Xie Qingci quickly gave her an answer, saying with a calm demeanor:
"Can't compare with the two before me."
Shu Ran didn't let him off, so she asked the others. Looking around, besides her, there was only Yu Xia as another female, so she asked her:
"Yu Xia, what do you think? Girls usually have more imagination. I can't think of anything, how about you think of something."
Yu Xia openly stared at Xie Qingci, but when her gaze met his dark eyes, she quickly averted them, like a mouse.
"Well, it's probably... the ice in a tall cocktail."
The original intent was about drinking; when you drink too much and then take a lick of that ice, it's a mix of fire and ice, just like him—cold and spicy.
Cough, cough, cough.
Shu Ran was satisfied with that, using refined and elegant language: "Let's hope your upcoming performance gives us all the feeling of having had a cocktail."
The lights dimmed.
Xie Qingci started performing.
Yu Xia didn't know if anyone else felt like they'd had a cocktail, but she certainly did.
Because Xie Qingci's song clashed with hers!!!
How could they possibly clash?!
As soon as she heard the song, she couldn't help clenching her hands, knowing someone would definitely cue her to interact later on.
Running into an ex on nationwide television, under the spotlight, how awkward.
What is a clueless citizen like her supposed to do?
Yu Xia felt annoyed.
As they say, she should have participated in a show that promotes socialist core values instead of this boyband competition!
... Forget it, just focus on the handsome guy.
She's watching the show, and people watching the show are watching her.
Comments flooded the screen.
[Whoa! What a handsome guy, I need him in my life!]
[Mom! There's a handsome guy here!]
[Yu Xia, stop staring at him! Give this handsome fish a break, he hasn't even made it big yet!]
[How can this trashy talent show have someone this scorchingly handsome?! Sorry brother, looks like I'll have to take a break and hit the road again for a while.]
[Yu Xia: He's dancing the same dance as me—this just has to be fate! Even the heavens want me to make my move on him!]
[Xie Qingci, I'm ready to praise you with the enthusiasm of an 800-word essay, just wait and see how I flatter you on a lifestyle program.]
[Xie! Qing! Ci! Damn you're handsome! I'd crash into a wall for you! I'd call you! I'd take over my village's broadcast station for you! / Raises a megaphone and shouts wildly.jpg]
[Is this really the waist a decent man should have? Ladies, step back, I'll bear the burden of this indecency for you.]
[He's seducing me, he's making me want to spam call and vote for him, don't stop me! / Blocking nosebleed and insanely typing my love.jpg]
Livelier than any other entries before.
The show team, based on keyword frequency and comment rate analysis, elevated Xie Qingci's importance.
The cameraman started giving him more screen time.
The passionate dance continued.
Xie Qingci's waist and hips were truly something; with a silky white shirt, a casual motion could incite a scream.
Yet his expression remained indifferent, so nothing about him seemed greasy or contrived.
After a few more looks, it was easy to feel parched.
When Yu Xia had her fourth sip of water, Xie Qingci's performance finally ended.
She quietly breathed a sigh of relief, lowering her head and pretending to seriously review her notes.
As usual, Shu Ran and the others gave their feedback first.
It was clear Xie Qingci had put a lot of effort into his performance; there was nothing to criticize, so the three couldn't help but praise him repeatedly.
When it was Yu Xia's turn, she didn't shy away, lifting the microphone, pausing slightly, then sincerely complimented:
"That was amazing, it moved me to tears, reminding me of my days dominating Qzone."
Xie Qingci: "......"
Shu Ran, rather accustomed to this quirky vibe, naturally followed up: "Speaking of which, you two ended up picking the same song and a similar dance. How about..."
"Never mind, never mind," she quickly refused with an air of seriousness, "I'm too old, don't make me battle it out."
Then she sighed: "You have no idea, before the show, my manager specifically reminded me that these young men are the flowers of the nation, don't get too close. Living a life of simplicity and restraint is my current life motto."
Shu Ran smiled: "I meant, how about he performs an extra song?"
Yu Xia: "......"
In all seriousness: "Seems like I'm still not detached enough, I'll just buy a robe and get draped in it when I go back."
The trainees burst out laughing.
A hint of laughter sparkled in Xie Qingci's eyes too.
At Shu Ran's request, he performed another song, this time a gentle, fresh style, an acoustic performance of "Summer Wind."
Summer Wind?
Why not sing about spring wind, autumn wind, or winter wind? Why insist on summer wind?
As Yu Xia thought it over, her gaze towards Xie Qingci turned a bit complicated.
Could it be... he wanted to use her to create hype, attempting to gain greater popularity and step into the entertainment circle?!
What should she do?
If her ex-boyfriend was going to ride the wave of fame at her expense, how should she tactfully advise him to let go of past resentments and focus on being a good person?
This question really puzzled her, so during the break, she quietly called her manager, He Ci.
"What's the vibe online now?"
He Ci seemed a bit confused: "What vibe?"
"My scandal, of course. Are there already rumors about me and Xie Qingci exchanging lingering glances and being secretly in love, expressing it through songs?"
She spoke detailedly with utmost certainty, as if she was narrating a fact.
He Ci was silent for a moment.
Then slowly but firmly scolded her: "Is your brain past its expiration date? Do you think hot searches are something you can order like a thirty-dollar meal?! And you're dreaming of picking the priciest dish!"
Yu Xia: "... Isn't anyone hyping it up? He danced the same dance as I did! And sang 'Summer Wind!' Summer! Wind!"
"Even if he sang 'Tornado,' it's none of your business!"
He Ci roared, then rattled off a string of scolding.
"Have you let too many rumors make you full of yourself? Do you really think you're the only one in the world who's stunning and beautiful? Didn't you see Xie Qingci didn't even give you a glance? Are you daydreaming here?"
After saying his piece, he absurdly said, "I see it now, you're not getting close to men in reality, you're fabricating a novel in your dreams!"
Yu Xia was left speechless by the scolding, putting the phone down slightly, rubbing her ear, then pouting and listening in again.
"You don't have any doubts? I'm a scandal magnet, and these are two coincidences already. If it were the previous batch of netizens, they'd have written a hundred and eighty stories of our twisted love returning to us!"
He Ci: "So if I say my favorite season is summer, does that mean we have a paternal bond?! Your narcissism is so severe, go wash your face and wake up!"
With that, he hung up without hesitation.
Yu Xia: "..."
– – – – –
Yu Xia: See, the truth is often right on the tip of your tongue, but you just refuse to believe it.
He Ci: ...