Chapter 29 Noah

Considering the visual presentation of the science museum, their team decided to place them in the middle to later part of the performance.

At this time, the audience's emotions have been warmed up but not yet fatigued, making it the perfect time to present a stage that requires immersion and visual impact.

Amidst the faint sounds of cheers and applause, Ling Wei and the others didn't engage in much conversation. They simply waited quietly, adjusting their breathing and gradually pushing themselves to their peak performance.

Meanwhile, in the quiet, cold living room.

Qu Chen leaned back on the sofa, idly scrolling through his phone screen, seemingly not paying much attention to the content.

On the huge laser TV screen that occupied the entire wall, the opening scene of Qinghe TV's live broadcast was playing silently, with dazzling countdown numbers flashing silently, forming a stark contrast with the quietness of the room.

Butler Bai gently placed a plate of carefully cut fruit on the coffee table in front of him and said in a gentle tone, "Young Master, why didn't you go to see the scene? I heard the atmosphere was very lively."

With a shy smile, befitting a father, he said, "To be honest, I've been thinking about Wanqing's premiere today. I just didn't expect you to stay home."

Qu Chen didn't even lift his eyelids, his voice lazy: "I don't like crowded places."

Seemingly realizing that the speaker was Bai Wanqing's father, he added, "I told Wanqing that I would cheer her on from home."

“That’s true, you’ve always preferred quiet.” Butler Bai readily agreed.

"Uncle Bai, take a break too. Let's watch together. You can adjust the volume yourself."

He didn't really like noisy performances, so he didn't turn the TV sound on. He originally planned to turn it on after Bai Wanqing appeared.

"Okay, okay." Butler Bai was delighted and readily sat down on the sofa to the side, his gaze fixed on the screen. He said casually, "Wanqing's group is scheduled to perform fourth."

"This kid called a few days ago and said that although training was tiring, he was really happy to be able to stand on the big stage with his teammates. It's just... sigh, he's worried that he can't compare to those professional idols, and he's under a lot of pressure."

He sighed, seemingly casually adding, but actually carefully laying the groundwork for his daughter: "I told her not to think too much, just do her best and bring out her best. After all... there are quite a few discerning professionals among the judges and audience members sitting in the audience."

These words sounded comforting, but in reality, they were lowering Qu Chen's expectations, fearing that the young master would be disappointed in his daughter's performance.

Qu Chen didn't respond, but merely raised an eyebrow, maintaining his languid posture as he sank into the sofa, his gaze returning to the silent screen.

At this moment, the live stream platform's bullet screen was flooded with comments, and the discerning viewers were merciless: "Overall, it's okay, but in terms of professionalism, it's far behind established groups like 'Aether'."

"They all seem to be hovering around the passing grade; none of them are eye-catching enough to make me want to jump right in."

"Isn't the bar for becoming an idol too low?"

However, some viewers were more forgiving: "It's just something for us Qinghe people to enjoy ourselves, and it's only the first one, so let's not be too demanding."

"Shouldn't you stop praising other groups and belittling other industries in official programs?"

"My grandma really likes it. She says it's exciting to watch and that young people are energetic!"

Then Shan Huai's team made their appearance.

Their black and silver functional outfits, with their clean cuts and fluorescent blue lines, created a cool yet sophisticated futuristic warrior image, immediately eliciting screams from many young girls in the audience.

The comments section immediately sprang to life: "This group is great! The styling is on point, the dance is synchronized, it's got the vibe!"

"This concept of a future soldier is pretty cool!"

Li Jinzhao glanced at the stage and thought to himself: This guy is alright looking, his movements are pretty energetic, and his expression is pretty arrogant, but he still thinks he is the most handsome, and he responds to the screams with silent disdain.

When Bai Wanqing led the "Qingya Collection" to the stage, Li Jinzhao's eyes lit up. "Wow, this is not bad, quite pleasing to the eye."

Instead of opting for a hardcore futuristic style, they cleverly incorporated the concept of "starry sky under the moon." Bai Wanqing wore a modified moon-white Chinese-style long dress, with tiny crystals adorning the hem like scattered starlight. The other team members' outfits were also mainly light blue and silver-white, flowing and graceful.

The comments section was full of praise: "Qingyaji's stage design is thoughtful, Wanqing's vocals are solid, the overall performance is very harmonious, and it's already close to a professional level!"

"This concept that blends classic and futuristic elements is fantastic!"

After watching his daughter's stage performance, Butler Bai smiled with satisfaction, but still habitually said modestly, "This child only had a bit of creative talent; in terms of skill, she still needs more practice."

After the performance, Butler Bai stood up and respectfully asked, "Young Master, I have some things to take care of. Would you like me to mute the TV?"

Qu Chen's gaze remained fixed on the screen, seemingly watching the upcoming team introduction: "No need."

Butler Bai was a little puzzled. Given Qu Chen's personality, he usually didn't have much patience for these kinds of programs. Why was he like this today...? But he didn't ask any further questions, just responded and left.

On stage, Li Jinzhao stroked his chin and gave his evaluation: "She's pretty, her singing is alright, and she's not noisy."

This is the highest praise he has given so far. Although it still carries a bit of the superficiality typical of straight men, at least it didn't make him sleepy.

He nudged his sister with his elbow and said, "Hey, I'm telling you, these two teams look pretty good. Aren't they your idol's rivals?"

Li Jinyue had just finished watching Bai Wanqing's group's complete performance. Upon hearing this, he didn't even bother to turn his head. He simply snorted with undisguised disdain: "Outsiders should refrain from offering their opinions and just hold up your sign."

As she spoke, she deftly gave the camera settings one last check, her gaze fixed intently on the darkening stage. "Next, it's their turn."

"Next, please welcome the Zoothys team to bring us the stage—'Noah'!"

All the lights in the stadium suddenly went out.

The circular dome of the science museum was plunged into darkness and silence, with only the glow sticks waved by the audience resembling faint stars.

A pale spotlight shone on the deepest part of the stage, and Lu Xiaoxiao's figure slowly rose in the beam of light. She was dressed in a silver-white performance costume with a blue, flowing light stripe, like a precise yet ruthless work of art. The transparent mechanical earphones in her ears flickered with regular light.

She lowered her head slightly, her long hair partially obscuring her face, leaving only a delicate yet aloof profile.

A melodious yet melancholic hum, like electromagnetic waves, echoed softly in the silent venue:

("We are the echoes... fading in the void...")

(We are echoes... vanishing into the void...)

Without any accompaniment, only her unique, pure voice instantly pulled everyone into a post-apocalyptic world where prosperity had faded and hope was fading.

In this context of despair, her beauty is magnified, evoking pity and awe.