Help! My Fanservice Partner is Looking at Me Differently Lately - Chapter 9

The welcome ceremony at the Nurture House was a simple affair. Generally, each of the established members would perform a short act, such as singing, dancing, or perhaps a brief stand-up routine. These performances served as an introduction and were intended to make an impression as quickly as possible.

“I will go first then,” Gao Yuan said, the gloom of previous days completely vanished from his face.

He took the microphone and sent a playful wink toward both Shen Xunye and Chi Li. “My name is Gao Yuan. I am 21 years old and a rapper. I am going to perform a new song I wrote just a few days ago.”

When the music started, Gao Yuan’s entire aura shifted. His eyes lit up, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy the joy the music brought him. Chi Li watched attentively, even swaying his body to the sharp beats of the rhythm. When the song ended, he did not hesitate to offer loud applause.

Shen Xunye followed suit and clapped along.

“Thank you for the applause,” Gao Yuan said, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead and his eyes full of emotion.

A few days ago, during the welcome ceremony for Zhou Yang, Gao Yuan had performed with all his might, but Zhou Yang had not spared him a single glance. He had been too busy flirting with Xie Weishui on the sofa. It had made Gao Yuan feel disgusted.

“You sang very well,” Chi Li praised sincerely.

As a fellow trainee, he knew exactly how much effort was required to reach Gao Yuan’s level. He had respect for every idol who treated even a small stage with such dedication. Gao Yuan pumped his fist against his chest twice and pointed toward Chi Li on the sofa. Chi Li returned the gesture.

Shen Xunye leaned in and whispered into Chi Li’s ear, “What does that mean?”

“Um,” Chi Li raised a hand to touch his earlobe, which had grown warm from the other man’s breath. “It is just a way of expressing mutual appreciation.”

“It seems like you two have a special way of communicating,” Shen Xunye grumbled, feeling left out.

Chi Li replied, “You are from the Film Department; you do not need to understand.”

Shen Xunye pouted. “Fine.”

“Ahem!”

Zhou Yang gripped his microphone and let out a loud, deliberate cough. Only after receiving a sharp glare from Chi Li did he feel slightly better. He thought that if Chi Li wanted to get back together, he should have a better attitude. He wondered how Chi Li could whisper into someone else’s ear right in front of him.

“My name is Zhou Yang. I am 22 years old and a trainee from Starlight Entertainment. I am skilled in both singing and dancing, and I can rap a little as well.”

This was an introduction they had practiced countless times in front of the mirror back in the training room. Zhou Yang refused to believe that Chi Li would have no reaction to it. He did not even use a background track, choosing to stare directly at Chi Li instead.

“Junior,” Xie Weishui spoke first, his tone carrying a faint hint of a warning. “Why are you not singing?”

“I am singing,” Zhou Yang snapped back to reality. “I am starting now.”

He realized he had been so focused on signaling his willingness to reconcile with Chi Li that he had completely forgotten his persona as someone devoted only to Xie Weishui.

The music began. Zhou Yang shifted his gaze away from Chi Li and looked affectionately at Xie Weishui. This was the song they had agreed upon, a sweet confession song specifically for Xie Weishui.

Chi Li continued to watch seriously. To be honest, while Zhou Yang’s looks were somewhat lacking, his talent was beyond reproach. Otherwise, Chi Li would never have agreed to be with him in the first place.

When the sweet song ended, Chi Li provided the customary applause. This immediately drew Zhou Yang’s attention back to him.

“Give me a critique,” Zhou Yang said confidently.

He knew that while Chi Li was very clear about his personal likes and dislikes, he was always objective and fair when it came to judging performances.

Chi Li smiled. “I was afraid to open my eyes.”

Zhou Yang did not understand. “What do you mean? Were you so mesmerized that you were lost in the music?”

“If I am not mistaken,” Gao Yuan attempted to translate, “he means your singing was okay, but your face was so ugly it offended him.”

Chi Li nodded in agreement with the translation. Gao Yuan quickly pursed his lips, afraid he would burst out laughing.

Zhou Yang was speechless.

“Alright,” Xie Weishui stepped forward and grabbed Zhou Yang’s wrist, comforting him in a low voice. “Chi Li probably has some misunderstanding about us. We can clear it up later.”

“Okay,” Zhou Yang nodded, forcing a very awkward smile. He decided he would definitely have a proper talk with Chi Li once the livestream ended for the night.

Next up was Jiang Lele. He also sang a sweet song. While his voice was not as good as Zhou Yang’s, his cute appearance earned him extra points, making their overall performances feel similar.

When the song finished, Jiang Lele looked past Chi Li and focused on Shen Xunye. “Since Zhou Yang asked Chi Li for a critique, can I ask you for one, Shen Xunye?”

The best friend storyline was no longer selling well. He had to find a new path for himself, and Shen Xunye was a perfect candidate. He needed to make his presence felt.

“Me?” Shen Xunye opened his eyes wide, speaking with an innocent tone. “I am from the Film Department.”

“It does not matter. I am not looking for a professional critique,” Jiang Lele said shyly.

“Well,” Shen Xunye looked slightly troubled. “Do you want the truth?”

Jiang Lele became nervous. “Yes, I suppose.”

“It was sweet.”

The corners of Jiang Lele’s mouth began to turn upward.

“Like someone shoved a handful of industrial sweetener into my mouth. It was sickeningly sweet.”

The smile on Jiang Lele’s face vanished, replaced by a look of disappointment. “I will pay more attention next time.”

“Enough. I told you a long time ago to stop using that forced, high-pitched voice when you sing,” Wei Xuan said as he took the microphone, comforting Jiang Lele in the process. “That was not even a bad review. If you do not believe me, try asking Chi Li for a critique instead.”

Jiang Lele immediately shook his head like a rattle.

Chi Li remained silent. If Jiang Lele actually asked him, he might not have given a negative review. Among everyone there, the little green tea character was the least offensive to him. He could not out-manipulate Xie Weishui and had to endure the performance of being a best friend; in a sense, he was actually quite pitiful.

The subsequent performances by Wei Xuan and Fang Jin were straightforward. They both completed their acts without interacting with the two viewers sitting in the center of the sofa.

Soon, it was the turn of the final performer, Xie Weishui.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Xie Weishui, and I am 21 years old,” he said, maintaining his usual composure. “My position is vocal, and my specialty is R&B.

I will be singing my original composition, Just Like Yesterday. I hope you all enjoy it.”