“You think who will win?” Wu Tiao suddenly asked.
“Me… you’re asking me this question?” Yu Xiaoyang sighed lightly, somewhat helpless.
This person completely immersed themselves in it, now it’s like watching a drama. Has she forgotten that she’s still a mentor and judge?
Casually evaluating team members like this, isn’t she afraid of trending on hot searches?
Well, she really isn’t afraid.
“As long as no one overhears, let’s talk quietly,” Wu Tiao suggested, turning her face to the side. “Who do you think will win?”
“Rong Jinghe,” Yu Xiaoyang replied.
Wu Tiao couldn’t hold back, “Why??”
“Rong Jinghe looks good, is willing to work hard, performs well, has strong professional skills, and a large fan base.”
“But Chu Qianze obviously dances better.” Wu Tiao covered her mouth with her hand, speaking in a hushed tone.
She must say, Rong Jinghe does indeed work hard, a rare down-to-earth person in the industry. But when it comes to dance, talent is also crucial. Chu Qianze is a natural-born dancer, with a strong personal style and charm that others simply can’t replicate.
“He sings pretty well too,” Wu Tiao added.
“But this competition mainly depends on votes. Rong Jinghe currently has more fans, while Chu Qianze has only recently appeared in the public eye. There’s still some gap between them for now,” Yu Xiaoyang offered his analysis.
“I agree with your point of view, but I’m still betting on the other one,” Wu Tiao said with a teasing expression.
“Just now, I used the assistant’s phone to register and cast a vote for Chu Qianze.”
“Then let’s wait for the results,” Yu Xiaoyang found it amusing, wondering if this person had turned herself into a devoted fan.
“Stop talking, it’s starting.” Wu Tiao hushed, focusing on the program.
“Please look at the big screen!”
As soon as the host finished speaking, the screen behind them displayed the graphics.
The two teams were in a neck-and-neck situation, not giving an inch as they chased each other, like two spirited horses in a fierce race, crazily surging forward. Finally, the first team froze, while the votes for the second team continued to climb until it rose a bit more, and then it just stopped.
[Win in the group competition. (Completed)]
[Host, you’ve won! Ahhh!]
The system shouted, and the screen flickered in all directions, as if declaring oneself the first.
‘You take it easy; you’re making me dizzy.’
“The results are out, the winner is the second group, Chu Qianze’s team. Congratulations to them!”
Although Dou Xi was controlling the performance, he couldn’t contain his happiness. The others had similar expressions, exchanging glances, and the joy in each other’s eyes was evident. Unable to restrain themselves, they all embraced Chu Qianze together.
They had won, truly won!
“Hey, be gentle, you guys. You’re squeezing the life out of me,” Chu Qianze complained, his face smudged, a bit helpless.
Rong Jinghe led the applause. He had mentally prepared for this outcome. Considering the flawless performance of the other team, they were indeed better.
There was no resentment; after all, it was evident that their skills were inferior.
Pfft, it’s just a competition. Getting so excited over a win, they really can’t keep a dignified demeanor.
Leng Jing’s eyes rolled internally, but he didn’t show it, considering they were in a live setting. He hesitated for a moment, then raised his hand for a symbolic applause.
“Now, let’s announce the votes received by everyone in this round,” the host picked up the cue card and continued with the process.
“Please look at the big screen!”
On the screen, the avatars of the eighteen contestants appeared. Among them, Chu Qianze and Rong Jinghe were gaining momentum the fastest, quickly surpassing the other participants and starting to compete for the first place.
The rankings for the other contestants had already been displayed, with only the votes for the top two still increasing.
Leng Jing looked at his own third-to-last position, cursing inwardly. His mood soured even more when he saw Dou Xi ranking fourth, much higher than himself. However, considering they were in a live setting, he maintained a calm demeanor and showed an expression of anticipation for the upcoming results.
“It seems I guessed it right,” Yu Xiaoyang remarked to someone nearby.
“It’s not over yet,” Wu Tiao disagreed, staring at the screen.
Chu Qianze, you better live up to my expectations.
