The next day -
They both felt a bit groggy, having barely managed to get up early.
Washing up was done with eyes half-closed, and it was only a splash of cold water that truly woke them up.
Any extra time they had was dedicated to reciting their speeches...
After lying down yesterday, Qiu Xi had stayed in the system's class for a long time to ensure fluency.
So, in the morning, more time was needed to clear her mind of scattered thoughts and put them back in their proper places...
They read their speeches while eating breakfast, while riding in the car, and even while waiting, holding their papers and reading intently.
Of course, this scene was not uncommon at the venue; a glance around revealed many others doing the same.
But no matter how much they wished for more time, the competition began.
"You two go on stage. Don't be too nervous."
"Okay."
They were still a bit nervous, and without exchanging many words, they walked back to where they had been yesterday.
Compared to the clusters of people talking yesterday, today there was hardly any conversation. They simply stood there, holding their speeches, reading them with focus.
"Xiao Xi, you're really going to go off-script?"
As they progressed, Yu Xin Xin started to worry about Qiu Xi.
She had only realized Qiu Xi planned to speak without a script when she saw her memorizing it that morning.
She had been quite surprised for a long time and still hadn't fully processed it.
As for herself, she had no intention of going off-script; familiarizing herself with the speech was enough.
That's why she was now taking the time to worry about others.
Qiu Xi, having prepared herself and not lacking any time, nodded at Yu Xin Xin.
"Yes, I'm ready. Don't worry."
"Okay... why don't you just bring it with you, keep it in your pocket..."
Although she knew Qiu Xi was very capable, she was still worried.
This habit of worrying about others was truly something...
Qiu Xi chuckled, "Alright, you just worry about yourself. I've got this handled."
Seeing the other person looking so confident and natural, Yu Xin Xin nodded, "Okay..."
"Heh!"
"Still going off-script like this? Aren't you afraid of biting off more than you can chew!"
"???"
The two exchanged glances, looking confused.
Who was this now?
They turned to look.
Ah... it was their defeated opponent from yesterday, more or less...
"No talent, but loves to talk big. That's what they mean by people like this," Yu Xin Xin whispered to Qiu Xi, looking at the person.
"You!"
For some reason, the person who had looked angry a moment ago started laughing.
"You're talking about yourselves, aren't you? Our Zhen Zhen is the real winner..."
Qiu Xi, "..."
She had thought the person was just a fool, but it turned out to be a fool who knew how to use others.
She couldn't help but wonder what Zhen Zhen was thinking, having such a friend.
With that one sentence, they had offended half the people present, hadn't they?
Reaching out and pulling Yu Xin Xin, who was about to speak again, Qiu Xi shook her head.
"The competition is about to start."
"Fine!"
"No point arguing with a fool."
Saying that, she turned away and began to practice her breathing...
"Zhen Zhen, I believe in you. You're the most capable." a fawning voice said.
However...
"Yin Xin, I am not a fool."
This voice was calm.
"Zhen Zhen, I'm not..."
"Alright, the competition is about to start. Say less."
"Okay..."
After listening, Qiu Xi raised an eyebrow.
Not a fool...
But very arrogant!
These two were quite interesting.
This minor, almost insignificant disturbance, helped to dissipate some of the tension for the onlookers.