The polite opening remarks concluded, and the second round of the competition officially began.
Following yesterday's order, Qiu Xi was the 21st to perform.
Today was different from yesterday. Yesterday's competition was finished by noon, but today's schedule was split: half in the morning and half in the afternoon.
Qiu Xi and her group were scheduled for the morning session.
"Xiao Xi, there's still plenty of time, should we go practice nearby?"
Even though the first contestant had already started, there were still quite a few people before their numbers, 20-something.
"Mm, that's okay too."
"Great~"
Upon hearing Qiu Xi's agreement, Yu Xin Xin became a little excited.
She asked Qiu Xi to practice with her not just for the sake of mechanical repetition; she had a small selfish motive.
Having practiced together privately for so long, Yu Xin Xin knew that by practicing with Qiu Xi, she would surely get some good advice.
Thus, the two found a less crowded spot behind the stage and began reciting their scripts.
"Xiao Xi!"
Yu Xin Xin rubbed her head, a hint of doubt in her voice, "Is my brain not a brain?"
She had just heard Qiu Xi recite it once, and it was off-the-cuff…
It wasn't a big deal to be off-the-cuff, but why was it so fluent and rhythmic…
She spoke so well!
The more Yu Xin Xin thought about it, the more she doubted… Every time she was with Qiu Xi, she always surprised her.
She kept breaking her own perception of Qiu Xi…
Qiu Xi waved her hand, unconcerned by these thoughts.
After spending time with this girl, she had grown accustomed to her…
Mostly sharp and quick-witted, but occasionally quite foolish…
"Alright, you can express your amazement after you finish speaking on stage later."
"Your script still needs more practice."
Yu Xin Xin pouted, truly feeling the unfairness of life!
"I know…"
So, what was supposed to be practice for both of them turned into Qiu Xi's coaching session for the remainder of the time.
"This part isn't right… And this part…"
If the script had flaws in such a short time, then it could only be compensated for with delivery.
Under Qiu Xi's guidance, Yu Xin Xin tried her best to learn.
Reciting, pausing, time passed quite quickly.
In the blink of an eye, the host on stage was already calling for number 21 to prepare.
"Xiao Xi, let's go wait."
"Mm."
"Next to take the stage is contestant number 21. Contestant number 22, please be ready."
As soon as the host finished speaking, Qiu Xi, who was already waiting backstage, immediately stepped forward.
She stood firm, bowed, smiled, held the microphone, and looked ahead. Qiu Xi began her speech for the second round of the competition.
While the person on stage was poised and graceful, those in the audience were somewhat surprised.
It wasn't that there were no contestants who performed off-the-cuff today, but those who did had more or less stumbles, mostly due to not being well-prepared or forgetting their lines.
The best among them managed to alter their speaking pace and bridge the gaps. Others either repeated the previous sentence before continuing, or got stuck and kept repeating, continuing in nervousness and embarrassment.
The audience was quite understanding of the former situations and even thought highly of them.
As for the latter, while their courage was commendable, their preparation was indeed lacking.
So, when Qiu Xi concluded her speech with such smoothness and emotion, murmurs began to spread through both the judges' seating and the audience below.
Judges on stage:
"This child is quite talented. In less than a day, she's managed to achieve such perfection."
"Mm… The content is good, and performing off-the-cuff is a definite plus."
…
Audience below:
"I remember this contestant. She was the young girl with strong adaptability yesterday. I didn't expect her writing and memory skills to be so good too!"
"Who would have thought!"
"This young girl has really practiced her stage presence well! She's poised and confident, not at all shy!"
…
In short, Qiu Xi's performance left everyone with an excellent impression.
"Xiao Xi!"
"You were amazing!"
As soon as she came off stage, Yu Xin Xin showered her with praise.
Qiu Xi breathed a sigh of relief and waved to Yu Xin Xin, "Just normal operation~"
"Hmph!"
"A trick to attract attention!"
The mocking voice was fleeting as the speaker had already walked towards the stage.
"No!"
"My hands are itching! Doesn't she deserve a beating!"
Yu Xin Xin was already getting angry!
This person!
They didn't even know her, yet she kept making provocative remarks, truly treating her and Xiao Xi like easily bullied kittens?!!
Even Qiu Xi’s gaze deepened as she looked at the person’s retreating back, though a sliver of disdain remained.
People like this, the more arrogant they are, the easier they are to deal with. They think they are standing high, but when they fall, it's even more satisfying to watch~
It just so happened that she was right behind her~
Karma comes quickly indeed~
The contestant who just went on stage, number 22, if not outright imitation, at least she was also performing off-the-cuff, following Qiu Xi.
With such a brilliant performance preceding hers, it would be difficult to get a high score if she didn't surpass it!
As a result… it wasn't that Qiu Xi liked to belittle others, nor was it her protagonist halo!
It was contestant number 22 who went up… she was indeed quite foolish!
Let's not even mention the script itself; she had already lost in terms of the presentation by performing off-the-cuff.
Furthermore, her topic was "The Ultimate Taste in Life is Simplicity and Joy," and her own writing had strayed from the theme.
In an instant, not only Qiu Xi but also those nearby who had already finished their speeches and were now listening intently to the competition realized it.
And many of them felt a bit of joy~
One less competitor~
Yu Xin Xin was conveniently number 23.
While waiting, listening to the host announce Xiao Xi's score of 9.5, and watching number 22 come down with a dejected expression, Yu Xin Xin felt happy.
"Hmph~"
"I thought she was some big shot, no need for such showmanship~"
"You!"
Before the other person could finish speaking, Yu Xin Xin happily walked onto the stage.
Thanking this silly person, she was able to go on stage smiling, even if it was after Xiao Xi~
The person behind, number 22, stomped her foot, a flash of malice in her eyes.
"Zhen Zhen, you have to do your best later and let these country bumpkins hear your standard pronunciation."
Zhen Zhu, "…"
Heh~
Still performing at this point!
This little follower of hers… truly brainless!
She used to find this kind of praise pleasant, but now, looking at the eyes of those around her, she was truly embarrassing herself!
Qiu Xi watched from the side for a while and had to admit that both of these people had some issues…
However, she only voiced her thoughts inwardly, as Yu Xin Xin's speech had already begun.