Under the teacher’s arrangement, Xia Anran signed up for the competition. Besides her, seven other members of the singing team also registered, among whom Zhang Lu was the most skilled.  

Having been in the cultural troupe for five years, Zhang Lu was a seasoned veteran with excellent vocal skills and steady stage presence. Originally, after the former lead singer’s incident, Teacher Yuan had planned to promote her as the new lead singer. However, Zhou Yuxin had forcibly intervened and snatched the position away.  

Zhang Lu was a fiercely competitive person, desperate to stand out. But coming from a small county town with no influential family background, she was no match for Zhou Yuxin and had been suppressed by her ever since.  

Now serving as the deputy lead singer of the song and dance troupe, Zhang Lu could still perform independently on stage. However, the difference between the lead and deputy roles was significant.  

She was never the one to headline the show, nor would she ever be prioritized for promotions.  

A promotion was crucial for Zhang Lu to remain in the military. Without it, she would have to retire and return to her hometown—a small county she had no desire to go back to. She refused to leave the stage.  

This competition was undoubtedly her lifeline. Thus, Zhang Lu poured all her effort into it, determined to win at all costs.  

Teacher Yuan also held high expectations for Zhang Lu. Though not as naturally talented as Xia Anran, Zhang Lu had a better voice, stronger singing skills, and far more stage experience, giving her a much higher chance of winning.  

Seeing that only eight people had signed up while others remained hesitant, Teacher Yuan continued to encourage everyone:  

“Everyone should sign up enthusiastically—don’t hold back. This competition has fair and impartial judges. Connections and backgrounds won’t matter. If you have the skill, you can become the lead singer.”  

Two female soldiers, initially motivated by Teacher Yuan’s words, hesitated when they saw Zhou Yuxin return and ultimately backed out.  

With Regimental Commander Zhou around, how easy would it be to win? Even if they did win and became lead singers, wouldn’t they still be under Regimental Commander Zhou’s authority?  

If they snatched his niece’s position, wouldn’t they be targeted afterward?  

Zhou Yuxin, however, wasn’t acting as arrogantly as usual. Traces of tears were visible on her face as she approached Teacher Yuan and apologized:  

“Teacher Yuan, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have left without permission. Please forgive me!”  

Teacher Yuan was soft-hearted when met with humility. Seeing Zhou Yuxin’s apology and her swollen eyes from crying, she only reprimanded her lightly:  

“Disobeying orders and leaving without permission—two demerit points.”  

Zhou Yuxin quickly nodded. “Thank you, Teacher Yuan.”  

A mere point deduction didn’t matter. With her uncle’s influence, the promotion quota was guaranteed to be hers anyway. Even if all her points were deducted, she wouldn’t care.  

Teacher Yuan had initially considered disqualifying Zhou Yuxin from the competition. But seeing her sincere attitude, she allowed her to continue participating.  

Deep down, Teacher Yuan knew that even if she forbade Zhou Yuxin from competing, it wouldn’t make a difference. Regimental Commander Zhou would ensure his niece participated no matter what. To avoid unnecessary complications, she decided it was best to let the competition proceed smoothly.  

While signing up, Zhou Yuxin glanced at the registration list and frowned upon seeing Zhang Lu and Xia Anran’s names.  

Zhang Lu was a stronger singer than her, more experienced, and had years of stage presence—she was Zhou Yuxin’s toughest competitor.  

Xia Anran, however, didn’t concern her much. A newcomer from the countryside? Even if Zhou Yuxin half-heartedly sang, she would still outmatch her.  

But when she noticed Xia Anran’s chosen song—*”Beat the Drum and Strike the Gong”*—a flash of contempt crossed Zhou Yuxin’s eyes. *Xia Anran is doomed. How dare she overestimate herself and pick this song?*  

Throughout the morning, the competing girls practiced diligently in the rehearsal hall.  

Xia Anran stood in front of the mirror, practicing not only her singing but also her stage presence. After finishing a song, she noticed someone approach Zhang Lu, whispering a few words before Zhang Lu left.  

