Chapter 483: Long Time No See, Mr. Xixi

Yun Xiao had no right to talk like that about Wanwan. No one cared for his opinion. He was only vengeful and resentful that Wanwan would be taking the center stage.

“I’m not.” Su Ruowan’s voice was hoarse. Tears welled up in her eyes as she clutched the bag of nuts in her hands. “Muyan, who the hell is he?”

Su Muyan answered, “What else? He’s just a lapdog for Cosmos Entertainment. I bet he’s jealous and told you off because you got the lead role. You don’t have to take him seriously.”

Su Ruowan shook his head. “I’m not, but I heard that he’s an amazing dancer. Muyan, doesn’t he remind you of someone?”

Su Muyan frowned. Reminded him of who? He could not tell. Yun Xiao was just an anti-social and annoying deadbeat. “Who does he resemble?”

“Ms. Shu Baiyu.” Su Ruowan sniffled as she took in the hurt. With swollen eyes, she whispered a heartrending voice, “Ms. Shu Baiyu mentioned before that I’m not suited to advance into professional dancing and acting.”

Feeling the rise in blood pressure, Su Muyan coldly scoffed. “Who is she to tell you that you can’t? She’s blind to see the good in you. I have no idea what she sees in that brat, Shen Xi.”

The mention of Shu Baiyu ticked him off. It would be Shu Baiyu’s honor to have an outstanding and brilliant student like Wanwan.

Well, her loss. Shu Baiyu was a fool to think Shen Xi was a treasure.

“Muyan, don’t say so. Shen Xi must have been better than me for Ms. Shu Baiyu to be expectant of her.” Su Ruowan bit her lip. Teary-eyed, she hung her head low. “Things would probably be different if Shen Xi replaced me on the show.”

“Wanwan.” Su Muyan was angry and heartbroken for her. “You’re doing the show. Why do you have to bring up that ingrate? Are you trying to piss me off?”

“I… No.” Su Ruowan sniffled with weepy eyes. “Don’t be angry, Muyan. I’ll stop talking about it.”

“Don’t ever bring her up. She’s dead to me.” Su Muyan felt bad as he looked at the kind and meek Su Ruowan. Those feelings were quickly replaced by repugnance at the thought of the ruthless and callous Shen Xi. If only she could die and rot in hell.

Su Ruowan was silent.

Picking up on her low spirits, Su Muyan took a seat next to her and softly offered words of comfort. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re the best, the most brilliant, and the brightest star. Trust me, you will debut front and center. The other mentors are counting on you.”

Godd*mnit. Yun Xiao should jump off the building and die. Wanwan let his nonsense get to her head.

She was the best and none of the trainees could compare to her. Yun Xiao was nitpicking and just trying to win one over her.

Well, Wanwan would shove it to his face when she made her debut. The other trainees should keep up and bump all the Cosmos Entertainment’s trainees out of the show to irk him!

Su Ruowan had gotten the assurance she wanted from Su Muyan. On her way back, she ran into trainees watching the show on their phones and talking about it.

Today was Friday, the day National Idol’s first episode was released. It was broadcast on CZ Satellite TV prime time. She had watched the show together with Muyan.

As expected from a Cosmos-Entertainment-sponsored show, Cosmos Entertainment’s girls and lapdog, Yun Xiao had the most screen time.

Ye Weiyang, in particular, had more airtime than she did. Su Ruowan highly suspected the production team was a bunch of airheads.

Of course, the trainees were going to watch the premiere of National idol. Those with more close-ups were delighted while others who barely had airtime sulked in a corner. Thanks to Mr. Yun Xiao and Ye Weiyang, Group F rode the wave and had more exposure compared to the rest.

All in all, the cameras loved Group A the most. Among the mentors, Gu Yang the girl group founder had equally as much airtime.

The channel for fans to vote was open during the release of the episode. Fans could vote to support their favorite contestants.

The trainees signed to management agencies had their backings. Their companies had long started rallying fans and paid to bump the girls up to the trending topics, doing all they could to put their talents out there.

As the daughter of film stars, Su Ruowan often tagged along Li Jingran to social events. She was one of the minorities who already had a fanbase. With the voting channel available, fans swamped to cast their votes on her and her popularity climbed.

Right behind her in the polls were the trainees managed by agencies.

Cosmos Entertainment’s girls were mediocre at best in the polls. Since the program was only at its first episode, the exposure was insufficient for fans to fall for them.

The only one who managed to squeeze into the top twenty was Song Wenye. The international class students called on friends far and wide to hit the vote button, putting Song Wenye at the tail of the top twenty at the nineteenth place.

As of this moment, the polls would be used as a reference to the order of ranking. Trainees at the bottom were starting to feel the heat.

Mr. Yun Xiao returned a day before the shooting of the second episode. The former Group F members announced to everyone the moment they heard the good news.

