CHAPTER 32 (PART 1)

The platform boss was dumbfounded.

Awkwardly, he said, “Mr. Cheng, um, all of the trophies for this competition are like this… they’re fake.”

After saying that, he cautiously glanced at Cheng Yue’s expression and quickly changed his tone: “But you’re right. Our platform represents the Cheng Corporation’s image. How can we be so stingy?”

He immediately waved over his assistant. “Go get a real crystal trophy… Isn’t there one in the director’s office?”

The assistant hesitated for a moment but obeyed.

Meanwhile, ever since hearing the words Mr. Cheng, the head director had been grinning foolishly from the sidelines, hoping to gain the big shot’s favor—completely unaware that he was about to lose a valuable piece of decor.

When the assistant returned, carrying the real crystal trophy, he whispered, “This… is a bit heavy.”

The platform boss turned to look.

It was a large crystal eagle, vividly carved in deep purple without a single flaw, its wings spread wide as if ready to take flight. It wasn’t just big—it was massive. If he had to compare… the boss mentally measured it and thought, That thing is about the size of my head…

Cheng Yue tossed the trophy back to the platform boss.

“Ah, Mr. Cheng, it’s… heavy. How about I carry it up for you? Then you can take it from me and present the award?” The platform boss started thinking this was a great idea.

Hey, this way, he’d get to be useful to Mr. Cheng and stand beside him in the spotlight. Surely, Mr. Cheng would remember him!

Cheng Yue replied with a casual, “Mm.”

Meanwhile, the host was growing anxious.

He clutched his cue card, sweating profusely, wondering if he had made a mistake. But the text was right there—clearly added at the last minute, word for word. Could someone be messing with him?

Even Zhao Qiuying found it odd.

Would Cheng Yue really show up for an event like this…?

Just as the audience started murmuring in confusion, Cheng Yue slowly walked onto the stage, with the platform boss trailing closely behind.

The stage lights instantly turned on—

But they landed on the platform boss first.

There was no helping it; the lighting crew had recognized their own boss first.

[???]

[Ababab.jpg—Wait, is this the famous Mr. Cheng?]

[A little bald.]

[His belly is round. Also, he’s kinda short. This is the Mr. Cheng that Dong Jiayu kept talking about?]

[? No, wait. I caught a glimpse of him before. He’s not like this. I don’t even know how to describe it… He’s so good-looking it’s almost scary, like you don’t dare to stare for too long.]

[Are you sure you didn’t see his bodyguard?]

As the livestream chat reeled in shock, Jiang Su and the others finally saw the man walking beside the platform boss.

He was tall—probably around 1.9 meters.

Dressed in a deep blue, custom-tailored suit, his broad shoulders and narrow waist made for an imposing figure. At his wrists, gemstone cufflinks gleamed sharply under the dim lighting, reflecting striking hues.

The man was both handsome and cold, exuding an air of calculated indifference. One glance was enough to make hearts race and, at the same time, leave a suffocating pressure.

Even Ding Xuan was momentarily stunned.

Seated at the judges’ table, Zhao Qiuying murmured in mild surprise, “So it really is Mr. Cheng.”

Cheng Yue took long strides, quickly leaving the platform boss behind.

Stopping in front of Jiang Su, he scrutinized her with a cold gaze—but did not expose her identity.

Would she, once again, burst into silent tears after just a few words?

Jiang Su met his gaze with an even colder one.

With her exquisitely applied makeup, her eyes held a mix of allure and arrogance.

Cheng Yue hesitated for a brief moment.

Oh… so she really has changed?

The host was practically frozen in place, wondering, Why isn’t he saying anything? And why isn’t Jiang Su saying anything either? This was supposed to be an award presentation, but it felt more like a silent battle of wills.

Just then, the spotlight operator finally got it right, shifting the light fully onto Cheng Yue.

His presence, combined with Jiang Su’s, instantly became the brightest focal point of the entire stage, drawing every camera’s attention.

The bullet comments were now completely filled with question marks.

[Wait, who is this??? I- I- I kind of like this!]

[So this is the real Cheng Yue?!]

[WTF, WTF, WTF! Then who was that bald guy earlier?]

[LOL, no need to go that far. That was probably the president of Glimmer Platform.]

At this moment, the platform’s boss finally caught up, and the host, seeing the situation, couldn’t help but speak up, trying to lighten the mood.

“This gentleman here… is the president of Cheng Corporation, which owns our Glimmer Platform—Mr. Cheng.” The host spoke while slightly turning to the side. “And this young lady here is Jiang Su, who has received an A rating every round in our program and has now debuted in first place with an outstanding score.”

Neither Cheng Yue nor Jiang Su spoke.

The host continued, “Today, Mr. Cheng will be presenting the award to his little sister.”

Cheng Yue and Jiang Su continued their icy stare-down.

“……”

For a moment, silence fell. The host started sweating, and even the platform’s boss felt the awkward tension in the air.

It was more than just awkward—it felt suffocating, as if they were trapped between a volcano and a glacier…

[Damn, it’s really Cheng Yue! Why does he rarely show his face? I feel like just his looks could boost stock prices.]

[Cheng Corporation’s projects require discretion, plus I heard Cheng Yue doesn’t like being talked about.]

[Then his appearance today… is basically the sun rising in the west?!]

[I’m cringing from secondhand embarrassment. The host has it rough.]

[Hahaha, sorry, but our girl just doesn’t talk much.]

Just as the bullet comments erupted in laughter and even started suggesting ways for the host to recover, the host took a deep breath and took the initiative.

