CHAPTER 31: ANNOUNCING THE TOP 60!

Previously, the results of the ten-stage performances by the ten groups had been announced, with the scoring rule set at 70% from the Mentorship Panel and 30% from the National Producers’ votes.

Unsurprisingly, Zerone naturally took first place!

However, when it came to ranking the individual trainees, things were different—this part depended solely on the votes of the National Producers. Which meant... this was practically the moment for fandoms to clash in strength!

[ I’ve done everything I could. ]

[ Hurry up already, I’m mentally prepared! ]

Some fans of sure trainees were beginning to realize their picks had no hope, and they couldn’t help but cry.

But regardless, the results were coming...

Top 60...

On the giant screen, glowing letters flickered to life. Then, a name appeared, accompanied by the MC’s voice: "Thomas!"

Someone exhaled in relief. The trainee whose name had been called looked like he might leap into the air on the spot.

He stood, heading toward the rows of seats arranged for the top 60 in advance, and took his place.

The higher the ranking, the more prominent the seat.

One by one, names were read aloud. The live broadcast chat was filled with waves of excited screaming. Some rejoiced that their pick had advanced, others spiraled into negativity about the future. Some grew anxious that their pick hadn’t been called yet. But the majority were busy discussing the expressions of the trainees.

The atmosphere had grown far more tense at the actual venue than at the beginning. Everyone was excited and anxious, whether they showed it outwardly or not. Even Joshua couldn’t help but be influenced by the mood.

Nine, on the other hand, was utterly nonchalant: [ You’ll be at least top 2! ]

"You think too highly of me."

Joshua guessed he would fall somewhere in the top 10 or 20. He glanced at Luther—he was still slouched in his earlier pose, eyelids lowered in boredom, as if he were about to die of it. Arthur was also calm, his lips naturally curved upward, giving him an air of effortless composure.

Neither of them seemed worried.

Justin... Justin was definitely nervous. Joshua could sense it. He truly wanted to walk this path.

But Arthur and Luther—between the two of them, which one was it that didn’t want to become an idol?

"You’re zoning out again—what are you thinking about?"

Just then, Luther’s voice suddenly rang out.

Joshua lifted his head slightly to look at him. "What rank do you think you’ll get?"

Luther sneered. "So that’s what you’re worried about? You really do overthink, don’t you?"

Joshua didn’t bother explaining. Luther, completely nonchalant, said, "Probably top 2."

The answer came so decisively.

By now, the MC had already announced up to the top 19!

Some trainees were on the verge of tears. They were all so young, carrying their dreams with them.

[ Don’t cry, my children—oh my god, you’re all such beautiful seedlings. If I were rich, I’d let every one of you debut! ]

[ Greedy much, ma’am. ]

[ No matter what, my heart has room for everyone. ]

[ That’s why you’re only a fan of the show itself. ]

"Top 17, Justin!"

Justin leapt to his feet, unable to hide the smile on his face. His every step was light, as if he were walking on clouds.

[ Our silly bear did so well! ]

[ Look at that honey-toned skin under the lights—makes me want to take a bite. ]

[ How can someone smile that stupidly? Ha ha. ]

[ Pure positive energy. ]

Justin sat down in his seat, eyes wide as he looked at the audience. His heart was pounding so fast it felt like it might leap out of his chest.

Top 17... top 17... So, were there really many people who liked him? Liked him for who he was... His gaze seemed to cut through the distance, landing directly on Joshua, seated offstage.

He didn’t know if it was just his imagination, but it felt as though Joshua was looking at him too—smiling at him.

Joshua, look. You were right. No one can define me. I don’t need to change for anyone. Because I... I’m fine just as I am!

What Justin had once considered a bond deeper than soulmates now seemed laughable in hindsight—his past self had sacrificed so foolishly.

Joshua, of course, knew nothing of Justin’s inner thoughts. The MC had already announced up to the top 10, and the crowd was growing restless.

At this point, even Nine couldn’t help but remark: [ You’ve come this far, Joshua. ]

Joshua: "..."

When they reached the Top 10, more than half were Class A trainees, though some were still from Class B.

Finally, Joshua’s name was named among the Top 5!

Firework-like sounds almost exploded in his head, followed by Nine’s shout, making his ears ring: [I knew it, Joshua, I knew it!]

Arthur and Luther seemed to be saying something, but Joshua couldn’t hear them. He gaped in surprise, then, as if composed, walked forward.

[aaaaaa Alright, great job everyone, great job! Look at Joshua—he definitely didn’t expect this hahahaha]

[So cute!]

[Bunny, time to expand your territory. Next time we’ll push you to the top!]

[Fully deserved!]

[Why does Justin look even happier than Joshua hahahaha]

Sitting in the Top-5 chair, Joshua finally noticed his hands trembling; he felt goosebumps rising.

Nine laughed loudly: [You getting scared of heights now, Joshua?]

Joshua was silent for a long moment, then said softly: "They all like me so much..."

[Yes. Sometimes I don’t understand their feelings either, but right now, maybe they’re shouting more joyfully than you are.] Nine’s voice was gentler than usual.

Joshua murmured: "I like them too."

[Joshua, don’t cry—tell me your eyes are just a little wet.]

[Joshua deserves this!]

[Wow, Top 4—no surprise there.]

Top 4 was a Class A trainee who had some previous small film projects to his name.

"Top 3—Arthur!"

[Here he is, my gentle husband!]

[His smile turns the whole stage into a warm spring pond.]

[Young master, I want to marry you!]

Top 2, of course, was none other than Luther.

He strode confidently, passed Joshua’s seat, and even gave him a little wink.

[Don’t flirt with others, Luther!!!]

[He and Joshua are really close.]

[Look at Joshua’s expression—goosebumps all over him hahahaha]

[Adorable.]

[Joshua will be the bunny-cat!]

[Can Luther stop being so pretty? If not, I can’t stop loving him!]

[Bring me Top 1 right now!]

[But where’s Leonard?]

Leonard’s fans had been crying because he hadn’t appeared anywhere. At that moment, the MC’s clear voice rang out.

"Our Top 1! I think you all know who it is—Leonard!"

"Bang!"

The big studio doors swung open at that instant, and the cameras immediately cut to them. Leonard stood backlit in the doorway, not in uniform but in a gray hoodie and black jeans.

Noticing the cameras, he curled his lip into a smile and walked in slowly; the entrance seemed to turn into his personal runway.

[Exactly—our king!!!]

[Rules? Those are for other people, not Leonard!]

[I thought he’d given up the stage dream and returned to inherit the family fortune.]

Nine: [So pretentious—acting tough but still childish!]

Joshua felt Leonard’s steps pause for a moment. He tilted his head and met Leonard’s gaze, smiling warmly though slightly puzzled.

Leonard pressed his lips together, quickly looked away, parted his mouth slightly, but in the end said nothing—only briskly climbed to his "throne."