Chapter 58: 058

Chapter 58

When the 20th place was announced to be Chen Wu, the internet exploded with discussions, rankings, and trending topics.

#ChenWu20thPlace

#RandomEntertainmentShutDown

#21HeartbeatsOfYouthGrandFinal

#PeiLuming

Any trainee's ranking could easily trend online.

#PeiLumingSecondPlace

#GaoXiayuFirstPlace

#YeXingSurprisingly21st

These three hashtags not only topped the entertainment charts but were also marked as [exploding], once again proving the show's popularity and successfully igniting the fury of all fans.

"Title: Shocking Rankings in the Final Performance..."

"For those who didn't watch the show: One of the original popular trainees brought a lot of attention to the program, with even half the casual viewers tuning in for YX, but he ended up ranking 21st, barely making it into debut range."

"This is disgusting..."

"It's mind-blowing."

Comments section:

"If it were my bias, I'd go crazy..."

"Random Entertainment and the show's comment sections are being flooded. One post got 10,000 shares in two minutes..."

"The Xing fans in our group have probably all gone to Weibo. It's terrifying! How dare Random Entertainment do this!"

"But I think the rankings are quite reasonable. Aren't they basically ranked according to skill level?"

"YX's skills that only his fans can see are just something his fans can brag about. Every time he sings high notes, he reaches them, but it's really difficult for people to listen to."

"I'm dizzy after seeing the rankings..."

"Not getting first place is one thing, but even top three would have been fine. 21st is something I never could have imagined."

"The popular trainees are already being suppressed from now on."

The program's aftermath hadn't subsided even by the next day, as the edited final performance was uploaded to the video platform. It was split into two parts, totaling over six hours, and included many additional scenes.

Many curious onlookers who came to watch due to the arguments on trending topics also clicked on this video.

Compared to the live broadcast that focused solely on stage performances, the edited version included many reactions from the trainees and judges. With Ye Xing being a hot topic, everyone paid extra attention to Jiang Juyou's reactions while watching Ye Xing's performance.

While everyone else was happily enjoying the cute cat and dog-themed stage, Jiang Juyou frowned, "...His vocal cords are still too tight, the high notes don't sound good."

The vocal coach next to her said, "But compared to when he first joined the company, he's improved tremendously."

This comment made Jiang Juyou's brow furrow even deeper, "How can we compare him to when he first joined the company? I'm choosing between different people, not various stages of Ye Xing's growth. If his skills can't keep up with others, he'll only be eliminated."

She lowered her gaze and put away her pen, saying, "I'm looking for singer-dancers, not just performers."

This statement sparked heated discussion in the comments:

"If that's the case, what's wrong with Ye Xing ranking 21st?"

"Looks aren't everything, Xing fans!!!"

"Putting it that way, I can understand a bit more."

"Fine, fine, debut with your ugly people then, let Ye Xing go!"

The edited final performance included many interview segments after the show ended. Instead of a specific interview room, they conducted random interviews backstage. The first to come down with red eyes was Pei Luming.

He had been strong while comforting his fans, but after the show ended, he couldn't help but hug those older trainees who were leaving, crying until his tears soaked his collar.

Ye Xing, who ranked 21st, was also interviewed.

The staff asked him, "Are you satisfied with your ranking?"

Without playing the victim or showing disappointment, Ye Xing smiled and answered, "I'm very satisfied. I originally thought I wouldn't make it into the debut range, so I'm really grateful to have made it in the end."

"Many people don't understand Jiang Producer, but I do. I know what Jiang Producer is looking for, and I'm also clear that my current skills are still far from Jiang Producer's debut standard. But I'll work hard! Next time we meet, I won't be satisfied with just making it into the debut range. I will definitely debut!"

"Please believe in me, and also in Jiang Producer!"

Jiang Juyou rubbed her temples and asked, "Lastly, how are the arrangements for overseas training coming along?"

"We've made all the necessary contacts. We've rented a building that's currently being renovated. We're also in touch with the instructors. This is our initial plan for the trainees' future classes."

