“Ready!”
“No problem!”
“All songs we’ve practised.”
Li Mengjiao, Yun Chen, and Zhang Yangning thumped their chests in assurance. Zhang Yangning usually rocked a cool-girl vibe, but cool didn’t mean foolish. While Yuan Fenghui had signed Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen, Zhang Yangning had latched onto her. Yet Yuan Fenghui never looked down on her, securing every opportunity due. Guitar in hand, Zhang Yangning stood, expression solemn:
“Teacher Yuan, don’t worry. We’ll perform brilliantly later, no embarrassment for you!”
Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen nodded eagerly, the trio gazing at Yuan Fenghui like three tail-wagging puppies waiting for head pats.
Yuan Fenghui scoffed, “If you mess up, it’s not my face you’re losing, it’s yours. Perform well, don’t overthink or add drama! Li Mengjiao, especially you, wipe that drool off your mouth. Don’t think I didn’t notice you envying their dozens of lackeys!”
Huh?
Li Mengjiao touched her lips—no drool at all.
But nothing got past Teacher Yuan.
Li Mengjiao sheepishly grinned, “It’s not a crime to dream. Wen Ying always says you gotta have dreams, what if they come true…”
Yuan Fenghui silently snarked: Always yapping about Wen Ying, why not ask her to fund your dozens of lackeys?
Dozens of assistants weren’t unaffordable for Tianjiao, but Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen were rising stars. With big-name celebrities at tonight’s gala, such a grand entourage would make the veterans think what?
That was one key reason. The other? Yuan Fenghui was frugal.
Spend what’s needed, like classes for the trio.
Save what’s not, putting good steel to the blade!
Yuan Fenghui’s heart wasn’t as fragile as the trio thought. Watching the boy band rehearse, her gaze darkened: Coming to the mainland to expand?
Fair enough.
Taiwan’s market was small, its entertainment scene cutthroat.
The mainland’s economy had boomed, with higher commercial gig fees and salaries, increasingly valued by Taiwan and Hong Kong artists. Big population, vast land—who wouldn’t want a bite of this fat meat?
Yuan Fenghui looked away.
Whether “Miracle Boys” could keep making miracles, she didn’t care.
No need to wait for success to strike back. As long as her artists outshone them long-term, “Miracle Boys” would be green with envy daily—a revenge sweeter than any move!
After Yuan Fenghui left her old company, a vice president took over “Miracle Boys,” now their biggest asset, naturally handled by a senior.
On stage, the four members danced and sang, radiating charm.
Yuan Fenghui looked away.
Expanding to the mainland was smart, but she wondered if these four traitors had any plans for their future shift. Nearing thirty, they couldn’t keep playing “boys” forever, no matter how youthful their style.
But that wasn’t her concern.
No matter how generous, she wouldn’t bless the four who stabbed her.
Just keep an eye on her three dummies.
Sigh, the four on stage were traitors, but her three offstage were each dumber than the last. Without close watch, they’d fall prey to those wolves.
Yuan Fenghui fretted deeply.
Portals called Wen Ying, Li Mengjiao, Yun Chen, and Zhang Yangning the “Tianjiao Four,” but only Wen Ying wasn’t signed by Yuan Fenghui. Yet, in her mind, Wen Ying was the smartest of them… If only Wen Ying’s brains could be shared with the trio, Yuan Fenghui wouldn’t worry so much!
The trio misread Yuan Fenghui’s expression.
Though she denied it, they thought she was upset.
Teacher Yuan was just acting tough!
While someone called Yuan Fenghui away, Li Mengjiao spoke first, “We must protect Teacher Yuan. If those wolves dare provoke, they’ll regret it!”
Zhang Yangning nodded.
Yun Chen hesitated, “Teacher Yuan seems unbothered…”
“Hmph, even if she’s fine, are we? As the saying goes, when the master’s in trouble, disciples step up. Without Teacher Yuan, we wouldn’t be here. I won’t let anyone bully her!”
Li Mengjiao’s words fired up Zhang Yangning, gripping her guitar, ready to brawl.
So tense… but so thrilling!
Older and seasoned in Taiwan’s entertainment underbelly, Yun Chen knew “bullying” in the industry wasn’t just fighting or verbal jabs—it was resource theft and suppression.
Yun Chen tensed.
The Miracle Boys couldn’t steal Li Mengjiao or Zhang Yangning’s resources—male and female stars were separate lanes—but they could target his.
Though debuted years ago, the band was only a couple of years older on average. Roles, ads, and gigs suited for him would suit them too!
Yun Chen didn’t share this with the others, instead cautioning them not to let the Miracle Boys distract them: “Tonight’s performance is key. Don’t lose focus.”
A poor showing would truly tarnish their brand.
Li Mengjiao and Zhang Yangning, battle-hardened from talent shows, had stage experience. Yun Chen, a former model, was new to fame and had no prior big gigs. Tonight’s gala was his first major public appearance.
Yuan Fenghui had been drilling his singing and dancing basics, but for safety, tonight’s song was a slow ballad. Stay on pitch, keep steady breathing—no need to dazzle, just don’t flop!
Li Mengjiao reassured him, “Don’t be nervous. Sing with blank eyes, ignore the audience. If all else fails, close your eyes and act immersed… You’re always chasing that star vibe, right? Tonight, you’re the star. Step on stage, and everyone will clap!”
Zhang Yangning chimed in, “Exactly. Teacher Yuan says you’re so handsome, just be handsome.”
“…”
Yun Chen: Thanks for the stellar pep talk.
But fame’s taste? He’d glimpsed it when mobbed in a mall toilet, calling the company for rescue.
