Chapter 35: The Story Between Us Began Long Ago (Two-in-One)

The trainees remained oblivious to the turmoil in the outside world, spending the last two days filming spin-off variety shows and behind-the-scenes segments in their dorms. The Class A trainees had also filmed several commercials for sponsors that would air repeatedly during the program, ensuring their faces would become familiar to the audience as the show gained popularity.

Today, Lay Zhang summoned all the trainees to the studio.

"Good morning, trainees. Did everyone sleep well last night?"

"Good morning, Producer Zhang!"

"I slept great! It was the most peaceful sleep I’ve had in days!"

Lay Zhang easily livened up the atmosphere, and the trainees responded with cheerful enthusiasm. However, their smiles soon faded.

Lay Zhang smiled, picked up his cue cards, and announced the news: "Do you remember when I told you during the re-evaluation that all Class A and B trainees would receive a hidden benefit?"

He smiled slightly. "After the theme song recording, you will all be allowed to leave the training base. You will join me to participate in the recording of a weekly variety show on Mango TV."

A weekly variety show? Could it be...

At this, hope flickered in the eyes of the Class A and B members.

"That's right. It is exactly what you are thinking."

Lay Zhang watched as the trainees struggled to hide their excitement. "Congratulations to Class A and B. Tomorrow afternoon, you will head to Mango TV with me to record 'Happy Camp.' You will perform the opening number with me—this will be your very first stage."

"This episode will air in a month. You all know what this means, right?"

Lay Zhang actively engaged with the trainees, playing to the cameras.

"It means extra exposure!"

Justin, the clever one, was the first to shout out. Given his young age, everyone just found him cute even if he had been wrong.

"Exactly!"

Lay Zhang smiled, and his next words sent a wave of excitement through everyone.

"'Happy Camp' will air on February 13th, right after the first public performance. Most importantly, you will appear before the public before the first episode of our show even airs. You will gain unique exposure and a potential fan base that the other levels won't have!"

It must be said that Lay Zhang, having debuted with EXO for many years, truly knew how to stir up an audience. After he finished, the hearts of most trainees began to race. In a survival show that relied fundamentally on fan voting, "unique exposure" was equivalent to seizing the initiative. After the "first public performance," the rankings for popularity would largely be set.

"Happy Camp" was a top-tier variety show on Mango TV, airing in a prime-time slot every week with high ratings and a loyal audience. The viewers of this show were bound to overlap with the audience of the survival show. If they performed well during the "first public performance," "Happy Camp" would sustain the momentum, attracting new fans to watch the stage and solidify their fan base. If they underperformed, appearing on "Happy Camp" would still leave an impression on some viewers, increasing their margin for error.

Gu Jingyi observed the reactions around him. Justin and Zhu Zhengting were ecstatic. Cai Xukun looked excited but maintained his composure. Perhaps of all the trainees present, he was the most indifferent. He had been on "Happy Camp" not long ago with the cast of "A Love So Beautiful." At that time, the drama hadn't aired yet, and the production team only gave them about two hours of recording time after the appearance of big stars like Shen Teng. That episode hadn't aired yet either; it would likely be released when the finale of "A Love So Beautiful" approached.

Gu Jingyi estimated that in a two-and-a-half-hour top-tier variety show, his personal screen time would not exceed ten minutes. Variety shows were excellent at showcasing a star's popularity and status. Even with Lay Zhang's announcement, Gu Jingyi didn't find it particularly special. The reason Class A and B of "Idol Producer" were able to appear on the show was entirely due to Lay Zhang's favor. To put it bluntly, they were tagging along as his "plus-ones."

Before "Idol Producer" aired, no one could have predicted that a show imitating the South Korean competition format would produce a "phenomenal top-tier idol." Aside from the opening performance of "Sheep," they wouldn't get much screen time during the game segments—only Gu Jingyi might get a little more. However, the other trainees were unlikely to realize this.

"Alright, Class A and B, you need to hurry. You don't have much time left. Aside from practicing 'Sheep' with me, the IFS International Finance Square in Star City has also sent an invitation for a flash mob to the Class A trainees."

"Those who weren't chosen, don't be discouraged. After the public performance, there will be a massive reshuffling of popularity. Your levels will be decided by the votes of the nation's producers. Popularity will be the foundation of everything."

After dropping this second bombshell, Lay Zhang left. The unprepared Class A trainees were stunned, still digesting the hard-won good news.

"Let's go. Have you mastered 'Sheep' yet? Stop spacing out and go practice."

Gu Jingyi led Justin and Zhu Zhengting out, waking the other trainees from their daze. Soon, they all rushed to the practice room to put in extra hours. Gu Jingyi was a true perfectionist; since he couldn't get enough screen time in the main cut of "Happy Camp," he would rely on his strength to leave an impression on the audience during the opening number with Lay Zhang. Spurred on by his dedication, the other trainees worked even harder, following his lead and practicing through the night.

