Chapter Seven: No More Pretending—Time to Come Clean, I’m a Musical Prodigy!

“If you’ve got the skill, show it. If not, tuck your tail and stay quiet. Why should your hard work guarantee you an opportunity from others?”
“In this world, who isn’t working hard? Does effort alone explain everything?”
“I don’t feel sorry for these entertainers—they talk as if their lives are so miserable.”
“Exactly! At least these entertainers get to shine in the spotlight. Ordinary people don’t have that kind of treatment, and yet here they are, playing the victim?”
“Yeah, we’re not buying it!”
“Don’t try to pull the wool over our eyes!”
“Bai Ling, log off already!”

By now, many people had noticed what was going on. The rhythm set by the hired commenters had become blatantly excessive. Compared to them, those showing sympathy for Bai Ling or standing by her seemed utterly outnumbered and drowned out. Some people’s comments were even buried in the flood.
The more seasoned onlookers immediately understood the situation.

“Starshine Entertainment is really pulling out all the stops. How much are they spending to suppress Bai Ling?”
“If Bai Ling can’t get through this, tonight might be the last time the public sees her.”
“Sigh, how tragic…”
“She’s just a girl, and she has neither background nor strength. It’s only natural for capital to crush her—artists like her are too vulnerable in today’s climate.”
“Let’s call it a day. The show’s over; what follows is just garbage time.”
“That’s enough drama for today!”

Just as these people were convinced Bai Ling had no chance of turning the tables, Bai Ling herself spoke, her expression solemn.

“Everyone, you’ve seen it for yourselves. I wanted to speak politely, but some people simply refuse to let go when they have the upper hand!”
“This matter began with Zhou Tai and Wang Tianhai from Starshine Entertainment making the first mistake!”
“They tried to make me yield to their unspoken rules. As a law-abiding citizen, how could I possibly agree?”
“If I exchanged my integrity for a future, would my conscience ever be at peace?”
“But I’ve already made the right choice. In terms of both law and reason, I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Yet instead of holding the real offenders accountable, everyone is here questioning the victim—is that appropriate? Is that what should be done?”

In just a few seconds, Bai Ling shifted from pitiful to righteous and indignant.
Her pointed questions left many viewers momentarily stunned.

That’s right!
Blaming the victim?
The tactics of these hired trolls were truly over the top.

However, before the awakened could chime in, the hired commenters quickly flooded the screen again, pushing the same message:
Not worthy of her position! Bai Ling’s words can’t be trusted!

At this, Bai Ling let out a soft laugh. “I had only planned a simple clarifying livestream, but you insist on pressing me.”
“If that’s the case, then don’t blame me. I won’t pretend anymore—let’s lay all the cards on the table.”

“Actually, I’m a musical prodigy!”

Pfft!
Countless bystanders and Bai Ling’s fans burst out laughing.

What?
Did they hear that right?
What was Bai Ling saying?
A musical prodigy?
And what was with that proud, teasing expression on her face?

In an instant, everyone pictured the swagger of a nouveau riche.
Yet, on Bai Ling’s breathtakingly beautiful face, even that expression looked charming and adorable.

“Hahaha!”
“Musical prodigy!”
“Sister Bai Ling’s expression is so cute.”
“Is it true? Now that you mention it, I’ve never heard Bai Ling sing. How about a song?”
“Yeah, genius, let’s hear it!”
“Sis, now’s the time to prove yourself. Don’t chicken out—go for it!”
“Looking forward to Bai Ling’s performance…”

Wang Tianhai and Zhou Tai were also watching Bai Ling’s livestream at that moment.
When Bai Ling righteously rebuked the barrage of comments and hired trolls, both men felt a jolt of unease—guilt gnawing at them.

But seeing the hired commenters still dominating the screen and relentlessly pressuring Bai Ling, their faces couldn’t help but break into satisfied smiles.
Especially Wang Tianhai, who lay back comfortably on the sofa, his belly protruding, lighting a cigar with a look of utter contentment. Folds of fat quivered as he chuckled.

“Heh, this money wasn’t wasted!”
Through the swirling white smoke, his small eyes gleamed coldly.
“You want to take me on? You’re still too green.”
“Tonight, I’ll make sure you’re utterly ruined.”

But soon, he heard Bai Ling declare herself a “musical prodigy” and couldn’t help but roar with laughter.

“Is this woman here to make jokes?”
“A musical prodigy, really? Can she even sing?”
As a senior executive at Starshine Entertainment, Wang Tianhai naturally knew the talents of the artists under his company.
The truly talented singers and performers were ones he dared not touch lightly.

After all, those were prime moneymakers—a single stain on their record would be a huge loss.
The reason Bai Ling was on his list for exploitation was precisely because, in his eyes, she was nothing but a pretty face with no other value.

Bai Ling, a singer? What a joke.
“Pushing herself into the fire pit?”
“This woman really is beyond saving!”

He sneered, and Zhou Tai, ever the sycophant, immediately approached, nodding and bowing.

“Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right, President Wang.”
“She just can’t see her own situation clearly, that’s why she’s so clueless.”
“She’s bound to embarrass herself in a moment.”
“Don’t worry, President Wang. When she’s desperate, I’ll bring her right to you.”

Wang Tianhai looked at Zhou Tai, pleased by his fawning.

“Good, that’s how it should be.”

He still coveted Bai Ling’s body.

Meanwhile, after declaring herself a “prodigy,” Bai Ling didn’t hesitate. She took out a USB drive, plugged it into her phone with a cable, and said to the livestream’s audience,

“My setup is a bit crude—please forgive me.
After all, artists like me who refuse to sell out don’t have much money.
Since those questioning me think I can’t sing or dance, I’ll sing a few lines and let these people who look down on me see for themselves!”

Bai Ling smiled serenely as she prepared.
Everything was unfolding as she had expected—it was all part of the plan.
As long as she could rebound from rock bottom, she was confident she could win this battle for her reputation.

So, the decision was made.
Pokémon—
No, Performance Boost Card!

With a swish, a voice echoed in Bai Ling’s mind:
“Congratulations, Host, on using a Performance Boost Card. You’ve gained a random effect: Charisma increased by 100%!”

Bai Ling clenched her pink fists in excitement.

Yes!
Perfect.
This was exactly what she needed.

The song Bai Ling had chosen was all about emotional power.
The audience’s anticipation was building…