Chapter 78 - Autograph

Chapter 78 - Autograph

translator: xiin

editors: apricot & juurensha

The Crosson Show team activity ended with a huge surge in traffic.

The entrance to the stage opened up, and countless spectators swarmed around the 20 contestants for autographs and photos–-the stage was blocked tightly in a flash.

It was getting close to midnight. The program producer who was overseeing the editing of the program, walked out from behind the scenes and paused, “What’s going on with Little Witch’s table? Who heaped so many mineral waters and drinks there?”

The little editor quickly explained, “Little Witch started to hiccup from the moment the award was announced. I don’t know if it’s because he’s happy or nervous, but the fans have constantly been delivering water to Little Witch ever since––”

The program producer waved his hand, “Alright, bring back all the players when it reaches midnight. Have the audience go back a bit earlier, and have the central control room prepare to broadcast that saxophone music <Go home>…”

The director scurried off to get it done.

On-site.

The young girl who was finally able to stand in front of Wu Jin turned red.

Wu Jin was still dressed in the combat suit he’d competed in. The zipper was pulled down to his chest, revealing his black cotton shirt and beautiful shoulders. The youth’s curls were soft and fluffy when he bowed his head to sign his name, and he appeared gentle and patient when he looked back up.

He’d signed, written messages, taken photos, and shaken hands on demand for a full two hours, thanking every fan seriously and declining any expensive gifts while carefully setting aside the letters.

The young girl quickly handed over a bottle of mineral water.

Wu Jin was really embarrassed but still accepted it solemnly, “…Thank you. I don’t have the hiccups anymore…”

The young girl stared at her idol without blinking and fell into an extended trance before smiling, “Big brother, can we take a picture together?”

Wu Jin nodded and stooped down politely, making it more convenient for the little fan who was shorter than he was to capture the two of them together on camera.

The young girl seemed to have sensed something, sucking in a breath as she turned––

There was a click.

“Prprprpr Little Witch is so handsome I’m suffocating ahhhhh!! Shocking and moving like a divine masterpiece (worthy of being a child that mama raised)!”

“So cool, I really want to take a picture together with Little Witch, ying!”

“The veritable mine of mineral water on the table is shocked into crying! Hahahaha double person life-saving – honeymoon – capsule (bed), really scared the child into permanent hiccups. This program group really! Knows! How to play! However, looking at Little Witch’s current appearance… he’s as straight as a steel pipe. Sigh.”

“My impatience is tearing me up inside!! My son hasn’t even touched a little girl’s small hands yet, but now it’s started, it’s already at such a level (…), two-person hardcopy photos requires cooperation (…) my smile is gradually turning perverted hehehehe!”

Wu Jin finished taking photos and politely said goodbye to the little fan.

The young girl’s legs were soft, and she was a little dizzy. She inhaled deeply through her scarf, sucking in a breath full of her idol’s scent and was caught by surprise by the gaze that swept over.

When she looked back again, the audience was crowded around, and Little Witch was signing an autograph for the next fan. At the next table closest to him, Wei Shi’s expression was indifferent.

Midnight arrived.

The program producer picked up a loudspeaker and directed the fans to start dispersing:

“Why can’t we continue giving autographs? Oh, it’s because our contestants are all made of magic. If they don’t return to their dorms by 12 o’clock, they’ll turn into pumpkins on the spot!”

“Please leave the venue in an orderly manner and take your belongings with you. The suspension bus will be waiting at the door…”

Now that they were about to disperse, the audience suddenly became more enthusiastic, scrambling to surround and devour the contestants––

Program producer: “Shit! Go down and fish them out!”

A group of stage managers rushed to the stage and sent Caesar, who’d been chatting with fans, backstage.

Program producer: “&#k2026; Why are you guys concerned about Caesar?? Get Little Witch first! Little Witch’s endorsement fees are the highest. If he gets squashed, we’ll have to pay money back to the sponsors! Quickly, quickly!”

A confused Caesar was mercilessly released by the stage manager and watched on as they charged bravely towards Wu Jin.

Half a minute later, Wu Jin bowed to his fans before being forced backstage by a whirlwind of staff members.

Beneath the stage lights, Wei Shi’s eyelids raised as he stood there surrounded by fans. He then saw Wu Jin sneak out half a head to peek back at him before swishing back inside, and the lips that had been pressed tight loosened slightly.

