After the group came out, they began their mountain climbing journey.

Jian Xingsui and his group already knew their rankings, and since they had indeed been tired from climbing the mountain, they basically took a relaxed approach to the later stages of the race. However, climbing a mountain is a physically demanding activity, especially in the dead of night when people get very hungry and start to crave food as they climb.

As I passed by the roadside stalls, someone was selling scallion pancakes.

People who are too hungry usually don't care about these things. Jian Xingsui asked the others, "Want to eat something?"

Shen Xingchen nodded firmly: "Eat!"

But soon, another problem arose: none of them had any money with them.

The auntie selling the goods sat on a chair next to them, looking at the young people with absolutely no sympathy and showing no intention of accepting their payment on credit.

Jian Xingsui, with her sharp eyes, noticed that there seemed to be people having a meal in a shed not far away.

Ning Ze said, "It's Brother Fu and the others."

Shen Xingchen's eyes lit up, and she ran over: "Brother Fu, Teacher Tuya!"

The instructors all came up by cable car and are now leisurely eating breakfast, while the students are still climbing the mountain to their deaths. In comparison, they can only shout "Damn capitalism!"

Jian Xingsui and Ning Ze walked over together, and from a distance they could hear Shen Xingchen begging: "Take us with you to eat, I'm hungry!"

Tuya smiled a little shyly: "Xingchen, although I really want to take you to eat with me, the production team doesn't allow it. You have to earn food through your own efforts. Don't you have Star Beans? You can use Star Beans to buy food. One Star Bean is one yuan."

Then everyone remembered that they hadn't used their beans yet.

Unfortunately, Shen Xingchen is someone who never knows how to save money. Last time in the battle royale, she bought a water gun and then exchanged for various items, so she had already spent all her beans.

Ning Ze used all his beans to redeem the dumbbells.

Jian Xingsui said, "I still have a little bit left, I'll buy it."

He still had thirty star beans, but unexpectedly, prices on the mountain were extremely high.

The auntie raised her hand and announced the price: "One wrap, with or without meat, is 20 yuan."

Without meat, the wrap only contains scallions, which isn't very palatable to everyone. So, they definitely wanted meat added. Ning Ze and Shen Xingchen managed to scrape together 10 star beans and bought two wraps, but that was still far from enough for the three boys.

Shen Xingchen looked at the breakfast spread on the table by her mentors not far away, and her mouth almost watered.

Jian Xingsui advised him to take it easy, and just then, he suddenly heard someone call out to him from the table: "Jian Xingsui".

The boy who was speaking paused, then turned around to look.

Fu Jinxiao, who was sitting at the table, saw him staring blankly and beckoned to him, "Come here."

After confirming several times that it was indeed him being called, Jian Xingsui came over excitedly: "Teacher."

Fu Jinxiao said, "Can you do me a favor?"

Jian Xingsui nodded: "Of course!"

The speed at which he agreed surprised Tuya on the other side, and then she found it amusing. Why was this child so naive? Wasn't he afraid of being tricked by Fu Jinxiao? He answered without even thinking.

A smile appeared in Fu Jinxiao's eyes: "Go and buy me a bottle of water over there."

Jian Xingsui nodded without hesitation: "Okay!"

After getting the money from Actor Fu, he immediately went to buy water. Tuya, watching from behind, was suddenly surprised and said, resting her chin on her hand, "He trusts you a lot."

Fu Jinxiao elegantly wiped her hands with a tissue and said, "After all, I'm not a bad person."

Tuya dared not respond.

Having worked together for many years, she knew all too well how terrifying this man was.

Jian Xingsui quickly bought water and handed it to Fu Jinxiao: "Here's your water."

Fu Jinxiao said, "Thank you."

After bowing, Jian Xingsui was about to leave when he was called back: "Come back."

When he turned around, a sandwich was stuffed into his hand. As if afraid he wouldn't have enough to eat, Fu Jinxiao put two boiled eggs in the paper bag for him: "Don't go hungry."

?

Jian Xingsui was completely taken aback, and looked at Fu Jinxiao with a mixture of surprise and delight: "Teacher..."

