Chapter 67: Please Give Me One More Chance

With the loud doubts and mockery from Wang Min's fans, the emotions of other spectators were more or less affected as well.

Their gazes toward Mo Qi were tinged with distrust.

"I believe Mo Qi would never plagiarize!" The ten or so fans of Mo Qi present at the scene were so anxious their eyes were red.

"Yes! We trust Mo Qi! There must be some misunderstanding; Mo Qi would never plagiarize!"

Their defense, however, was quickly drowned out by the voices of thousands in the studio audience.

Mo Qi looked coldly at the audience, at those mocking and disdainful eyes, feeling the bitter irony of being accused of something she did not do—like calling a deer a horse. Too many people simply follow the crowd; as long as three say the deer is a horse, they’d agree without hesitation. The few rational ones merely watched, as if enjoying a play.

In the waiting area, Wang Min breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought Mo Qi might do something, but it seemed Mo Qi was only bluffing in defiance.

Watching Mo Qi being accused, Wu Jin felt quite satisfied. Little girl, after this, let’s see how long you can remain proud!

Zhang Fan glanced at Shen Yijue and murmured, "You’re just going to watch your own apprentice get attacked and say nothing?"

Su Xiao was also curious, glancing over. She could tell that the Heavenly King Shen treated Mo Qi differently. Yet his emotions never showed, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"She should learn to face failure. No matter what she performs next, I’ll pass her." That was Shen Yijue’s attitude.

Zhang Fan raised an interested eyebrow, Su Xiao silently turned her gaze back.

Zhang Fan continued, "Isn’t Mo Qi living in your apartment? Didn’t she ask you for advice when setting up the script?"

Shen Yijue answered calmly, "Several scenes in Wang Min’s performance were set by me."

Zhang Fan nodded thoughtfully, propping his chin. "So it’s really Wang Min who plagiarized Mo Qi’s creation. Interesting."

Shen Yijue finally lifted his eyelids, giving Zhang Fan a cool glance. Zhang Fan immediately dropped his hand, straightened up, and said seriously, "Malicious competition—such behavior is truly outrageous!"

When Shen Yijue looked away, Zhang Fan shamelessly leaned over again, "So, how do you plan to teach Wang Min a lesson?"

"Anything that happens to Mo Qi during the competition is her own affair. I won’t interfere." Shen Yijue paused, then added, "She requested it herself."

"She’s foolish! Why not make good use of you and reap some benefits? Or is she waiting for bigger fish?" Receiving a warning look from Shen Yijue, Zhang Fan finally wisely kept his mouth shut.

Mo Qi spoke a few words, discovering the microphone wasn’t working, so she looked pleadingly at Meng Weiliang, "Brother Weiliang, I didn’t plagiarize. Can you help me? I know it’s hard for you to question things, but could you speak up for me, give me another chance?"

Mo Qi had spoken so plainly, and Meng Weiliang truly felt she was unlucky—especially since she’d offended Wang Min.

"Everyone, please quiet down," Meng Weiliang turned to the audience. "Regardless of what caused this, I believe we should respect these young people who never give up and pursue their dreams. So, I ask everyone, please give her another chance to show herself, to fight for her own opportunity. Can we?"

"But won’t our Xiao Min lose out?" Wang Min’s fans clearly didn’t want to let Mo Qi off.

"Mo Qi hasn’t performed yet. How is Wang Min losing out?" Mo Qi’s fans argued back fiercely.

"Indeed, Mo Qi has only mentioned the plot is similar; she hasn’t performed yet. She’s eligible to continue competing," other spectators interjected.

Wang Min’s fans were annoyed but couldn’t refute.

Their momentum was suppressed, and Mo Qi’s fans bowed gratefully to the others, "Thank you."

There weren’t many, only a few dared speak up, but they were truly fighting for Mo Qi’s best interests.

Standing on stage, Mo Qi watched them, wanting to say thanks, but the microphone was still dead.

Suddenly, Shen Yijue left his seat, striding onto the stage. The audience froze; Meng Weiliang was startled.

Shen Yijue stepped forward, expressionless yet polite, taking Meng Weiliang’s microphone and handing it to Mo Qi, "Say whatever you wish. I’m here."

Say whatever you wish. I’m here!

The audience erupted at his words, and Mo Qi stared blankly at Shen Yijue. She hadn’t expected him to stand up for her at this moment.

Mo Qi knew Shen Yijue saw through her tactics—she had pushed herself to the peak of public scrutiny, not just to strike at Wang Min, but also for self-promotion.

Shen Yijue saw through it, yet still chose to defend her. What did that mean?

A possibility flashed through Mo Qi’s mind, unsettling her calm composure.

Shen Yijue didn’t use the microphone, but stood on stage, facing the audience: "Mo Qi is my apprentice. I believe in her." With that, he nodded to the audience and returned to the judges’ table.

Meng Weiliang left the microphone with Mo Qi, gesturing for her to speak.

Mo Qi glanced at Shen Yijue, then said, "Thank you for giving me another chance. I don’t know if my performance will win your approval, but I will treat it with utmost sincerity. Thank you!"

"Are you ready?" Meng Weiliang asked softly. Mo Qi smiled and handed him the microphone.

Meng Weiliang nodded, turned to the audience, and said, "On the road of growth, everyone faces setbacks. The weak choose to escape, the brave choose to challenge. I don’t know if Mo Qi will advance to the national top ten today, but I’d like to befriend someone so positive and resilient."

The audience applauded.

Meng Weiliang motioned for quiet, "Next, I’m not the host, just a friend cheering for Mo Qi. Mo Qi, good luck!"

He stepped forward and embraced Mo Qi.

"Thank you, Brother Weiliang." Mo Qi’s eyes glistened with tears; her smile was sincere as she gently returned the hug.

Was she moved inside? Not at all.

Meng Weiliang had guessed the truth from the start, yet never stood up for her. Only now, after the Heavenly King Shen had spoken, did he try to curry favor. He was merely smooth, not malicious, but genuine kindness was scarce.

"Brother Weiliang, wait a moment." Mo Qi ran to the control room at the edge of the stage, "The narration and VCR I gave you earlier can’t be used now—use this instead."

"Uh? Oh, alright."

"Thank you, everyone." Mo Qi bowed deeply, then hurried out of the control room and returned to the stage.

"Alright! Next up, please welcome Mo Qi!" Meng Weiliang announced, then stepped aside, joining the audience in applause.

Click! The stage lights went out in a flash. On the giant screen, the sunlight was gentle. A spring breeze stirred, sending pink petals dancing in the air. Everything was as beautiful as a fairy tale.

A spotlight shone in the dim stage, illuminating Mo Qi, her makeup freshly retouched, as she stood ready.