In a room near the backstage area, Lu Yue sat alone, facing Liu Shanhe and Lin Zhiyuan, the latter of whom was responsible for taking notes.
The atmosphere in this "temporary interrogation room" was thick with tension.
The moment the door closed, Liu Shanhe abandoned all pretense of courtesy. His hawk-like gaze locked onto Lu Yue, and he abruptly fired off a question that cut straight to the core:
"Are you... really Lu Yue?"
This was psychological warfare, aimed at catching Lu Yue off guard and seizing his most primal, unguarded reaction during his moment of agitation.
[Holy crap! Old Liu's already pulling out the big guns? This is a soul-searching question!]
[Even watching the live stream, I was shocked by how direct Old Liu's question was.]
[We're doomed! Can Little Grandchild withstand this? Old Liu is a microexpression expert!]
[Little Grandchild is in danger! He doesn't have Cifera's ironclad mental fortitude. This could expose him!]
Upon hearing Liu Shanhe's question, Lu Yue's face instantly flashed a mix of disbelief and exasperation, as if he'd been asked the most absurd question imaginable.
"She" raised a slight eyebrow, her voice radiating unshakeable confidence and a hint of offended coldness:
"Does this even need asking? Without a doubt, I am Lu Yue!"
Liu Shanhe's pupils narrowed slightly.
The genuine "absurd and speechless" expression on her face was real, not feigned!
It was the instinctive reaction of someone genuinely baffled by the questioning of their identity, as if the very notion were preposterous.
Despite her evident agitation, her immediate response to his probing question was flawless...
Could she truly be Lu Yue? No, he couldn't jump to conclusions yet. If she were Cifera, she might indeed be capable of such perfect emotional control.
Liu Shanhe nodded, chuckling:
"Heh, Miss Lu Yue needn't be offended. We must still follow the necessary procedures."
Seeing Night Shadow successfully evade Liu Shanhe's sudden attack, the live stream's bullet comments exploded:
[Holy shit! Little Grandchild's got skills! If I didn't know he was impersonating Lu Yue, I'd have fallen for it too!]
[No way! Not a single slip-up even in this situation? Does Little Grandchild's emotional control rival Cifera's?!]
[Most likely! After all, it was Old Liu himself, the top expert in microexpressions, who was asking the questions!]
[Whoa! As expected of the prodigy from an established family! The Grandchild of the Phantom Thief's worth keeps rising!]
[Who would have thought this goofy Little Grandchild would actually be a fraud master on par with Cifera? Looks like Cifera might not be able to get her hands on the Starry Light so easily after all.]
Liu Shanhe remained completely unaware that the Bullet Comments had already elevated Lu Yue's abilities to Cifera's level. He calmly posed his second question, his voice steady and betraying no hint of inner turmoil:
"According to our information, Miss Lu Yue initially declined the invitation to walk the runway, citing 'scheduling conflicts.' However, shortly after the press conference for the Starry Charity Auction this afternoon, you suddenly changed your mind and informed Starry that you would participate.
"Could you please elaborate on the true reasons that prompted you to alter your plans and decide to attend?"
Hearing Liu Shanhe's second question, Lu Yue sneered inwardly:
Hmph! I knew you'd ask about that!
Clearly, he had anticipated this question and had prepared his response in advance, remaining completely unfazed.
In his view, even if the other party were the world's top expert in microexpressions, the Night Shadow clan's rigorous training since childhood had equipped him with exceptional control over these subtle cues. If he lied while prepared, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to detect the deception.
Adjusting his posture to appear more composed, Lu Yue spoke with a hint of self-mockery:
"Old Liu, I understand your suspicions. You're wondering if the Lu Yue standing before you is actually Contestant Cifera in disguise, aren't you?
"After all, I initially declined the invitation, only to change my mind right after Cifera announced her theft of the Starry Light.
"With your Criminal Investigators' keen instincts, you must be wondering if Cifera targeted the real Lu Yue, impersonated her identity to infiltrate tonight's Charity Auction, and gained unimpeded access to the Starry Light—her true target—as its wearer.
"That 'plot' sounds fascinating. If I were an audience member, I'd love to see it unfold. But alas, I must inform all viewers watching the show that this scenario is impossible because I am the genuine Lu Yue."
"To be honest, my initial refusal of Starry's invitation, citing 'scheduling conflicts,' was just a little personal whim—a flimsy excuse.
"I'd been swamped with work lately, feeling rather fatigued, and wanted to take a break. I had to decline some commitments to make that happen."
"She" paused, a flicker of "thrill-seeking" fervor gleaming in her eyes:
"But then I saw the news: Contestant Cifera had brazenly declared her intention to steal the Starry Light tonight! And I was supposed to be the one wearing it!
"Don't you find that utterly fascinating?
"This is a chance to personally participate in a top-tier reality show, and there's even a high probability of encountering the Kitty Phantom Thief, who's currently trending worldwide!
"This opportunity instantly ignited my interest! Rather than resting at home, I'd much rather experience this excitement!
"That, my friends, is the real reason I changed my mind."
[LMAO! This Little Grandchild can spin a yarn! He's been part of the show all along!]
[With this natural and convincing acting, Little Grandchild has completely outshone those brainless idol rookies!]
[He must have been prepared for this! Old Liu's questions were exactly what he expected!]
[Tears in my eyes! We Little Grandchild fans are finally standing up for ourselves!]
[Upstairs, you're clearly a die-hard Little Grandchild fan—your devotion shines through like polished obsidian!]
In the video, Lu Yue's explanation sounded plausible and consistent with his status as a freelance supermodel and the youthful desire for novelty and excitement. It neatly explained the "coincidences" in his behavior.
However, instead of relief, a razor-sharp smile appeared on Liu Shanhe's face, as if two peerless swordsmen had locked eyes, one having spotted a fatal flaw in the other's stance and preparing to deliver the decisive blow.
He slowly shook his head, his gaze burning into Lu Yue's face:
"Miss Lu Yue, your explanation sounds 'reasonable,' but you've overlooked a crucial point—or perhaps you simply don't truly understand it."
He took a half-step forward, closing the distance:
"Do you understand what I'm talking about?"
"I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean, and I won't be tricked by these intimidation tactics. I'm telling you the complete truth."
Faced with Liu Shanhe's reaction, as if he'd uncovered some critical evidence, Lu Yue felt a flicker of doubt, but he quickly dismissed it.
In his mind, his explanation was flawless. Liu Shanhe was clearly bluffing!
Liu Shanhe's voice cut through the air, radiating unyielding authority:
"Very well. Then I'll make it clear to you now."