Shen Xingchen, who was behind her, was not convinced and shouted, "Isn't it said that mentors can't give contestants private lessons? I want that too!"

Fu Jinxiao lifted her eyelids and glanced at him indifferently: "This is his errand fee. Am I giving him special treatment?"

"..."

Shen Xingchen choked up and said, "I can run errands too!"

The sound was deafeningly loud. Fu Jinxiao complained, "It's so noisy."

Despite saying it was noisy, Fu Jinxiao still glanced at Tuya. Receiving the hint, Tuya had no choice but to say, "Then could you please buy me a bottle of water too?"

Shen Xingchen happily went off to run the errand, and when he returned, Tuya naturally gave him all the remaining food on the table.

The audience laughed at the comical scene, and were also deeply moved.

"Brother Fu and Sister Ya Ya really take good care of the children."

"Although he seemed indifferent."

"Haha, buying water? His real intention isn't just the water!"

After getting the food, Jian Xingsui shared sandwiches with the others and started their mountain climbing journey again. This time, they climbed the mountain with all their might. Finally, after nearly three or four hours, the group finally reached the top of Mount Tai. At this moment, it was just past five o'clock, and the sky was just beginning to lighten. The wind on the mountain was a bit cool, but for many climbers, who were all hot, the wind was just right.

The mentors on the show were already waiting.

Gradually, many students also came up along the way, but everyone still silently lined up and stood quietly on the mountaintop, facing the morning breeze.

Fu Jinxiao asked, "Are you all tired?"

Everyone exclaimed in unison, "Tired!"

"Compared to training?"

"Just as tired!"

Fu Jinxiao curled her lips: "The downhill road is not tiring, but you'll never be able to hold your head up high for the rest of your life."

"I believe most colleges have received their rankings by now?" Fu Jinxiao glanced at everyone. "How are you all feeling?"

The group exchanged glances but remained silent.

Fu Jinxiao leaned against the rock behind her and slowly said, "For those contestants who did not advance, I believe you all saw a sentence on your cards that said you could choose to give up climbing and go back to rest at any time. But when I and the other teachers arrived here, the news we received was that all 56 people here were still there."

Although half of the people had to leave, everyone persevered to the end.

Fu Jinxiao's face showed a hint of appreciation: "Now, turn around."

Everyone turned around at the same time, and before they even noticed, the scenery behind them changed again. The sky slowly turned orange-gold, and a golden corner slowly peeked out from the clouds. The sun slowly rose, swallowing the night, full of vitality. The sea of ​​clouds seemed to roll in front of everyone, and the golden light seemed to fall on everyone.

No language can describe how I feel right now.

It's as if the fatigue from climbing the mountain has been swept away at this moment, leaving the deepest impression on everyone's heart as this brand new sun.

Fu Jinxiao's voice rang out from behind: "The path to the mountain is the most difficult. There is no easy way to climb uphill. The downhill path is easy to walk, but you will never see the most brilliant sunrise on the mountaintop. The reason why each of you can see this scene today is because none of you have given up and none of you have admitted defeat."

Tuya said from behind, "I hope that everyone can maintain this enthusiasm in the future. No matter how far or how hard the journey is, don't give up, because if you persevere, you will have hope of seeing the sunshine."

Teacher Li smiled and said with emotion, "Even if you get a ticket to leave halfway through, don't give up. Just keep moving forward boldly. If it's tough, just grit your teeth."

“Only in this way,” Fu Jinxiao’s voice was slow and deliberate, yet powerful, striking the hearts of every student: “will you have hope of seeing the dawn at the summit with the victors.”

As the sun gradually rises, its golden rays fall generously on everyone's shoulders, scattering seeds of hope.

The sunlight was a bit too bright, perhaps because it was too bright. Some trainees lowered their heads and their eyes reddened. They wiped away their tears in a somewhat disheveled manner. This was originally a segment that would make some people feel sad and dejected, but thanks to the clever arrangement of the program team, the sadness in most people's hearts was dispelled.

They must work hard; they cannot give up, they cannot go downhill, because only by persevering can they possibly win.

...

Half a month later

The remaining 16 trainees faced their final competition.

