Today was, for Jian Mei, rather surreal—a day.

The reason was simple: Actor Fu actually asked him for his WeChat, and he even wrote down his WeChat ID himself. Jian Xingsui was in a daze throughout the whole process, as if he were dreaming.

When he returned to his chair, Shen Xingchen mocked him mercilessly: "Haven't you ever been added on WeChat by anyone in your life? Look at you, so pathetic."

Jian Xingsui glared at him resentfully.

Shen Xingchen finally calmed down a bit and leaned closer to say, "I'll tell you a secret."

Jian Xingsui asked, "What secret?"

“If it’s Brother Fu who adds you, then this WeChat account might be different from others.” Shen Xingchen lowered her voice quietly, as if it were a secret: “Everyone can add it. It’s a work WeChat account. It’s usually managed by his assistant and staff. He basically doesn’t look at it, and he doesn’t have time to look at it. After all, if he’s not working and just chatting all day, where would he find the time?”

Jian Xingsui's heart suddenly began to pound uncontrollably, and she hesitated before asking, "So what do you mean?"

“If he added you, it should be a private WeChat account.” Shen Xingchen’s spiky hair bobbed—with an expression that said, “You understand, it’s different from how others add you.”

Jian Xingsui couldn't help but smile: "Really?"

Shen Xingchen nodded: "When have I ever lied to you?"

The hot pot was bubbling, but it couldn't compare to the burning heat in Jian Xingsui's heart. He felt that today might be the happiest day of his life. Even the announcement of the rankings later, even if the results weren't ideal, didn't seem so important.

A mechanical female voice came from outside: "After the meal, all students, please proceed to the lobby on the first floor."

The voice was as terrifying as the King of Hell's summons.

The group exchanged glances, each seeing a resolute determination in the other's eyes. Someone took the lead in standing up, and no one could eat anymore. They all went to the lobby on the first floor. Fifty-six seats were set up opposite the lobby. There were a total of 108 trainees this time, and the production team's intention was clear: they were going to eliminate half of them.

The mentors stood in the middle, watching all the trainees line up in order.

Fu Jinxiao picked up the microphone and asked softly, "Are all the students from 'Starlight' here?"

Everyone shouted at the top of their lungs, "We're all here!"

The resounding voices echoed throughout the gymnasium—just as grand and exciting as when everyone first entered. For many, this might already be the end, the last time. The film crew's cameras were pointed at everyone, witnessing the youth of these young men, their passionate youth.

Fu Jinxiao's gaze swept over everyone, and he said in a low voice, "Now start counting people, from left to right, start calling out numbers."

This is also the last time for many to introduce themselves in front of the audience's big screen, like a glorious farewell, leaving their own mark on their youth, starting with the first trainee standing at attention and shouting:

"Zhang Zhen, a trainee from 'Starlight,' is assembled!"

"Ji Beichuan, student of 'Starlight,' is assembled!"

"Zhou Xun, student of 'Starlight,' is assembled!"

It was at this moment that many viewers slowly realized that under the camera, there were many faces, some of which were unfamiliar and unheard of. Perhaps there was no time to learn more about them before they had to say goodbye today.

After everyone had given their names and truly shouted them out loud, many people felt a sense of relief, as if they had shouted away all the pressure they had been under.

Teacher Tuya took the microphone and said with a smile, "Now, according to the elimination order of this game, please open the envelope in your hand and read out your ranking when your name is called."

The moment has finally arrived.

Jian Xingsui felt that Wen Shengge next to her was trembling. Since the recording of the show, this person has always been very gentle and funny. When he sings and dances, he likes to wear bright and colorful clothes, leaving the audience with a funny and happy image. However, in private, he is mostly silent. Perhaps if he could, no one would want to play the role of a clown.

The first person to open the envelope met everyone's gaze. He looked at it for a while before smiling and showing the envelope to everyone, reading aloud the words on it: "Ji Fei, your ranking in this stage is 47th. Congratulations on advancing to the second stage."