The next afternoon, Gu Jingyi tidied himself up. For the first time since filming began, he stepped out of the "Idol Producer" recording building during the day. The area between the recording building and the dorms was still packed with young women. Many had brought folding chairs and portable tents, sitting in groups sharing hot milk tea and hand warmers.

After the theme song MV was finished, only the Class A and B trainees remained in the recording building, rehearsing for "Happy Camp." Some trainees favored by the "fansites" (station masters) hadn't made the list and had already left after taking their "off-duty" photos. But many more favored trainees remained in the building. Despite the biting winter wind, the fans didn't feel cold. The trainees who could make it into the recording were either talented or popular. Standing outside, the fans were like parents at an honor student's school event, glowing with pride.

"Sisters! I see the Class A uniforms! Someone’s coming out!"

"Is that Gu Jingyi? Oh my god, where’s my camera!"

"Is it Jingyi? It is, right? That height and those long legs—only he has that presence!"

The veteran Gu Jingyi fansites listened to their peers without a word, merely setting up their heavy cameras with practiced ease, focusing their lenses on that figure and snapping away. The sound of their shutters was the best answer.

As the shutter sounds rose and fell, accompanied by shouts of "Gu Jingyi," he slowed his pace when he heard his name. He lifted his head slightly, and then—he turned to look.

*Click.*

Tian Xiwei, standing behind the lens, instinctively pressed the shutter, staring blankly at him through the viewfinder. Gu Jingyi was still in his Class A uniform. He casually brushed his hair back, revealing his sharp, handsome features. In the natural light, it was the most heart-stopping entrance imaginable. With his fair skin and deep brows, his loose black hair brought to mind the handsome stars of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. He didn't look like a trainee coming out of a base; he looked like a supermodel on a runway.

Just that one glance caused Tian Xiwei’s heart to race uncontrollably. This person seemed to have magic; no matter how much time passed, he was still so captivating.

"Good afternoon."

Gu Jingyi stepped closer, greeting the fans warmly. Despite his sharp and overly handsome looks, his eyes were incredibly soft when he addressed them. On this biting winter day, he turned the fans' hearts into a pool of spring water they were willing to drown in.

"Ahhh, Gu Jingyi! It's really him, he's coming over!"

"Gu Jingyi, have you eaten?"

One question after another was thrown at him.

"I haven't eaten yet. How about you guys?" Gu Jingyi replied, interacting with them.

The floor manager beside him looked displeased as he lingered. The trainees of "Idol Producer" had strict rules—such as "no leaking recording information" and "off-duty lingering must not exceed ten seconds." To control the trainees, managers would follow them out to record how long each trainee stayed. If Gu Jingyi continued to chat, he would be judged as violating the rules and face punishment.

The fans behind the cordon knew about these ridiculous rules. Fearing they would drag him down, they waved for him to leave quickly.

"Gu Jingyi, go eat!"

"Xiao Yi, don't worry about us, boo-hoo. Go get some rest, see you tomorrow."

"Baby, just go straight to the dorms every day after work. It's fine if you just look at us from afar. Don't let the show punish you because of those stupid rules."

"Jingyi, don't be under too much pressure. We will defend the glory that belongs to you."

Gu Jingyi heard their shouts, his gaze sweeping over each of their faces. Most were old faces he had seen during "Produce 101." He had once thought that as he withdrew from the competition, these people would slowly vanish from his journey. During the half-year he spent back in China, he had witnessed fansites closing down or moving on to chase new groups after they debuted. As time passed and distance grew, the fans he had gained from the survival show were gradually drifting away. He hadn't expected some of the South Korean fansites to see him on "Idol Producer" on forums, only to hop on the next flight and bring their equipment to China.

Gu Jingyi couldn't ignore the love from his fans just for the sake of the show's rules. In this world, fans were perhaps the only people who were not related by blood yet sincerely wished for his well-being. Every bit of love was precious and deserved to be cherished. He had never been a very obedient person, and if "Idol Producer" wanted to punish him, it would just be a pretext to force him into more spin-off shows and advertisements.

"It's okay, I don't feel dragged down. I'm happy you guys could come. Remember to stay warm and don't catch a cold."

Under pressure from the manager, Gu Jingyi said his goodbyes and left, leaving the fansites behind in tears. Human hearts are made of flesh; everyone hopes for positive feedback from their idols. Gu Jingyi's appearance was like a gentle breeze brushing against their hearts. To be a fan of Gu Jingyi, they didn't need to engage in the self-hypnosis and manipulation common among other fan groups.

Tian Xiwei looked at the photo of Gu Jingyi in her camera; he was still as beautiful as a dream. It reminded her of their meeting a year ago. She had been at the most confused period of her life, and while traveling in South Korea, she saw the overwhelming advertisements for "Produce 101." Perhaps it was fate—she happened to be nearby when the trainees were attending a music program. When over a dozen Class A trainees stepped out of the van, she saw them clearly. When Gu Jingyi stepped out, he didn't need any persona or halo. He was just strikingly handsome, 24k pure, natural beauty. One glance left her dazed, falling into that tangible heart-fluttering feeling.

