Boss, He Is Chasing Stars Again Chapter 3
byChapter 3: Starlight Training Camp’s First Recording…
The first recording of Starlight Training Camp arrived as scheduled.
One hundred contestants waited nervously backstage. Bai Jiayan nervously whispered to Shi Xingze to distract himself: “We’re going to be graded soon. Shi Xingze, aren’t you nervous?”
Shi Xingze was actually a little nervous too. His major was acting, and although he had studied dance for a while when he was young, he certainly couldn’t compare to those who had been practicing dance consistently.
But seeing Bai Jiayan, who was clearly much more nervous than himself, Shi Xingze still comforted him: “Relax. Haven’t you mastered the theme song? You’ll definitely get a good score in this evaluation.”
The theme song for Starlight Training Camp was called “Unnamed Planet.” Before the first episode recording, Director Qi had already informed all contestants that the first evaluation would be based on their completion of the theme song. Judges could stop the performance at any time, and if a certain level was full, there would be an impromptu performance battle segment.
The production team’s grading system for the contestants was divided into four levels: S, A, B, and C. There would be ten S-level contestants, twenty A-level, thirty B-level, and forty C-level. The higher the score, the greater the advantage in subsequent competitions.
Since there were one hundred contestants, the production team mixed them up and grouped them randomly into groups of five, who would simultaneously receive comments and assessments from the judges.
Shi Xingze had seen Bai Jiayan practicing dance in the rehearsal room. He actually danced quite well and clearly had a foundation in dance, but he always lacked confidence and got nervous easily. When Shi Xingze comforted him, he felt a little envious. He would be satisfied just getting a B, which would at least ensure he wasn’t eliminated in the first two public performances.
Before he came to participate in the talent show, Brother Long had specifically instructed him that many of the contestants this time were veterans who had participated in other talent shows. Regardless of their fan base or reputation, participating in the show meant they brought their own traffic.
The goal Brother Long set for Shi Xingze was simple: go as far as you can, and absolutely do not act rashly or do stupid things just to fight for a ranking.
Shi Xingze originally wanted to debut through acting, but unfortunately, a small actor has no qualifications or background, and the current work environment outside is poor; even extras need connections. So Brother Long suggested he first accumulate some popularity and fans through the talent show, which would make it much easier to secure acting roles afterward.
Although Shi Xingze didn’t entirely agree with this method, if he waited to accumulate resources and develop slowly, the entertainment industry would likely have cycled through three generations of newcomers. He had no choice but to use this roundabout way to develop, a method akin to saving the country through a circuitous route.
Shi Xingze didn’t plan to just coast through the show. He had been practicing the theme song non-stop these past few days; even his dreams were filled with the tune of the theme song. However, even if Shi Xingze got incredibly lucky and successfully debuted in the group, this limited-time group would only last two years, and that included the time when members were busy with their own work and not together.
While comforting Bai Jiayan, Shi Xingze quietly listened to the host’s voice outside and the fans’ cheers as the guests entered. He secretly cheered himself on in his heart: Don’t be nervous, you can do this!
With a burst of cheerful music, the judges’ collaborative opening dance began. Shi Xingze and his roommates watched the judges’ performance backstage. The waiting room was filled with sounds of admiration and envy, and Shi Xingze was no exception.
After the judges’ opening performance ended, the host, holding a microphone, passionately introduced the judges and the temporary guest. The fans’ cheers almost drowned out the venue.
The dance mentor this time was Wan Xinrui, a popular domestic idol. When the host introduced her, Wan Xinrui greeted the audience with full energy: “Hello everyone, I’m Wan Xinrui.” After speaking, she playfully saluted the camera, and the fans immediately raised their light boards in response.
The host held his cue card and smiled at the audience: “Did everyone enjoy the wonderful opening dance just now? How could such a brilliant opening dance be complete without our Judge Zhang Rui? Judge Zhang Rui, do you have anything you’d like to say to the contestants?”
In response to the host’s introduction, dance judge Zhang Rui simply smiled at the camera and nodded in greeting: “Hello everyone, I am Zhang Rui, one of the judges and the dance mentor this time.”
The introductions of the next two judges were more steady: one was Liao Minghua, a singer who had been deeply involved in music for many years, and the other was Meng Yi, a singer-songwriter who had become popular in recent years.
Liao Minghua’s solo performance was a well-known old song, and the moment his voice, full of storytelling, opened up, it captured everyone’s attention. Meng Yi, on the other hand, held a guitar and quietly sang a song she had composed. Her gentle female voice sang of the confusion and loneliness of young people in the city.
Meanwhile, the contestants backstage grew increasingly nervous. After the judges’ solo performances, it was their turn to take the stage. Even Shi Xingze nervously checked himself in the mirror to see if his hairstyle and clothes were messy or if his makeup had worn off.
Huo Yan still maintained his usual expression; Shi Xingze couldn’t detect any nervousness on his face. Xie Jinhan, however, had some sweat on his forehead and carefully wiped it away after borrowing a tissue from Shi Xingze.
They had already rehearsed yesterday. Shi Xingze was in a group with a few other contestants, and their performance order was roughly in the middle, so he could still manage to watch the judges’ comments on the other contestants.
What surprised him was that, perhaps Director Qi had given the judges a heads-up, this season’s judges were exceptionally sharp compared to previous talent shows, including the idol Wan Xinrui, who always wore a sweet smile.
