Yan, the producer, noticed the interest from the event organizer’s executives and introduced with a smile:
“Though she’s just a teenage girl, having such insight shows how talent abounds in Rong City. I happen to know her—she’s a student at a key high school in Rong City, friends with our runner-up, Li Mengjiao. Her name is Wen… Wen Ying, yes, Wen Ying.”
Yan could recall Xie Qian’s name effortlessly but hesitated with Wen Ying.
During the filming of the food promo, Wen Ying kept a low profile, giving all credit for planning the food festival to Director Lü. Yan’s attention was drawn to the striking Xie Qian, so Wen Ying naturally received less focus.
But Yan, working in television, was far more socially adept than Professor Fang, whose academic environment differed. Seeing Director Fan’s interest in Wen Ying, Yan immediately praised her.
Director Fan was intrigued, remarking, “It’s a pity Li Mengjiao hasn’t signed yet.”
“She’s a minor, and her family wants her to focus on studies, so they’re cautious about contracts,” Yan explained.
Yan had already investigated Li Mengjiao’s background. Her father was a leader at a major state-owned enterprise in Rong City. Such a family wouldn’t rush a teenage girl into the entertainment industry for quick money. Not signing was expected; signing would’ve been surprising.
Li Mengjiao, accepting her runner-up position without complaints, satisfied Yan. Forcing her wouldn’t work. The entertainment industry suited ambitious youths willing to pay any price for fame. Li Mengjiao treated the competition as a life experience, returning to school afterward, clearly unfit for showbiz.
Fan caught Yan’s subtext, nodded understandingly, and dropped the topic of Wen Ying.
Just a high schooler.
Her accurate guess about the competition’s next steps impressed Fan, but not enough for him to lower himself to befriend her.
Wen Ying was too young to be immediately useful. Like Li Mengjiao, a minor with some planning insight couldn’t be recruited to the station right away, so connecting with her had little value.
Still, Fan glanced at Wen Ying a few times, subconsciously memorizing her appearance.
For the first time, standing among striking friends like Xie Qian and Qin Jiao, Wen Ying was the one noticed first.
As Fan moved on, Professor Fang sighed in relief.
Wen Ying would likely never know about this moment at the celebration banquet.
Oddly, Fang felt guilty.
What was she doing, suppressing a high schooler?
Her face warmed.
She didn’t want further contact with Wen Ying. If Fan noticed her, and Fang continued as a judge, she’d have to deal with Wen Ying again. It wasn’t pettiness—it was better for both, Fang convinced herself.
Wen Ying, indeed unaware, wouldn’t have cared if she knew.
Missing an opportunity? No loss.
A deputy director of a TV program center held sway in the station and had strong connections in Hunan’s cultural and entertainment circles. But what did that mean to Wen Ying?
Being praised by Fan wouldn’t shed pounds or boost her intellect from above-average to genius.
Her focus was immediate: school and studies. Other matters were too distant.
Her words left Li Mengjiao stunned, murmuring, “So I need to prepare for a revival round?”
Li’s mother tapped her lightly. “Don’t take everything literally. Wen Ying said it’s possible, not certain. Tomorrow, you’re registering for school!”
Li Mengjiao thought Wen Ying was sharp. If Wen Ying predicted a revival round, it was likely true.
She agreed with her mom but mentally prepared.
Accepting runner-up didn’t mean she preferred it.
If judges had chosen Xu Mei as champion, Li Mengjiao would’ve accepted it. But with the audience voting via paid SMS, losing to Xu Mei felt like betraying her supporters.
If the organizers sent division runners-up to the annual finals, Li Mengjiao aimed to redeem herself there.
If she performed well enough, even without signing, the organizers would owe her that “champion” title.
This was a childish notion, one she kept to herself, quietly fueling her resolve.
Meanwhile, Xu Mei, the champion, and her friend Fu Jing basked in joy.
After chatting with Director Fan, Xu Mei’s unease vanished.
She’d sacrificed more and dared more than Li Mengjiao. The championship was hers by right.
Qin’s mother congratulated Xu Mei, who blushed and thanked her for attending.
As Xu Mei’s boyfriend, Qin Yi should’ve been thrilled. Yet, watching her navigate the banquet with clumsy, earnest attempts to network with organizers, a weight settled in his heart, preventing genuine joy.
Was he secretly selfish, preaching “respect” but failing to live it?
Qin Yi questioned himself, finding no answer.
Learning of Xu Mei’s pre-competition contract, Qin’s mother, while Xu Mei was occupied, advised her son, new to love: “I’m not old-fashioned, thinking girls in entertainment are too exposed. But isn’t Xu Mei a bit impulsive? Signing a contract without discussing it with her family?”
Independence wasn’t just about being an adult.
Legally, Xu Mei could sign alone, no guardian needed. But Qin’s mother believed that relying on parents for money meant incomplete independence.
Parents didn’t nitpick, but major life choices warranted at least a heads-up.
Xu Mei, at a top Shanghai university, was poised to abandon studies for stardom. If her parents were unaware, it was her fault. If they knew and agreed, it reflected poorly on them. Either way, Qin’s mother warned her son: Xu Mei’s upbringing clashed with the Qin family’s values.
Emotions might obscure this now, but better to address it early than let deeper bonds complicate things later.
In the corridor outside the banquet hall, Qin Yi didn’t respond immediately but promised to think it over.
Wen Ying, slipping out to the restroom, stumbled upon their conversation, feeling supremely awkward.
Trying to slip away unnoticed, her plump figure betrayed her, and Qin’s mother caught her.
“You overheard. Good. I’d like your opinion. If you were in the competition, would you sign with the organizers?”
No, I wouldn’t.
I don’t want to sign, nor do I want to witness a breakup intervention.
Under Qin’s mother’s intense gaze, Wen Ying forced a smile and said something that made her laugh.
