They needed to wait backstage from 8:30 PM until 11:30 PM, and they could be called up to fill in for unexpected situations at any moment.
Mei Shengyao and Chi Ji had been rehearsing too much in the previous days, and Xie Lianyun and Bo Jue had been cramming the new dance and group choreography for two weeks straight as a last-minute effort. They couldn’t hold on for long before they leaned on each other and fell asleep.
Even though the backstage resting room was spacious, with several sofas, the four of them liked to squeeze together and sleep. Their heads rested on each other’s thighs, unable to tell who was who, like animals huddling together to keep warm in the winter.
Occasionally, Bo Jue would complain about Xie Lianyun’s arm hurting his face, but after complaining, he would still snuggle closer and continue sleeping.
Huo Ren was used to sleepless nights, and because he slept well when he arrived in Baichuan City, he had an economics textbook in his hands to read.
Although he had chosen to major in economics at Shi Du University, due to his personal work commitments, it was unlikely that he would have the opportunity to go back to school to study in the short term, so he asked his assistant to bring a few boxes of textbooks for his major and minor, occasionally flipping through them.
Long Jia played with his phone for a while, looking at the latest photos of himself on his personal fan site and some sweet comments. Satisfied, he put away his phone and approached Huo Ren to play.
“What are you reading?” Huo Ren handed him the book.
“I haven’t read my performance major textbooks yet…” Long Jia finally remembered something and tapped his head. “It seems to be Stanislavski’s?”
“Stanislavski’s ‘An Actor Prepares,'” Huo Ren casually prompted. “You used it as a table leg in the laundry room.”
“Right.” Long Jia slapped his forehead, smiling as he took the box of cotton swabs from the dressing table next to him. “How long has it been since you cleaned your ears? Let Brother Long help you.”
Two years ago, they were roommates, mixed in with the trainees, attending classes and going through round after round of auditions.
When Huo Ren occasionally got water in his ears while showering, it was Long Jia who took care of it for him.
At that time, it seemed like they were very certain as if from the beginning, they knew that they would become the outstanding ones, like thoroughbred horses.
It had been a while since Huo Ren had heard those words, but he smiled and replied, “Sure.”
He pulled a chair and leaned on Long Jia’s knee as if they had returned to the simple days when they were just roommates.
Long Jia noticed that his hairstyle had silver glitter on it and grabbed a couple of tissues to use as a barrier, so as not to mess up their collars and pants.
The soft cotton swab gently entered the ear canal, and a light scrape could instantly relax a person.
“It feels like we’ve only been in SPF for a few days.” Long Jia lowered his head, helping Huo Ren clean his ears with gentle and careful movements. “You used to be shorter than me.”
“… I was just in ninth grade back then.”
Huo Ren helplessly said, “I was as skinny as a bean sprout back then, you could see all my ribs when I lifted my shirt.”
Now, looking back, it all seemed somewhat unbelievable.
Long Jia applied delicate force to his wrist, and the cotton swab quickly made a turn.
Huo Ren hummed contentedly with his eyes closed, like a little wolf wagging its tail.
He had always been mindful of personal hygiene, and cleaning his ears today was just a way to relax and take a break.
His sensitive nerves were touched, and his brain and body tingled with pleasure.
“Sometimes I see you as the captain, and other times I feel like you’re still the kid who used to eat apples alone,” Long Jia sighed. “If it weren’t for Bo Jue carrying you and teaching you piano, you might have ended up as a guitarist like me…”
Bo Jue cleared his throat in Xie Lianyun’s embrace.
“No, that would never happen. I’m just talking nonsense,” Long Jia patted his collar, signaling Huo Ren to switch sides and continue cleaning his ears. He tried to remedy his previous words. “Learning piano is good. Pianists have slender and beautiful hands.”
Huo Ren stifled a laugh. “He’s pretending to sleep.”
Long Jia quickly turned his head to sneak a glance, speaking in a whispered voice while cleaning his ears.
“He’s… not.”
“He’s… pretending.”
Bo Jue coughed lightly.
Long Jia skillfully twirled the cotton swab a couple of times and changed the subject. “How’s my skill?”
“Great,” Huo Ren replied, comfortably squinting his eyes. “Teacher Long, you’re indeed something else.”
Long Jia nodded proudly. “I like that title.”
By the time it reached 10:00 PM, everyone had rested enough with sleepy eyes, but they still hadn’t been called out.
