The moment the name "Cifera" was mentioned, a wave of suppressed gasps and murmurs swept through the audience.
Clearly, with the show's skyrocketing popularity, Cifera's name had already flooded the internet. As media professionals, no one present could possibly be unaware of her.
In fact, most journalists in attendance had reported on Cifera in some capacity.
Liu Ruyan's mention of her undoubtedly linked back to yesterday's sensational kidnapping and dramatic rescue.
"I believe all the journalists here, as well as the viewers watching the live stream—anyone who followed the premiere of our hit program in China yesterday—know what I endured."
Liu Ruyan's voice carried a sense of relief and gratitude:
"In my darkest moment, when I had all but given up hope, it was the members of the Pursuit Team who rescued me from the kidnappers' clutches.
"Only afterward did I learn that Contestant Cifera had played a pivotal role in this rescue."
"Back then, with her extraordinary intelligence and astonishing talent, she perfectly disguised herself as an expert member of the Pursuit Team, fooling everyone. You could say she held all the advantages in the show.
"But to save me, she didn't hesitate to expose her true identity, causing her flawless infiltration plan to collapse.
"I won't go into the specific details here, as I believe most of you are already familiar with them. If not, please watch the edited highlights on the show's official website—there are some truly thrilling clips."
At this point, Liu Ruyan's tone shifted, her voice filled with genuine self-reflection:
"Here, I must confess something—before Contestant Cifera saved me, I was actually one of her most vehement haters."
This unexpected admission caused a stir in the audience.
"When the show first started, I immediately became a fan of Night Shadow. As for Cifera, this young female contestant who suddenly appeared and stole Night Shadow's spotlight, I absolutely despised her.
"Back then, I flooded the live stream with hateful Bullet Comments targeting her, even getting into heated arguments with other viewers.
"Looking back, I was acting like a fucking idiot."
Gasp!
The audience erupted into another wave of commotion at Liu Ruyan's use of blunt language.
Realizing her slip of the tongue, Liu Ruyan quickly apologized:
"I'm so sorry! I'm just the kind of person who speaks her mind directly. I didn't think about the occasion and said the wrong thing."
She candidly admitted her mistake, continuing with a wry smile:
"Getting back to the point, um, back then, my heart was shrouded in darkness, filled with the aura of death.
"I envied, even... resented Contestant Cifera's youth and beauty—her seemingly inexhaustible vitality, intelligence, and talent, and the effortless composure and youthful spirit she exuded in the face of any adversity.
"That was the radiance I had long lost, or perhaps never truly possessed.
"Her very existence was like a mirror, reflecting the pallor and powerlessness of my own life. It made me deeply uncomfortable, which is why I disliked her.
"Yet fate works in mysterious ways."
Liu Ruyan's voice suddenly soared, brimming with dramatic irony and profound gratitude:
"This very person I disliked became my savior!
"But that wasn't the key turning point that changed my perspective on life. If Contestant Cifera had merely saved me, I probably would have simply repaid her with my wealth and become her devoted fan."
"What truly changed my perspective on life was that Contestant Cifera, while rescuing me, also acutely perceived an ongoing child trafficking operation. Following the trail, she even dismantled the entire human trafficking organization.
"She not only saved the me of today but also rescued countless 'me's of the past'—preventing children trapped in darkness from repeating my own tragic fate."
Liu Ruyan's voice grew impassioned, her eyes reddening slightly as she strove to maintain her composure.
"Yesterday, after being rescued, I watched videos of the freed children... saw the indescribable smiles and tears on their faces as they reunited with their families...
"In that moment, the icy barrier around my heart melted instantly, shattered by this pure, recovered happiness!
"I've found it! I've finally discovered the purpose of my life moving forward!"
Liu Ruyan straightened her spine, her voice ringing with conviction and a sense of mission as she declared:
"I've decided to establish a dedicated foundation! A foundation dedicated to helping children in need, especially those who have been trafficked and harmed. I will do everything in my power to help them find their way home or, at the very least, give them a future filled with hope!"
As she spoke, Liu Ruyan pressed a button on a remote control. Instantly, images of various precious jewels, including the "Starry Light," flashed across the large screen behind her.
Liu Ruyan pointed to the jewels:
"Tonight, many of our most prized, non-sale items—including our flagship piece, the 'Starry Light'—will be featured in a charity auction.
"Every penny raised from tonight's auction will go directly into this newly established foundation, with absolutely no deductions!"
Her gaze swept across the audience, radiating unwavering determination:
"I will personally oversee the management of this foundation, dedicating my time and energy to ensure every cent is transparently and effectively used to help children in need!
"This will be the most important responsibility and endeavor of my remaining years!"
Finally, Liu Ruyan's face softened into a gentle, reverent smile:
"This foundation, which will undoubtedly reshape my life's trajectory and give birth to a new career for me, was inspired entirely by Contestant Cifera.
"It was her actions that rekindled a flame in my heart that had long since been extinguished."
"Therefore, to express my deepest respect and gratitude to her, I have decided—"
Liu Ruyan took a deep breath and solemnly announced:
"To name this Children's Relief Fund the—'Cifera Child Rescue Foundation'!"
As Liu Ruyan solemnly announced the name of the Children's Relief Fund, the entire press conference venue fell into a brief silence, followed by an eruption of applause that was even more fervent and sustained than any before!
The applause was filled with awe, emotion, and renewed respect for Liu Ruyan, this legendary woman reborn.
Of course, the applause was also directed at the repeatedly mentioned "MVP" who had brought Liu Ruyan her rebirth—Cifera.
Just as fervent as the scene at the press conference, the live stream's Bullet Comments section was immediately flooded!
Gifts rained down like a deluge!