A total of 108 students participated in the program; they practiced the theme song together. Now, here, they reunited, collectively performing the program. It felt like just a few months ago when they stood in the public practice room, watching the instructor explain the movements. In their respective dance studios, they followed the beats, practiced the choreography while memorizing the lyrics.
Back then, they came here with hopes for the future. Everyone ate together, played together, and practiced together.
You taught me singing, I taught you dancing; you accompanied me in playing games, and I told you jokes.
We cried together, we laughed together, encouraging each other, chasing after each other.
A dance troupe of a hundred, a grand chorus of a hundred voices.
The stage rotated towards the audience, and Chu Qianze and others appeared in everyone’s view.
Ye Lunguo came to the front, flashing a brilliant smile at the crowd, exuding a youthful charm.
When he joined this program, he was completely unfamiliar with dance. In his debut, he was fortunate to achieve an A grade, despite having the weakest foundation in the class. The movements that others could learn in one glance took him three or four times to become familiar with.
It was everyone’s patience in teaching and guiding him.
The song “Dream Sailing” was the first song and dance he learned in the program. Now, Ye Lunguo, though not at the top in dance, at least didn’t hold back himself. Sometimes, his dance moves even earned individual praise from the instructor.
After gesturing a heart with both hands, he stepped back to the side.
Now it was the rap segment. Hong stepped forward, spreading his palms, and performed a finger dance.
He was a rapper who initially couldn’t sing at all. It was Ye Lunguo and everyone else who demonstrated the vocal parts, breathing techniques, and helped him gradually improve. Even though there were times when he collapsed on the ground during practice and times when he dreamed of dancing, he couldn’t deny that this was an experience he would never forget.
Da, da, da,
Lights flickered, creating a play of brightness and shadows as he danced within the interplay of light and shadow.
“Brother Chu! Brother Chu! Ahh!!” Fans screamed wildly from below, adrenaline pumping, their faces flushed with excitement.
His fingers traced the edge of his ear, the ring entwined with black hair. Chu Qianze glanced at the audience below, eyelids slightly lowered, exuding an air of nonchalance.
[This expression! This expression! Awesome!]
[Is he trying to flirt with me? I can’t handle it; where’s the tissue?]
[Tears are streaming down from the corners of my mouth…]
After the opening dance ended, the music faded away, and the venue dimmed, only the unrestrained screams of fans and the continuous waving of support items remained, attesting to the brilliance of the just-performed show.
A spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing a white piano. Rong Jinghe sat atop it, fingers pressing down on the keys, producing clear and melodious notes that resonated throughout the venue.
The music flowed out like a babbling brook, pure and crystalline.
The audience fell silent.
Another spotlight emerged, and Ye Lunguo walked out from the side. His vocal tone and song style perfectly aligned, creating a vivid scene effortlessly.
Chu Qianze half-squatted on the ground, one hand clenched and placed on the floor.
The tips of his shoes tapped to the beat, building up an extremely tense atmosphere, and then suddenly releasing. Simultaneously, he leaped upright, arms spread wide, and his upper garment followed, creating a carefree arc.
This was the dance group’s performance, consisting entirely of members positioned as dance leaders within the boy band. When they performed together, the visual impact was anything but simple addition; it was a synergy that exceeded the sum of its parts.
The positioning, rhythmic precision, and the quality and smoothness of the movements provided an ultimate visual delight.
The third spotlight illuminated…
This was the special performance by the vocal group. After all members were in position, the lead singer stepped forward, his deep and gentle voice providing a unique interpretation of the entire song.
As the program approached its conclusion, Rong Jinghe’s fingers continually intertwined and changed, introducing a variation that abruptly dispelled the previously serene and leisurely atmosphere.
The sound of a military drum resonated through the speakers, one beat after another, somber and solemn, emotions slowly accumulating and brewing.
A spotlight tilted, and a red curtain gently descended. The combination of deep red and darkness transported people into an eerie world, in stark contrast to the earlier quiet and sacred ambiance.
The audience’s seats and the live stream already exploded with excitement.
Everyone’s minds went blank, unable to come up with any adjectives, only able to scream wildly and wave wildly, venting their inner emotions through this method.
As the music reached the chorus part, Chu Qianze’s body leaned forward, directly falling down, both hands supporting the ground, rotating a circle. The right leg lifted backward, the foot exerting force, driving the body, and under the reaction force, he stood up.
[A breakdance?!]
[Regretful! Why didn’t I go to the scene? Why???]
[Too amazing, this waist and abdominal strength! Those long legs, it feels like everything below the neck is all legs!]
