Eldest Senior Sister Became a Sensation After Being Blacklisted Online - Chapter 13

Song Cheng glanced up, holding her phone sideways to Song Yu, about to speak when Liu Zimang’s voice cut in again: “The online rumors are getting out of hand. Your agency…”

Song Cheng interrupted casually, “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.”

“Then should you consider switching agencies?”

“No.”

She just wanted to be shelved and leave the industry. What difference did it make where she ended up?

“The online backlash is getting worse. Be careful at tomorrow’s rehearsal.”

When the call ended, Song Cheng tossed her phone onto the sofa. As she looked up, she found Wu Guifang and Song Yu staring intently at her.

“Are you close to Liu Zimang?” Song Yu asked.

Song Cheng paused, then replied, “We’re on good terms, I guess.”

Wu Guifang immediately pushed past Song Yu, her eyes gleaming. “Can you get me her autograph?”

Song Cheng blinked, tilting her head. “What do you want her autograph for?”

Song Yu interjected, “What else could she do? Naturally, she’d want to save face at the banquet.” Ignoring Wu Guifang’s glare, he smirked and returned to his seat, crossing his legs. “If you’d just pull yourself together, Mom wouldn’t have to beg outsiders for help.”

“Then how about I give you an autograph?” Song Cheng suggested.

Before the words had even finished leaving her lips, both Song Yu and Wu Guifang turned to face her in unison.

Wu Guifang took a few steps forward, then stopped. “Don’t go to rehearsal tomorrow. There will definitely be reporters lying in wait.”

She had seen all the online criticism directed at her daughter. She didn’t believe Song Cheng had done anything wrong, trusting that her daughter had her own reasons for her actions.

On the way home, Wu Guifang had been worried that Song Cheng might act rashly again, repeatedly urging the driver to speed up, fearing her daughter might do something foolish. Seeing Song Cheng safe and sound now, she finally felt relieved.

Before Song Cheng could respond, Song Yu’s voice boomed, “What’s there to worry about? She could knock out a bull with one punch. You should be worried about your wallet.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he caught Wu Guifang’s icy glare and quickly lowered his head, rubbing his nose.

Meeting Wu Guifang’s anxious gaze, Song Cheng nodded in agreement with Song Yu’s words. “I’m fine. No one here can hurt me.”

“No, your brother will take you tomorrow,” Wu Guifang said firmly, giving Song Cheng no chance to object. “Song Yu, you must personally escort your sister to the dance studio before leaving.”

Though Song Yu’s face clearly showed his reluctance, he dutifully followed Wu Guifang’s instructions the next morning, driving Song Cheng to the vicinity of the filming location.

“Wait,” Song Yu said, retrieving a prepared mask and baseball cap from the center console. He handed them to Song Cheng, who was about to open the car door. “Can’t you have a little public figure awareness? Put these on.”

Song Cheng stared at the mask and cap for a few seconds before reluctantly taking them. Under Song Yu’s watchful gaze, she put them on before finally exiting the car.

As soon as she rounded the corner, Song Cheng saw a crowd gathered at the main entrance of the filming location. Even the dance studio entrance was guarded by several reporters with cameras.

Song Yu cursed under his breath, his voice low. “Where’s the back entrance?”

Song Cheng looked blank.

Song Yu rubbed his forehead. “I really owe you one.” He straightened his collar and muttered through gritted teeth, “I’ll distract the reporters. Find a way to slip in yourself.”

Without waiting for her reply, he strode toward the main entrance, calling out loudly, “Hey, what’s the big news this time?”

“Hey, don’t ignore me! I’m Song Cheng’s…” He paused deliberately, and as expected, the reporters and fans immediately turned their attention to him after hearing the name “Song Cheng.”

Song Cheng didn’t waste his brother’s distraction. Seizing the moment the reporters’ eyes shifted, she activated her cultivation technique and swiftly slipped into the building.

The reporters guarding the entrance only caught a fleeting afterimage, unable to discern who it was.

Song Yu glanced back at where Song Cheng had been standing. Not seeing her, he knew she had made it inside. He grinned and declared, “I’m here to denounce Song Cheng too, just like you all!”