Everyone else cheered and rejoiced for him.

Ji Fei also happily hugged the others.

As we all know, the 56th to 46th place range is actually the bottom ten positions. Many contestants know that their popularity is lukewarm, and if they don't even have their name in this ranking, it would be a very desperate thing.

Tuya smiled and said, "Congratulations, please proceed to the location of your number."

Ji Fei ran to his designated spot against the wall, his smile inspiring envy in many.

Soon, most of the people had called out their names. Tuya glanced at the list and read out the name: "Shen Xingchen."

Standing next to her friend, Shen Xingchen nodded and opened the envelope. In fact, the arrogant guy had been very confident from the beginning. He was also very popular, so there was nothing to worry about. Everyone guessed that he would be between 1 and 6, in the debut position.

After Shen Xingchen opened the app and saw the name, his expression first turned serious, then he smiled. He naturally had a roguish air about him, and the arrogant feeling of his spiky hair made him stand out among the boys, which was also a powerful tool to attract girls. He directly read out: "Shen Xingchen, your final ranking in this stage is second place. Congratulations on entering the second stage."

second

Jian Xingsui looked over at Shen Xingchen, who patted the other roommates on the shoulder and said, "I'll be waiting for you over there, not one of you can be missing."

He's always so domineering.

Perhaps beneath this domineering exterior lies his own gentleness.

Wen Shenge was the most nervous one, and Tuya called his name next: "Wen Shenge, please open the envelope and read out your ranking."

Finally, the moment arrived. Wen Shenge opened his envelope, read for a while, and then covered his lips to control his emotions, but tears still dripped onto the paper. He took a deep breath before reading aloud: "Wen Shenge, your final ranking in this stage is 57th. It is a pity that you will stop here."

There was a brief moment of silence at the scene.

Being stuck on the last spot—there are only 56 spots available, and I'm number 57. There's really nothing more disheartening than that.

Wen Shenge was so heartbroken that he couldn't stop crying, and he even dropped the envelope. Jian Xingsui, who was standing next to him, couldn't bear it and patted him, saying, "Don't be sad..."

Wen Shenge hugged Jian Xingsui, his tears falling onto Jian Xingsui's shoulder. Jian Xingsui didn't mind at all, and even wiped away the tears on his cheeks, gently saying, "Don't cry, or your makeup will be ruined and the audience will see it."

This might be the last time we meet, so I don't want to leave a bad impression.

Ning Ze also came over and patted Wen Shengge. He was never good with words, and this time he couldn't say anything to comfort her, but everything was understood without words.

Before walking to the elimination zone, Wen Shenge gently gave her roommates another hug and said, "You two must stay and go on in my place."

For some reason, Jian Xingsui also felt a little sad.

The audience was moved by the emotions and felt a little sad, but when the camera turned to Jian Xingsui, they also wanted to laugh:

Will Brother Liangwan be able to get the 20,000 this time?

"Others are sad when they are eliminated, but he can finally withdraw his winnings."

"Haha, she may look sad on the surface, but she's probably secretly overjoyed."

"I'm sad, but I'm faking it."

More and more people were announcing their rankings, but the situation was starting to worsen.

So far, all those between 56 and 46 have finished reading, and almost all those between 46 and 16 have finished reading as well. Even Ning Ze has made it in. However, because Jian Xingsui was eliminated the latest, he has not been able to open his card yet. Now, he doesn't have many options left. At this point, he is either really eliminated or...

The audience's initial teasing gradually subsided.

"Really?"

"Is Brother 20,000 going to be eliminated?"

"No... I want to see him continue to be silly."

"I didn't realize it before, but this time it happened so suddenly."

Jian Xingsui himself was having a hard time, but what he didn't expect was that Shen Xingchen, who was waiting in the audience not far away, seemed to be having an even harder time than him.

