As Han Yongsheng had predicted, judges who were not experts in the art of playing the zither could not discern that Wang Xiangxiang was superior, resulting in a tie.
Hearing such a verdict, even the most ladylike young ladies in the audience started whispering among themselves. What would happen in the event of a tie? To whom would the Blood Jade belong?
"What should we do?" Xiaoxiao also began to feel anxious.
Yang Ming, however, remained calm. "Don’t worry, they will definitely find another way to determine the winner."
Chu Lian was far from calm at this moment; his palms were sweating profusely, as he was terribly worried about Xiangxiang.
Indeed, the event host spoke again, "To determine the winner, we’ve decided to add an additional talent performance round. Each contestant will perform a talent of their choosing, and the winner will be decided by an audience vote."
At this announcement, the buzz among the crowd grew even louder, signifying that everyone would be involved. They would soon cast their sacred vote to decide upon whom the Blood Jade would bestow its grace.
"Everyone, please quiet down. We will decide the order of performances by drawing lots," said the host.
Wang Xiangxiang and Wen Nuan stepped forward to draw lots. Seeing the lot she drew, Wang Xiangxiang’s brows furrowed; how could she be so unlucky to perform later again? It was disadvantageous for her.
On the contrary, Wen Nuan’s face was adorned with a smile; she felt like fate was giving her a chance—the Blood Jade was as good as hers.
"I’d like to perform a dance; could someone play a tune for me?" Wen Nuan asked. She thought that since performances of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were almost exhausted and somewhat monotonous, it would be unexpected and unique to compete with a dance instead.
The event host quickly arranged for someone to accompany her, and soon Wen Nuan’s performance began.
As the melody of the piano played, Wen Nuan seemed like a sprite dancing on the stage, presenting a different side of herself. Xiaoxiao was utterly captivated, wondering how someone could be so versatile. The dance moves were as skillful as those of contemporary dancers; her body was incredibly flexible, and every posture she assumed was uniquely beautiful, like a born dancer.
Xiaoxiao started to worry for Wang Xiangxiang—could she dance? Chu Lian also grew anxious. He was familiar with Xiangxiang’s musical and artistic talents but had never seen her dance. Could she outperform Wen Nuan?
On stage was a beautiful lady showcasing her graceful figure, and among the audience were many men, including porters brought by the young ladies; all would soon have the right to vote. This was very unfavorable for Xiangxiang.
Even if Xiangxiang could dance, Chu Lian did not want others ogling her beautiful figure. Amidst this conflicted state, he anxiously watched the competition.
On stage, Wang Xiangxiang looked down at the audience and saw Chu Lian staring intently at Wen Nuan dancing. Her jealousy surfaced; glaring at Chu Lian, she thought determinedly to win the Blood Jade and surpass Wen Nuan, earning his admiration.
Chu Lian looked up at Xiangxiang and noticed her glaring at him. His heart skipped a beat; why was she glaring at him again?
As the dance ended, Wen Nuan rose. She placed her hands together at her waist and bowed politely to the audience, embodying the grace and elegance of a sophisticated lady. She had the talents, the looks, and the gentleness—a combination likely favored by many men.
With such a performance, she stunned the audience, making Wen Nuan even more confident. She smiled at everyone, as if she had already clinched victory in this contest.