Upon hearing her name, Xia Anran stepped out with a smile, radiating confidence as she took the stage. She gave a slight nod to the band:  

“I’m ready.”  

Her every movement exuded poise and grace, instantly capturing the audience’s attention. The entire auditorium fell silent.  

Teacher Yuan, who had been seething with anger moments earlier—barely pacified by Chen Yu—now sat up straight, her earlier fury forgotten as she focused intently on her protégé’s performance.  

As the lively music began, Xia Anran’s smile grew even more assured. She was born for the stage—standing there, she became its brightest star.  

The larger the crowd, the calmer she became; the more significant the occasion, the more flawless her performance. She commanded every eye in the room.  

The cheerful melody, exquisite music, and her beautiful voice blended into perfect harmony.  

No one could believe this was a newcomer. Her professional stage presence electrified the room, lifting every heart with her song.  

Chen Yu watched the dazzling girl onstage, his pulse racing, blood burning with pride. *She’s extraordinary. Perfect.*  

As the final notes faded, Xia Anran bowed gracefully, her voice clear and sweet: “Thank you, everyone.”  

Chen Yu led the standing ovation. The room erupted—applause thundered, with Wen Fangfang leaping to her feet in excitement.  

*Her friend—a rookie who just joined the troupe—was becoming lead singer! This was worth bragging about for a year!*  

Teacher Yuan clenched her fists, overwhelmed. Xia Anran had surpassed her wildest expectations. *Recruiting this student was the jackpot.*  

Even Regimental Commander Zhou, seeing his niece’s defeat was inevitable, rose to join the applause.  

Yet as he studied the radiant figure onstage, confusion flickered in his eyes.  

Xia Anran had claimed she’d only performed in the village. *Could village troupes really be this skilled?*  

Her stagecraft and magnetism surpassed even Li Shuang’s, their former lead. She performed like a trained professional.  

When scoring commenced, Teacher Yuan was first:  

“Xia Anran was exceptional. I give her full marks!” She held up a “10” proudly.  

Teacher Fang, loyal to her student, also awarded a “10.”  

Teacher Liu hesitated, glancing at Regimental Commander Zhou for cues.  

He’d previously ordered low scores for everyone except Zhou Yuxin. Without connections, she couldn’t afford to defy her superior.

Regimental Commander Zhou raised a “10” scorecard, praising Xia Anran with a smile:  

“Xiao Xia performed excellently. I give her full marks.”  

Since his niece had already lost, he might as well score Xia Anran generously—it would earn him favor with General Huo too.  

Seeing Regimental Commander Zhou’s perfect score, Teacher Liu felt safe to hold up her own “10.”  

Forty points—a full thirteen points higher than Zhou Yuxin’s score. Xia Anran was the undisputed champion.  

Regimental Commander Zhou stepped onto the stage amid applause, taking the microphone from the host to announce:  

“Comrade Xia Anran’s singing is exquisite and moving, with undeniable stage presence. Having earned perfect scores through sheer talent, I hereby name her the new Lead Singer of our singing troupe!”  

The audience erupted in thunderous applause. Everyone clapped fervently—Xia Anran’s skill was undeniable, her victory deserved.  

Moreover, they all resented Regimental Commander Zhou’s favoritism. That Xia Anran had single-handedly dethroned Zhou Yuxin was what truly thrilled them.  

Xia Anran smiled graciously. “Thank you, Regimental Commander Zhou. I’ll work hard.”  

Backstage, Zhou Yuxin only snapped out of her daze upon hearing her uncle’s declaration.  

As Xia Anran took her final bow and exited the stage, Zhou Yuxin intercepted her, eyes blazing with venom:  

“You did this on purpose! You sabotaged me right before the competition—how could you be so vile?”  

Xia Anran met her gaze, a cold smirk playing on her lips. “If you’d done nothing wrong, why would you be afraid?”  

Zhou Yuxin leaned in, hissing in a whisper:  

“You have no proof. Your voice isn’t ruined. No one will believe you.”  

Xia Anran chuckled. “Oh? We’ll see about that.”  

The cryptic reply unsettled Zhou Yuxin. “What do you mean?” she demanded.  

But Xia Anran walked away, leaving Zhou Yuxin stewing in fear. *Let her panic and slip up.*  

Zhou Yuxin’s composure shattered. 

What if Xia Anran really has evidence?

She had to find Liu Mei—make her take the fall.  

Watching Zhou Yuxin bolt, Xia Anran’s eyes glinted with icy satisfaction. *Everything is going according to plan.*  

In this life, anyone who crossed her would pay.  

Zhou Yuxin scoured the auditorium for Liu Mei, then the dormitory, then the cafeteria—but Liu Mei was nowhere to be found. Panic set in.  

*Had Liu Mei already reported her?*  

Wen Fangfang and Li Yanqiu stood with Xia Anran, the trio observing Zhou Yuxin’s frantic search like a headless fly.  

Wen Fangfang’s bright eyes sparkled with excitement as she whispered:  

“Everything’s ready!”