Chapter 16: Face the Consequences Yourself

[Singing me to tears? Impossible. My tear threshold is super high.]

[Fei Ran has sung blessings for a thousand years. His voice truly heals people and soothes emotions. I suggest sisters bring more tissues if you’re going.]

[This is a personal talent showcase, not a team collaboration. Everyone has to sing a part of this song. One person alone can drag down the whole performance.]

Sitting at the judges’ table, Yu Xiutao looked at Xie Feiran and said,

“[Song of the Raven] may be an old song, but I believe you can breathe new life into it.”

“I will.”

Xie Feiran lifted his gaze, victory shimmering in his glassy eyes.

With that, the live broadcast ended.

“Teacher Yu trusts the juniors too much.”

Song Qiusheng, sitting nearby, smiled. He seemed a bit surprised, but his tone was full of sarcasm.

Yu Xiutao couldn’t even be bothered to respond and simply pretended not to hear.

Sitting between them, Ning Chuyu smiled,

“Xiutao believes in him because he has the skills. You need some real ability to stand your ground. If you rely on shortcuts, you can’t carry the main role.”

Song Qiusheng felt a bit uneasy. He had debuted as an idol, but his singing and dancing weren’t great. He’d tried entering the acting world, but every show he starred in flopped.

He barely survived by relying on his fans to boost his numbers and capital to fake the stats, just to save face.

“Sis Ning is right. I’ve already set up a collaboration with Feiran. The youngest Diamond Record winner of the century will probably be Feiran.”

As she spoke, Yu Xiutao glanced at Song Qiusheng with a half-smile.

The Diamond Record is a North American certification. You need to sell ten million records to receive it.

Since physical albums are much more expensive than digital ones, few people buy them.

If a physical album can sell ten million copies, that’s solid proof—much more convincing than Song Qiusheng’s inflated stats.

Song Qiusheng obviously knew Yu Xiutao was targeting him, but he couldn’t show his displeasure.

“Even fine wine fears a deep alley.”

He retorted sarcastically.

Right now, Xie Feiran is just a rookie. Expecting his physical album to sell ten million copies is a dream.

“Alright, the show is over. How about we find somewhere to eat?”

Ning Chuyu cut off their bickering, then stood up and looked at Yun Ziyuan.

“Xiao Yuan, didn’t you say there’s a good hotpot place nearby? Let’s go there later.”

Then she looked at Yu Xiutao.

“Xiutao, are you coming?”

Yu Xiutao nodded and got up to walk with Ning Chuyu.

At the same time, Ning Chuyu looked at Song Qiusheng.

“I heard you’re dieting lately, so I won’t trouble you. Let’s meet next time.”

With that, she left with Yu Xiutao and Yun Ziyuan.

Of the four mentors, three left.

Only Song Qiusheng was left behind, feeling a bit awkward.

“It’s fine. I have a schedule this afternoon, unlike you all who are so free.”

Song Qiusheng forced a smile.

“Sometimes having too much work is also a headache. So many people watching—you have to watch your figure and all. Not like the seniors who can eat and drink as they please.”

His passive-aggressive words made Yu Xiutao’s temples twitch. Song Qiusheng was clearly calling them nobodies.

“Xiutao, let’s go.”

Ning Chuyu couldn’t be bothered with Song Qiusheng anymore and dragged Yu Xiutao away.

***

Elsewhere, after the live broadcast ended, the trainees began their practice.

They had less than ten days to familiarize themselves with the song and choreography and bond with new teammates. There was no time to waste.

Yet Xie Feiran sat with his teammates in the vocal room, listening to [Song of the Raven].

Melancholy music played from the speakers, the singer’s weary voice telling the story of the Raven.

At the end of the song, the Raven chose to die for love.

[This song is too old. I can’t get used to it.]

[It’s too hard for Feiran.]

[It’s not mainstream anymore.]

Wei Yunnian and Chen Linxi also weren’t optimistic about the song. Xie Feiran could carry it alone with his voice and singing skills, but they couldn’t.

“Is there a way to rearrange it?”

Xie Feiran asked Luo Wen, who sat beside him.

“I have some ideas.”

Luo Wen took a deep breath.

But he couldn’t guarantee his ideas would wow everyone. As he worried, Xie Feiran’s hand landed gently on his shoulder.

“Then I’ll leave it all to you.”

Xie Feiran’s voice was gentle yet strong, filled with trust, clearing away Luo Wen’s doubts and leaving only motivation.

“We all believe in you.”

Ye Ansheng smiled brightly.

Wei Yunnian and Chen Linxi nodded in agreement.

They all believed in Luo Wen.

“Yeah.”

Luo Wen nodded, then took out paper to begin rearranging the song.

