Against the Light - Chapter 30
Chapter 30: My Glory
"Uh, Teacher Bai, hello. I'm Ran—ahem, Little Fairy's assistant."
Bai Yilan frowned. That voice…
"Fang Jinghai?"
"You know me!?" Fang Jinghai was thrilled. Teacher Bai actually knows who I am!!!
Just as she was celebrating, she realized something was off…
Looking around, she saw six or seven people closing in on her, each eyeing her with ill intent. Their stares made her hair stand on end!
"You are…" Fang Jinghai took a deep breath. It seemed she had stumbled into something serious…
"Director, who is this? Here to cause trouble?"
"And she's holding a stick. What do you want?"
"A fight? We're ready when you are!"
"???" Fang Jinghai was completely bewildered.
"W-wait, brothers and sisters, it's a misunderstanding, a total misunderstanding!! I, I'm…"
"She's my friend. You can all get back to work," Bai Yilan said, glancing at them.
"Oh, okay." The group obediently dispersed.
Fang Jinghai patted her chest and let out a breath of relief that was anything but an exaggeration. "Thank you, Teacher Bai!"
"You were looking for me?"
"Yes, yes, Little Fairy sent me. She heard you withdrew from the competition and was worried about you, so she asked me to come and see. Were you… threatened by someone?"
"No. Tell her to focus on the competition."
"Uh, but… then why did you withdraw? Was it really because her dancing was so bad that you were disappointed? She-she's amazing, a really fast learner. She'll definitely work hard. Could you… give her another chance?"
Bai Yilan just shook her head with a light smile.
Fang Jinghai sighed, knowing she couldn't meddle in their family affairs. "Well, Teacher Bai, if anyone threatens you, you have to tell me!"
"I'll be going now. Hey, Teacher Bai, you… you'll watch the finale, right?"
"Mhm." Bai Yilan nodded with a smile.
Fang Jinghai was incredibly excited. "She won't disappoint you again, I promise. You have to believe in her!! Goodbye, Teacher Bai!"
The day passed in the blink of an eye for the three members of the Fairy Group, but for the audience waiting with bated breath, it felt like an eternity.
The screen showed the interiors of the three villas. Although the other two villas were buzzing with intense rehearsals and full of interesting moments, nearly half of the comments were focused on the villa in the middle, which remained a black screen.
【Ahhh, today is dragging on so slowly! I've been watching this screen all day. I've never looked forward to tomorrow this much!!】
【Same here! I'm not sleeping tonight, I'm just going to wait for the competition tomorrow, waaaah.】
【Waaah, the first day without Teacher Bai. I miss her.】
【I wonder if Teacher Bai will be at the finale? I want to see her.】
【+1, besides this show, I have no idea where else I can see Teacher Bai, ahhhhh!】
【A ten-thousand-signature petition begging Teacher Bai to open a Weibo!】
At the same time, Ming Zhen was also glued to her phone, her eyes wide with anticipation. She even sent a comment of her own.
【First day without Little Fairy. Miss her.】
The next morning, many viewers tuned into the live stream right at the 6 AM start time. As expected, Teacher Bai's villa was still dark. The people in the other two villas were up and rehearsing their scenes as usual, but everyone's expression was much more serious. The lighthearted laughter and cheerful atmosphere of the past two days were gone.
【There's such a thick sense of tension first thing in the morning.】
【I want to know how the Fairy Team is doing! How are they!!!】
【Don't worry, sis, we'll see our wives in just a few more hours!】
【Sisters, cherish it. This is the last time we'll see them. After tonight's competition, the Fairy Group will be gone.】
【Damn, now that you put it that way, I'm almost too scared to watch!】
As the competition drew nearer, the live comments grew denser.
On the set of Flowers Falling at Grain Rain, Bai Yilan watched the actors' performances on the monitor, her brow tightly furrowed.
"Cut! What's going on? Every single one of you is out of it today. What's on your minds?" Bai Yilan scanned the room, and many of them lowered their heads.
"Well? Speak up."
Seeing the director's stern expression, no one dared to answer.
