Judges’ panel.
Unlike the reactions of others, Xi Ruqian stared at the two for a moment, pondered for a few seconds, then suddenly stood up and walked toward the back of the room.
In the director’s chair at the very rear, Fu Zhi was scrolling through the noisy comment section when he was abruptly enveloped by a shadow.
Fu Zhi looked up to see Xi Ruqian standing beside him at some point, the transparent lenses of his glasses reflecting the same heated argument page he was browsing.
“Satisfied?” Fu Zhi forced back an eye roll, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Not bad, pretty much as expected,” Xi Ruqian replied unhurriedly, still standing.
According to his plan, Gu Nanci’s abilities would definitely lead to an early elimination.
Thus, the direction he had been strategizing was how to maximize the outcry during this brief stint.
He had originally considered arranging another “bye round” for her, but worried that excessive public outrage might backfire and negatively impact the company’s image, so he dropped the idea.
His initial plan was to internally assign Gu Nanci to a group with several trainees who were on the edge of making it into the Debut Battle but had decent potential. As usual, he would orchestrate a script pitting hardworking teammates against a slacking deadweight—both fueling the hate-driven popularity and giving a boost to the newcomers.
Unexpectedly, Gu Nanci had managed to climb her way to the very top—the debut lineup!
After all, prospective debut members like Wen Jiuyi were famously skilled, proud, and extremely protective of their reputations! They were candidates he hadn’t even considered when designing his script for contrast and criticism.
With this momentum, there was a real chance Wen Jiuyi might actually take a liking to her and bring her into his team. Then, with a legitimate reason to stay longer, she could create even more buzz for the show!
Delighted by this unexpected turn, the faint smile that always lingered at the corners of Xi Ruqian’s lips grew a touch more genuine. He could already envision Gu Nanci’s popularity exploding after the show ended, and her endorsement fees rising even higher.
He immediately adjusted the arrangements and came over to instruct Fu Zhi: “Hold off on Gu Nanci’s segment for now.”
“Changed your mind?” Fu Zhi’s voice was hopeful, but before he could finish, Xi Ruqian continued:
“Let her form teams freely like the others first. If she doesn’t end up with Wen Jiuyi, then proceed with the original plan.”
Fu Zhi: “…”
What kind of fantasy are you living in!
We’re all in the entertainment industry—which top student would willingly team up with a slacker!
…Isn’t this still blatantly using her as a publicity tool?!
Seeing Xi Ruqian’s unyielding demeanor, Fu Zhi knew the man had no intention of reflecting on his actions. Fuming but powerless, he could only curse bitterly: “…Just wait, you’ll regret this!”
The headcount was finalized, and the last preparations were completed. Right before the start, with only minutes to spare, the Debut Battle’s guest supporter, Yin Yue, arrived late.
Finally, with everyone present, Fu Zhi gave a signal, and the front-stage assistant clapped the slate with a sharp crack.
Recording officially began.
Yin Yue’s emotionless script reading still received a round of applause, though her mood today was clearly better—the curve of a smile was unmistakable in her eyes. After reciting a pile of official remarks from the script, she broke precedent by offering a few words of encouragement:
“After the previous individual showcases, you should now have an understanding of each other’s abilities. This weekend, we will hold a fan meet-and-greet along with the First Public Performance. I hope you all prepare well!”
As she said this, her meaningful gaze once again swept over a certain spot.
Below the stage, Wen Jiuyi frowned.It wasn’t his imagination—when Yin Yue had just finished speaking about abilities, she had indeed glared coldly at Gu Nanci. And very obviously, when faced with his gaze, she had politely nodded in contrast.
Wen Jiuyi poked Gu Nanci and whispered, “Hey, what’s going on between you and Yin Yue? Did you offend her?”
“Next, Ms. Qin Bei, Deputy Director of dik’s Artist Department, will announce the specific competition rules.” After finishing her speech on stage, Yin Yue gracefully bowed.
Gu Nanci lifted his eyes and replied expressionlessly, “Probably.”
Who knew where that cheap brother of the original body had racked up these emotional debts!
After searching through his memories yesterday, the only interaction he found was when the original body had just entered the industry as a replacement and was stopped by Yin Yue, who cried and scolded him with a bunch of inexplicable accusations about being a scumbag and a heartbreaker.
It was quite obvious—this was likely a romantic debt left behind by Gu Nanjue.
Gu Nanci sighed helplessly at the sky. Not only did he have to deal with the original body’s pile of blood pressure-raising messes, but he also had to clean up after the unlucky brother whose identity he had taken over!
Who would have thought that just as he said this, Yin Yue on stage suddenly took the microphone and stared directly at him, coldly criticizing:
“Some people, not only lacking in ability but also basic manners and upbringing! Holding private conversations on stage during a formal meeting—if you form a group in the future, will you drag down your teammates with such lack of discipline?”
She said “some people.”
But her undisguised direct gaze made it perfectly clear who she was referring to.
Looking at the furious Yin Yue, the entire venue fell silent, and everyone’s eyes shifted toward the protagonist of the incident, Gu Nanci.
Gu Nanci, who had only replied once and was inexplicably labeled: “…”
Damn it! The anger only grew stronger.
Wasn’t this clearly using public office for private revenge?!
…Gu Nanjue, look at the mess you’ve left behind!
Online, however, there was a wave of applause and cheers:
[Goddess Yin is right! Gu Nanci should just leave!]
[As expected of Yin Yue! Directly calling out the privileged! So brave, so brave!]
[Jiu Yi, did you hear that! Why be friends with someone like him? Stay away from that Gu guy!]
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Qin Bei cleared her throat, straightened her expression, and took the microphone.