The groups were divided according to the trainees’ overall rating.

All members of Group A formed separate teams to be the team captain. The remaining nine team captains were picked from Group B. Every team had a variety of Group B, C, and D members. In all fairness, lots were drawn to decide the team the trainees would be joining.

There were five members in Su Ruowan’s group. As the leader of the team, she was team captain. Nevertheless, she was most unhappy that her team has two former Group F members. They were such an eyesore. These girls had gone off looking for Yun Xiao after hearing that he was back.

Did they think their spots would be secured if they were to look for Yun Xiao? How naïve. They should just become trainees under Cosmos Entertainment instead of daydreaming. Cosmos Entertainment’s trainees were guaranteed opportunities to debut after all.

Like Su Ruowan, He Lu shifted her resentment of being demoted on Cosmos Entertainment and their trainees and of course, Yun Xiao. With hatred brewing in her eyes, she tightly clenched her fists.

All the other trainees besides Group F’s were not pleased to see Mr. Yun Xiao, even though they had no reason to hate him. They were not in a position to express themselves freely. Only the former Group F members thought the whole world of Mr. Yun Xiao.

Now that Shen Xi was here, she would have to assume the duty of a mentor. Following the arrangement of the production team, she entered one studio after another to check on the trainees. She did not turn her back towards those who came to ask for advice.

However, no one else approached her other than the former Group F members, but even they played an insignificant role in their groups. They had no say and had to take cues from their teammates. The timid ones who were left out by their group dared not look for her while the bold ones sought advice from her on their own accord.

Ye Weiyang’s team was the only one who openly approached her. Han Yan happened to be on her team. Since no one occupied Mr. Yun Xiao’s time, they invited him over to be their personal coach. They could not be happier by the decision.

The other mentors were envious as they were fluttering about, taking care of every team. It was a different story for Mr. Yun Xiao. It must be great for him to only look after one team!

Su Muyan and the rest of the mentors were not on the same wavelength. The sight of Yun Xiao disgusted Su Muyan to the very end. He smirked as Yun Xiao gave pointers to Ye Weiyang’s team.

Was Yun Xiao really that ignorant about his surroundings? Was he either blind or pretending not to see so many trainees giving him the cold shoulder?

Nevertheless, Su Muyan took pleasure in Yun Xiao’s predicament. It was an insult to a mentor to be snubbed and ignored. This was not something to be happy or proud about.

The production crew was helpless about the situation. Mr. Yun Xiao was a character. The trainees might not go to him, but he could always inquire if they needed help. It would be fine even if it was just asking for the sake of asking.

The question that boggled the production team right now was whether they should release footage of the mentors coaching for the second episode.

After the evening practice, Su Botao the chief director informed everyone, including the mentors, that there would be a mystery guest during tomorrow’s shoot.

Everyone turned to Mr. Yun Xiao. Was he not the mystery mentor? Why was there another mystery guest? Who could it be? Would it be another incompetent? It was a public outrage waiting to happen.

Observing their expressions, Su Botao cleared his throat and continued. “The mystery guest is only here for an episode. There will be other mystery guests coming for future episodes as well.”

The mentors exchanged a glance curiously. They had no idea who the mystery guest was, but one thing was for sure, it was somebody in the entertainment circle.

They were resourceful and had vast connections. They returned to their dorms and proceeded to ask around, but they soon gave up seeking answers since no one had an inkling.

The mentors could not get to the bottom of it, much less the trainees. There were people looking forward to it while others remained skeptical. With Yun Xiao as the prime example of a mystery mentor, they already had a bad feeling about it.

The next morning.

It was lively during breakfast at the cafeteria. The trainees surrounded a person, asking for autographs and pictures. Judging by their star-struck eyes, they looked like fans who had met their idols.

Amid the crowd, the young man in casual wear had a lean figure, good looks, and a smiling face. He was none other than Qi Xiu.

The trainees on the scene swarmed towards him except Su Ruowan. She quietly sat at a corner, hiding the fury in her eyes. Why did it have to be Qi Xiu of all people!

Shen Xi entered alongside Gu Yang. Since Gu Yang waited for her at the door, she had no choice but to come in with him.

The duo ran into the other four mentors while at the elevator. It was a rare moment for all six mentors to be heading to the cafeteria together.

They had just arrived at the cafeteria when they saw the young man who was surrounded by the trainees.

Su Muyan was first to take notice. Qi Xiu was his rival who crushed him after all. Although resentment was seething in his being, Su Muyan remained unconcerned in appearance.

Was the mystery guest Qi Xiu?

The production team seemed to be out to get him. Were they trying to make him look bad? Why did they invite Qi Xiu despite knowing the history between him and Qi Xiu?