The female fan in front of him was currently pleading quietly, “Lord Wei, could you sign the word ‘Assorted’ for me…”

Wei Shi grunted in acknowledgement.

The little fan immediately felt guilty again. It had been the program group’s idea to form CPs, but they shouldn’t be indulging in this kind of thing in front of the real contestants, “If you don’t want to, just an autograph––”

She paused suddenly, her eyes widening with excitement.

The man wrote the word ‘Assorted’ on the Crosson memorial T-shirt in beautiful calligraphy, his strokes sharp like blades.

The fan almost burst out into happy tears on the spot, “Thank you, Lord Wei wuwuwu! How indulgent wuwu! I’ll keep it as a memento, and I guarantee I won’t send it out on the Star Net for the public to see!”

Wei Shi, who had wanted the exposure: “……”

Little fan: “Thank you, thank you!”

The man nodded. It was most likely because his aura was too strong, but the fans in this group didn’t dare to talk even though their gazes kept sneaking over. Lord Wei, who had no expression on his face, was absolutely, extremely cool. When they came closer, the beauty that hadn’t been captured by the lens of the show over the past few months was enough to create a dramatic impact.

Quite a few fans covered their unsteady hearts.

Behind the curtains on the second floor.

Wu Jin once again obeyed the stage manager’s order to hide himself, but his gaze unconsciously kept looking out towards one side of the stage.

Big boss…

The small, round face seemed uncertain as his thoughts tangled up in his mind.

The big boss was gentle to everyone.

The big boss was especially good-looking, powerful, and his shooting was deathly accurate. He was the Lord of a city… born to be superior and someone who should be admired.

However, big boss was also very considerate. He was like that to fans, and to him––yes, he was like that to his little followers too.

Memories flashed through his mind of Wei Shi holding his hand to shoot in the auditions, the scorching training room in Floating City, the narrow coffin in the instance––then to Wei Shi who was indulging his gathered fans beneath the spotlights.

It was like the small bit of tenderness at the tip of his heart had been crushed between his fingers, light overflowing from his hands and spreading out to all living beings––

Wu Jin suddenly crashed.

He whined and clutched at his head, his face almost seeming to be frightened by the time consciousness returned.

Was he jealous?!!!

Had he gotten addicted to forming CPs?!!

Wu Jin was so incredibly nervous that he finally couldn’t help it again… he hiccuped again.

He quickly opened up a bottle of mineral water and gurgle gurgle-ed it down, watering himself.

Icy water cooled down his burning heart and stomach. Wu Jin started up the brain self-diagnosis program once again, trying to reset his settings. When reason came back online, he finally took out his terminal and inputted the product that they were going to endorse, the ‘double luxury life-saving capsule’.

According to the official website, the product would be launched one month later, and the concept video would be released first. The video would recreate the once popular Titanic scene from the Blue Star. After the ship sinks, Jack and Rose would embrace each other as the life-saving capsule opened up––

The inside of the capsule was covered with roses. The earthquake-resistant water bed would push them together, and the two looked at each other affectionately, kissing passionately…

Wu Jin, who was recreating hardcopy images inside his own head, jumped up abruptly: “!!!”

When the curtains lifted up again, Ying Xiangxiang, who was also in the lounge, was caught by surprise. She was able to see what was on the screen clearly and chuckled immediately, “What are you thinking about? … In any case, you don’t need to treat a CP seriously. For better or worse, we’re a serious program group and won’t force contestants to give away their first kiss unless you guys request it yourselves!”

Wu Jin: “……”

Ying Xiangxiang smiled like a fox and patted Wu Jin’s soft curls, “It’s obvious with a glance that Little Witch has no experience in love.” She pondered, “Hardcopy photos are for the sake of finding a feeling. Has Little Witch ever liked anyone?”

Wu Jin’s ears were slightly red as he shook his head.

Ying Xiangxiang nodded and casually arranged several films for him to watch. She ordered seriously, “I’ve looked over the endorsement this time, and the opportunity is pretty good. Learn from the films over the next few days and find the feeling. Now, liking a person, turning red when you see them, having your heartbeat speed up, wanting to do nothing but stick around them every day, getting jealous, and following them unconsciously… Eh, Little Witch, what’s wrong?”

Wu Jin seemed to stiffen more with each word Ying Xiangxiang spoke.

His brain, which had almost rebooted itself, once again turned off from an overload.

