After Being Bound to the Scummy Alpha System, I Became Famous Thanks to My Face Blindness - Chapter 55

Finally, all the groups had finished their performances.

The host invited everyone back on stage. The girls crowded together in a line, holding hands tightly, nerves strung taut.

The voting results had already been tallied backstage, and the notary staffs were now verifying and cross-checking the final count.

Before long, the sealed results were handed to Pan Qingchen.

Pan Qingchen carefully tore open the envelope and let out an exaggerated “Wow!”

“I already know the results.”

The girls nearly died from suspense.

“Coach Pan, please just tell us already—we can’t take the torture!”

“Life or death, just get it over with!”

“I’m ready to go home and cuddle my cat.”

Pan Qingchen chuckled. “Alright, alright, I know you’re all nervous. No more suspense. Let’s start from sixth place.”

“The sixth place in Beidou Star Training Program Stage Five, Heart of the Sea Breeze, goes to Lin Ruoxin’s team! Let’s give them a big round of applause for all their hard work!”

For a brief moment, the venue fell silent. No one knew whether to clap—after all, sixth place wasn’t exactly something to celebrate. It meant that aside from the team leader Lin Ruoxin, all other members would be eliminated.

Though Lin Ruoxin’s teammates tried to keep their composure, a few couldn’t hold back their tears.

Someone in the audience shouted, “Don’t cry! You’re the best!”

That broke the ice. The crowd began to applaud and cheer them on.

Once the emotions on stage had calmed down, Pan Qingchen continued, “In fifth place.”

Tang Ling felt Tan Shiyi’s hand tremble slightly in hers. She knew Shiyi was nervous, so she tightened her grip in reassurance.

Tan Shiyi looked at her in surprise, and Tang Ling gave her a firm nod.

“Song Yue’s team!”

Song Yue seemed to have expected it. She flashed a relaxed smile and turned to hug each of her teammates. “We did great. Don’t be sad.”

One after another, the rankings were announced—but Tan Shiyi’s name still hadn’t been called.

The girls grew increasingly anxious. Su Mengzhi’s leg was shaking uncontrollably. “Do you think we might actually win first place?”

He Junnian’s skin prickled with goosebumps. “Honestly? I think it’s possible.”

Pan Qingchen paused, then smiled. “There are only two teams left—Du Zhen’s team and Tan Shiyi’s team. Who will the championship go to this time?”

He didn’t even let the suspense hang for a breath before reading, “Tan Shiyi’s team.”

The girls collectively held their breath. “Second place?”

But then Pan Qingchen announced, “Congratulations to Tan Shiyi’s team! Their original song Heart of the Sea Breeze has been selected as the debut night version! And congratulations to Tang Ling for earning a direct debut spot!”

The audience erupted in cheers.

Xiao Rong’s eyes widened. “Wait—what? We got first place?”

Su Mengzhi clutched her face and screamed, “They’re really going to sing our song?”

Tang Ling’s hand was still interlocked with Tan Shiyi’s. She instinctively looked over, only to find Tan Shiyi already gazing back at her.

Before she could say anything, they were swept apart by a wave of teammates rushing over to celebrate and offer congratulations.

Pan Qingchen didn’t give the girls much time to bask in their excitement before continuing, “And let’s also congratulate Tang Ling on being promoted to temporary coach—she’ll be joining the coach team!”

Everyone froze. Even the audience fell silent.

Then the whispers started spreading like wildfire:

“What? Wait, wasn’t her reward a direct debut? How did she suddenly become a coach?”

“What kind of bizarre stunt is Beidou pulling this time? Debut and become a coach?”

“Just how many surprises does this show have up its sleeve?”

Tang Ling herself was completely dumbfounded. “Me? A coach?”

Pan Qingchen explained patiently, “Since Tang Ling has already secured a confirmed debut spot, she doesn’t need to continue competing. Therefore, she’ll temporarily join the coach group to help guide everyone in preparing for the debut night’s opening number, Heart of the Sea Breeze.”

Like the first-stage performance Starlit Whispers, the song Heart of the Sea Breeze was both the opening act and a group dance number—meaning every member had to participate.

This meant the choreography and stage blocking had to be entirely redone for each performer, creating a massive workload.

The host picked up the cue:

“For our sixth performance, the competition format will once again be upgraded.

Aside from Tang Ling, the remaining twenty contestants will be divided into four groups of five.

The top four members in popularity will serve as team captains and draw lots to select their teammates.

Together, they’ll compete for the six debut spots.”

He continued:

“Starting today, we’ll only have five practice rooms—5201 through 5205.