Gu Yang and the rest were dumbstruck for a moment before catching on. He must be the mystery guest invited by the production team. It turned out to be Qi Xiu, the rising star!

Fang Yao, a mentor with the heart of a teenager, was a fan of Qi Xiu. She was a loyal fan of his music. Her eyes lit up at the sight of him.

Props to the production team. Qi Xiu had never joined any variety shows since his fame skyrocketed. It was said that the number of proposals he turned down could be piled up to two meters.

Compared to the others, He Sumo and Xia Mi were most chilled out. Sure, they were surprised and it did not take them long to get a grip.

They watched as the trainees hemmed in on Qi Xiu.

Qi Xiu saw them too. He lifted his chin to look and nod in Shen Xi’s direction. He then opened his mouth and spoke in a clear voice, “Long time no see, Mr. Xixi.”

Chapter 484: Regret

Shock.

For a moment, it was pin-drop silence in the vast cafeteria.

The trainees thought their ears were playing tricks on them. Who was Mr. Xixi? Where was Mr. Xixi? Was Mr. Xixi the show’s mystery guest?

The news was too much for their hearts to take!

Mr. Xixi and Mr. Qi Xiu were best partners who made a name for themselves in showbiz recently. Mr. Qi Xiu kept a low profile and turned down all invitations to variety shows.

However, Mr. Xixi was more unassuming and mysterious than Mr. Qi Xiu. Up until now, everyone was still debating about his basic information – Was Mr. Xixi a man or woman? How old was he? What did he look like?

The trainees followed Mr. Qi Xiu’s line of vision to the cafeteria entrance. Standing there were all six of their mentors. There was no one else.

Like the trainees, the mentors were caught in a daze by Qi Xiu’s sudden greeting. Out of reflexes, they looked behind to see if there was someone they might have missed.

The production team did mention something about mystery guests, but the number was not specified. Perhaps two guests were invited. The hit combo of Xixi’s song and Qi Xiu’s voice had them dubbed the Dynamic Duo in showbiz.

Between the pair, one was an artist and music director of Cosmos Entertainment while the other never announced his allegiance to any company. Nevertheless, people in the circle speculated that he must also be from Cosmos Entertainment. It was not surprising that the production team was able to invite him to the show.

The program was funded by Cosmos Entertainment after all. In the interest of maximum profit, they must be counting on the program to be a hit. Hence why they tried to stir sensation by sending the Dynamic Duo over.

Yet.

There was not a soul behind them.

Two trainees were walking out of the elevator. They were Han Yan and Ye Weiyang.

Su Muyan was the first to get a grip. He realized Qi Xiu was looking at Yun Xiao past Gu Yang. With his heart sinking to his stomach, Su Muyan tried to convince himself that it was not what he thought it was!

Impossible!

How could it be?

The repulsive and disgusting Yun Xiao could not possibly be the Xixi he was looking for!

After the brief shock, Gu Yang and the rest followed Qi Xiu’s gaze to Mr. Yun Xiao. They were mind blown.

No way! No way! No way!

As thousands of question marks popped inside their heads, the answer had become apparent.

Qi Xiu drew close and gave them the affirmation. He stood before Mr. Yun Xiao and smiled. “This is my first experience in a show. Please show me the ropes, Mr. Xixi.”

Su Muyan’s pupils dilated while his hands by his sides clenched tightly into fists. The reality was overwhelming for him to accept.

That was right.

The person he despised the most and tried to make a fool out of was the same person he had been seeking for two months to collaborate with!

Gu Yang and Xia Mi exchanged a glance. They saw the same shock in each other’s eyes. It was a moment of revelation for these guys.

Fang Yao, on the other hand, was the bubbliest among the mentors. Her friendly nature helped her to hang out with the trainees. Not one to hide her emotions, she excitedly gazed at the person next to her and asked the question on behalf of the stunned crowd. “Mr. Yun Xiao, so you’re Mr. Xixi?”

Shen Xi faintly hummed as a reply to the question.

Fang Yao shrieked and stamped her feet repeatedly in enthusiasm. Like a fan meeting an idol, she held her chest and uttered in a shaky voice. “F*ck me! It’s Mr. Xixi in the flesh. Can I touch you?”

Never in her wildest dreams would she dream of meeting the most talked-about and sought-after Mr. Xixi. They had been shooting the show side by side for a week, and yet nobody suspected a thing.

Shen Xi took a step back.

He Sumo gave Fang Yao a tug and cleared his throat. He tipped her the wink so she would recompose her public image. As a mentor, she should behave like one in the presence of the students.

Gu Yang and Xia Mi were hot with emotions, but as mentors, they had to watch their manners. Keeping their thousand questions and delight in check, they calmly greeted Mr. Xixi.

Dumbstruck, the trainees had their eyes widened and jaws dropped to the ground. Of course, they were in shock. Most of them were filled with regret.

