CHAPTER 176: CHAPTER 171: LITTLE 5 DIRECTOR

Next came a long chorus, this time performed by everyone together. The cheerful and joyous singing ignited the atmosphere of the entire venue, with everyone waving their glow sticks to cheer for them.

Here, Zhang Xiaohan even added a rap harmony. This arrangement was quite unique since raps are usually performed solo, but she actually harmonized for the other six singers.

However, the effect was amazing—it sounded very engaging. Her voice was also quite good, and her singing was accurate.

As soon as this part concluded, the long-anticipated Duan Yuxin finally had her first solo singing segment.

As soon as she opened her mouth, everyone had only one word in their hearts: "Amazing."

Her voice was simply stunning, and this time she sang with a lot of technical skill, showcasing an extremely layered performance. The final high note pushed the atmosphere to a peak.

It was evident that she had improved greatly during this time. She was no longer just relying on her natural talent but had also added technique.

At the end of this part, Gao Yingxi wrapped her arm around Liu Nian, whose big round eyes resembled black grapes, and lightly kissed her cheek.

This totally stole the show. The audience and the trainees in the waiting area all let out high-pitched screams: "What are they doing?! Oh my God! Help!"

As Duan Yuxin sang the final part, Chen Yinghan, Lai Ruoxuan, and Gao Yingxi stepped forward to join her. The four of them began to sing together, their sweet and magnetic voices sweeping through the entire venue.

The sounds of electric guitars and drums suddenly intensified, followed by a powerful shout of "Hey!"

The four singers in front abruptly dispersed, making way for Liu Nian, Zhang Xiaohan, and Xiang Sixing, who took center stage.

The three of them performed a challenging dance that combined the vigor of a bullfight-inspired choreography and the elegance of South Korean girl group moves.

Their dance was fervent, youthful, and brimming with energy.

Especially those slender waists twisting as though powered by electric motors.

Their skirts fluttered with their movements, as if they had souls of their own, dancing joyfully to the rhythm of the music.

Then, Gao Yingxi and Chen Yinghan joined them, and now five people unleashed what felt like boundless youth on the grand stage.

The formation shifted as all seven performers faced sideways to the audience, standing in a line. One hand rested on the waist of the person in front, the other holding a microphone. Bending forward, they moved their legs while singing in unison.

By this point, the music was nearing its conclusion. They scattered joyfully, then regrouped with Duan Yuxin in the center, striking various adorable poses.

Shenghai

Royal Garden

This was one of Shenghai’s high-end residential areas, home to nothing but the rich and elite.

A scrawny man who somewhat resembled Gollum from "The Lord of the Rings" was sitting on a spacious balcony, sipping a $200 cup of civet coffee.

This was Xiao Wu, one of Huaxia’s up-and-coming seventh-generation directors. Ye Yuwei had once played a minor role in his film.

The man was so thin that he looked like a skeleton at first glance.

Due to his appearance, he had been mocked since childhood and suffered severe school bullying during his junior high and high school years.

However, those who appear unusual often excel in certain areas. Xiao Wu had exceptional writing skills and was adept at adapting elements from others’ novels into his work.

This talent earned him a considerable amount of money, which he later reinvested in film projects.

Despite lacking professional training, Xiao Wu had a knack for grasping what captivated audiences. His first film became a hit.

He then directed two sequels. Although his works were frequently mired in controversy, his overwhelming commercial success led him to be hailed as one of the five key emerging directors shaping the future of Huaxia’s film industry.

"Brother Xiao Wu, can you give me another chance? You know how long I’ve been preparing for this role."

A tall, dark-haired, handsome young man with a well-toned physique walked up, pleading with Xiao Wu.

Sipping his coffee, Xiao Wu remained unmoved.

"Xuxi, I’ve given you all the resources you deserve. This project is very important to me; I need it to prove myself—that I, Xiao Wu, am not just a maker of commercial films."

"Brother Xiao Wu, I know that, but you also know that the films I’ve been part of all tanked. My commercial value has plummeted. Without a breakout role, I’m really done for." The young man, addressed as Xuxi, walked closer with a face full of desperation.

This young man was Liu Xuxi, someone who could barely be classified as a C-list celebrity.

"Xuxi, you’ve been in this industry for so long. Have you forgotten the rules? I’ve been more than generous to you. Even the lowest-rated projects I gave you were Grade A productions, yet you still couldn’t carry them. What more can I do?" Xiao Wu sneered, placing his coffee down on the ornate table.

"Brother Xiao Wu, please give me one more chance. I’m willing to do anything for you." Xuxi suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Xiao Wu, the anguish on his handsome face intense enough to move even the hardest of hearts.

But Xiao Wu merely let out a scornful laugh and said, "Xuxi, are you forcing me to lay it all out for you plainly?"

Tears streamed down Xuxi’s face, and a flash of malice appeared in his bright eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. Having been a trainee in South Korea, he had always been terrified of authority.

"Brother Xiao Wu, I was out of my mind. I wasn’t trying to betray you."

Seeing no reaction from Xiao Wu, Xuxi crawled forward a couple of steps, frantically explaining, "That person tricked me into thinking he’d give me a major supporting role in his new film, so I believed him."

By this point, Xuxi was gnashing his teeth, his handsome face distorted with frustration, like a rabid dog.

"Who could’ve guessed that guy was utterly despicable, turning around and screwing me over instead."

"So you failed to latch onto another backer and came running back to me?"

Seeing Xuxi trying to explain further, Xiao Wu interjected immediately:

"I understand your thinking, actually. That person is, after all, a senior in the industry with extensive connections in the Beijing circle and access to influential figures. I’m merely a newly famous commercial film director."

"No, Brother Xiao Wu, it’s all my fault. I was blinded by greed. You’re the one I love most. Only with you can I truly feel happiness."

"Haha, Xuxi, even now, you’re still acting?" Xiao Wu scoffed, shaking his head before continuing:

"Whether or not you’re happy has nothing to do with me. I only supported you for my own happiness. Of course, I don’t mind you pretending to be happy because that’ll make me even more pleased."

"I’ve known for a while that you’ve been planning to leave me. At those elite gatherings I took you to, weren’t you actively promoting yourself to others?" Xiao Wu flicked a fallen petal off his sleeve and continued:

"What we had was purely transactional—mutual exploitation. So please, spare me the theatrics. Right now, you look like a pile of garbage. It’s revolting. If you don’t want to end up tied up again, leave immediately."

"Brother Xiao Wu, no matter what you say, we once shared a good time together. I’ll always cherish those memories. When your anger subsides, I’ll return to see you." Xuxi stood up from the ground with a face full of melodramatic longing, leaving the villa reluctantly, as if straight out of a romance drama.