Chapter 14: The Rivalry of Two Women for One Husband

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The mentors were free to leave, but the trainees still had a few scattered segments to record.

For instance, there was the one-minute individual self-introduction that had produced countless memorable moments. The classic basketball bit and Wang Ziyi’s “I’m Prince Boggie” both came from this segment.

After the classes were assigned, each class would also wear a different uniform: pink for Class A, blue for Class B, and gray for Class F. Everyone could now go and change.

Afterward, the trainees would head to their designated dormitories according to their classes, and their expressions and reactions would be recorded as well. All of this was part of the filming schedule, ultimately becoming part of the finished program.

Zhang Yixing said goodbye to the other four mentors, then gave the trainees across the room a casual wave.

The other mentors also left in an orderly fashion.

Only Cheng Xiao seemed somewhat strange. Before leaving, she glanced at Gu Jingyi, then shifted her gaze away with an impassive expression.

Seated at the very top of the pyramid, Gu Jingyi watched the graceful back of the dance mentor disappear, his thoughts drifting.

Perhaps it was only his imagination, but Cheng Xiao seemed a little odd today.

In front of the other trainees, she put on the dignified air of a mentor, yet she seemed… afraid to meet his eyes?

Whenever their gazes crossed, she would naturally look away.

It made no sense.

“But she’s really impressive,” Gu Jingyi thought with a smile. “Cheng Xiao is clearly more professional than Zhou Jieqiong when it comes to giving critiques. She completely deserves her status as a mentor.”

Outside the studio, Cheng Xiao ran into Zhou Jieqiong.

They stared at each other and spoke almost in unison.

“Xiao Xiao, go back to the hotel and get some rest first. I still have something to do.”

“Jieqiong, go back to the hotel and get some rest first. I still have something to do.”

The moment they finished speaking, both girls looked at each other in surprise and curiosity.

“No, wait. What are you planning to do?”

The two beautiful women once again questioned each other in perfect unison.

Neither bothered to explain herself.

Yet no matter how long their beautiful eyes glared at one another, neither of them was willing to give in.

Zhou Jieqiong’s thoughts were simple enough.

She felt that Gu Jingyi had been unbelievably handsome today. With the added charm of the stage, he was practically a comic-book hero come to life.

While sitting in the mentors’ seats, she had suddenly felt her heartbeat quicken. Each rapid thump proclaimed that her heart had been moved.

Zhou Jieqiong intended to take advantage of her proximity and make her move in secret. She would use the opportunity of filming the show to win Gu Jingyi over before anyone else could.

This was the perfect chance. The training was almost entirely closed off, and spending every day together from morning to night provided the ideal opportunity to cultivate feelings.

Having also come from a reality talent show, Zhou Jieqiong understood better than anyone how powerfully such programs could create stars.

With Gu Jingyi’s abilities, he would become a hot new sensation as soon as the competition ended.

The Good Little Things was still airing, and with that work adding to his appeal, Gu Jingyi was no longer merely an idol.

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Countless advertisers were already seeking opportunities to collaborate with Gu Jingyi by offering him endorsement deals.

The scripts sent his way would also grow thicker and more numerous.

If Gu Jingyi could help her gain access to better film and television opportunities, her path as an actress would become much smoother.

With these two goals in mind, Zhou Jieqiong prepared to act in secret, quietly carrying out her plans before shocking everyone.

Until then, even Xiao Xiao, who usually had a good relationship with her, would have to be kept in the dark.

“Guard against fire, theft, and even your best friend”—the saying had never felt more vivid.

Cheng Xiao’s thoughts were even simpler. She had not yet had the chance to leave him her address of love over the weekend.

Those nights had been far too vivid, and they had already become a habit.

Not to mention that Gu Jingyi had looked exceptionally handsome today. Just sitting in the mentors’ seats had left her heart in turmoil.

There was even less chance that she would tell Zhou Jieqiong that her relationship with Gu Jingyi was anything but ordinary.

Neither woman managed to learn anything from the other. The stalemate grew increasingly awkward.

Yet both still had to put on the appearance of, “You don’t regard me as your best friend anymore. You have secrets now,” while secretly harboring their own agendas.

After bumping each other’s arms, they both made excuses about being busy and left first.

……

Once all the tedious filming was complete, the trainees could return to their respective dormitories to rest.

