The preparations for the Blue Awards were in full swing, the venue buzzing with staff, crew, and artists moving about in a coordinated chaos.
On the main stage, Hua Ling was mid-rehearsal for the live show. She stood in the spotlight, surrounded by a small army of backup dancers, her sequined outfit catching the light with every movement. The music boomed through the speakers, her voice layered over a heavily polished backing track.
Her lips moved perfectly in sync with the recording, but anyone paying attention could tell the truth — most of the "vocals" were coming from the pre-recorded track, not her own breathless live singing. Still, the choreography was flawless, the transitions seamless, and when the final beat dropped, she struck her ending pose like a seasoned star.
The applause came instantly.
"You were amazing!"
"Flawless, Hua Ling!"
"That's why you're the top of the game right now!"
Compliments rained down from crew and staff, their smiles full of admiration.
