Backstage

The performers were resting backstage after their show.

They hadn't dared eat before performing to avoid any unexpected onstage accidents. Now that the performance was over, they all rushed towards the kitchen.

Shen Xingchen said, "After this showcase, shouldn’t the crew treat us to a feast?"

The other trainees agreed and began to fantasize:

"What about a whole roast lamb?"

"I'm really craving hotpot."

"If you ask me, why not opt for a buffet?"

Shen Xingchen, ever the rogue, looked dapper in his current attire. While it may seem refined on others, he managed to give it a rebellious twist. On most, it'd look suited for a scholarly endeavor, but on him, it looked ready for a brawl. Shen remarked, "If it were up to me, I'd just let us dine out."

The others chuckled in agreement.

Shen Xingchen glanced to the side, asking, "What about you? Anything specific you'd like to get?"

"For me," Jian Xingsui pondered, smiling, "I'm easy."

Shen Xingchen scoffed, "Ambitious."

It wasn't that Jian Xingsui lacked preferences; it was just that satisfying them would likely stretch his budget. Best not to dwell on it.

As the group entered the dining area, a variety of dishes awaited. A few other teams that had performed were also grabbing food.

Shen Xingchen waved, "Ning Ze!"

Ning Ze, having just finished his performance, approached.

"How did it go?" Shen Xingchen, biting into a piece of bread, asked, "You okay?"

Ning Ze, known to be the more reserved in their dorm, was truly talented. He had been practicing rigorously with another group. Despite his solid dance foundation, he was often the last to leave practice, burning the midnight oil. His dedication was truly commendable.

Yet, despite all his hard work and notable performance in the group, his presence was overshadowed by Li Xu'an.

Throughout the performance, Ning Ze's spotlight was firmly eclipsed. Not because Ning Ze lacked talent, but because the camera almost exclusively focused on Li Xu'an. Even when mentors had questions post-performance, they were directed at Li. Ning Ze's efforts seemed in vain.

Ning Ze responded, "I'm fine."

Concerned, Jian Xingsui reassured him, "Don't worry. I believe in your talents, Ning Ze. You'll shine brighter in the next performance!"

A hint of a smile flashed in Ning Ze's eyes, "I could've done better. I'll push harder next time."

No one desired success and the stage more than he did.

Shen Xingchen, grabbing some food, told Jian Xingsui, "Hurry up and eat. We have to head back for the final recording."

Jian Xingsui replied, "Alright."

They had been busy all night and were famished.

While they dined backstage, some were still recording up front. The performers were hungry, but so were the mentors and crew.

Jian Xingsui's thoughts wandered to Fu Jinxiao. While others might not be aware, as a longtime fan, Jian knew that the renowned actor often neglected his health. From endlessly re-recording songs in his early years to straining his voice to the point of damage. While it didn't prevent him from singing or lead to severe consequences, it did leave lingering issues.

Extended conversations would strain his vocal cords, causing pain.

Those days are long gone and few are aware. In recent years, as his prominence has risen, there are seldom instances where he'd strain his voice so. But today seems to be an exception.

Jian Xingsui mentioned, "Xingchen, Auntie has been in the audience for quite some time. Maybe we should bring her something to eat?"

"Oh, right." Shen Xingchen glanced at the time, "The show's about to take a break. We can sneak out and grab some food for them too."

Mulling it over, Shen Xingchen remarked, "Mom will surely ask Fu Ge if I've been causing trouble. Just wait, the moment I approach, they might be together. It's going to be so awkward. I wonder if Fu Ge has spilled the beans. Maybe I should bring some snacks as a little bribe."

Jian Xingsui's interest piqued, he ventured, "Then let's bring some food over. The mentors must be hungry too."

Shen Xingchen found the idea appealing, "Just some bread or so should suffice. You always have these bright ideas."

Jian Xingsui responded with a subtle smile.

During the break, they made their way over and, as expected, found the resting mentors.

