Chapter 02 Chapter 2
1:30 pm.
Jincheng Hotel.
He Xianyu was holding a business card and was about to ask the lobby manager when he heard someone calling his name. He turned around and saw a boy with delicate makeup.
The boy’s name is Wei Zhuochen, and he was a member of the group “Storm Boys” that the original owner had previously been in.
"He Xianyu, it's really you! There has been no news for all these years, and I thought you had retired long ago!" Wei Zhuochen deliberately shouted at the top of his voice, attracting many passers-by to stop and watch.
Seeing that He Xianyu ignored him, Wei Zhuochen smiled contemptuously, "You are here to audition for the 101 boy group talent show, right? However, He Xianyu, you are tone-deaf and can't tell the difference between your limbs. You are simply not cut out to be an idol. Did you see Jiang Bai debut as the center and think you can do it too? Jiang Bai is good at singing and dancing, and you are a beauty waste. No matter how big the stage is, the bigger the shame will be. Don't think that a vase can debut in a group. Today's audiences are not that easy to fool."
Wei Zhuochen was waiting for He Xianyu to lose his temper in public.
But He Xianyu remained calm.
Wei Zhuochen was a little confused. Something was not right. Where did the He Xianyu who used to explode at the slightest provocation go?
Could it be that He Xianyu has changed his personality?
He continued with an exaggerated expression: "Oh, I forgot to congratulate you. I heard that your mother is getting married. It's not easy. Our orphan in the entertainment industry finally has a father."
"Wei Zhuochen," He Xianyu slowly raised the corners of her lips and smiled, "You are like a clown, trying so hard to get my attention. Tell me, have you been secretly in love with me for a long time?"
Wei Zhuochen: ??? !!!
"A pretty loser can also have 'beauty' to show off. If a person is ugly and has no talent, shouldn't he be called an 'ugly loser'?" He Xianyu winked at Wei Zhuochen, smiling like a flower, "Am I right?"
Facing the beauty attack at close range, Wei Zhuochen was speechless.
Damn, why is He Xianyu getting more and more evil?
Just based on this face, the audience might, just maybe, vote for him to debut.
The 101 talent show where Wei Zhuochen was interviewing was not on the same floor as the school where He Xianyu was interviewing. When He Xianyu arrived, the students who came for the interview lined up in a long queue. He filled out the registration form and waited for nearly an hour before it was finally his turn.
There were a man and a woman sitting in the conference room. The man was Guo Xianglin, who had handed him his business card in the morning.
Director Guo carefully looked at He Xianyu through the thick glasses. The boy was tall and well-proportioned, with clear and handsome features. Because of his white skin, his eyes looked particularly black and his lips looked particularly red.
This appearance is really too superior.
But there is never a shortage of good-looking people in the entertainment industry.
Director Guo said, "Classmate, nice to meet you again. Let me introduce myself first."
He Xianyu bowed to them and said, "Hello. My name is He Xianyu and I'm currently a senior in high school."
Deputy Director Wang, who was standing beside Director Guo, quickly scanned the registration form and asked with interest, "Are you also from Storm Boys?"
Director Guo gave her a puzzled look.
Deputy Director Wang reminded quietly: "Jiang Bai was originally in this group."
When former teammates meet, one is a popular idol with many fans, and the other has become an amateur. This is the control group. Director Guo excitedly studies He Xianyu's past experience, "Have you acted in seven dramas?"
Most of them are supporting roles in web dramas or short dramas on Douyin, which make no splash after being broadcast. Although the original owner likes to sing and dance, his talent is limited and he has never been popular, so he begged Zheng Yi to give him some acting resources, hoping to save the country in a roundabout way. Unexpectedly, he fell in love with acting from then on.
Director Guo looked through the information and said, "Your art exam score was second in the Central Academy of Drama, very good."
He Xianyu: “…Thank you.”
The original owner is excellent, not him.
Director Guo asked: "You are about to take the college entrance examination. Are you worried about your academic scores? Every year, there are art students who are stuck at the academic score level and cannot enter art schools. Especially this year, the new regulations have been introduced, and the academic scores must be passed before the special scores."
If art students want to be admitted to a university, their college entrance examination scores must reach the undergraduate line of their province or city. After the cultural scores meet the requirements, they will be admitted and assigned to a major based on their wishes and the scores of the school entrance examination from high to low. For them, passing the undergraduate line is not an easy task.
Since childhood, the thing He Xianyu has worried least about is his academic performance. He said confidently: "I am very smart, so there is nothing to worry about."
Director Guo has interviewed so many students, but this is the first time he has heard such words. "Student He, prove it."
He Xianyu thought for a moment and said, "I can recite the last 100 digits of pi. 3.141592——"
"Wait a minute!" The two interviewers took out their mobile phones and listened to him recite it word for word.
——
As night falls and the lights come on, thousands of lights begin to light up, which is the most beautiful moment of this international metropolis.
He Xianyu was sitting on the balcony in a daze when Ji Zhen called.
