A Real Heiress Quits (GL) - Chapter 28

Yu Xinyue’s footsteps were as light as a cat’s.

As she pushed open the heavy door, a soft creak echoed, and the motion-sensor lights behind her lit up in succession. The judges and the audience gasped in surprise. The lights silhouetted the girl’s petite frame.

She walked forward against the light, clad in a hooded sweatshirt with a large guitar strapped to her back, looking like a lonely singer weaving through the city lights.

“Whoa, she comes with her own lighting buff. This contestant is something else!”

“Judging by her build, she must be quite young.”

“I really want to pull back that hood and see what she looks like.”

Yun Junping was already irritable from the previous act. Seeing Yu Xinyue’s guitar, she said coldly, “Another one of your people?”

The judge with glasses gave an embarrassed laugh. “What are you saying?”

“They can’t play the guitar worth a damn yet insist on forcing it. To chase trends, they ignore their own strengths. These people aren’t here for any musical dream; they’re just here for the prize money and fame.” Yun Junping glanced at the young girl on stage, her expression full of impatience.

She shouldn’t have agreed to be on this show. It sounded nice—Searching for the Voice of Music, for music and for dreams—but in reality, who knew how many strings had been pulled at this preliminary stage. This wasn’t the “Voice of Music”; it was the “Voice of Capital.”

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Yun Junping tapped her pen against the documents. “I won’t give you extra points just because you brought a guitar. If you play poorly, it’s a point deduction in my book.”

The judge with glasses laughed. “Junping, you’re too strict. It’s just the preliminaries.”

The point of the preliminaries was just to filter out the “cracked melons and rotten dates.” If they applied the standards of the finals and failed everyone now, what would the audience listen to?

Yun Junping remained unmoved. “Begin.”

On stage, the girl held her guitar and sat lazily on the chair. The black hoodie complemented her relaxed yet cold aura. Her fair, slender hands gently plucked the strings, and a flowing, soothing sound slowly diffused through the room.

Yun Junping unconsciously put down her pen. From the very first note, she could tell this girl was different from the last one.

The song she drew was The Birch Forest.

With a clean, ethereal voice and a slightly sorrowful tone, it was like a fresh breeze sweeping across a golden field. It made one feel as if they could see golden leaves rustling and swaying, with the ground beneath their feet covered in a carpet of gold.

The song was based on the Soviet Great Patriotic War. Her voice, clear as water, narrated the story buried within the song. The audience felt as if they saw a girl in an apron standing beneath the birch trees, watching her lover leave for the army to defend their country. She carved her and her lover’s names into the tree and waited in silence, day after day, year after year.

After the first verse, the guitar grew quiet, trending toward a sorrowful stillness. The girl spoke again, tilting her chin slightly as a single tear silently slid down. She opened her mouth, but it seemed she was no longer singing about the birch forest.

“Is this The Birch Forest?”

“Is that English? Or Japanese? My god, why can’t I understand the words but I still feel so sad?”

“It feels like a lump in my chest, like watching the boy die on the battlefield with my own eyes while the girl never sees her lover return. Cursed war! Sob, I’m tearing up.”

The judge with glasses was stunned. “Is this… The Birch Forest?”

Yun Junping replied, “Mhm. It’s Russian.”

She had automatically translated the lyrics into Russian, and flawlessly at that. This child was breathtaking. Whether it was the casual outfit, the clean vocals, or the sorrowful guitar, everything matched this folk song perfectly. Even Yun Junping couldn’t find a single flaw.

Contestant No. 24 seemed not to care about the score or whether she would be selected; she simply wanted to sing the voice in her heart. She even changed the lyrics on a whim, but that only proved her immense strength.

Yun Junping calculated internally, unable to suppress a satisfied smile. If a student from the music conservatory were here, they would be shocked. Professor Yun—who was usually incredibly harsh and could pick a bone out of an egg—actually smiled?

