Chapter 9, Episode 2, and the airing of advertisements... (The rest of the text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)
"Hey, Coldy, someone said they ran into GD on the eighth floor. Aren't you on the eighth floor too? Did you see him?" Kong Yeon-seo asked gossipingly while holding her phone on the way back to the dorm after filming.
The stars were already low in the sky outside the window. Jiang Tinghan was leaning back in his chair, exhausted, but when he heard Kong Yanshu's words, he was jolted awake from his deathbed.
With a cold expression, she said firmly, "No."
She would never say something like asking a K-pop superstar for their autograph the first time she met them.
Fortunately, only heaven, earth, she, and her senior knew about this.
"Why is your tone so fierce?" Kong Yanshu muttered, then glanced at her two roommates in the front row, typed a line, and handed the screen to Jiang Tinghan.
Are you a G-Dragon hater?
Jiang Tinghan couldn't understand Kong Yanshu's thought process either: "No, I'm just a little tired."
She's really exhausted. She's been practicing for the group stage for the past week or so, and she's also been running around doing external jobs on weekends, filming from morning till late at night, while her solo stage performance is still making no progress.
"Even an iron man like you gets tired. I don't really understand. Even if you didn't train so hard, you could at least get a B or C. With your popularity, you definitely wouldn't be eliminated. Why not rest and recharge during the first and second rounds? You still have plenty of room to perform in the third round and the finals."
Kong Yanshu made a shocking statement, which subtly revealed the "why don't they eat meat porridge" attitude of someone in a high position.
The two people in front remained calm, presumably used to Kong Yanshu's occasional surprising remarks.
Jiang Tinghan's voice turned serious: "Popularity is fleeting. When everyone has high hopes for you, are you going to deliberately disappoint them? You've decided to become an idol, so at least you should live up to your fans' expectations, right?"
"I don't have a habit of hurting others, nor do I have a habit of seeking criticism. Many things are either done zero times or countless times, including being lazy."
"Kong Yeon-seo, don't forget that you're in the same group as me. If you're going to approach the first performance with this mindset, then I can only exercise my privilege as the team leader and put you in a corner of the stage."
Jiang Tinghan looked up at Kong Yanshu, his dark eyes flashing with a sharp light: "I want to win, I don't want to lose."
The young lady was momentarily intimidated by Jiang Tinghan's imposing manner and didn't lose her temper. However, upon hearing the word "privilege," she became enraged. Whose privilege could surpass hers? She was born with privileges that put her ahead of countless ordinary people!
But Kong Yanshu also sensed Jiang Tinghan's unwavering determination from the word "win," and something within her seemed to be ignited by Jiang Tinghan's words.
Finally, Kong Yeon-seo weakly said, "I was just... joking. I'll definitely try my best..."
Jiang Tinghan looked just like her decisive and efficient club president mother, fierce and stern.
Yin Zhicai, sitting in the front seat, turned her head slightly and secretly glanced at Jiang Tinghan.
I don't know if she was creating a persona, but these words did change my opinion of Jiang Tinghan.
She had always thought Jiang Tinghan was a shrewd and calculating person who knew how to weigh gains and losses, and that popularity was just a means for her to climb the social ladder. She never expected that he actually had some genuine feelings for her.
Yoon Ji-chae recalled what the assistant the company assigned to her had said: "You have to be careful of that Coldy. Her marketing is too aggressive. We almost couldn't beat her. We really don't know who she is."
Similar remarks were made more than once, implying, both overtly and covertly, that Jiang Tinghan's popularity was obtained through improper means.
But after a day of filming, Yoon Ji-chae realized that wasn't the case. During the commercial shoot, she overheard many staff members talking about Coldy, saying that she really was as beautiful on camera and had impressive expressiveness, getting almost everything right in one take with very few retakes.
Few people mentioned her. Although she often faces the camera, this was her first time shooting an advertisement, so she seemed a little rusty. The facial expressions she learned for her idol were criticized as "a bit greasy" in scenes that required delicate acting skills.
It was only then that she realized Coldy was truly hot, and his adaptability was far superior to hers.
Those people in the company may have used too much hype themselves, and now they're assuming that others are using underhanded methods. But if you think about it carefully, you'll realize that Coldy doesn't even have a company. If it weren't for the power of real netizens, how could he have become so popular online?
