A Real Heiress Quits (GL) - Chapter 27

One month later, advertisements for Searching for the Voice of Music were rolling in everywhere.

You could see promotions for the show just by turning on the TV. Discussion grew daily; even the little brats at Siyuan were discussing participating in the auditions. After all, the show’s slogan was: “Searching for folk music, reclaiming scattered pearls.”

“Did you guys watch the TV? The auditions for our district start in a few days!”

“Of course I did. I want to go.”

“How about we skip class?”

“Are you looking for death? Old Hou will kill you!”

At the classroom door, girls clutched posters and chattered excitedly. The posters featured the mentors: the famous musician Aaron, old-school star Zhang Wei, opera artist Mei Yiqing, and the recently very popular actress, Chen Ziyu.

The mentors were a mix of Chinese and Western; they featured both traditional classical art helmsmen and modern pop music escorts. There were powerful old-school singers and trendy “traffic” starlets. This “hodgepodge” approach also sparked heat online.

Many criticized mixing all musical styles together, claiming it would make the show a “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none” spectacle just to grab attention, failing to find the true “voice of music” as advertised. Others had loathed the music circle controlled by professional singers for a long time; they looked forward to this “mudslide” intended to wash over the entire music scene, hoping for voices truly from the ordinary people and the heart, distinct from highbrow art.

Another group took a “spectator” attitude, silently enjoying the drama and stirring the pot on various forums, much like Baoyu clapping and saying, “Tear it, let it tear more loudly!” Consequently, the show’s popularity exploded before it even aired, with every detail catching the eye.

The hottest topic of discussion was the identity of the mystery person standing in the center of the poster. Between the four mentors, in the “C-position,” was the silhouette of a mysterious figure. This silhouette took up most of the poster, yet kept their appearance hidden. This suspense further piqued people’s interest. Discussing who the mystery person was became a common topic of idle chatter.

The middle school students were also discussing it enthusiastically.

“I’d say, looking at this silhouette, it should be a man.”

“What? Look here, it’s clearly a ponytail. It’s definitely a girl!”

Chen Ziyu’s little fans were complaining: “Sister Ziyu should be in the middle. What was the production team thinking? If it weren’t for my sister, no one would watch this trash show.”

As soon as those words were spoken, several people burst out laughing.

“Haven’t you heard Zhang Wei’s songs? I remember going to KTV as a kid; his songs were must-plays. I feel he’s a bit more powerful.”

“And this one, the head of the Mei school, has even been in CCTV documentaries.”

“Aaron is also amazing; he’s won so many international awards.” A young girl swooned over the blonde, blue-eyed man. “And he’s so handsome.”

“I still think Mei Yiqing is handsome! A refined gentleman, gentle as jade.”

“What are you talking about? Mei Yiqing is a woman! She plays ‘laosheng’ (old male) roles in cross-dressing; she’s a star performer!”

“Holy crap!”

“Holy… crap!”

The little fan murmured indignantly, “I still think my sister is better. They’re all just piggybacking on her fame…” She bit her lip and suddenly said, “It would be great if I could be selected as my sister’s student.”

“Heh, who wouldn’t want that?”

They looked at each other and sighed dejectedly. Discussing the drama was fine, but they knew they’d just be “cannon fodder” if they actually participated.

“Speaking of which, In Jianghan has been absent for several days. I heard she’s preparing for Searching for the Voice.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Zheng Pin. As a best friend, Zheng Pin’s expression was complex. “Mhm.”

“Whoa!! Did she sign with a company too?”

Zheng Pin said coldly, “I don’t know, stop bothering me.”

Friends are strange things; you aren’t happy when they are doing poorly, but you’re even less happy when they are doing better than you. This was Zheng Pin’s current mood. Clearly, In Jianghan had no real talent, so why was she chosen by Qingshuo? A song? She had never seen In Jianghan write any songs. On the other hand, Yu Xinyue…

Zheng Pin looked at the empty seat by the window, her gaze darkening. She had long seen Yu Xinyue biting her pen, thinking of melodies and lyrics. She and In Jianghan used to mock her for overestimating herself, yet In Jianghan was chosen by Qingshuo because of a song that appeared out of nowhere. Could it be…

She frowned. After all, she was In Jianghan’s best friend, so she chose to remain silent. Anyway, sucking up to Yu Xinyue brought her no benefit.

