Jian Xingsui had also considered participating in variety shows.

The worst thing he did in his past life was to go against the protagonist. It was because he didn't believe in fate and was unwilling to separate from the Jian family, thinking that he could go back to the way things were before, that he ended up in such a state. If he just stopped going against the protagonist from now on and avoided him at all times, wouldn't that be fine?

At worst, if he still can't escape it, he can withdraw from the competition after participating in the show with 20,000 yuan, and then find another job. As long as he can make sure he doesn't starve, that's enough.

Sitting in the car on the way to the audition, Jian Xingsui kept hearing Brother Wang next to her muttering: "You really have to seize this opportunity. You know what? I've heard that Fu Jinxiao might be one of the mentors this time. What does that mean? It means popularity! This talent show is going to be a huge hit. I dare say it will be a huge hit. Wherever Fu Jinxiao is, it will definitely be the trendsetter for variety show popularity this year."

What is a top influencer?

The status of a top star is such that when you hear their name, you know that viewership and online traffic are guaranteed.

Jian Xingsui suddenly seemed to remember something: "Will Brother Fu come to this audition?"

This question stumped even the agent.

Brother Wang scratched his head and said hesitantly, "Probably not. Actor Fu is so busy, why would he come to an audition? He would definitely come after the show has started recording."

Jian Xingsui nodded: "That makes sense."

Brother Wang patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't think too much about it. I went out and checked today. It's an auspicious day. You can definitely do it."

Jian Xingsui forced a smile: "I hope so."

He didn't know whether it was an auspicious day or not, but as soon as he stepped onto the floor where the auditions were being held, he saw a somewhat familiar back view, or rather, a back view that he knew very well from his past life.

An Ran was chatting happily with the people around him when Jian Xingsui appeared in the corridor. He glanced over, his face stiffened, and his body seemed to tremble slightly.

Jian Xingsui finished speaking.

Sure enough, as An Ran changed, the man standing next to her also looked over. Unfortunately, Jian Xingsui recognized him. He was Zhou Xun, the first simp of the protagonist An Ran in the early part of the original novel. He was the son of a nouveau riche, with some money and a bit of influence. He appeared when the protagonist An Ran was still the Cinderella of the rice cake shop. His main role was to be An Ran's tool, giving her money, flowers, and warmth.

This also includes helping the protagonist slap their face and eliminating vicious cannon fodder like yourself.

In her past life, Zhou Xun had always bullied her. After she was kicked out of her home, he continued to sabotage and bully her, both openly and secretly. She had to serve him hand and foot as the lead actress, but unfortunately, once An Ran gained some fame in the entertainment industry, he dumped her under the pretext of avoiding suspicion and wanting to focus on her career.

really

Before Jian Xingsui even got close, Zhou Xun stepped forward and shielded An Ran behind him, glaring at him fiercely: "What are you doing here?"

An Ran, standing behind him, had a furrowed brow and was looking at him with a sense of formidable danger.

Jian Xingsui was speechless: "Why can't I come?"

"Do you still want to hurt Ranran?" Zhou Xun was tall and strong, looking like he was ready to fight Jian Xingsui to the death. "Let me tell you, come at me if you have a problem. With me here today, don't even think about playing any tricks!"

"..."

Before Jian Xingsui could speak, An Ran stepped out from behind Zhou Xun. Now, the protagonist was indeed very handsome and fair-skinned, with delicate skin that looked like it had been exposed to the sun and wind in the rice cake shop for many years. He also had a soft and weak aura, looking frail and like he needed someone to protect him.

An Ran stood in front of Zhou Xun. Although he looked weak, he seemed very strong at this moment: "Jian Xingsui, don't hurt Xun. You are looking for me. If you have any grudges, come at me."

"..."

Jian Xingsui was speechless.

However, Zhou Xun was deeply moved by An Ran's words. He had always known that An Ran was a kind person, but he never expected her to be so brave for him!

Zhou Xun pulled An Ran to protect her, and said sternly to Jian Xingsui, "If you dare to touch Ranran, I will never let you off."

An Ran shook her head, took Zhou Xun's arm and whispered, "Xun, don't do this, I don't want to drag you down with me."

