"Yes," Lilah confirmed.

Effie beamed. "But the best choice I made was picking you as my mentor!"

"You have the potential; I'm merely guiding it," Lilah reassured her.

Effie promised a celebratory dinner after she packed up her things, which Lilah happily accepted.

In the backstage area, the judges announced their preference for originality in the finals, seeking diverse musical expressions.

As the singers dispersed, Krista blocked Effie's path, an unreadable look in her eyes.

"What do you want?" Effie asked coldly.

She held no fondness for Krista.

With a snort of indifference, Krista retorted, "Effie, you might be skilled, but remember, strength trumps popularity when it comes to singing!"

Effie was puzzled by her words.

Krista, assuming she was feigning ignorance, felt even more repulsed.

“Just you wait. I'll best you in the final round!"

She was determined to show that in singing, strength was paramount.

"How childish can you be?" Effie couldn't help but scoff, her eyes rolling. “If you've got time to spare, spill the beans on that skincare product. It's gained you plenty of attention. Isn't it time you came clean?"

A flicker of panic crossed Krista's eyes, but she stood her ground.

"I'm no actress like you. I don't stoop to such stunts for attention!

You should focus on improving yourself to avoid embarrassment in the final round!"

With that, Krista stormed off, leaving Effie speechless but observant of the guilt shadowing her face.

When she stepped outside, Effie's gaze fell on a young man presenting roses to a surprised female singer.

The sight left her momentarily lost in thought.

Once, she too had yearned for such unexpected joys, but her family, always so preoccupied and unsupportive of her career choice, never provided them.

Yet, witnessing others' joy brought her a sense of contentment.

Upon finding Lilah, she was informed, “Your brother has arranged a dinner at a restaurant. Let's go."

"I insisted on treating. I'll cover the bill later!" Effie declared.