Rebirth: Spoiling the Obsessive Film Emperor Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Got Any Candy?  

Rong Yu’s group’s performance of Remembrance was absolutely explosive in terms of reception.  

Whether it was the live audience or the livestream, there were always some deliberately provocative comments on the bullet screen, forcefully inserting a few rat droppings into the otherwise joyous and harmonious atmosphere.  

—Seriously? Is no one gonna call out Rong Yu for being a scheming b*tch?  

—Who the hell is he trying to disgust by dressing like a woman? So gross, puking at how he acts all effeminate just to hog the spotlight!  

—Rong Yu is such a calculative b*tch, making himself the main character while his teammates are just his backdrop. Wow, is this how he leads a team? Anyone teamed with him is doomed! Feel bad for his current and future teammates.  

—Are the people above out of their minds? Have they even looked into the story behind Remembrance? Every character in Remembrance is a protagonist—they’re all role models from different classes and professions who rose up against oppression and invasion! They’re all iron-willed heroes! It’s just that the scholar and the nandan have slightly more screen time, but both of them die—the nandan halfway through, and the scholar after victory.  

—Well said! They’re all protagonists, all heroes in my heart! I absolutely loved this performance, so satisfying! Setting aside the original plot of Remembrance, the choreography was amazing—group dances were synchronized, and solo parts blended perfectly!  

—In Remembrance, the nandan dies midway, and Rong Yu, who played the nandan, disappears from the spotlight for half the song, only reappearing as a "spirit" at the end. Honestly, this might actually hurt Rong Yu’s score since the audience’s attention would be on the other nine.  

—Oh wow, now that you mention it…  

—Wait, hold up! Did the scholar die? I’ve never heard Remembrance before, but from what I just saw, didn’t Fei Zhengqi (the scholar) stay standing till the end?  

—Sweetie, the scholar danced with the nandan for a bit—think about it! The nandan was already dead. If the scholar wasn’t dead, how could he dance with a ghost?  

—Wahhh, Remembrance is actually a story-driven song. The show only gave them the music, but they still incorporated the plot. The original ending is the scholar committing suicide in front of the nandan’s grave, and their comrades burying them together.  

—Damn! That’s so tragic!  

—Here’s something even more tragic, this is a PK round, meaning another group of trainees will have to perform Remembrance too.  

—Once wasn’t enough? We gotta suffer twice???  

—Go Ming Qian! You’re the best!  

The discussion-filled bullet screen was suddenly flooded with messages cheering for Ming Qian, and viewers realized the stage had been set—the group competing against Rong Yu’s had already taken their positions.  

To emphasize the PK atmosphere, two stages were set up. Rong Yu’s group, having performed first, couldn’t leave yet—they had to wait on their stage until the competing group finished, after which the live audience would vote.  

One of the A-class trainees in this group was Rong Yu’s roommate, who usually called him "Brother Rong." Now, standing on opposing stages, the trainee gave Rong Yu two thumbs up in approval of his performance.  

Rong Yu smiled and returned the gesture, shouting into his mic, "Go for it!" His teammates also cheered for them.  

Yin Chengjue’s gaze lingered on Rong Yu for a long time before shifting to Ming Qian, who followed the A-class leader onto the stage.  

Coincidentally, Ming Qian was also dressed in water-sleeve opera robes, with peach-blossom eye makeup.  

Ming Qian’s features already leaned feminine, and with this styling, he looked like a stunning beauty.  

In contrast, Rong Yu’s look was more heroic and composed—even with the elaborate makeup, he exuded steadiness.  

Ming Qian, however, came off as overly delicate, almost sickly frail, as if a slight push would topple him.  

When Ming Qian’s face appeared on the big screen, the audience fell into an odd silence.  

Had Ming Qian’s group performed first, his cross-dressing might have been striking. But after Rong Yu’s explosive performance, Ming Qian’s look lost its novelty.  

And in comparison, Rong Yu’s heroic aura fit the song better.  

Of course, Ming Qian’s fans in the audience screamed in excitement, waving banners with his name.  

The livestream’s bullet screen was also flooded with his fans’ frenzied cheers, as if their voices could be heard through the text.  

The earlier criticisms of Rong Yu’s cross-dressing vanished instantly, replaced by endless praise for Ming Qian’s looks.  

Yin Chengjue had no interest in watching Ming Qian’s performance, so the moment he appeared, Yin Chengjue stepped out to the third-floor balcony for some air—just in time to answer a call from Shang Liu.  

Shang Liu: "How’s it going? Any of the trainees you had your eye on worth investing in? If you’ve decided, talk to the debut team about contracts and arrange meetings to get to know them better."  

Yin Chengjue had already settled on Rong Yu, and after seeing his performance, his decision was final. He praised Rong Yu enthusiastically and listed a few other promising trainees for Shang Liu to note.  

After a brief discussion, Yin Chengjue hung up—only to hear light footsteps approaching. He looked up and locked eyes with the newcomer.  

Recognizing the person, Yin Chengjue stiffened, an inexplicable sense of being "caught" flashing through him. But he quickly regained his composure, deliberately averting his gaze as if to leave—until he remembered the balcony only had one exit, and the person was standing right at the doorway.  

It was none other than Rong Yu.  

Now changed out of his stage outfit, Rong Yu wore a white shirt with a few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest.  

One side of his shirt was tucked into black skinny jeans, the silver belt buckle glinting under the light.  

"Did I disturb you?" Rong Yu spoke first, his voice slightly different from the show’s—clearer, more pleasant, like a cool breeze cutting through summer heat.  

Yin Chengjue had fully steadied himself by now, replying coolly, "No."  

He moved to step past Rong Yu.  

"Um… Sir, sorry to bother you, but… do you happen to have any candy on you? Any kind is fine…" Rong Yu smiled apologetically, as if worried about imposing.  

Yin Chengjue paused, instinctively patting his pockets—but why would he carry something like that?  

"Ah, never mind. It’s just… I get nervous, and I like having something sweet to calm down. Sorry for taking your time." Rong Yu scratched his head.  

"No." I was here to watch your performance anyway… 

Feeling his reply was too curt, Yin Chengjue added, "You danced well. Your ranking will definitely be high, no need to be nervous."