Mr. Yun Xiao who they labeled as irresponsible and repulsive was Mr. Xixi!

Oh gawd. If only they could turn back time. Had they known, they would never have acted in that manner toward Mr. Yun Xiao. They would instead scramble for his attention, begging for him to teach them!

Su Ruowan, who was collected and unconcerned by Qi Xiu’s presence, clutched the spoon tightly in her hand. The trembling spoon revealed her inner turmoil.

Mr. Xixi.

Yun Xiao was Mr. Xixi.

Why was she so dumb to not pick up on the details?

Her mind flashed back to the day when Mr. Xixi arrived. She was the first to extend a friendly hand to Mr. Xixi and the latter appeared nice to her.

What happened next?

Why did she not continue with the gesture? Had she continued, Mr. Xixi would have warmed up to her.

With the support of Mr. Xixi, Su Ruowan could have gotten a chance to work with him, and like Qi Xiu, she would be famous with a hit album and become a superstar overnight.

No.

She still had a chance.

Time was on her side. There were still a lot of chances, and as long as she seized the opportunity for Mr. Xixi to see her good, brilliant, and hard work; he would definitely fall for her. Su Ruowan was confident in her ability.

Colors drained from He Lu’s face as the weight of regret and frustration piled onto her. Why did she have to be all mouthy and take a dig at Mr. Yun Xiao?

Great. Now that Mr. Yun Xiao turned out to be Mr. Xixi, he must be hating her guts. What should she do to cozy up to Mr. Xixi now?

Compared to the other groups, Group F was over the moon after the initial shock subsided. They proudly held their heads up and showed off the joy on their faces. Their mentor was Mr. Xixi!

He taught them for three whole days, spending almost every waking minute with them. Mr. Xixi was the one who coached them patiently and reversed the fate of Group F.

They relished the look on everyone’s faces. No one was going to doubt or question Mr. Yun Xiao’s capabilities now.

Yes.

The composition and choreography of the theme song were created in the hands of Mr. Yun Xiao. Who was to say he knew nothing about dancing and singing!

Everyone on site seemed to have forgotten the mystery guest Qi Xiu’s existence with all eyes on Mr. Yun Xiao.

Mr. Yun Xiao remained chill as he brushed off the mentors’ inquiries with “ah”, “oh”, “uh-huh”.

Then as always, he proceeded to serve himself breakfast and sit down to eat, oblivious to the intense stares and admiring looks from the trainees.

Gu Yang noticed the trainees’ wandering eyes and said, “Eyes on the food, please. Enjoy your meals. I hope everyone will do well at the group match.”

His words stirred a wailing fit among the trainees. Tension saw a rise in the air with the first round of group matches commencing at nine in the morning. Sure, they may be on tenterhooks, but they wanted to have an interaction with Mr. Xixi.

At least now the trainees turned their attention away from Mr. Yun Xiao to their breakfast. Shedding tears of regret, they bore resentment against the proud former members of Group F.

Over at the mentors’ table.

It was rather quiet with no one talking. The mentors were at a loss for words. Anyone and everybody in the entertainment business would be dying to collaborate with Mr. Xixi, and this was especially the case with Gu Yang. He had openly let the media know of his intentions to work with Mr. Xixi.

It was the same with Su Muyan. He had been asking around for Mr. Xixi but returned empty-handed. However, he was currently in turmoil as the person he looked down on and pushed aside on the show was Mr. Xixi. Su Muyan was unwilling to accept the reality yet had to.

The expose of Mr. Yun Xiao’s identity led the group to be awkward around him, except Qi Xiu who was still very much himself. Qi Xiu sat beside Mr. Yun Xiao, looking back every now and then to share private words.

As usual, Mr. Yun Xiao aloofly gave brief replies. It was hard to see any passion or familiarity coming from the one-album-wonders Dynamic Duo.

It was a stifling atmosphere as the mentors observed one another. They wanted to be the first to engage in a conversation with Mr. Yun Xiao and yet had no idea where to begin. As Mr. Yun Xiao was unapproachable in the first place, they had not fostered much of a relationship for the past few days. They felt awkward in case they failed to hold up the conversation while at the same time afraid others might beat them to chatting Mr. Yun Xiao up.

The identity revelation threw the mentors a curveball. Yun Xiao and Mr. Xixi carried different weights in roles in their minds.

Yun Xiao was insignificant to them since the role of a mentor only put Yun Xiao as their equals or even their lesser counterparts in the show. Mr. Xixi, on the other hand, was in the big league they wanted to get into.

The mentors were all lost in their thoughts.

The trainees also had plans of their own. He Lu was an example. At present, she was carrying a bowl of congee in her hands. Hiding the slyness in her eyes, she made up her mind and made a beeline towards the mentors’ table.