[A classic move from another group, I can’t believe I’m seeing it here!]
Waving support items, twinkling spotlights, screams and shouts, all combined to form a unique atmosphere.
Undoubtedly, this was a celebration. A celebration for everyone.
As the performance ended, Chu Qianze exhaled, and together with his teammates, bowed to the audience.
Finally, all the lights came on, and
Yu Xiaoyang appeared on the stage, starting the hosting.
Meanwhile, other members returned to the backstage, taking a short break.
Chu Qianze had just walked off the stage when a makeup artist pulled him aside to check if he needed a touch-up.
“My makeup probably hasn’t worn off yet,” he remarked.
“Just in case, let me touch it up for you,” the makeup artist replied.
“Sure.” After it was done, Chu Qianze walked over to sit beside Rong Jinghe, leaning against the wall.
“Take a break; we still have to perform ‘Traveler Against the Current’ later,” Rong Jinghe said, taking a sip of water.
“Yeah, that’s the main event. Give me some water; I’m dying of thirst.” Chu Qianze raised his hand and took Rong Jinghe’s water cup.
His actions were so rehearsed and natural that by the time Rong Jinghe realized it, Chu Qianze had already taken a few sips.
Blinking, Rong Jinghe took the water cup and, finding a spot, started drinking on his own.
“Take it easy; be careful not to strain your voice later,” Chu Qianze advised.
“Yeah, got it.” Rong Jinghe acknowledged, mimicking Chu Qianze’s posture, his back against the wall.
According to the draw, their group was the last one, the grand finale. As they watched the number of participants decrease and the room gradually quieting down, a sense of anticipation built.
“Feeling nervous?” Chu Qianze looked around at his teammates.
“A bit,” one of them replied.
“My palms were sweating from nervousness,” another added.
“Well, then let’s find something to do, like going over the lyrics,” Chu Qianze suggested, poking Rong Jinghe beside him. “What do you think?”
Rong Jinghe, a beat slow, asked, “What?”
Sensing something off, Chu Qianze paused for a moment. “Let’s review the lyrics.”
“Sure, let’s go with the rehearsal order,” Rong Jinghe said.
This person seems a bit off.
Considering the upcoming performance, Chu Qianze didn’t directly address his suspicions and instead said to his teammates, “Let’s start with the first person, and don’t forget the whistling.”
After completing a round, everyone had a bit more confidence, returning to their positions to build up their emotions.
Chu Qianze tilted his head and looked at Rong Jinghe. “Are you…”
Is your waist injury acting up again?
Before he could finish the sentence, they heard the staff instructing their group to get ready to go on stage.
Setting down his water cup, Rong Jinghe stood up and said to the person next to him, “Let’s go, it’s our turn.”
This person has always been keenly observant, and he hadn’t prepared to conceal it. A slight smile played on his lips, but his expression was genuinely serious. “Can we finish this dance together?”
Turning his ring, Chu Qianze replied, “Sure.”
“The next program is ‘Traveler Against the Current,’ a song everyone is familiar with. I believe you all can sing a few lines. In the past, when I walked on the street and casually entered a shop, I could hear it playing. It’s a particularly classic song. However, what they’re bringing to you today is a different ‘Traveler Against the Current.’ Now, let’s welcome—”
Yu Xiaoyang raised his hand to signal.
Chu Qianze took a step forward, turned his body to face the team, and said leisurely, “Let me join you in setting the stage on fire.”
“Great!!”
A clear and melodious whistle sounded, instantly transporting people into the atmosphere of the song.
Life is like a journey, either advance or retreat. This song talks about life, experiences, beliefs, and the enduring passion.
Using their formation to tell a story, they struggled against each other, against themselves, against others, against the world.
Confronting each other, they created an intense and dynamic scene.
The formation kept changing, and they moved wildly.
Rap, high notes, whistling, dancing, lighting—everything came together, creating an indescribably magnificent scene.
At this moment, the venue fell unusually silent. The audience’s attention was firmly captivated by the few people at the center of the stage, and even their breaths seemed to lighten.
And now, the real spectacle had just begun.
They moved closer, palms interlocking.
Suddenly, a blue mist appeared in the air, cascading down like a waterfall, hitting the ground and splashing up again.
As the chorus kicked in, the high notes sang, and harmonies emerged.
Every wave of their hands stirred up bursts of mist, and every step forward caused the mist to billow.
Lifting arms, twisting waists, thrusting hips, leaping.
They seemed to be soaring and dancing in the air.
Beads of sweat fell from their noses, sprinkling in the air, gleaming brilliantly under the lights.
