Chapter 139
After the dance and song allocations were finalized, everyone focused on practicing without any objections. Everyone could clearly feel the heavy atmosphere in each group.
After all, the original F group no longer existed. This competition would still eliminate 10 people, and the remaining people after the third public performance would be reorganized into four groups.
The practice time for the fourth public performance was significantly shortened. There was only one week between the third and fourth public performances, including rest time.
Informed sources revealed that it was because the total time of the program remained unchanged, but the competition system kept upgrading. There would be a field trip later to take the artists who were not eliminated at that time to the destination to continue filming the show.
The news was "accidentally" leaked, causing heated online discussions:
[It is said it is to go see the natural scenery and let them relax and adjust their state, while appreciating and learning the local characteristic songs and dances.]
[Watching them compete intensely every day, my nerves are all tense, although the songs and dances are pretty good to watch...]
[Going out for a bit is good too. The program team upgraded the competition system to prevent audience fatigue. I just don’t know who can stay then.]
[Sigh, speaking of which I really hope Qin Wei can stay, but her rap last time, although the beginning sounded good, later the direction changed and many professional rappers came out to diss her. The online fans also mocked her coldly. She was really badly flamed online in this aspect...]
[Hahahaha, keep Lu E away from rap!]
...
The “accidental” leak was to see the audience’s reaction. The director thought it was feasible.
After the chief director saw the online commentary and data, he immediately signed the application form to let the program team make preparations for the field trip.
...
The artists also knew about the same news, but it was already the day of the third public performance and no one had the mindset to dwell on this ethereal matter.
Standing backstage, Qin Wei adjusted her breathing and softly asked everyone, “Are you ready?”
“Ready,” they responded. When Yang Xiao announced backstage, the lights gradually darkened. A beam of light shone on one side of the stage, illuminating the piano and performer under the only light in the venue.
Accompanying the piano piece, a clear, vibrant female soprano rang out from the stage, coordinating extremely well with the piano and instantly grabbing everyone’s attention.
The scene was extremely quiet. Everyone was seriously appreciating this highly tacit cooperation.
Soon the lights brightened and Yan Jinyu’s short solo dance brought shouts and applause.
Everyone performed normally throughout the show and the good reviews they received were also within expectations.
Mature performances should be like this. Stable performance is already not easy for on-site performances requiring multi-person cooperation.
Live comments:
[Sister Qin’s performance this time was average.]
[I think it was alright. The piano playing was not bad, the singing and dancing had no issues.]
[It just feels not as wonderful as before.]
[Is this it?? Last time she could at least liven things up a bit, at least giving something eye-catching right? What is this now? All the limelight was taken by her teammates, she just played the piano and casually sang and danced. I might have to unstan.]
[I agree! This whole time in the show she just seriously practiced dancing, nothing worth watching, bye bye.]
[Boring to death, I stanned her because she was unique. This time I’m speechless, if next time is like this I’ll unstan.]
[Isn’t your expectations of her too high?]
[Oh my gosh guys, this time Sister Qin’s performance can’t be said to be wonderful but it was really good! She’s just a mediocre talent you guys forgot? She can’t possibly cater to your tastes every competition. And I think this was not bad. If your tastes were any more nitpicky Sister Qin would have to go to the moon!]
[Right, expectations really elevate step-by-step. In the past when I took exams, my mom only asked that I pass. Now that I score 80, she says it’s because I don’t try hard enough that I don’t get full marks. Sigh...]
[I can also understand the pressure Qin Wei feels under others' expectations...]
[Lu E is just a mediocre talent. She's been flamed by quite a lot of people recently. I hope everyone can be rational about it. She's been working hard every competition to bring you joy, have you forgotten...?]
[Now I’m even starting to hope she gets sent home. I don’t want her to get hurt...]
[It’s pretty good! Her piano playing this competition was quite elegant. Try appreciating her again setting aside her comedian identity!]
...
After getting off stage, Group B as a whole did not pay too much attention to the overall effect of the performance. At this moment they were busy rushing to the dressing room to prepare for the next performance.
Only Feng Xue from the group started coughing, causing Liu Xin and the others to start worrying. After Qin Wei’s side finished preparing, Feng Xue started coughing more violently. Even the program’s medical room doctor came over.
“What’s the situation?” Qin Wei asked.
The doctor replied:
“Asthma attack. According to the patient, she was not feeling well physically today, so she took medicine but started experiencing shortness of breath. She has no history of allergies herself. After my diagnosis, it is analgesic-induced asthma, possibly triggered by too much stress and too little rest lately.” (This section is purely fictional and has no reference value.)
After treatment, Feng Xue looked much less uncomfortable now, but asking her to rap in this state would be quite difficult. She was the only rap representative in this subgroup.
What should they do?
Aside from Feng Xue and the doctor, the nine other people present looked to Qin Wei unanimously.
They were looking at Qin Wei for a reason.
Ever since that embarrassing rap last time, Qin Wei did not insist anymore on this aspect, but wanted to see real rappers’ performances. During training when she had time she went to watch Feng Xue practice, going 3-4 times total, and would also hum a couple lines herself.
Later when time grew tight she stopped watching, and also did not deliberately remember the lyrics. At this moment most of it had slipped her mind...
Seeing their gaze, Qin Wei’s heart instantly tightened.
Having been stared at many times now, Qin Wei understood the meaning behind such gazes. She hurriedly retreated, her entire body language radiating refusal:
“No! Don’t! I can’t do it! I don’t even remember the lyrics!! That is your group's performance!! I was not involved at all!!”
At this moment Liu Xin did not have the mindset to consider conspiracies. Without a rap representatitve their whole performance would collapse. She did not want to be eliminated.
“But our scores depend on the whole group’s performance. Qin Wei, I won’t say those words about considering the collective interest, but think about your friend okay? Sweet Sweet, does she count? Her current ranking in our group is lowest. If our performance tanks, her risk is highest right?”
Sun Tiantian said nothing, head lowered not daring to look at them, extremely conflicted at this moment between not wanting to trouble Qin Wei yet also not wanting to be eliminated.
Qin Wei deeply breathed in. She also did not have much time left to struggle with this. She asked:
“How many more performances are there in front?”
Liu Xin answered her:
“Three.”
Qin Wei calculated for a moment. Based on this time’s drawing to decide performing order, Liu Xin’s group was before Qin Wei’s group. That meant her own performance time would be very rushed as well.
“Give me the lyrics. I can only say I’ll try my best. Also, we will need to make some changes.”