Suddenly, Yin Zhicai met Jiang Tinghan's gaze, which seemed to see right through her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, biting her lip silently.
However, she will still consider Jiang Tinghan a rival! Don't even think about taking the center position from her!
*
Kwon Ji-yong placed his phone face up, put it down, and put it next to the cigarette pack.
The pen signature smudged easily, turning into a blot of ink. Both of these were on him at the time; the cigarette box signature would have been more intact.
Kwon Ji-yong always cherishes gifts from others, and he even has a special floor in his house dedicated to storing gifts from fans.
Although this signature came from a non-fan junior who couldn't even recognize his face.
But that's fine too; if the signature is unrecognizable, it saves him the trouble of changing his phone case.
Kwon Ji-yong picked up his phone, flipped it over, and continued surfing the internet like a surfing kid.
The phrase "Shining world" still appears frequently on social media platforms today.
The first stage performance was broadcast in two episodes back-to-back, so there was no teasing for the audience and there was no update in the second week. It has been a week since I last met Coldy.
The second episode of Shining World should be out today, right?
Kwon Ji-yong first saw Coldy's latest advertisement. The cover features Coldy wearing glasses and looking cool and refined. Judging from the styling, it should have been taken when they bumped into each other last weekend.
Kwon Ji-yong's finger had already tapped the screen on its own, and he clicked on it.
This advertisement is quite creative. Starting with Coldy, his face alone is enough to make viewers stop and watch. His hair, tied up with chopsticks, adds a touch of humor while also possessing a classical Eastern charm, which complements his narrow phoenix eyes perfectly.
The camera zooms in on the computer screen, showcasing the convenience of daily office work and task handover. An unfamiliar face appears in this segment; it must be another contestant.
Then it went back and played a video of Coldy playing games with great enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling like two pieces of high-quality obsidian.
The scene shifts, and the audience is suddenly led into the game world!
A striking shade of red, unforgettable and deeply memorable, unexpectedly burst into the audience's view.
Coldy, dressed in a dashing medieval riding outfit that completely covered her tall figure, with her spirited, arched eyebrows and high ponytail flowing in the air, paired with her bright red clothes, made her look fierce and sharp. The horse beneath her also had flowing mane. With a wave of her arm, she commanded her teammates to attack the ferocious dragon.
With a slight upturn of his lips and a raised chin, he exuded youthful vigor and spirit, truly embodying the spirited youth of his prime.
In the blink of an eye, the dragon roared and swooped down, its sharp claws almost piercing the long neck. She simply summoned her bow and arrow, raised her arm and drew the bow like a crescent moon, her sharp gaze shooting straight into the dragon's fierce golden eyes.
"call out!"
The long arrow pierced the sky and went straight in!
"Swish!"
Blood burst forth like fireworks—
The computer screen flashed a message that the Boss's health bar had reached zero. Coldy, watching from outside the screen, suddenly slammed down his headphones, his face filled with undisguised excitement, and shouted passionately, "We won!"
"We are the champions!"
Kwon Ji-yong instinctively clutched his heart. Coldy's eyes seemed to say that she would kill anyone who came, and beneath the calm surface lay the ruthlessness of a storm.
The red clothes she wore seemed to be a bright, blood-red color, and there was also a strong smell of blood about them.
So fierce.
He's so handsome.
It's a pity I didn't see her wearing this outfit that day.
*
[Goose Group | The second episode of "Flash World" is full of undercurrents; I can already see the beginnings of "Empresses in the Palace." Has Li Tao's clique already formed?]
[Poster]
It's like Tsukichi Anri is tied to Coldy. Even just choosing a song requires all this flirting and teasing. Honestly, I don't understand why Tsukichi Anri, who's very talented herself, always has to fawn over Coldy. They're not even in the same group, yet she has to act so heartbroken.
【1L】
If you don't understand, is the orange one a debut spot?
【2L】
It's me; they're all just trying to take the votes away from me.
【3L】
"Cold Moon in the Sky 99" is just a couple's playful interaction; don't make a big deal out of it and turn it into a clique.