Bai Yilan was silent for a moment. "Is it because you want to watch the competition?"
"Yes! Uh, no, no, no…"
"After we finish this scene, we'll watch it together."
"Whoa! Long live the director!!!"
Instantly, everyone was fired up, working with passion as if they'd been shot with adrenaline.
At eight o'clock that evening, the studio lights came on right on schedule. In that instant, the screen was completely covered by a dense barrage of comments!! Everyone was shouting with excitement; the long-awaited moment had finally arrived!
The mentors took their seats. However, when the audience saw that Bai Yilan's seat was still empty, they expressed their deep disappointment. Their spirits lifted slightly only when they noticed that all the previously eliminated contestants were seated in the audience.
The host walked gracefully onto the stage, gave a slight bow, read a commercial, and then officially announced the start of the recording.
"It is with great regret that, due to personal reasons, Teacher Bai is unable to join us for the final competition. I know many of you here are fans of Teacher Bai, and on her behalf, I can only offer a sincere apology."
A collective wail rose from the audience.
"However, even though Teacher Bai is not with us today, I believe the Fairy Group will not let everyone down. They will surely deliver a performance that will satisfy everyone!"
"Fairy Group—Fairy Group—" the audience chanted in unison, cheering for them.
The host announced the official start of the competition.
The first to perform was Yan Xi's group, featuring three veteran actresses led by Ye Qihan. All three were powerhouse actors who had clawed their way up from the bottom, taking one step at a time under the watchful eyes of their fans to get where they were today. Needless to say, their fan base was solid. The moment they appeared, the entire venue erupted. The cheers were deafening, loud enough to tear the roof off.
As the shouting subsided, the performance officially began.
Ye Qihan was dressed in red, her expression cool and her beautiful eyes frosty. She exuded a heroic and commanding aura!
The longsword in her hand moved as if it were an extension of her arm. Every move was powerful, her dance graceful and fluid. She landed as lightly as a dragonfly touching water—it was clear she was a trained practitioner.
The other two veteran actresses began their acting showdown. Every blink, every subtle movement of lifting a wine cup as they watched the sword dance, was filled with probing tension and hostility.
The short ten-minute performance left the audience shouting for more.
On the film set.
"Qihan is amazing. I can still remember what she was like when she first started. It's been ten years, and she's become a household name, while I'm still just a camera operator. Sigh~"
"I think the three of them acted so well, even better than the original. These veteran actresses are the real deal! The championship is in the bag, right?"
"Even though they performed really well, I'm still rooting for the Fairy Group!"
"Sister Lan, what do you think?"
"Ninety points, I'd say."
"Huh?"
"Mhm. Qihan's sword dance was too fierce; it lacked a certain softness. The other two acted their parts well, but they didn't grasp the rhythm. While it was thrilling to watch, it was over once it was over. It lacked a lingering impression."
Everyone stared at her blankly.
"Tsk, no wonder we have to do so many takes every time we film. Sister Lan sees things differently than we do! All I saw was that Qihan danced well!"
"Same here."
"This 'lingering impression' thing is a bit abstract. It's only a few-minute-long clip, how can you act that out? Besides, doesn't it mainly depend on whether the plot has memorable points? The focus of this scene is the sword dance, isn't it?"
"Yes, exactly. It lacked a lingering impression. I forgot it as soon as it was over. Nothing memorable," Ming Zhen also chimed in.
Everyone turned to look at her. "I have a reasonable suspicion that you're only dissing her competitor because of Little Fairy."
"Am I that kind of person??"
"Hey, hey, the second group is on!" Everyone immediately turned their attention back to the screen.
As the stage lights came up, Yang Xue made a graceful entrance. She had also chosen an elaborate red dress, but unlike Ye Qihan's, hers had a train over half a meter long that trailed on the floor.
The dress accentuated her figure, highlighting her exquisite curves. Coupled with Yang Xue's own delicate features, her title of 'pure little fairy' was certainly not for nothing.
The moment she appeared, Bai Yilan sighed and looked away, leaving the others bewildered. But then they remembered that this was Gu Xinran's former affair partner, so it was only natural for the director to dislike her.