"Xianyu, guess who called me? Director Guo! The Director Guo who has produced several hit variety shows! He chose you to participate in his variety show "Countdown to the College Entrance Examination"! " Ji Zhen was so excited that he was a little incoherent.
He Xianyu was confused. "What variety show? Wasn't I interviewing for a school?"
"No! No! All of them! The first college entrance exam reality show in China! Do you know how many big names will be here? Jiang Bai will also be participating!" Ji Zhen continued excitedly, "I have already signed the contract! Time is very tight, and the recording will start tomorrow morning. You pack your luggage tonight and move in tomorrow!"
He Xianyu struggled and asked, "Can I quit?"
"Do you have the money to pay for breach of contract?"
He Xianyu shut up.
…
At four o'clock in the morning, He Xianyu was awakened by a knock on the door.
Ji Zhen walked in quickly with a large bag of things, "Open the suitcase, I'll check it."
He Xianyu rubbed his sleepy eyes and dragged the suitcase out of the bedroom.
He Xianyu was banned for three years because he offended Zheng Yi. He never expected that he would be given such a big surprise when he was unbanned. Ji Zhen didn't sleep all night. He asked his friends in the circle about the situation and discussed the character setting with Xiao Lu, who was in charge of publicity. He hoped that He Xianyu could make a comeback with this variety show. Ji Zhen didn't expect He Xianyu to become a big star, but at least he had some fame and received some notices.
Ji Zhen took out the toiletries from the suitcase and said, "The program will implant other brands of toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo. If you perform well, you will also have the opportunity to shoot a mid-insert commercial."
Ji Zhen finished checking the suitcase and then started checking the schoolbag. "You didn't hide any lighters or cigarettes, did you? The dormitory you're staying in this time has surveillance cameras, so you can't be caught smoking. Even electronic cigarettes are not allowed."
He Xianyu waved his hand: "I don't smoke."
Although Ji Zhen is He Xianyu's manager, this is actually the first time they have spoken face to face. He was skeptical of what He Xianyu said and continued to nag: "Don't underestimate the ability of netizens, they will use a magnifying glass to study frame by frame. I don't want to see the term #Minor He Xianyu smokes# on the hot search. Once you are linked to this term, you will not be able to access mainstream resources in the future."
Ji Zhen opened the bag he brought, took out a small whale keychain, and hung it on He Xianyu's schoolbag. He also prepared pajamas, bed sheets, pencil cases, and a whale pillow with whale patterns for He Xianyu.
"You are a deep whale lover. You like to collect whale peripherals, and you can't sleep without a whale pillow in your arms." Ji Zhen explained.
A big question mark popped up on He Xianyu’s forehead.
No!
I am not!
I don't!
"There are 30 students participating in this variety show. You must have your own unique elements to make the audience remember you. Xiao Lu and I have discussed it. Your name contains the word 'fish', so we will use whales to create your unique personality." Ji Zhen said with a smile, "Innocent and cute little whale, working hard to beat the university scumbag. This personality is tailor-made for you."
He Xianyu refused outright: "No, I want to be a top student."
"Are you a top student? Have you ever studied seriously since you were a child?" Ji Zhen put away his smile and said seriously, "Xianyu, listen to me. You have no background and no popularity. If you want to fight your way out of 30 students, you can only go the way of a university scumbag. But the audience doesn't want to keep watching beautiful losers, so study hard for me in school and strive to make a comeback as soon as possible."
He Xianyu was tired of being nagged and replied perfunctorily: "I know, I know."
Ji Zhen glanced at He Xianyu suspiciously.
It turns out that He Xianyu is so obedient?
This is unscientific!
Colleagues once warned that this was a troublemaker and difficult to get along with. Could it be that this child has finally grown up?
"I've inquired about it. Jiang Bai will also be participating in this variety show. After Huang Siqi withdrew, Jiang Bai became the most popular student of the program team. As long as you are with him, there will be no shortage of opportunities to show off your face." Ji Zhen asked, "Do you two have any contact in private?"
He Xianyu shook her head. Although the boy band loved to promote team spirit, they were actually just colleagues working together. In addition, Jiang Bai had a cold personality and didn't like to play with them. After the Storm Boys disbanded, the two hadn't met.
"It's okay. We'll get to know each other better in the future." Ji Zhen looked forward to a bright future. "Maybe you can even form a couple with him."
He Xianyu curled his lips, "Then I will probably be torn to pieces by his fans."
"What are you afraid of? If someone scolds you, you'll be popular. In this age where everyone is obsessed with couples, anyone who doesn't is an idiot." Ji Zhen opened a piece of paper with the names of the students who participated in the recording. He drew circles and said, "The most popular ones at the moment are these five students - Jiang Bai, Wu Han, Jing Chen, Cao Ruoxi and Zhang Wanyue. Not long ago, the news of Wu Han's retirement was on the top of the trending list, and he is the top-ranked Xiao Qiao in the country."
Ji Zhen looked at He Xianyu with a "you know what I mean" look.
"..." He Xianyu lost to Ji Zhen, "The CP of Wu Han and I is called "When the water is clear, Wu fish will appear", how do you think it is?"