The filming of Starlight lasted about four months, from the sweltering summer to the falling leaves of late autumn. In this small cultural and sports stadium, too many people's blood, tears, laughter and tears were left behind. It carries the youth and memories of some people.

Today's finals were also the liveliest day at the stadium. Cars from various media outlets were parked at the back door for live broadcasts and interviews with the players. Tickets for the audience were at the front. Many players' families and companies were also present. Four months and more than a hundred days of hard work will come to an end today.

...

Backend

It's a complete mess here.

Makeup artists are busy applying makeup to the contestants. All 108 contestants have returned today, along with different costumes and performance outfits. Including the guest performers who came to assist, they are working non-stop.

Jian Xingsui was straightening Shen Xingchen's clothes while complaining, "How come you got like this after just going to the bathroom? Aren't you afraid of making your fans laugh at you during the performance?"

Shen Xingchen scoffed lightly: "It's just a slightly crooked collar. Do you think my charm would be diminished by a tattered collar?"

"..."

He really wished that Shen Xingchen could sometimes share half of her confidence with him.

Jian Xingsui sighed helplessly and ultimately remained silent.

The opening ceremony had already begun. This time, the performance hall was different from the previous one, having undergone a complete upgrade. It featured a 360-degree surround screen, and the stage lighting was warm and bright. The surrounding area was filled with audience members, creating a lively atmosphere.

As the dry ice mist was sprayed up, the mentors appeared on the stage.

Today, all the mentors were dressed in formal attire. Tuya wore a white haute couture dress, and Fu Jinxiao also wore a rare navy blue plaid suit. Teacher Li, who is always serious, also changed into a little dress. Today is the night of the formation of each college, and everyone, from mentors to people from all walks of life, has shown the utmost respect.

...

Teacher Li said to the camera: "Thank you all for coming to participate in the final of this year's Star Show. Tonight, our 108 students will complete their graduation ceremony, and the contestants in the final will determine the six debut spots for this year!"

Tuya took over the conversation, smiling at the camera and saying, "As of now, our support channels are still open. From 7:00 to 10:30 today, we will still open all support channels. Please help your favorite trainees to form a group. This is the last effort, and the last sprint!"

Fu Jinxiao took the microphone: "From now on, Octopus Live app and Little Sun Live app will open a support channel. All Star Officials can participate in voting to select the most popular contestant of this round. The most popular contestant of this round will become the first image ambassador of the two apps. Please search for 'Star Show' to support your favorite contestant."

The scene was bustling with noise, and a tense atmosphere was beginning to spread.

Teacher Li continued, "Tonight, our 16 contestants will form three teams to bring you a wonderful performance. Let's look forward to it together!"

When the lights came off, the first group of contestants took the stage.

An Ran and Li Xu'an's performance of the song "The Sun" was a blend of lyricism and passion. An Ran's outfit today was also meticulously crafted; her playful and adorable attire required dozens of changes from the costume team before they were satisfied. Many fans in the audience were also captivated, with many screaming from below.

"Ranran, keep going!"

"You should debut!"

"I'm a fan of Zhi-ge, I'll definitely vote for you!"

Including Li Xu'an, this group had many popular contestants. When they performed, the venue was also very excited. The first group's performance got off to a good start, and soon the second group also began to perform. Jian Xingsui and his group were the third group, so they waited in the audience.

Shen Xingchen had been very nervous since the beginning.

Jian Xingsui looked at him and Ning Ze and said, "Don't be nervous. It's the last night. We must do our best on stage and at least leave a good impression on the audience."

Shen Xingchen glared at him: "What kind of unlucky talk is that? What do you mean by 'last night'?"

Jian Xingsui said helplessly, "Yes, yes, I misspoke."

Ning Ze extended his hand: "Let's cheer each other on."

The other members of the team also came over. At this moment, everyone was thinking the same thing: to do a good job on stage and leave no regrets.

Soon, a shout came from the front: "Now, please welcome the last group of contestants! They will be singing 'The World Won't Easily Collapse'!"

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, and when they appeared on stage, there were also screams and cheers from the crowd.

"Stars! Stars, you shine the brightest!"