From the moment it started, Shen Xingchen, who was always smiling, sat in her chair without saying a word.

In the dormitory where there are usually four people, only two people are standing on the platform for advancement. The remaining two are still there, in a precarious situation.

Shen Xingchen never hides his emotions; his anxiety is written in his brow. He usually appears carefree, but in reality, he is a very sentimental person.

Even the audience started to feel anxious:

"Can you hurry up?"

"Is Brother Two Thousand really leaving?"

Just when everyone was on edge, Fu Jinxiao took the microphone and said, "Are there any people who haven't opened their boxes yet? Please raise your hands."

Groups of contestants raised their hands.

An Ran, Jian Xingsui, Li Xu'an, Wei Jin, and others were not called.

Fu Jinxiao said, "Okay, Li Xu'an, you go first."

Li Xu'an, who had always been a popular contestant, hesitated before opening the envelope. Then, he smiled confidently, revealing the contents to everyone, and read it aloud: "Congratulations, Li Xu'an, on achieving first place in this stage and successfully advancing to the second stage."

The crowd erupted in cheers, with many contestants standing up to celebrate, creating a lively atmosphere.

If Li Xu'an is number one and Shen Xingchen is number two, then An Ran must be number three. Many people think so, and according to the popularity ranking, that should be the case.

Fu Jinxiao lifted his eyelids and glanced at An Ran indifferently, saying, "An Ran, it's your turn."

An Ran was called upon. He took a deep breath and stepped forward. He was smiling when he opened his envelope, but his smile faded when he saw the words on it. Many contestants didn't understand what it meant, but An Ran read it out hesitantly: "An Ran, congratulations on achieving fourth place in this stage and successfully advancing to the second stage."

fourth!

Not only An Ran herself, but many contestants were also stunned. Since the start of the show, everyone knew how popular An Ran was. How could she only be fourth? And who was third?

Fu Jinxiao was not surprised. He looked at Jian Xingsui and said, "Jian Xingsui, we've arrived."

When Jian Xingsui was called on, he stood there, the envelope in his palm seemingly soaked with sweat. When he first arrived at the camp, he did indeed have the idea of ​​getting 20,000 yuan. However, as he practiced with everyone, he met some really good roommates and some really good mentors. People are greedy, and no one is an exception. After getting a little, they will naturally want more.

Jian Xingsui lowered his head and began to open the envelope. When he looked down and saw the words on the envelope, his hand holding the envelope even trembled slightly. Finally, the boy with the buzz cut also slowly reddened his eyes, and a tear slid down his cheek and dripped onto the paper.

Fu Jinxiao said, "Please read your letter."

Jian Xingsui took a deep breath, trying his best to appear calm, before beginning to read: "Jian Xingsui, congratulations on your final ranking of third place in this stage, successfully advancing to the second stage."

—After he spoke, all was quiet.

An Ran's face was even more unpleasant. He had always been at the top of his class, but now Jian Xingsui, a sudden upstart, had stolen all his limelight.

Many trainees couldn't believe it, but someone led the way by jumping up and cheering. Shen Xingchen jumped three feet high: "You made it!"

Jian Xingsui's voice trembled slightly as he read it aloud. He never dreamed that his ranking would be so high. He opened his lips slightly, but didn't know what to say.

Seeing his helpless look, Fu Jinxiao curled her lips and said, "Please move to the advancement area."

After Jian Xingsui walked over, he needed to speak because of the program's segment. However, his mind was blank. Not long ago, during the Weibo incident, he was only ranked 25th. But after the Weibo incident, he did not expect the popularity of that incident, let alone that the program would release the full version, and so suddenly, it propelled him to third place.

Fu Jinxiao glanced at him and asked, "How are you feeling right now?"

“I…” Jian Xingsui didn’t know what to say, so she could only tell the truth: “I’m quite excited because I didn’t expect to get this ranking. I thought the best result for me would be to advance.”

