Chapter 75: "Dangerously" – The Rose Stage

February 14th, Valentine’s Day.

It was also the day of her second competition.

That night, all of her dormitory sisters gathered together, and a whole bunch of boys from Qin Yichi’s group also came running to cheer her on, declaring themselves her fan club. The real reason, of course, was that they were all pitiable singles with nothing to celebrate on Valentine’s Day. Rather than scrolling through social media to watch others flaunt their relationships, it was far better to gather for a group dinner and watch a friend compete.

Under dazzling lights, the contestants came on stage one after another. Those who had made it through the rounds to this stage all had some real talent; many amateurs delivered outstanding performances. It was said that several scouts from talent agencies were watching from the audience, so the contestants had all dressed to impress.

At 7:30 PM, in the front row of the theater, Niu Yifeng craned his neck, looking every which way. “Where’s Qiao? Where’s our Qiao? What is she wearing for the performance?!”

Zhang Ning, yawning, also peered around eagerly. “Where’s Zhenzhen? When’s she coming out? I can’t wait! I’m so excited!”

In the very center, Qin Yichi sat dressed in black, his expression casual and unruly, his eyes deep and enigmatic, half his face hidden in shadow, exuding an air of dangerous charm.

Then, a flash of red appeared on stage.

His gaze sharpened, he straightened his back, a slow smile curled at his lips, and his voice unconsciously softened: “She’s here.”

What he didn’t know was that just a few rows behind him, Yun Yue, Sheng Lulu, and Chen Meixiang were quietly watching him, their eyes full of scrutiny.

Yun Yue narrowed her eyes. “Look at this lottery guy—he’s grinning from ear to ear. Tsk, tsk, just look at him…”

Chen Meixiang nodded meaningfully. “He’s doing well so far. For all the other girls, he barely glanced up. But the moment Zhenzhen came out, his eyes were glued to her. Extra points for that!”

Sheng Lulu’s face was lit up with excitement. “Wow—he really loves her!”

Meanwhile, the host announced steadily, “Contestant number 82, Qiao Zhen, performing the song ‘Dangerously.’”

Tens of thousands had already flooded the livestream, the comments a dizzying blur:

[Zhenzhen! My internet queen! You’re finally here—(screaming)(twisting)(dark crawling)(sneak a kiss and dash)]

[Ahhh, this is the contestant I bet on!! I followed her from those short videos—Little Qiao is absolutely amazing!]

The three dorm sisters had their roles divided: one cheered, one held up her phone to capture a stunning direct shot, and the third kept a close eye on Qin Yichi’s every move.

Suddenly, the stage lights dimmed, and after a moment, a soft white beam illuminated the girl.

Dressed in a red dress that made her skin glow snow-white, the hem adorned with blooming roses, she was dazzling. Red as flame, bright, bold, and passionate—her mere presence seemed to eclipse everything else on stage.

[Help! Zhenzhen baby’s figure is incredible, her looks are to die for! She’s gorgeous!]

[Out of the way! My face is big, let me bury it first!]

Now I finally understand what they mean by “an angel’s face, a devil’s figure.” I’m dead, absolutely dead!

[Ahhh, pure and fiery—what a contrast!]

Tonight, the girl on stage was nothing like her usual gentle, innocent self. She was a butterfly in red, reborn in fire, spreading vibrant wings and shining with a passionate, intense brilliance.

A group of boys sat in stunned silence, eyes wide: “Holy—? Is that really Qiao? The same Qiao Zhen who hangs out with us?!”

Someone muttered under his breath, “Wow, our Yichi is one lucky guy…”

Qin Yichi’s eyes were pitch-black and unreadable, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and suddenly his throat felt parched.

At the very first note of the piano’s prelude, the entire audience fell silent as one.

On stage, Qiao Zhen’s sleek black hair fell gently over her chest, tied with a red ribbon, a red rose tucked behind her ear.

There was not a trace of vulgarity about her; she was exquisite, like a crafted figurine—sophisticated and radiant.

She slowly opened her eyes and sang into the microphone:

“This is gonna hurt.”
(One-sided love only brings pain.)

“But I blame myself first.”
(It’s my fault for falling first, for losing control.)

A voice like dew, clear and pure, or like a trickling spring, seeping gently into the heart and washing away the dust. Her timbre was heavenly, striking straight to the soul, leaving the audience feeling healed and elated.

As the song reached its climax, flames burst forth in the background, burning wildly.

Qiao Zhen unconsciously clenched her fist, pouring intense emotion into her voice:

“I loved you dangerously.”
(I loved you through fire and blade.)

“More than the air that I breathe.”
(More than the very air I breathe.)

—Even knowing such passion would lead to ruin, she cared nothing for her own destruction.

At the exact instant Qiao Zhen looked into the camera, she seemed to shine from within, radiant as if releasing a wild, brilliant fire.

The livestream barrage filled with screams and roses:

[Wow! That melisma was flawless, not a single crack!]

[So good! I could listen forever!]

[Objectively, she’s incredible! Her voice is lively yet powerful, my god…I have no words!]

[Consider me a new fan—she’s got to make it to the finals! She should debut, and I’ll be her first supporter!]

Qiao Zhen tightened her grip on the microphone, starting to truly enjoy the stage, her voice melting into the melody as if they were one.

In that very moment, she raised her head and met Qin Yichi’s gaze—their eyes collided and tangled.

It was as if, in that instant, the entire world faded away, leaving only the two of them, gazing at each other.

The music seemed to pause for half a second, every emotion surging to its peak in that heartbeat.

“I love you, I love you, I love you, I loved you dangerously…”

Close-up on her face, she soared effortlessly through four ascending high notes.

It was as if she possessed some magic, her music piercing straight to the softest parts of the heart, again and again, each wave rising higher.

She was like a meteor streaking down to earth, setting the air ablaze, dazzling and fierce.

Amidst thorns, the rose grew wild and unrestrained, expressing burning love with no reservations.

The audience could do nothing but stare in awe at that red figure in full bloom on stage.

It felt as if their ears and bodies were about to separate…

Even through the screen, viewers could sense the shock and wonder of the scene:

[My god, my grandma! I regret not being there in person!]

[The rose has come to life—she sings so beautifully, I’m in love!]

[I’ve discovered a hidden gem! She’s a shining pearl!]

[I’ve followed her since the last Diamond Stage! She’s improved so much and is even more perfect—watching her grow is amazing!]

“I loved you dangerously…”

As the final note fell, the entire audience remained lost in the world she had conjured.

In the first row, the ten stern-faced judges finally nodded, their expressions softening. They exchanged glances, each seeing a glimmer of approval in the others’ eyes.

Zhang Ning excitedly raised her phone to record a perfect close-up, barely able to contain the urge to jump up and down right there.

Help! Zhenzhen is incredible!!

Qin Yichi, on the other hand, felt a sudden rush of heat, as if every cell in his body was bubbling over, clamoring wildly.

Suddenly, Niu Yifeng slapped him urgently on the shoulder, calling him back to reality only after several tries: “Yichi! Yichi!”

Startled by the interruption, Qin Yichi frowned slightly and raised a finger to his lips, signaling him to quiet down.

But Niu Yifeng’s anxious voice pressed on: “No, Qin Yichi, you—”

“You’re bleeding! Your nose is bleeding!!”