Meanwhile, Yang Yi was calling the kids downstairs for a snack, while Mo Fei in Yangcheng officially began recording the show. Clearly, Mo Fei's current status in the music scene wasn't enough to make her the sole guest on this program; she was merely a supporting act. The main guest for this episode was Li Manman, a so-called "commoner diva" who had yet to release a platinum album but had been rising rapidly in recent years, constantly hyped up by the media.
Obviously, the show aimed to create a showdown between a former diva and a current hot diva, and inviting Mo Fei was a calculated move with ulterior motives. Mo Xiaojuan accompanied Mo Fei to the TV station today and only learned about this arrangement upon receiving the script. She nearly lost her temper on the spot. Fortunately, Mo Fei remained calm and stopped Mo Xiaojuan from making a scene.
"The station might have deliberately set this up, but what can I do? Do I even have the right to refuse now?" Mo Fei's voice carried a hint of sadness, but her face remained as still as an ancient well, utterly composed.
Mo Xiaojuan didn't think it was just the station's fault; she suspected there was something fishy going on within the company too! But she hung her head in defeat. Mo Fei was right—they had no right to refuse. Even if the show's flow was unfavorable to her, as long as it didn't cross any fundamental lines, she had to swallow her grievances and keep recording.
Mo Fei was no longer the peak diva she once was. A third-rate artist throwing a tantrum would face public scorn, and which TV station would dare invite her to a show again?
Mo Fei glanced calmly at the radiant Li Manman in the crowd and said quietly to Mo Xiaojuan, "I've already hit rock bottom. There's nothing left for me to fear losing. Since the show wants me to compete with her on stage, let's give it a try. I don't think I'll lose!"
Just as Mo Fei was comforting Mo Xiaojuan, Li Manman walked over in a shiny silver leather jacket and pants, smiling brightly. "Senior Mo Fei, long time no see! I just found out from the crew that I'd be recording with you today. I used to be your fan!"
Li Manman was a big star now—she hadn't even shown up for the morning rehearsal, yet the crew had to cater to her every whim. But her tone was humble, so humble it felt fake.
Mo Xiaojuan noticed a few people lurking behind Li Manman and grew wary, whispering to Mo Fei, "Watch your words; there might be reporters around."
The warning wasn't entirely necessary. Mo Fei responded to Li Manman's inexplicable enthusiasm with bland pleasantries, and soon found an excuse to leave with Mo Xiaojuan.
Behind them, Li Manman's smile faded, her expression shifting unpredictably. She snorted softly, "Who does she think she is, acting all aloof?"
Later, after touching up her makeup, Mo Fei was told to head backstage and prepare for the recording. Li Manman was already on stage, chatting and laughing effortlessly with hosts Liu Xinqi and Chen Hang, recording the first segment.
Li Manman exuded a strong presence. Not only did she deftly handle the hosts' tricky questions, but she also subtly took control, flirting with the handsome male host Chen Hang to the point where he nearly lost his composure.
Clearly, no one's success is accidental. Mo Fei's past success came from years of hard work and the explosive hit of that one album. Li Manman, on the other hand, lacked strong vocal skills but made up for it with her pretty face, sweet voice, and polished social skills. Backed by her company's relentless promotion, it was no surprise she was stealing the spotlight.
Watching from backstage, Mo Fei admired Li Manman's charm but felt no envy. She didn't like being so casual—it wasn't her style!
"Alright, let's give a warm welcome to Mo Fei, who rose to fame with one hit and is known as the Ice Queen of pop!" Chen Hang's loud call snapped Mo Fei out of her thoughts.
As the background music started, Mo Fei slowly emerged from backstage. In the camera's view, she wore a simple white dress, just like five years ago, ethereal and timeless, as if time had left no mark on her.
Li Manman watched Mo Fei's tall, graceful figure, a flicker of jealousy flashing in her eyes, though she hid it well.
"Wow, we're so honored to have two diva-level stars on our show tonight! And you, the audience, are in for a treat!" Liu Xinqi said with a smile.
"Oh, I'm hardly a diva! Sister Mo Fei is the real diva!" Li Manman covered her mouth with a laugh, then began recounting how she grew up listening to Mo Fei's songs, shifting the audience's attention to herself.
From an inconspicuous corner offstage, Mo Xiaojuan watched the recording anxiously, frustrated that Mo Fei was standing there like a statue. "Sis, you need to talk! She's stealing all the spotlight!"
The hosts did ask Mo Fei a few questions, but the focus remained on Li Manman.
Finally, it was time for the next segment: Li Manman's live performance. She sang the theme song from her new album, released in August to avoid clashing with Chen Yijie's momentum. The album sold well but fell just short of platinum status.
When the hosts brought this up, Li Manman put on a show of self-blame, saying she had let her fans down. After a tear-jerking speech that left her fans in the audience red-eyed, she clenched her fist and said, "But it's okay. I'll keep working hard and make sure next time, you won't have to cry for me!"
The hosts finally found a chance to address Mo Fei, who had been standing in the background. "We heard you're also working on a new album, right?"
"Yes," Mo Fei nodded.
"Didn't your last album just come out a few months ago? Why the rush for a new one?" Liu Xinqi asked, feigning surprise.
"Because I was fortunate enough to meet a benefactor who wrote twelve songs for me. They're excellent. You know how it is for us musicians—when we come across great songs, we can't wait to record them. With the company's full support, the new album moved forward quickly," Mo Fei said, sticking to her prepared script.
After discussing it with Mo Xiaojuan, they decided that Mu Zi'ang was no longer just a fan. Mo Fei felt it wasn't an exaggeration to call him a benefactor on her musical journey.
"Twelve songs for Mo Fei? That's incredible!" Chen Hang exclaimed. "Can you tell us who this benefactor is? Is he a veteran in the music industry?"
"Mu Zi'ang," Mo Fei said flatly, her tone and expression unchanged.
But the reactions from everyone else, including the two hosts who were in the know, were priceless!