I've never seen anyone so honest.

Fu Jinxiao's gaze darkened. When Jian Xingsui met his gaze, he knew that he had probably said something wrong again, so he shrank back a little. Fortunately, the movie star Fu did not reprimand him. Instead, he turned around and looked at all the academies. Some had advanced, and some had not. Some were filled with despair, while others were glad that they had gotten away with it.

Fu Jinxiao spoke up: "Among you standing here today, who had already anticipated their ranking?"

There were over a hundred people in the audience, but no one uttered a sound.

"Are you satisfied with your current results?" Fu Jinxiao glanced at everyone. "Do you feel that this result is the pinnacle that you can achieve? Are you satisfied and content?"

All around was still silent.

Fu Jinxiao raised her voice slightly: "Is it or isn't it?"

This shout finally roused some people, and the contestants answered in unison: "We are not reconciled!"

Fu Jinxiao curled her lips: "Then I'll tell you now, it's no use being unwilling."

The contestants originally thought that Actor Fu was there to encourage them, but they didn't expect him to say such a thing. For a moment, they looked at each other, not knowing what to say next.

“The variety show ‘Starlight’ is live, not pre-recorded. Every mistake on stage, every off-key note you sing, could disappoint an audience member and give your competitors an edge. After everything is over, what good will it do to say you’re not satisfied?” Fu Jinxiao’s sharp eyes swept over everyone: “Can your words win back your fans’ hearts, or undo the mistakes you’ve made?!”

It was like a wake-up call, striking a chord in everyone's hearts.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, Fu Jinxiao changed the subject again: "But no one is infallible."

"Back in 2005, I participated in a singing competition. I remember the judges asked me to sing a song during an impromptu audition. I made a mistake, failed the competition, and was questioned about my professional skills. My few fans also started to leave. At that time, the only comment on my Weibo was from a little fan who sent me an emoji that said 'Don't be discouraged, keep trying.'" Fu Jinxiao said slowly, with a slight smile on her lips.

This kind of dark history is unknown to most people, and everyone laughed when they heard it.

Only Jian Xingsui in the back did not laugh.

Fu Jinxiao took in everyone's expressions and brought the topic back: "Today, some of you may be leaving, just like I was back then. But I want to tell you that one mistake cannot determine your life. Similarly, for those who stay, your current success does not mean you won't make mistakes in the future. If you are just going through the motions and hoping to get by, you will never succeed. Do you understand?"

The person below responded—and made a statement.

Fu Jinxiao frowned slightly. He didn't shout, but asked again in a low voice, "Do you understand?"

Awe-inspiring without anger

The trainees below shouted at the top of their lungs, "Understood!!"

A few simple words calmed the students who were initially confused. Jian Xingsui, who was standing closest to him, could feel Fu Jinxiao's ability to coordinate. This man had the leadership to control the overall situation, and he kept the pace in his words and actions, making everyone unconsciously follow his lead.

Fu Jinxiao glanced sideways at Jian Xingsui.

Jian Xingsui was suddenly looked at, and like a primary school student being called on, he obediently said again, "I understand."

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow: "Still trying to run away with 20,000 yuan?"

Not only was Jian Xingsui surprised, but the audience was also surprised that Fu Jinxiao would bring up this joke. This simple banter just happened to neutralize the somewhat serious atmosphere, while also giving his favorite contestant more screen time. Fu Jinxiao's ability to control the rhythm of the scene is truly superb.

Jian Xingsui's earlobes unconsciously turned red, and he murmured, "I don't want to."

Fu Jinxiao asked, "Are you sure?"

This time, without needing any guidance from Actor Fu, Jian Xingsui took a deep breath and solemnly said into the microphone, "Confirmed!"

"Very good." A faint smile appeared on Fu Jinxiao's handsome face. He waved his hand slowly and deliberately. When chatting, he was more casual and affectionate than the other contestants. He teased the kid, "Then rejoin the team, my third place."

