Ji Ye, the crown prince of Xingshuo who runs rampant in the entertainment industry, lives by the motto "boring." That is, until he caught a glimpse of a newcomer at his company, Mi Xi, who ...
7.
The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, the dormitory building's broadcast sounded without warning, breaking the tranquility of dawn.
"Attention all trainees! Please gather in Recording Hall 1 within 30 minutes for the first performance mission announcement! Repeat, first performance mission announcement!"
The urgent ringing of the bell and the announcement were like a death warrant, instantly sending the entire building into a state of chaos. The corridor was filled with the sound of chaotic footsteps, exclamations, and shouts of urging each other.
In dormitory 207, Wuyou was woken up. She buried her head deep into the pillow in great dissatisfaction, making a whimpering sound of protest, and kicked the quilt with her legs a few times, obviously having a very bad temper after waking up.
"It's so noisy... Tell them to shut up..." His voice was hoarse and nasal, as if he was still sleepy. It sounded like he was acting coquettishly, but also like he was angry.
Mi Xi, who had already washed up and changed his clothes, was standing by the window drinking warm water. He glanced at Wu You, who was squirming in bed, trying to isolate himself from the world, walked over, and gently pushed his shoulder.
"Broadcast, mission released. Thirty minutes." Concise and to the point.
Wuyou suddenly threw back the quilt and sat up with messy hair. His tearful eyes looked even more moist and innocent because of sleepiness. He glared at Mi Xi and said in a harsh tone: "I know! You don't need to remind me!"
But he still resigned himself to his fate and crawled to his feet, stumbling towards the bathroom, still muttering in dissatisfaction.
When the two arrived at Recording Hall 1 on time (Wuyou almost hit the nick, half-pulled by Mixi), most of the trainees were already there. Many still had bleary eyes, but their eyes were filled with nervousness and anticipation.
Mentor Luo Wei stood on the stage and, without further ado, got straight to the point. The rules for the first performance flashed on the big screen.
"First performance - position evaluation!"
"This performance will be divided into three main categories: Vocal, Dance, and Rap. Each category will have several songs of different styles to choose from. Trainees will need to choose a song from one of these categories to perform based on their strengths and preferences."
As soon as the rules were announced, the audience erupted in discussion. Position evaluations are the perfect opportunity to showcase your talents. Choosing the right piece and position will undoubtedly attract a significant amount of fans.
"Now, let's announce all the competition songs!"
The big screen scrolled quickly, listing the track list.
The Vocal category mostly features lyrical and pop songs that test singing skills and emotional expression;
The Dance category includes a variety of dance styles including power, complex choreography, and sexy charm;
The Rap group's songs have strong rhythms and distinctive lyrics.
The number of players required is marked behind each piece of music, ranging from 5 to 7.
"The selection will be made according to the order of the initial stage ratings! Class A trainees have priority! Now, please, the seven trainees from Class A, step out and stand in the selection area!"
Mi Xi, Sang Wang, and five other Class A trainees responded and lined up at the designated selection area in front of the stage. In front of them were three standing microphones, one for Vocal, one for Dance, and one for Rap.
Everyone's eyes are focused on these seven people, and their choices will greatly affect the strategies of subsequent trainees.
Sang Wang walked directly to the Vocal microphone without hesitation and picked up the mic: "I choose the Vocal direction." This is in line with his usual refreshing lead singer positioning.
The other two students in Class A chose Dance, and one chose Rap.
When it was Mi Xi's turn, the audience fell silent. Given his dancing and violin skills, he'd be highly competitive in either the vocal or dance categories. Which would he choose?
Mi Xi's eyes scanned the three setlists, pausing briefly on a track from the Dance group called "Venom." The song's style was dark and alluring, and the choreography was incredibly dynamic and expressive, a perfect match for his collarbone tattoo and the "Phantom" dance he performed on his debut.
Without hesitation, he walked to Dance's microphone, and his cold voice came through the microphone:
"I choose Dance."
A sound of understanding rang out from the audience. As expected!
However, just when everyone thought the selection would continue, an unexpected scene occurred.
The last trainee in Class A who had not yet made a choice, the mixed-race girl from an overseas company who was known for her strong dancing skills, took a look at Mi Xi, then strode over to the Dance microphone and picked up the mic.
This means that the top spots in the Dance category will be fiercely contested, and the song "Venom" is destined to be the center of attention!
The selection process continued, with Class B and Class C making the decision. The atmosphere was tense and tense. Wuyou, the last contestant to arrive, was given a provisional F rating (a follow-up review based on their initial performance) and was practically the last contestant to be selected.
When it was Wuyou's turn, most of the popular songs and positions had already been chosen. He stood in the selection area, his tearful eyes scanning the few remaining options, his face expressionless, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
When everyone thought that this "royal family" would just pick a random Vocal and go for it, he unexpectedly walked to the Dance group's area and his eyes fell on the track card of "Venom" chosen by Mi Xi - there was still a vacancy there.
He stretched out his finger and gently tapped the empty space. He raised his eyes and looked at Mi Xi who was standing not far away. The corners of his mouth curled up in a provocative and cunning arc.
"I choose this one, 'Venom'."
boom!
The whole audience was in an uproar again!
The two most talked-about characters, Mi Xi and Wu You, are actually going to compete in the same group in the first performance?!
Is it a powerful alliance, or a brutal internal struggle between kings?
The "Venom" group instantly became the "death group" that everyone knew about.
