Chapter 169

The matter of role selection was still up in the air. Qin Wei had paused her equestrian and archery training and returned to the program's practice room to train earnestly with everyone.

The group singing and dancing that they had practiced in the early stages was more or less ready. The program team announced the fifteen-person group singing and dancing track: the song Qin Wei's group got was "I Only Feel It For You" by Flywheel Sea.

When everyone heard this song, the first thought that came to mind was a sweet duet by a young couple. With fifteen people, the allocation of parts became an issue.

Chen Chen's suggestion was to keep it simple. Anyway, the rhythm of this song made it hard to do a cool performance on stage. It would be better to focus on the singing and give the audience a refreshing feeling.

"Sometimes after getting used to eating big fish and meat dishes, a plate of vegetables to change up the taste may leave a deeper impression," Chen Chen shared his viewpoint.

After listening to the song, Daniel also had a lot he wanted to express. Before the artists could indicate their stance, as soon as Chen Chen finished speaking, Daniel eagerly said:

"This song still has quite a high popularity among the general public. If we just complete it ordinarily, there would be no novelty. Along with its inability to create a passionate atmosphere on stage, it would not leave the audience with an exceptionally profound impression. At best it would be a perfect recreation."

Chen Chen was in no hurry to disagree. After letting her finish, he turned and asked:

"Then what do you think we should do?"

Daniel smiled. Since this was her expertise, she shared her ideas:

"Re-arrange the music, incorporate storylines, and express emotions more intensely―for example through rap..."

Qin Wei nodded, indicating agreement. Rap was good. It was best suited for expressing emotions. Plus she still had ample room for improvement.

Seeing Qin Wei nod, Daniel's eyes unconsciously fell upon Qin Wei. Her heart skipped a beat and she instantly deflated, her momentum weakened by half:

"Other forms could work too..."

Yan Qingzi drew on paper, then lifted her head to look at everyone:

"I think... we can't be too disruptive of the original song either. Like Egg Girl said, this song does have some popularity among the general public. If the contrast is too great, not everyone can accept it..."

"Sister Qingzi, don't call me 'Egg Girl.' It makes me sound like a little sister. I am a man, an adult male person. OK?"

Yan Qingzi didn't care at all. Right in front of him she called him "Egg Girl" several more times, angering Daniel until he turned to Gu Minghua pleadingly calling him "Bro," hoping he would stand up for him.

"Now now, arguing with a girl is no way for a man to behave, OK?"

Gu Minghua patted Daniel on the shoulder, which counted as comforting him. Then he continued addressing everyone: "What Qingzi said makes sense too. Innovation is necessary, but disruption truly tests the audience's receptiveness. This is a competition. We have to be responsible for each member, so we can't gamble."

When he got to this point, Gu Minghua also had to accommodate Daniel's feelings. He smiled at Daniel and continued:

"But Daniel's opinions are also valuable as references. I think appropriately incorporating storylines and using certain techniques to convey emotions―for instance..."

Gu Minghua also couldn't help but steal a glance at Qin Wei, and then hurriedly restrained himself,

"Mainly that rap doesn't fit so naturally into this song. There are definitely more suitable ways to express things."

Daniel's eyes lit up. She quickly chimed in:

"Yes, yes, yes, my brother is right! Other methods! As long as it's relaxed, simple, upbeat, and a little sweet―that would be best!"

Qin Wei muttered under her breath:

"I guess so..."

Daniel and Gu Minghua exchanged a look, both letting out a sigh of relief. Neither could take on the mantle of "Qin Wei's Rap Instructor." They'd be cursed by the entire hip hop community into a bleak future...

Yan Qingzi didn't say anything. She turned to look at Song Ye beside her. Song Ye slowly lifted her head, casually twirling a pen. She said:

"I don't have any opinions. I just feel that not only can the song convey emotions―the dance can achieve the same effect. For example, incorporating a short segment of the Viennese waltz during the interlude..."

Chen Chen, who was sitting to the side listening to their ideas, then said:

"It's not entirely out of the question, but with so many people it would still get messy. In a short timeframe we have to practice the formations, dance steps, singing, plus group and small group performances and solos. I feel the program team is working us a bit hard."

This complaint struck a chord with the artists. Everyone was under contract so they had to obey many arrangements. They could only sit there and nod vigorously.

Yan Qingzi jotted down Chen Chen's suggestions in her notebook. Then she bit the end of her pen, momentarily out of ideas too. She turned to exchange looks with Song Ye for about ten seconds before speaking:

"Song Ye and I will discuss the positioning and dance steps further. The music still requires some changes. Several teachers here specialize in this area. Let's aim to have results by tomorrow. Teacher Li Mai is flying back from America tonight anyway so he doesn't need to overcome jet lag. He can pull an all-nighter helping us rearrange the music directly."

Song Ye smiled and told Yan Qingzi not to reveal it:

"In case word gets out, Teacher Li Mai wouldn't dare come back tonight."

...

Before the meeting dispersed, the executive director himself came in. He beckoned Qin Wei and Shen Qingqing to come out with a crook of his finger.

The two didn't know what was going on but still obediently went out since the executive director had summoned them personally.

Standing outside the small conference room, the director told them about the afternoon's arrangements:

"This afternoon we'll be shooting a promotional video for the live show performance. Please trouble you two to go for a bit. The final video will be around one minute. There'll be an interview afterwards but don't worry, just a twenty-minute livestream." As soon as Qin Wei heard this, she felt a buzzing sensation in her head. When Yu Yu and Jiao Sile were around, she could remain composed but alone with Shen Qingqing, who would chatter nonstop, it'd be an entire afternoon!

Qin Wei protested to the director:

"Why is it us two?"

Shen Qingqing turned to look at Qin Wei:

"Why can't it be us two?"

The director gave a frank answer:

"From the artists who were available this afternoon, you two standing together have the best chemistry. There'll be interviews after filming but don't worry, just twenty minutes live."

Qin Wei and Shen Qingqing said in unison:

"We have the best chemistry?"

...

But they still had to go since the contract stated, "cooperate with the program team on promotional activities during competition period."

After morning training ended, the program team didn't even give them time for lunch. They were told to go downstairs immediately and board the van heading for the villa district they resided in.

En route, Shen Qingqing felt a little hungry. Then she saw Qin Wei take a croissant out of her canvas bag and start munching on it.

Shen Qingqing swallowed and softly asked:

"Sister Wei, do you have any more of those?"

"I do."

"Share one with me?"

"Fifty bucks."

Shen Qingqing was unsatisfied:

"Is there gold in your bread or something?"

Qin Wei: "A hundred then."

As she spoke, she finished one and reached to take out another. Shen Qingqing sneaked a peek―there was only one left in her bag.

"Fine, fine."

Shen Qingqing conceded. She paid via mobile app with one hand while exchanging money for goods with the other. She ate a croissant to fill herself up. Still better than going hungry.

In the villa district there was an unoccupied one which was also the largest in the entire estate. Its great hall had already been decorated in a European palace style, exquisite and luxurious.