," but Lin Mu Ci spoke faster.
It's a secret.
Under the lamplight, a faint smile graced the girl's lips.
She seemed to hold a great mystery.
Ling Qian He's gaze lingered on her delicate face for a long time.
Are you going to tell the production team it's a secret too?
Don't worry, I've personally turned off the surveillance. Our conversation won't be recorded.
Have the staff told you the rules for the final live broadcast? Twenty percent live audience votes, fifty percent online votes, ten percent mentor votes.
The other girls asked anxiously.
What about the remaining twenty percent?
Ling Qian He pursed his lips.
Investor votes.
It's counted under the production staff, but it's actually investor votes, with a lot of room for manipulation.
He looked at the girls with cold expressions, Lin Mu Ci being the exception.
Yes, Lin Mu Ci showed no panic at all. Her eyes were surprisingly bright. It was a cold night, and she was only wearing a thin t-shirt, but she radiated warmth.
She looked at Ling Qian He. Can I talk to you?
A moment later, in the hallway, Ling Qian He watched the girl lean against the wall. She told him in an exceptionally serious tone.
I am determined to win.
Ling Qian He said.
You can also vote for yourself. Lu Ke Ke has connections, but you have money.
Lin Mu Ci was annoyed.
Didn't you say you wanted to give me a fair competition environment?
Ling Qian He smiled.
That depends on your performance. So, you're still not going to tell me what song you're singing?
Lin Mu Ci lowered her head and sniffed. She chose this song with a hint of resentment.
"Crimson Butterfly."
Thought only he could write about dolls?
She could also write songs about paper brides!
The system was now disappointed in her lack of ambition.
He turned you into a doll, but you, of all things, wrote about a paper bride. Host, be more ambitious! Why can't you change it to a paper groom? Turning him, Ling Qian He, into a paper figurine, and playing with him however you want, wouldn't that be more satisfying?
Make him into a paper figurine, snap his thin arms and legs!
Lin Mu Ci was stunned.
Holy crap.
How did she not think of that?
Is it too late to change the song now?