"Hmph, what's with this Yang Xue? Dressed so beautifully, her styling is way too over-the-top. Is she here to act or to compete in a beauty pageant?" Ming Zhen immediately started criticizing.
The others shot her a helpless glance. A woman in fan mode was a scary thing.
Bai Yilan also glanced at her but said nothing, a smile playing on her lips.
As expected of someone with a professional dance background, Yang Xue's movements were more graceful and elegant than Ye Qihan's. Her performance was polished and skillful, and her handling of the water sleeves was nothing short of spectacular, leaving the audience stunned and shouting their praise.
After the dance, Yang Xue gave a graceful bow. As she turned back, she winked at the audience. This simple gesture drew shrieks from her fans, pushing the atmosphere to another climax!
【Damn, this Yang Xue is really something. Her dancing is incredible.】
【With all due respect, while her dancing is good, why does it feel like there's very little interaction between the actors? It was basically just watching Yang Xue dance the whole time. Isn't this supposed to be acting? How did it turn into a dance performance?】
【Same, I got that feeling too. Yang Xue was stealing the show a bit. After watching it once, all I remember is her dance; I didn't even follow the plot. The highlight of this scene is supposed to be the acting battle between the three of them.】
【Yang Xue is the most beautiful!! Haters, get lost!!】
【I feel like Yang Xue's group has a huge chance of winning.】
【Ahhh, the next group is the Fairy Group!!!】
【Here they come, here they come, my wife is here, ahhhhh—】
Amidst the heated discussion in the comments, the stage lights dimmed.
Everyone was ecstatic. They had waited for this moment for far too long!!!
"Little Fairy—Little Fairy—"
The live audience chanted in unison. As the stage lights slowly brightened, the chants instantly turned into screams. Even Lu Qing and Yan Xi, sitting in the mentor seats, subconsciously covered their ears.
"Ahhhhhh—"
"Go, wifey! No matter how you dance, you're still the best Little Fairy!!!"
After a wave of screams, the audience tacitly fell silent, leaving the stage to the Fairy Group!
When she saw them appear, Ming Zhen nearly fell to her knees. Her eyes, sparkling like little stars, were fixed on the red figure in the center of the stage. She recognized her, the Little Fairy she had been thinking about day and night, from just her back alone!!
She had chosen the character's original costume from the play, without any alterations. Even her hairstyle was a perfect replica.
Her long hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall. Her hair, water sleeves, and the hem of her dress seemed to move without any wind.
She performed a graceful bow, and her smooth hair slid down to her shoulders, adding a touch of charm.
Seeing her movement, the two people sitting at the table responded. The Third Prince raised his wine cup, glancing at her as if unintentionally. The Crown Prince's lips curved into a smile, his eyes full of affection.
The music began to play slowly. Every one of Gu Xinran's movements landed perfectly on the drumbeat. Her posture was elegant, her dancing skillful, leaving the audience dumbfounded. This seemed completely different from what they had seen during the live streams!!!
The music was slow and melodious, and her dance slowed down with it.
An elegant turn finally revealed her face to the audience. She was wearing a golden half-mask that perfectly complemented her fiery red dress.
A faint sorrow flickered in her eyes, and even her dance steps seemed slightly hesitant, merging the character's inner conflict with her movements.
Dong!
A heavy drumbeat landed in everyone's hearts.
The Third Prince looked up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. The Crown Prince, lost in Liu Su's dance, poured himself a drink.
Liu Su's movements also paused for a beat.
In that instant, through their respective performances, the three of them sent out a single signal!
This was the Third Prince giving Liu Su his final ultimatum!
The audience subconsciously drew in a sharp breath, an unexpected sense of tension filling the air!
Using her dance steps, Liu Su slowly moved toward the Crown Prince, but her eyes remained downcast the entire time, not daring to look at him.
The Third Prince calmly poured himself wine, but as he saw Liu Su gracefully turn and move away from the Crown Prince's table, the hand holding the wine pot visibly froze.
