Running Over The Head Of My Ex [Rebirth]

Chapter 31

She gave a tearful hug to her friend before He Qingqi, filled with relief, took up the microphone. There was no discontent, no disdain, only warmth and gratitude in her heart.

“Hello everyone, I am He Qingqi. ‘Qing’ means ‘pure,’ and ‘Qi’ is a combination of ‘west’ and the ‘wood’ radical, pronounced ‘xi.'”

She introduced herself in the same manner as she had when she first appeared on the stage of “Occasion,” and upon hearing the cheers from the audience, she continued:

“Throughout this journey, I have received a lot of love, as well as a lot of controversy. I have performed exceptionally well at times, and I forgot lyrics during the theme song grading.”

“Since I was born, many people have given me various titles. Initially, it was a wild child without a mother’s care,’ then ‘the He family’s little devil,’ and later, ‘He Dongche’s daughter…'”

He Qingqi’s eyes gradually reddened, and her throat tightened. “But I think, aside from these titles, I am still He Qingqi, a person with an independent personality, with flesh and blood.”

“It is you who gave me the joy of being myself. As Zhiwei said, meeting you all this summer has been my good fortune. Over the past three months, you have worked hard! Thank you, everyone!”

He Qingqi bowed deeply, tears filling her eyes. Her throat moved as she swallowed back her sobs. With a feeling of reverence, she walked through the flower path, slowly approaching the person in second place.

This was not the best ranking, but it was the best gift her fans could give her after all their efforts.

Only Tao Jinghan remained on the stage. She could not hold back her tears, raising her hand to cover her mouth as she faced away from the audience.

Her voice choked with sobs; she was so excited that she hiccuped, making it difficult to speak, so she bowed repeatedly instead.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Even Naxi and Zhuoyue, who had lost the competition, couldn’t help but admire and applaud the resilient girl on stage.

“Thank you, thank you all.”

Tao Jinghan knew she should be rational and graceful. She had once been popular across the country, living a better life than millions. She had indeed struggled in the entertainment industry’s lowest rungs, but that was years ago. Now, people eagerly awaited her debut…

She knew everything: she should present herself as a triumphant returnee, not as someone overwhelmed with joy after years of struggle.

But she couldn’t help it. She had faced the same doubts and criticisms that He Qingqi had. On this stage, countless people mocked her for abandoning a popular group to join this talent show, chased closely by He Zhuo and He Zhuo.

“After returning to China, I was lost and struggled. I even doubted myself, wondering if my past glory was just luck. I won a rap competition after only two years as a trainee, met six members who sparked creativity, and received enthusiastic attention before debuting.”

“And this time, I was unlucky, encountering two strong opponents. I even regretted my decision to return home late at night, questioning if it was the right choice.”

“However, standing here, under the watchful eyes of the audience, I know it was all worth it! Here, I gained more fans. That blue sea of support is your greatest encouragement. Seeing the light signs and banners you prepared for me.”

“There’s nothing to fear because you have accompanied me all the way! I may not be as excellent as you imagine, but I will always strive to be better! You taught me that hard work brings rewards!”

“This position represents the dreams of ninety-eight girls. I want to carry it forward! Thank you all!”

As Tao Jinghan took her seat, two thousand people in the venue and billions watching the live broadcast witnessed the end of “Occasion.”

“Today, congratulations to Wonders for officially debuting!”

The debut night marked both an end and a beginning. Seven girls walked through the flower path, starting a new chapter in their lives.

Their journey was to the stars and the sea!

…

Before the show’s recording, ninety-eight girls signed contracts. Both management companies agreed that the seven final members’ contracts for the next two years would fall under Yunshu Entertainment, which collaborated with the show to avoid future disputes. Yunshu Entertainment and the previous agencies would split the revenue 70–30, excluding the artist’s share.

So for the next two years, the seven girls would work under Yunshu Entertainment.

The chairman of Yunshu Entertainment was surnamed Zhao, whom He Qingqi had heard of and should call Uncle Zhao. Even if she caused trouble wanting to leave, Chairman Zhao would likely smile on the surface but curse inwardly while letting her go.

He Qingqi, possessing freedom and human rights, showed little interest in switching agencies.

After the live broadcast ended, the girls returned to their dorms for one night. The next morning, they officially signed with Yunshu Entertainment, and the seven members formally debuted.

Wonders was managed by two managers, each with assistants and bodyguards, according to Yunshu Entertainment. They had five days off to either go home or return to their previous companies, but they met again after five days.

The seven girls packed their luggage, walking through familiar practice rooms, interview rooms, and the stage where rankings were announced.

He Qingqi held Zhiwei’s hand in one hand and a suitcase in the other, looking at the building that had witnessed their joys and sorrows, and sighed, “Time flies. Three months have passed in the blink of an eye.”

“Yes, it feels like we just moved in yesterday,” Tao Jinghan echoed, then glanced at their clasped hands and sneered at He Qingqi. “Even with luggage, you two have to hold hands?”

He Qingqi rolled her eyes and asked, “Why do you care if we hold hands? Are you that bored?”

“And you said you were just friends with Zhiwei!”

The more Tao Jinghan looked, the more she felt the two had something going on, especially after the program team returned their phones yesterday.

Like many ordinary girls, she enjoyed browsing Bilibili and various super topics with her alternate account.

Yesterday, she browsed the Jing-Tong super topic, watching as Jing-Tong fans went crazy over the W.S. interaction, the lyrics, and the rap credits under “Tomorrow.”

They quickly imagined a dramatic love-hate story, screenshotting and analyzing how she and Bian Suitong gazed at each other with longing, eager to rush into each other’s arms, their hearts pounding like deer.