“Really? But you look a bit like her…”

“Wait, I remember! Song Cheng has an older brother. This must be him!”

Caught off guard by the sudden revelation of his identity, Song Yu was immediately swarmed by fans and reporters.

Upstairs, Song Cheng walked straight to the window. Her brow furrowed slightly as she spotted Song Yu in the crowd below, estimating the distance. After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to use her true q.

A sudden, violent gust of wind sent the reporters and fans reeling, scattering them like leaves in a storm.

Yet the wind seemed to recognize its target, leaving Song Yu completely untouched.

Song Yu seized the chaos to break through the crowd, his long legs carrying him swiftly toward the parking area.

Liu Zimang, already in her car, witnessed the scene. Watching the reporters and fans with their hair disheveled like chicken nests, a faint smile curved her lips as she murmured to herself, “Song Cheng, just how capable are you?”

Zhao Q, who had just finished turning the car around, overheard her. “Song Cheng did this?” he asked in astonishment.

Liu Zimang chuckled softly. “Did you feel the wind anywhere else?”

Zhao Q shook his head immediately, vowing inwardly: I must never cross Song Cheng, that monster.

Arriving at the dance studio through the back entrance, Liu Zimang found Song Cheng fiddling with the playback device, touching this and poking that like a curious child.

Sensing her presence, Song Cheng immediately withdrew her hand and calmly walked over to sit in a chair.

“Why don’t you want to leave Phoenix Sky Entertainment?” Liu Zimang asked after some hesitation, finally voicing the question that had been puzzling her.

Song Cheng rested her chin on her hand, leaning back against the chair. “Would other places really be better than Phoenix Sky Entertainment?”

Liu Zimang paused, then replied slowly, “The agency I’m with is decent, and the resources are alright too.”

“What’s so great about the entertainment industry compared to inheriting my family’s business?” Song Cheng muttered.

Yang Qiong, who had just approached, immediately retorted, “Remember why you entered the industry in the first place.”

Liu Zimang: “……”

Wasn’t Song Cheng’s initial motivation common knowledge?

Yang Qiong belatedly realized this and cleared her throat, adopting a grave tone. “Having chosen this path, you must take responsibility for your decision. Only then can you live without regrets.”

Song Cheng tilted her head, staring at Yang Qiong. “How can you say such nonsense with such a straight face? To live without regrets, you should forget the past and seize the present.”

She rose from her chair and stood face-to-face with Yang Qiong. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do. I’ll say it again: I’m not interested.”

Yang Qiong stepped forward. “If you have reservations about working with me, I can recommend you to someone else.”

“No one will change my mind. I’m not going,” Song Cheng replied firmly.

Her motivation for cultivation had always been the carefree life she envisioned after achieving immortality, free from the endless trials of cultivation.

Now that her Nascent Soul was gone, it meant even if she returned to the cultivation world, she would have to start all over again.

Shouldn’t she seize the opportunity to enjoy the present before returning?

Yang Qiong choked again, glancing at Liu Zimang standing nearby. She immediately turned and walked over to Liu Zimang, giving her a meaningful look. Liu Zimang followed her out of the dance studio.

“Her musical talent is exceptional,” Yang Qiong stated bluntly. “With proper training, her potential is limitless.”

Liu Zimang had already suspected Yang Qiong’s intentions while inside, but hearing it confirmed still carried a shock. After all, Yang Qiong had flatly rejected the daughter of the Vice Chairman of the National Studies Association when she sought to become her disciple, without the slightest hesitation.

Countless similar examples existed, none of which had swayed Yang Qiong.

For Yang Qiong, talent was the sole criterion; family background meant nothing. This had earned her a reputation for aloofness and arrogance.

Yet now, determined not to let such talent slip through her fingers, Yang Qiong had repeatedly invited Song Cheng, even offering to help her find other teachers to persuade her to join the music industry. This clearly demonstrated the immense value Yang Qiong placed on Song Cheng’s innate gifts.

