This video, along with official promotional images, was posted on the popular gaming forums where Chi Ji had been receiving a lot of hate recently.
Fans and some mischief-makers alike were surprised by the bold move from Corona and immediately began sharing the video, ready to mock it.
“Aren’t you guys always bragging about being able to take on ten guys at once? Come on then!”
In fact, SPF had been planning this show for two years. They had been waiting for the right moment as the live streaming platforms were unstable and lacked the necessary capabilities back then.
Now, with perfect timing, conditions were favorable, and they were missing just one piece of the puzzle.
The competition consisted of three comprehensive categories: [Intelligence], [Physical], and [Labor].
Character and moral values were tricky to judge objectively, and beauty and posture weren’t suitable. However, these three categories alone were more than sufficient.
The boy band’s six members formed one team, while other amateurs needed to form three teams through auditions and subsequent selections. Each team also consisted of six members.
The competition’s format, program flow, and prize setup were all impressive.
The recruitment announcement quickly spread to various forums, military forums, history forums, and other places where straight men congregated, sparking discussions.
User [43l]: Isn’t this clearly bullying? Why are celebrities being so serious about this? They make so much money every day, and they still won’t let people criticize them? The general public feels that this kind of program is really unlikable. Only weirdos would want to compete with them.
User [45l]: Excuse me, is the person above the legendary “Yellow Springs Guide”? You’re the one with a foul mouth, always talking nonsense. The program organizers have clearly stated that it’s a competition with prizes. The first-place winner gets a global trip, a luxury car, and a cash prize. So, if you have something to say, just say it. Some people have always had this kind of style:๏ผ
User [134l]: Huh, why does the official website show that there are only a little over 40,000 applicants after half a day? Weren’t there more haters who insulted my beloved Chi Chi in the past?
This strategy indeed served a dual purpose. It not only exposed certain keyboard warriors for what they were but also helped to restore Corona’s reputation.
By the deadline for registration, the total number of applicants was just under 80,000.
On the day of the live streaming auditions, the real-time viewership quickly surpassed 4 million.
โAlthough some keyboard warriors didn’t dare to participate themselves, they were extremely interested in a competition that could affect the reputation of manhood. They were ready to either mock or accuse foul play, depending on the outcome.
Due to the sudden surge in traffic, programmers had to work overtime and even set up several additional servers to handle the load.
Corona was currently recording the second episode of the Crown Hunting Battle and didn’t attend the auditions. However, auditions from all over the country were being live-streamed, allowing viewers nationwide to watch the proceedings.
The auditions were straightforward:
– In the sports category, participants had to jump rope at least 3,000 times without a time limit.
– In the cultural category, they had to recite a classical Chinese poem on the spot with no more than three mistakes, also without a time limit.
– In the self-chosen category, participants had five minutes to showcase any talent or special skill.
Before the auditions began, ten live streaming rooms simultaneously played an interview video.
The interviews were conducted in various locations, including bars, internet cafes, pool halls, university campuses, and sports fields.
The interviewees were randomly selected audition participants.
“Which Corona team members do you feel confident about competing against?”
The slightly overweight man with round glasses squinted at the photos and replied with an air of confidence, “They’re all okay, except for the tallest one. I may not beat him in basketball, but I have no problem with the others.”
“Who do you think is the weakest member in your team? If you were to compete against him, what are your chances of winning?”
The tall guy in a basketball jersey selected Mei Shengyao and Chi Ji without hesitation.
“It’s just these two,” the tall guy chuckled. “Are you sure you want to broadcast the competition? It wouldn’t be good for idols to publicly embarrass themselves, would it?”
“People like them, I could take down ten of them in five minutes.”
When Pei Ruye and Uncle Jiang were reviewing the program proposal, Uncle Jiang had expressed some concerns.
“What if those special forces, fitness trainers, and top scholars come and participate? Won’t the live studio crash?”
