After the dance concluded, applause erupted in the venue, particularly enthusiastic compared to the previous performances.
This was because Chu Qianze and their group were the first to draw the song “Little Cutie.” A bunch of big guys selling cuteness online had a visually striking effect.
“Wonderful, wonderful!”
“Great! So adorable! Hahaha—”
Someone in the audience shouted from below, and towards the end, they even hit a high note.
In Class A, that guy named Hong. I’ll remember you.
Chu Qianze’s smile became even more radiant.
Yu Xiaoyang found it somewhat amusing. He picked up the microphone and looked towards the dance teacher on the side. “Teacher Wu Tiao, why don’t you share some advice and feedback for these students?”
Wu Tiao was also in a high-spirited mood, but she became serious at this moment. She cleared her throat. “Firstly, your movements were mostly correct, and overall, it felt quite good. However—”
A classic case of diplomacy before confrontation.
“This is a very cute song, and I believe everyone has come to understand that during their learning. So, when singing and dancing, you need to convey a kawaii (cute) feeling. Some students perhaps have some emotional baggage, and their performance may not fully reflect that.”
Wu Tiao chose three students as examples, discussing their strengths and weaknesses while providing grades.
“Chu Qianze, you gave me a pleasant surprise,” said Wu Tiao.
She organized the data in her hands. “Because your personal style doesn’t quite match this cute theme, I initially thought there might be a sense of dissonance. However, you handled it very well. There is indeed a contrast, and when you danced, you turned it into a charming contrast. I think it’s great. I didn’t expect you to master this style so well; I was genuinely impressed. It seems like you’re someone very good at being cute.”
Yes, the last statement was a compliment.
“Thank you, Teacher Wu Tiao,” Chu Qianze said.
Yu Xiaoyang took over the conversation. “It seems that our Teacher Wu Tiao has a high opinion of Chu Qianze. Now, it’s time for the grading. What do you think you’ll get?”
“If the teachers have such a high opinion of me, it would be disrespectful to their recognition if I get a low score,” Chu Qianze said. He adjusted his clothes and added, “I hope I can continue wearing it.”
“In that case, I won’t keep you in suspense. Class A, congratulations!” Yu Xiaoyang announced.
Bowing in gratitude, Chu Qianze set aside the microphone and began serving as a background board, nodding and applauding. He was patiently waiting for the teachers to finish evaluating everyone else so they could leave the stage.
In the end, this group received 1 A, 2 Bs, 2 Cs, and 4 Fs.
“Everyone, hold on a moment,” Yu Xiaoyang stopped the crowd from leaving, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Chu Qianze, I thought your final set of movements was quite impressive. Could you demonstrate them for us again?”
“That’s great; I also thought your final move was excellent,” Wu Tiao agreed.
Laughter erupted from the audience below, finding amusement in the situation.
Ye Lunguo covered his wide-open mouth, desperately poking the armrest. “Chu Bro is so funny, hahaha.”
Blinking rapidly, Chu Qianze responded naturally, “Of course.”
His gaze swept between the instructors. “I’m starting.”
After a brief anticipation, a smile bloomed on Chu Qianze’s face.
He sang the last line of the lyrics, raised his hand to poke his own cheeks, then lifted both arms to form a large heart shape, knees bending, head tilting.
After completing the moves, Chu Qianze straightened up. “Thank you.”
Yu Xiaoyang turned to the people behind him. “Did everyone see that? Cute comes in many forms, and it’s not strictly defined. Chu Qianze here is an A-grade template. You can compare for yourselves. Well done, take a break and step down for now.”
“No, no, the teachers worked hard,” Chu Qianze said before taking steps towards the stage.
As Chu Qianze returned to his seat, he noticed several roommates staring at him, suppressing their laughter so much that it seemed painful.
“No need to hold back, if you want to laugh, go ahead,” Chu Qianze sighed as he took his seat.
“Hahaha—” Hong couldn’t hold it in, mouth wide open, laughing the loudest.
“Maintain your image, your jaw’s about to drop,” someone teased.
Casting a glance at everyone, Chu Qianze lifted his index finger and pointed to the side. “The camera just swept over you.”
Hong’s expression froze. What did I just do?
“Hey, it’s still recording. Can’t you maintain your image? At least learn from Brother Jinghe,” someone said, laughing with a certain restraint.
Suddenly being singled out, this was something Rong Jinghe hadn’t anticipated. His cheek twitched for a moment, and he covered his mouth to compose himself. “You danced very well.”
“Thanks,” Chu Qianze casually replied, recalling the experience just moments ago, as if it were from another lifetime. “Honestly, after dancing this song, I feel like I’ve become younger.”
“There’s that feeling, very cute,” Rong Jinghe commented.
Chu Qianze rolled his eyes and leaned back. “Actually, it suits you better.”
“Not as much as you,” Rong Jinghe said without changing his expression.
He had already witnessed the power of “Little Cutie,” and he didn’t express much about it.
Uninterested in continuing on this topic, Chu Qianze asked, “When are you planning to go up?”
On the judges’ panel, Yu Xiaoyang inquired, “Is there any student volunteering? Step forward!”
In the audience, Rong Jinghe, upon hearing Chu Qianze’s question, straightened his clothes and stood up. “Now.”
“Good luck,” Chu Qianze offered sincere wishes.
“Thank you.”
Rong Jinghe walked onto the stage.
He specifically chose this round because the likelihood of the same song appearing consecutively was not very high.