Miao Wanling, still resenting the slap from In Jianghan, said indignantly, “Her? What talent does she have? She didn’t even win a consolation prize in the campus singer competition, yet she’s going to Searching for the Voice?”

Jiang Nuan echoed, “Exactly. Old Hou has been holding back his anger; he’ll definitely give her a harsh scolding when she gets back.”

“Even if someone in our class could be selected, it would be Yu Xinyue. Remember? She played the piano so well in music class!”

After she spoke, she realized everyone had suddenly gone silent. She asked in confusion, “What? Why aren’t you guys talking?”

Miao Wanling coughed desperately.

Jiang Nuan was blank. “Huh?”

Then she saw In Jianghan standing at the door with a cold face. She shivered and instinctively backed away. Is this crazy woman going to rush over and slap me again? Jiang Nuan was about to cry; how did she get caught by the person involved every time she gossiped? She vowed never to be a big mouth again.

In Jianghan’s face was like iron, her eyes filled with resentment. She really wanted to rush over and teach these gossipy people a lesson. Jiang Nuan actually dared to compare Yu Xinyue to her—so what if she played the piano a bit better or could write songs? What was the use? The song she worked so hard to create was now her own.

In Jianghan gritted her teeth, remembering the director’s words about her being a public figure soon and needing to maintain her image. She could only swallow her anger, shoot a glare at Jiang Nuan, and return to her seat.

Just then, Old Hou came in with the homework. Seeing In Jianghan, his expression immediately darkened. “Follow me.”

In Jianghan obediently followed him to the teacher’s office. Hou Cheng said with frustration, “Tell me, how long have you been skipping class lately?”

In Jianghan whispered, “I took leave.”

Hou Cheng sighed. “Just for that show? You’re a student now; don’t waste your energy on useless things. Look, the midterms are coming up; what will you do?”

In Jianghan pouted, not taking Hou Cheng’s words to heart. The auditions were in two days, and Xiao Wu had guaranteed her selection would be no problem. She was about to become a big star! Why study? Getting first place had no allure compared to being a star.

Seeing his class representative remained unmoved, Hou Cheng’s head ached. “Look at Yu Xinyue; her grades have skyrocketed lately. You’re family; why can’t you learn from her?”

These words suddenly struck In Jianghan’s sore spot. Her eyes widened, and her long-suppressed anger erupted. In a heat of the moment, she talked back: “Family? Who is family? Why should I learn from her? What’s so good about her?”

Hou Cheng was caught off guard by her retort. “What did you say?”

In Jianghan gritted her teeth. “Nothing…”

Hou Cheng said, “The monthly exam results are out. She is far ahead, while you didn’t even take the test. How can this continue?” He waved his hand irritably. “Go now, and don’t skip any more classes.”

During the break, students gathered in front of the notice board. After every exam, Siyuan printed and posted the top hundred scores of the whole school.

“Full marks in Chinese, full marks in math, full marks in English…”

“Am I seeing this right?”

“Is a god born?”

Zhu Kang squeezed through the crowd and shouted, “Monitor! You’re actually not first this time!”

Yan Ji lifted an eyelid. “Shut up.”

The name at the top: Yu Xinyue.

That porcelain doll?

Yan Ji lowered her gaze and turned to leave, bumping into Tong Ya and Yu Xinyue walking hand-in-hand. She felt a bit guilty and wanted to apologize for what happened that day, but the “white rabbit” didn’t look at her at all, walking past her without even a glance.

Yan Ji: “…”

On the other hand, Yu Xinyue wanted to talk to Yan Ji but was dragged away by Tong Ya. Yu Xinyue felt like laughing; she didn’t expect the soft-looking Tong Ya to be so difficult when she was angry. Having been friends with Yan Ji for many years, one look at Yan Ji’s expression told her the girl regretted it, but she just couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

Yu Xinyue felt a bit of schadenfreude—That’s what you get for not cherishing what people give you and tossing it to others!