Shocked as she was, Liu Zimang hadn’t forgotten Song Cheng’s temperament. “You heard what she said just now. Judging by her recent behavior, her heart truly isn’t in the entertainment industry.”

Yang Qiong was furious, but the words that reached her lips ultimately dissolved into a sigh as she shook her head and turned back toward the dance studio.

With the English lyrics resolved, the remaining lyrics posed no challenge for Song Cheng. In fact, during practice, she even tweaked the melody slightly. The final result was not only energetic and exhilarating but also carried a hint of untamed freedom.

The change in melody required Liu Zimang to adjust her dance moves accordingly, but fortunately, the alterations were minimal.

As the song ended, Yu X clapped her hands from the center of the room and addressed Song Cheng, who was leaning against the wall. “For the stage performance, there are a few moves where you’ll need to coordinate with Ziman.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Song Cheng shook her head.

How could she dance? She’d be better off wielding a sword.

Her refusal left Yu X momentarily flustered. Liu Zimang quickly shot Song Cheng a warning glance.

Song Cheng simply turned her head away, presenting her profile to Liu Zimang.

Forcing a smile, Liu Zimang said to Yu X, “I’ll go talk to her.”

Yu X nodded and was about to turn toward Yang Qiong when she saw Yang Qiong approaching Song Cheng.

Liu Zimang approached Song Cheng and tugged at her sleeve. “You’re just determined to embarrass me on stage.”

Song Cheng quickly denied it. “I’m not.”

“Yes, you are,” Liu Zimang interrupted, anticipating her protest. “And don’t tell me you can’t do it. Teacher Yu is patient. If you’re worried about bothering her, you can learn from me instead.”

Song Cheng imagined herself dancing and shuddered at the thought. She shook her head vigorously. “I can’t.”

“Then you’ll pay me back,” Liu Zimang threatened.

Song Cheng sidestepped the demand. “That’s not happening.” She turned to Yu X. “Let’s stick to simpler moves. I can’t do anything complicated.”

Yu X, surprised by her quick agreement, nodded immediately. “Alright!”

Seeing Song Cheng had already moved to Yu X’s side, Yang Qiong sidled up to Liu Zimang and gave her a thumbs-up. So she’s a money-grubber, Yang Qiong thought to herself. Money-grubbers love money. I bet I can negotiate with Song Cheng.

Unaware that her weakness had been exposed, Song Cheng was stiffly learning the dance moves from Yu X.

“Try to loosen up a bit,” Yu X suggested.

Song Cheng tried again, attempting a “Wave” motion, but her stiffness made her movements resemble the wriggling of an earthworm.

Seeing this, Yang Qiong and Liu Zimang burst into laughter. Yang Qiong even pulled out her phone to record the scene.

Hearing their laughter, Song Cheng immediately stopped, puffing out her cheeks slightly. “I’m not practicing anymore.”

Liu Zimang suppressed her laughter and pulled Song Cheng to the full-length mirror. Standing behind her, she first pushed Song Cheng’s back. “Chest forward, then abdomen forward, then legs forward, then sit.” With each instruction, she demonstrated the corresponding hand movements.

Song Cheng had never allowed anyone to touch her so intimately, especially when she felt Liu Zimang’s hand slide across her hip. It was like being struck by lightning, a tingling sensation spreading through her entire body.

Is this really dance practice?

“Again.”

This time, Liu Zimang didn’t stand behind her but beside her. When she noticed Song Cheng’s movements were incorrect, she directly corrected them with her hands, inevitably touching her body again.

Song Cheng lowered her gaze to the hand resting on her abdomen, her eyes flickering slightly. “You’re taking advantage of me.”

Liu Zimang’s face flushed slightly as she withdrew her hand. “Who’s taking advantage of you?”

Yang Qiong, who had been watching their interaction, shuddered and nudged Yu X, who was still standing there in a daze. “Let’s go.”

As soon as they left, the vast dance studio was empty except for Song Cheng and Liu Zimang.

Despite it being late autumn, Liu Zimang suddenly felt a wave of heat. She took a few steps back and turned her head away from Song Cheng. “Get back to practicing.”