If she hadn’t been involved, the fans’ screenshots might have fooled her into thinking it was real. Unfortunately, she knew it was all fake, just fans’ overactive imaginations.

Bian Suitong didn’t love her.

Last night, she hadn’t even looked at Bian Suitong. Choosing “Tomorrow” was simply because the song suited her better, not because of the fans’ speculated little thoughts.

Perhaps the heart loses its ability to feel pain after enduring so much hurt. Tao Jinghan chuckled lightly, then casually opened the CP (couple) topic rankings. The familiar avatar of Qingwei was shining brightly, surpassing Qingxu to become the top spot. The real-life childhood friends were losing to the sudden arrival series.

Further down, around the thirtieth spot, were the Qinghan and Hanwei topics.

Tao Jinghan looked through them all with great interest, solidifying her thoughts. Her interactions with He Qingqi and Zhuo Zhiwei clearly showed they were just friends, while the excessive hugging, hand-holding, and gazing between He and Zhuo hinted at something more scandalous.

She was very skeptical about He Qingqi’s claim of being “just friends.”

He Qingqi, unaware of her complex thoughts, retorted, “Friends can’t hold hands?”

“Friends can’t be holding hands all the time like you two do!”

“Why not!” He Qingqi gestured towards Cheng Yi, who was holding hands and leaning on Wang Qiyu while acting cute. “See that? You shallow woman!”

Cheng Yi was Wang Qiyu’s later roommate. Cheng Yi was young; she just turned eighteen this year, and Wang Qiyu indulged her. Their CP was also very popular, initially an ‘enemies to lovers’ CP, later becoming a ‘no fight, no acquaintance’ CP.

In “Occasion,” they were all in a free-range state, with all CPs being identified by fans’ sharp eyes. It was clear that their relationship was indeed good.

Zhuo Zhiwei also agreed, looking at Tao Jinghan with a “you’re overthinking” expression. But hearing He Qingqi’s resolute denial made her heart inexplicably empty, as if expecting something but feeling disappointed—an indescribable feeling.

She looked at the sky strangely; it was a bit cloudy, probably too stuffy, so she didn’t pay much attention.

Tao Jinghan, unconvinced, looked at the two and recalled what she had seen in the super topics yesterday. She blurted out:

“They’re friends holding hands; I believe that. But look at you two, fingers interlocked, hugging and holding each other all the time… Zhiwei!”

Tao Jinghan looked at Zhuo Zhiwei with grievance, accusing, “Have you forgotten your waist is sensitive? Qingqi touches you ten times a day, and you don’t glare at her! Last time, you even ate her noodles but not mine!”

“And Qingqi, remember when Zhiwei won the performance? You were happier than she was! And during yesterday’s finals, you two were exchanging glances on stage; do you think everyone is blind?”

He Qingqi also felt something strange in her heart, but it was only for a moment. She raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling mischievously, and couldn’t help but laugh. “You know all this, but why does it sound so familiar?”

He Qingqi drew out an “oh” and pretended to suddenly understand. “Oh, right, it was Chai Xu who told me. He browsed the CP super topics about me and Zhiwei. Could it be that our proud C-position of ‘Occasion’ is also bored enough to secretly browse CP super topics like Chai Xu?”

Tao Jinghan hurriedly denied, “I did not!”

“Oh?” He Qingqi’s eyes smiled even more.

She was just teasing Tao Jinghan. Although she and Zhuo Zhiwei did exchange glances during the finals, Tao Jinghan was backstage at that time, so she couldn’t have seen it.

He Qingqi hissed and frowned, feigning ignorance. “Why do you seem so guilty denying it?”

Zhuo Zhiwei, seeing Tao Jinghan’s angry expression, couldn’t help but smile slightly and tug at He Qingqi to change the subject. “It’s so sunny.” Her voice was cool, with a hint of amusement.

He Qingqi looked at her, took off her baseball cap, and carefully put it on Zhuo Zhiwei, meticulously arranging her hair. “How about this?”

The girl with her hair tied high looked radiant, her fair forehead glowing with youthful vitality. Her beautiful peach blossom eyes curved slightly, gazing straight at Zhuo Zhiwei, her youthful energy fully displayed.

Tao Jinghan was momentarily stunned. Compared to He Qingqi, she suddenly felt old. She quickly shook her head, dismissing this fact she had never wanted to acknowledge.

Pah! Old? Hanhhan is only eighteen! Just like her fans said!

Zhuo Zhiwei stood still, looking up slightly at He Qingqi with a smile. Because she was so thin, a small bone in her throat protruded slightly, making her beautiful and lethally sexy.

He Qingqi, seeing this, felt a moment of confusion, her eyes wandering uncontrollably over Zhuo Zhiwei’s face and that small protrusion. Her throat moved involuntarily.

She wanted to touch it, but for some reason, she didn’t. She forced herself to look away and smile at Zhuo Zhiwei.

Zhuo Zhiwei smiled back.

A sentence from the Qingwei super-topic suddenly flashed through Tao Jinghan’s mind.

Zhuo Zhiwei’s eyes are beautiful. Even looking at a wall, they reflect stars deeply. But when she looks at people, it’s like looking at a wall; she always has a clear gaze, except for He Qingqi.

When she looks at He Qingqi, her eyes are so focused, it’s like she’s looking at her entire world.

Zhuo Zhiwei obediently enjoyed He Qingqi’s service, glancing at her reproachfully after she was done. “Alright, the managers are waiting at the door.”

Tao Jinghan: “…!” Pah! This is called ordinary friends! Women’s words are lies!