They heard that a famous singer surnamed Su had spontaneously decided to perform another song, so the director’s team was still coordinating the process.
Other artists waiting backstage, big and small, had nothing to do and roamed around, visiting friends and chatting.
Several of them, although not from SPF, had encountered each other on music shows and other variety programs and were familiar with each other.
“Hello, seniors!”
The boys sat as makeup artists touched up their foundations, waving their hands obediently like puppets. “Good evening~”
The neighboring junior boy group, Ceko, had just debuted this autumn and looked youthful with innocent smiles, speaking respectfully.
“Can I ask you a question in secret?” Cheng Liu whispered, “They say you often get to see Mr. Jiang in person. Is it true or not?”
Chi Ji tilted his head, letting the makeup artist sister change his earrings, and thought for a moment. “We see him every week, I guess.”
“Every! Week!” Cheng Liu turned his head to look at his buddies, looking like he was gossiping live at a concert. “Mr. Jiang is super amazing. He has brought out so many future Kings of Acting. Of course, you guys are also amazing!”
Chi Ji blushed a bit and smiled, waiting for Huo Ren to join the conversation.
“Where are you guys in the lineup?”
“After twelve o’clock…” the young artist sighed deeply. “Probably around one o’clock. By then, everyone will actually be asleep.”
After waiting for another half an hour, Uncle Jiang suddenly rushed back from somewhere, all excited. “Wake up, wake up, wake up! Get ready!”
Cheng Liu, who had just come back for a snack, was taken aback when he saw the lively entertainment industry treasure trove. He almost choked on a mouthful of green bean pastry.
The lead singer in his group hurriedly patted his neck and bowed to Uncle Jiang.
“Makeup is already done. When should we go?” Xie Lianyun yawned, hugging a soft pillow. “It’s only half past ten.”
“Go to the waiting area and do a mic test first,” Uncle Jiang quickly nodded at the newcomers and urged them on. “Stay energized when you see the director. We’ll be coming to Baichuan TV after the new year!”
The six of them hurriedly trotted to the waiting hall, adjusting their collars and straightening their silver chains before entering with bright smiles in an instant.
Several sofas in the adjacent area were sparsely occupied by a few artists, while the director and a few other top sponsors were discussing matters.
“This is Mr. Zhu, this is Mr. Zheng, and this is Director Wei.”
Uncle Jiang introduced them one by one as if bringing children to pay New Year’s respect. The six boys smiled and greeted them.
The executives first took a quick glance at Third Young Master Long, who was extremely popular this year, and then scrutinized the others, shaking hands and exchanging greetings.
Director Wei shook hands politely with Uncle Jiang, confirming the schedule arrangements once again.
“Later, the six of you will be counting down the new year with the host. Don’t be nervous,” Director Wei smiled. “Remember to check the main camera positions.”
Time suddenly accelerated, like an alarm clock before an exam.
In the last three minutes, Uncle Jiang led them to the side of the lifting platform and patted each child’s shoulder forcefully.
“You’re all good, absolutely good.”
“Uncle Jiang wishes you a Happy New Year,” his gaze and voice were full of strength. “In 2013, I want you all to soar high!”
As soon as the word “soar” left his mouth, the lifting platform rose, placing them on the pitch-black and silent stage.
A faint white smoke curled and expanded, casting ghostly shadows against the lights below.
Huo Ren knelt on one knee at the front, and his voice, as cold as ice, resonated deeply.
“The night is but a fleeting moment.”
At the moment his voice rang out, golden-red flames surged out like winding snakes from the four sides of the cross-shaped stage, and the screams and cheers from the audience below erupted like a fierce storm!
“If dormancy is the final gratitude before rebirth,” he raised his right arm and slid forward, while two people behind him trembled like awakened puppets, and their harmonizing voices rose and fell. “Then pain and despair are the brief salutations before this world crowns me.”
Chi Ji stood in the center of the formation, and his unprepared high notes soared along with the rapid bass, clear and bright like a fearless nightingale singing before dawn.
Xie Lianyun, holding a violin, once again walked in front of everyone. The sound of the violin rose and fell, and fireworks burst throughout the venue.
“Your ambition will burn everything like a night fire,”
“All shackles and obstacles will be reduced to ashesโ”
Long Jia and Huo Ren stood back to back at the north and south edges, simultaneously reaching out their hands towards the distance, their voices blending and resonating once again.
“Even if you sink and lose your way, the night fire will never cease.”
“Because the pinnacle awaits at the end.”
