Chapter 123

The backstage buzzed with activity on the day of the live performance.

The draw was quickly decided. Lucy White's team would close the show, Robert Lee's group opened, Michael Johnson's team performed second, and Lily Green's took the third slot.

Under the "Wild Survival" theme, every group chose high-energy tracks.

Robert Lee's performance was decent but lacked fluidity in the choreography.

When Michael Johnson's team took the stage, the venue erupted. His commanding stage presence paired perfectly with Olivia Davis's flawless execution. The audience screamed, waving glow sticks wildly.

[Michael is so hot!]

[This team's chemistry is insane!]

Lily Green's group stepped up next, with Vanessa Knight stealing the spotlight with her signature smoky vocals. She cleverly minimized her weaker dance skills, turning them into a highlight.

But Lily, as usual, hogged attention. Positioned center stage, she exaggerated her moves, overshadowing her teammates.

Live comments exploded:

[Does Lily even know what teamwork means?]

[This is a group performance, not her solo act!]

The clash between her hired supporters and genuine fans left casual viewers unimpressed.

Finally, Lucy White's closing act began.

The moment the music started, the crowd went wild. Lucy abandoned her usual ethereal tone for a raw, magnetic voice, while Ethan Smith's deep bass sent shivers through the audience.

[Oh my god, that voice is lethal!]

[Ethan's low notes are unreal!]

During the dance break, Lucy spun sharply, her hair whipping through the air. Ethan matched her with crisp, powerful moves. Their synergy pushed the energy to its peak.

The most breathtaking moment came at the finale—Ethan suddenly lifted Lucy high, executing a daring mid-air rotation before landing perfectly.

The crowd's deafening screams nearly blew the roof off.

[That was so risky!]

[But damn, it looked amazing!]

Even more impressive was how Lucy and Ethan elevated their teammates. Jason Wright's rap brought the house down, while Lucas Young's solo dance earned roaring applause.

The ovation lasted long after their performance ended.

The results were predictable: Lucy's team took first, Michael's came second, Lily's placed third, and Robert's trailed last.

When eliminations were announced, Lily's team lost six members—a show record. Meanwhile, Lucy's group all advanced, with Jason skyrocketing to second place.

"Coach Lucy..." Noah Adams choked up, unable to speak. The once-bottom-ranked trainee now sat comfortably in the top fifteen.

Benjamin Harris's eyes reddened. "Without you, I'd have gone home ages ago."

Lucy hugged each trainee with a smile. "This was all your hard work."

As the eliminated members left, they glanced bitterly at Lily. Had she not monopolized the spotlight, things might have been different.

Backstage, Jason caught up to Lucy. "Coach, can I go for center position next round?"

She winked. "Keep this up, and it's yours."

Outside the studio, fans' cheers lingered. For many, sleep would be impossible tonight.