Ying Xiangxiang seemed to sense something and comforted, “Don’t be nervous. After all, our Little Witch is a survival show contestant, not an idol! If you really can’t, then come by one day with Contestant Wei, and I’ll share some scenes with you!”

Wu Jin nodded dazedly.

Ying Xiangxiang: “Alright, Instructor Ying is going to make up for her lack of sleep. Why isn’t Little Witch leaving yet? Are you waiting for Caesar and the others to go back together?”

Wu Jin continued to nod dazedly.

Ying Xiangxiang didn’t pursue the topic. Instead, she took out a small biscuit from her pocket. She’d snuck in quite a lot of food while her agent wasn’t looking, and was very satisfied right now. There were still a few pieces left that could be put to use right now to feed Little Witch.

Ying Xiangxiang: “Open your mouth, ahhh.”

Wu Jin opened his mouth with an ‘ahhh’.

Ying Xiangxiang: “One more piece, ahh–-”

Wu Jin, whose thoughts had been scattered, suddenly woke up from his daze.

Ying Xiangxiang waved her hand, “You child… you’re already silly from lack of sleep. Hurry and go back to get some sleep. There’s still training tomorrow!”

Wu Jin hurriedly responded, “Good night, Instructor Ying!”

The curtain dropped down again.

A few minutes later, the audience members on the stage were finally willing to leave. The group of contestants rushed in noisily, with White Moonlight in the lead, followed by Red, Dolma, and Jingyi.

Caesar had an arm around Red’s shoulders and hollered loudly, “… They almost got me! Fortunately, I didn’t win! If I hadn’t run off early, I’d have to…”

While Caesar was still rubbing furiously at his goose bumps, Zoe scolded, “Could you even have won? Take a look for yourself, the whole Star Net is now filled with you running around with a durian on your head. I think you want to debut as an expression pack!”

Caesar slapped his thigh, “Indeed! My wifey will be able to use my expression pack in the future––”

Zoe: “And then let others use a Thin Fire animated gif to rage back at you?”

From behind them, Zuo Botang was currently saying emotionally, “There will be many more opportunities for endorsements in the future. It’s not necessarily a good thing for us to avoid this one––”

Ming Yao clutched at his head and felt guilty for getting eliminated too early, “Captain, in fact, I really wanted us to shoot this double life-saving capsule advertisement together.”

Zuo Botang: “… As long as you’re happy.”

Caesar pulled open the curtain, and his voice suddenly grew even louder, “I was saying, how come we couldn’t find Little Witch?! It turns out you’re here! Little Witch, you didn’t go back and waited for brother Caesar, that’s right, that’s right! Let’s go!”

Wu Jin nodded, then looked beyond the crowd, “I––”

The lounge area was loud, and the trainees were full of energy after the end of the team activity. It seemed that they were high enough to stay up all night. Red was laughing loudly, Wen Lin was chatting with Qin Jinbao, and Thin Fire was hanging around at the back as he spoke to a trainee from Azure People’s Entertainment while fixing up his hair. Wu Jin’s gaze shot straight through towards the edge of the crowd.

A tall figure reflected in the middle of his pupils.

His heartbeat sped up slightly.

The man who had originally been speaking to Wei Yan suddenly turned his head.

Wu Jin’s head swooshed back, and his head was a mess as he let himself be dragged away by Caesar.

There was no hope for it.

Broken, his brain was broken! He didn’t seem to be very straight!

That was your big brother! Your thoughts are filthy! Returning kindness… kindness with ingratitude! Harboring evil thoughts!

Caesar patted Wu Jin on the shoulder, “Don’t worry. Your brother will bring you back to the dorms if you’ve turned foolish from sleepiness!”

The noise dispersed.

Wei Shi retracted his gaze.

The entrance to the studio was now empty.

Wei Yan was still looking at Wei Shi with reverence in his gaze. At this time, he spoke doubtfully, “Contestant Wu is…”

Red, who’d been behind the two, suddenly stuck his head out and gave Wei Yan a very disdainful look.

Had this person ever had little follower training??

Red had carried a fruit on his head for Wei Yan the entire way and had been disgruntled with him since a long time ago, “Remember this clearly! Contestant Wu… that’s the person in Brother Wei’s heart! Our esteemed sister-in-law!”

Wei Yan was struck silly.

Wei Shi’s lips hooked up slightly, and he nodded lightly, “Mm. He’s mine.”

Juurensha: I love how matter of fact WS is about it.

xiin: strangely wasn’t expecting WS to stake his claim so blatantly…