Shen Xingchen approached with the food, and seeing Fu Jinxiao resting with his eyes closed, he quickly interjected, "Fu Ge, taking a break, huh?"

Fu Jinxiao opened his eyes and scanned the surroundings, "What's up?"

"What could I possibly want?" Shen said as he set the food on the table. "Just thought I'd bring you something to snack on. You know, showing some concern."

Raising an eyebrow, Fu Jinxiao remarked coldly, "Or is it to keep my mom from scolding you?"

Busted, Shen Xingchen laughed awkwardly. The one thing he fears above all else is his mother's nagging.

Without paying much heed, Fu Jinxiao looked into the bag. He expected only food but found a throat lozenge at the bottom. He seldom indulged in sweets, but this was plain-flavored, perfect for his sore throat, which he hadn't felt in ages. He thought he'd endure it for the night, but someone had been considerate enough to provide relief.

...

Fu Jinxiao's gaze deepened, not believing Shen Xingchen to be this thoughtful. "Where did this come from?"

Shen mumbled, "I got it for you. Who else could it be?"

Without pressing further, Fu Jinxiao, with a slight chuckle, hinted, "Not long ago, my mom lamented our families couldn't be united through marriage. She said you aren't attentive or romantic. Seems like you have some understanding after all. Maybe I should have a chat with her..."

Alarmed, Shen Xingchen blurted out, "I was wrong! Okay, truth be told, it wasn't me!"

Fu Jinxiao regarded him leisurely.

"I couldn't possibly think of such a thing," Shen pointed to Jian Xingsui, who was chatting with Tu Ya, "He specifically asked the staff for it, insisting I bring it to you."

Fu Jinxiao followed Shen's indication, narrowing his eyes.

Over there, Jian Xingsui was sharing snacks with his teammates and Professor Tu Ya. They seemed to be in a jovial conversation, with Tu Ya evidently enjoying the young man's company.

Jian Xingsui, it was always him.

Few knew about his throat condition. Predominantly his manager, and not even his new assistant was aware. Digging further into the past, some old fans might know, but they were few and it was unlikely they were still around. He had seen many come and go in his entertainment career and didn't really believe in lasting affection.

So how did the young man come to know about it?

Was he approaching him with an ulterior motive? Did he have a hidden agenda?

Recalling how he had once secretly looked out for her, how that crew-cut boy silently stood in the parking lot, picking up discarded number plates, the thought slowly faded from Fu Jinxiao's mind.

Could it really be one of my fans...?

Silently, he remembered someone, the most unforgettable one, who encouraged him on Weibo when he was a nobody. Back then, his posts would go unnoticed for hours, except for that one little fan who constantly cheered him on, clumsily endearing though sometimes missing the mark.

With these thoughts, an uncharacteristic softness crept into the usually cold heart of Fu Yingdi. He asked, "Why didn't he deliver it to me personally?"

Those words jolted Shen Xingchen. Scratching his head, he replied, "I don't know. I was just asked to bring you something and this was slipped into the bag for me to deliver."

Fu Jinxiao responded, "So he sends things without personally delivering?"

"Why would he come here? He wanted to give gifts to Teacher Tu Ya. Besides, I alone can bring you this meal. Why the need for many people?" Shen Xingchen said carelessly.

"Really?"

Fu Jinxiao glanced at the man chatting happily with Tu Ya from a distance. His eyes narrowed dangerously, a smile creeping at the corners of his lips, but it was a chilling smile: "Why then does he not mind the crowd when gifting Tu Ya?"

Shen Xingchen, with his straightforward thinking, blurted out, "He probably likes Teacher Tu Ya. Maybe he's her fan? It's understandable, she's beautiful after all. Well, in terms of allure, even she falls short of YaYa. Don't be jealous, perhaps he's just not into you."

"Nonsense!"

Fu Jinxiao raised his head, looking at the young man in the distance, "He's clearly my fan."