"Keep it up, Sui Sui! Keep it up!"

"Go, kids!!"

Never before had he stood on this stage with so many spectators below, waving glow sticks and chanting slogans. Almost no further words were needed; their support was immense. Jian Xingsui saw all of this and kept it in his heart. He would remember this moment, remember this last, dazzling stage that belonged to him.

The teammates stood on the stage, and the music slowly began to play.

After the second performance, Jian Xingsui's musical ability was recognized, and he was chosen to sing the song. When the lights dimmed, the young man standing in the main position held the microphone and spoke in a clear and deep voice: "The screening is over, the noise is gradually fading away, and I am like a set, watching myself."

The boys on stage danced with slow, graceful movements that were neither sluggish nor hesitant.

Ning Ze stepped forward, took Jian Xingsui's place, and sang softly: "I understand your grievances and unease, your hidden guilt, and your gloomy weather."

The melody gradually picked up.

This song was also modified by Jian Xingsui. His modification style is very distinctive. He makes better modifications without destroying the original style, which can ensure the performance of his teammates and preserve the original artistic conception of the song.

"Despite the numerous and complex changes."

"The world will not collapse easily."

"The falseness of reality and the gap between hope and expectation, if I hug it tightly, I will not be afraid."

More lights came on, and the tune was still quite low. Just when the entire audience was almost immersed in this understated song, the tune suddenly rose in an unexpected place. The dancers' movements became more expansive, and their dance moves were nimble and stylish. This was originally a song full of hope and inspiration, and the rise in pitch stirred up the emotions of the entire audience.

On the last beat, Shen Xingchen leaped out from behind, sliding to his knees on one knee in a stunningly cool display. He then set the tone, his confident voice resounding throughout the venue: "No matter how many complex changes occur, the world will not collapse easily."

As soon as his singing ended, the chorus immediately followed.

How bad can it get?

Don't let go of my hand.

"Give it a little more time, and things will change, this terrible present...!"

The powerful chorus was soaring, seemingly capable of stirring up the entire venue. Shen Xingchen, in particular, sang with extreme effort and focus, as if he were expressing some emotion and strength through the song. After the performance, Jian Xingsui and Shen Xingchen even locked eyes with reddened eyes.

They didn't seem to be singing; rather, they seemed to be struggling with something.

And this world, these injustices, and an inescapable fate.

After the performance, the teammates didn't exchange any words. They put their arms around each other's shoulders and leaned tightly together. Sweat soaked their backs, they were breathing rapidly, their hearts were pounding, and the deafening screams and cheers filled their ears. The dazzling starlight shone in their eyes, and the cheers from the audience rose in waves.

"Go, baby!"

"You guys absolutely have to debut together!"

The number of viewers in the live stream reached tens of millions online. On the final night, all the fans were on high alert.

"The arrangement of this song is absolutely brilliant."

"I feel like everyone is giving it their all."

"I don't like listening to covers, but I love every song that Chien Hsing-Sui has covered!"

On stage, the contestants stood in a row, bowing to the audience in gratitude. For many of them, this was their last performance, but at this moment, they had already given their all.

We didn't lose, or at least we didn't lose completely.

Everyone had a tough journey, but at least they reached the summit and saw the sunshine together; they didn't miss anything.

The curtain fell on the stage, and the mentors entered from the back. Teacher Li said, "Okay, all the contestants who have finished performing, please walk to the steps at the front. We are about to begin the second stage."

All three groups have finished their performances, and it's time to announce the final rankings.

The mentors' gazes fell on the students, sweeping over everyone. Tuya smiled slightly and said, "You all look different from before; you've made great progress."

Teacher Li joked, "Some people have not only made progress, they've transcended the mundane."

For the sake of winning 20,000 yuan, some contestants ultimately gave up even more money, just so they could be true to themselves on the final stage.

Jian Xingsui smiled shyly, taking it as a compliment.

Fu Jinxiao picked up the card in her hand: "It's 10:29 now. All our support channels have been closed. I have the latest results in my hand."

Teacher Li nodded and said, "Next, we will begin to announce the scores of the 16 remaining students."

Only the top six can debut.

