Chapter 29: First Performance (4)
One hour earlier.
When the fourth group went on stage, Shen Xiu quietly left the trainee waiting room with the staff member who had come to call him.
God knows, Shen Xiu was most afraid of being called out alone.
Whether it was being summoned by a teacher at school or now by a staff member, he would instinctively tense up, his eyes lowered, almost staring at his toes, and his words came out stiff and unnatural: “Is something the matter?”
The staff member responsible for notifying him, Liang Yu, looked at the man in front of her—his vampire styling now gone and black hair restored, yet still exuding a chill from the inside out—and felt especially nervous when she heard his cold tone.
She replied in a low voice, “The assistant director is looking for you. Please come with me.”
Shen Xiu: “Okay.”
He followed behind the staff member, the two walking one after another down the corridor. The atmosphere was so awkward that Shen Xiu felt like scratching at the floor.
He wanted to say something, but he wasn’t good at small talk and was afraid of making it worse if he said the wrong thing. So, he simply kept quiet and obediently followed behind.
A cold aura wafted from behind her—more effective than air conditioning. No wonder he was known as a walking iceberg. Liang Yu couldn’t help but quicken her pace.
Forgive her—while she secretly “picked” Shen Xiu as her favorite, she only dared to fangirl wildly online. In reality, facing the imposing aura of the Iceberg Demon King Shen, even speaking made her nervous.
“Assistant Director, Shen Xiu is here.” Liang Yu knocked a few times before pushing the door open and reporting in.
“Mm.” The assistant director beamed at Shen Xiu and said, “Congratulations, Shen Xiu. You’ve won the title of ‘Most Popular Trainee’ in the first public performance. As a reward, you’ll get an extra stage to showcase yourself during the performance. After Group Six finishes, you’ll go on stage.”
Getting an extra solo stage during the first public performance—no matter which trainee it is—was a huge deal. It was a golden opportunity to showcase oneself to the audience.
Assistant Director: “Now, take some time to think about what song you want to perform.”
When the production team first created the “Most Popular Trainee” award for each episode, they hadn’t anticipated someone like Shen Xiu—a true all-rounder who had managed to sweep both the initial evaluation and debut stage popularity awards.
The assistant director was at his wit’s end. He felt that if they didn’t do something soon, with Shen Xiu around, the rest of the trainees might as well give up on ever touching the “Most Popular” title for the rest of the show.
Shen Xiu feared crowds and felt uneasy on stage, but at this moment, when he thought of the sea of light boards lit up for him among a massive crowd, he felt a rush of emotion. Compared to the people who liked and supported him, his inner fear and discomfort suddenly felt insignificant.
From the bottom of his heart, Shen Xiu wanted to express something to the audience who liked him. Thinking about how they enjoyed seeing him sing and dance on stage, he decided to treasure this chance.
He looked at the assistant director and asked, “Director, are there any songs that are meant to be sung for fans?”
The assistant director had no clue. He turned to Liang Yu. “Xiao Yu, aren’t you into idols? Do you know?”
Liang Yu seemed to have guessed what was coming. She worked hard to suppress her excitement and gave the name of a song: “Stars—it’s a song idols sing for their fans.”
Stars… Shen Xiu searched his memory for the songs he’d heard during training, but this one didn’t ring a bell.
“Thank you. Got it. I need to head to the practice room for a bit. Could I trouble you to come get me there later?”
Liang Yu’s eyes sparkled as she nodded. “No problem!”
Ahhhh! Is Boss Xiu really going to sing for his fans?! I’m so excited! Too bad I’m working right now—I can’t even share this!
Assistant Director: “Oh right, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask you about…”
After finishing his talk with the assistant director, Shen Xiu didn’t dare waste any time and hurried straight to the practice room to rehearse.
[Eh?! Why is Boss Xiu here?!]
[Ahhh he went into the practice room! Ugh, when is the production team finally going to open up the livestreams for each group room? I’m dying to know what he’s doing in there!]
Some viewers, casually hopping between different livestream rooms, happened to catch sight of Shen Xiu and saw him heading into a practice room. Frustrated, they complained in the hallway livestream chat about not being able to watch what was happening inside.
After an hour of practice, Shen Xiu now stood once again on stage.
It wasn’t just the trainees in the backstage room who were shocked—the viewers were also stunned.