At least, the chances of “Little Cutie” appearing again in this round would be smaller… Huh?
The stage transformed into a dreamy light pink.
“Your assessment song is ‘Little Cutie’!”
Chu Qianze clapped his hands together and burst into laughter, leaning over in his chair. He suddenly understood the joy of the people a moment ago!
Rong Jinghe stood on the stage with a slightly dazed expression. As the music began, his face brightened.
Dancing to the rhythm, his movements were precise yet conveyed a soft feeling.
“I’m clearly a little cutie,” he declared, fists clenched with puffed-up cheeks.
That’s it! Hahaha!
Chu Qianze slapped his thighs, laughing uncontrollably.
As the song concluded, Rong Jinghe received an A grade.
“Thank you, everyone,” he bowed in gratitude.
“That’s great. I want to test with the song ‘Little Cutie’ too,” Hong said, propping his chin up with his hand, his face full of envy.
Chu Qianze, with his finger supporting his chin, said, “I think you can do it.”
“Really?” Hong’s eyes lit up.
The light on the armrest illuminated, signaling that it was his turn.
The stage turned pink again, and unbelievably, “Little Cutie” was drawn for the third consecutive time.
Yes!
Hong clenched his fist suddenly, striking a victorious pose.
After the dance concluded, Wu Tiao provided feedback and evaluation for Hong.
“The previous few performers struggled to let go, but you’re the complete opposite. You let go a bit too much, losing control… Maybe a little too excited? Overall, it’s good, and we look forward to seeing even better performances from you. The final grade we’re giving is—B.”
After the last group of students left the stage, Yu Xiaoyang stepped into the center, continuing his role as the host.
“Now, the second round of assessments is over, and I believe everyone is aware of their results. The instructors have also tabulated the grades, and there have been quite a few changes in the rankings. Life is full of ups and downs, and facing setbacks is normal. It’s only through challenges that we can identify our shortcomings and grow.”
“Repeating what was said earlier, these grades summarize everyone’s performance from the past week, and it’s already in the past. We should all look forward. The next part is the main event.”
“Starting today, we will enter the second stage, implementing an elimination system. In the first round, the students will be divided into groups of nine, with two teams competing in a PK format. We will adopt a combination of online and offline formats, meaning there will be an audience present.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in excitement.
“I know everyone is looking forward to it, but—”
Yu Xiaoyang stretched his voice, building suspense before continuing, “In a competition, there will be winners and losers. Afterward, we will sort everyone’s rankings based on a combination of online and offline audience votes and the scores from the judges. This time, the bottom 20 trainees will be eliminated.”
“20 people? Are they eliminating so many?”
“I’m in the triple digits…probably no hope for me.”
On the large screen, a list of names appeared, and everyone was divided into 12 groups.
“Please everyone, come up to the stage. Next, this stage belongs to you.”
The students walked up one by one.
Chu Qianze’s gaze paused on the screen. In his group, there was a familiar name, Dou Xi.
Seeing that everyone had taken their positions, Yu Xiaoyang spoke, “Get to know each other. During this time, you will practice together, and later, you will perform together on stage.”
“Next, we’ll play a snippet of a song. It’ll give you an idea of the style.”
After all the songs were played, Yu Xiaoyang said, “Now, Rong Jinghe, please step forward.”
Upon hearing his name, Rong Jinghe took a step forward.
“As the first-ranked, you have the privilege of choosing the song. Please select the track you’d like.”
Rong Jinghe glanced over the six songs and, after a brief discussion with his teammates, picked up the microphone. “We choose the song ‘I Am Proud.'”
[They say I’m flamboyant, but so what.]
[It doesn’t matter what you say; my life doesn’t need judgment.]
The music, true to its name, carried a wild and unrestrained energy. The original singer’s voice was magnetic and husky, with a hint of misty gray smoke.
“Are you sure about choosing this song?” Yu Xiaoyang asked.
“Sure.”
On the large screen, Rong Jinghe’s team number appeared under the song “I Am Proud.”
“The first-place privilege is so great; you can actually choose your own song. Love it, love it,” someone said enviously.
“Can we choose too?”
“Just think about it; we already know the answer is no.”
On the large screen, team numbers appeared beneath the respective songs.
Chu Qianze looked at the screen, finding his team currently positioned under the song “I Am Proud.”
In other words, their team is going to battle against Rong Jinghe’s team.
Brushing his bangs back, he sensed someone’s gaze and followed it to find Rong Jinghe staring at him.
Looks like he’s quite spirited.
Chu Qianze raised an eyebrow and returned the gaze.
The other quickly averted his eyes, turning his attention forward.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the system has randomly assigned songs for you. Dance videos will be sent to each practice room shortly. We hope everyone takes this time to familiarize themselves with their respective songs and delivers an excellent performance during the showcase!” Yu Xiaoyang was giving a motivational speech.
Chu Qianze, standing in the first row, was blatantly daydreaming when suddenly a light screen popped up in front of him.
[Plot: Dou Xi participates in a competition against Rong Jinghe and emerges victorious. Rong Jinghe, experiencing his first failure, wants to turn the tide and carefully studies everyone in the opponent’s group. Therefore, he forms an initial impression of Dou Xi.]
[Mission: Win in the group competition.]
The sudden mission made Chu Qianze, who was originally in a lax mood, become more focused. It had been a while since he encountered a mission with a plot.
He reviewed the plot: the group wins… maybe.
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