Wan Xinrui looked at a contestant who had lost rhythm due to a mistake and was filled with regret, giving him an energetic, sweet smile and saying, “To debut as a star, this kind of mental fortitude won’t do!”
As their turn approached and the judges’ evaluations continued, the contestants backstage became increasingly anxious. Even Huo Yan, who originally seemed unconcerned, frowned. Conversely, Xie Jinhan relaxed his perpetually furrowed brow after seeing Huo Yan get nervous.
Shi Xingze didn’t notice any of this. He sat in his seat taking deep breaths until a staff member came over to notify him to prepare for his turn. Only then did Shi Xingze slowly exhale, telling himself in his heart that he just needed to perform at his usual level. He then followed the staff member to prepare.
Jian Xingzhi wasn’t wearing a suit today. The hair he usually slicked back to appear mature and reliable was down, and he was dressed in simple casual wear.
To avoid being recognized, Jian Xingzhi had specifically worn a pair of glasses today, making him look much like a recent college graduate.
Tang Songhe had secured him a seat in the center of the first row in the inner arena. The extremely close distance meant he could almost see the sweat on the contestants’ foreheads. Jian Xingzhi turned his head and looked at the girls next to him frantically waving their banners. Unsurprisingly, none of the names on the banners were Shi Xingze’s.
Jian Xingzhi pushed up his non-prescription glasses. He was completely quiet, a stark contrast to the fervent atmosphere of the venue.
While the host was warming up the crowd before the contestants took the stage, the girl next to him curiously glanced at Jian Xingzhi, who was empty-handed. This person hadn’t brought any banners or cheered for anyone. Did he spend a large sum of money on a first-row inner arena ticket just to watch the scene up close?
The girl couldn’t help but strike up a conversation with Jian Xingzhi: “Handsome, who are you supporting? Why don’t you even have a banner?”
Jian Xingzhi lowered his head and quietly replied, “He hasn’t gone on stage yet.”
Oh, that was possible. The girl looked at Jian Xingzhi and said with sudden realization, “You must be new to being a fan, you didn’t prepare anything. Here, take this little flag I have. The production team doesn’t allow light sticks; mine were all confiscated. By the way, who are you supporting?”
Jian Xingzhi was handed two small flags by the girl. Before he could speak, he heard the surrounding murmurs quiet down. Jian Xingzhi pointed to the stage with his finger and whispered, “Let’s not talk now, he’s about to go on.”
The familiar theme song music started. The moment Shi Xingze hit the beat, a bright, youthful smile spread across his face. He looked toward the audience, trying his best to immerse himself in the performance and not look at the other contestants next to him.
Shi Xingze had some foundation. Although not top-tier, his excellent facial expressions made him look the most relaxed among the few contestants. Even Jian Xingzhi’s gaze unconsciously lingered on Shi Xingze.
Jian Xingzhi raised his hand, ready to applaud, but the girl next to him grabbed his hand holding the flag and shook it vigorously, shouting at the same time: “Shi Xingze! Shi Xingze!” He didn’t know where the slender girl next to him got so much strength. He was forced to hold the flag and sway along a few times.
The flag the girl gave him trembled like a sieve in Jian Xingzhi’s hand. He was forced to clamp his mouth shut under the girl’s look of disappointment. If Tang Songhe knew he was chasing a star and shouting support at the venue, Tang Songhe would take that story to his grave.
The girl lowered her voice and said to Jian Xingzhi: “You can’t cheer like that. How will he know you support him from this far away? Learn from me, I’m an experienced fan!”
Shi Xingze had too few fans; only two or three people came to support him in person.
Jian Xingzhi couldn’t resist the enthusiasm of the fan girl. He took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself. Under her encouraging gaze, he held up the flag. He still couldn’t bring himself to shout, so he just said, using his normal speaking volume, “Shi Xingze.”
Coincidentally, Shi Xingze had just finished his final pose, and the music instantly stopped. Jian Xingzhi’s quiet “Shi Xingze” drifted clearly into Shi Xingze’s ears.
Oh no!
Jian Xingzhi’s hand holding the flag froze in the air. He hadn’t expected the music to stop so abruptly. For a moment, he couldn’t find anywhere to hide, so he quietly put the flag away.
Shi Xingze was adjusting his breathing, panting slightly, when he suddenly heard someone call his name. He hadn’t expected to actually have a fan who came specifically to see him, and an enthusiastic male fan at that. So, he subconsciously tilted his head and smiled at Jian Xingzhi, even adding a wink.
Jian Xingzhi took a deep breath and leaned back against the seat. Jian Lezhi had good taste; this little star was quite cute when he smiled. Shi Xingze in person did look similar to his photos, perhaps even a bit younger.
Shi Xingze’s eyes were round and watery, seemingly carrying a natural innocence when looking at others, but when he smiled, he revealed two small canine teeth, making it easy to win people over. No wonder the handsome guy next to her was supporting him; he must like the puppy type, the girl thought to herself.
Jian Xingzhi didn’t know what others were thinking. While the judges were commenting on others, Jian Xingzhi took out his phone and quickly placed a few more orders for milk, planning to save it for Jian Lezhi’s late-night snack. He copied others by posting screenshots of his orders in the fan group and didn’t mind being called “Rich Older Sister” by the fans.
Jian Xingzhi calmly put away his phone and watched the stage with composure. It’s decided, it’s you.