Transmigrated as the CEO's Top-Tier Stand-in - Chapter 31.2

Chapter 31.2

The performance day for the Dream Chasing 100 theme song quickly arrived.

Including the content available for VIP viewing on Lychee Network, only two episodes had been released so far. In these two episodes, the trainees who gained the most fans were Jiang Lianque, Ling Lan, Rong Bai, and Chu Nanxing. The first two were popular because of their strong variety sense and numerous running gags, while the latter two quickly attracted a solid fanbase due to their powerful debut stage presence and comprehensive idol abilities.

Chu Nanxing, in particular, had previously been one step away from debuting in a girl group in Korea, and the reputation of TEB and TEG resonated throughout Asia. Therefore, anyone who searched could gain a general understanding of Chu Nanxing’s ability.

Consequently, the fans of these four were the most numerous on the day of the public performance.

In addition, fans of other girls who had already debuted, such as Li Xing and Chang Xue, flew from other cities to support their new dreams.

Unfortunately, Li Xing’s condition was not good. Even when signing autographs and greeting fans, she seemed distracted. Although her makeup was perfect, there was little light in her eyes.

This made her fans worry, and they chimed in to comfort her: “Xingzi, keep going! Work hard for today’s performance! We will always support you!”

Hearing this, the gloom in Li Xing’s heart deepened.

Performance?

She wasn’t on the highest, central stage, so what good would working hard do? Could working hard guarantee she would be seen?

Even if she didn’t give up this time and continued to strive for that highest laurel, would it matter? Would she be able to perform well the next time she reached such a crucial assessment point?

No.

She was just someone who always faltered at critical moments.

Even Nanxing knew it.

Thinking of this, Li Xing couldn’t bear the expectant gazes of her fans. Her guilt deepened, and her self-reproach grew stronger. She hastily turned and left before the staff even announced the gathering, leaving a few fans standing there looking disappointed.

Chu Nanxing saw the competitors’ expressions. She saw many girls from Class D and F standing nearby in twos and threes, looking at the main area with envy because they had no fans. She also saw Rong Bai, Jiang Lianque, and Ling Lan surrounded by fans, just like her.

And Ji Yu.

The young fan who was always orbiting around her, holding up light boards and self-made banners a few days ago, was nowhere to be seen today. As a trainee who had been promoted to Class A and the Center for this theme song performance, her treatment was unbelievably poor.

Chu Nanxing was delighted, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Ji Yu didn’t pay attention to the crocodile tears shed for her by others. She also didn’t look toward the venue entrance because her little fan had told her that she had an important exam on the day of the performance and might not be able to come cheer her on. She certainly didn’t mind and even wished the fan ideal results.

Now, she only thought faintly to herself:

Will Si Tian come on the day of the performance?

If she does, will she leave after only standing outside the venue for a while, like last time?

It was half an hour before the stage performance began.

Chu Nanxing had finished her makeup and hair and went directly to the restroom. She opened the transparent page filled with golden text and noticed that Meng Rendong was safely staying in her company, showing no intention of coming here. She couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.

Her full red lips moved, silently chewing on a few words:

“Meng Rendong…”

Ji Yu doesn’t care about you, so you won’t come either, is that it?

Chu Nanxing was slightly irritated that Meng Rendong hadn’t thought of her at all. Then, she casually wrote on the page: Meng Rendong was originally working diligently, but she suddenly remembered that today was the first public performance of Dream Chasing 100. Although her story with Ji Yu had ended, Nanxing was still there, and as a friend, she should go and show her support regardless.

This content was surprisingly quickly accepted by the worldline.

And in the CEO’s office at Huangting Entertainment headquarters, Meng Rendong’s mind seemed to be touched by a flash of inspiration. She suddenly looked up at the time, a hint of hesitation and confusion in her eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, she remembered something and called the internal line, instructing her assistant:

“Notify Uncle Zhang. I need to go to the city stadium in five minutes—”

“Also, does Kong Rufan have any plans today? Tell her to clear her schedule.”

Ji Yu also wore the unified formal performance attire today: an immaculate, academy-style suit jacket with golden trim on the sleeves, lapels, and shoulders. This was her exclusive glory. Her already outstanding beauty was further enhanced by the clothing.

