Chapter 85 The Results Are In

Song Waning lowered her gaze slightly, avoiding the real reason she liked the pipa. Instead, she replied offhandedly, “Because if I didn’t play well, I’d get punished. So, to avoid that, I had no choice but to work hard and learn it.”

Nan Yan covered her mouth in mild astonishment. “Is it really that serious? Everyone has their own interests; you can’t force someone, after all.”

But for Song Waning, it was not an exaggeration at all. In her previous life, her childhood was precisely such a harsh and strict routine. However, she always completed whatever she set out to do, learned everything well, and never once got beaten. The only one who ever suffered the rod was her younger brother.

Song Waning embellished her story, mixing some things from her past life with those of the original host. Behind her, Wen Jingxing listened, his brows tightly knit—his suspicions had been correct. Ever since he had stopped seeing Waning, she had indeed lived such a bullied life!

Nan Yan wanted to keep talking with Song Waning, but as the small villa drew closer, she really couldn’t find any more excuses to stay. Yun Ze had already walked up and said to her, “We’re here. Let’s go back.”

Nan Yan instinctively refused, “Just a bit longer, please.”

“No, you’re wearing so little—what if you catch cold?” Yun Ze took her wrist gently and added, “Can we continue tomorrow? You’ve already talked with Song Waning for half an hour. Now, it’s my turn.”

Hearing this, Song Waning glanced at Nan Yan in surprise. These two were quite something. According to the book’s plot, by now Nan Yan and Yun Ze should have already had a big fight, their relationship soured to the point of barely communicating. Yet here they were, arranging to talk. Clearly, she had missed something important between them!

Song Waning wanted to gossip, but she, too, couldn’t escape Wen Jingxing’s grasp and was pulled back to the villa. The cameraman trailing behind could barely contain his laughter—these two men looked like they were dragging their reluctant wives home. It was just too entertaining!

He immediately went to the group chat to share his joy.

On the morning of the eleventh day, everyone delayed starting their tasks, waiting for the results of the nine o’clock vote tally. They were all eager, sitting in their rooms, waiting for the outcome. Bored during the wait, the group began chatting. But once again, the trio of loners sat silently apart, while Song Waning’s side was lively and full of laughter.

Jiang Mingzhao was honestly terrified of Shen Yue. Last time, that mission reward had been more trouble than it was worth. The show’s arranged one-day resort tour required him to stick with his partner the whole time. That day, Jiang Mingzhao couldn’t avoid it, and had to endure Shen Yue’s pretentiousness all day long. He really didn’t like that sort of thing, so he avoided her whenever possible.

Shen Yue, pouting, couldn’t follow Jiang Mingzhao and had no choice but to stick with Jian An’an. But in Jin Jianyi’s opinion, Shen Yue was rather clueless—she insisted on tagging along as a third wheel when the partners were supposed to be together. Jian An’an herself was a bit annoyed: why did both of them insist on clinging to her? It made it hard for her to do anything. She had to keep up a polite smile, but smiling for so long made her face ache!

Meanwhile, the livestream chat was abuzz with discussion.

[The production team is so mean—they anonymized the ranking an hour after the vote, so now we have to wait with the guests.]
[Is this what they call suspense?]
[I don’t know, but the emperor isn’t worried—only the eunuchs are.]
[Yeah, look at them chatting over there—not a hint of nerves.]
[Do you think the guests already know the results?]
[No way. If they did, there’d be no show.]
[What if it’s all scripted, though? Right?]
[I don’t care—I’m rooting for Nan Yan.]
[Yesterday, Song Waning’s group did so well. They must be first.]
[I still think it should be Jian An’an. You guys don’t understand the mind of a true fan.]
[Speaking of which, was Jian An’an’s outfit yesterday just a ploy for votes?]
...

Time ticked by until, at exactly nine o’clock, Li Weiwei appeared on cue and announced, “The results of the twelve-hour online vote are in. Next, I will reveal each partnership’s ranking.”

“First, in fourth place...”

She began with the lowest ranking, and instantly everyone’s attention sharpened.

[Who is it? Who?]
[With only four groups, last place must be so awkward.]
The guests all sat up straighter, eyes fixed on her.

“The Jian An’an group: your votes total 5.58 million.”

As Li Weiwei announced the result, everyone was stunned.

[What? How could it be her?]
[Jian An’an really didn’t sing well toward the end. The others did fine—no mistakes.]
[Impossible. There’s no way our An’an is last! Is the show cheating and picking on her?]
[She’s last? That seems about right.]
[This is hilarious. She’s the only one who prides herself on singing and performing, yet she lost to everyone else?]
Jian An’an’s heart sank, and she shot to her feet in shock. “How could I be...”

Realizing her loss of composure, she quickly sat back down, wearing a contrite expression. “It’s... my skills weren’t enough. I apologize for disappointing everyone.”

Li Weiwei paid her no mind and continued, “In third place... the Shen Yue group, with 7.08 million votes.”

Jiang Mingzhao, hearing they were third, was overjoyed! Fantastic—he was finally free of first place, no vacation, and no more suffering through Shen Yue’s dramatics.

Shen Yue shot him a strange look at his delight. Had she fallen for a fool? What was there to be so happy about in third place?

Li Weiwei continued, “Second place goes to...”

She paused deliberately, and everyone held their breath. With third and fourth revealed, second place was now critical—once it was announced, the winner would be obvious.

“Second place goes to Nan Yan’s group, with 11.08 million votes!”

Li Weiwei swiftly added, “Congratulations to Song Waning’s group for winning first place, with 30.66 million votes!”

The moment the tally was revealed, everyone was astounded.

[Wow! Is the gap really that huge?]
[Young Master Wen’s influence is no joke!]
[Even if they wanted to cheat, no one would dare be so blatant. So I believe the show must be honest!]

(End of chapter)