Sixteen trainees stood on the steps, accepting their final fate. The mentor began to call out their names one by one. Gradually, five or six people had been called. Among them, four trainees did not debut, while two trainees occupied debut positions.

Xu Qinke

Feng Fan

These two are contestants who are in the debut positions. They are quite talented and their companies are very powerful. Their debut is expected by everyone. However, this means that there are only four debut positions left.

Shen Xingchen had been nervous since the beginning. He was usually a lively person, but he hadn't said a word since then. While the other contestants were hugging and celebrating, Jian Xingsui patted his brother on the shoulder and said, "Don't be nervous, you can do it."

Shen Xingchen said, "Mind your own business."

Jian Xingsui smiled helplessly.

Of the group, the one they were most worried about was Ning Ze. He was very talented, and to be honest, Ning Ze's dancing and vocal abilities were among the top three. Moreover, he was very hardworking, and the management company behind him was also quite capable.

Before the previous readings were finished, Tuya picked up the card, glanced at it, smiled, and began, "Now I'm going to read about our trainee, our singing and dancing duo. After joining 'Starlight,' he practiced diligently and persevered, achieving success time and time again through his own abilities. He is our role model and a beloved older brother to his fans. He is..."

Jian Xingsui and Shen Xingchen looked at Ning Ze.

Tuya confirmed: "That's Li Xu'an! Congratulations, Xu'an, you got second place!"

The entire venue erupted in cheers.

Li Xu'an's fans screamed non-stop, although he himself was not very happy. For Li Xu'an, if he couldn't get first place, then it could only be Shen Xingchen who got it. What was there to celebrate about such a failure?

However, in front of the camera, he still smiled as he took the microphone and read his speech: "Thank you all for your support, thank you..."

later

Jian Xingsui held Shen Xingchen's hand in one hand and Ning Ze's hand in the other, and gently comforted them, saying, "Don't be nervous, it's okay, you'll definitely be there."

As fewer and fewer names were called out, four people had already been announced for a debut spot.

Jian Xingsui could feel that Shen Xingchen's hands were sweaty. Li Xu'an had gone down, so he should be the center debut position. The young master had worked very hard for this position. This was the victory he had dreamed of. If everything went smoothly, he should be beaming with pride and showing off right now. But now, his face was tense and his palms were sweaty.

Shen Xingchen has always been a sentimental person, even if he refuses to admit it.

There are three debut spots left. He took one, leaving only two. But his good brothers Jian Xingsui and Ning Ze need two spots. If another debut spot is announced and it doesn't go to these two, they will really have to say goodbye.

It's different from before.

It's not that we've been assigned to different groups, or that I won't train with you today; it's a farewell, a goodbye as we go our separate ways.

Teacher Li continued reading the cards: "The next person we're going to read is very young, but extremely talented. He wasn't well-regarded on his first stage performance, but he kept pushing his limits and proved himself to the audience with his abilities. He's very good at creating music, and he has a wonderful personality..."

When Teacher Li read it aloud, Shen Xingchen and Ning Ze both looked at Jian Xingsui.

even

Even Jian Xingsui himself couldn't help but have a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Although he knew it couldn't be him, he still couldn't help but feel a little expectant.

"This is An Ran! Congratulations An Ran, you achieved a great result of third place and received 6.3 million votes in this stage. We hope you can keep it up."

Screams erupted from the audience. An Ran smiled, exclaimed, and jumped off the stage. As he passed Jian Xingsui, he glanced at him, seemingly casually, before walking blissfully to the microphone: "Thank you to my star officials, thank you all for your support..."

When the host read out the name.

Shen Xingchen, who had been standing next to Jian Xingsui, turned her face away.

The young master used to be fearless and always ready to argue with anyone. He was someone who never backed down, no matter how hard or tiring it was. But now he's turned his back on everyone.

Jian Xingsui looked over with some concern, but what he saw shocked him.

Shen Xingchen cried.

He knew that if An Ran debuted, Jian Xingsui, who was also a singer, would definitely not be able to debut. He was crying because his brother couldn't make the group, he was crying because of the impending separation, or he was also crying because of the unfairness of the program.