The sexy and languid voice sounded soothing and tingling. Jian Xingsui felt that if she stayed any longer, her hands and feet would become out of sync. She hurriedly returned to her teammates as if fleeing and stood next to Shen Xingchen according to their ranking.

...

To say whether Jian Xingsui's ranking this time is related to various factors, the answer is definitely yes.

When she was no longer under the control of the production team, Shen Xingchen, the troublemaker, played a significant role. Jian Xingsui, being a simpleton, inadvertently generated a lot of discussion. For some reason, several mentors, led by Actor Fu and Teacher Tuya, liked this honest kid. All these factors combined to make Jian Xingsui a contender for the debut spot.

All parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with this.

Fu Yingdi's agent, Wang Meican, was one of those who were shocked. She kept rambling on and on, which annoyed Fu Jinxiao. He opened the smoking room next to the stairwell, went in, leaned against the window, lit a cigarette, and continued listening to his agent.

Wang Meican sighed, "Don't take it personally, but it's true. All the major companies have already started signing contracts with the show's producers, and the six debut spots are basically already decided. I know you have a soft spot for that kid and want to help him, but you've given him hope now. Won't you feel even worse later?"

Fu Jinxiao held a cigarette between his slender fingers, gently exhaling as he leaned against the railing, his movements languid and carefree. He listened without saying a word.

“You actually know more about this than I do, right?” Wang Meican put her hands on her hips. “And look at his lousy company, what’s this Bankrupt Entertainment? You asked me to investigate that company a while ago, and I found out what kind of thing it is. To tell you the truth, that company can’t hold on, and it can’t promote anyone. Even if Jian Xingsui has the talent, this company can’t negotiate with the production team.”

Fu Jinxiao finally spoke: "It was his luck to get him to this position. Whether he can keep it or not depends on his own ability. I won't interfere."

Wang Meican finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Honestly, the reason she suddenly couldn't sit still and rushed over was because she had watched the recent live streams. Even if others didn't know, she knew that Fu Jinxiao's affection for this child had surpassed that for other juniors. If she didn't come and say something soon, she might be the last to know when the two of them officially announced their relationship.

It seems we haven't reached that point yet.

...

Just then, a sound came from the stairwell next door. Someone came in, and then a familiar voice rang out. Jian Xingsui leaned against the wall of the stairwell and said, "Hey, Brother Wang."

Brother Wang is Jian Xingsui's agent.

After the recording of their public performance ended, the production team gave everyone a mobile phone, and Jian Xingsui also received one. However, she did not expect that the first person to contact her would be her agent.

Brother Wang said with a smile, "Xing Sui, you really made me proud! You came in third place!"

Jian Xingsui smiled shyly and said, "It's nothing."

Brother Wang said with a smile, "I knew you had this talent. It was definitely the right decision to have you participate in this variety show."

Jian Xingsui was also quite happy. Being recognized by others and having played a role made him overjoyed. He felt that today was probably the luckiest and happiest day of his life.

Brother Wang's smile faded, and he said softly, "I have some good news for you."

Jian Xingsui asked softly, "What good news?"

“Didn’t you participate in the show for 20,000 yuan? I know you’re short of money.” Brother Wang said happily, “You know what? Today, a company and enterprise contacted us. They offered a price of one million yuan. As long as you announce your voluntary withdrawal from the show due to illness during the second performance, this money will be directly transferred to your account.”

Jian Xingsui's smile froze on her face.

The king felt a little cold. He slowly leaned against the wall, as if only in this way could he support his weight. The happiness he had felt earlier seemed to have vanished without a trace in an instant, and despair grew in his heart, like vines that made it hard to breathe. Jian Xingsui tried her best to keep her voice from sounding strange and asked softly, "What do you mean?"