The costume designer tied her tie perfectly, then pushed her onto a chair to re-curl her hair into more natural waves. Meanwhile, the makeup artist, after applying dark eyeshadow to Rong Bai, turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow:

“These eyes are stunning.”

“I can’t wait for everyone to appreciate this beauty…”

Ji Yu blinked, about to say something, when the makeup artist turned to search for items in his treasure chest-like makeup bag. He muttered to himself, “I should use that one, it’s definitely super sparkly… Where did I put it… I finally have some inspiration…”

At the same time, he pulled out several different shades of foundation from major brands, stacking bottles and jars all over the table, trying to find the most natural color that matched Ji Yu’s skin tone. This would ensure the makeup wasn’t too heavy, like artificially pale plaster, nor would the color be too dark, covering up Ji Yu’s natural skin tone.

Ji Yu and Rong Bai exchanged glances. Rong Bai shot her a helpless look, then lowered her head to search for the diamond earrings most suitable for today’s appearance. The makeup artist had just advised her that the two she was wearing were too small and indistinct, clashing with her makeup today, suggesting she change to larger ones to have more presence and command the stage.

Ling Lan, in the back row, had braided an exceptionally beautiful small braid with colorful ribbons on her head. After finishing her styling, she came over to look at Ji Yu and Rong Bai, her eyes shining brightly. She put an arm around each of their necks and then looked at the mirror:

“Ah, this calls for a selfie.”

In the center of the mirror was the silver-haired girl. On her left was the stunning beauty, and on her right was the cool and handsome sister. Three different types of beauty clashed, exuding enough pheromones to charm countless men and women.

Ji Yu smiled gently. Rong Bai looked slightly helpless, especially when Ling Lan’s hand rested on her neck, pressing down on the decorative collar the costume designer had suddenly given her. It was a black, slightly thick ornamental choker that inexplicably added a touch of asceticism to her look. However, she disliked the material, finding it slightly itchy. Now that Ling Lan pressed it, she wanted to reach out and adjust it again.

Jiang Lianque’s hair and makeup were also nearly done. She approached, saw Ling Lan hugging the two, and greeted the accompanying cameraman, whose lens faithfully recorded the scene.

The other girls nearby were also laughing and playing with each other. Although the makeup room was small and the area was somewhat chaotic, they all knew that in a few months, the nine people who would sweep the internet and be blessed by countless eyes.

Would be born right here.

Half an hour later.

Fans were ready in the venue, holding various simple banners to cheer on their favorite future idols. Some passersby saw the scene at the entrance and curiously came in to join the fun.

The center of the stage was a lift platform. The girls on the four sides were already in position, but the nine people in the center had not yet revealed their faces, and the Center position remained a mystery. Therefore, each fan actively held up their signs, calling out the names of their preferred contestants!

Until the music started—

The central floor slowly ascended. Accompanied by the initial moves of Go!, the figures of the nine people gradually appeared. At the very front were Chu Nanxing, Chang Xue, and Ling Lan, followed by Rong Bai, Jiang Lianque, and others slightly scattered around. Distinctive girls walked out one after another until the Center made her appearance!

The camera gave Ji Yu a Center-worthy close-up.

What entered their sight were those smiling eyes.

Her makeup today was truly stunning. Audible gasps of amazement filled the venue, mixed with surprise, because many audience members hadn’t paid much attention to the girl in the center during the show.

Around her right eye, sparkling crystal decorations were dotted. Small white crystals shimmered, strategically placed like the Big Dipper constellation surrounding a star. The crystals started larger under her left eye, four in a row, with the remaining three dropping towards the outer corner. She only blinked her right eye slightly, and it was as if she scattered sparkling starlight.

She commanded seven-tenths of the stage’s brilliance today!

An audience member whispered below: “Who is that?”

“Beautiful!! This young lady is so beautiful! I’m dead, I’m switching sides!”

“It looks like no one is cheering for her, though?”

“She wasn’t in Class A before, was she? I remember all the people in Class A, and she definitely wasn’t one of them.”