Song Cheng tilted her head and noticed the tips of Liu Zimang’s ears were flushed. She leaned closer. “Are you embarrassed?” She scratched her head. “Shouldn’t I be the one feeling taken advantage of?”

Liu Zimang’s face burned fiercely. She whirled around, glaring at Song Cheng. “What could you possibly be taken advantage of? We’re both girls—what you have, I have too.”

Song Cheng sized Liu Zimang up and down, then shook her head. “That’s not true. I’m not as flexible as you.”

“You… pervert!” Liu Zimang snapped, her fox-like eyes misting over with tears.

Her angry glare, amplified by the watery sheen, lost all its intimidation. Instead, Song Cheng found it almost endearing, like she was pouting.

Song Cheng rested her hand on her chin, her gaze drifting to Liu Zimang’s waist. “What did I say wrong? Your waist really is more flexible than mine.”

Realizing she had misunderstood, Liu Zimang’s anger deflated slightly. She huffed softly and turned away, refusing to look at Song Cheng.

Liu Zimang ignored her, leaving Song Cheng to awkwardly avert her gaze and practice according to Liu Zimang’s instructions.

Once the burning sensation on her face subsided, Liu Zimang finally turned around. Seeing Song Cheng’s stiff movements, she couldn’t help but say, “Get closer.”

Noticing the gap between Song Cheng’s abdomen and the mirror, she steeled herself and moved behind Song Cheng, using her hands to help her press closer.

After several repetitions, Song Cheng’s movements finally became more precise, and her fluidity was barely acceptable.

Having anticipated the sequence of movements Song Cheng would need to learn, Liu Zimang decided to teach them all at once to improve efficiency.

Fortunately, apart from lacking flexibility, Song Cheng’s movements were otherwise quite agile.

After training, Song Cheng rode home with Liu Zimang. Knowing about the swarm of reporters, she called Zhu Ke to tell her not to pick her up.

Watching Song Cheng enter her house, Liu Zimang turned away and checked the message Zhang Yux had sent:

Phoenix Sky Entertainment has released a video clearing Song Cheng’s name. The online narrative has completely flipped. Your worries were unfounded.

Exiting the messaging app, she found the video Zhang Yux had mentioned without even trying.

Just as Zhang Yux had said, after Hongxia threatened the artists with resource cuts, the netizens who had been criticizing Song Cheng swiftly turned against her.

Of course, some still questioned the video’s authenticity, but they remained a minority.

As she was about to close Weibo, another trending video caught her eye. Clicking on it, she was surprised to see Song Cheng’s assistant, Zhu Ke.

In the video, Zhu Ke tearfully recounted Hongxia’s actions at Phoenix Sky Entertainment, her voice trembling with emotion.

Remembering something, she quickly navigated to her chat with Zhang Yux and sent a voice message: “Contact the Public Relations Department immediately. Get Song Cheng’s assistant’s video taken down. If we can’t remove it, at least suppress its virality.”

“Why are you doing this again?” Zhang Yux replied.

“The previous video is enough to clear things up.”

“Do you think Phoenix Sky Entertainment would betray Song Cheng? I doubt it. Now that she’s famous, resources are pouring in. Phoenix Sky Entertainment needs Song Cheng’s momentum to grow.”

“What if that momentum doesn’t want to stay in the entertainment industry?”

“You two are truly a pair of oddballs. I’ll arrange it right away.”

In the blink of an eye, the day of the Talent Clash Clash premiere arrived.

As Song Cheng entered the studio, she immediately noticed the increased number of audience members, who had even occupied her usual private booth.

Liu Zimang arrived moments later and stood beside her, following her gaze. “What’s wrong? Feeling sentimental?”

Song Cheng sighed softly. “What a waste!”

Liu Zimang couldn’t help but chuckle. “Only you would say that. Anyone else would be jumping for joy. Who comes on this show if they don’t want fame? The exposure on stage is far greater than in the audience.”

“Then why are you here?”

The smile on Liu Zimang’s lips stiffened slightly. She shrugged. “For the money.” She quickly changed the subject. “Remember, if you don’t win today, you’ll owe me compensation for reputational damage and emotional distress.”