The drumming grew more intense. Liu Su's dance transformed from its initial indecisiveness to something increasingly resolute. The longsword danced, sleeves and skirt flying, as she performed the sword dance for entertainment with single-minded focus.
Her clean, sharp movements sent another signal to the audience: Liu Su had already made her decision! That was why she was no longer hesitant!
As the sword dance neared its end, the Third Prince's expression grew heavier, and he didn't touch his wine cup again.
In contrast, the Crown Prince beside him was in high spirits. As he raised his cup, he glanced at the Third Prince and even deliberately nudged him, signaling for him to drink as well.
The Third Prince forced a smile, but his expression changed the moment he turned away.
The Crown Prince shot him a sidelong glance, the word 'happy' practically written on his face.
All three of them were completely in character the entire time. They not only played off each other but also deeply captivated the entire audience with their performance. This point greatly surprised the two mentors, Lu Qing and Yan Xi. After all, their group had no mentor to guide them!
The drumming ceased, and the sword dance ended with it.
The audience held their breath, nervously watching the three on stage.
Liu Su slowly stepped forward. After a moment of silence, she knelt on one knee, an unexpectedly formal gesture.
As she raised her head, her eyes met the Crown Prince's, and her features relaxed.
Her gaze shifted to the Third Prince. The smile in her eyes vanished. Her gaze flickered away for a moment as she lowered her head, avoiding his eyes.
She rose and exited the stage. The performance was over.
The entire venue was dead silent.
But a moment later, it erupted in earth-shattering applause and screams!!
"Ahhhhhh, Little Fairy!!!"
"Little Fairy—Little Fairy—"
The audience chanted Little Fairy's name in unison, once again pushing the atmosphere to a climax!
Lu Qing and Yan Xi exchanged a look, both seeing the deep surprise in the other's eyes.
They rose in unison, applauding the three for their exquisite performance.
"Fairy Team—Fairy Team—"
The cheers from below did not die down for a long time. The three of them bowed deeply to the audience, thanking them for their support.
Back on the film set, everyone watching the live stream had an expression of savoring the aftertaste.
"Sister Lan, is this the 'lingering impression' you were talking about? I think I'm starting to get it."
"I suddenly have the urge to go back and watch the movie again. That final kneel was absolutely brilliant!"
"Me too!!"
"Mhm. The play and the actor bring out the best in each other. If an actor's brilliance is too overpowering and steals the show, they will only be remembered for a moment," Bai Yilan said.
"So, Yang Xue was just focused on her dancing to highlight herself, and she had too little interaction with the other two actors. Even though she got a lot of cheers, it was just for her stage presence and dancing, and had nothing to do with the play or her acting, right?" someone asked.
"Mhm."
"Little Fairy is going to win for sure, right? Right!!!" Ming Zhen pressed.
Bai Yilan smiled.
Seeing her expression, everyone thought, It's in the bag!
"If there's no foul play," Bai Yilan added.
"!!!"
"They wouldn't dare!" Ming Zhen fumed.
【Ahhhhh, holy crap, is that Little Fairy? Didn't she not know how to dance?! You call this not knowing how to dance!!!】
【Ah, I remember now! Do you guys remember Guozi kept saying she had a surprise for everyone? Could this be the surprise?!!】
【Little Fairy's dancing is so beautiful. She really is a fairy!!】
【Ahhhhh, I'm dead.】
【Didn't they not have a mentor? How did they perform so well? Even better than Ye Qihan's group, ahhh!】
【What is life for, if not for Little Fairy?】
On stage, the host invited the two groups that had performed earlier back on stage.
The other two groups hugged each other in goodwill, but the Fairy Group was a little different.
The Third Prince and the Crown Prince hugged each other tightly, tears nearly streaming from their eyes, which made the audience roar with laughter.
"Get together—get together—" some audience members even started chanting.
Gu Xinran took note of Yang Xue's expression. It was one of shock, utter shock, as if she had never expected their group to perform so well.
Just then, Yang Xue looked over. Gu Xinran curled her lips at her, a cold light glinting in her eyes.