But being an old friend, she still wanted to find a chance for these two “quarreling lovers” to reconcile.

Tong Ya saw the transcript, her eyes shining, looking at Yu Xinyue with even more admiration. “Yueyue, you’re amazing!”

Yu Xinyue felt ashamed. Since she had accidentally taken first place by trying too hard once, she couldn’t hide her strength anymore. Who cared if others were surprised? They’d be even more surprised later anyway. Consequently, she became famous throughout the school.

Yan Ji knit her brows irritably. “Classmate, that day…”

Tong Ya didn’t even turn her head, staring only at Yu Xinyue. “Yueyue, let’s go to the classroom.”

Yu Xinyue couldn’t help but smile, winking at Yan Ji. “Sure, let’s go. Didn’t you say you wanted to buy the collector’s edition of Don Quixote lately? I looked around the city bookstore but couldn’t find it.”

“It’s okay.”

Yan Ji gazed at the backs of the two leaving together. After a while, she took that bookmark out of her pocket, looked at it, tucked it back in, and took out her phone. “Hey, Brother, get a book for me.”

Putting down the phone, she heard a commotion in the crowd and glanced back. Shu Ziyu was walking with his head down, dragging his bag, deaf to the surrounding discussions. Yan Ji heard he had been severely injured by street thugs. Now it seemed he had healed, but he was dejected—nothing like the bullying young master he used to be, looking like a drowned dog.

Yan Ji had always disliked his school bullying; seeing him so miserable made her a bit happy. Thinking that the “white rabbit” and the “porcelain doll” were in Shu Ziyu’s class, her brows knit again—given those two girls’ soft and easily bullied personalities, would Shu Ziyu bully them? She had heard many rumors that Yu Xinyue had been bullied quite a bit by this gang before.

So Yan Ji called out to the boy: “Shu Ziyu.”

Shu Ziyu stopped and nodded listlessly.

Yan Ji gave a tip: “I’ve recently made two friends who are in your class.”

For the sake of the Yan family, no matter how much of a bastard Shu Ziyu was, he wouldn’t bully those two kids. Thinking of this, Yan Ji paused and continued, “Do you know Yu Xinyue? She and the person beside her…”

Unexpectedly, as soon as the words were spoken, Shu Ziyu’s face turned pale instantly, and his eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost. Even his body began to tremble slightly.

Yan Ji frowned. She only mentioned Yu Xinyue’s name—why did Shu Ziyu look like he had seen a ghost? Was he afraid of the victim seeking her soul in his dreams? Or had he finally found his conscience?

Yan Ji wanted to say more.

But Shu Ziyu suddenly shouldered his bag, turned, and ran. He slipped away faster than a thousand-meter physical test, vanishing from Siyuan in an instant. The onlookers were left staring blankly, not understanding what happened.

Zhu Kang howled, “Monitor is awesome! One sentence scared Shu Ziyu away!”

“Wipe out campus evil forces, starting with me! Starting now!”

“Monitor is awesome! International Class is awesome!”

Yan Ji was speechless. “Shut up!!”

“Did you hear? Shu Ziyu just returned to school, and the International Class monitor scared him away with one sentence!”

“What did she say?”

“She asked, ‘Do you know Yu Xinyue?'”

…

Yu Xinyue, Yu Xinyue again?

In Jianghan slammed her pen on the desk. Ink splashed out, hitting her right in the face. Her mindset collapsed. Why did she always have to hear Yu Xinyue’s name when she came to school? Was Yu Xinyue anything special? Were these people ignorant? Did they have no eyes?

Suddenly, In Jianghan looked up. “Ziyu is back?”

A classmate saw the ink on her face, wanted to laugh but didn’t dare, and could only nod. Everyone thought Shu Ziyu left because he saw Yan Ji, imagining a grudge between wealthy families, a peak duel between school tyrants. Few people thought of Yu Xinyue; her cuteness often made people forget how fierce she could be.

After all, Yu Xinyue was a “frail, pitiful, beautiful, moving, helpless, and hardworking” victim of bullying!

