Embracing The Spotlight

"I am grateful for your votes. Furthermore, I believe this competition already has a winner. We are the winners!"

Jun said arrogantly.

He knew that after them was Irina and Cecilia. He was trying to get revenge for what they did to him.

As Jun's words echoed through the crowd, an immediate buzz erupted among the spectators.

"Such dominance!" exclaimed many in admiration.

"Wow, this guy is truly incredible!" echoed another voice filled with awe.

"Indeed, the previous frontrunner didn't even come close to securing half the votes Jun and Mina received. In fact, it's safe to say that this competition has essentially reached its conclusion."

"Humph! It's all thanks to Mina. Who does he think he is, displaying such arrogance?"

"Even so, there's only one performer left in the competition. I believe they just debuted this year.

I don't think they stand a chance of winning."

"Count me in as a supporter of Mina! We should conclude this magnificent performance with a trophy rather than listening to another boring song."

While some supported Jun's words, others booed and expressed disapproval.

Mina's expression also changed a little. She didn't think that showing such an attitude was advisable. It would harm their reputation especially if they were to lose. Though of course, she has the confidence to win.

The host smiled and addressed the audience, "Although the outcome may seem predictable at this point, we still have two talented singers who have graced the stage today. I believe their focus lies not only in winning or losing, but also in captivating everyone with their songs."

Upon hearing this, Jun shrugged and remarked, "What I said was simply a fact. If someone wishes to refute it, they can only prove themselves. With that, I will take my leave now. Thank you all for your support."

Mina left the stage with Jun following behind.

Mina waved her hand, prompting another round of cheers from the crowd.

Jun walked confidently towards the backstage, brimming with ambition and sporting a relaxed demeanor.

At that moment, Irina and Cecilia emerged from the backstage and crossed paths with Jun and Mina. Jun glanced at Irina and Cecilia dismissively, as if not taking them seriously, and murmured,

"You should have fired that Manager! Let's see how you fare against us with Composer Jules song."

Not waiting for their response, he proceeded to walk past Irina and Cecilia. Mina just glanced at them and followed Jun.

While she didn't approve of Jun's attitude, she also held negative feelings towards Cecilia and Irina, particularly due to her song being ousted from the Top 10 by them.

Though unlike Jun, she didn't think of them as losers. She already lost once to them and knows that they are not someone she should underestimate. Although she didn't think her ability fell below them but because of the difference in the quality of the song, she believes she lost.

While she didn't think that Cecilia and Irina would have another such excellent song, she didn't dare underestimate them.

At the backstage, Composer Jules awaited their arrival, a happy smile adorning his face.

"Jun, excellent work!" Composer Jules exclaimed, clearly pleased and excited. He was more happy about Jun's attitude than being angry.

He believed this was how winners should act and didn't entertain the thought of losing, especially not to those newcomers.

"Humph! Let those newcomers regret their choices!" Composer Jules added with contempt. His eagerness to humiliate Cecilia, Irina, and Alan outweighed his desire to win the contest.

Jun smiled and said, "Indeed, with my singing skills and Mina's talent, the impact will undoubtedly be remarkable. Those newcomers stand no chance."

"Humph! Let's see how they embarrass themselves! After this, the company will realize that their previous victory was merely a stroke of luck!"

Jun said as he looked at the stage!

*****

Irina and Cecilia walked onto the stage, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

"Cecilia, let's do this!" Irina encouraged her partner.

"Yes, we have practiced so much for this moment. Let's show them what we're made of," Cecilia replied, reciprocating the encouragement.

They bolstered each other's confidence as they stepped onto the stage. Unfazed by Jun's words or their incredible result, they had one goal in mind: to captivate the audience and make a lasting impression.

"Next, our next performer will take the stage."

The host announced!

The spotlight illuminated Irina and Cecilia.

Upon seeing them, many people were filled with curiosity. Irina and Cecilia may not have been popular, but there was something about them that commanded attention. Their remarkable appearance could rival anyone's, at least within the competition.

"Who are they?"

"They must be some new idol who got invited to the contest. But - damn! They are so pretty! I would vote for them even if they suck."

"Humph! This is a singing competition. What I hate the most is leveraging looks to gain everything. I won't waste my time listening to them and ruining my good mood."

"After hearing Mina's song, I don't think any song could move me to vote for them."

"What's the point of voting for them if they are destined to lose? It's better to appreciate their beauty and wait for the competition to end."

Numerous audience members engaged in discussions, with little hope for Irina and Cecilia's success.

At that moment, Irina took hold of the microphone and without wasting any words, addressed the crowd directly.

"Hello everyone, I am Irina, and this is my friend Cecilia."

"Hello, I am Cecilia! Today, we will perform a song called 'Heart's Embrace.' We hope you all will enjoy it."

The audience cheered though of course it was compareless to the enthusiasm that audience showed towards Mina and Jun.

"Humph! Look, your stars have arrived. They are about to humiliate themselves," Jun's manager scoffed, brimming with confidence and arrogance following the previous result. She believed Cecilia and Irina stood no chance of victory.

"I think you should go and beg Composer Jules for forgiveness. Given his greatness, he might pardon you," Jun's manager taunted.

Having delivered her speech, she cast a cold glance at Alan, her eyes filled with undeniable pride.

Alan felt helpless. This seemed to be the essence of individuals lacking ability but yearning to boast.

Her own idol lacked the ability to win the competition, yet she bragged based on Mina's strength.

The outcome remained unknown, yet this woman was already loudly proclaiming her victory.

(Leave it!)

Alan thought to himself.

The result would speak for itself!