"I know everyone must be curious about the Fairy Group's experience over the past two days. Let's have them tell us about it." The host was good at reading the room. Seeing the immense support for the Fairy Group, she immediately cued them.
Lin Guo took a step forward, exceptionally emotional, her eyes welling with tears and the tip of her nose turning red.
"There's something I have to say." Lin Guo turned to look at Little Fairy, who had already switched the longsword to her left hand.
Lin Guo grabbed Gu Xinran's right hand and held it up high. The camera zoomed in, revealing a clearly red and swollen wrist.
"Actually, Little Fairy sprained her wrist a long time ago, but she never said anything. Yesterday, she rehearsed with us more than ten times. By evening, she couldn't even hold her chopsticks." At this, Lin Guo's nose tingled. "And, and Little Fairy is really amazing. She explained techniques to us bit by bit and taught us how to act. I wanted to give up so many times, but she kept encouraging me. Seeing the look in her eyes made me feel so at ease. She really is the best Little Fairy!!"
"In the two days Teacher Bai was gone, Little Fairy was truly our pillar of support. She's very good at managing our emotions and is an incredibly considerate and responsible person. I'm so glad I was in a group with her. Even though I still don't know who she is, no matter who she is, I've decided she's my friend!" Qin Qiong said.
【Ahhh? Little Fairy taught them? She's that amazing!!】
【Ahhh, I can finally see Little Fairy's real face! I'm so excited!!】
【Fairy Group for the win! For the win!!!】
【Hurry up! I want to see Little Fairy!!】
【Teacher Bai, did you see that!】
【Ahhh, my wife is so amazing, she's so amazing!!!】
"Little Fairy—take off the mask!!"
The audience chanted in unison, wanting Little Fairy to remove her mask.
Before Gu Xinran could respond, the host stepped in and asked the other two groups to come forward and speak.
Soon, all three groups had finished their speeches, and the host announced the start of the voting.
The bar graphs representing the three teams rose steadily. Before long, the bar for Yang Xue's group gradually stopped, followed by Ye Qihan's. Only the Fairy Group's bar continued to surge forward!
"Ahhhhhh!!!" Seeing the Fairy Group's vote count instantly crush the other two teams, the audience was ecstatic.
Lin Guo threw herself onto Gu Xinran's shoulder and burst into tears. Heaven knew how much psychological pressure she had been under these past two days!!!
The audience cheered ceaselessly for the Fairy Group!
Ye Qihan and the others also led the applause, graciously congratulating the Fairy Group.
"It was truly amazing. After watching your performance, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly," Ye Qihan said, looking at them, her gaze landing on Little Fairy.
"Sister Qihan, you're too kind. It was just a stroke of luck."
"If you say that, you'll make me want to hide in a hole."
The two exchanged a smile.
Yang Xue walked over with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Congratulations. Your acting was superb. The younger generation is truly formidable."
Qin Qiong glanced at her and returned a dry smile.
Yang Xue ignored Qin Qiong and focused on Gu Xinran. "Who are you, really?" she asked, puzzled.
Gu Xinran gave her a faint smile. "Teacher Yang, you really don't recognize me?"
"Take off the mask!!! Little Fairy! Take off the mask!"
The audience chanted in unison, demanding Little Fairy remove her mask.
Lu Qing also spoke into her microphone. "Little Fairy, you did say you would reveal your true face when you left this stage. You can't go back on your word."
"Ahhhhhh, take off the mask!!!"
Gu Xinran looked at her. "Don't worry, Teacher Lu. I won't go back on my word."
"Then…"
"But. Before that, I have a question for Teacher Yang." Gu Xinran walked up to Yang Xue, her eyes smiling as she looked at her.
"Hmm? A question for me?" Yang Xue was taken aback.
"??? Ask Yang Xue? What does she mean?" The crew on the film set was completely baffled.
"Can she hurry it up, ahhh, I'm so anxious!!"
Bai Yilan's expression changed slightly. For a moment, she couldn't figure out what Gu Xinran was planning, but she felt an unexpected sense of nervousness.
"Hey, hey, hey, she was supposed to take off her mask, why is she taking off her clothes!!!"
"???"
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