However, In Jianghan could be certain of one thing almost the instant she heard it—Shu Ziyu’s beating definitely had something to do with Yu Xinyue!

So as Yu Xinyue crossed the aisle, In Jianghan grabbed her and interrogated: “Why did Ziyu leave as soon as he heard your name?”

Yu Xinyue arched an eyebrow. “Oh, you came to school today.”

Recently, the two of them didn’t take the same car; Yu Xinyue was picked up and dropped off by Ji Zhaohua.

In Jianghan was about to explode with anger. She had been here so long, and this person only just noticed? But that wasn’t the point. She asked furiously, “You still say you have nothing to do with Ziyu? Why did he run as soon as he heard your name?”

Tong Ya bit her lip and said softly, “Just ask if you want to ask, don’t be fierce.”

Only then did In Jianghan turn her gaze to the newcomer. “Is it your place to speak?”

Yu Xinyue pulled the “cutie” behind her and smiled at In Jianghan. It was a “kind and friendly” smile, yet the onlookers felt a chill down their spines, not to mention In Jianghan.

Yu Xinyue: “None of your business.”

In Jianghan’s eyes widened. “What did you say? You keep saying you have nothing to do with Ziyu, but you clearly do! You lied to Grandma; I’m going to tell her!”

Yu Xinyue: “…Oh.”

“None of my business.”

“Pfft.” Jiang Nuan couldn’t help but laugh out loud. In Jianghan shot her a look, and the girl immediately went quiet, burying herself in her textbook. But soon, low laughter came from the four corners of the classroom.

Yu Xinyue didn’t bother with her, taking Tong Ya back to their seats. In Jianghan wanted to go and argue with her, but was stopped by Zheng Pin. “Hanhan, don’t make a scene.”

“What did you say?”

Zheng Pin pulled her aside and whispered, “The class has been talking about you lately.”

“Talking about me? What?”

Zheng Pin hesitated and confessed, “They say you used to be jealous of Yu Xinyue, so you deliberately teamed up with Shu Ziyu to bully her.”

This was indeed the truth.

In Jianghan’s face twisted. “Those useless people who only know how to talk behind others’ backs.”

Zheng Pin: “…So don’t do this anymore. Now her grades are good and she’s so beautiful; who knows how many people consider her a goddess. If you act like you did before, I’m afraid…”

“Afraid of what?” In Jianghan’s voice was cold.

Zheng Pin: “I’m afraid the situation will flip.”

The campus is a small society; it has always been this cruel and realistic. In Jianghan had profited from this cruelty before, but now she might become its victim. The bully finally becomes the bullied.

In Jianghan vaguely sensed the change in the attitude of those around her and gritted her teeth in disbelief. “They wouldn’t dare.” She thought of something and suddenly smiled. Anyway, she was about to become a big star; why bother with these ants and bedbugs? By then, wouldn’t these people be rushing to suck up to her?

Zheng Pin suddenly asked, “Hanhan, did you write that song yourself?”

In Jianghan’s heart tightened, and she scolded sharply, “Of course I wrote it! What are you saying? Do you suspect me of plagiarism?”

Zheng Pin didn’t expect such a violent reaction and waved her hands. “Of course not, just asking.”

Did Yu Xinyue say something? In Jianghan was suddenly alert, her heart instantly in her throat. She wanted to ask Zheng Pin, but feared causing her suspicion. For the next few days, she was on edge, repeatedly searching online to confirm she was the first to post it.

However, when she heard Yu Xinyue’s name at the audition site, her mindset collapsed in an instant.

The audition site was bustling. The entry threshold for Searching for the Voice was extremely low, so all kinds of people came. Sifting through the significant parts to broadcast to the audience was an enormous task. The audition phase was divided into several steps. The first was the preliminary selection, where judges in each division eliminated most from tens of thousands, with the remaining few thousand entering the online audition stage. Participants had to upload a one-minute video to a designated channel to be evaluated by the online public and professional panel. After passing, they had to participate in a selection again, scored by judges, to get a plane ticket to the semifinals.