Room 5201 will be led by Tang Ling as the group dance practice room, while the other four rooms each have assigned themes.

The four captains may choose their rooms freely.

Please note that from this moment on, all five rooms will be equipped with multi-angle, 24-hour live cameras. Every move you make will be broadcast directly to the audience.

Use this opportunity wisely—show your best selves, and fight for your comeback in these final days.”

The announcement set off a wave of chatter among the girls:

“Twenty-four-hour live cams? Don’t we get any privacy anymore?”

“I mean, it could be a good thing. Our rankings haven’t budged in weeks—if it’s all livestreamed, maybe a dark horse could finally rise.”

The host smiled and raised his microphone again.

“Now, let’s invite Tang Ling onstage to shuffle the member cards.

Captains, please come up in order to draw your team members.”

Tang Ling stepped forward as instructed, walked up beside the host, and began interleaving the cards.

“Like this?” she asked.

The host nodded. “Perfect. Now, captains—please draw in order.”

One by one, the captains took their picks from Tang Ling’s hands, each name announced aloud to the audience.

Then it was Tan Shiyi’s turn.

She glanced up at Tang Ling, who gave her an encouraging nod.

Tan Shiyi drew the cards one by one, her voice low and steady as she read:

“Song Yue. Xiao Rong. Lu Yao. Cheng Qingyan.”

At the last name, Tan Shiyi’s expression shifted—barely perceptible, but enough for Tang Ling to notice.

Cheng Qingyan said nothing, only quietly moved to stand behind her captain.

The recording for the fifth stage finally wrapped.

The newly formed groups went off to their practice rooms to confirm their assigned themes, while Tang Ling stayed behind for a meeting with the production staff as the newly appointed coach.

Listening to the heated discussion between the directors and other coaches—being occasionally asked for her own opinion—Tang Ling suddenly felt the reality of her debut settle in.

This path had already diverged far from the original plot.

After all, in the source material, the original Tang Ling never lasted this long in the competition—she’d been eliminated ages ago.

When the meeting finally ended, Tang Ling’s phone rang.

It was her mother.

Mrs. Tang’s voice was brimming with excitement:

“I knew my Lingling was the best! You’ve already secured the first debut spot—how amazing is that!

Now that you’re not just a trainee anymore, you can come and go freely, right?

Your birthday’s in two weeks, and I’ve already booked a hotel to celebrate! Invite your friends and have a proper party!”

Tang Ling sighed inwardly. Friends? She barely had any—what was she supposed to do, sit there drinking with Jiang Manli all night?

“Mom, you don’t have to go through all that trouble. I’m not as into parties as I used to be. A small, casual birthday’s fine.”

“Nonsense! A twentieth birthday is a milestone! I’ve already made arrangements and invited several industry acquaintances.

My Lingling is debuting now—of course I have to pave the way for your future.”

Tang Ling’s chest filled with a mix of gratitude and guilt.

“Thank you, Mom. You’re really good to me.”

“Who else should I be good to if not my own daughter?

Oh, and remember to take your supplements regularly. Kids your age mature fast—many go through secondary differentiation early and get unstable.

If anything happens, tell me right away and I’ll handle it.

And don’t forget to bring Shishi along to your birthday party!”

At the mention of Tan Shiyi, Tang Ling’s temples throbbed.

It was already hard enough to see her before—at least they used to share a group, giving her an excuse to talk every day.

Now, as a so-called “coach,” she’d be under 24-hour surveillance.

How was she supposed to pursue Tan Shiyi like this?

After a moment’s thought, she unlocked her phone and opened their chat.

Tang Ling: “Have you decided on your group’s theme?”

It didn’t take long for Tan Shiyi to reply.

Tan Shiyi: “Bright Moon, Next Year.”

Bright Moon, Next Year—another lyrical ballad, perfect for strong vocalists.

But clearly, her team didn’t have many standout vocalists.

Tang Ling: “Need any help?”

The reply came quickly.

Tan Shiyi: “You should focus on your own work. You’ve got enough on your plate already.”

Tang Ling stared at the message, speechless.

She wasn’t wrong—Tang Ling had her own tasks to worry about.

Still, she was afraid Tan Shiyi might think she was neglecting her duties.

Already a temporary coach, and still thinking about romance?

So, she didn’t dare reply again.

Meanwhile, Tan Shiyi frowned as she received a new message—an unfamiliar number had sent her a photo of Tang Ling’s birthday invitation.

Without hesitation, she hit “Call.”

“Miss Pu,” she said coldly into the phone,

“what exactly are you trying to do?”