Zhou Xun became even more agitated and comforted him, saying, "Ranran, what nonsense are you talking about? Why are you being so polite with me? Don't worry, I won't let anyone bully you in the future."

Because the two of them weren't very loud, the people who had come to sign up for the audition all looked over, and some even gathered around just to watch the excitement. Under such circumstances, if Jian Xingsui dared to cause trouble, she would definitely be in deep trouble. An Ran was a very smart person. By standing up in this environment, she not only won favor with herself, but could also easily get rid of the cannon fodder.

Sure enough, quite a few people were already whispering among themselves:

"What are you doing?"

"It seems to be some kind of bullying incident."

"Was An Ran bullied?"

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Jian Xingsui sighed inwardly. He looked at Zhou Xun and asked, "Gentlemen, are you finished? May I speak now?"

Zhou Xun asked warily, "What are you going to say?"

Jian Xingsui took out her registration form: "I'm here to participate in the preliminary selection. I came here because this is the designated place to queue up."

...

Suddenly, all around became silent.

Then, someone burst out laughing. The group of onlookers who had initially felt sorry for An Ran suddenly found themselves laughing at the two of them.

Zhou Xun's face also turned somewhat unpleasant, and An Ran behind him was also embarrassed.

Jian Xingsui sighed, put down the receipt, walked to the chair at the far end of the corridor, sat down, and looked at the two people: "Make yourselves at home."

An Ran looked at Jian Xing Sui with some hesitation. He wanted to say something, but Zhou Xun grabbed his arm and said, "Let's go, let's get away from him."

The two turned and left, seemingly to give Jian Xingsui a hard time. However, Jian Xingsui breathed a sigh of relief when the two left. It was best to avoid contact if possible. She had come to participate in the audition and could get 20,000 yuan as long as she came. That would solve her immediate problem. She would then not appear in front of the protagonist.

Just then, someone came out of the stairwell next door. She was wearing a mask and had blonde hair. The first person she saw was Jian Xingsui, so she spoke to her in a soft and cute Thai: "Hello, excuse me for bothering you."

Jian Xingsui was taken aback, not expecting a Thai contestant to be among them.

Fortunately, he had learned some Thai before because Fu Jinxiao had released a Thai song, so he replied in Thai: "Hello."

"Oh, that's great." The blonde girl narrowed her big eyes and smiled. "I'd like to ask where the main broadcasting station is; I can't find it."

Broadcasting station?

Isn't that a place only directors or mentors go to?

Although Jian Xingsui was surprised, she still pointed the way and said, "It's not here. Go straight ahead from here, turn left, and it's in that row of rooms."

The blonde girl nodded, her terrible sense of direction kicking in; she still seemed a little confused.

Jian Xingsui simply stood up, raised his hand to indicate, and explained in Thai: "Go in this direction, then walk forward for about ten meters, there will be a road sign, then turn, and just keep going straight."

The blonde girl suddenly understood: "I get it."

Jian Xingsui smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Just as the blonde girl was about to leave, she seemed to ask, "Oh, what's your name?"

Jian Xingsui gave her name.

The blonde girl put her hands together, bowed, and said politely, "Okay, thank you."

Jian Xingsui also bowed and said goodbye.

He hadn't actually recognized the girl at first because he hadn't participated in this talent show in his previous life. But now that he had sat down and calmed down, he vaguely remembered that in his previous life, there was a foreign female mentor named Tuya in the talent show "Starlight" who was Thai. He had only watched the first episode of the show and had seen Tuya praise the protagonist in an interview, saying that he was very kind and had even given him directions when he got lost.

Upon realizing this, Jian Xingsui was stunned.

Could it be that getting lost is what happened this time? But isn't this the protagonist's job? Why didn't he come to give directions? Then I thought about it again. It seems that An Ran was indeed standing here just now. He and Zhou Xun left because they didn't like me when I came.

So... he accidentally stole the protagonist's spotlight?

Jian Xingsui sighed helplessly, recalling the consequences of opposing the protagonist in her previous life. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad, and could only pray that the world would not blame the villainous cannon fodder for everything, since she didn't do it on purpose.

...