Song Cheng started walking away, a hint of resistance on her face. “I know.”

“Oh, and I’ve already given your assistant the outfit. Remember to change backstage,” Liu Zimang reminded her.

Zhang Yux, having some free time, had come to witness how Liu Zimang and Song Cheng would defeat Xu We. But as she approached, she overheard Liu Zimang’s words and clicked her tongue. “Anyone would think you’ve switched careers to become a manager.”

Liu Zimang completely ignored her, stepping down from the stage and heading towards the stage.

Meanwhile, Song Cheng had already found Zhu Ke backstage. Urged by Zhu Ke, she changed into the outfit Liu Zimang had prepared for her.

It was DL’s latest seasonal look: a white biker-style leather jacket paired with black skinny jeans and platform combat boots. The ensemble exuded a cool and edgy vibe.

In Zhu Ke’s words, it was “drop-dead gorgeous.”

Arriving at the waiting area on stage, Song Cheng noticed that the original hanging chair had been removed. Only a blue nylon rope hung horizontally in a corner. She walked over and, under the astonished gazes of the crowd, lay down on it to test it out.

Audience: “Am I seeing things? Is the Little Dragon Girl reborn?”

“I respect no one but Song Cheng. She’s perfected the art of lying down whenever possible.”

“Still pulling stunts at this stage? She’s desperate for attention.”

“Can’t wait for the iconic moment when my brother wipes the floor with her. I’m recording it!”

“Me too! This will be perfect dinner entertainment later.”

Zeng Jiong hadn’t expected Song Cheng to be so laid-back. As soon as the clock struck the hour, he grabbed the microphone. “Welcome back to Talent Clash Clash! After a week of rehearsals, our six guest teams are ready to take the stage. We’re all eager to see which five teams will advance! And who will emerge victorious in the showdown between Mentor Xu and Mentor Liu? Without further ado, let’s follow tradition and have the guests draw their performance order.”

Remembering Song Cheng’s voluntary withdrawal last time, the staff immediately approached her in the waiting area. When she waved them off, they proceeded to have the guests draw lots based on proximity.

By sheer coincidence, Meng Jie drew the fifth performance slot. This meant the climactic battle between Xu We and Liu Zimang would be saved for last, relieving some pressure on the preceding four teams.

The first team to perform was Chen Hong and Chu Mengyao, who sang Chen Hong’s signature hit, “Rainfall.” Chen Hong’s deep, magnetic voice and Chu Mengyao’s soaring vocals gave the song a fresh twist, earning them 91,785 votes.

Next up were Yang Lijun and Song Shu, who also opted for a duet. They chose a popular online song, rearranging the melody to create a unique and captivating rendition that garnered 91,934 votes.

The third group, L Fe and Nan Shan, chose a particularly challenging song. Nan Shan’s high notes sent shivers down the audience’s spines, ultimately earning them 91,326 votes.

For the fourth group, Mentor Yang Lijun remained, but the guest artist was replaced by Xu Meng. To everyone’s surprise, the duo selected a Chinese-style song with Peking opera elements, perfectly showcasing Xu Meng’s strengths and securing them 93,654 votes.

The strong performances of the first four groups piled immense pressure on the remaining two.

This was evident in Meng Jie’s demeanor. Liu Zimang maintained a calm facade, but her clenched hands betrayed her underlying nervousness.

The only one who remained completely composed was Song Cheng. She lazily opened her eyes, propped her chin on one hand, and watched Meng Jie and Xu We take center stage.

Xu We, dressed in traditional white robes, stood beside Meng Jie, who wore a striking red gown. Before they even began singing, the audience erupted into cheers.

“Brother, you look so handsome!”

“I don’t like anyone being near him, but I’ll tolerate it since she’s decent-looking!”

“Brother, I love you!”

Xu We’s warm, melodious voice rose above the audience’s gasps. Within seconds, the entire venue fell silent, leaving only his uniquely gentle yet distinctive voice to fill the air. Like the fourth group, they had chosen a Chinese-style song with operatic elements.