Mi Xi, standing in the selection area, met Wu You's gaze, which was full of fighting spirit and interest, and a slight ripple finally flashed across her calm eyes.
It seems that this little fox is not satisfied with just being a pampered "royalty".
What he wanted was a real fight.
The stage of the first performance was filled with the smell of gunpowder from the moment the songs were selected.
————
With the song selection complete, the "Venom" team members have been finalized. Besides Mi Xi and Wu You, there are three other trainees: the dance leader from Class B, a vocal-to-dance trainee from Class C, and a "dark horse" from Class F with a solid dance foundation. These five form a team that, to outsiders, appears to be both highly competitive and full of potential.
They were led by staff to the corresponding practice room. The spacious mirrored walls, smooth wooden floors, and the air still lingering with the scent of disinfectant foreshadowed the sweat and hard work that would ensue in the coming days.
As the door closed, the apparent calm outside was instantly replaced by a subtle tension. The other three team members' eyes almost involuntarily and cautiously wandered between the two "great gods".
Who will be the captain? Who will be the center?
This is almost the first and most sensitive issue that every group faces after its formation. Especially in a team like this one with Mi Xi and Wu You, if it's not handled properly, it's very likely that the group will collapse before the performance even begins.
The dance leader of Class B cleared his throat and was about to propose that everyone vote, but Mi Xi, who had been standing quietly by the side, spoke first.
His voice was calm, without any emotion, and his eyes fell on Wuyou, who was looking at the practice room environment curiously.
"I think," Mi Xi paused, successfully attracting everyone's attention, "let Yoyo, the captain of our team, come."
ah?
The other three team members were all stunned. Even Wuyou turned around in surprise, his tearful eyes slightly widened. It was obvious that he had not expected Mi Xi to do this.
Let Wuyou be the captain? This seemingly spoiled and headstrong little ancestor who needs someone to take care of him? Is it possible?
Mi Xi, however, seemed oblivious to everyone's surprise and continued to explain her reasons in a calm tone: "The captain needs to communicate and coordinate, mobilize the atmosphere, and connect with the production team. Youyou has a lively personality and is good at communication, so she is a perfect fit."
His words were flawless, and even had a hint of sincerity in "entrusting him with an important task."
Wuyou blinked, and after his initial surprise, an expression of pride and curiosity, a mixture of being entrusted with an important task, quickly appeared on his face. He puffed out his nonexistent chest, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up, but he still tried to look serious. "Hmph, since you recommend it so sincerely, then I..."
Before he finished speaking, Mi Xi changed the subject, swept her eyes over everyone, and landed on the point in the center of the mirror that symbolized the most dazzling position.
"As for the center position..."
This time, Wuyou reacted extremely quickly, almost immediately picking up the conversation the moment Mi Xi finished speaking. He walked a few steps in front of Mi Xi, raised his head, and smiled brightly with unquestionable certainty:
"Center position? Is that even a question? Of course it's up to you—!"
The ending of his tone was drawn out, with a bit of coquettish sweetness. He looked at Mi Xi with bright eyes, and his tone was so natural that it seemed as if it was a matter of course.
"Xibao~ don't hesitate!" He even naturally changed to a more intimate name, stretched out his finger, and gently poked Mi Xi's arm. "For the song "Venom", who else could be more suitable for that position than you? You are the one who even has venom flowing in your blood~"
He deliberately slowed down the rest of his words, and his eyes swept meaningfully over the tattoo on Mi Xi's collarbone. His eyes were full of absolute trust and recognition of Mi Xi's strength, without the slightest jealousy or resentment.
This scene once again stunned the other team members.
What kind of development is this?
One voluntarily gave up the captain position, and the other offered the center position without hesitation?
Far from the outside world speculating a confrontation between two powerful figures, these two, with astonishing tacit understanding, instantly distributed power? And that address... "Yo Yo"? "Xi Bao"? When did your relationship become so close?!
Mi Xi was silent for a moment, looking at Wu You, whose beaming smile seemed to say, "Praise me for being sensible!" He had originally proposed Wu You be the team leader, intending to push the trivial matters aside so he could focus on practice. He hadn't expected Wu You to be so decisive, even a little impatient, in giving him the center position.
This little fox was much smarter and more insightful than he had imagined.
"Okay." Mi Xi no longer refused and accepted the position calmly. He glanced at the other three team members who were still a little confused, "Does anyone have any objections?"
“No, no!”
"Teacher Mi Xi deserves to be the center!"
"We all agree!"
The three of them quickly expressed their opinions. Are you kidding? Mi Xi's strength is obvious to all. If he doesn't take the center position, who will? As for Wu You being the captain... while a bit unexpected, it doesn't seem unacceptable. At least the atmosphere won't be too depressing.
"That's settled then." Wu You clapped his hands, instantly entering the role of captain. Although his pretty face and tearful eyes didn't give him much authority, he exuded a powerful aura. "I'm captain Wu You, and the center position is Mi Xi! In the next few days, please give us your guidance. Let's blow up the 'Venom' stage together!"
He waved his little fist, trying to add momentum, but it just looked cute.
The core of the team was quickly established in a way that no one expected.
Mi Xi is undoubtedly the soul and core, while Wu You has become the bond that unites the team and facilitates external communication.
In this delicate yet harmonious atmosphere, the practice of the "Venom" team officially began. Everyone had a premonition that this team, led by the "Venom Beauty" and the "Tsundere Fox", would definitely set off an astonishing storm.