Jiang Juyou took the iPad and glanced at it. "Specialized training?"

Liu Jiajia explained, "If we continue with the previous method of alternating between singing and dancing, the results might not be as satisfactory. So we've adjusted the training plan. Each month will focus on only one skill. For example, if the first month is scheduled for dance classes, then the entire month from morning to night will be dance classes."

"On weekends, we'll arrange some other courses, like writing, photography, composition, and so on."

"Our initial plan is for six months, after which we'll reassess based on the trainees' progress and possibly extend it by a few more months."

"What about accommodation?" Jiang Juyou asked, leaning back with fatigue evident on her face.

"We've secured accommodation as well. We'll also send a team from our side to look after and manage the trainees."

Hearing this, Jiang Juyou nodded, "Alright, has the date been set?"

"Next Friday."

Jiang Juyou suddenly turned to her assistant sitting by the wall and said, "Book me a flight and hotel."

Then she turned back and said, "I'll go with them for the first week. Once they've settled in, I'll return."

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As soon as the meeting ended, almost simultaneously, the trainees received a notice from the staff sister of the new talent management group, requiring them to gather at the company in the afternoon. The debuting group members were also notified to prepare their passports and visa application materials, and to request leave from school in advance.

This was because they would be training in Korea next semester, and unless there were exams, they wouldn't return to China.

After reading the message, Ye Xing immediately forwarded this information to her mother.

"Ye Xing: Mom, we're going to Korea for training next Friday. I need to ask for a semester's leave from school."

"Mom: A whole semester?"

"Mom: You have your high school entrance exams in June. Why train at this time? Can't it be arranged after the summer vacation?"

"Ye Xing: The staff sister said teachers will go with us, and we'll come back for the exams. There are several of us who need to take the high school entrance exams, so don't worry."

"Mom: You're so eager to go. What about your dad and me missing you?"

"Ye Xing: ...You can fly over to see me, can't you?"

"Mom: [Heartbroken]"

Chen Wu hadn't yet recovered from the shadow of ranking twentieth, feeling a bit down. He was lying on his bed when he read the message and suddenly froze. After searching online about what passports and visas were, he asked the staff sister.

"Chen Wu: Sister, I only live with my grandparents at home, and they don't understand these things. Can I go and apply for this by myself?"

"Xiaoxiao Sister: Wait a moment, let me ask!"

He suddenly sat up and called out to his grandmother who was watching TV outside, "Grandma! Where do we keep our household registration booklet? We need to apply for passports!"

"What? What do you need?"

At this moment, the reply on his phone also arrived.

"Xiaoxiao Sister: Come over in the afternoon with your household registration booklet. We'll take you to apply. Don't worry about the visa, we'll handle that collectively."

After replying, Guan Xiaoxiao looked distressed, "I'm so careless!"

She turned to her colleague with teary eyes, "I sent a group message and forgot that some trainees come from difficult backgrounds."

"Chen Wu lost his parents early on, and he only lives with his grandparents. His uncle's family lives in Tianjin. What will happen to his grandparents if Chen Wu leaves?"

Each staff member was responsible for certain trainees, and Chen Wu was one of those Guan Xiaoxiao was in charge of. She knew about his family situation but momentarily forgot about it.

Her colleague, upon hearing this, also became concerned, "Should we ask the department head about this?"

Jiang Juyou, who was taking a nap in the office, suddenly received a message. She frowned as she reached for her phone, squinting as she read the message from Liu Jiajia.

Then she sent a voice message to Liu Jiajia: "Have the staff talk to Chen Wu first. He definitely knows his family situation better than we do."

"Also... I remember we calculated salaries when signing the contracts. I'll have finance transfer the money this afternoon. Remember to tell the trainees to check if the money has been deposited into their accounts."

After saying this, Jiang Juyou put down her phone, intending to continue sleeping. However, she tossed and turned on the sofa several times, unable to fall asleep.

Chen Wu, Pei Luming, Ye Xing, Gao Xiayu, Chi Qiao, Yao Shuo, Sang Mo.

Regardless of the final debut lineup, people can start placing their bets now.

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