The formation shifted and crossed once again, and the four members briskly walked in four different directions.
At the moment they dispersed, countless fans in the audience eagerly reached out, trying to touch their silhouettes.
The boys stood within the intense flames, their eyes bright and composed, and their high notes seemed like reverse shooting stars piercing through the night sky.
“You will quicken your pace, breakthrough everything, and run forward fearlesslyโ”
Xie Lianyun stood in the center of the stage as the violin notes rapidly transitioned, while Chi Ji closed his eyes and sang, his voice guiding travelers like a sea nymph on the rocks.
“Look at that, night, fire.”
“Burning, away, all, perplexities.”
The five of them simultaneously fell silent, returning to tranquility. Huo Ren once again unleashed a long note like a sharp arrow piercing through the air.
“You shall possessโ”
The tens of thousands in the audience didn’t hesitate to shout in unison, “The!! Supreme!! Crown!!”
The boys curved their lips into a faint smile, and their whispered voices reverberated throughout the venue through the sound system.
“Call us what?”
The entire venue erupted in a thunderous response, “Co!!ro!!na!!!”
The cross-shaped fireworks soared again, like blooming trees, dazzling and blinding.
Countless cameras and lenses were focused on the six of them. Xie Lianyun’s violin reintroduced the musical segment to the main chorus. As they showcased their individual skills in a dazzling solo, the six of them reunited. Mei Shengyao and Chi Ji stood back to back on the east and west edges, starting a mirrored dance.
The six of them were now in perfect harmony, their hearts and souls united. Even with their eyes closed, they could play the most perfect supporting roles for each other.
One person sang a high note, and the other five provided contrasting harmonies.
Two people showcased their dance skills, while the other four formed a backdrop, like undulating waves.
Scattered, their brilliance shone forth, and together, they formed a cohesive and brilliant unity.
Under the radiant sunlight, amidst the wind and the fiery forest.
“We have all been stared at by wind and thunder,”
“But the night is but a fleeting moment.”
At the moment when the lingering sound dissipated, the lights throughout the venue illuminated once again.
They maintained their frozen poses, their breaths quick and uneven, and beyond their earpieces, the surrounding area resounded with thunderous applause and cheers like a tidal wave.
When the host took the stage, Huo Ren stood in the center, tightly holding the hands of Long Jia and Bo Jue on both sides.
The six of them bowed deeply, holding hands, and as they raised their hands and looked out, the 150,000 people in the audience seemed like twinkling fireflies scattered across the mountains from near to far.
-2-
When the single “Night Fire” was released on New Year’s Eve, it immediately skyrocketed to the top of Weibo’s hot search, and many people even watched the Baichuan New Year’s Eve party just to catch their performance.
The new album hadn’t been released yet, but the pre-order channels were so overloaded that it was almost impossible to get in.
Some proactive media outlets directly conducted undercover visits to KTVs in tier one and tier two cities, and found that there were many places where the New Year’s Eve concert was illegally recorded and played for fans.
@AutumnBringsFlowerKills: To be honest, Corona saved many KTVs and record stores from going bankrupt last year. Out of the five internet cafes I went to, two were playing Qi Lin’s new single, and three were playing “Your Crown” [laughing till crying] [laughing till crying]
@blue_fish: Why didn’t I buy tickets for the New Year’s Eve concert [leopard crying] [leopard crying] [leopard crying] When will the new album finally be released?!
@mo0n: Will SPF die if they release the album earlier?! Let me spend my money! The pre-order platform is so crowded now, please, SPF, do something (โฏโตโกโฒ)โฏ๏ธตโปโโป
The advantage of holding back is that on the official release day, they sold over 2.7 million copies.
The fans were simply waiting eagerly for the opportunity to spend money on their favorites. They wanted to own a copy for themselves, listen to it, and recommend it to their classmates and friends. As long as they could get a lucky draw card, they would buy thirty more as an offering.
Uncle Jiang withheld the news of the new variety show in a secretive manner, but some new fans already drew a Crown Card on the first day of sales.
@All-RenPutMeOnTop: What the hell? What the hell?? What the hell??? [picture]
She was originally a fan with less than a hundred followers on Weibo, and in just a few minutes, her post was shared thousands of times without a dead corner. Everyone scrutinized the second edition of the Crown Card like they were studying a meteorite.
Compared to the first edition’s magnificent and glittering small crown, this edition had an elegant and simple Instagram style, and the special theme of the card was a chocolate crown resting on a soft soufflรฉ.