At this moment, they were the masters of the stage, the most dazzling presence in the entire venue.
As the last note ended, they were panting heavily, covered in sweat, but their faces couldn’t hide the unrestrained smiles.
That was exhilarating, truly exhilarating!
As they bowed side by side, applause erupted from all around, continuous and unending.
“Thank you, everyone!” Chu Qianze exhaled, raised his hand for a wave, then turned with his teammates to bow towards the audience on the other side.
“Brother Chu!!”
“Rong Jinghe, I love you!”
“Ahhh!!”
Gradually, the audience began to shout the support slogans for the people on stage.
One shout followed another, one repetition after another.
At this point, the atmosphere in the venue once again reached its peak.
After some time passed, Yu Xiaoyang stepped onto the stage and stood in position. “Everyone, how was the performance just now?”
“Spectacular!”
“Do you want to see it again?”
“Yes!”
“Sorry, there won’t be an encore.”
As soon as this was said, it immediately provoked a strong reaction from the audience.
Yu Xiaoyang chuckled, “Just kidding. Honestly, when we first saw the choreography and arrangement for this performance, our mentors were concerned. The original song is a classic, and adapting it is quite challenging. We weren’t sure if this modified version would satisfy everyone. But now, it seems the effect is outstanding.”
“Please, all the participants come up on stage, and the ‘Traveler Against the Current’ group, stay in your positions.”
Hearing Yu Xiaoyang’s words, the participants who were waiting below the stage walked up to join Chu Qianze and the others.
“The performance is over, but the competition isn’t. The voting channel is now open. We hope everyone can cast their votes for the best performance, and based on the results, combined with individual data, we will determine the final debut list. So, each of your votes will play a crucial role.”
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, with discussions breaking out among the audience.
“How do we even choose?”
“I think they were all great…”
“Only kids struggle with choices. If it were up to me, I’d take them all.”
“Dear trainees, do you want to know your rankings before the competition started?”
Yu Xiaoyang threw out the question. “Come on, Hong, I see you’re quite expressive. You go first.”
Hong paused his vigorous head-shaking, took the microphone, and said sheepishly, “I don’t really want to know.”
“Why?”
“Before this competition, I had a chance to debut. Then this voting happened, and I got voted out. That would feel so uncomfortable. I’d rather wait a while and be direct about it.” Hong scratched his head.
Yu Xiaoyang couldn’t help but chuckle. “Okay, Rong Jinghe, do you have anything to say?”
Rong Jinghe took the microphone. “I’m fine with either, but since no one wants to know, let’s choose to refuse.”
“In that case, if I keep talking about this, I’ll talk it to death. Let me ask another question, and this time, you must give a positive answer.”
Yu Xiaoyang sighed lightly, helpless. “Chu Qianze, you say, do you want to see the rankings? Remember to answer affirmatively.”
“…Sure.” Chu Qianze said.
Ignoring the reluctant tone, Yu Xiaoyang quickly moved on to the next segment. “As everyone can see, your rankings before the competition are displayed over there. Now, we need you all to walk over and pick them up. Chu Qianze, since you said you want to see, you go first.”
The distance from where the trainees were standing to the location of the rankings was about thirty meters.
This is too casual.
“Then I’ll go.” Chu Qianze stepped onto the pathway.
The moment he stood there, the image was projected onto the floor, displaying his name.
Huh?
Following that, the floor displayed his previous performance footage. Walking on it, it felt like reliving the past few months.
Rong Jinghe also walked up, and at this point, his name appeared above. The air started projecting records of his life.
The third person, the fourth person, walking through the corridor, memories filled the entire space in an instant.
As everyone walked through the passage, their eyes swept over those images, finally arriving at another podium.
A silent atmosphere filled the venue.
“Do you all remember when the first public performance was?”
“I remember on the night before the public performance, at three in the morning, I saw the lights in the practice room still on.”
“I believe everyone has seen the sunrise at four in the morning; everyone has experienced the feeling of clothes soaked in sweat. Trainees go through a lot of hardships and fatigue because this is the time to lay the foundation. But when you all look back on these experiences in the future, you might feel nostalgic. At least, that’s how I feel.” Yu Xiaoyang said, his voice accompanied by a light laughter.
“In fact, for all of you, it’s just the beginning now. After climbing one mountain and reaching the summit, you’ll find there’s another mountain ahead. The peak is something you can never stop climbing. I’m not saying all this to motivate you to keep pushing forward. Instead, I hope that as you move forward, you don’t forget why you started in the first place. Don’t forget your initial intentions.”
“Alright, back to the main topic. Did everyone see their rankings?”
