Idol Chapter 187

Bo Huan had been dancing like this not once or twice.

Frankly speaking, he was not classically trained, nor did he have a background as a trainee. Indeed, in terms of skills and proficiency, he was no match for his peers.

But there was one thing that most of the boys present could not match.

Bo Huan was well aware of his many sexy and graceful attributes, and he did not hesitate to show them.

Now it was 2018, yet the term “sexy” seemed still to be an inconvenient subject for public discussion.

From the preliminary rounds to the finals, Bo Huan had tried almost everything.

He would sway his hips towards the camera, biting his lip, unabashedly singing in a sweet, girlish voice, his long hair and slender waist coupled with a youthful aura, appearing reckless and unrestrained.

Yet, as soon as the stage act ended, he would smile calmly and serenely, without deliberately flirting with anyone.

This had already sparked much controversy from the time the program was aired.

With many contestants, the endless battles between fans and haters were fierce, with vicious conflicts erupting daily.

Many fans claimed their “brother” was Bo Huan’s rival, attacking him for shamelessness, deliberately imitating Chi Ji’s deadly allure, and claiming his overt performances tarnished their brother’s image.

Bo Huan, usually on his phone, would call his brother to ensure Bo Jue ate and took his medication on time, having no interest in hearing what others murmured.

Yet, a bold reporter approached with a microphone during a routine interview and dropped all these bombs.

The young man blinked, confirming her words: “Using eroticism to climb the ranks?”

“…Yes.”

“The performance is too explicit, not beneficial for the cognitive development of youth?”

“…Yes.”

Bo Huan repeated, and the reporter’s voice became softer, perhaps realizing how offensive these questions were.

“I don’t understand,” the young man said calmly, holding the microphone: “If a song and dance can corrupt children, what then is the purpose of schools and parents?”

“This—”

“Are you suggesting with this question that we contestants should all dance in robes and eliminate any stage works involving romance?”

The reporter, rarely encountering an artist who would answer back so sharply, was somewhat flustered: “I never said that.”

“If it’s about expressing emotions, being subtle or direct is the artist’s freedom,” Bo Huan said with a light smile: “Being sexy is not a crime.”

When that interview was broadcast, many fans instantly connected it with various things about Corona.

They vaguely felt that Bo Huan’s remarks were subtly vindicating Chi Ji, and even felt that Bo Huan’s current rebellion was a protest against the status quo.

Amidst the turbulence, the interview briefly stayed on the trending searches but didn’t stir up much commotion.

Haters continued their relentless accusations, while fans continued to worry quietly.

As one contest followed another, the young man remained true to himself, and people gradually became accustomed to it.

At first, they thought, how dare this contestant sing and dance like this, has he been traumatized?

Later, as curiosity waned, discussions became bland.

Now, seeing his younger brother dance the bathtub dance, Bo Jue covered his face purely out of an instinct to avoid due to their blood relation.

Having siblings both in the entertainment industry could be a bit awkward.

Previously, the elder brother had been paired with a long list of CPs on forums, with fanfictions flying all over AO3 and romantic songs interacting with fans, the younger brother could see all by just searching a few keywords.

When the younger brother debuted, he was questioned, praised, and adored, and even while teaching in school with a stern face, the elder brother could feel it.

The music floated and fluctuated, and on the screen, the young man continued to dance on his tiptoes.

Bo Jue symbolically covered his face for a while, and finally, Mei Shengyao stuffed a large piece of orange into his mouth, which he caught and slowly finished eating, watching the stage till the end.

He was lost in thought for a long time, finally saying, “Still needs more practice.”

“Indeed,” Chi Ji said regretfully, “his waist isn’t flexible enough, and his ligaments aren’t fully stretched.”

Fortunately, his performance skills are strong, and he has a good sense of drama, which helps keep the audience more engaged with the atmosphere itself.

Mei Shengyao secretly glanced sideways at Bo Jue.

The latter, irritated, retorted, “Why look at me! Xie Lianyun was even stiffer back in the day!”

After seven or eight contestants performed, just before Fu Mingnian’s turn, the audience was somewhat weary of aesthetics.

However, the front row filled with ‘Nian Gao sisters’ who had waited for hours, suddenly held up their signs and screamed, afraid that their brother wouldn’t see their supportive cheer.

In the dim light, Fu Mingnian walked slowly forward, sitting in front of a Préyer piano.

He didn’t plan to dance in the finals.

There were already enough dancers; he needed something different to make everyone see and remember this brief five minutes.

The song was chosen by SPF, the lyrics by the talented Lin Anzhi from the industry, and he had repeatedly modified and composed the melody to perfection.

His distinct fingers fell on the ebony piano keys, and the whole venue quieted down.

At the moment the clear, flowing piano notes began, he looked towards the camera.

His eyes were like embers and deep seas combined.

“When the door knocks, it disturbs the morning light.”

“Mint and bay leaf, making a round trip in the atmosphere.”

“As the bright lamps cross like star tracks,”

“Unwilling to be a comet, embodying fate as an experience of life.”

Many couldn’t help but look towards the screen, forgetting his outstanding appearance, the expensive grand piano, mesmerized by his gaze.

Fu Mingnian kept looking at the camera, occasionally lowering his eyes with a smile, engaging with everyone with his gaze and voice as he played the melody.

His singing was unpretentious, the piano notes clean and precise, as if subtraction had been maximized to give the audience the simplest and most direct expression.

“Both good and evil can arise from the dust; love and respect soothe the weary.”

“Free souls buried underground, yet in embrace, they seem to overflow with light.”

The piano paused briefly, and his low singing seemed to carry a sigh.

“I reach out, and you… are still here.”

At this moment, many felt as though they had a vision in their minds, as if drawn into a drama, inexplicably empathizing.

