A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return
chapter-507

Xia Ling’s eyes narrowed slightly as she was deep in thought.

She wanted to see what his limit was. Xia Ling’s voice changed as she intercepted his solo part to transform it into a duet. “Look at them being locked in a soundless battle, not daring to look back because they’re afraid of disorder…”

The lyrics were the same, but she improvised the melody based on the original one. It seemed harmonious, but every word put pressure on her partner and had the intention to kill. If Bai Murong couldn’t match up to her and sang in accordance with the original melody, he would be completely overwhelmed by Xia Ling in a matter of words.

Suddenly, he turned to look at her. There was a fleeting sense of surprise and anger in his eyes.

Xia Ling looked directly at him and arched her lips into a smile. The song slowed down by half a beat. This was a challenge. If he didn’t accept it, she would naturally not let him become a mess on stage and gradually hold back.

Bai Murong was slightly startled, but he quickly smiled. He also changed it up a little. “Look at that pair of happy and sweet lovers. Only I am standing alone on the street, unable to really understand your true intentions…”

Below the stage, the screams almost overturned the roof.

Xia Ling smiled lightly. Very good. Since he was up for the challenge, she would not be kind.

The song continued.

Bai Murong refused to admit defeat and showed off some of his vocal abilities. Although it was more difficult, he did not have the slightest intention of giving up. The song modulated. It was sweet then forceful, then sophisticated, and finally sonorous. The unpredictable changes deeply moved the audience.

The more they sang, the more Xia Ling felt that he was an exceptional singer. He was very talented and skillful. He had a profound singing style and was not limited to one type. Although he was still a smash pop hit, if he continued in the right direction, he could be a 20-year-classic.

Xia Ling was very curious from the start, and it motivated her to help him.

She increased the rhythm and forced him tighter in a corner. However, whenever he could not withstand it, she would give him breathing space. She even deliberately left a gap open to guide him in the right direction.

Sure enough, he didn’t disappoint her. He was put in a difficult position at the start but became more stable towards the end slowly like a war between opponents. At the last section, Xia Ling forced him into a corner so tight that he could not retreat. Suddenly, he exceeded his limits and sang the ending verses so magically that it was like a dream come true.

It was ultimate perfection.

At the end of the song, he gracefully thanked the audience. The applause of the audience was thunderous.

Bai Murong stood straight and turned over to glance at Xia Ling with a dark expression.

Xia Ling’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly escaped.

Anxiously, she said to Sister Mai Na, “Quick, pack up. Let’s go!”

Sister Mai Na was puzzled. “What’s the rush? You can hardly maintain your composure. You’re a celebrity, understand? Have you ever seen a celebrity act like you…”

“Hurry up, or it’ll be too late!” Xia Ling urged her. How could she not be anxious? Just now, Bai Murong looked at her like a hunter staring at his prey on stage.

If she did not quickly leave, she would not be able to escape.

Unfortunately, she was too late.

Before Xia Ling could step out of the dressing room, Bai Murong had already got off stage.

“Ye. Xing. Ling.” He paused after every syllable as he said her name. There was a hint of an unclear smile on his face as he blocked the entrance of the dressing room.

Xia Ling had a headache.

As Bai Murong was a big name in the industry, he cleared the scene with a few words, and everyone was asked to leave the dressing room. Even Sister Mai Na looked at both of them with interest and ignored Xia Ling’s pleading eyes as she left.

Soon, only both of them remained in the dressing room.

“What’s the matter? Just say it.” Xia Ling said in resignation.

He narrowed his eyes. “I couldn’t tell that after a year of not hearing, you see. Not only have your abilities improved, but you’ve also become more arrogant. You even dare to provoke me, huh? You’re seriously audacious!”

“When I was singing, I went out of tune by accident…” She flashed a fake smile as she explained. “Big Brother Bai, why don’t you let me off this time…”

“You went out of tune by accident?” Bai Murong was so angry that he laughed. “Why do you sound better than the original after going out of tune, but I have never had any luck doing the same?”

“I…”

“Forget it. Don’t make excuses.” He waved his hand impatiently as he sat on the sofa and crossed his legs. He said casually, “Ye Xingling, your stage presence reminds me of someone.”

“Who?”

“Xia Ling.”

“Too many people have said that I’m like her such that I’m numb to it. Please say something fresh, big brother.” The situation was already so bad that making it worse made no difference. Besides, even Pei Ziheng recognized her. It did not matter if she faked it. In front of others, she was not very nervous.

Bai Murong said, “I didn’t think so before, but after pondering closely, I realize that you are really like her. Xia Ling also likes to improvise on change and change the verses. This is not something ordinary people can do.”

“She’s my idol, and I’m imitating her.” This reason was overused by her. Besides, it was embarrassing to be her own idol.

“Ha.” Bai Murong chuckled. “I almost forgot that you sang ‘The Caged Butterfly’ so vividly.”

That was such a long time ago. No wonder Bai Murong had a hard time remembering it.

Xia Ling nodded and tried to take it lightly.

Bai Murong changed the topic. “Although I wasn’t very happy at the start when you changed your verse, in reality, it was done really well. In the past few months, I fell into a stalemate that I couldn’t break through. Today, after being challenged by you, I’ve gained new inspiration.”

“What a coincidence.” Xia Ling laughed dryly.

He looked at her inquiringly. “Is it really a coincidence?”

“Of course! I’m just a small star who hasn’t sung in more than a year. Do you think that I have the ability to inspire you to unlock your potential?”

He looked at her carefully again for some time before smiling. “That’s true. I was thinking too much. However, no matter what, I want to thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Xia Ling breathed a sigh of relief and picked up her cup to drink some water.

His next sentence made her hand shake, and she almost dropped her cup. “Ye Xingling, when you were singing with me on stage just now, you didn’t use your full potential.” He said affirmatively.

How was this person so sharp?!

He was still not finished!

Xia Ling resisted the urge to impulsively roll her eyes and somewhat regretted helping him break through his stalemate. She secretly told herself to calm down and not be anxious. She looked at him and said, “That’s true, I didn’t use my full potential. If I wanted to, I wouldn’t be singing ‘Powerful Opponent.’”

“What will you sing then?” He was curious.

“Like Dugu Qiubai, I’m a lonely master who can sing special songs.”

This time, it was his turn to roll his eyes. He mercifully ended their conversation and let her out.