"If he ever bullies you, you can confide in me."

This simple sentence reverberated in Jian Xingsui's ears, hitting him deep in his heart.

He looked up incredulously, meeting Fu Jinxe's deep, dark eyes. Being looked at by those eyes made him feel seen and important.

Jian Xingsui was nervous, fearing a misunderstanding. He began, "Xingchen hasn't really bullied me. You shouldn’t worry over this trivial matter. We were just joking around. He may seem aggressive, but he's good-hearted. I didn't speak up when you entered because..."

Fu Jinxe nodded gently, interrupting, "I understand. You didn’t want to strain my relationship with him."

Jian Xingsui was taken aback.

Without having said much, Fu Jinxe had grasped all he meant.

The feeling was surreal. No matter how he had tried to explain himself before, no one ever listened or believed him.

But sitting before Fu Jinxe, his stuttered explanations were understood, and he felt genuinely heard.

"I know," said Fu Jinxe with a gentle smile, "With a roommate like you, I'm assured he's in good company."

Strict in his work but truly gentle in private conversations.

Jian Xingsui wanted to respond but found himself lost for words. The unexpected understanding overwhelmed him.

Reading the situation, Fu Jinxe lightened the mood, "It's getting late. Shouldn't you head back, or are you planning to take up a security shift?"

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jian Xingsui bowed slightly, "I'll head back now, Brother Fu."

Fu Jinxiao responded softly, "Mm."

Jian Xingsui turned to leave, only to hear the man speak up, "Wait."

Jian Xingsui looked back, slightly puzzled.

"You sang quite well today." Fu Jinxiao was no longer lounging leisurely in his seat but looking directly at him with sincerity, "Keep up the good work next time."

It seemed like a simple comment, but when it reached Jian Xingsui's ears, his heart seemed to flutter with joy. He had been praised, recognized, and especially by his idol.

Jian Xingsui believed he wouldn't make it past the initial audition. Without any backing or support, and with the Jian family potentially viewing his participation as a threat to An Ran, he figured he could easily be replaced on the show.

However, after singing, the approval from Fu Jinxiao seemed to spark hope and confidence within him.

"Mm, I'll do my best," Jian Xingsui murmured, smiling at Fu Jinxiao, "Thank you, Brother Fu."

Fu Jinxiao slightly raised an eyebrow.

Previously, Jian always appeared stern and guarded. Despite his youth, there was a constant furrow in his brow, as if always on high alert, reminiscent of a wary hedgehog. Such behavior naturally drew more attention.

But now, he smiled, a simple word of encouragement bringing light to his features. His youthful appearance was complemented by a shy smile and glowing eyes, making him look his age, rather than the worried elder he often resembled. One wondered where such heavy concerns came from in someone so young.

...

The next day,

It was the second day of the first round of recording.

Due to the previous day's buzz, the live-stream audience grew, the interest palpable.

It was soon Shen Xingchen's turn to perform. Despite his often nonchalant demeanor, resembling a privileged youth, his talents in singing and dancing were undeniable. It was evident he'd trained hard.

The mentors were all quite satisfied, rewarding him with high scores. After mutual consultation, they granted him an impressive 'A' grade. The audience was in full agreement:

"He's so cool!"

"Truly impressive!"

"His dance got my blood pumping."

"He's so energetic and dynamic!"

When Shen Xingchen returned, Jian Xingsui sincerely remarked, "Your performance was outstanding. You're incredible."

Beads of sweat covered Shen Xingchen's forehead, but he replied smugly, especially in front of his junior, "It was just an average display for me."

Jian Xingsui suppressed a smile.

Shen Xingchen noticed, not far from their row, a group with Zhou Xun among them. For some reason, Zhou Xun kept glancing their way, looking rather sneaky.

Shen Xingchen's temper flared, "What's he staring at?"

Jian Xingsui tried to calm him down, "It's alright, just ignore him."

"What are you afraid of?" Shen Xingchen glared at him, then muttered, "Good thing we're on a show, or I'd have dealt with him a long time ago."

Jian Xingsui couldn't help but laugh.

Shen Xingchen's temper, at times, felt quite reminiscent of Jian Xingsui's past demeanor.

By the afternoon, the auditions for nearly 100 participants had concluded. Unexpectedly, just as everyone thought the day was over, the host stood up to announce a new segment, "Given the performances in the first round, I believe many feel they didn't do their best or have fresh ideas. That's alright. We have a new challenge, one that I believe everyone looks forward to the most. Can anyone guess?"