Just as everyone was concentrating, eagerly awaiting the results, the host shouted, “Stop!”
The vote count abruptly paused, with Rong Jinghe in the lead, and Chu Qianze slightly behind.
“The scores are neck and neck,” the host exclaimed, shifting attention to Chu Qianze and Rong Jinghe. “How do you both feel about the current situation?”
“Nothing special,” Rong Jinghe replied.
“And Chu Qianze?” Seeing that Rong Jinghe didn’t have much to say, the host turned the question to Chu Qianze.
Ah, the suspenseful setup.
Chu Qianze’s lips twitched. “I just want to announce the results quickly.”
“Don’t be in a hurry; let’s have a little chat first,” the host teased.
The host was a bit helpless. Could he not feel the audience’s urgency? He felt like they might rush up any second and give him a beating. However, just after receiving a prompt from the director, the viewership had surged since the group competition results were announced. He was instructed to stretch the time a bit, keeping Rong Jinghe and Chu Qianze together for as long as possible.
As for why the viewership skyrocketed… it probably had something to do with these two.
“Now it’s time to announce the top rankings. Do you think you can surpass Rong Jinghe and take the first place?” the host asked Chu Qianze.
“Well…” Chu Qianze prepared to be polite as the screen lit up.
[Host, host, this host is too long-winded. I’ve just calculated the relevant data, and here are the results of the competition!]
Chu Qianze was caught off guard by the spoiler.
…No fun anymore.
[I’ve noticed that the barrage from the audience is also entertaining. They’re bickering now. ]
‘Behave, go play by yourself.’
[一人一 ]
The dialogue with each system happened in an instant. Chu Qianze redirected his attention back to the host, resuming the previous question, “Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?”
“Oh, there’s a difference between the truth and a lie?”
The host was surprised, asking the audience below, “Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?”
“What do you want to hear?” Chu Qianze asked Rong Jinghe.
“The truth,” he replied without hesitation.
“Oh, I think I’ll win,” Chu Qianze said casually.
[Too arrogant! Just bullying our good-tempered Rong Jinghe!]
[Our Jinghe… has a good temper?]
[He used to be the big boss type, why does he suddenly seem so soft? (whispering)]
[That’s right, you’ll win! We’re rooting for you!]
[Brother Chu is so handsome! It’s hitting me right in the feels!]
[I love his personality so much, sob sob sob. Brother Chu, why are you so handsome, ahhhh qwq]
Chu Qianze, amidst the crowd’s surprise, added a disclaimer.
“That was a lie.”
“So you don’t think I’ll win?” Rong Jinghe became interested.
“Not really, this time is probably a draw,” Chu Qianze shrugged nonchalantly.
Rong Jinghe nodded, not really bothered by it. The probability of a draw was too small, almost impossible.
“Now, let’s announce the results,” the host said.
The votes for both continued to rise. As time passed, the atmosphere became increasingly tense. Rong Jinghe’s initial advantage gradually diminished until suddenly, Chu Qianze caught up, and their avatars appeared side by side in the first position.
The barrage exploded.
The people on the stage were unaware of the online reactions.
The song “I Am Proud” was performed as the closing act. As the program approached its end time, the trainees bid farewell to the audience and left the stage.
Rong Jinghe walked a few steps over to Chu Qianze. “Congratulations.”
Chu Qianze was a bit surprised by the unexpected words. “Didn’t expect you to say something like that.”
“Hmm?” Rong Jinghe remained composed. “What did you think I would say?”
After some thought, Chu Qianze imitated Rong Jinghe’s tone. “‘This time, you got lucky. Next time, the first place will definitely be mine.’ Something like that, right?”
“You spoke too soon.”
“Hmm?”
Rong Jinghe spread his hands. “That was my next line.”
“Haha, stole your lines, left you speechless.”
Chu Qianze didn’t feel awkward at all; instead, he became a bit boastful. “Looks like we do have some basic understanding.”
Rong Jinghe chuckled lightly, neither confirming nor denying.
Glancing at the others, he knew this group had a lot to discuss. “You guys still have things to talk about; I’ll head out.”
