While the others were engrossed in their discussions, a staff member entered, announcing, "Change into your outfits and prepare. We're heading to the practice room for dance rehearsal."

Everyone acknowledged in agreement.

This ranking event would host live audiences. Many trainees hailed from affluent families, and so, besides the regular audience, many family members would be present. Even before the official stage started, whispers filled the air, speculating which families might be in attendance.

Jian Xingsui was practicing his dance in the studio. He had the weakest foundation, making him the primary focus of the dance instructor.

"Jian Xingsui, that move was off."

"You're lagging behind."

"Xingsui, look over here."

When the rest of the team finished, Jian Xingsui usually chose to stay back and practice more.

Jian Xingsui felt guilty about slowing down the team’s progress. He practiced late into the night, but still felt like he was holding the team back. Fortunately, his teammates were understanding and never blamed him.

On the third day of rehearsals, the team leader called for a brief meeting.

Shen Xingchen sat cross-legged in the center and said, "The song we chose has good lyrics, but the melody is a bit slow. It limits our dance movements. As you've all noticed, our moves are simpler. Compared to the explosive routines of other teams, we might be at a disadvantage."

The other members nodded in agreement.

An Ran, proficient in traditional dances, believed he could stand out. He optimistically suggested, "We can push harder and put on a better performance. We can compete with the other groups."

Shen Xingchen, known for his sharp tongue, retorted, "Every team is giving their best. The issue isn’t about how well we perform."

A downcast An Ran replied, looking quite pitiful, "I just don't want us to be too pessimistic."

Shen Xingchen, not having the patience for him, redirected, "This isn't about pessimism. Even at our best, we might not have the same impact as the more exhilarating performances of other groups. But I have an idea, Xingsui. During your debut, you transformed Zhou Xun’s energetic song into a ballad. Could you rearrange this song for us?"

Jian Xingsui was taken aback that such a major task was being entrusted to him.

The other teammates gradually realized:

"Exactly!"

"Xingsui, I still remember your arrangement!"

"You're truly amazing!"

"Can you help us rearrange it?"

Jian Xingsui paused, overwhelmed by their trust. He was once the weakest link, and now he had an opportunity to contribute.

Seeing Jian Xingsui’s hesitation, An Ran said with a smile, "Never mind. Xingsui is already swamped with dance practice. Let's not burden him further."

Shen Xingchen directly asked Jian Xingsui, "Can you do it?"

Taking on the chore of dance practice and rearrangement was indeed daunting, and no one would blame him if he declined.

Yet, after a moment of contemplation, Jian Xingsui declared, "I can do it."

Everyone smiled, except for An Ran whose smile faded slightly. He asked, "Xingsui, will you still have time for your own practice? Won't this set you back?"

Of course, he was well aware of Jian Xingsui’s talent in arranging music.

If he were to truly shine, would there be any room left for me to stand out?

Jian Xingsui spoke softly, “My foundation in dance is weak; no matter how much I practice, I'd only hold everyone back. If my rearranging skills can benefit the team, then I'm willing to contribute.”

Upon hearing this, those teammates who once secretly saw Jian Xingsui as a burden wished they could slap themselves for such thoughts!

Shen Xingchen came over and wrapped an arm around Jian Xingsui's neck, saying, “What are you talking about, being a burden? In my team, there's no such word as 'lose.' Hurry up and produce that arrangement, even if I have to spend three days and nights with you to perfect your moves.”

The other teammates also felt a renewed sense of camaraderie after this discussion.

“We'll practice together.”

“So what if you can't dance? I'm great at it!”

“Come practice with us, Xingsui!”

Everyone circled around, inadvertently leaving An Ran standing alone.

Just a few days ago, because An Ran was exceptional at traditional dance, everyone was praising him. Now, they were all gathered around Jian Xingsui as if An Ran was invisible.

Out of sight of the group, An Ran's usually gentle face turned cold, and a sharpness flashed in his eyes.

...

A few days later—Performance Day.

The backstage area was bustling with excitement. Most contestants were prepared and waiting, chatting amongst themselves to ease their nerves.

In a spare moment, Wen Shengge approached and said, “Xingsui, did you know? I heard that the online voting results are out. There are very few debut spots this time, only six. Do you know who the top six are?”

Jian Xingsui honestly answered, “I don't.”

“I have some insider information,” Wen Shengge whispered, “The first place is Chen Ge, and the second is An Ran.”

Jian Xingsui wasn't surprised.

What did surprise Wen Shengge was his calm reaction, “Aren't you shocked?”

Of course, Jian Xingsui wasn't. He knew the protagonist's smooth journey wouldn't end here. He'd debut in the center position, then skyrocket to fame on a variety show, reaching the pinnacle of his career.

“I thought it was all very suspicious, so I dug deeper,” Wen Shengge leaned in closer, “Guess what? An Ran is actually the younger brother of the top star, Jian Zhi!”

Jian Xingsui paused mid-sip.

