Try Harder Next Time No, This Time

"What? How could this happen!"

Lin Yu delivered an impeccable performance, his expression a flawless display of shocked disbelief.

Though, truth be told, he had already guessed this would happen.

With the system’s hints, how could he not have known?

…

Accompanied by Zhao Yuhao, Lin Yu arrived at the anime club’s lounge at Pingchuan University.

The moment they stepped inside, the oppressive atmosphere in the room was palpable.

The members sat gloomily along the sides, their spirits visibly low.

A unfamiliar guy with curly, ramen-like hair nodded at Lin Yu in greeting.

No introduction was needed—this had to be Xiao Lie, the one who had fallen ill.

Three rows of red pinch marks lined his neck.

Clearly, aside from medication, he had tried quite a few physical remedies.

The outcome, as Zhao Yuhao had just explained, was already known.

Lin Yu stepped forward and shook hands with the sickly but determined member, patting his arm in a gesture of respect.

"Lin Yu. Nice to meet you," he said.

"Cheng Xiaolie. Likewise," Xiao Lie replied.

A simple exchange, but Xiao Lie’s voice was hoarse and strained, making it painful to listen to.

It wasn’t just one person who had prepared tirelessly for this day—everyone here had.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Chi Qingchi took a deep breath, stood up, and forced a smile before clapping her hands.

"Clap clap!"

"Come on, everyone, cheer up! Xiao Lie only ended up like this because he pushed himself too hard practicing. It couldn’t be helped," she said.

"What’s wrong with putting in effort? If we keep moping around like this, do we really want our teammate to keep blaming himself?"

"Every single one of us gave 120% for today."

"Even if we don’t get to perform on stage, in our hearts, we’re already the winners. Heh!"

Who here didn’t know Little Chi’s personality?

Even Lin Yu, who had only recently gotten involved with the cosplay event, could see just how much effort she had poured into this.

Let alone her teammates, who had fought alongside her.

To shoulder such crushing disappointment and still be the first to comfort everyone—

Once again, Little Chi’s intelligence and kindness shone through brilliantly.

Hearing this, the lead singer Xiao Lie remained pale, but his eyes reddened.

"I’ve let everyone down…"

Zhao Yuhao walked up to Cheng Xiaolie, his tone firm.

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Club officer Chi Qingchi just made it crystal clear."

"We all know how hard you’ve worked to master this song in private."

"If anyone’s to blame, it’s me—I failed as the team leader."

"I didn’t take care of each of you properly. I was too focused on the performance and neglected your health."

"If anyone should apologize, it’s me."

Lin Yu: "!!!"

So righteous!

Lin Yu almost wanted to applaud him on the spot.

Inspired by Zhao Yuhao’s words, the previously dispirited otaku girls gradually perked up.

"He’s right! This song was insanely difficult, and Xiao Lie practiced like crazy. He shouldn’t blame himself at all."

"There’s always next time—this isn’t the only con of the year."

"Let’s just say the others got lucky, stumbling into the gold prize. Otherwise, it would’ve been ours for sure."

"Heh, let’s make sure we give it our all during the cosplay later! Xiao Lie, go rest up, but don’t forget to tune in to Douyu Live!"

"…"

Seeing the atmosphere gradually improve,

Chi Qingchi clasped her hands behind her back and skipped cheerfully, saying with a laugh,

"That's right, that's right! This is the kind of vibe we should have!"

"I’ll go notify the organizers and have them readjust the performance schedule for noon."

"Without the competition, we can actually relax and enjoy the exhibition more!"

As she passed by Lin Yu,

Lin Yu grabbed her arm and spoke up,

"Wouldn’t it be a shame to just drop out like this?"

"After all the time and effort you’ve put into preparing..."

Little Chi’s eyebrows trembled slightly, her small arms shaking uncontrollably.

She looked up at Lin Yu, her expression pained.

Did he really have to ask that?

Everyone already knew the answer, for goodness’ sake!

She’d just managed to lighten the mood,

and now Lin Yu had to go and stir things up again!

Did he really want to make her cry?

No matter how much her heart ached with frustration and reluctance,

Little Chi quickly forced a relaxed smile and said,

"Come on, it can’t be helped."

"Lin Yu, you don’t need to feel sorry for us."

"We attend at least three or five comic conventions a year—it’s not like we won’t get another chance."

"Next time... we’ll just have to try harder!"

By the end, her voice was already trembling.

She knew she had to leave the break room as soon as possible.

If she stayed any longer,

she might not be able to hold back her tears!

Lin Yu glanced around at the others in the room.

Unlike Little Chi, the other otaku girls weren’t as composed.

Their disappointment and regret were written plainly on their faces.

When Lin Yu looked their way, they instinctively averted their gaze,

not wanting him to see the sadness in their hearts.

What a great group of friends.

Team pride meant something to every one of them.

Even those who weren’t in the band felt upset that their friends couldn’t perform.

Maybe even without the system’s mission,

Lin Yu would’ve made the same choice if he’d been there today.

Because

these were sincere and genuine young people.

Lin Yu patted Little Chi’s shoulder and said,

"Little Chi, what I meant was..."

"How about I give it a try?"

Chi Qingchi jerked her head up, staring at him in shock: "!!!"

"Give it a try...? Try what?"

Lin Yu grinned.

"Heh, of course, try singing 'Unravel'!"

Zhao Yuhao: "!!!"

Everyone in the room: "!!!"

Little Chi’s mind raced, and in an instant, she leaped in front of Lin Yu,

grabbing his arms tightly, her eyes shining with excitement as she exclaimed,

"Lin Yu, you... you can really sing 'Unravel'?!"

This was the first time Lin Yu had seen her so worked up.

Even when he’d taken her shopping for "gear" or treated her to food, she’d never been this hyped.

Lin Yu nodded with a smile.

"Just because I’m not an otaku doesn’t mean I can’t sing it, right?"

"This song blew up beyond your little subculture—it’s not just for you guys."

Little Chi’s eyes instantly reddened.

Before the tears could fall,

she dashed to the table behind her, yanking her laptop out of her bag,

muttering to herself in exhilaration:

"This is amazing, so lucky!"

"Lin Yu, you’re literally the best in the world!!"

"Give me a little time, just a little, so I can change the MV subtitles to full Japanese..."

Lin Yu was still wondering what Little Chi had suddenly run off to do.

Turns out she wanted to replace the four-language version with the original Japanese version.

Fair enough.

Most people would assume Lin Yu would only sing the original version.

Lin Yu walked over to where Little Chi stood.

He closed the notebook she had just opened and said:

"Little Chi, no need to bother. We’ll stick with your... four-language version!"

...

(Second update for today. There’ll be an extra chapter coming soon—stay tuned~)