Ye Ansheng grinned,

“Actually, [Song of the Raven] isn’t bad. At least we’re not singing a hero song. Otherwise, we’d have to shout ‘Big Brother!’ a few times.”

[Big brother, I have arrived.]

[Ye Ansheng makes me want to see Feiran sing a hero song.]

[Heiya yi’er ya hei hei yi’er ya]

[My DNA is reacting.]

[Don’t imprint strange things onto your DNA!]

The barrage was noisy, and Xie Feiran found himself inspired with new ideas for the song.

“I want to ask someone for help.”

He suddenly spoke up.

All four looked at him.

“Is it okay if I ask someone to design the costumes?”

He asked the production team.

Of course, that was fine.

President Xie invested so much money; of course, you can do whatever you want on the show.

Want someone to design costumes?

Go ahead.

Besides, previous dance costumes were also specially made by Polar Bear.

After receiving permission from the Northern Bear Staff, Xie Feiran immediately sent a message to Shi Baiyan.

But he didn’t know that someone in the live room was instantly unhappy upon seeing this scene.

[Other trainees don’t have special privileges. Why does he?]

[The staff said it’s not forbidden for contestants to have others design their costumes. If your big brother is capable, he can have someone design his too.]

[Some people lack ability but go out of their way to sabotage others’ dance costumes.]

As soon as these words came out, another argument erupted.

The other side frantically defended their big brother, claiming he didn’t do it on purpose, and he was pushed by someone else.

Besides, didn’t Xie Feiran fix the costume himself and take first place?

Are you trying to give our big brother depression by criticizing him?

Spectating players sent out question marks.

Is this it? Is this all?

Can someone even get depressed over this?

Shouldn’t game developers just die on the spot then?

On Xie Feiran’s side, he had already contacted Shi Baiyan.

As a character drawn by Shi Baiyan himself, Xie Feiran naturally knew how skilled Shi Baiyan was.

This man had a perfect sense for people’s tastes.

Xie Feiran: Can you help me design five dance costumes?

Shi Baiyan: Sure!

When Shi Baiyan received the message, he became excited.

Only he knew how much he wanted to see Xie Feiran wear his designs.

In this world, there must be more people who want to design clothes for someone who looks exactly like their 2D son.

Xie Feiran relaxed at Shi Baiyan’s reply. He thought Shi Baiyan was too busy to help.

Xie Feiran: I’ll have President Xie send the design fee to you later.

Shi Baiyan smiled at the screen and replied calmly: No need. As long as you promise to wear what I design from now on.

Xie Feiran stared at the screen, deep in thought.

Maybe dressing up your favorite character is simply human nature.

In the end, he agreed to Shi Baiyan’s terms.

Shi Baiyan: Send me your teammates’ photos.

Xie Feiran: Okay.

Shi Baiyan: But can you finish these costumes in less than ten days?

Xie Feiran: I’m fast. Just use your imagination.

Shi Baiyan: Good!

Shi Baiyan liked people like Xie Feiran the most. He hated compromising with the modeling team.

If the hem was too long, it would clip through.

If the hair was too long, it would clip through.

After finally drawing a perfect character, the modelers’ work almost drove him mad.

And the modelers would blame him for making the fabric too detailed and hard to model, saying he was making things difficult.

As a concept artist, Shi Baiyan wanted to “shaa” the entire modeling team every day.

Xie Feiran: Thank you.

Shi Baiyan: I’ll send you the drawings tomorrow morning.

Now, Shi Baiyan was overflowing with creative inspiration, eager to stay up all night drawing clothes for Xie Feiran.

After chatting, Xie Feiran exhaled softly.

It’s a bit strange when your “mother” becomes your fan.

At that moment, Luo Wen, who was rearranging the song, suddenly looked up.

“Can we use the Erhu for accompaniment?”

Everyone looked at each other.

Who even learns the Erhu these days?

“We don’t have anyone who can play the Erhu…”

Wei Yunnian said awkwardly.

Luo Wen looked a bit dejected, but then Xie Feiran spoke.

“It’s fine. I can learn.”

Ye Ansheng and the others were surprised, but Xie Feiran smiled at them.

“You can trust me.”

Because I’m the most reliable main C!

***

After the Polar Bear Youth program announced the new ranking list, fans started writing support slogans.

Phrases like “You are my most beautiful star” and “You are the brightest encounter of my youth”—all the most beautiful words were dedicated to their favorite idols.

Shenghua Entertainment’s newcomer Wen Qingyun, heavily promoted in this selection, trended due to his fans’ poetic support slogans.

Meanwhile, Xie Feiran’s fans suddenly realized their Feiran still didn’t have a support slogan!

The next moment, fans in the player-mixed group immediately wrote one:

Feiran, fly without worry, if something happens, take responsibility yourself!

Other fans: ???