Chapter 144

The performance unfolded, tracing the mermaid's journey from a girlish, lovesick creature to a worldly being who ultimately returns to the sea. Blue lights pulsed and flashed as Elena's dress fluttered, creating the illusion of a gliding fish's tail. Gradually, her vocals ascended, reaching breathtaking new heights. The audience was utterly captivated. On the live stream, comments scrolled by in a continuous, enthusiastic wave. "Wow, was she always this talented?" "This is a true feast for the senses!" "This is the same Elena I thought was just an okay songwriter with a mediocre stage presence?" "She's stunning, too!" "Has anyone else noticed her makeup and styling always perfectly match her performance theme? It's impeccable!" "I was in the live audience for the previous tapings. Elena's performances are always amazing, but the stream quality always tanks during her segment. I've been saying this, but no one believed me. It was so frustrating!" This comment quickly garnered