Chu Qianze opened the envelope, glanced at it, and then put it down.
“If you believe you can debut, take a step forward.”
Chu Qianze, Rong Jinghe, and a few others beside them all took a step forward.
“If you believe you can take the first place, take another step forward.”
While others hesitated, Chu Qianze directly stepped forward. Seeing that no one else moved, he also pulled Rong Jinghe forward.
“Oh, Chu Qianze, you’re quite confident…”
“Thanks for the compliment, PD Yu. My confidence comes from the support of the fans,” Chu Qianze said.
“Why did you pull Rong Jinghe out?”
“He’s too shy; I had to give him a little push,” Chu Qianze joked.
“But there’s only one first place. Between the two of you, who do you think will get that position?” Yu Xiaoyang reminded.
Picking a fight, huh?
Seeing his fans starting to shout, Chu Qianze raised his hand to quiet them down. Once they settled, he spoke, “Regardless of the outcome, he is my number one in my heart.”
“What about you, Rong Jinghe? Anything you want to say?”
“I…I don’t have much to say.”
After a moment of contemplation, Rong Jinghe added, “If he wins, it’s well-deserved, and I’ll fully acknowledge it.”
“Just now, the director told me that the voting results are out,” Yu Xiaoyang moved his microphone and threw out a topic unexpectedly. “We need to go back to the main stage to announce the rankings, so it’s convenient for everyone to see the data. So, you all need to run back.”
Chu Qianze moved his microphone away and asked in a low voice, “Are you okay?”
Rong Jinghe shook his head without speaking. He was trying hard to empty his mind and ignore the sensations on his body.
“How about this, when I say start later, the first to reach the main stage can choose to reveal someone’s results. How does that sound?” Yu Xiaoyang suggested.
“Is that okay?”
“I’m ready!”
“Director, do you think this is okay?” Yu Xiaoyang asked the stage director below, and received approval.
When Rong Jinghe heard this, his eyes flickered. He was actually looking forward to knowing the results. If possible…
Thinking about his current state, he pushed those thoughts aside.
The trainees jostled each other, adjusting their states, determined to be the first members to reach the main stage.
“Everyone, get ready—” Yu Xiaoyang raised his arm and, after a few seconds of pause, shouted, “Start!”
Rong Jinghe didn’t prepare much; he hadn’t thought about competing with these people. He walked slowly over.
On the other hand, Chu Qianze took the lead, swiftly crossing through the crowd and arriving at the main stage.
“First place!”
After taking his position, he grinned and raised an eyebrow at Rong Jinghe behind him.
“Chu Qianze, first place,” Yu Xiaoyang announced promptly.
Having confirmed the selected candidate, Chu Qianze leisurely walked back.
“Where do you want to go?” Yu Xiaoyang asked.
Chu Qianze replied, “To show camaraderie.”
Then, Yu Xiaoyang watched as Chu Qianze went into the corridor and slowly walked back with Rong Jinghe.
“How was it? Pretty impressive, huh?” Chu Qianze casually slid his hands into his pockets, walking side by side with someone.
“Impressive,” Rong Jinghe acknowledged.
As both of them arrived at the main stage, the rest of the members also gathered.
“As discussed earlier, Chu Qianze, whose results do you want to reveal?” Yu Xiaoyang inquired.
“Well, I haven’t really decided,” Chu Qianze glanced around, looking somewhat puzzled. Then, he touched Rong Jinghe beside him and asked, “Whose results do you want to know first?”
“Yours,” Rong Jinghe responded almost without hesitation.
“Oh, then I want to know my own results,” Chu Qianze said.
“This is too casual,” Yu Xiaoyang said with a wry smile.
“No, it’s not. I asked the people around me carefully. It’s not casual at all,” Chu Qianze explained.
“In fact, this should be a suspense, but since you’ve already mentioned it, we can’t keep everyone in suspense. So let’s announce Chu Qianze’s ranking first. Chu Qianze’s rank is…”
Yu Xiaoyang’s tone elongated, “What is it?”
“Why again!”
“PD Yu, what about announcing the rankings?”
“Haha, just kidding, just kidding.”
Yu Xiaoyang waved his hand, “Let the big screen reveal Chu Qianze’s rank.”
The large screen behind lit up with Chu Qianze’s profile, first showing his ranking before the final, which was second.
Subsequently, it displayed the number of votes Chu Qianze received in this competition. The weighted calculations accumulated and finally revealed a number—
“First place, congratulations Chu Qianze!” Yu Xiaoyang applauded first.
