“I’ve been observing you for a while now, and compared to your two teammates, you’re simply not on the same level. Your movements lack coordination, your singing is off-key, it’s simply unbearable to watch. Since you’re not willing to put in the effort to perform, why did you even bother coming here?” Wei Ge’s harsh words echoed through the room, eliciting murmurs of disapproval from the audience.

Xiao Yanjin stood there, unable to defend herself. She had no intention of arguing back; being scolded was a normal occurrence, but what bothered her was how Wei Ge, who usually treated other contestants with kindness, had suddenly turned cold towards her. Xiao Yanjin wasn’t the worst performer, yet she became the target of his criticism.

Recalling Ji Mian’s introduction of Wei Ge as an artist under the Good Times Entertainment Company, owned by Li Mei, it was clear he had come prepared.

“Alright, Wei Ge, calm down,” Ji Mian intervened, trying to diffuse the tension. “Perhaps everyone is just tired and not in the best mood. Yanjin, do you still want to showcase your talent?”

“Yes,” Xiao Yanjin replied with a smile.

“What would you like to perform, vocal or dance?” Ji Mian asked kindly, contrasting Wei Ge’s hostility. Xiao Yanjin couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth towards Ji Mian; she felt like they were kindred spirits.

“Vocal. I’d like to perform ‘Lasso.'”

“Lasso?” Shi Zhengyi nearly choked, surprised that a girl auditioning for a girl group would choose such an unconventional song.

Xiao Yanjin had her reasons for choosing this song. After all, she wanted to stand out and attract attention.

“With a lasso in his hand… I’m willing to follow behind you…” Xiao Yanjin sang passionately, completely immersing herself in the performance. The mismatched style of the song elicited peculiar expressions from the audience.

It was the first time anyone auditioning for a girl group had sung such an unconventional song. It was truly one of the most peculiar moves in the history of auditions.

Even the usually composed Shi Zhengyi couldn’t help but smirk. “Pandering to the audience!”

As Xiao Yanjin sang, she seemed to forget herself. Initially intending to sing off-key, she ended up hitting every note perfectly, even belting out a high note at the end.

“La——”

As she reached the climax, the mocking contestants fell silent, even Wei Ge’s expression turned awkward. Even those with less talent could recognize Xiao Yanjin’s singing prowess; it was clear, precise, and free of impurities. Ji Yunnuo lowered her gaze, seemingly discerning something beyond Xiao Yanjin’s singing ability. She pondered, could Xiao Yanjin be hiding some secret?

Ji Mian and the vocal instructor, Lan Zi, exchanged a glance. “It’s rare for a singer to sing without a hint of breathlessness,” Lan Zi remarked softly.

After finishing her performance, Xiao Yanjin only took a moment to catch her breath before her expression returned to normal. She looked at the stunned crowd, seemingly remembering her impromptu high note.

“Teachers, how was my singing?” she asked, feigning innocence as she glanced at Wei Ge.

Wei Ge looked uncomfortable and glanced at Ji Mian.

Ji Mian smiled, “It was good.” With that, she applauded enthusiastically, and the rest of the audience followed suit.

The thunderous applause made everyone look at this once scandal-ridden bankrupt heiress in a new light.

Wei Ge clapped lightly, still seemingly unsatisfied. He locked eyes with Xiao Yanjin, and suddenly, his gaze turned intense.

Recalling his boss’s words, “Crush her under your feet! Make sure she has the worst time of her life.”

“Now that you can sing, what about your previous performances? Can you dance at all?” Wei Ge took a deep breath and asked.

Xiao Yanjin shook her head. “No.”

“A girl group isn’t just about singing. Sometimes, dance is even more important than singing.”

“Oh?” Xiao Yanjin raised an eyebrow. “Wei Ge, are you mocking ‘Produce Camp’? I remember Ji Mian, who also comes from a vocal background, became the center of the last season, didn’t she?”

Wei Ge could say such things because contestants would never dare to retort against Ji Mian. Not only would it be impolite to do so, but it would also cause trouble with the instructor in the future.

But Xiao Yanjin didn’t need the show’s blessing. Wei Ge insisted on making her feel embarrassed, so why not fight back? Was she supposed to wait for her downfall?

The room fell silent as Xiao Yanjin openly challenged the instructor.

Shi Zhengyi discretely applauded. “Well said!”

Wei Ge pursed his lips, looking at Ji Mian for help.

Ji Mian chuckled. “Our ‘Produce Camp’ contestants are indeed exceptional.”

“The ones who couldn’t sing or dance in the beginning managed to improve and succeed in the final round. They will continue to work hard in the future,” Lan Zi added.