“Do you have anything you’d like to give to Mr. Cheng?”

[Come on, Jiang Su! Sing something! If you impress him, you’ll get better opportunities!]

[Big boss is right there, girl, make a good impression!]

Before the bullet comments could finish hyping her up, Jiang Su bent down, unzipped her limited-edition black bag, and pulled out… a suona?

At this moment, everyone was still calm.

Playing the suona, huh?

Nothing unusual.

She played the erhu last time, after all!

She must be about to perform another impressive piece and shock the audience again.

Though… playing the suona in front of a big boss like this seemed… not very cute. Oh well.

Everyone stared at their screens as Jiang Su puffed her cheeks slightly, making them look like two little rice balls. She blinked and then—

A melody that was unmistakably familiar to most people in the audience started playing.

[She’s so adorable.]

[???]

The bullet comments did a complete 180.

[Jiang Su, get a grip! What is happening today?!]

[Holy sh*t, it’s got that vibe!]

[Isn’t this the tune they play at funerals in my hometown?!]

[Are you kidding me? This is basically “When the tune plays, the cloth covers, and the whole village waits for the feast.”]

[“When the suona plays, your parents’ efforts are in vain.” This is crazy!]

On stage, Cheng Yue: “……”

Is she trying to die?

The host and the platform boss turned pale one after the other.

It’s over.

Should I just jump off the stage now? Or… jump off the stage?

The other trainees and mentors were completely dumbfounded.

Zhao Qiuying clenched her fingers tightly. Jiang Su wouldn’t do this for no reason. What kind of grudge did she have against Cheng Yue?

The trainees’ minds were buzzing with a single thought: Damn, so it’s true? Jiang Su really hates Cheng Yue?! Damn! She’s way too straightforward!

The host, unwilling to die just yet, wiped her face and whispered, “Miss Jiang, um, this piece is… quite unique, haha, but it might not be the most suitable for today’s occasion. How about… a different song? Uh, maybe no more instruments. How about an a cappella performance instead?”

The platform boss: “Yes! Let’s switch songs!”

Of course, they had to!

If this didn’t get wrapped up properly today, he could forget about ever showing his face in front of Mr. Cheng again.

Jiang Su tilted her head slightly.

Huh?

Cheng Yue wasn’t mad?

Her gaze swept over his features.

Oh, no. He was mad.

But all his rage was buried deep in his eyes, dark and stormy.

Jiang Su clicked her tongue, thought for a moment, and said, “Alright.” She put down the suona, bent down to zip her bag properly, then stood up and took another microphone from the host.

Still staring straight at Cheng Yue, she parted her lips and sang:

“When I speak, I carry the grace of a soaring swan or a mere sparrow’s talent…”

Her voice was clear and bright, yet carried an air of indifference, cool and effortless.

Even her carefully made-up face took on an unapproachable aura. In an instant, all the light gathered around her.

Not only did she not cry—she wasn’t afraid of him at all.

Cheng Yue, furious beyond measure, actually found himself on the verge of laughter.

He had to admit—the girl’s voice was strikingly beautiful.

Jiang Su continued singing:

“I have never possessed a heart of sincerity, nor do I wish to feign magnanimity…”

Interesting.

A glint flashed in Cheng Yue’s eyes. His gaze, dark and sharp, tightened as his fingers curled slightly.

In this moment, it felt as if she had completely shed her former self.

Just like her lyrics—defiant of others, bold, and unapologetically free.

The host let out a long sigh of relief.

The platform boss finally managed to smile again.

[Damn, she really sings like a queen!]

[Wait, hold on, why do I still have a bad feeling about this?]

[The sister above me—your gut is spot on. I went to check the full lyrics… never mind, I won’t say it. Let’s not jinx her.]

[The way they’re standing there… both of them radiate this untamed, arrogant energy. It’s so intense. Holy sh*t, why do I find this exciting?! Am I losing my mind?!]

Jiang Su didn’t finish singing the song; she stopped after just a few lines.

The host originally wanted to ask, “Mr. Cheng, do you think it sounds good?” But now, cold sweat was running down her back. Afraid of making the situation even more awkward, she decided to drop the question.

Instead, she forced a laugh. “Thank you for your performance! It was truly wonderful!”

Everyone felt a bit dazed.

Well… it was certainly a performance—just not in the way they had expected.

The host cleared her throat. “Then… Mr. Cheng, please present the award.”

Cheng Yue let out a soft scoff through his nose and extended his hand.

The platform owner quickly passed the eagle statue to him.

Cheng Yue took it effortlessly with one hand and held it out to Jiang Su.

Hmm? She wouldn’t drop it and fall on her face, would she?

The platform owner hurriedly explained, “This is the first-place trophy.”

A wave of applause erupted.

Since the audience was far away, they couldn’t see clearly what it was.

Only the chief director, sitting behind the monitors, muttered under his breath, “That thing looks kind of familiar…”

[Brothers, flood the chat with question marks.]

[Hahaha what’s going on with this show? You’re telling me this is a trophy? That’s an eagle statue, bro!]

[Looks heavy… even the executive from Weiguang had to hold it with both hands.]

[Whoa, but Mr. Cheng picked it up with one hand… He must be ripped under that suit.]

[? Sis, calm down, you’re sounding a little too thirsty.]

On stage, Jiang Su tilted her head and asked, “Is it real?” This time, she wanted to be sure.

Cheng Yue: “…”

This little thing is getting craftier, huh?

She really is a completely different person now.