【4L】
I haven't figured out the small group yet, but I've noticed a clown in Bae Soo-min. It's ridiculous that the fans were obsessed with the sweet moments between Mosquito Sister and Kou Jie for two whole weeks, only for Kou Jie to then explain on the show that she was just helping to pass it on to the mentor. Those fans who were shipping fake sweet moments are truly deserving of divine retribution.
【5L】
I already said it was Mosquito Sister who was just being presumptuous. Just watch Moon Sister's full behind-the-scenes video and you'll see. As soon as Mosquito Sister got close, Kou Sister immediately closed her umbrella. It's obvious she didn't want to share an umbrella with her. I don't know how they started bumping into each other. Bumping into everything will only hurt you guys!
【6L】
It's all because our Sister Kou is too good at it; she can charm anyone she's paired with. She's truly a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to pairing up with people.
【7L】
Nsdd, I'm totally shipping Han Xiang and Shu Yi now! Han Jie pulling Yan Shu into her arms is such a sweet girlfriend moment! Two beautiful faces with such different styles are so pleasing to the eye.
【8L】
Thanks for the invitation. Kong Yeon-seo belongs to Kim Seo-hee. Coldy, I'm begging you, please don't be a homewrecker! Our Seo-seo was living a peaceful and happy life, and she had to interfere (speechless).
【9L】
Even asking for something requires queuing.
【10L】
Wrong! Was it Jin Ruixi who proactively joined Sister Kou's group first, or was she Sister Kou's roommate? As the saying goes, proximity breeds envy, and I think Jin Ruixi has ulterior motives towards Sister Kou.
【11L】
What's so great about Han Xiang Shu Yi? Kong Yan Shu even subtly mocked our Sister Kou as a witch, probably wanting to burn her down so there's one less person competing with her for her husband. Anyway, neither Kong Yan Shu nor Jin Rui Xi should get involved; you can play by yourselves. Let our Sister Kou be beautiful on her own.
【12L】
Did you see Coldy and Putuoqian's subtle "like" interaction? That's what a real couple is like. Since they're both Coldy's wings anyway, there's no need to fight over who's the queen.
【13L】
Sister Kou was just sitting there, and countless people came up to kiss her. You're all so smitten with Coldy, aren't you?
【14L】
I never expected that her "charming and irresistible" persona would be so firmly established.
【15L】
Not a persona
【16L】
This is ridiculous! The "curtain-rolling" group is acting like royalty! So many other groups didn't get their mini-test clips shown, but the "curtain-rolling" group got one. Isn't that blatant favoritism? The production team's excessive pampering is going to be punished!
【17L】
If the show doesn't promote those with high popularity and influence, are they going to promote a nobody like you?
【18L】
Wow, not only did the Kou group give out the mini-test, but the Yoon Ji-chae group did too, the Sky Sisters from Sky Sisters did too, and the Grape group did too. Why don't you mention their queen? If it's for the sake of the show, why can't it be shown? Isn't that ridiculous?
【19L】
So what if they let it go? Seeing how the "curtain-rolling group" behaved, and that someone even made a big mistake, I'm relieved. They'll definitely debut across the entire internet after the first performance, albeit in a reverse way, and be ridiculed by the whole internet.
【20L】
Don't you guys feel good watching Juanlian get scolded by her supervisor? I watch that scene when I'm depressed.
【21L】
Anyone who can't distinguish between criticism and guidance is truly extraordinary. If we're sick, let's go to the hospital first, okay? Don't avoid seeking medical help.
【22L】
It's so crowded, they're practically on my face, can't I even open my mouth? Look at this intermission commercial, Roller Shutter has the best treatment, right? He gets more screen time and makeup than Yoon Ji-chae, who's number one!
[23L]
Yes, if the show is all about popularity, they should definitely promote Yoon Ji-chae. Yoon Ji-chae has the best skills and the highest overall popularity on "Shining World," with tens of thousands of reposts. Her initial stage performance had the highest YouTube views of the entire show. Juanmen's popularity in Taiwan is only due to her green card status; she's far inferior to Yoon Ji-chae.
