After a brief conversation, Jiang Yuqi learned that the other girl's name was Fu Yueran. She had a bright and cheerful personality, a doll-like face that made her look like a high schooler, though she was actually a year older than Jiang Yuqi.
Through their interaction, Jiang Yuqi discovered that Fu Yueran was clearly someone who appreciated beauty—soft-spoken and sweet, a total moe girl. Jiang Yuqi had no resistance to this type of person and certainly didn't mind spending time with her.
The livestream barrage (danmu) also exploded, with fans wildly shipping the two as a CP (couple), and the trend showed no signs of slowing down.
"These two—one is a cool and aloof big-sister type, the other is cute and sweet. They're totally a match made in heaven!"
"Just looking at them makes me unconsciously let out an auntie-like giggle."
"Same here! Carry the Fu-Jiang CP banner!"
"Okay but… what if the cute one is just trying to get close to her because of her pre-show popularity?"
"Hey now, stay positive—don't start conspiracy theories."
At that moment, the tone of the barrage began to shift. Some questioned whether Fu Yueran's motives were pure—was she only trying to get close because of Jiang Yuqi's rising popularity?
After exchanging a few words, Jiang Yuqi naturally let the conversation drop. They had just met, after all—there wasn't much to say yet.
Jiang Yuqi then turned her attention to observing the contestants who had advanced far in the previous timeline, especially Zhang Kexin—a rich girl whose image clashed with Fu Yueran's. Back then, Fu Yueran had dropped out mid-show for personal reasons, while Zhang Kexin soared to success.
Watching how Zhang Kexin skillfully mingled in the crowd, Jiang Yuqi couldn't help but marvel inwardly. That kind of social finesse was something she simply couldn't emulate.
Jiang Yuqi focused on her because, in the last life, Zhang Kexin had once tried to befriend the original host—but when the cyberbullying started, she was the first to block her. From the memories she'd recovered and sorted, Jiang Yuqi strongly suspected Zhang Kexin had a hand in the online attacks. But the truth would require careful investigation; it was still too early to act.
The show soon announced the first challenge: All 100 contestants would perform the theme song, "Dancing Through Life." They had two days to practice.
On the third day, four mentors would evaluate and assign them into four groups—A, B, C, and D—with 20 people in each.
Only groups A, B, and C would get to perform on stage. D-group members would serve as cheerleaders offstage and wouldn't appear in the performance at all.
Most exciting of all: the top-ranked contestant would be awarded a solo camera shot and take the center (C-position) in the theme song's performance.
The announcement ignited a fire in every contestant's heart. Everyone knew that whoever got the C-position would skyrocket in popularity. If they maintained consistent performance afterward, their debut spot would practically be guaranteed.
Jiang Yuqi was realistic about her current skill level—she just wanted to make it onto the stage. She didn't want a repeat of her past life, where she ended up in Group C, relegated to being a background prop with zero screen time.
Yes, even though Groups A, B, and C all went on stage, most of the camera focus was on A, a little on B, and C was barely seen—a passing blur, if that.
The audience watching the livestream was also buzzing with excitement. These kinds of head-to-head battles were exactly what they loved.
But just as the viewers were getting into it, the livestream screen abruptly went black. A message appeared:
"The preview segment has ended. To continue watching the next part of the show, please visit the Gululu Video app."
As expected, the show wasn't giving away everything for free—viewers had to switch to the paid platform.
One girl wearing black-rimmed glasses was already frantically downloading the Gululu app, muttering:
"If buying a membership lets me see my precious girl debut, then it's totally worth it! I can even unlock behind-the-scenes footage—yes, please!"
She wasn't alone. Many others had already been drawn in by the show and couldn't bear the thought of missing out.
Some complained:
"Seriously? I have to download a whole new app just for this show? Too much trouble. I'm not doing it."
But when he looked around, he saw that all his friends had already started downloading it. Not one of them cared about his dramatic stance.
He tried to hold out—but the preview clips on his phone made him itch with curiosity.
This summer, a girl group survival show craze was sweeping across the country, captivating viewers everywhere.
—
On the other side, the production team assigned rooms randomly. Fu Yueran was disappointed not to be placed with Jiang Yuqi.
"Sigh… Such a pretty girl. Why can't I see her more often?"
Jiang Yuqi's dorm housed six girls. Among them were Zhang Kexin—her suspect—and Li Yuan, who in the previous life had become the show's top debut pick.
She had no memory of the other three, meaning they were probably eliminated early on—too insignificant for the original host to remember.
Everyone behaved themselves on camera—just polite greetings and brief introductions.
When Jiang Yuqi mentioned she was an orphan, she noticed the others giving her pitiful looks—except for Li Yuan, who remained neutral, not showing any visible emotion.
This annoyed Jiang Yuqi. Being an orphan didn't mean she needed their pity.
She hadn't considered that it could've all been for show—some girls playing up their kindness for the cameras.
"Hi, I'm Zhang Kexin. Can we be friends? Let's work hard to debut together!"
She even threw in a cheerful "fighting!" gesture to appear friendly and lovable.
"Of course. I'm Jiang Yuqi. Since we're all here, we're all friends. No need to force anything."
Naturally, Jiang Yuqi maintained her composure in front of the cameras. She said the expected pleasantries—but real friendship? No thanks.
Zhang Kexin, however, was furious inside. How dare Jiang Yuqi act so aloof? She had taken the initiative—wasn't Jiang Yuqi supposed to leap at the offer?
"What a tough nut to crack. If I weren't planning to use her to gain fans, I wouldn't bother with a penniless orphan like her."
She forced a smile, suppressing her irritation, and turned to socialize with the other roommates. But as soon as her back was to the camera, her sweet expression vanished.
Jiang Yuqi used her power to sense memories. From what she could gather, Zhang Kexin was jealous and planned to use her. No harmful actions yet—but Jiang Yuqi wasn't letting her guard down.
She secretly placed a binding charm on her: if Zhang Kexin made any harmful move, Jiang Yuqi would know immediately and could strike back.
Afterward, she didn't concern herself with the others. All her focus was now on mastering the theme song, "Dancing Through Life." She was determined to give it her all.