Capítulo 80: Calm
"Miaoyi..."
Calm. Like a serene lake in a deserted forest.
She was calm.
After the results were announced, Qiuying froze in an instant.
"Not selected?" Qiuying, as well as Miaoyi, who was accompanying her, never expected this outcome. Both stood frozen, wondering if they had misheard.
It wasn't just the two individuals. Even the students from other classes and a few teachers present were equally surprised, their collective gazes fixed on the unexpected result.
"What's going on?" Miaoyi furrowed her brow, turning her gaze towards the student council members responsible for maintaining order.
"I'm sorry. I thought it was good enough to be selected..." Qiuying replied, her voice trembling.
Calm. She was calm.
"Don't say that. It's not your fault," Miaoyi added without hesitation.
Miaoyi was well aware of the calibre of the performer, An Qiuying, and was equally aware of the song she sang. In theory, this was an impossible outcome.
So... Miaoyi forcefully cleared her head and raced through her mind, searching for a reason, a sensible and understandable one.
Recalling the words spoken by Nuo Yun earlier in the morning, Miaoyi instantly realized those words were not baseless rumours, and now, there was only one explanation that made sense.
Their spots were blacklisted due to the so-called 'internal arrangement' and its hidden rules!
...Was she calm?
"It's not your fault. If someone is to blame, it's that meddlesome student council," Miaoyi glanced at Qiuying before shifting her gaze to the student council, her face contorted with a mixture of anger and determination. "I'll find an explanation for you!"
Ordinary students might have swallowed their disappointment and accepted their fate, unable to challenge the system even when they knew the truth. But Miaoyi was different. While she had no interest in the school anniversary event and cared little about it, Qiuying's enthusiasm alone was enough to ignite a fire within her.
That's why Miaoyi stood up immediately, intending to head towards the area where the student council was located.
Before she could even make her way there, a male student with a gelled hairstyle parted to the side and dressed in a flashy suit blocked their path.
"Greetings, may I introduce myself? I'm Zhao Bin," he said, wearing a sly smile as he extended his right hand toward An Qiuying. "You must be disappointed about not being selected, right? It's understandable. Although your ambition to write your own songs is admirable, the quality of your composition falls short. It requires refinement and depth. But fear not; I believe with my credentials as an internet celebrity, I can assist you. Are you interested?"
Miaoyi couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle at Zhao Bin's audacity. It was clear that he had a lot to learn.
As if suddenly noticing her, Zhou Bin turned suddenly to glance at Miaoyi.
"Oh, so you think the level of this song is too low?" Miaoyi raised an eyebrow, not giving an inch of respect to Zhao Bin's outstretched hand. She treated him as if he were an insignificant speck, not worth her attention.
As Zhao Bin tried to recover from his initial blunder, he hastily replied, "Well, I meant that the melody and arrangement could use some work. If you want to make it in the industry, you would need... more than what you have. Many talented singers with dreams crash and burn along the way... Just look at this audition."
Miaoyi let out a dismissive scoff. His words were like water off a duck's back to her.
A dangerous amusement danced in her eyes as she said, "So, you're the 'saviour' with all the answers? Let me guess. You think you can snatch our spot, right?"
Zhao Bin's confidence wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Well... I mean, based on the level of skill and overall performance, it's clear that I'm the better choice for the Student Council. I have a lot more to offer than you. And let's not forget, this is a highly competitive world. Many people would do anything to get ahead."
Miaoyi couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Oh, please. Spare me the self-righteous lecture. Just because you're a popular figure on some app doesn't mean you're entitled to anything. Looks like your pretty face has given you a massive ego."
Zhao Bin's face reddened with frustration. He hadn't expected such a biting retort. "Don't you know who I am? Take a good look," he insisted.
Miaoyi remained unimpressed, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Oh, trust me, I know exactly who you are. A nobody, just like the rest of you here. Do you really think you can snatch this spot from us?"
Zhao Bin, feeling invincible behind his mask of arrogance, decided to drop all pretenses. He no longer bothered to conceal his true nature, spewing his snark-filled words with impunity. "Even if I did obtain this spot through dubious means, what can you possibly do about it? This society has never been fair, and I'm living proof of that. I'm an internet celebrity on the 'Vote for Voice' app, with over a hundred thousand fans. Face it, even if you're beautiful, talented, or intelligent, you'll never achieve what I have in your entire lifetime."
Miaoyi, the picture of calmness amidst the storm, raised an eyebrow and curled her lips in a knowing smile, "It seems like you're really proud of your status as an internet celebrity and those adoring fans of yours," she retorted with a hint of sarcasm.
Through his false confidence, nervousness flickered in Zhao Bin's eyes. He hadn't anticipated such resistance. "So, do you still have any objections to the fact that this spot belongs to me?"
However, Miaoyi's voice interrupted his thoughts the next second: "Are you saying that you took our spot?"
"Yes..." Zhao Bin reflexively nodded in agreement, but quickly realized his mistake and hesitated for a moment before saying, "No, how can you say that? It's just a selection based on level and overall qualities. I have a high level and good overall qualities, so the student council would definitely choose me... Not to mention the rest. Anyway, could you sell this song to me?"
A mischievous glint flashed in Miaoyi's eyes as she delivered the final blow. "Well, while this song was co-written by me, it isn't my song, so unfortunately, no. But, if you insist on one of my songs, I have something else to show you.
In fact, I am writing a song right now, and it's already under contract. If you want to cover it, you'll have to pay the hefty penalty fee," she stated, her tone seemingly hinting at a possible compromise.
With a dismissive smirk, Zhao Bin asked, "Breach of contract fee? How much are we talking about here?"
She nonchalantly pulled out her phone, displayed the contract on the screen, waving it in front of Zhao Bin.
On the screen was the newly approved and signed contract for Miaoyi's newest song-in-production, "Countdown."
Zhao Bin's confidence faltered, his arrogance quickly morphing into stunned disbelief. "I... I thought it was a lot, but I can afford it. It's just 15 thous..." he stuttered, his bravado replaced by a desperate attempt to salvage his shattered pride.
Miaoyi's smile widened. "Yep! 15,790,000 Yuan, three times the original licensing fee."
In a feeble attempt to save face, Zhao Bin lashed out, "Heh, do you find it fulfilling to deceive people with these fake things?" he sneered, desperately grasping at straws.
Miaoyi couldn't resist taunting him further. "You're still trying? Looks like it backfired. Maybe next time, think twice before underestimating someone."
As the realization sunk in, Zhao Bin's face turned pale. He had never imagined that Miaoyi would be this cunning and resourceful.
"Oh, also, that person filming over there! Send me the video on Weibo!"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"
She couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Miaoyi had made her point loud and clear - in this battle, she was the victor, and Zhao Bin was nothing more than a pretentious internet celebrity with an inflated ego.
With a victorious smile, Miaoyi turned away from Zhao Bin, leaving him to stew in his own foolishness.
Zhao Bin hadn't even had time to react: "You..."
"Qiuying, let's go!"
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