Chapter 83: The People's Choice

Li Lekang stepped down from the stage to a wave of enthusiastic applause.

Although this was only part of the Champion’s Night exhibition and not an actual segment of the finals, it was clear the production team intended to use this moment to boost Li Lekang’s popularity. Admittedly, they also let the black woman with her full stack of buffs perform as well—fairness, in their eyes—but in terms of the show’s brilliance and the level of audience cheers, Li Lekang was the undisputed victor.

Back in the backstage lounge, Sophia hurriedly touched up her makeup, then made a point of telling him, “No matter what the outcome is, you are unquestionably the champion in my heart. Love you!”

After planting a kiss on his cheek, she clicked away in her high heels, rushing off. Returning to her seat at the judges’ table was, after all, unavoidable.

Meanwhile, Judy—the other woman who had tirelessly supported him from behind the scenes—was pacing anxiously, betraying her nerves. She circled Li Lekang several times before finally blurting out, “Did Sophia mention anything to you about the champion’s vote count?” She quickly added, “Given how close she is to you, maybe she could at least give us a hint and remove some of the suspense.”

By “close,” it was obvious what she meant—the intimacy between a man and woman. But for a vigorous, single man, such things were perfectly normal.

“Come on!” Li Lekang laughed, patting the sofa beside him. “Sit down. She hasn’t said anything, and the outcome isn’t in the judges’ hands anyway. We just have to wait patiently for the audience’s decision.”

“I really can’t stay calm!” Judy sat down, visibly uneasy. “I want you to win. I want to add a brilliant mark to my own credentials. If you choose a path, you should do your best at it.”

“You’ve already done wonderfully,” Li Lekang placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “The rest is out of your control.”

She pinched her temples. “I know—but the other side’s support is strong too. I just don’t understand what’s happened to this country in recent years. Some people will go against reality just to stand by their position. I really can’t figure it out!”

Li Lekang thought, isn’t that just the white liberals she’s talking about?

Actually, the United States wasn’t even that bad—the left and right were balanced, and there were still clear-headed people like Judy. She knew right from wrong, though she didn’t dare to speak out publicly for fear of backlash.

Europe, on the other hand—particularly Norway, where a gunman once killed over seventy people and was sentenced to twenty-one years in a five-star luxury prison, complete with internet access and video games—was the real example of “saintlike” compassion.

So Li Lekang truly couldn’t understand these overfed Western notions. Recently, he’d even heard Superman was going to be black, and Disney princesses as well. Many viewers were unhappy, but what did it matter?

Judy’s worries stemmed from the same place. What did it matter how strong Li Lekang was? There had already been a Chinese magician who won the talent show before, so it wasn’t even a fresh topic.

Now, with a competitor stacked with buffs, the political correctness of choosing her would let the liberal crowd achieve instant moral peak.

That’s why the outside world called this a final with no suspense in terms of skill, but full of suspense in terms of political position.

Judy’s anxiety was like a parent more restless than their child before an exam.

“You should have faith in the audience’s judgment!”

Li Lekang smiled at her.

“There’s nothing to worry about! If not this time, I’ll find a way to get you a champion’s trophy in the future. You’ll never have any regrets!”

His confidence and composure slowly began to calm Judy down.

“What really matters is your state of mind. That’s the key. Go out there and fight. I’m the one who’s placed too much importance on fame.”

“No, fame does matter. But you must also realize that I have the strength to deserve it—and I’m always fully prepared. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yes, you’re right!” Judy’s thoughts suddenly cleared. “I can’t believe I’m less thorough than you, a kid.”

“Come on, I don’t like hearing that!” Li Lekang laughed.

“Mmm!” Judy kissed him on the cheek. “Sorry, but in my eyes, you’re the best.”

“Chloe will be heartbroken.”

“One of the two best,” she added mischievously.

They both burst into laughter.

After this exchange, everyone’s spirits settled.

At last, the moment to announce the results of the finals had arrived.

The top eight contestants took the stage. The host came up to take command of the event. According to the rules, half would be eliminated first, leaving the top four to advance. Then one more would be eliminated, leaving the top three.

For both Li Lekang and the buff-stacked black woman, there was no suspense at all.

When the final three were chosen, besides the two of them, the last spot went to a couple who performed acrobatics. They seemed resigned to their fate—when it came to skill and fanbase, they couldn’t match Li Lekang. And in terms of the symbolic stance, they certainly couldn’t outdo the black contestant. So they graciously accepted third place, leaving the stage to applause.

Now, the two remaining on stage truly represented the showdown the audience had been arguing about.

One was the wildly popular genius magician.

The other, the black marvel with every social advantage stacked in her favor.

Tonight, the battle was no longer in the hands of the contestants—the right to choose the winner rested with the vast audience.

Victory would be decided by votes.

That was the cause of all the furor online.

Both sides had staunch supporters, each with compelling reasons. Those backing Li Lekang needed no explanation—they were convinced he was the rightful champion.

Among the opponent’s supporters, there were strong arguments for why Li Lekang did not need the title, such as: “He’s already so famous, he doesn’t need this championship.”

“Li Lekang may lose the title, but she would lose her dream!”

“If Li Lekang were white, he’d never win!”

There might have been some friendly voices mixed in.

But honestly, if Li Lekang were white, he’d probably be out of luck!

But he was a minority too! Maybe not as visible as a black contestant, but the liberals couldn’t deny that fact!

So when the two finalists stood on stage, it was truly a reflection of the audience’s final choice.

As the host prepared to open the results envelope, everyone in the venue held their breath.

Countless eyes were glued to television screens.

“Let it be Li! Please, let it be Li!”

“Merciful God, grant a miracle to those who fight for equality, justice, and the rights of minorities!”

The host tore open the envelope on stage and announced, “Now, let’s see the choice of the American people—”

“Lekang Li!”

A collective sigh of relief swept the room.

The applause instantly drowned out everything else.

Viewers at home leapt up, waved their hands, and applauded wildly.

For most, this outcome was exactly what they’d hoped for.

The production team smartly shifted any potential controversy onto the audience—after all, Li Lekang was chosen by popular vote. No one could dispute that now.

When Li Lekang heard the result, he played along, dropping to his knees in excitement.

Of course he was happy, though he wasn’t as over-the-top as he appeared—just playing to the cameras.

He then ran over to embrace his opponent. After all, it was rare to see someone with so many social buffs stacked up. If she ever went into politics, she’d be a formidable force!

So he shouted loudly as he hugged her, “I believe that our standing on this stage is the best proof that this country is moving forward and truly values its minority groups!”

“As a minority myself, I am deeply moved and grateful to all those who have fought for our rights. Please, let me shout one thing—Hallelujah!”

You really are a master of politically correct slogans!

Li Lekang was also making a statement to all the liberals—if you want to make a fuss about my victory, don’t forget I’m a minority too!

If you, as liberals, refuse to cheer for a minority champion, then you’re guilty of discrimination, false sanctimony, and hypocrisy!

Faced with Li Lekang’s righteous rhetoric, the black woman was obliged to join in with fervor: “Yes, that’s right! God bless us! Hallelujah!”

The audience erupted into thunderous applause!