Yu Xinyue played the guitar effortlessly, completely merging with the music. When the song ended, she opened her eyes to a tide of applause and cheers from the audience. This didn’t feel like a preliminary; it felt like attending a live concert for free. What a steal!

The judges smiled at each other, but just as they were about to score, several of their phones chimed with a text message. The judge with glasses checked his and froze instantly.

“No. 24: Eliminate.”

He broke into a cold sweat. He cursed inwardly—why send this now of all times? Did they think the people behind them were deaf? The audience was practically ready to rush up and give No. 24 flowers. If he gave a low score in public, wouldn’t he be openly admitting to a rigged game?

But the sender’s name was Ji Fu, the boss of Qingshuo.

The judge with glasses didn’t dare to fake results in public, but he certainly didn’t dare to offend Ji Fu either. The second young master of the Ji family was an old friend of the future head of the Qin family, and rumor had it the old patriarch wanted to marry Qin Qing to him—that made him half-owner of Tianyu. How could a lowly judge afford to offend him?

In those few minutes, he worked out the stakes. There was nothing in this world that money couldn’t settle. The mouths of the audience could be plugged with cash. As long as this segment wasn’t broadcast, who would know what happened?

Yun Junping gave a perfect score and asked the girl with a smile, “Have you studied music since you were a child? A musical family?” She didn’t believe such high caliber didn’t come from a musical environment.

Yu Xinyue shook her head. “Just an amateur.”

The crowd below took a collective sharp breath.

“If this is amateur, then what were the people before? Non-existent?”

“They haven’t even touched the threshold.”

“This kid sings well, but she’s acting a bit much. If she hasn’t been studying music since childhood, I’ll eat shit while doing a handstand on a live stream.”

Another judge, a portly man, wrote his score on the paper: 0.

“You sing very well,” he said righteously, “but who gave you permission to change the lyrics mid-song? This is a competition, not an improvisation. This is a profanation of music.”

As soon as he finished writing, the audience broke into dissatisfied boos. Some people started cursing.

“Tianyu playing this game again?”

“Why didn’t that last one who sang like absolute garbage get a zero? It’s just an audition. Do they really think this is some international competition?”

“Rigged! Rigged! We protest!”

The voices of opposition grew louder and louder.

The remaining judges braced themselves and gave their scores. Most who received the text gave low scores. The final, deciding vote rested with the judge with glasses, who had remained silent. He adjusted his glasses, his cold sweat nearly forming a stream. If he eliminated the child, the audience would revolt; if he didn’t, Ji Fu would deal with him. It was a dilemma.

Yun Junping slammed the table in fury. “Are you all deaf? Are you blind? You gave perfect scores to those rotten dates earlier, but you give a zero to someone with actual talent? Do you think the people below have no ears?”

“Or do you think everything can be solved with money? You only want to promote your own people and deliberately eliminate the truly talented ones? To hell with ‘Searching for the Voice of Music’—don’t come looking for me to be a judge then!” She slammed her documents down. A single sheet of paper fluttered down in front of the judge with glasses.

The audience applauded Yun Junping’s blunt honesty. She wasn’t finished. She decided that if the child were eliminated, she would quit on the spot and leak the story, seeing how the show could then dare to claim it was fair and just.

Everyone waited for the final vote. The judge with glasses tremulously lifted his pen, still not daring to defy Ji Fu’s order. Just as he was about to mark a low score, his eyes fell on the white paper that had landed beside him.

That paper was Yu Xinyue’s profile. Minors couldn’t sign up for the show alone; they had to have an adult accompanying them. This column was usually filled with a relative’s name, and judges rarely looked at it.

But the judge with glasses stared at the name on Yu Xinyue’s profile, his lips trembling. A total pupil-earthquake!!!

The name written there was Qin Qing.

