Host Qiu Qiu seized the moment to press further:
"So, Inspector Nie, you still stand by your initial assessment that Contestant Cifera won't appear at tonight's Charity Auction?"
"Yes, I do," Nie Junfeng affirmed with a decisive nod, even adding a touch of irony:
"She's a clever con artist who knows how to weigh risks and rewards. With such an airtight dragnet closing in, forcing her way through would be too risky. Why not deceive everyone, then effortlessly amass Wealth Value from elsewhere? It's far more profitable.
"Unless..."
Nie Junfeng grinned, spreading his hands in jest:
"Unless she really can defy the laws of physics and descend from the heavens like a superhero!
"But as everyone can see, the venue is topped with a reinforced glass dome—impenetrable.
"The aerial route was completely sealed off from the start! Even if she could fly, she couldn't breach it!"
"Therefore, I believe that tonight we will witness a spectacular jewelry auction and an impeccable security demonstration, not a 'steal show'."
Without a doubt, Nie Junfeng's long-absent confident analysis once again set the live stream ablaze.
[Nie, shut your mouth! ! !]
[We're doomed! As a Pursuit Fan, I'm panicking like crazy! Patriarch Nie, please have mercy!]
[The Patriarch's "Poison Milk" has predicted Cifera's absence from the auction multiple times. With all that accumulated "Poison Milk" power, I wouldn't be surprised if a flying Cifera actually showed up!]
[All jokes aside, I'm firmly backing Inspector Nie this time! How can the Pursuit Team possibly lose? If Cifera dares to show her face, she's practically begging for death!]
[Exactly! They've even equipped the latest generation night-vision goggles. Cifera's signature "Lights Out, Close Your Eyes" tactic is completely useless now.]
[Cat Fans are online, torn between wanting Cifera to appear and dreading her appearance. Who understands this agonizing dilemma?]
[I'm just here for the drama. I want Cifera to show up! Otherwise, I'm stuck watching a boring charity auction all night?!]
Backstage at the runway...
All the models were ready, their faces a mix of tension and barely suppressed excitement.
Thanks to "Aya"'s divine touch, each gown achieved an unprecedented perfect fusion with the jewelry and the model herself.
They yearned to step onto the runway and unleash their ultimate beauty upon the world.
Lu Yue maintained his trademark model's smile, but inwardly, he was seething with frustration.
His gaze kept darting toward "Aya," who was being shadowed by Nie Bing and another Pursuer, and the dazzling "Starry Light" necklace around her neck.
Combined with the other Pursuers and security forces deployed around the backstage area, the security measures were far more stringent than he had anticipated. Forget stealing it; even getting close would subject him to the scrutiny of countless eyes.
He couldn't help but think:
Even if that annoying woman hadn't snatched the spotlight, I'd still have zero chance under this kind of surveillance.
Frankly, if you're going to steal a legendary jewel like the Starry Light, you shouldn't announce your intentions so flamboyantly, putting yourself under a spotlight like this.
"This is completely shooting herself in the foot! No real thief would pull such a stupid stunt!
"Where does Big Sister Cifera get her confidence? What method is she planning to use...? Could it be she's already given up?
"Or could this all be a deliberate smokescreen? A false announcement to keep the Pursuit Team's attention fixed here while she steals another target?
"I... I was so naive, completely blinded by my competitive drive to catch her. I've wasted so much time trying to break through this impenetrable ironclad defense, and even exposed my crossdressing secret...
"I've lost big this time!"
Thinking of this possibility, Lu Yue felt a tightness in her chest.
Just then, "Aya" gracefully approached her, her jade-green eyes carrying a gentle smile and a hint of concern:
"Sister Lu Yue, you don't seem quite yourself. Are you feeling unwell?"
If you hadn't stolen my spotlight, I'd be feeling much better!
Suppressing her resentment, Lu Yue quickly composed herself, forcing a smile.
"I'm fine physically, just a bit nervous. After all, Sister Aya has styled me so perfectly, I'm afraid I'll mess it up and let down all your hard work."
"By the way, Sister Aya, is this your first runway show? Aren't you nervous?"
Of course she's not nervous! Someone this scheming has skin as thick as a city wall!
No sooner had he asked the question than he answered it himself internally. In his view, she was fully aware of his current predicament and had come to mock him. How could she possibly be nervous?
"Nervous? Of course I am," "Aya" said, gracefully stroking her Starry Light pendant with a flawless smile.
"But with the support of all you sisters, and each of you sharing your runway tips and experience without reservation, I feel confident enough to give it my all and take the plunge."
"Aya" had long become the center of attention backstage. Many models had been secretly observing her conversation with Lu Yue, and now, seizing the opportunity, they chimed in:
"Sister Aya, are you kidding? You picked it up instantly and walk like a pro! Have you really never walked a runway before?"
"Exactly! We 'teachers' aren't getting any sense of accomplishment at all!"
"Sister Aya will definitely be the brightest star tonight!"
"Isn't that obvious? If you ask me, Sister Aya's radiance even surpasses the 'Starry Light'!"
Just then, the bespectacled Show Director strode backstage, clapping her hands and shouting excitedly:
"Angels! Final countdown: one minute! The show's about to begin! Everyone, get ready!"
The backstage area instantly fell silent. All the models took deep breaths, their eyes sharpening with focus and determination. They exchanged glances, silently conveying encouragement.
"Good luck!"
"Good luck!"
"..."
At the charity auction, in a vantage point overlooking the entire venue:
Liu Shanhe spoke grimly into his earpiece:
"The Brilliant Galaxy opening show is about to begin! All units, elevate to maximum alert status as per the contingency plan!
"Cifera may appear at any moment. Everyone must be on high alert to ensure absolute security!"
"Team One, roger!"
"Team Two, copy!"
"..."
"Tech team: full surveillance coverage, no blind spots!"
A unified chorus of acknowledgments echoed through the comms channels, as an invisible net quietly tightened around the venue.
The live audience sensed the unusual tension in the air.
"It's starting! I'm so nervous! Will Cifera show up?"
"Let's hope not... This whole setup is terrifying. I don't want to see Cifera crash and burn."
"She has to come! Brave Cifera, undaunted by challenges! I believe she won't disappoint us! She can create another miracle!"
"Aaaah! I just want to admire Sister Aya's divine beauty and her runway debut in peace! Nobody better ruin this!"
The lights gradually dimmed, leaving only a few spotlights focused on the empty runway's end.
The majestic symphony prelude began to swell, evoking a sense of cosmic vastness and mystery.
As the central stage lit up with a countdown display that seamlessly blended numbers and starry imagery—
10, 9, 8... 3, 2, 1!
Exactly 8:00 PM.
Boom!
Multiple powerful spotlights suddenly blazed onto the runway entrance, and the music's tempo surged!
The Brilliant Galaxy Opening Show had officially begun!