[24L]
I've already said to reduce the use of high-powered cameras, but you've become so convinced of it that your 10,000 reposts and mine seem different. Why are the comments on Yoon Ji-chae's 10,000 reposts video almost half that of Kou-jie's? Are many of them duplicates? Why is the video with the most views on the initial stage so ridiculously low in likes, and of course, the comments are far less than Kou-jie's? Do you dare to look at the YouTube views compiled by the uploader?
【25L】
Only Yoon Ji-chae knows the spicy and delicious experience she's had along the way. Having a big company backing her has its advantages, she's a repeat offender. I could also say that Yoon Ji-chae's popularity is due to the benefits of South Korea's green card system.
【26L】
Xs, that content creator is completely fabricating statistics. Does the person behind the account think we don't know that they're a KOL fan?
[27L]
Here it comes! Color Powder's first skill—turns everyone into powder; second skill—impotent rage; third skill—desperate act.
【28L】
If I had even a fraction of the shamelessness of a KOL, I could thrive in the workplace. Can you please open your eyes and see why Coldy gets to play two roles? The sixth-place finisher in Group S is treated better than the undisputed first-place finisher—is that reasonable? And they even have a special effects dragon! Did they spend all the budget on her? Seeing your attitude of treating her like royalty makes me dizzy, nauseous, and want to vomit.
[29L]
Oh dear, I need to check if I got bitten by Mosquito Sister's mosquito soldiers and contracted some virus. My poor performance at work has absolutely nothing to do with Kou fans. Cai fans, I have some dog food personally made by Yoon Ji-chae. Come line up and get some! I'll waive the charge because you're all so pitiful. Just scan the code to join the "Cai Guards swear to serve their master Ji-chae to the death, woof woof woof!" membership. There are also some rotten eggs you can get on weekdays—lots of perks!
【30L】
I really want to borrow a mouthful from a K-pop fan! So vicious, yet I love it. Coldy's scenes were definitely expensive, but Gong Yeon-seo and Yoon Ji-chae's were just as good. The futuristic cyberpunk CG background was so realistic, and there were even action scenes! I can only say the brand was incredibly wealthy.
【31L】
Fun fact: Although Coldy had a lot of screen time, he only appeared for forty seconds in total. Kong Shuyan and Yin Zhicai appeared for a total of one and a half minutes. If anyone should be speaking out, it should be Lin Zhixia, who only had twenty seconds of screen time.
【32L】
Keep it up, Xiaxia! It's already great that you got to show your face! Things will definitely get better and better in the future!
【33L】
The total of Yoon Ji-chae's solo and duo shots is about 60 seconds, which is more than Coldy's. You should ask why everyone's deepest impression after watching the ad is still Red-Clothed Han. If you're bad, just practice more, okay?
【34L】
Sister Yin's twitching acting and wooden delivery of lines are just too much. She's a shoo-in for the Golden Broom Award for Best Actress. She should stick to being an idol and not an actress; she's really not cut out for it.
【35L】
29L Your address is XXXX, your name is XXX, and your ID number is XXXX
【36L】
Holy crap, the box! The color powder is way too much!
【37L】
I couldn't find my ID card, but after just a few words about Yin Zhicai being inferior to Jiang Tinghan, my ID number, home address, and contact number appeared—both sides of the ID! Too bad I bought this number. Don't worry, keep this box for yourself as a coffin. It's a small box; I'll be outside, and you'll be inside. (laughs)
【38L】
Such a great ad and you guys are arguing? Make way, the beauty bot is here to give you all the praise!
First up is Xia, who has a fresh and innocent style. She looks like a recent graduate entering the workforce, and I feel like I see a reflection of myself in her. Her acting is a bit immature, but it matches her youthful and innocent temperament perfectly.
Next is Yeon-seo, the assassin sister is so cool, she made me swoon. And then there's Ji-chae, seeing her makes me feel so safe, like she's a furry bear that can protect me. To be honest, I almost chuckled when I saw her and Ji-chae in their scenes together, this pair seems very evenly matched.
And finally, Coldy! Holy crap, goddess, I love you!!! He's so handsome I can't sleep tonight!!!
【39L】
Yoon Ji-chae, Kpop's First Bear Sculpture
【40L】
Koufen's mouth is truly filthy; she should have some decency and be careful not to create bad karma through her speech, lest she suffer retribution.
