“The big guns haven’t come out yet, huh? As expected, the first round is about conserving strength, just testing the waters.”

The other contestants were all discussing the performance of the talented and beautiful pair. Brian Clark believed none of them posed a threat to him and remained very confident in himself.

On the stage screen, the contestants’ information continued to scroll, with group after group taking the stage in succession.

As time passed bit by bit, the contestants’ faces gradually darkened. They had thought the level of the talented and beautiful pair was just the beginning, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be the peak.

The next five groups to perform all dropped back by one or two ranks. One girl was even brought to tears by mentor Ryan Cooper, who scolded her, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Brian Clark watched several performances carefully, planning to discuss and analyze them with Grace Carter. When he turned his head, he found her staring blankly at the stage curtain. “What are you thinking about? Why aren’t you watching the competitors on stage?”

“I am listening…”

Grace Carter replied absentmindedly. After a few seconds, she suddenly looked up and asked in a small voice, “Brian, did you break up?”

Their eyes met. Brian Clark was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, we broke up.”

He actually hadn’t wanted to bring up his ex-girlfriend in advance; saying it out loud made it seem like he was treating Grace Carter as a backup, which would make anyone uncomfortable. But since she asked, he couldn’t lie.

“Oh.”

Grace Carter slowly lowered her head, as if she understood something.

No wonder Brian seemed like a different person all of a sudden. His recent cheerfulness and strength must have been an act. After three years together, he must be in a lot of pain inside.

【Ding!】

【Detected that the host caused the partner to gain the negative emotion “worry.” “Rap” proficiency decreased by 2 points!】

【Current: Rap D (2/5).】

The system notification echoed in Brian Clark’s ear, and he was sure he hadn’t misheard.

Huh?

Why did the system suddenly deduct attribute points?

It must be that after telling her the truth, she felt really bad, so she developed negative emotions.

But wait…

The negative emotion the system detected was “worry,” not sadness.

She’s worried about me now?

Why?

Brian Clark felt like his brain had crashed, but there was no time to dwell on it. He had to quickly get her away from these negative emotions.

Who knows if the deductions would continue? If he got demoted, that would be a disaster.

“Grace…Grace, you don’t need to worry about me. I haven’t wanted to be with her for a long time. Breaking up is a relief for me. I’m eating well now—I can eat three bowls of rice in one meal, and sleep for ten hours…”

Brian Clark was so anxious and flustered that he didn’t even know what he was saying.

“……”

Grace Carter stared blankly at his incoherent state, her knuckles turning white as she clutched her clothes.

He really has been deeply affected!

Oh my god, what should I do?

【Ding!】

【Detected that the host caused the partner to gain the negative emotion “worry.” “Rap” proficiency decreased by 3 points!】

【Current: Rap E (1/2).】

【Note: After skill downgrade, a protection phase will begin. No further experience will be deducted within 72 hours.】

The system notification sounded again. Brian Clark’s eyes widened in shock—he was completely stunned.

His level had dropped!

Oh my god, what should I do?

Chapter 7: Emotions Like a Roller Coaster

【Ding!】

【System task “Simple” activated: If “Above the Moon” gains more than one thousand fans, you will be rewarded with a random Earth song.】

The system notification sounded in Brian Clark’s ear again. This time, he was no longer as calm as before—he was completely panicked.

There were live audience members, as well as live and recorded broadcasts, so getting more than a thousand fans wasn’t actually that hard. But an unexpected incident had just happened—his “Rap” skill had been downgraded.

He could still vividly remember his roommate Jason Reed mocking him, saying his “Oh yeah” sounded like something out of a Hollywood blockbuster.

What should he do now?

How could he quickly raise his attributes again?

“Thank you to the ‘Irresistibly Handsome’ group for their wonderful performance. Which group will be next? Audience, please look at the big screen!”

Surely it wouldn’t be such bad luck that we’re up next, right?

Brian Clark took a deep breath to calm himself, stiffly turned his neck, and glanced at the stage screen.

3…

2…

1…

The countdown ended, and the screen froze.

【(No. 58) Phoenix Perched on the Parasol Tree】

Oh crap!

Brian Clark couldn’t believe his eyes. Of course, what you fear most always happens.

Just as he was at a loss, Grace Carter beside him had already stood up.

“Let’s go, Brian.”

“Oh, okay…”

There was no time left. There was nothing else to do but bite the bullet. Brian Clark, slowly accepting reality, took a deep breath, adjusted himself a little, and stood up as well.

Their eyes met…

Huh?

He felt that Grace Carter was a bit different at this moment. In the lounge, she had been hunched over and lacking confidence, but now her back was straight as a pine, like a white dove about to take flight, exuding a sense of confidence and strength.

The biggest difference was in her eyes. Before, when facing the camera and strangers, her gaze had been timid, making her look weak and easy to bully. But now, in those black eyes staring at him, it was as if two blazing flames were burning.

Grace Carter stared intently at the pale-faced Brian Clark, secretly making a vow in her heart.