“Actress Yin makes a very good point. In the future, when everyone forms a group, team discipline is indeed very important. You can’t just do whatever you want.”
“For this company’s Debut Battle, we will implement a points system. Those with higher rankings will debut in order. Each trainee starts with 10 points: 30 points for individual performance judged by the panel, 30 points for group performance judged by the panel, 20 points for on-site audience scoring, 10 points for online audience voting, and special rewards or Punishments will be implemented with corresponding point additions or deductions after discussion by company leadership.”
“In that case, let’s deduct five points from Gu Nanci this time as a warning.”
Beside him, Wen Jiuyi was stunned.
After all, it was he who had asked the question first, and Gu Nanci had only replied once.
But what happened? No one mentioned him—all the criticism was directed at Gu Nanci!
First, he wasn’t allowed to perform, and now, with only ten starting points, half were deducted at once. Was he really just being used as a pure traffic tool by the company?
Whether out of guilt or sympathy and anger for Gu Nanci’s experiences from last night until now, Wen Jiuyi’s hatred for capitalists reached its peak.
Wen Jiuyi fell silent for a moment before interrupting in a low voice, “Director Qin, you just mentioned team discipline. In that case, I have something to confess.”
Qin Bei was taken aback, a sense of foreboding flashing through her mind.
Sure enough, Wen Jiuyi straightened up and said earnestly, word by word: “It was me who spoke to Nanci first just now. Nanci only replied to me. If there’s to be punishment, I should be the one punished.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.
【Is Wen Jiuyi crazy? Why would anyone willingly ask for punishment?】
【…I’m so moved! Brother Wen is so manly and responsible! I knew I didn’t support the wrong person!】
【Damn it, I knew nothing good would come from getting involved with that vase Gu! They haven’t even started the competition yet, and they’re already losing five points!】
【If my Jiuyi gets affected and can’t debut because of this, I swear I’ll go offline and tear that Gu guy apart!!】
On stage, Qin Bei was also stunned, holding the microphone.
She never expected things to develop this way.
She had just casually mentioned a deduction earlier. After all, it was decided during yesterday’s meeting that Gu Nanci was merely a contestant for attracting attention and would never come close to debuting, so no matter how many points were deducted, it wouldn’t matter.
But Wen Jiuyi was different!
He was the company’s key cultivation target!
The points that were negligible for Gu Nanci could have a decisive impact on Wen Jiuyi, where a slight difference could lead to a huge loss!
—After all, the show was different from company evaluations, with too many uncertain factors. If the public scoring went wrong at any stage, and he didn’t debut in the position set by the script, the company’s original plans would have to be completely reworked, leading to immeasurable losses!
Qin Bei froze in place. Whether to punish Wen Jiuyi or not had become a dilemma.
However, as if the shock wasn’t enough, just as Wen Jiuyi finished speaking, another voice rang out.
Cheng Yang, sitting in the row behind the two, stood up as well, a gentle smile on his lips as he said softly:
“Director Qin, I believe unity and discipline are equally important. As teammates of Nanci and Jiuyi, I voluntarily request to be deducted points as well.”
Everyone: “!!!”
These words completely ignited the scene.
【Holy shit! What’s going on?】
【Cheng Yang? Is this world turning magical? Why is Cheng Yang also getting involved with Gu Nanci?】
【No way! I don’t agree! How did you all end up in the same team!】
【As a bystander, I’m utterly shocked. Is it trendy now to build team spirit before even debuting? …Wait! Is this hinting that Gu, the royal favorite, is going to debut?! (Alert)】
“You—” Qin Bei opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Beside her, Xi Ruqian stepped in, calmly saving the situation: “Very well. Although you made a mistake, your team attitude is commendable. Wen Jiuyi and Cheng Yang can be considered to have offset their faults with merits. Each of you will receive a five-point personal reward.”
Instantly pulling the situation back under control and even praising the two key contestants for their unity and responsibility, Qin Bei’s eyes lit up with admiration, flowing endlessly like a river.
Truly the top old fox of Hongyu Entertainment!
Seizing the opportunity, Si Chang quickly stood up and raised his hand, saying anxiously: “Wait—Director Xi, I’m also… on Gu Nanci’s team. I also voluntarily request—”
Before he could finish, a cold voice directly interrupted him.
Gu Nanci’s clear and lingering voice said coldly: “No need. Our team is full. The temple is too small for such a great Buddha.”
Finally, amidst the circle of criticism, the person involved slowly stood up.
Si Chang was left speechless, his face stiffening on the spot.
He looked unwillingly at Wen Jiuyi and Cheng Yang, whom he had been eager to latch onto.
A resentful thought grew like a towering tree: Why?! Even if he wasn’t as good as Wen Jiuyi and Cheng Yang, he was still more capable than Gu Nanci, wasn’t he?
Gu Nanci, that vase! How could he make them willingly become teammates and even take the initiative to accept Punishment!
Xi Ruqian frowned, his gaze shifting among the group. If Si Chang could join Wen Jiuyi’s team, that would naturally be best—several popular contestants in one team would undoubtedly make for a hot headline.
However, seeing Wen Jiuyi and Cheng Yang’s clearly silent and distant attitudes, it was difficult to force the issue.
Otherwise, if another incident of voluntarily requesting point deductions occurred, the resulting changes in the debut lineup would really give the company a headache!
Xi Ruqian paused briefly: “Speaking of team formation, you’ve likely seen the announcement, but I’ll reiterate: the company adheres to the principle of autonomy and voluntariness. Teams must consist of three to nine members and perform a group stage together during the public performance.”
The implication was clear: you all discuss it yourselves; the company won’t interfere.
Helpless, Si Chang sat down with an awkward expression.