The photography base for young idols.
In the expansive training room, the contestants formed small clusters of threes and fours, quietly discussing while casting complicated glances toward the boy practicing his dance not far away.
And toward the boy in the corner, arm wrapped in bandages, his face shadowed with gloom and frustration.
From their expressions, it wasn’t hard to guess that the center of their discussions was these two boys.
And it definitely wasn’t anything positive.
The boy ignored it all from beginning to end, working up a sweat until his body seemed as if it had been pulled straight out of water.
He walked over, picked up the water bottle and jacket on the floor, and prepared to leave.
The boy with bandages approached him, his pale face full of guilt and remorse. "Aning, I’m sorry. I didn’t expect things to escalate . How about I go live and clarify everything?"
One of the contestants covertly took out a phone and began recording the scene.
Since Rong Xianning’s scandal broke out, the show’s production team confiscated all the contestants’ phones. But for those who were clever enough, some had hidden spares.
Rong’s face appeared cold and distant, like an ancient piece of icy jade, radiating an unapproachable chill that sent shivers through those around him. Chapters first released on novelFɪre.net
He glanced at Wen Yan indifferently, his gaze void of warmth—as if he were staring at a corpse.
Wen Yan’s heart skipped a beat, his fingers hanging at his side clenching tightly into a fist.
The boy’s lips curled slightly, carrying an ambiguous air of disdain and irony.
He didn’t say anything, yet it felt as though he said everything.
Turning, he walked away decisively, his silhouette exuding a carefree, resolute air.
Wen Yan stood motionless in place, his expression dark and sullen.
"Ayan, why bother throwing yourself at him when all he does is treat you like dirt? If it hadn’t been for him, how would your hand have been injured? It was clearly his fault, but somehow we’re the ones to blame—what kind of justice is this?"
Ge Qi stormed over, venting his indignation.
Wen Yan shook his head. "It’s my fault..."
"Ayan, you’re just too soft-hearted. If this continues, he’ll only keep taking advantage of you. What’s puzzling though is—who was it that leaked the recording?"
Ge Qi furrowed his brows, his face filled with confusion.
Wen Yan’s eyes flickered faintly.
Soon, Ge Qi laughed and said, "Whoever it was did us a huge favor. I’ve disliked him for ages—always acting so high and mighty, as if everyone owes him money. This is the perfect chance to teach him a lesson."
Wen Yan’s smile was bitter. "Even though he’s arrogant, public opinion is worsening. It might ruin his future entirely—this is a weight I can’t bear."
Ge Qi snorted coldly. "He brought it on himself."
"I just worry about President Ding..." Wen Yan’s eyes clouded with unease.
At this moment, Du Yuning approached, glancing around before lowering his voice. "You guys still don’t know, huh? President Ding has become displeased with him. Whether he’ll protect him this time is uncertain. Just wait and watch the show."
Wen Yan raised an eyebrow.
Du Yuning’s aunt was an executive at the company, so it wasn’t surprising that he knew inside information from upper management.
They’ve long been dissatisfied with him.
A faint smile surfaced at Wen Yan’s lips, quickly suppressed without a trace.
Returning to the dormitory, Wen Yan retrieved a phone hidden under his mattress and slipped into the bathroom.
"Young master, everything is proceeding as you instructed. You were right—Eternal really hasn’t stepped in to protect him, letting public opinion escalate. He’ll have no choice but to withdraw from the competition. At that point, no one will be able to rival you."
Wen Yan’s smile was unconcealed. "We can’t let our guard down yet."
"I’ve investigated him thoroughly. His parents have no background, and now even Eternal has abandoned him. He won’t be able to make a comeback. You can rest assured, young master. All you need to do now is focus on preparing for the upcoming competition. Leave the rest to me."
"Don’t worry, young master. The original recording won’t ever be leaked."
Wen Yan’s smile deepened.
"Aning, aren’t you worried at all? The internet is tearing you apart! Should we go to President Ding?"
Feng Cheng appeared more anxious than Rong Xianning himself.
Rong Xianning reacted with a mocking curl of his lips. Just then, a knock echoed through the room.
Feng Cheng walked over to open the door, only to see two people standing outside. He exclaimed in surprise, "Director Li, CEO Fang..."
He instinctively turned back to glance at Rong Xianning.
It’s over. CEO Fang and Director Li were both here.
Director Li cleared his throat. "Is Rong the contestant here?"
"He...he’s here. Director, please come in..."
Director Li looked at the woman beside him. "CEO Fang, I’ll leave the discussion to you."
After speaking, he shot a glare at Feng Cheng.
Feng Cheng stood there dumbly.
Director Li coughed again. "Feng, come with me. I need to have a word with you about your performance."