What happened in the studio was unknown backstage. In Jianghan could only guess based on the noise. When she heard the applause and cheers that nearly raised the roof, her heart sank. Seeing her dark expression, Yin Hongfei assumed she hadn’t performed well. “If you didn’t get picked, you didn’t get picked. Cheer up; I’ll take you to the amusement park later.”

In Jianghan said nothing and squeezed into the corridor. The girl with the guitar walked by, head still down, showing only her pointed chin. The contestants backstage had also heard that thunderous applause; curious about the child’s performance, they all stared at her.

The hood hid her face. Yin Hongfei felt her build was familiar but didn’t recognize her. Not until they reached a quiet spot did In Jianghan shout, “Yu Xinyue, why did you come?”

He jolted. “Xinyue?”

Yu Xinyue ignored them and kept walking. In Jianghan blocked her path, demanding again, “Why did you come?!”

“Don’t be a roadblock dog,” Yu Xinyue replied.

In Jianghan’s face turned green with rage. Yin Hongfei’s face also darkened instantly. “What are you saying?”

Beneath the hood, those beautiful red lips curled slightly, but the words were harsh: “I said, don’t be a dog.”

In Jianghan trembled all over. “Uncle, look at what she’s saying.”

Yin Hongfei: “Apologize to Hanhan.”

The child said nothing. After a long moment, she raised her small fist and slowly extended her middle finger. In Jianghan was about to cry. “You low-class bumpkin, you…”

“The dog barks again.”

Yin Hongfei felt his vision go dark, wondering why his child had suddenly become so difficult. “Did Ji Zhaohua bring you here? Go back! She’s practically insane for teaching you to act like this!”

“Mr. Yin, I was the one who brought Yueyue here.”

A cold, frost-like voice rang out from behind. Yin Hongfei stood frozen, cold sweat dripping from his forehead as he remembered the embarrassment at the manor. He turned around to meet the woman’s eyes. Her deep black pupils were like frozen ice. Qin Qing, wearing a white blazer, looked sharp and elegant.

Yu Xinyue trotted over and looked up, her hidden face finally revealed. “Sister!” Her eyes curved, looking like a brilliant sunflower. Qin Qing’s gaze warmed. “Mhm. How was it?”

Yu Xinyue giggled. “I passed! Of course I passed. It was easy~” That proud, cute look made Qin Qing chuckle. With that laugh, countless spring flowers seemed to bloom in Yu Xinyue’s heart.

Seeing Qin Qing, In Jianghan hid behind Yin Hongfei. She felt guilty and timid whenever she saw this woman. She had initially thought Qin Qing would favor her like the Yin family did, but except for Yu Xinyue, the woman was cold and impersonal. How could someone wear their favoritism so blatantly on their face, not caring at all what others thought?

Yin Hongfei: “Miss Qin, this is a family matter.”

Qin Qing looked up, her eyes holding a half-smile. “Oh?” Then she ignored him completely and asked the child, “Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?”

“Hot pot!”

As the two were about to leave, the veins on Yin Hongfei’s temples throbbed. “Miss Qin, Xinyue is a member of the Yin family. You have no right to manage her and no business bringing her to a competition.”

Qin Qing stopped. “You blame me for bringing her to a competition?”

Yin Hongfei nodded. “Of course. She’s a student. She should focus on her studies. Why participate in this kind of thing?”

Qin Qing found it hilarious. “Only your niece is allowed to participate?”

The mention of his “niece” stung Yin Hongfei. He looked at Yu Xinyue silently. This child was his actual biological niece, but why had things become like this? “Hanhan is different. Her foundation is better than Xinyue’s. Even if she participates, she won’t fall behind in her studies.”

Qin Qing was slightly taken aback. “Better at studying?”

Mentioning this made Yin Hongfei’s anger rise. Forgetting who he was talking to, his voice grew louder. “You people keep saying she has talent and help her waste her time every day, but will you take responsibility for her future?”