"Hello!"

The familiar Chinese made Gu Jingyi walk toward her step by step, the distance closing, then closing again. She felt her heart racing like a kite out of control.

"Hello, I'm Gu Jingyi."

A breeze blew, and that second stretched out for a very long time. Gu Jingyi was only a step away, and the air seemed to hold the faint, clean scent of laundry detergent. The crisp, clear Chinese spoken by the person before her required no filters and no persona. Many young men had stepped out of the same van, but Tian Xiwei saw Gu Jingyi first. And so, she was only willing to remember Gu Jingyi.

Anyone who has chased a star can understand such a moment. Even if you don't know them at first, a single glance makes it impossible to just watch them pass by. Missing this moment would surely lead to long-lasting regret. Who knew if she would ever have a second chance to meet him?

The brave, passionate personality of a girl from Sichuan surfaced again. She took the initiative to call out to him: "So, Gu Jingyi, can you... give me an autograph?"

With a name, there would be memories. That would be their unique bond.

Gu Jingyi, who had just passed by, stopped in his tracks. This moment of him turning back was also captured by Tian Xiwei’s phone. It was more heart-fluttering than any classic idol drama. She nodded, blushing. Tian Xiwei was only as tall as his shoulder. Gu Jingyi looked down at her, surprised, and confirmed, "Me?"

"Yes, you." Tian Xiwei smiled happily. How could his voice be so pleasant?

"Then where should I sign?" Gu Jingyi asked gently.

Tian Xiwei was embarrassed; she realized she hadn't handed him a pen or paper. She scrambled to find them in her bag and handed them to him. Gu Jingyi hesitated slightly before writing, the pen hovering over the paper for a long time before he finally wrote with a flourish. At that time, he hadn't practiced calligraphy, and no agency had designed a signature for him. He pondered for a moment, then wrote his name stroke by stroke in neat standard script.

Those few seconds of signing felt like a very long time. Tian Xiwei silently recorded with her phone, unable to resist stealing glances at him. His eyes were slightly lowered, and the setting sun traced him with the gentlest strokes. It was the kind of heart-fluttering sight that would make anyone's heart skip a beat.

Tian Xiwei silently recited along with his pen strokes: [Gu-Jing-Yi].

"To my first fan: This is my first autograph in life. Wishing you happiness and that all your wishes come true. Gu Jingyi."

After signing, a shy, gentle smile appeared on his face due to his earnestness. "You are my first fan. Thank you for your support; I will remember you."

Tian Xiwei, who had never chased a star before, was completely bewitched. Her first fan, her first autograph, being remembered by her idol—these romantic lines spread out like a net. A sudden, unprecedented feeling of happiness came swirling like a tornado, swallowing her whole like a tsunami. Falling in love with Gu Jingyi was as simple as breathing.

Tian Xiwei chose to stay during her short trip, and she became Gu Jingyi's first fansite. Food always brought her more happiness, so she named her site "Gu Jingyi's Donut." After Gu Jingyi exploded in popularity, "Gu Jingyi's Donut" became a place for countless fans to dig into his past.

When Gu Jingyi withdrew from the show, Tian Xiwei bought a ticket on the same flight back to China. She chatted with him anxiously, asking what injustices he had faced on the show and if he would still be an idol. Gu Jingyi didn't answer; he couldn't give a concrete answer at the time. Leaving the stage, he just felt it was a pity. Tian Xiwei sensed his thoughts and tactfully changed the subject to safer topics.

As the plane was about to land, she suddenly called out to him, asking with a hint of loneliness: "You're leaving like this, so which star should I follow in the future? I don't know if I'll ever meet you again."

Gu Jingyi turned his head, looked into her eyes, and said seriously: "You will. I won't quit the entertainment industry because of this. You're so beautiful, Xiao Tian, and as a student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, you'll definitely meet me in the industry in the future. Don't just focus on chasing me. Your true Number One has always been yourself."

Tian Xiwei's expression was complex, and after a while, she cried tears of joy. "Okay... I know. Then, Jingyi, let's pinky swear."

The girl a year older than him, because of this promise, had a childish smile on her face with dried tears still on her cheeks, raising her pinky to swear with him.

"Pinky swear, it won't change."

Gu Jingyi, you really did it.

Tian Xiwei wore a faint smile, feeling proud of him as she sensed the fans' fervor.

"Sweet Sister, is Gu Jingyi always this good to his fans?" a young fan asked, blushing.

"Of course."

But soon, Tian Xiwei quietly added in her heart, *I am unique in his eyes; all his 'firsts' were experienced with me.*

Thinking of this, Tian Xiwei felt a secret thrill. In a past no one knew about, her story with Gu Jingyi had already begun.