On the other side

The production team received a phone call.

The call was from Jian Zhi, a popular young actor who has become quite sought-after in recent years. With the help of the Jian family's influence and resources, he has gradually gained some influence and status.

Jian Zhi made this call for a simple reason: he wanted the production team to take care of his younger brother. He had just spoken to his brother on the phone not long ago and learned about the situation. He just wanted to let the production team know that his brother didn't want him to suffer any injustice, especially after learning that Jian Xingsui had also followed him around like a ghost. He was even more worried.

Although An Ran said on the phone that Jian Xingsui seemed to be just there to participate in the audition, Jian Zhi was certain that things were not that simple, judging from An Ran's hesitant tone. An Ran was just too kind-hearted; she wouldn't even report on others or say bad things about them. In reality, she would definitely be bullied by Jian Xingsui. Now that he had returned to the Jian family, he certainly wouldn't sit idly by.

The production team replied, "Don't worry, we will definitely take good care of her. We see that An Ran's qualifications are very good, and she will definitely pass the audition without any problem."

“Hmm,” Jianzhi said, “I trust your judgment, but be careful not to let any unqualified people slip in. I’ve taken a quick look at your list, and there’s one person I don’t think is quite right…”

The purpose of the call was very clear, and the message it was meant for the production team was also quite obvious.

After hanging up the phone, the assistant director sighed and then discussed it with the director next to him. The director didn't react much after listening: "Jian Zhi's Phoenix Entertainment Company also sent a lot of trainees this time. For his sake, it's okay to eliminate one person in the audition. Write down their names so as not to make a mistake."

The assistant director then agreed.

It seems that Jian Xingsui has no one to blame but himself; he can only accept his bad luck.

...

On the other side—the photography studio

"Okay, that's it. Everyone, take a break."

With a command, the people who were filming on stage came down. Fu Jinxiao was dressed in a summer haute couture outfit. Under the lights, the man's features were handsome and imposing. The latest dark suit made him look refined and polite, like a prince who had stepped out of an ancient castle.

The staff were very welcoming throughout the trip.

"Brother Fu, you've worked hard."

"Brother Fu, would you like some water?"

"Hello, Brother Fu."

Fu Jinxiao nodded slightly in greeting, a polite smile on his face, which made many staff members blush unconsciously after making eye contact with that face.

Back in the dressing room, the man sat down lazily, his smile fading, revealing a pair of indifferent yet deep eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses. He took the water his assistant handed him and looked at his manager: "Is there something you need?"

Wang Meican said, "Starlight sent a stack of information on the amateurs who participated in the audition. They knew you wouldn't be there in person, so they sent you all the information and even gave us a few spots that we could designate for selection."

Fu Jinxiao wasn't interested: "Just pick two."

Wang Meican knew this would happen. She put the documents on the table and casually looked at them: "Then let's prioritize people from our own company."

Fu Jinxiao responded with a faint "yes".

He was genuinely uninterested. As he put the water glass back, his gaze casually swept across a piece of paper, where he spotted some familiar faces and photos.

Wang Meican was about to filter through the data when she noticed him staring at it, so she asked, "What's wrong?"

Fu Jinxiao reached out and picked up the document, her long, slender, fair fingers holding the paper. Her gaze fell on the photo of a boy with a short haircut and a stubborn expression. Next to the photo, the name was clearly displayed in bold, dark black font—Jian Xingsui.

It was that rice cake shop that desperately protected its child.

Last time, after receiving my band-aid, I said I'd thank myself properly next time we met.

Wang Meican asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Do you know him?"

"I don't know him."

Fu Jinxiao responded, and the movie star glanced at the introduction below a few more times. When he saw that the idol column was filled in as none, but the favorite work was his own early songs, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Wang Meican was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when she said, "I thought you two knew each other. After all, these young people in the entertainment industry are all incredibly excited when they find out you might be a mentor, and quite a few are trying to ride on your coattails to gain popularity. You..."

Fu Jinxiao placed the document in front of Wang Meican: "It's him."

Wang Meican was taken aback: "What?"

"Notify the production team," Fu Jinxiao's voice was lazy but carried an undeniable authority: "This is my designated spot."