[Wait, what’s going on? Didn’t Xiu Xiu already finish his performance?]
[Is this a surprise? I love it, hehe!]
Backstage.
After the initial shock, some trainees began to openly express their dissatisfaction, while others took passive-aggressive jabs at Shen Xiu.
Shen Xiu already outshone them in skill, and now he had more stage time than they did. It rubbed people the wrong way.
“Why does Shen Xiu get an extra solo stage? That’s not fair.”
“First the commercial, now a solo stage? This is obviously favoritism. Just because he has a powerful background, they’re giving him special treatment.”
“Exactly. At the start, the show told us not to mention our agencies or show any company logos on screen, saying it was to keep things fair. But I guess that ‘fairness’ only applies to those of us with no connections or power. Look at Shen Xiu—having backing really makes all the difference, huh?”
“Hey, stop talking. Don’t you see the way Shen Xiu’s fanboys here are glaring at you like they’re about to throw hands?”
“Heh.” Shang Yu let out a soft chuckle.
In this show, if we’re talking about background—who could possibly have a stronger one than him? If there really is a hidden agenda, of course the chosen one would be him.
Thinking of Shi Buwen’s temperament, Shang Yu turned to the trainee accusing the show of favoritism and said calmly, “Whether this is backstage manipulation or a production team reward is unclear. But you speak with such certainty—you must be someone from inside the crew, right? My apologies, my apologies.”
Song Chengwang raised a hand and waved mockingly, tone dripping with sarcasm: “So sour. You must’ve downed a few gallons of vinegar. That commercial last time was clearly a reward for winning ‘Most Popular,’ and you’re still bitter about it? Impressive memory—how come you still mess up lyrics with a memory like that?”
“Oh, I get it now. You really care about Shen Xiu—more than you care about the lyrics. I’m in tears.”
Xia Wenhao scoffed, “You do realize the livestream is on, right? The viewers are seeing your lovely little faces.”
Those trainees, caught up in their outrage, suddenly remembered that the backstage feed was live too. Faces turning sheepish, they went quiet.
The backstage atmosphere grew silent and heavy.
[The difference in strength is just on another level.]
[They’re bitter and untalented—not a good combo.]
[I don’t believe it’s favoritism. It must be a reward.]
[As expected, top-tier talents have a completely different mindset.]
…
Onstage, Shen Xiu had already begun singing. His voice, as gentle as moonlight, spread softly through the venue.
“…Its light tears through the darkness…
Oh stars, bring us endless courage and hope…”
It was a lyrical, pure vocal performance—no flashy dance moves, just a flowing melody like a clear, warm stream gently trickling into the heart…
[Did I hear that right? Stars!!! Aaaa I knew it—this love between us and Boss Xiu is truly mutual!! 😭😭 Why are my eyes sweating?? Oh my god I’m crying]
[His voice clearly has a cold tone, but I still heard so much gentleness in it!]
[LOL sister you’re hilarious—nobody sweats from the corners of their eyes, and tears from the corners of their mouth! Get it right! 😂]
[Ahem (straightens tie) (strides elegantly onto the stage) (adjusts mic) (stands tall, proud) Let me introduce to everyone—(announces loudly) this is a song Boss Xiu sang for us!!!]
The short three-minute performance ended, and as thunderous applause broke out, countless voices erupted from the crowd, calling Shen Xiu’s name.
“Shen Xiu! Shen Xiu!”
“Go go go! You’ve got this!”
“We’ll always support you! You’re my number one pick!”
“Everything else was casual fun—only with Xiu Xiu is it real!”
Looking down at the crowd, filled with passionate fans cheering for him, Shen Xiu felt his anxious heart finally settle.
The audience liked his performance. That alone was enough.
He bowed deeply to the crowd and earnestly expressed his gratitude once more: “Thank you!”
Then, with a stiff, slightly awkward motion, he raised his hand and gave a small wave.
His slightly reddened eyes reflected the bright, uninhibited smiles of the crowd. A faint ache tingled at the tip of his nose. Since losing his parents, this was the first time he’d felt such a deep, overwhelming sense of happiness—warm and full, spreading through his entire heart.
Afterward, Shen Xiu followed the procedure and exited backstage, as host He Ting stepped out onto the stage.
