Chapter 27: A Hero's Journey or an Even Match?

Following Gu Jingyi, Cai Xukun, Zhu Zhengting, and You Changjing also maintained their A-ratings. However, the cheers from the other trainees were not nearly as enthusiastic as when Gu Jingyi had taken the stage. Facing such a disparity in strength, they felt no urge to even attempt a challenge.

Nevertheless, as far as Cai Xukun was concerned, trainees like Wang Linkai, Ding Zeren, and Lin Chaoze were not entirely convinced. They did not believe their own abilities were inferior to Cai’s, and they felt a drop in their grade didn’t prove anything. When Cai Xukun went to receive his "A" envelope, Wang Linkai, a rapper by trade, offered only a perfunctory clap.

The production team, watching from the back, was deep in thought. Once the trainee evaluations concluded, the planned "Center" selection for the theme song was postponed. Following instructions through his earpiece, Zhang Yixing dismissed the trainees after the re-evaluation. The production team immediately gathered in a conference room to discuss the results. Jin Wen, responsible for internet marketing and promotion; Director Cheng Gang, who oversaw the content of *Idol Producer*; Visual Director Zhao Xian, in charge of stage aesthetics; and the team of scriptwriters all congregated there.

A group of power players sat around the conference table, reviewing the files and data prepared by the staff. *Idol Producer* had been filming since early December, and with the initial stage performances and the theme song re-evaluations complete, the footage could be edited into three episodes. They now had a general grasp of every contestant’s strength. They knew who could contend for the center position, who would generate buzz and traffic, who lacked backing and was easy to manipulate, and who hailed from major companies with powerful connections.

The original script had been designed around a "Two Kings" rivalry. However, as filming progressed, the production team realized the premise was flawed. They needed to adjust the script to establish a primary and secondary focus, ensuring the post-production team could edit the footage to guide the audience toward their desired narrative.

"Who do you think will be the center?"

"Currently, there are two candidates: Gu Jingyi and Cai Xukun."

The large screen projected their theme song performances from earlier that day. Gu Jingyi showed exceptional technique and incredibly fluid dance movements, with a personal style so strong and vocals so refined he seemed like a seasoned singer. Combined with his striking, visually impactful appearance, he was undeniably the leader of this new generation. Cai Xukun, while decent, lacked that same level of excellence in any single category; he was merely talented by idol standards.

"I know Gu Jingyi, but he’s from Huace..." Director Cheng Gang frowned in thought. "No matter how much we promote him, it’s just boosting Huace. We’ve already given him a lead role in an S+ production every year; that’s more than enough."

"Cai Xukun is still embroiled in a lawsuit with his former company, and that history is a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment. We don't know if his former company will try to get a piece of the pie once the show airs."

"But Director Cheng, we haven't found a second contestant who can be edited as a credible rival for Gu Jingyi."

Cheng Gang frowned. "What about Chen Linuong? He looks good, and he has strong backing from Taiwanese capital."

"That’s difficult. Chen Linuong has only been practicing dance for a little over two months..."

"Then what about Wang Ziyi?"

The staff member’s expression stiffened. "During his interview yesterday, Wang Ziyi expressed respect for Gu Jingyi. He admitted his mistake, acknowledging he had been biased against Gu’s rap ability. He said there are very few idols with real skills, and Gu Jingyi’s performance changed his perspective."

"What the hell? He gave in that easily?" Cheng Gang was disappointed.

"He’s a man who knows when to yield," Jin Wen, the marketing head, explained with a smile. "If Wang Ziyi didn’t back down, his skills would be judged by everyone once the show aired. By folding now, he can at least spin a narrative of being 'authentic' later. It’s a standard move; his company likely authorized it."

"So, have we reached a conclusion? Do we edit Cai Xukun as Gu Jingyi’s equal rival, or do we rewrite the script to make Gu Jingyi the clear protagonist? We’ve been sitting here long enough to at least have a preliminary decision!" Cheng Gang said, feeling irritated.

"It’s hard to say," one of the writers replied. "Before the show aired, we could have framed Cai Xukun as Gu’s rival. But after the first stage airs, most people will likely recognize Gu Jingyi’s superior strength."

"Or are you planning to cut Gu Jingyi’s 'Throne' battle performance, Director? If you cut it, the fans will only become more loyal when they dig it up later. They’ll attack the production team to defend him... I think it’s better to give Gu Jingyi the protagonist storyline."

Zhao Xian, the visual director, truly felt Gu Jingyi was the right choice for the lead. There was a sense of depth to him.

Director Cheng, his own thoughts echoed, remained silent. After learning of Wang Ziyi’s reversal, he had considered cutting Gu Jingyi’s highlights but hesitated. On one hand, there was Huace’s influence; on the other, if he cut Gu’s highlights, the fact that Wang Ziyi ended up in F-class would be too obvious. If the cuts weren't clean and the truth came out, even the iQIYI platform wouldn't protect him.

"Forget it. Let’s set up the rivalry storyline for Cai Xukun. Their popularity was similar when they arrived; why is the gap in skill so massive?"

The editor felt a pang of sympathy. Even if Cai Xukun received more screen time now, his name would constantly be compared to Gu Jingyi’s once the show aired.

"Fine. Change the editing order. Cut Gu Jingyi’s 'First A' and graft it onto Cai Xukun. Let’s edit it this way for now. If Cai Xukun really can’t keep up and loses to Gu Jingyi in the first public performance, we’ll change the storyline then and make Gu Jingyi the main protagonist."

After a moment of deliberation, Cheng Gang gave his answer. Once the decision was made, the meeting concluded. The senior production staff stood up and left, but the writers weren't as lucky—they had to work overtime to revise the script.

...

At 9:00 AM the next day, the trainees gathered once more. They were about to undertake the most important task of the pre-selection phase: the 100 trainees would vote to select one person from the A-class to be the center for the theme song music video.

Zhang Yixing, dressed for the occasion, appeared in the studio holding the task card.