“Oh,” Chu Qianze looked back at his teammates and found them staring at him with eager eyes. The piercing gaze made his scalp tingle.
“What are you all doing, performing the ‘gazing at the husband’s stone’1“演望夫石” is a Chinese idiom originating from an ancient story. In the tale, a woman, longing for her husband, stays by a stone near the window day and night, hoping for his swift return. The idiom is now commonly used to describe a situation where someone eagerly anticipates and waits for someone due to strong feelings of longing. act?”
Seeing that the others wanted to say something, Chu Qianze cut in directly, “No need for thanks. You all earned it yourselves, it has nothing to do with me. Besides, everyone performed well. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have beaten our no.1, right?”
Chu Qianze looked at Rong Jinghe, his tone slightly teasing.
Brother Chu’s words are quite bold, aren’t they? Isn’t he afraid of causing conflict? Rong Jinghe looked serious and a bit fierce.
Dou Xi was about to intervene when he saw Rong Jinghe glance over without saying anything.
Huh?
Dou Xi expected the other person to have a stern face, but the atmosphere became surprisingly relaxed.
Dou Xi blinked; the relationship between these two seemed much better than he had imagined.
“Anyway, whatever happens next is up to all of you. I won’t say much more. Good luck, everyone,” Chu Qianze said and walked out with Rong Jinghe.
“Brother Chu, we’ll do our best!”
Chu Qianze didn’t say anything; he just waved his hand, exuding a carefree vibe.
He helped us so much, yet he doesn’t take any credit, saying it’s everyone’s achievement.
In an instant, his image in the hearts of the people grew even more admirable.
Once out of sight of the others, Chu Qianze’s expression dropped, and he sighed. “So hungry…”
“You’re hungry already?” Rong Jinghe found it amusing.
Is this change a bit too sudden considering your aura when facing those people just now?
“I arrived at the performance venue early in the morning, did styling backstage, rehearsed, familiarized myself with the lighting, and organized other trainees. I didn’t have time to eat at all. Now, my energy is seriously depleted. Luckily, I had a whole bucket of fried chicken last night; otherwise, I wouldn’t have lasted.” Chu Qianze said softly, and when he saw the bus door open, he pulled Rong Jinghe up.
“Should I get another one on the way back?”
Rong Jinghe settled inside first, then suddenly remembered something. “Hong suggested we go to the cafeteria together for hot pot tonight.”
“Hot pot?” Chu Qianze’s eyes lit up.
“Yeah, it coincides with the end of the first round of performances. He wants to seize the opportunity for a deceptive meal.”
“Eating deceptive meals every day, you might deceive yourself in the end,” Chu Qianze rolled his eyes, joking, “If you want to eat, just eat. Why come up with so many excuses?”
“Haha, don’t say that in front of him, or he might explode,” Rong Jinghe laughed.
“I can’t take it anymore. When is this car going to leave? I’m suddenly feeling a bit sleepy.” Chu Qianze squinted his eyes; hunger made him feel sluggish.
“Want to buy something to eat first?” Rong Jinghe asked.
“No, I want to save my appetite for hot pot.”
“Then go ahead and sleep. I’ll wake you up when we get back.” Rong Jinghe said.
With a muffled acknowledgment, Chu Qianze lifted his hand to lean on the front seat but found it uncomfortable. He leaned back instead, not the most comfortable position but better than lying flat. He closed his eyes, furrowing his brows slightly, looking like someone who had lost his snacks, both angry and aggrieved.
With everyone on board, the bus started moving, swaying as it went on its way.
The performance ended, and everyone was exhausted. The entire bus was unusually quiet. Some looked out of the window, some closed their eyes to rest, and others whispered to their companions.
During a turn, Chu Qianze tilted toward the aisle, on the verge of falling out. Rong Jinghe, quick to react, reached out and caught him.
Due to inertia, Chu Qianze ended up leaning on Rong Jinghe’s shoulder, his shallow breath brushing against the neck.
After a moment of hesitation, Rong Jinghe released the hand holding Chu Qianze but didn’t push him away.
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