Backstage, Shen Xiu headed straight into the restroom.
It was empty. Avoiding his reflection in the mirror—eyes still red—he quickly turned on the tap and splashed his face with cold water.
He had just… almost cried on stage. How embarrassing!
…
Back on stage—
“I’m sure everyone here at the venue and watching from the livestream is wondering the same thing—why did Shen Xiu get a solo stage in our first public performance?”
The crowd erupted in response: “YES!!!”
“Let’s look at the big screen!” He Ting raised his hand to gesture as he turned his gaze toward the massive display. “The ‘Most Popular’ based on live-stream likes during our first public performance is still Shen Xiu! This solo stage was a reward for being crowned this round’s ‘Popularity King.’”
Upon hearing this, Xiang Yueting called out without holding back, “So, does anyone still think Shen Xiu getting a solo stage was some behind-the-scenes deal? If you’re that confident, try getting the audience to rig the votes for you too!”
Backstage fell completely silent. No one responded.
“Ahem…” He Ting cleared his throat, feeling a little guilty about the next part—but as the host, it was his job to say it.
“Due to uncontrollable circumstances—and to give other trainees more opportunities—after discussion between the production team and Shen Xiu, it has been decided that starting now, Shen Xiu will no longer participate in the ‘Popularity King’ rankings.”
[Ahhh… all I can say is: worthy of being Boss Xiu. 66666]
[Shen Xiu: I used to be a king, but then the show bought me permanent property in the ban zone.]
[This is the confidence of a true powerhouse—so strong, he doesn’t even need the prize anymore.]
[Honestly, looking at it from the perspective of other trainees, Shen Xiu’s kind of a good guy.]
The screen filled with comment after comment of “666”, and since Shen Xiu had agreed himself, fans respected his decision and weren’t too upset.
As for the trainees who had mocked and accused him earlier? Now that Shen Xiu was stepping aside to give others a fair shot, their expressions twisted with embarrassment—or they turned red with shame.
“And one more piece of news,” He Ting continued. “After the rankings are announced tomorrow, we’ll be releasing the practice room livestreams from each group during the first public performance. Stay tuned!”
[AAAA the production team really gets how to comfort us—finally releasing the behind-the-scenes footage!]
[I can’t wait to see what Boss Xiu was doing in the practice room! Rubbing my hands like a fly 🐝]
In the restroom, Shen Xiu heard the “terrible news”—that the practice room livestreams would soon be released. As he recalled the group’s cringe-inducing rehearsal antics, the cold water he had just splashed on his face seemed completely useless. His ears and cheeks flushed bright red again.
He couldn’t face anyone after this!
As he seriously considered whether to wear a mask for the next few days, it suddenly struck him—there were eight other people who had been just as awkward with him in that room.
Shen Xiu: “…”
Maybe… he could live with it. Just a tiny bit.
———
[Baba Forum]
Title: Did anyone watch the first public performance of that super popular boy group survival show?
Original Poster: “Blood Romance” was a total knockout!!! Was this really just a first-stage performance? By the way, I’d never seen the original MV of “Blood Romance” before. Is it really as ‘eye-burning’ as the comments say? Because the stage performance by Shen Xiu’s team was so well-done that the only word in my head was opera—seriously.”
1F: OP, don’t listen to them—Blood Romance’s original version is amazing. So good it made me stomp my feet! Go watch it! If it’s not good, I’ll give you LJS’s (Lin Jiashi’s) head as collateral!
2F: +11111
3F: Big bro speaks facts. Go watch it!
4F: OK, I’ve been converted. On my way to watch it now!
5F: Minus 111111 karma for upstairs.
6F: Credit goes to 5F for the bad rec. Go watch it, OP!
7F: Leave my fluffy white-haired little brother alone! What’s with the unnecessary comparisons?
8F: Exactly! So gross—ugh. My poor little brother is really out here trying to survive this mess of a show. Trash production, trash trainees—they’re just b*llying my boy!
9F: Wait… white-haired little brother—isn’t that LJS (Lin Jiashi)?? What the heck? This kind of weak sauce trainee has fans? RIP ZY (Zhuang Yi), man.
10F: RC (Rong Cheng) and ZY (Zhuang Yi) are seriously the biggest victims—got stuck with LJS (Lin Jiashi) and HKD (Huang Kangdi), two total weirdos. If you ask me, those two should just be permanently paired up and locked away.