“Jian Zhi, so enviable. No wonder An Ran's popularity is so high; he surely has someone backing him,” Wen Shengge sighed, “He's really fortunate. We can't compete with that. And the most impressive thing? He's so low-key. If I had a brother like that, I'd be bragging every day!”

Bragging every day.

Jian Xingsui lowered his head, fragments of memories from a past life piercing him like shards of glass.

“My older brother is Jian Zhi!”

"Why are you insulting my brother? You want to fight?"

"Brother, brother..."

Ever since he was young, he has always adored his brothers the most. But being slow-witted, he often made mistakes, making his brothers angry:

"It's all because you came to see me that the paparazzi caught wind of our scandal."

"Why are you starting fights? Now the media claims my little brother is acting like a diva."

"Jian Xingsui, can't you be a little less troublesome?"

Deep down, he's always known that he's unremarkable and mediocre. However, the excellence of his brothers cast him in a glamorous light. He used to believe it was a blessing. But as time passed, it became a lifelong pain and burden. Perhaps many things were wrong from the start.

Wen Shengge continued, "Quite a few parents are here today. I've heard that Chen's mother has also come—the young madam of the Shen family. Rumor has it she's incredibly beautiful. I wonder what a woman who raised someone like Chen looks like."

Jian Xingsui, feeling a bit downcast, wasn't much interested. He remarked, "I need to use the restroom."

Wen Shengge replied, "Oh, be quick then."

"Mhm."

After using the restroom, Jian Xingsui was washing his hands when a voice from behind called out, "Jian Xingsui."

A familiar yet distant voice made him tense.

Slowly turning around, he faced a visage that always set him on edge. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Second Brother... Mr. Jian."

Jian Zhi stood by the sink, immaculate in a suit, looking dashing and delicate, a stark contrast to Fu Jinxiao's mature charm.

Jian Zhi turned on the tap, murmuring, "Impressive, you've learned to address me formally."

Jian Xingsui remained silent.

"I heard you left without taking the money from our eldest brother and father," Jian Zhi continued with a hint of mockery. "You were quick to walk away, yet you immediately joined the same show as Ranran, repeatedly challenging him. What's your game?"

Jian Xingsui replied, perplexed, "When did I ever challenge him?"

"You knowingly took part in this show, aware of his fears. And for what? A mere two thousand yuan, while refusing the millions offered by our eldest brother and father? Is this your way of garnering sympathy or just being obnoxious?" Jian Zhi's gaze was filled with disdain. "You truly disgust me."

The harsh words pierced Jian Xingsui. He'd thought he was past caring, but the pain was still there.

Turning his face away, not wanting Jian Zhi to see the hurt in his eyes, he retorted, "I don’t owe you an explanation. If you believe I'm here to create a sympathetic image, then there's nothing I can say."

Jian Zhi was surprised by Jian Xingsui's defiance.

He chuckled softly, turned off the tap, and dried his hands. "I came here to warn you—stay away from Ranran in this camp. He's now my brother."

A chill slowly spread through Jian Xingsui's heart.

Jian Zhi looked up, locking eyes with him, and uttered, "And one more thing—never mention in the entertainment circle that I'm your brother."

After his words, Jian Zhi waited for Jian Xingsui's reaction. But the young boy stood there numbly, no discernible emotion on his face. Perhaps he had felt pain before, but when pain becomes too much, numbness follows. For some reason, at that moment, Jian Zhi found himself recalling a passionate boy with hopeful eyes, always following him, softly calling out, "Big brother...big brother..."

Now, that same boy just bowed silently and then turned to leave.

Strangely, Jian Zhi had come to put an end to things with Jian Xingsui, and while he had achieved that, seeing the boy's retreating figure brought forth a wave of unexpected emotions.

...

On the other hand, while Jian Xingsui appeared unaffected on the surface, once he left the restroom, he immediately entered a stairway without surveillance.

Throughout their confrontation, he had held back. Now, leaning against the cold wall, his lips quivered slightly and his eyes reddened, with tears eventually spilling out. As footsteps echoed nearby, he suppressed his sobs, trying to cope with the overwhelming pain.

At that moment, the echoing sound of heels approached. A gentle female voice was heard speaking on the phone, "Chenchen, where exactly is the place you mentioned? Mom can't find it..."

The voice trailed off.

The woman who happened to be walking by stopped talking, her gaze meeting that of the boy in the corner. From the other end of the phone, Shen Xingchen asked, "Hello? Mom? Why did you stop speaking?"

Xu Enzhen quickly ended the call and stepped closer to Jian Xingsui, softly asking, "Young man, are you alright?"

The woman's gentle tone only seemed to break his defenses further.

Jian Xingsui hesitated, voice choked, "I'm fine... really..."

As he looked down, his face hidden in the dim light, Xu Enzhen momentarily thought he resembled her younger son. Seeing the young man wiping away his tears, though they were strangers, she felt an inexplicable surge of compassion.

A fleeting thought crossed her mind: If her youngest hadn't passed away, he'd probably be about the same age as this boy.