“It hasn’t been on sale for long, and someone already drew it?? I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it!!!”
“Damn, does ‘sniffing CP’ mean becoming a European [lucky person]??”
@All-RenPutMeOnTop: Stop sending private messages! My inbox is about to explode!! I bought it in a physical store, and when I paid, I took a peek at it. This card almost got snatched away, hahaha, that was close.
@gugu_gugu: Inhale European luck!! I’ll inhale a bit more today, and tomorrow I’ll be the lucky one!!
@little_strawberry: I don’t believe I can draw it with just one try. I don’t believe it. I’m going to buy thirty more at least to collect both sets of flash cards (losing rationality).
The Tieba forum had already entered the festive atmosphere.
Last year, for the Crown Restaurant, many artists, writers, and wives who produced grain for their husbands participated in the official awards and received special invitation cards. This year, internet fees became cheaper, and many people posted videos of opening card packs.
There was a sister on the forum who posted five small videos in a row, and in the middle of one of them, a Crown Card slipped through a gap and slid all the way under the table. The whole world saw it, except for her. She was still rambling in the video, making wishes and opening the album to see the flash cards.
“Thank goodness I pressed the album, otherwise the prize card would have fallen down ovo.”
“Sister, stop filming videos. Your lucky draw is in the comments section. Quickly check the comments, your Crown Card just flipped under the table a while ago. Hurry up and get it, ahhhh, I’m so anxious that I want to smash my keyboard!!!”
After ten pages of scrolling through the comments section, the lucky girl finally realized something was wrong. She flipped the table up and down on the table for a while and looked a bit confused.
[Gem Girl Feeding Online]: Where did it fall…? #ScratchingHead
[Gem Girl Feeding Online]: The table is too messy, filled with miscellaneous items, and I can’t find it _(:ะทใโ )_
[Mango Pudding]: It’s under the gap next to your desk lamp!!
[Long Jia Present or Not]: Sister, I’ll help you clean the table for a whole year as long as you take me with you!!!
Finally, the second card was photographed with a clear front view. This time, it was a deep brown latte with a milk foam crown drawn on top.
“A cafe?”
“It’s actually a cafe!!”
On the other side, Uncle Jiang squatted in the dance practice room, shaking his mineral water and sneering at the collapsed boys on the floor.
“Can’t practice anymore?”
“My legs are no longer my legs,” Xie Lianyun lamented painfully. “Why did I have a brain cramp and listen to your nonsense about becoming an idol…”
Uncle Jiang unabashedly splashed cold water on his face, and Xie Lianyun let out a scream, rolling half a circle and accidentally bumping into Long Jia.
“Don’t move.” Long Jia lay on the ground, almost out of breath. “We still have to go on stage tomorrow… how can we do it?”
Xie Lianyun waved his hand at him. “Don’t force it, you’ll hurt your waist.”
“And there are minors here, watch your language,” Uncle Jiang opened the bottle and took a sip. “Have you read the variety show plan?”
Mei Shengyao looked confused. “What minors?”
“The Crown Cafe… it’s about eating desserts and drinking coffee,” Bo Jue leaned against the wall, still trying to maintain his image. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I know how to make coffee,” Chi Ji raised his hand. “And I can do latte art and make soufflรฉ.”
“I can boil milk,” Xie Lianyun said flatly. “I can make strawberry milk and matcha milk.”
“I can eat,” Long Jia lazily slouched. “After eating, I’ll wash the dishes for you.”
Uncle Jiang swung the water bottle like a bell and knocked it on each of them. “Eating, eating, and still thinking about eating at the age of twenty-one!”
“Do you know how much revenue you generated for that zoo in the first season?”
“The annual revenue increased by eight timesโ-eight times!!”
If SPF were to hand over such a high commercial value again this year, they might as well be doing charity work instead of running a business.
The lions and tigers at Shidu Zoo were eating beef and live chickens better than anyone else. When he took his niece there this year, he saw that they had gained three rounds of weight and couldn’t even run anymore.
“But, Uncle Jiang,” Mei Shengyao whispered, “the zoo has a good effect, and it’s fun to work there.”
“Last time was about digging outside, and this time is about looking inward,” Uncle Jiang grabbed a small wooden stool and sat down, solemnly discussing the matter with them. “We’ll host thirty audience members each episode, and serve them coffee and cakes, but that’s not the focus.”