Wang Ge thought he still didn't understand, so he simply said, "Sui Sui, there are some things you're too young to understand. Although you're in third place now, the top six have already been decided. I know you have a good relationship with Shen Xingchen, right? Didn't he tell you that the Shen family signed a contract with the program team back in the first public performance? The second young master of the Shen family is definitely going to debut. All that talk about working hard together and being brothers is just empty talk."

Jian Xingsui held her phone without saying a word.

His breathing began to quicken, but he didn't speak, instead trying his best to calm his emotions.

"You should know that yourself, right? Your dancing and singing aren't that great either, so making it into the debut group is impossible, isn't it?" Brother Wang seemed to have found a weakness in Jian Xingsui's personality: "You can tell the difference between 20,000 and 1 million, right? Let's not record this second performance, isn't that simpler?"

The stairwell on the other end of the phone was deathly quiet.

Separated by a wall, Fu Jinxiao leaned against the railing, his handsome face expressionless, his emotions unreadable, but the cigarette between his fingers was burning slowly, the ash falling slowly to the ground, but the man did not move.

quite a while

It felt like an eternity.

Chien Hsing-Sui said, "I want to record the second performance."

The agent, Brother Wang, was clearly dumbfounded: "Why are you recording that? Do you mean you'll quit after you're done recording?"

Jian Xingsui hesitated for a moment. He remembered that when the rankings were announced today, Fu Jinxiao looked down at him and softly asked if he was still after the 20,000 yuan. He gave a firm answer: yes, he was indeed poor and strapped for cash. He had no family, no relatives, he had nothing. So he could only try to make money. Even knowing that the main character was involved, he had to bite the bullet and take the 20,000 yuan because he had no other choice.

But now

He finally made friends, he finally got to talk to his idol, and his gloomy life finally felt like it wasn't so bad after all. There was hope, and he felt like these happy times were like a dream. Why did someone have to come and ring the clock at twelve?

He lacked money, but he lacked love even more.

Even if others didn't really consider him a brother, even if Fu Jinxiao didn't really care about a stranger like him.

But life was too hard, and he desperately needed a glimmer of light.

“I won’t back out,” Jian Xingsui said firmly. “And I don’t want that million either.”

Through the wall

A faint smile flickered across Fu Jinxiao's eyes. He flicked his cigarette ash, his slender fingertips tapping lightly as if he were thinking about something. This action made Wang Meican a little nervous, because this was a gesture that the movie star Fu would only make when he was serious.

Brother Wang was very agitated: "Are you crazy?"

Jian Xingsui: "I'm not crazy."

"I already agreed and you're saying you don't want to?" Brother Wang was furious. "No way, you have to listen to me, you know? Even if you stay, you won't debut. What are you doing getting involved? Let me tell you, you still have a contract with the company. If you don't listen and cause trouble, once you leave 'Starlight,' those higher-ups won't let you off the hook, understand?"

This was a threat, but Jian Xingsui remained silent, expressionless.

He heard the bad news but didn't react much. It wasn't that he didn't care, but rather that he was somewhat numb, as if he already knew that nothing good would come of it, so he could accept even the worst things.

The phone call ended, and the stairwell was quiet. After a while, a sound came from the stairwell door. The person had left, without crying or making a fuss. Sometimes, it is precisely this kind of silence that makes people feel more sorry for them.

next door

Wang Meican looked at Fu Jinxiao and said softly, "You..."

"I was thinking." Fu Jinxiao tossed his cigarette butt into the ashtray, walked to the sofa next to him, sat down, crossed his long legs, and looked up: "Has our company not signed any new talent in a long time?"

Wang Meican was shocked!

Fu Jinxiao's company is Fenghua Entertainment, the largest and most prestigious entertainment company in the entire entertainment industry. As a part of the Fu family's business, Fenghua controls the best resources in the industry and has absolute say. It has also cultivated many top artists. Most of the top celebrities and actresses in the entertainment industry today come from Fenghua. It can be said that it is a place that many artists would do anything to get in, even if it means using countless connections.