【41L】
Bears are so cute! Don't you think bear sculptures are both fierce and adorable? And are there really 500,000 fans? So much for superstition! Did you completely ignore the scientific development principles you learned in school? You're always getting your comeuppance! Our comeuppance is that our idol is getting more and more famous!
【42L】
I urge Cai fans to stand on their own two feet. How many of Cai's big announcements have been published? You've made a killing on traffic, haven't you? But your self-proclaimed positive articles are ignored. Why are you, the first in Group S, still trying to ride on other people's coattails? That's not right. You should spend more time doing data analysis and less time getting criticized, OK?
【43L】
What does this have to do with us? It's those marketing accounts and toilets deliberately stirring up trouble, okay? It was you KOLs fans who started it all; if we don't argue about "Flash & Everlasting," who cares about you?
【44L】
I'm speechless. It's like we can't understand each other's language.
【45L】
Whoever wants Swimming One can have it. We've always been talking about "Flashy One," is there a problem with that? If you're nearsighted with 800 degrees of astigmatism or glaucoma, go get glasses. Do I have to teach you that?
【46L】
I gave 38L a thumbs up. Seeing Coldy in his red riding outfit, I immediately blurted out a line from a classic Chinese poem: "I've prayed to Buddha for five hundred years just to see Coldy once. Even if I get hit by the U-20 tomorrow, it'll be worth it!"
【47L】
That's too harsh on herself, but Koko's acting is truly superb; it felt like an arrow pierced my heart.
【48L】
Just kidding. Even though I say I'm going to die every day, no one is more important than my own life, haha. Has our Sister Kou just gotten another title, "Empress Kou"? YYSY, she's got that domineering aura of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix! I always said Sister Kou's in-game outfit looked like the Dark Queen from World of Warcraft. But let me solemnly declare, we don't even have a company, how can we dare to claim to be the Emperor?
【49L】
My husband needs no explanation.
【50L】
My husband, my husband! Don't you have a husband of your own? Why are you always trying to steal other people's husbands?
【51L】
Girls, stop using the word "husband" to make it sound more prestigious (eye roll). Just call me "wife." Wife, Auntie, I love you! I adore you! Expressing my love in multiple languages proves how deep my love for you is!
【52L】
Honey, you've gotten rich, running off to South Korea all by yourself, leaving me and the kids here waiting in vain. I'm suffering so much, I miss you so much every day...
... (N layers omitted)
【134L】
Am I the only one who finds this ad list strange? These three people are all from the same dorm, only the German girl didn't come, and it just so happens that they're all Asian. Could it be that Coldy squeezed out the European girl's spot? Is this how they exclude white women?
【135L】
Yes, you're the only one who's this stupid and dumb. The German girl is practically forgotten on the show. Are you an advertiser? Do you want Coldy or her?
【136L】
Kong Yeon-seo's popularity isn't that great either.
【137L】
Fun fact: Kong Yanshu is the heiress of the XX Group. This computer brand collaborates with the XX Group; her business acumen is something she brings with her.
【138L】
Okay, sorry for bothering you, please go private now.
【139L】
That makes sense now. The young lady probably chose someone she was close to to film it. Being from the same Asian cultural background and having a closer relationship with her two roommates makes sense. Thinking about it this way, did Coldy really win the young lady's heart with that hug? Why didn't they invite Kim Seo-hee, but instead invited Coldy?
140L
Tragic news! The wedding invitation has been rejected—the young lady isn't going back to inherit the family fortune; instead, she's training relentlessly here, and we have no idea what she's after.
【141L】
Very good, from now on, it's the world of Hanxiang Shuyi! Hehehehehe—
【142L】
Coldy, the newly crowned South Korean pickup artist, really needs to write a book.
... (N layers omitted)
【386L】
Holy crap, I have some connections and inside information, and the Korean internet is going crazy! In the third episode, there's a competition for the center position in the theme song, and Yoon Ji-chae and Coldy got into a fight over it, and they even drew blood!!!
【387L】
Is this for real? A showdown in the octagon? That's intense!
【388L】
Guaranteed authentic! I heard it was Bae Soo-min who closed the door!
A note from the author:
----------------------
On the Birth of Rumors
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com