The reason Regimental Commander Zhou dared not provoke Teacher Yuan was that her husband was a high-ranking official in the Military Region’s Political Department—dealing with him would be a trivial matter for them.  

However, while *he* might not dare to cross her, General Huo was the top authority in the military region. Even Teacher Yuan’s husband fell under his command. Given Teacher Yuan’s fiery temper, even if Zhou invoked General Huo’s name, she wouldn’t respond politely.  

Later, he would find a way to relay Teacher Yuan’s words to General Huo. Once that happened, her husband’s military career would suffer, and he’d surely take his frustration out on her at home. That would finally allow Zhou to vent his own resentment.  

So, Regimental Commander Zhou was scheming. Knowing full well that Teacher Yuan would react harshly, he deliberately brought up General Huo to provoke her into saying something imprudent:  

“Teacher Yuan, don’t be angry. Xia Anran isn’t just some nobody—she’s…”

Xia Anran noticed the calculation in Zhou’s eyes. Though she didn’t know *what* he was plotting, she didn’t want him to mention Uncle Huo. Before he could, she quickly interjected:  

“Teacher Yuan, I deeply admire you and wish to become your student. I know my foundation is weak and I may not qualify, but please give me a chance—test me. If you still believe I’m not cut out for it, then at least I’ll have tried my best and will have no regrets.”

Regimental Commander Zhou was annoyed that Xia Anran had cut him off, but he didn’t think much of it. He assumed this country girl was just desperate to seize an opportunity and had spoken out of eagerness.  

He tried again to bring up General Huo:  

“Teacher Yuan, Xia Anran is actually—” 

But Xia Anran interrupted him once more:  

“Regimental Commander Zhou, let me try. If I truly have no talent, then I’ll give up on singing.”  

Zhou was fuming inside. *What’s wrong with this girl? Why does she keep cutting me off?*  

Only now did Teacher Yuan take a proper look at Xia Anran. The girl was very pretty, with a poised and calm demeanor—no arrogance, no anxiety. In terms of presence, she certainly had what it took to join the singing troupe.  

Moreover, the girl’s words had softened Teacher Yuan’s anger considerably. Since Xia Anran had said she would withdraw if deemed unworthy, a peaceful resolution was preferable to a full-blown confrontation with Zhou. Teacher Yuan nodded.  

“Fine, I’ll give you a chance. Do you know how to sing ‘The Golden Sunlight of Beijing’?” 

“Xiao Xia, Teacher Yuan is giving you this opportunity—you’d better make the most of it.”  

Regimental Commander Zhou wore a kindly smile and spoke in an encouraging tone before returning to his seat. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and settled in to watch the show.  

*‘The Golden Sunlight of Beijing’* was an extremely demanding song, requiring exceptional vocal control and pitch accuracy. The slightest mistake could lead to off-key singing, and Yuan Xiumei had zero tolerance for that.  

He was certain that a country girl like Xia Anran wouldn’t meet Yuan Xiumei’s standards. When she was inevitably rejected, it would be her own fault.  

Then, he could report to General Huo, claiming that Yuan Xiumei had deliberately sabotaged Xia Anran’s chances of joining the troupe. That would still provoke General Huo’s anger.  

Xia Anran had learned this song in school, and the original host (her past self in the countryside) had also practiced it by listening to the radio. So, it wasn’t a problem for her.  

First, she recalled the lyrics and the required techniques. Then, she began to sing.  

*”The golden sunlight of Beijing shines upon all lands…”

Yuan Xiumei had initially worn an impatient expression, but the moment Xia Anran began singing, her demeanor shifted. Her eyes widened in surprise, then gleamed with excitement.  

*This girl’s voice is extraordinary—clear and sweet, like a crisp apple, pure and unblemished.* Her vocal flexibility was remarkable, effortlessly hitting high notes with a natural resonance so powerful it didn’t even need a microphone.  

Regimental Commander Zhou had been sipping his tea with a smirk, fully expecting Yuan Xiumei to cut Xia Anran off after the first line. He anticipated sharp criticism that would reduce the thin-skinned girl to tears.  

At that point, he would step in, chastising Teacher Yuan. Not only would this make Xia Anran realize that without his protection, others would mistreat her, but it would also secure her gratitude toward him. A perfect two-for-one.  

Once Xia Anran was humiliated by Yuan Xiumei, she would surely complain to General Huo later. The general would then appreciate Zhou’s “protection” of her while fuming over Yuan Xiumei’s deliberate obstruction.  

But to his shock, Xia Anran sang *flawlessly*—far better than his niece, Yuxin.  

Whether it was her tone, pitch accuracy, seamless transitions between high and low notes, or her emotional interpretation of the song, Xia Anran outperformed Yuxin in every aspect.  

This infuriated him. *How could a country girl sing such a technically demanding song so well?*  

He glanced at Yuan Xiumei and saw her gazing at Xia Anran with unmistakable admiration—the kind of excitement that came from discovering rare talent. Even if he tried to stop Xia Anran now, Yuan Xiumei would never let her go.  

Yuan Xiumei paid Zhou no attention. Her focus was entirely on Xia Anran, her ears intently absorbing every note, her hands unconsciously tapping along to the rhythm. Her smile grew wider, her eyes alight with approval.  

*This girl has limitless potential. With proper training, she will shine brightly on stage.*  

Next year’s provincial military art competition would finally be hers to win. No longer would she be the butt of jokes.  

At the last competition, she had been mercilessly mocked by former rivals who sneered that she could only sing but couldn’t teach, that she had no real skill.  

*Xia Anran would be the weapon to silence them all.*  

Teacher Fang, who had been worried for Yuan Xiumei, had overheard whispers in the cafeteria that Xia Anran was General Huo’s niece. She feared Yuan Xiumei’s temper might lead to harsh words that would offend the general.  

She had even planned to intervene and stop Yuan Xiumei from saying something regrettable.  

But who could have expected Xia Anran to sing *this* well? Seeing Yuan Xiumei’s exhilaration, it was clear—Xia Anran was a once-in-a-lifetime find. Teacher Fang couldn’t help but share in her colleague’s joy, silently congratulating her on gaining such a gifted student.  

Meanwhile, Chen Yu, having settled his duties, hurried back, uneasy about leaving Xia Anran alone. As he entered the office corridor, her voice reached him—clear, powerful, and breathtaking.