The two contestants from Chang Feng Entertainment Company performed a street dance and a love song respectively.

Standing with her teammates and the contestants from Chang Feng Entertainment Company, Xiao Yanjin waited for their ratings.

Suddenly, the girl next to Xiao Yanjin, who performed the street dance, burst into tears.

Ji Mian was taken aback. “What’s wrong, contestant?”

The girl, with her youthful appearance and tearful eyes, looked heartbreakingly pitiful. Many alphas and betas couldn’t help but feel sympathy.

“I made a mistake just now,” the street dance girl sobbed.

Xiao Yanjin thought, “You made a mistake because you were wearing high heels while dancing. Why cry about it?”

“I’m sorry, teachers… I feel like I’ve let the company down.” Sniffling, the girl’s voice was soft and fragile. Standing next to Xiao Yanjin, who was taller, she seemed even more vulnerable, almost as if Xiao Yanjin was bullying her.

“My… my parents really hope I can succeed in the audition and debut. Our family isn’t wealthy, and I have to work part-time delivering takeout. But I’ve always worked hard to earn a spot. I hope I can reach B or A grade so I can dance with the more talented contestants.”

In the previous season of the girl group audition, contestants from humble backgrounds who persevered despite hardships were highly favored. Ji Mian was no exception, earning the title of “Civilian Idol.”

However, times were changing. What truly endeared people to a contestant was not their family background but their personality, abilities, and audience appeal.

Whether it was due to manipulation or not, several contestants looked at the girl with sympathy.

Cheng Ling sneered, though under the gaze of the camera, she maintained her sweet girl image.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Yunnuo noticed her discontent.

“Miss, you should be careful. I’ve worked with that person in the same company before. I’ve seen her frequenting bars and high-end clubs, dressed in designer clothes and bags. How could she be from a poor family? If she’s caught in a scandal, those less fortunate contestants will surely be implicated. It’s despicable.” Cheng Ling gritted her teeth.

Ji Yunnuo remained silent, looking at the embarrassed yet excited Xiao Yanjin.

“I really love the stage, and my dream is to become a famous dance instructor like Wei Ge,” the girl said, wiping her tears. Then, she glanced at Xiao Yanjin and whispered, “I didn’t have the luxury of a comfortable life like some people, yet here I am, auditioning.”

“Yes, some people don’t have the luxury of playing the pity card,” Xiao Yanjin retorted, not backing down.

The girl burst into tears again, and many alphas clenched their fists, itching to scold Xiao Yanjin.

Wei Ge furrowed his brow. “Alright, stop crying. Xiao Yanjin, she didn’t even mention you. Why are you retorting?”

Xiao Yanjin took a few steps forward. “What are you going to do?” Wei Ge asked.

Xiao Yanjin forced out a yawn, squeezing out a tear as she imitated the girl’s earlier sobbing. “I’m really suffering,” she wailed, “My family is bankrupt, I’m drowning in debt, I work as a maid during the day and knit sweaters at night. Now, I’ve been tricked into auditioning for this show as a cheap labor. I’m really suffering!”

Everyone was stunned by Xiao Yanjin’s sudden change. Despite her innocent appearance, her words were too ludicrous.

Many alphas couldn’t resist clenching their fists, wanting to beat Xiao Yanjin.

Shi Zhengyi squinted. “Oh my, what is she doing? I really want to scold her!”

“Enough, enough, alpha, why are you crying?” And clicked her tongue, addressing the girl, “Stop crying, what’s the point of seeking sympathy on stage?”

Xiao Yanjin immediately stopped crying, casting a glance at the girl.

The girl’s eyes glowed with determination.

After discussing with the instructors, Chang Feng Entertainment’s two contestants received a B and a C, respectively.

Jiang Nan and Zeng Heshi both received Cs.

“Xiao Yanjin, your rating is—” Ji Mian smiled, “C.”

All three members of the entertainment company received Cs. Xiao Yanjin smirked; she hadn’t expected such a high rating.

The street dance girl smiled gratefully, thanking the producers and teachers sweetly before gracefully walking off the stage.

Xiao Yanjin noticed her name tag, which read Zhi Nai, and silently remembered it.

Impressive~

Next up were the contestants from Eastern Dream Entertainment and Fish Cool Entertainment.

As the broadcast announced their turn, the room erupted into excitement, matching the anticipation of Xiao Yanjin’s performance earlier. All eyes turned to Ji Yunnuo, who was seated in the center.

Ji Yunnuo was accustomed to such attention, unlike her teammates, she felt no shyness under the adoring gaze.