Ji Zhen gave a thumbs up and praised: "This young man is teachable."
Ji Zhen pointed at Jing Chen's name again, "You are familiar with Jing Chen, right? He won first place in the Chinese Drama this time. You once played his reading partner in The Emperor's Journey."
He Xianyu tried hard to recall: "I seem to have been stabbed to death by an assassin three scenes later. Jingchen probably doesn't remember me."
"It's useless to remember. Didn't you see Cao Ruoxi was there? The two of them played the childhood of the male and female protagonists in many TV series. Their team will definitely promote the childhood sweethearts CP. Don't be the third party." Ji Zhen pointed at Zhang Wanyue's name, "And this Zhang Wanyue, she has a strong background. As soon as she debuted, she was the heroine of a big production and a big director. Her acting skills are not that good, but her resources are amazing. This time she came to participate in the variety show to get in touch with the ground."
He Xianyu stroked his chin, "Brother Ji, you don't want me to hype up a couple with her, do you?"
"You want to hype her up, but the other party is not willing to help the poor. I just remind you not to offend her." Ji Zhen put away the paper and said mysteriously, "I heard that the second young master of Tiansheng Group will also participate in this variety show. Be smart, the audience likes to watch the plot of the rich Cinderella."
A cloud of crows flew over He Xianyu's head. "Thanks. People who don't know would think I'm participating in a dating show. I'm still young, there's no rush."
Five-thirty in the morning.
Ji Zhen drove He Xianyu to the location of the variety show shooting - Langfang Dachang Film and Television Base.
While waiting for the traffic light to turn green, Ji Zhen once again straightened the collar of He Xianyu's school uniform and said earnestly, "This variety show has become a hot topic before it even started recording. Xianyu, you must be careful with your words and control your temper. The production team will definitely find someone to sacrifice for popularity. If you are edited into a weird and troublesome person, even ten CPs can't save you."
He Xianyu's ears were already callused from hearing this. "Don't worry, Brother Ji, I will keep my tail between my legs and behave myself. I'll try to get a spot at the end of the show to make you proud."
The car stopped about 300 meters away from the school gate. As soon as He Xianyu got out of the car, a staff member came over with a camera to film.
He Xianyu said goodbye to Ji Zhen, dragged his suitcase, and began his first variety show experience.
As they walked in, the staff member said, "Student He, you are the first student to arrive."
Ji Zhen was afraid that He Xianyu would be late and leave a bad impression on the program team, so he sent him over early. He Xianyu smiled at the camera and said, "Will there be a little red flower as a reward?"
The smiling eyes looked cute and lovable, and it was hard not to have a good impression on her. The staff also smiled and said, "No red flower, but you can be the first to choose your seat."
The school gate was crowded with girls, holding cheering banners in their hands, their excitement beyond words.
Security personnel are maintaining order.
"Fuck, is that He Xianyu?"
"Shit! It's really him!"
"But he is not on the list circulating online at all!"
"This crappy company is doing the buy one get one free thing again! Juxing will go bankrupt today!"
"I don't know what I ate this morning, but I feel like throwing up now!"
Amid the murderous gazes of his fans, He Xianyu walked into the campus calmly.
He Xianyu first went to retake the official photos and record the promotional materials, and then, under the guidance of the staff, came to the teaching building.
The empty classroom was bright and clean, with thirty desks neatly arranged.
He Xianyu walked to the last table in the last group, sat down, then took out a brand new Chinese textbook from his schoolbag and began to flip through it out of boredom.
About half an hour later, the second student came in. He was a boy, not very tall, with long hair that almost reached his shoulders, and a pair of narrow and delicate phoenix eyes, which made him look like an androgynous beauty.
"Hello, my name is Qiao Enqi. You can call me Xiao Qiao." Qiao Enqi's voice was trembling with nervousness.
The atmosphere was a little awkward for two strangers who met for the first time, with cameras everywhere.
"Hello, my name is He Xianyu." He Xianyu took the initiative to ease the atmosphere, "Xiao Qiao, do you want to come over and be my deskmate?"
Qiao Enqi hesitated. Although the invitation from a stranger was heartwarming in this high-pressure environment, his agent had told him not to hang out with the obscure people before he came, otherwise he would be "cut off" by the program crew.
"Sorry, my eyesight is poor and I want to sit in the front row." Qiao Enqi chose a seat at the second table in the third group.
The agent also said that opportunities are created by oneself and shots are fought for by oneself. Thinking of this, Qiao Enqi took out a ballpoint pen with a penguin pattern and walked in front of He Xianyu.
"Well, Mr. He, nice to meet you. This penguin pen is for you." Qiao Enqi blushed because of shyness.
"Thank you." He Xianyu took the penguin pen from him, glanced at the penguin brooch on his school uniform collar, and asked curiously, "Xiao Qiao, do you like penguins very much?"
Qiao Enqi nodded heavily, "Yes, I like penguins very much. I also brought a penguin pillow. I can't fall asleep at night without hugging it."
He Xianyu: “…………”
The character that Ji Zhen worked so hard to create for him died before it even saw the light of day!
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