Comparison is the thief of joy. As soon as Xu We’s voice rang out, Song Cheng knew he had already surpassed the previous group. Moreover, Meng Jie’s skill was undeniable; she had flawlessly executed every note. Her only shortcoming was her emotional delivery, which lacked the depth and immersion Xu We effortlessly conveyed, earning them 96,543 votes.

The audience erupted in frenzy:

“My darling is going to win for sure! The country bumpkin is about to get crushed! It’s a shame Liu Yinghou has to be dragged down with him, but who told her to overestimate herself?”

“Duh! With such a high score, my darling’s group is definitely taking the championship!”

“I can already picture the country bumpkin crying as he leaves the stage. I wonder if Liu Yinghou will be so humiliated she’ll cry too? Losing face in front of this many people—just thinking about it is thrilling!”

“Hahaha! I’ve got my phone ready to record their epic fail! I heard their rehearsals have been a complete disaster!”

The high score only intensified Liu Zimang’s pressure. But when she caught a glimpse of Song Cheng’s calm confidence, her heart found some solace.

As the expansive, liberating melody began, Liu Zimang’s body naturally moved with the rhythm.

The audience had seen Liu Zimang dance before, but this was their first time witnessing her perform jazz. Her graceful curves were accentuated by the form-fitting, golden min-dress, drawing gasps from the crowd and online viewers watching the live stream.

But when Song Cheng’s cold, alluring voice filled the venue, the entire hall fell silent. Every eye was wide with shock and awe, their emotions easily swayed by her captivating vocals.

On stage, Song Cheng had no time for the audience; her gaze was fixed solely on Liu Zimang.

Liu Zimang had already placed her hand on Song Cheng’s shoulder, their bodies pressed close. Song Cheng could almost feel Liu Zimang’s every breath, the warm air brushing against her face, nearly making her forget where she was.

In the blink of an eye, Liu Zimang withdrew her hand and transitioned into their duet dance sequence.

Their bodies were pressed almost flush against each other, her hands resting on Liu Zimang’s waist as rehearsed. Combined with Liu Zimang’s expression, the performance exuded a captivating allure that even viewers watching through screens couldn’t resist being captivated by.

Song Cheng had regained her composure, gazing at Liu Zimang as if admiring a precious work of art.

Suddenly, as the music swelled, she released Liu Zimang’s waist and transitioned into a solo rendition of “Wave.” Unlike Liu Zimang’s fluid grace, Song Cheng’s movements carried a sharper, more powerful edge, sending the entire venue into a frenzy.

Liu Zimang hadn’t anticipated this sudden change in choreography, nor the electrifying effect it would have. She was momentarily stunned.

Sensing her momentary distraction, Song Cheng moved closer, casually draped an arm around her waist, and gave her a light nudge with her fingers.

The touch snapped Liu Zimang back to reality, but it also sent a tingling sensation through her. She mentally cursed Song Cheng as a “menace” and resumed her movements.

Yet her gaze remained fixed on Song Cheng, especially when Song Cheng raised an eyebrow and flashed a mischievous grin. Liu Zimang’s heart completely unraveled.

The performance was nearing its climax. Supported by Song Cheng’s hand, Liu Zimang executed a dramatic backbend.

As the final note faded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, punctuated by excited screams.

“I must be seeing things. This pair actually looks so perfect together!”

“Oh my god, their gazes could literally pull silk threads! I suddenly want to fall in love!”

“I never knew girls could have such a defined waistline! She’s definitely hiding abs under that outfit.”

“Lock them up together right now! I’m obsessed!”

“Am I the only one noticing the votes skyrocketing on the screen? Ah… give my brother back his champion title!”

The voting bar surged relentlessly, finally stopping at 99,666. It was clear: Liu Zimang had won her showdown against Xu We.

Song Cheng once again claimed the top spot among the advancing contestants, yet her face lacked the jubilant expression of the other advancing Guests.

As soon as the recording ended, Song Cheng rushed off the stage. Just as she was about to slip away, Liu Zimang’s voice rang out: “Where do you think you’re going? Didn’t we say we’d celebrate if you won?”