Xia Anran didn’t pay much attention and continued practicing.  

At lunch in the cafeteria, she ran into her other two roommates, Wen Fangfang and Li Yanqiu.  

Wen Fangfang was a sweet-looking girl with an equally sweet personality. Her charming almond-shaped eyes always seemed to be smiling, and it was clear she had been pampered growing up. As a dancer in the dance troupe, her figure and poise were impeccable.  

Li Yanqiu, on the other hand, had a more heroic appearance—thick eyebrows, large eyes, and an air of spirited vigor that perfectly embodied the image of a female soldier. She played the accordion in the band.  

Though both girls came from military families where their fathers held high-ranking positions, neither carried an air of superiority. They greeted Xia Anran warmly.  

Wen Fangfang smiled sweetly. “I’m Wen Fangfang. Welcome to our dorm!”  

Li Yanqiu greeted her with bold enthusiasm. “I’m Li Yanqiu. If anyone gives you trouble, just let me know—I’ll take care of them.”  

Xia Anran immediately took a liking to her two new roommates and replied with a smile, “I’m Xia Anran. It’s an honor to be your dorm-mate.”  

When personalities click, friendship forms instantly. The three of them hit it off right away, chatting animatedly.  

While waiting in line for food, Li Yanqiu lowered her voice and asked Xia Anran, “I heard your singing team is holding a competition?”  

Xia Anran nodded. “Yes, I signed up.”  

Li Yanqiu grinned. “Nice! Bold move for a newcomer to join the lead singer competition. I like it.”  

Wen Fangfang, however, looked slightly worried and cautioned her, “Anran, be careful. Zhou Yuxin is Regimental Commander Zhou’s niece.”  

As they spoke, they noticed Zhang Lu standing dazed in the food line, clutching her lunchbox. The queue had moved forward, but she remained frozen in place.  

Xia Anran observed Zhang Lu’s unusual behavior and recalled how she had been called away earlier that morning. It wasn’t hard to guess that someone had pressured her.  

Xia Anran had never been one to meddle in others’ affairs. In her past life, she had suffered dearly for doing just that.  

Back when she first started university, she had seen Ye Lingling being bullied and immediately stepped in to protect her. From then on, she had shielded Ye Lingling like a fiercely protective mother hen.  

When she noticed Ye Lingling couldn’t afford meals, Xia Anran shared half of her own hard-earned work-study money with her, tightening her own belt without complaint.  

During her sophomore summer break, while working at a bubble tea shop, she was scouted by a talent agent and landed a commercial. Unexpectedly, the ad became a massive hit, launching her into the entertainment industry. Her debut film was an instant success, turning her into a rising star.  

After graduation, when Ye Lingling couldn’t find a decent job, she turned to Xia Anran for help. Without hesitation, Xia Anran took her in as her manager despite her lack of experience.  

She had given that venomous “best friend” her whole heart—only to be repaid with betrayal and a tragic death.  

This time around, she would respect others’ destinies. What didn’t concern her, she would ignore. No more unnecessary interference.  

Besides, even if she wanted to intervene, it wouldn’t matter. Just by joining the competition as a newcomer, she was already drawing enough attention. Without Uncle Huo’s formidable backing, Regimental Commander Zhou would have already targeted her.  

So, no matter what happened to Zhang Lu, Xia Anran would remain a cold observer—absolutely no involvement!  

That afternoon, Xia Anran noticed two more contestants being called away—both strong vocalists. She pretended not to see and continued practicing diligently.  

Zhou Yuxin had initially dismissed Xia Anran as no threat. But after hearing her sing during practice, panic set in. *Her voice is incredible—this isn’t some amateur! She’s been hiding her skills. I underestimated her.*  

No. Xia Anran couldn’t be allowed to compete.  

Seizing an opportunity, Zhou Yuxin slipped out of the rehearsal hall and hurried straight to her uncle’s office.