Only some of the more popular contestants would receive invitations from the production team for additional interviews. Staff members would come knock on their dormitory doors, then escort them to the interview room.

By the time they left the filming venue, it was already after four in the morning. The earth lay shrouded in the heavy darkness of night.

The accompanying staff reminded the trainees to put on warm coats before leaving the recording hall. They were to head to the dormitory building, collect their luggage, and move into their new rooms.

Unlike the other trainees, who were carrying large and small bags, all of Gu Jingyi’s belongings fit inside an outdoor backpack.

Traveling light, he walked faster than most of the others.

For most of the contestants, filming Idol Producer was their last chance to turn things around.

For Gu Jingyi, however, it was merely a temporary stop along the way.

The closed training system applied to the other trainees, but it was not quite as strict for trainees who already had their own popularity, such as Yuehua’s contestants and Cai Xukun.

If they had work outside the program, they could request a day off so long as it did not interfere with filming.

That was why Huace Film & TV had not strongly opposed Gu Jingyi’s participation.

After completing his interview at the dormitory, he would be leaving for two days to handle some commercial work.

As they neared the dormitory building, a wave of exhaustion caused the trainee beside him to stumble. His suitcase was about to crash into the unfortunate boy when Gu Jingyi reacted swiftly and caught him.

“Careful.”

“I’m fine, I’m fine.”

The somewhat clumsy boy regained his balance. After this little incident, the cold wind blew away his drowsiness, and he looked up at Gu Jingyi.

“Brother Jingyi, thank you.”

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When he turned around, Gu Jingyi instantly recognized him from the “Yuehua D” label stuck to his waist.

He was Bingbing’s younger brother—Fan Chengcheng.

“Brother Jingyi, you’re really amazing.”

Fan Chengcheng was rather friendly, and he chatted with Gu Jingyi as they walked.

Naturally outgoing, he kept tossing out question after question.

Gu Jingyi only replied once or twice from time to time, and he did not seem particularly interested in talking.

Fan Chengcheng suddenly grew dejected.

“I was terrible today. My sister will probably be really disappointed when the show airs. If I’d known it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have joined the program. At this rate, I’ll be eliminated before long anyway.”

The childish remark made Gu Jingyi raise an eyebrow.

“Why do you assume that a talent competition only judges ability?”

“Then what does it judge if not ability?”

Fan Chengcheng looked bewildered as he gazed at the older brother he admired so much.

“Popularity. Why are you so anxious? A trainee’s growth arc is also part of what makes a talent competition compelling. This is only the initial evaluation; it doesn’t prove much. Didn’t the production team just announce that the theme-song assessment and reevaluation will take place in three days? After that, they’ll choose the center position again.”

“Fan Chengcheng, work hard. The audience will see your efforts.”

Gu Jingyi’s words jolted him awake. Fan Chengcheng stood there in a daze for a moment, then suddenly understood.

He jumped excitedly in place.

Seeing that Gu Jingyi had already walked ahead, he dragged his suitcase after him and ran to catch up.

“Brother Jingyi, thank you. I’ll debut!”

Gu Jingyi nodded and stepped into the elevator.

When the elevator doors opened, Wang Ziyi and several trainees from the same company as Gu Jingyi were inside.

The coincidence left the other trainees momentarily stunned when they saw Gu Jingyi.

If the man standing before them had not defeated Wang Ziyi, then the one wearing the Class A uniform now would have been their Brother Ziyi.

Gu Jingyi showed no embarrassment at all. He nodded in greeting and walked straight into the elevator.

In the end, Wang Ziyi, who had already stepped out, could not help taking the initiative.

“Gu Jingyi, it’s nice to meet you. You’re strong. I’ll see you onstage someday.”

“Good. I look forward to that day.”

As the elevator doors were about to close, Gu Jingyi gave a casual nod and responded with the sort of polite words the occasion called for.

Wang Ziyi stared at the closed elevator doors, his brows drawing together slightly.

But just before Gu Jingyi reached his own dormitory, he stopped.

The reason was simple.

Outside the room bearing Gu Jingyi’s name stood not only the interview staff arranged by the production team, but also two exceptionally distinctive female stars with massive followings.

Zhou Jieqiong and Cheng Xiao, who had agreed ten minutes earlier to go their separate ways, had “coincidentally” met outside Gu Jingyi’s dormitory.

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