“If the Yin family falls and she’s too poor to eat, will you support her? Or can she fill her stomach by playing the piano a few times?” He curled his lips. “By then, she won’t even be able to afford a piano. There are too many unappreciated musicians in this world—how many of them come to a good end? Isn’t it better to let her walk a stable path? Why must you lead her down this road?”

He puffed out his chest. “I am her relative. I wouldn’t harm her.” He turned his gaze to Yu Xinyue, but she turned her head away.

Qin Qing looked somewhat stunned—not by his words, but by his blatant double standards. “Mr. Yin, do you know Xinyue’s score on the last monthly exam?”

“What?” Yin Hongfei dazed, his face reddening. “Her grades have never been good, which is why I told her not to waste her time on music…”

Qin Qing: “You should give her teacher a call.”

She looked down at the child who was pursing her lips in silence, a wave of pity washing over her. Anyone could see the bias, but the Yin family seemed oblivious, claiming it was “for her own good” while forcing their will on her. Yet even in this situation, the child remained optimistic and brilliant as the sun. It was rare.

“Let’s go,” Qin Qing reached out. Yu Xinyue smiled and placed her hand in Qin Qing’s, gripping it tight. Halfway out, Yu Xinyue stopped and looked back at In Jianghan with a radiant smile. “Hanhan, why are you so nervous? What does it matter to you whether I participate in Searching for the Voice?”

In Jianghan gripped Yin Hongfei’s sleeve, hiding her pale face. Does Yu Xinyue know I took her song? No… don’t be afraid. She can’t prove it. Qingshuo has already paved the way for me…

“I-I’m not nervous,” In Jianghan forced her voice to be steady. She had known long ago that only what people saw was recognized. So, in winter, she would lie and say a store-bought scarf was hand-knitted for her grandmother. Even though she looked down on servants like Aunt Xu, she acted affectionate with them in front of her uncle. In people’s eyes, she was a sensible, excellent child, while Yu Xinyue was just a clumsy one.

It was the same now. As long as no one saw, as long as people’s eyes were covered, Yu Xinyue’s talent was just useless scrap. Who could she prove herself to? She had the lyrics the night they were written and posted them online first. Even if Yu Xinyue tried to speak out, the company would back her up. Xiao Wu said she was the most valued newcomer. She didn’t need to be afraid.

Yu Xinyue: “Is that so?” Her smile was deep and meaningful.

The two went to a high-end Chinese restaurant. The hot pot bubbled, and the spicy red soup in the four-grid pot boiled first. The thick layer of chili on the red oil was mouth-watering.

Qin Qing watched the girl deeply, thinking that if the child appeared before the public, there would be as much slander as there was praise. Many people living in dark corners hate flowers that glow in the sun and will destroy them if given the chance.

Yu Xinyue dipped a piece of beef into the pot, swirled it for ten seconds, then ate it with chili sauce. She was so spicy that her face turned red and she stuck her tongue out. Qin Qing laughed. “Eat less spice. Don’t ruin your voice.”

Yu Xinyue’s tongue felt thick from the heat. “I… I can… eat… spicy…”

Qin Qing’s eyes curved. The white steam softened her features. Yu Xinyue dazed for a moment, forgetting to take the milk the woman handed her. Qin Qing cooked the food and placed it on her plate but didn’t eat herself. Working day and night on Tianyu had left her with no appetite.

“Yueyue,” she asked suddenly, “Is that sister in your house named In Jianghan?”

Yu Xinyue looked up sharply. “Why ask about her?”

Qin Qing brought it up because she had seen the name on the list from Qingshuo.

Yu Xinyue squinted, the sweetness of the cake lingering in her mouth. She finished the last bite and stretched like a cat. “Sister, I want to participate in Searching for the Voice too.”

Yu Xinyue finally made her choice. Qin Qing wiped the chocolate from the corner of her mouth. “No matter what it is, as long as you are willing… I will support you.”