Upon hearing this, Rong Jinghe opened his arms and embraced Chu Qianze tightly.
[Ah, ah, ah, first place!]
[This is… directly announcing the C position? The production team is suddenly so kind, and I’m having a bit of indigestion. Rhyming.]
[Suddenly so direct, not used to it… I’m not trembling with admiration.]
[Originally, the first and second places were between Rong Jinghe and Chu Qianze. It has been like this from the middle until now, and maybe the production team felt there was no need to continue.]
[Congratulations, big brother, on your debut!]
Yu Xiaoyang: “Because before, everyone always complained that the production team liked to tease, so this time we changed the order and directly revealed from the first to the eighth place. Now let’s disclose the remaining rankings.”
On the big screen, the vote counts for each person began to appear, starting from zero and steadily climbing.
“Second place, Rong Jinghe.”
“Third place, Cha Na Guang.”
Hong and Ye Lunguo, respectively seventh and eighth, just managed to secure debut positions. When they heard their rankings, they hugged each other excitedly, almost crying.
……
As the fireworks soared into the sky, a few people stood together, facing the camera. In this moment, it was forever captured in the photograph.
From now on, “Debut, Trainee!” concluded perfectly.
In a certain self-established small fandom, a sudden post appeared.
[Did you hear the news? Chu Qianze terminated his contract with the original agency and joined Rong Jinghe’s studio. If this isn’t love! (I’m crying from sweetness)]
[To be honest, among the trainees, this pair is the sweetest. While others make us work hard to find the sugar, they just pour it on us qwq]
[During the shoot, it was like, “You put on a ring for me, and I’ll put on an earring for you.” Round it up, and they’re practically married!]
[I’m locking in on this couple, and I’ve swallowed the key!]
[Weren’t there pictures before of them shopping together at a clothing store? They even bought matching clothes!]
[Are they really in a relationship?]
[No, let’s keep this discussion private, don’t spread it around~ They genuinely have a great relationship, like true brothers.]
[Yeah, if it were real, they’d probably want to keep it a secret. Who would put it out in the open? Just let me fantasize (daydreaming emoji)]
Rong Jinghe sat on the sofa, watching his comments quickly get pushed down. His brow slowly furrowed.
They’ve already shown it so clearly, eating together, buying clothes together, and even Chu Qianze signing with his studio. Yet, these people still think they’re just brotherly friends.
If it were elsewhere, fine, but why is the same thing happening even in the fandom?!
Chu Qianze lounged on the sofa playing games, and seeing the other person earnestly browsing on the computer, he asked, “What are you looking at with such seriousness?”
“Nothing,” Rong Jinghe calmly closed the window, “The news about you signing with my studio has been reported. There are some strange rumors online, probably orchestrated by our previous company.”
“Hmm, as expected.”
Fingers slid, and on the screen, a watermelon was sliced in half.
“Also, news about us shopping and buying matching clothes together has leaked,” Rong Jinghe hesitated for a moment, his gaze discreetly sweeping over Chu Qianze.
“So?”
With a swift movement, the screen displayed a combo as Chu Qianze completed a round of fruit frenzy. The game flashed the “level cleared” message.
Seeing that the other person remained silent, Chu Qianze put down his phone and sat up. “Do you want to go public?”
Before the release of certain reports, the company usually had channels to be aware of such information. Generally speaking, if attention is paid, these details can remain undisclosed. Now that it’s out, there are two possibilities: someone is trying to target him, or Rong Jinghe has tacitly agreed.
“…No,” he said. Indeed, he kind of wanted to keep it quiet.
He was just trying to test the waters, to see how everyone would react. However, it seemed like everyone interpreted it as a bromance, which left Rong Jinghe feeling a bit frustrated.
“Too bad.”
Chu Qianze lay back down and clicked into the next level.
“What?” Rong Jinghe was puzzled.
“I still really want to go public,” Chu Qianze said while concentrating on slicing the falling fruits in the game.
“But, it will bring scrutiny—”
“Would you break up with me just because others disapprove?”
“Forget about it.” Breaking up was simply not an option!
After working so hard to gain acceptance from each other’s families, he wanted their relationship to last longer.
“Well, then, that settles it. We’re in a relationship.” Just that.
After saying this, Chu Qianze suddenly felt someone wrapping their arms around him from behind. “Wait, wait, I’m about to complete the level.”
“Are you interested in playing the game, or are you willing to play with me?”
“What about your back injury?”
“The doctor said it’s almost healed.”
“Oh, then let’s not play the game.” Chu Qianze pressed the lock screen button, looked up, and gave him a kiss.
“I prefer you.”
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