“That’s why we should have a comprehensive competition,” Pei Ruye replied while reviewing documents. “Evaluating in areas of culture, physical fitness, and public morality is an all-encompassing approach. It’s enough to expose the deficiencies of certain individuals.”
“Furthermore, think about it. Truly cultured and competent individuals might not even have the time for their regular jobs. Why would they come on a show like this?”
“That makes sense.”
As soon as the auditions started, the real-time viewership numbers began to steadily rise.
Starting from the fifth minute, laughter erupted, attracting numerous marketing accounts looking to catch the trend.
โThe more well-rounded individuals were, the more self-aware they were, and they refrained from acting foolish or causing trouble in the live chat.
On the other hand, some social delinquents with barely a junior high school education entered the competition, and they frequently made fools of themselves, displaying an abundance of self-confidence.
One guy wearing leopard print attire had barely completed 200 jump rope skips before collapsing against the wall, visibly exhausted. He was very unhappy.
“Why do we have to skip 2,000? Do you guys even know that skipping 2,000 can kill someone?”
The judge was polite, “It’s 3,000.”
“This is a conspiracy! Who can skip 3,000 in one go? Do you think those girls can do it?” Leopard print guy ranted in front of the national audience, “If you don’t want to give out BMWs and cash prizes, just say it. Why do you have to bully people like this?”
Security rushed in.
The barrage of comments followed quickly:
[He’s here! The ** troll!]
[Hahaha, this guy is just clueless to an extreme extent. I can’t believe he didn’t realize what was wrong with what he was saying.]
[Well, that’s why I focus on stanning instead of dating. There are just too many weirdos nowadays…]
“In fact,” the judge spoke up again before the security took the guy away.
“One of the training standards for SPF trainees’ debut assessment is being able to skip over 5,000 ropes.”
“Sir, your zipper is open.”
The leopard-print guy covered his crotch and ran away in an instant.
There was also a guy wearing a long ancient costume and a wig.
The judge stared at this strangely-dressed man without even applying foundation for several seconds and asked in confusion, “Shouldn’t the participant notifications mention the competition events?”
“I’m here to challenge the self-selected topic,” the pale-skinned ancient costume guy said in a dignified manner. “Let me directly enter the finals without auditioning with my singing!”
“We are supposed to compete in all three events…” The judge sighed silently. “Alright, go ahead and sing.”
“In that place… where the peaches and flowers… are in full bloom…”
The live chat erupted in lamentation.
[My mom knocked on my door to ask why I was listening to pig screams online. TAT]
[I should have known when I saw him dressed in such a greasy ancient costume!!]
[Here it is! A treasure trove of weird content!!]
[Buddy, do you really want to debut like this?]
Apart from a few participants who managed to pass successfully, there were many interesting contestants.
For example, there was Nan Nan, a female contestant with a background as a fitness instructor. As one of the few female participants, she not only scored highly in all aspects but also had impeccable makeup, exquisite clothing, and an explosive figure. For most male viewers, she was a goddess-level presence.
“May I ask this contestant if you are eyeing the debut recommendation spot on ‘Idol’s Code’?”
“Of course not!” Nan Nan’s eyes sparkled. “I want to be in the top three and take photos with my favorite idols one by one!”
“Are you also a gemstone…”
“Yes! I’ve collected all the character cards, and I’ve even won concert tickets!”
The straight male audience was livid.
Actress! Clearly an actress!
Why were all the male contestants acting so timid? Not a single one of them looked like they could fight. The program team must be intentionally not letting those outstanding individuals pass!
The live audition went on from morning until 5 pm, and during that time, there were three trending topics on social media. Many outstanding male contestants gradually appeared in the public eye.
“Why did you come to participate in the competition?”
The student union president adjusted his glasses and replied, “My girlfriend wanted to get their autographs and take photos with them. The competition venue is nearby, so I just came along.”
The barrage of comments followed.
[Why haven’t I met a good-looking, incredibly fit guy who helps his girlfriend with idol chasing!!]
[Little brother, is your girlfriend looking for a girlfriend too? Her taste is truly explosive!!!]