Currently, In Jianghan was at the preliminary audition site. She wasn’t worried; this stage wasn’t like the semifinals and finals that required full live broadcasts. Only a few highlight parts would be edited and broadcast, making it easy to manipulate. Xiao Wu had guaranteed earlier that as long as she came, she wouldn’t even need to open her mouth to advance.

Seeing the anxiety and hesitation on the faces of those around her, the corners of In Jianghan’s mouth turned up slightly, revealing a pitying smile.

Yin Hongfei squeezed through the crowd and handed her a bottle of mineral water. “Don’t be nervous on stage.”

In Jianghan took the water and smiled sweetly. “Mhm! I’ll definitely make Uncle and Grandma proud!”

Yin Hongfei: “…Finish the selection early and go back to study. The teacher has called me several times already.”

In Jianghan’s smile stiffened. She silently unscrewed the water and took a sip.

Her number was 23.

Finally, it was her turn. In Jianghan entered the studio. Following Qingshuo’s arrangement, she performed a guitar solo with vocals. In Jianghan was finally relieved when she saw the piece—the “random” piece was indeed the one the company had her practice for a long time. She wasn’t good at the guitar, but after practicing so much, she was at least proficient.

The contestants in the preliminary auditions were of varying quality. The judges on stage and the audience below had their ears tortured. Hearing a somewhat smooth voice, they couldn’t help but give a high score.

Only one judge objected.

The preliminary judges were local musicians with some fame. Yun Junping, a professor at a nearby music conservatory, was known for her high requirements and sharp eye. She twirled her pen, clearly dissatisfied with In Jianghan’s performance, and said bluntly, “Sing another one.”

In Jianghan froze on the spot. What? I only practiced this one song! Didn’t they say the company already handled it? Where did this woman come from?

Yun Junping pulled out the material. “Twenty songs are listed on the sheet. I’ll pick another one at random…”

The judge with glasses beside her pulled her back and said tactfully, “Time is short, and people are waiting behind. Let’s not test further.”

Yun Junping frowned deeply. “Your guitar and singing levels are completely inadequate; you’re an amateur, aren’t you? Why insist on holding a guitar? Fortunately, the song you picked was simple and didn’t expose your flaws.”

In Jianghan looked embarrassed.

“I suspect you only practiced this one song,” Yun Junping concluded.

The audience below whispered after hearing this.

“Why did the judge say that? It sounded smooth to me.”

“That song has the lowest difficulty; it’s hard for it not to be smooth.”

“But the girl’s guitar playing really isn’t good. Better not to use the guitar and just sing a section.”

“Maybe she’d fail even harder.”

…

In Jianghan looked helpfully at the judge with glasses; this was someone the company had smoothed things over with.

The judge with glasses coughed several times. “We’ve already scored her. Let’s just let it pass, Professor Yun?”

Yun Junping fell silent, gripping her pen, her knuckles turning white. After a long while, she spoke: “I doubt your singing ability, but luck is also a form of strength. Objectively speaking, your performance was better than those before you, so I’ll give a passing score.”

Aggregating the scores of the judges and the audience, her score was already the highest in the field.

In Jianghan’s face burned as she lowered her head and walked out of the studio. She blamed the company a bit—didn’t they say it was all handled? Where did that “thorn” come from? It was just a preliminary audition; was there any point in being so picky? She acted as if it were the grand finale, not even considering if she was qualified to sit on the grand finale’s judging panel.

In Jianghan shouldered her guitar and walked through the long corridor. Suddenly, she heard: “Number twenty-four, Yu Xinyue.”

Her eyes widened, and she froze on the spot.

Opposite her, a tiny girl walked toward her. The girl wore an oversized black hoodie, the large hood covering half her face. As they passed each other, In Jianghan tilted her head, only seeing a neck so white it was almost translucent and a pointed chin. Also, there was a guitar on the girl’s back.

By the time In Jianghan reacted, the girl had already lowered her head and entered the studio, not even casting a glance her way.

In Jianghan snapped out of it, tremulously took out her phone, and spoke with a crying tone: “Brother Xiao Wu, didn’t you say the preliminary auditions were all our people? Can you help me eliminate someone? Please don’t let her pass the selection, please…”