11F: Sister, don’t be mad. The first public performance rankings are being announced soon. Those two clowns are definitely getting eliminated—just wait and see.
12F: Sister upstairs, don’t get your hopes up too high. I’m worried you won’t be able to handle the results when they come out. Not trying to rain on your parade, but we’ve seen this before—someone who was useless all season still ended up in the debut lineup.
13F: I don’t care either way. My Boss Xiu is definitely debuting at center. That’s locked in.
14F: Don’t speak too soon. A surprise lineup in the final group isn’t impossible.
15F: Ugh, is LJS’s fanbase trying to copy that one person’s strategy? Wanting a surprise center debut? At least check if he’s even remotely as good-looking. Copycat clown behavior, I’m dying.
16F: If another “surprise” happens, I’m done. Total waste of feelings. I seriously can’t stand those who don’t work hard and only rely on fake personas and cheap tricks. Just so irritating to look at!
17F: I’m back. Y’all are savage, LOL. I went to check out Boss Xiu’s team to cleanse my eyes… Huh? Why’s everyone fighting again? Wait—LJS isn’t the one who messed up twice on stage, right?! Yikes, that’s bad vibes. Block him, block him! Don’t let him near Team X, get him outta here!
—
The Next Day
At 9 a.m., the first public performance ranking announcement took place.
One hundred trainees stood grouped by their performance teams, with opposing groups lined up side by side, waiting for the verdict that would decide their fate on this idol journey.
As the trainees saw Head Mentor He Youna walk out with the ranking list in hand, every one of them held their breath, nerves tightening. All eyes were locked on the rankings she held.
He Youna stood on the frontmost stage. To her left were the one hundred trainees, and to her right was the newly rearranged pyramid seating.
From the top to the base of the pyramid, once every spot was filled, the first public performance ranking announcement would conclude. Any trainee who did not secure a seat within the pyramid would have to pack their things and leave the show.
“Before we announce the rankings, I’d like everyone to read a message. Please look at the big screen.”
The trainees: “?”
Under the puzzled gazes of the trainees, a large sentence appeared on the big screen behind He Youna—big enough that every trainee could read it clearly.
[Is the person you want to vote for really working hard enough to deserve your precious vote? Or are they just coasting? Please make your choice accordingly.]
The moment that line appeared, some trainees’ expressions stayed neutral, others raised their eyebrows slightly, and a few visibly paled.
Shen Xiu looked up at the screen for just a moment, then quickly averted his gaze.
Compared to the words on the screen, he was more concerned with whether he and his team members could stay on stage.
Shen Xiu was anxious. During the preparation period for the first public performance, all his teammates had worked really hard. He was worried that he hadn’t done a good job as team leader and might be the reason they got eliminated.
[As expected, people who genuinely gave it their all won’t be fazed by this line. Boss Xiu just glanced at it and looked away. Clearly, he has a clear conscience.]
[I feel like this line is targeting Lin Jiashi, and I have proof—here’s a link: Click to see Lin Jiashi’s two stage accidents.]
[What’s wrong with you people? So someone’s not allowed to make mistakes now? Are you perfect your whole life or what? Why be so harsh on the poor guy?]
[If you don’t want harsh judgment, don’t join a survival show. Want to be an idol but can’t perform and still expect sympathy? Puhlease.]
Staring at the words on the big screen, Lin Jiashi’s face turned deathly pale.
Lin Jiashi could never have imagined that the show would display such a reminder before the audience’s votes were cast. Wasn’t this just an obvious way to encourage everyone to keep their heads clear?
Shen Xiu… the production team… the trainees, all seemingly hyped up on adrenaline…
His rhythm, his plans for a comeback—everything was disrupted in that instant.
Wasn’t this clearly targeting him?
Lin Jiashi’s mind was collapsing. His breath became erratic.
He Youna’s voice rang out like the tolling of a death bell: “Have you all finished reading? Now, let’s begin the ranking announcement. We’re starting with the rankings from 49 to 72.”
“Please, when your name is called, the trainees from each team should stand up, head to the pyramid seating, and sit according to your ranking.”
“Shen Xiu’s team, Zhuang Yi’s team, please listen carefully!”