[It’s our senior! Our campus heartthrob is here too!!!]
“May I ask for your thoughts on contemporary idols and on Corona?”
The top scorer, who was also a military veteran, thought for a moment and said, “They all earn money based on their abilities. I don’t really understand this stuff. I’m just here to get the global travel voucher.”
“Do you have anything you’d like to say about this competition?”
The earring-wearing guy who gained extra points for piano playing and barely passed the physical test had stars in his eyes.
“Can I get a hug from Lord Huo if I win first place? Lord Huo, I love you!!!”
The live chat burst into laughter.
[This is a sister, confirmed.]
[As an all-blade enthusiast, this feels a bit strange.]
[Sister, give up alreadyโmy boyfriend is afraid I’ll get jealous and won’t let me touch you!]
The auditions and callbacks would take two weeks to complete. During this time, the Crown had already finished shooting the second episode of the Hunting Battle and some endorsement commercials, preparing to start a showdown with the newly formed three teams after the conclusion of the third episode’s recording.
“Three, two, oneโAlright, take a five-minute break and we’ll shoot another take!”
Huo Ren let out a sigh of relief and crawled out from the gauzy curtain, allowing the assistant to help him touch up his makeup and wipe away the sweat.
For some reason, he had an electrical surge in his mind.
“Wait a moment, Sister Lu.”
The assistant understood and stepped aside, revealing a familiar figure in the distance.
Pei Ruye stood not far away, looking at him with a gentle smile.
It had been close to half a year since they last saw each other.
Huo Ren suddenly remembered the conversations he had with Jue-ge and started thinking about countermeasures.
He and his teacher were always like this.
Every time they got a bit more familiar with each other, they would be separated again due to the busy nature of their work. When they met again, it felt both warm and distant.
Even though there was a lot of goodwill between them, they didn’t really know each other, and they didn’t have the time to catch up on each other’s experiences and stories over the past few months.
This made his affection feel like an empty obsession.
“Teacher,” he called out, “How come you had the time to come over?”
“I’m on vacation this month,” Pei Ruye replied, taking the eyebrow pencil and leaning in to touch up his brows. “I came to check up on Uncle Jiang.”
The distance between them suddenly closed again, and Huo Ren instinctively moved back a bit.
Pei Ru’s eyes darkened slightly as he put the pencil away.
“I guess we’ve grown distant,” he said with a hint of self-deprecation. “Well, come here, Xiao Lu.”
“Isn’t Teacher here to see me?” Huo Ren asked casually.
Pei Ruye frowned slightly, instinctively wanting to avoid the question.
He couldn’t admit to that.
The other people in the studio had gone off to a meeting, and Sister Lu had used the opportunity to quickly make her exit as the atmosphere grew tense.
Pei Ruye remained silent for a while, then slowly sat down beside him.
“I am here to see you,” he said in a low voice. “I came to spend some time with you, to help Uncle Jiang share the pressure.”
“Was the vacation a lie, then?”
“I did take my annual leave, a full thirty days. There are a few work matters that still require remote handling.”
Pei Ruye paused for a moment, using his fingertip to gently lift the end of Huo Ren’s brows.
“Being with you counts as a vacation for me.”
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I will update as scheduled tomorrow morning.
Today, I slept the whole day. Then, my grandmother peeked in and asked, “You haven’t been writing much these days?” I replied from under the covers, “I’m… hibernating.” My grandmother, with a serious face, said, “You still need to write well.” I reluctantly agreed.
Suddenly, I remembered that my grandfather had said something similar before he passed away. Back then, I was in college, and my grandfather had seen a news report about a plagiarism case related to a TV drama. During the Lunar New Year, he mentioned it to me, saying, “Did you see that news? When you write in the future, make sure never to plagiarize.” I was stunned for a while, thinking how up-to-date my grandpa was.
Tomorrow is his birthday, and the whole family will go to pay our respects. I need to buy a nice bouquet of flowers.