They felt like they had known this young man for many years, perhaps even shared experiences with him.

They understood his unique restraint and recognized every moment of his dazzling brilliance.

They remembered him; he was a contradiction of bluntness and sharpness. He was Fu Mingnian.

The lyrics and melody directly altered emotions, but the performance was fully live, sometimes Fu Mingnian would slow down the playing, extending the resonance, only looking up distantly as if lost in thought.

Even without any expression at that moment, many in the audience felt as if they heard something.

When the last piano note abruptly ended, the venue was unusually quiet, many still trapped in the complex emotions Fu Mingnian had evoked, unable to snap out of it for a while.

Only when Xie Lianyun and Huo Ren came out again to confirm the votes did the audience come back to their senses, hurriedly completing their voting.

If one were to talk about the impact of the performance, it couldn’t match Shi Jianian’s dazzling visual effects, nor Chen Yuanqing’s classical stunningness.

Yet, it felt like witnessing a great white shark pass by in the deep currents, unforgettable at a glance.

The melody touched hearts, the voice deep, and the several silent eye contacts had already locked in many emotions.

Huo Ren, due to discussing the script with Xie Lianyun backstage, hadn’t watched Fu Mingnian’s performance.

When he came back on stage, the audience seemed indifferent, making him feel oddly sorry for this trainee.

Choosing such a program for the finals… indeed, it was too risky, not conducive to garnering votes.

As the final ten trainees finished their performances, and the two group dances concluded, professional judges gradually started their commentary, ushering the program into its tensest segment.

Tenth place, ninth place.

Two contestants quickly bowed. Though reluctant, they could only muster a forced smile and bid farewell to everyone.

Counting down the votes added a palpable tension, pulling at everyone’s breath.

The young contestants stood in a line, experiencing for the first time the heartbeat seared by fame and fortune.

“Eighth place, Ma Lu.”

As the announcement was made, the slim, delicate-looking boy showed surprise and genuine happiness.

“Thank you, everyone… really, thank you… I never thought I’d make it this far,” Ma Lu quickly rubbed his eyes, trying to calm himself: “When I first joined, I thought I’d be eliminated within two rounds. To make it to the finals, I’m so grateful, I almost want to cry…”

Many casual fans shouted his name, even feeling sorry for the young man at this moment.

He was diligent and caring, quietly looking after many in the group, now just two steps away from debuting.

Huo Ren opened his arms and hugged him tightly, watching the young man bow and leave.

SPF executives were already preparing to sign him individually, a very decent outcome.

Xie Lianyun nodded slightly and continued announcing the rankings.

“Seventh place, Fang Chengran.”

Fang Chengran had an ‘as expected’ look, stepped out of the line, and waved goodbye to his teammates and fans.

Huo Ren smiled and asked, “How does it feel?”

“I need to pursue a master’s degree,” Fang Chengran replied honestly, “It’s hard to find a job these days.”

Immediately, fans in the audience raised their posters and shouted, “Fang Chengran, you should go act!!!”

“Fang Chengran, stop messing around and go act!!!!”

“Fang Chengran!! Look at Qi Lin!!!”

Someone almost making the debut cut looked puzzled, “Are you guys anti-fans? Am I really that bad at singing and dancing??”

“No matter!!”

“Yes, we are anti-fans!!!”

“Sixth place,” Huo Ren paused for a few seconds, a smile appearing in his eyes, “Han Yang.”

The first row of fans quickly raised their hands.

“Not wanting to be a noble young master who doesn’t aspire to be a little painter is not a good idol!”

Han Yang had been nervous himself, only stabilizing somewhat after seeing Fang Chengran leave.

His dance foundation was weak, and he had to use socks to compensate for his height, which became a running joke; his voice was his lifeline.

“Thank you,” he bowed, “I’m on it, I’m on it, no flaking tomorrow.”

The audience burst into laughter, urging him again to release an album.

Fifth place, Chen Yuanqing.

Fourth place, Bo Huan.

Third place, Zhu Xizhi.

When Zhu Xizhi bowed to thank everyone, the screams almost lifted the roof off.

The Snow Leopard in third—didn’t that mean—

Shi Jianian and Fu Mingnian glanced at each other, suddenly both breaking into smiles.

“How do you feel now?” Xie Lianyun asked.

“Not nervous at all.” Shi Jianian casually adjusted Fu Mingnian’s collar, his voice light, “As long as the team is harmonious, who becomes the center doesn’t matter.”

As he reached out, Fu Mingnian didn’t dodge but slightly tilted his neck, allowing his teammate to adjust the angle of his accessories.

The mixed-race youth’s side profile, with his jawline and high nose bridge fully displayed, exuded an unparalleled exotic charm.

He exchanged a smiling glance with Fu Mingnian in front of the camera, then returned to his position.

Not to mention the screams that erupted on the spot, the forums were also buzzing loudly.

“What kind of devastatingly handsome character is this!! Flirting openly in the finals, isn’t this going too far!!!”

“Shi Jianian forever, let me have another dose just one more!!!”

“Brother’s blue-gray eyes are too beautiful—I’m crying over my keyboard tonight ah ah ah—”

“First place.” Huo Ren opened the envelope, unconsciously taking a deep breath.

As he read the name, his smile blossomed, as if reaching across time to embrace his younger self.

“First place, Fu Mingnian.”

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Author’s Note:

Just threw down my mouse and pretended to be dead after finishing this update, forgot something important,

The song Fu Mingnian sang this chapter is “Embrace the Light,” with lyrics by Miss @Jiuzeng Anzhi, a fanfic written for the Son of Drama Bones, used here with permission.

It’s wonderfully written, thank you so much—muah!