Jian Xingsui quickly grabbed him: "Young Master, Young Master? Brother, what's wrong? This is a live broadcast, the mentors haven't finished reading yet. You might still debut, don't cry."

Ning Ze also came over to comfort Shen Xingchen.

On the other side, Tuya received another card and read it out: "The next contestant to be announced is a warrior who has been fighting and working hard on the stage for decades. Perseverance and never giving up are his motto. All the hardships he has endured along the way are worth his efforts. He is Ning Ze! Congratulations, Ning Ze, you have achieved a good result of sixth place in this stage, and have received 4.62 million votes!"

The moment the word was read aloud, the decision was final.

The scene was somewhat chaotic, with many people congratulating Ning Ze, and some almost going crazy:

"What happened?"

"Where is Sui Sui?"

Why isn't Sui Sui in sixth place?

"Oh my god, this can't be real."

The live stream chat exploded instantly:

"Thanks for the invitation. I'm in my dorm and I'm crying. Why didn't my Sui Sui debut?!"

"He was ranked fifth just two hours ago!"

"I don't know why, but I started crying as soon as An Ran was announced and Xingchen cried. I had a premonition then, but I still can't stop feeling sad now."

"Why didn't my kid debut?! I'm going crazy!"

When Ning Ze announced the formation of the group, it was the group he had always dreamed of, but instead of smiling, he looked at Jian Xingsui first, his eyes reddening.

Fu Jinxiao announced Shen Xingchen as the center, but Shen Xingchen, who should have been the one laughing the most, kept crying. He held onto Jian Xingsui's hand tightly, as if he could hold onto something. Wen Shenge in the audience was also crying. Two people from their dormitory had debuted, but no one was laughing.

Tuya said to Shen Xingchen, "Why don't you say something?"

Shen Xingchen wiped her face and spoke into the microphone: "I don't have any feelings to say. To be honest, I didn't really want to be in this group either. I don't know how you guys came up with this ranking. It's like you're playing a joke."

His voice, slightly choked with sobs yet utterly domineering, resounded clearly throughout every corner of the venue, openly declaring war on the production team.

Tuya understood what Shen Xingchen was upset about, but she didn't step forward to stop him.

Everyone who made it into the group was given a small crown. The staff brought it over and wanted Shen Xingchen to wear it, but he didn't. Instead, he held it in his hand, turned around, took two steps, and walked up to Jian Xingsui.

Jian Xingsui hesitated: "You..."

Shen Xingchen placed the small crown on Jian Xingsui's head and chuckled, "It suits you quite well."

Each of the six debut contestants received one of these hats, but Shen Xingchen gave his to Jian Xingsui. His actions caused a huge uproar. Never before had a center position been awarded to a debut contestant who dared to openly provoke him on the night of the group's formation and even give away his debut crown. This hat originally belonged to Jian Xingsui, but the production team did not give it to her; instead, Shen Xingchen gave it to her.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Teacher Li said, "Ning Ze, why don't you share your thoughts on forming the group?"

In everyone's impression, Ning Ze has always been an honest man.

Ning Ze paused for a moment, then walked to the microphone and said, "Thank you everyone for your support. I will continue to work hard in the future. And before this final night ends, I also want to do something."

He turned around, walked up to Jian Xingsui, placed the crown in his hand into Jian Xingsui's hand, and smiled: "It's for you."

The entire audience erupted in uproar under the live broadcast camera's lens.

What kind of night was this, and how outrageous were the contestants who debuted?

The closest mentor to them was Tuya's Fu Jinxiao. The production crew kept reminding them through their earpieces: "Teacher Fu, Teacher Tuya, please stop these two students and tell them that the rules do not allow them to do this."

Fu Jinxiao stood beside him, watched for a moment, then reached out and took off his in-ear monitor, putting it in his pocket.

Tuya looked at him with some surprise.

Fu Jinxiao curled his lips, his refined face displaying a harmless smile: "It's been filled with static, I can't hear clearly, it's probably broken."

"..."

Tuya remained silent for a moment, then followed suit and took off her in-ear monitor as well.

Anyway, Teacher Fu has always been quite good at provoking the production team.