The venue fell silent briefly before someone shouted, "Battle!"

More and more participants began to chant excitedly, "Battle, battle, let's start the battle!"

Up until now, it had been group and solo performances. With this new rule, it would undoubtedly be a face-off between contestants. Teacher Li revealed a mysterious smile, saying, "Indeed, we're starting the battle round. We'll begin with Group F. A representative from Group F will challenge a member from Group C of their choice. If they succeed, they'll advance to Group D. However, if the Group C participant defends their position, they get a chance to be re-evaluated."

The challenge was on.

The participants were likely to challenge those they perceived as easier opponents.

As if to fuel the fire even more, Teacher Li added with a grin, "After this round of selection, any contestant who successfully defends their position will join Group A members as the center of our 'Starlight' theme song."

The room buzzed with excitement.

Especially those in Group F, many of whom were discussing strategies and possibilities.

Wensheng Ge, ranked in Group C, whispered to Jian Xingsui, "Who do you think Group F will challenge from our group?"

Jian Xingsui shook his head, "I don't know."

"If we're demoted, we'll drop to Group F!" Wensheng Ge said anxiously. "I hope I'm not chosen."

Jian Xingsui didn't seem too bothered.

He felt he didn't stand out much, and even if he did drop to Group F, it wouldn't matter to him.

Shen Xingchen smirked, "Stop worrying. If they have any decency, they won't choose you. At least I'd still respect them then."

Jian Xingsui: "..."

That's some way to comfort someone.

Amidst the chatter, Group F's representative was chosen, and, as expected yet surprisingly, it was Zhou Xun.

Stepping on stage, Zhou Xun expressed regret over his first performance, emphasizing his desire to redeem himself. Being a rap artist, he intended to showcase his rap skills.

Teacher Li inquired, "Which Group C participant do you challenge?"

Zhou Xun scanned Group C, and with a determined look, declared, "Jian Xingsui."

Upon hearing the name, some were surprised, some expected it, and Jian Xingsui looked slightly resigned. Beside him, Shen Xingchen chuckled sarcastically.

With a smile, Teacher Li announced, “Before Group F performs, I’d like to introduce an additional rule for this round. For instance, if Xing Sui, you successfully take on this challenge, you will be given a chance for a re-evaluation and become the center of our theme song. Due to the enticing reward, there's another stipulation: the challenger will have to sing the same song as the one chosen by the performer and will be given 20 minutes to prepare."

Logically speaking, this rule isn’t too difficult.

However, the issue is that Zhou Xun is a rap artist and chooses rap songs. For a non-rapper like Xing Sui, learning to perform a rap song in just 20 minutes is a formidable challenge.

Teacher Li added, “Of course, participants have the right to choose whether or not to accept the challenge."

At that moment, all eyes turned to Xing Sui.

The audience was eager with anticipation:

“Go for it, buzz-cut guy!”

“Don’t back down!”

“Challenge him!”

But other contestants felt the challenge was genuinely tough. They mused, "Freebies from heaven aren't always easy to obtain. The challenge seems too great; it's almost setting someone up for failure. The challenger can easily choose something they excel in, particularly against someone like Xing Sui, who hasn’t been professionally trained in rap. He could drop from a C to an F ranking, which would be pitiful."

Everyone’s attention was on Xing Sui, but he discreetly turned his gaze to the judges’ table. There, a man at the center leaned back casually in his chair. But the moment Xing Sui sneaked a glance his way, Fu Jin Xiao met his eyes directly. Their silent exchange spoke volumes.

Not long ago, on this very stage, Fu Jin Xiao had advised Xing Sui to face all challenges with the courage of someone unafraid to lose. However, having faced many hardships in his previous life, Xing Sui had always been cautious and lacked such bravery.

Whispered discussions from other contestants followed:

“He wouldn’t dare, right?”

“Isn’t this a sure loss?”

“Ha, his earlier rank of C must have been pure luck. His true colors will show now.”

Those murmurs were reminiscent of past criticisms, making Xing Sui question himself and become more insecure. Back then, it was Fu Jin Xiao's music that had given him the strength and courage to move forward.

Should he accept the challenge?

He might not win, and with the odds stacked against him, he could end up embarrassed.

But if he declined, would the outcome be any different? Disappointment and mocking glances would be all he’d receive.

What he saw in Fu Jin Xiao's eyes wasn't mockery or amusement. It was a calm and profound stillness. That silent support felt like an anchor, silently assuring him that there's nothing left to lose. So, why not give it a shot?