CHAPTER 74: ALTERNATIVES BEYOND THE SHINING PATH

"Our dear trainees, the moment has finally arrived! In this final stage, you will perform original songs from Shining Path — exclusive tracks made just for you — and now, please turn your eyes to the big screen to watch special highlight clips of our four exclusive songs!"

After a short break, filming resumed.

Although the script for each segment wasn’t much different, every season’s songs were new, so the trainees couldn’t help but feel a little excited.

Joshua stared at the screen. The image shifted, then the first song burst into its climactic melody — a group of dancers filmed earlier appeared, showing the song’s killing part.

The trainees reacted in perfect sync, gasping and oohing whenever a new song appeared.

Joshua blinked, feeling a little exhilarated; he’d seen a track he liked, but he didn’t know which group he’d be placed in.

Right then, the MC’s voice rang out again: "Of course, the rules this time are very special — trainees, you have the right to choose your teammates! Two minutes for this, start!"

Joshua was a little surprised, and before he could do anything, a sudden embrace squeezed him tight. Luther hoisted him off the ground and shouted, "You’re not going anywhere!"

"Joshua, I’m here!" Justin called out, leaping forward to hug Joshua.

Joshua: "..."

Right now, he really felt like a sausage being squashed between two idiotic buns; he could feel Luther and Justin’s chests assaulting him!

[Aaaaa, you two jerks! Wait till I upgrade my functions — if anyone dares come near you again, I’ll shock them to death!] Nine yelled angrily, and Joshua felt like his eardrums were about to be ripped.

He mumbled, "No need, I don’t want to be treated like a witch."

He instinctively pushed forward, struggling to escape Luther and Justin.

But at that moment, his hand was suddenly grabbed. Joshua looked up in surprise and saw Henry holding his hand, nodding with a serious expression. Anyone watching could clearly see his ears flushed bright red.

"What the hell are you all doing?!"

Just then, Leonard’s voice boomed. He curled his lips into a smile as he looked at Joshua: "Looks like you’re enjoying this, huh?"

Joshua: "..."

Joshua: "Alright, let me go."

"You’re so gentle today, yet you won’t touch me." Luther released Joshua and said.

Joshua shot him a sidelong glance: "Don’t act like I’m someone who enjoys using violence."

Luther, far from being scared, burst out laughing. "Hahaha, what was that just now? Was that a bombastic side eye? Right? Joshuashua, chihuahua."

Joshua: "..."

Right, he really should have kicked Luther — so another shoe print appeared on Luther’s pants as the man howled in pain, hopping around like a grasshopper.

In just a moment, all twenty trainees had found their own groups, though quite a few pairs of eyes couldn’t help but glance toward Joshua’s team.

It was understandable — most of the top-ranked trainees had gathered in one place, creating a noticeable gap in individual ability and fandom strength.

"Oh, it seems everyone has chosen their teammates! The songs will be assigned randomly; by midnight tonight, you’ll find out which one you’ll be performing. But for now, let’s move on to another event!"

"The investor meeting!"

As soon as the MC said that, the trainees’ faces showed clear surprise — though some had already guessed what was coming.

"Today, three major entertainment companies have come here to choose among you! You can choose them, and they’ve been watching you, too. Step through this secret door and make your choice!" the MC announced loudly, stepping aside as something resembling a hidden passageway door appeared on stage.

Joshua narrowed his eyes. This allowed those who couldn’t debut with Shining Path’s final lineup to sign with other companies and debut in different groups.

That way, even if they didn’t make it into Shining Path’s debut team, they’d still have somewhere to go.

However, anyone who signed with another company — even if they ended up in the top five — would be required to return to that company instead of debuting with Shining Path’s main lineup. This was truly the moment for them to decide their future.

"The MC didn’t even say which companies are here..."

"Maybe we’ll find out once we go inside. I hope the company I like will pick me..."

"Do you guys have that little confidence?"

"I mean, the main debut lineup basically already exists. It’s not about confidence — it’s about being realistic!"

The trainees chatted among themselves. Luther, who had finally straightened up, looked at Joshua seriously. "Joshua, you’re going to debut with Shining Path, right?"

Not just him — the others also turned their eyes toward Joshua at once.

Joshua looked at them, a little puzzled, but eventually nodded and said, "Yes, I will debut."

[As the center!] Nine declared loudly inside Joshua’s head.

Joshua couldn’t help but smile a little.

Then his cheek was suddenly pinched. "What are you smiling at all of a sudden?"

Joshua pushed Luther’s hand away and asked, "What about you? You’re going to debut with Shining Path, too, right?"

Luther slung an arm around Joshua’s shoulders and declared loudly, "As long as you’re here, I’m not going anywhere."

Justin said from the side, "I’m not going anywhere either!"

Leonard scoffed. "Who knows if they’d even pick you?"

Hearing that, Justin scratched his head awkwardly and laughed in embarrassment.

Joshua frowned slightly at Leonard. "Whether the investors pick Justin or not has nothing to do with you, Leonard. Besides, Justin’s talent and looks fit the public’s taste. Don’t talk like he’s worthless."

Leonard froze, speechless. Right — he’d forgotten. Whenever he said something about Justin, Joshua would jump in to defend him, while Justin just hid behind Joshua and stayed quiet.

Leonard frowned at Justin, who clutched the hem of Joshua’s shirt — whether intentional or not, it was still infuriating.

No, Leonard decided. It had to be on purpose. Justin was pretending to be weak so that Joshua would protect him!

"Joshua, I’m fine," Justin said softly. "Even if I’m not that outstanding, I’ll still work hard to debut with you."

As he spoke, he rested his head on Joshua’s shoulder. Joshua patted his head gently and said, "Don’t mind him."

From the side, Luther glanced at Justin, his face full of suspicion.

Something about Justin felt... off. But he couldn’t figure out what.

Henry, meanwhile, stayed silent.

One by one, the trainees stepped through the secret door — none returned, so no one knew which companies were actually inside choosing them.

Members from Joshua’s team were called one after another until only Joshua and Leonard remained outside.

Leonard shot Joshua a look. Seeing Joshua’s completely indifferent expression only made his own irritation feel pointless.

He huffed coldly. "Joshua, you’re such an idiot. One day, you’ll get tricked and sold off without realizing it!"

Joshua: "... I didn’t even provoke you, did I? Why do you keep picking fights with me?"

Facing Joshua’s calm expression, Leonard’s thoughts suddenly scattered; his face flushed red. "You’re obviously teasing me!"

At that moment, the MC called Leonard’s name, and he quickly strode away.

Nine sneered in Joshua’s mind: [He’s so immature — that age when you think the world revolves around you. Please don’t waste your energy on him.]