“But in these three segments, we are aiming to create your own image.”
The first segment is themed chatting.
Thirty audience representatives will ask questions on behalf of other fans, digging into every member of Corona from various angles.
The topics will be communicated in advance to satisfy the Gems’ curiosity about Corona while showcasing their unknown special sides in a positive manner.
The second segment is the Coffee Storytelling session exclusively for invited guests.
“Not only from the film and television industry but also from the creative industry and various other fields,” Uncle Jiang explained. “While listening to the guests’ special stories, you will also draw slips of paper to discuss specific topics.”
“The third segment involves using the cafe’s revenue for charity,” Chi Ji sat up properly and read the planning book. “We might visit orphanages, hope primary schools, stray cat rescue centers…”
“Managing other merchandise is secondary. The most important thing is to showcase your shining points and charm to the world.”
Uncle Jiang tapped his knuckles on the floor, and his voice buzzed in the silent classroom, “The more interesting you are, the more interesting this show will be. Understand?”
Everyone responded in unison, “Undโerโstood.”
“We still need to learn how to make coffee properly,” Uncle Jiang stood up. “Is Huo Ren sleeping?”
The boy curled up next to Xie Lianyun, unknowingly already sleeping with long, rhythmic breaths and lowered eyelashes.
“Shh, don’t wake him up,” Xie Lianyun warned with a direct gaze. “The captain’s coffee tastes awful. Don’t let him make it.”
“It can’t be that bad,” Uncle Jiang frowned. “It’s just making aโ”
All five of them vigorously shook their heads left and right.
“Okay…”
Everyone had been practicing dance tirelessly for so long, partly to prepare for the summer concert and mostly for “Musi Strongest Chart.”
This time, it was a special program for the Chinese New Year season, and Baichuan TV had invited a total of fifteen artists and groups, competing in three rounds to determine the result.
The winner would be rewarded with one week of promotional activities, greatly boosting album sales.
In the first round, the fifteen contestants took turns performing for three to four minutes, with the lowest-ranking seven eliminated.
In the second round, they would randomly draw a musical style and perform an unplugged single, competing in pairs and eliminating four more.
By the third round, they would face the traditional special stage of “Musi Strongest Chart” and ultimately decide the winner.
When February 13 arrived, the Baichuan TV building was adorned with window decorations featuring the Chinese character for “good fortune.” The staff wore thick coats and scarves to maintain order, while the fans outside the isolation barrier only increased in number.
Huo Ren didn’t expect so many people to be waiting for them in the snowy weather. He walked briskly, holding an umbrella.
He knew that there was no use trying to persuade them, but he still wanted to advise them to avoid the snow.
“It’s snowing,” he raised his voice. “Go home quickly!”
“Look at you!” The fans held up their posters with smiling faces, cheeks flushed. “Not afraid of the cold!”
Long Jia leaned toward his assistant and whispered, “Buy two buckets of cola and ginger soup for them later. Deduct it from my pocket money.”
The assistant nodded hurriedly, “I’ll take care of it right away.”
Bo Jue walked over quickly, signing for each fan one by one, inevitably frowning. “Why aren’t you wearing scarves or gloves?”
They had piano model posters and hand banners, but their hands trembled, turning red from the cold but refusing to put them away.
It was the first time the young girl had seen her idol in person, and she was a bit tongue-tied. “You have to come and see your boyfriend with sincerity!”
She was wearing a small shawl with a red umbrella skirt, freezing to the point where her makeup was almost smudged.
Originally an elegant girl with a hint of Chanel style, but now she couldn’t express herself clearly in front of her beloved.
“What sincerity,” Bo Jue sighed and took off his own scarf to wrap it around her. “If you guys do this in the future, I won’t sign autographs anymore. I’ll definitely stick to my word.”
The young girl was stunned for a moment, then nodded quickly, her eyes turning red, not knowing what to say.
The fans next to her exploded with excitement. “Bo Jue’s scarf! Scarf!!!”
“I’m serious,” Bo Jue continued to sign, giving them instructions, “If you dress like this again, I won’t sign.”
“Then I’ll wear a down jacket next time!!”
“Sign, I’ll sign as many as you want.”
“I’ll come in a bear fur coat next time!!!”
“Sure,” the long-haired beauty smiled and raised her eyes. “We’ll take a photo together then.”
Author’s Note:
I made a mistake while writing, but the bugs have been fixed.
…………
Good morning~ Enjoy your reading!