“What a shame… We don’t know which episode this initial stage will be in when it airs online… She deserves someone to cheer for her…”

When Meng Rendong arrived, she happened to hear the surrounding discussions. Kong Rufan was there, arms crossed, looking relaxed. She held her phone, which had a blue fish-shaped charm dangling from it, swaying with her movements. Her voice also dropped, carrying a hint of sarcasm:

“What a pity, President Meng. The girl you wanted to recommend to me didn’t manage to grab the C position in her first stage performance.”

She looked at Ji Yu a few more times. But then, Meng Rendong asked her: “Do you know what ‘cheering’ means?”

Kong Rufan: “…”

She was speechless, turning to look at Meng Rendong, the CEO who was “surfing on 2G.” Then she lifted her chin, signaling her to look at the people holding light boards, wearing wristbands, and holding banners in the venue.

She then added with a smile: “Chu Nanxing’s popularity is quite high. She won’t be able to see whatever you hold up in this back row.”

She intended to savor Meng Rendong’s expression, but upon turning her head, she realized Meng Rendong had left her side at some point and was talking to a security guard patrolling the aisle not far away.

Kong Rufan watched for a while, then lost interest and looked back at the large screen broadcasting the stage. She saw every one of Ji Yu’s movements and expressions. Even though no one was cheering for her below the stage, she was still singing and dancing with utmost seriousness, which even moved a passerby like her.

On the other side.

Meng Rendong had noticed when she entered the venue that others brought in some glowing objects. She was a bit confused before, but now she understood.

Hearing the surrounding people sympathize with and pity Ji Yu for having no support, she felt somehow uncomfortable. So, on a whim, she went to the security guard and borrowed a flashlight. The guard was now standing warily not far from her, worried she would do something outrageous with the flashlight.

—If Meng Rendong hadn’t paid enough money, the guard would absolutely not have agreed to the transaction.

Meng Rendong looked again at the words on the light boards and banners, realizing they were self-explanatory, clearly indicating who they were supporting. She looked around in slight distress, then focused on Kong Rufan’s phone charm.

Kong Rufan was still watching the stage. When she returned, she commented: “I think this girl named Ji Yu has a stronger stage presence than the Chu Nanxing you recommended earlier.”

Meng Rendong actually nodded seriously, agreeing: “I think so too… Lend me your phone.”

Kong Rufan: “Hmm… Huh?”

She turned to look at Meng Rendong with curiosity, seemingly not believing this was something the notoriously protective CEO would say. After all, everyone at Huangting knew Meng Rendong and Chu Nanxing had an unusual relationship. She had thought Meng Rendong was still insisting on her taking on Chu Nanxing, which was why she was called here. But now…?

Meng Rendong allowed her to scrutinize her, and after borrowing her phone—

The next second.

During the stage chorus!

A towering column of orange-yellow light flared up at the back of the venue, causing the floor manager responsible for the program to subconsciously turn and look. Then the light column swayed left and right, appearing exceptionally dominant among the multitude of colorful small light boards.

Initially, the security guard thought she was trying to disrupt the event and was about to intervene upon hearing the command. Soon, he saw the light column project a huge fish-shaped shadow. It was Meng Rendong holding Kong Rufan’s little fish charm right in front of the flashlight.

The huge fish-shaped shadow hung suspended over the back of the venue. Ji Yu finished a move, looked up, and was momentarily stunned by the shape. At the same time, Wang Luoshui and the program cameras focused on it.

Meng Rendong, completely unaware, thought she wasn’t causing too much trouble in the back row. After explaining to the guard that she absolutely wouldn’t shine the flashlight at the stage, she held the flashlight in one hand and the small fish in the other, swaying slowly left and right to the rhythm of the stage, and didn’t forget to ask Kong Rufan next to her:

“Have you decided? Who do you want to sign? Nanxing or Ji Yu?”

Kong Rufan: “…”

She twitched her lips, looked up at the constantly swaying flashlight beam that cut through the entire venue and the fish shadow flickering in the light, then looked at the distant stage. Suppressing the twitching in the corner of her eye, she said expressionlessly:

“How about I sign you? I’ll send you straight to the top of the trending list tonight.”

Meng Rendong didn’t understand why she was suddenly challenging her: “…?”

Until two hours later.

The top three trending topics were prominently displayed:

#HardcoreFishFanCheering#

#DreamChasingCenterJiYu#

#DreamChasing100FirstPerformance#

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