On the night of the group debut, the program team specially invited a nationally certified first-class anchor from the state television network to host the live broadcast. The goal was to avoid rookie mistakes like stumbling over words or forgetting lines during this highly anticipated event.
This final episode of the show was being broadcast live simultaneously on television and online, allowing viewers across the country to watch for free.
For this occasion, all the contestants' outfits were custom-ordered at high cost by the program team. As for makeup, they brought in professional artists from celebrity styling teams.
From the costumes and makeup to the set design and host, the production team pulled out all the stops, sparing no expense—it was an event practically dripping with the scent of money.
The performance venue for the evening was none other than the largest stadium in An City, capable of seating tens of thousands of spectators.
Backstage, Jiang Yuqi watched the dark mass of people in the audience on a giant electronic screen. Despite her usual composure, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
After all, previous performances had only been in front of a few hundred people. The scale of this one was overwhelming.
But remembering her mission, she began silently hypnotizing herself: You're the best. Once you step on stage, you're the queen. The audience? They're just a field of radishes and cabbages...
The system watched this scene with secret amusement. It was rare to see its host like this, and it fully intended to savor the moment.
The other contestants were also visibly anxious. Everyone appeared uncomfortable and tense. Even someone as formidable as Li Yuan was pacing back and forth backstage.
After both groups had finished their performances, all twenty contestants stood on stage, waiting for the host to announce the final results.
The audience held their breath in anticipation. Unlike the raucous shouting and cheering of previous episodes, the entire arena fell into a hush, as if the whole world had hit the pause button.
In a dimly lit apartment, a middle-aged couple stared intently at their television screen. Their eyes were wild with obsession and anticipation, their gazes fixed on the host, filled with desperation and madness.
At the same time, online viewers were watching the live stream via the Gululu website. The screen was flooded with barrage comments—hundreds flying by every second.
"I'm so nervous! I really hope the FuJiang CP can debut successfully!"
"My boss made me work overtime tonight. I'm hiding in the bathroom watching the stream!"
"Same here, sneaking a look during overtime, lol."
"Did everyone vote? It's just one yuan per vote, not expensive! Go support our big sis Jiang Yuqi!"
"I already did! Even rallied my boyfriend's relatives to vote too. I'll just treat them to dinner later."
"Got it! I'll go convince my coworkers now."
As the host announced the results for the 7th to 3rd place winners, the fans managed to contain their excitement.
But when the top two contenders were revealed, the audience exploded—it had come down to a final face-off between Jiang Yuqi and Li Yuan.
These two had been neck-and-neck throughout the entire show, and whoever claimed the crown tonight would capture the hearts of the nation.
The crowd quickly fell silent again, not daring to interrupt the moment the host would announce the final result.
"Who do you think will get first place?"
"I love both of them! I'm a 'love-all' fan, so either one works for me."
"It's gotta be Li Yuan. She's the strongest performer."
"I think it's Jiang Yuqi. No one's more hardworking than her. No objections allowed."
"Watching their fierce rivalry made even a casual viewer like me fired up!"
As Jiang Yuqi stood on stage waiting, her palms were soaked with sweat, and she unconsciously rubbed the hem of her outfit with her fingers.
"And the winner of the first season of Chasing Dreams Girls is—Contestant Jiang Yuqi! Congratulations also to second-place winner, Contestant Li Yuan!"
The moment the host finished, the other girls rushed forward to hug Jiang Yuqi and congratulate her. With a radiant smile, she responded warmly, hugging each of them in return.
Li Yuan also stepped forward at the perfect time, and the two shared a symbolic "hug of the century," melting hearts everywhere and drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Back in the shabby apartment, that middle-aged couple burst into eerie, ecstatic laughter. The man mumbled excitedly, "My biological daughter has made it big. We're finally about to rise up!"
The woman chimed in with delight, "Now that she's debuted, we need to find her right away so we can live a life of luxury."
"Of course we'll go," the man said. "But we should bring reporters with us. What if this phoenix who's flown up high refuses to acknowledge us?"
The woman nodded rapidly, barely able to contain her glee. "Yes, yes, you're so thoughtful. Let's bring her little brother Yu'er too, so this successful girl will help take care of us."
Then the man, trembling with excitement, dialed the number of a gossip reporter.
"I'm the biological father of Jiang Yuqi, the first-place winner on Chasing Dreams Girls. We've been looking for her for eighteen years—it hasn't been easy. Please help us!"
"Jiang Yuqi? You mean the one who just debuted tonight?"
"Yes, of course! We have proof. She's our long-lost daughter. No mistake about it."
"Perfect. Follow my instructions closely. Tomorrow…"
Meanwhile, on Jiang Yuqi's side, she and the other debuting girls were immediately scheduled to meet with the company's senior management that same evening.
The main purpose was to sign exclusive contracts so the company could proceed with launching the limited-time girl group.
Yes, the group would be called Supergirls. The company hoped to push them into the international market, hence the English name.
Jiang Yuqi signed a three-year contract with Xinyu Entertainment, which would also be the lifespan of the girl group.
From the start, the program had planned for a limited-term group. After disbandment, members from other companies could return to their original agencies and projects—this condition was key to getting the other companies to let their girls participate in the first place.
At this moment, as Jiang Yuqi was meeting with the future company's deputy director, Ms. Wu Yu, she had no idea that an enormous and unexpected "surprise" was already headed her way.