The next morning, Baili Xiao continued his routine of divining his fortune. He discovered that, although he couldn’t clearly read his own luck, he had a lingering feeling in his heart. Despite having encountered some misfortunes and unusual events lately, his overall fortune didn’t seem too bad.

With his mind somewhat at ease, he grabbed his car keys and headed out.

Upon arriving at Oneworld International, he realized he wasn’t the only one signing contracts today. The person who had informed him over the phone yesterday sounded energetic, as if he was assembling a team to promote him vigorously. However, it turned out that several others had also been selected, and they would need to audition again.

Baili Xiao was increasingly confused. One moment he was told he was eliminated, the next he was informed he had been chosen, only to be called back for an audition regarding the contract. The back-and-forth left him unsure about what exactly was happening.

The audition was scheduled in a dance studio, where several candidates were waiting on chairs outside. Glancing at the long bench, Baili Xiao noted that while there was enough space, he felt a bit disdainful about sitting so close to others. So he discreetly moved to the side.

As he pondered the inexplicable audition, he suddenly heard someone behind him ask, “Are you here for the audition too?”

The person initiating the conversation was a tall boy wearing a white T-shirt. Unlike the others sitting on the bench, who either feigned calmness or appeared anxious, his expression was lively.

Baili Xiao raised his eyes and immediately sensed that this guy was fortunate. He lingered on the boy’s face for a couple of seconds longer than usual before nodding slightly and replying, “Yes.”

“Ha ha, me too! I’m Sen Mu. ‘Sen’ is a rare surname in ancient Han culture; it sounds nice, doesn’t it? My classmates say I don’t even need a stage name.” The boy casually extended his hand, “What’s your name?”

Baili Xiao glanced at the outstretched hand. Although this guy seemed somewhat fortunate, he still disliked physical contact with strangers. Maintaining his usual expressionless demeanor, he replied, “Li Xiao.”

—Based on his three months of experience living in this world, conversations usually stalled at this point, leading the other person to walk away feeling dejected. He wasn’t skilled at conversing, especially with strangers.

However, the boy’s reaction was a bit unexpected.

Not only did he not seem embarrassed, but he also laughed, saying, “I feel like you have a unique aura. When others act like this, I think they’re just trying to look cool, but you—this is just who you are. Cold and aloof, like you don’t belong to this world. You’re also good-looking, not feminine, just handsome…”

Baili Xiao was taken aback by the boy’s overwhelming praise and could only respond with a flat, “Thank you,” trying to interrupt him somewhat rudely.

However, Sen Mu seized the opportunity of being interrupted, gulped, and continued to chatter, “Were you trained professionally before? I think you look great in black; it makes you seem particularly noble, like a prince.”

“…”

I’m basically a prince.

Baili Xiao silently rolled his eyes in his mind. He really couldn’t handle the overly friendly enthusiasm of this person, so he nodded and attempted to move away. But Sen Mu called out to him again, “Hey, wait a minute.”

“?”

Sen Mu glanced at the few people sitting on the left side of the bench and said quietly, “Haven’t you noticed? Those guys are all trainees from Oneworld. They should be high-quality candidates, getting ready to be promoted to signed artists. You and I are different, don’t get too close to them. You’re good-looking, and you’re a new face; you might get targeted.”

Baili Xiao paused, seemingly taken aback by the sudden influx of information from this chatterbox. He couldn’t help but ask, “Do you know them?”

“Of course not.” Sen Mu lowered his voice further. “Strangers usually wouldn’t sit so close together. Even if they’re naturally extroverted, they wouldn’t sit this close and not say a word. Besides…”

“What?” Baili Xiao raised an eyebrow at him.

“I have a feeling they don’t like each other,” Sen Mu replied, leaning closer. “We should all have received notifications agreeing to sign contracts, so theoretically, there shouldn’t be any competition between us. But they all seem very guarded. Clearly, they’re insiders and know what the purpose of today’s audition is.”

This time, Baili Xiao was genuinely surprised.

The boy appeared carefree, yet he possessed a remarkably keen sense of insight.

Baili Xiao, naturally gifted with high intelligence, had managed to understand various scientific concepts and even master foreign languages within just three months of arriving in this world. He had been raised as a revered figure in the Baili family, taught by the most knowledgeable mentors. Aside from the routine family matters and fortune-telling for the mortals, he rarely interacted with others.

He preferred to keep his distance from people, especially strangers. He tended to avoid those who were loud and excitable, never bothering to decipher the meanings behind their actions.

He acknowledged his low emotional intelligence, but he simply didn’t care to have a high one. After all, as a descendant of the divine family, he understood human complexities clearly.

As Baili Xiao was lost in thought, the door to the dance studio suddenly swung open, and a middle-aged woman with a sharp bob haircut stepped out. She scanned the hallway with an expressionless face and called out, “Get ready for the audition.”

The people sitting on the bench sprang to life, straightening their clothes and entering the studio. Baili Xiao didn’t feel anxious or hurried. While Sen Mu had good insights, he possessed the Eye of Heaven. He didn’t mention that from an energetic perspective, among all those in the hallway, only he and Sen Mu had the potential to thrive in the entertainment industry. Whether those people were trying to pull him in or push him away was irrelevant to him.

He followed Sen Mu, being the last to step inside.

The dance studio had mirrors on three walls, and a panel of judges sat in a row behind a table. There were two men and a woman, all in their thirties and stylishly dressed. To the far right sat an older gentleman, nearly fifty, whose style contrasted with the others; he wore casual attire and had a vibrant demeanor.

“Welcome, everyone. Today’s audition will test not only your dance skills but also your ability to express yourself through movement,” the woman said, her voice firm yet encouraging. “We’re looking for individuals who can truly shine on stage. Remember, it’s not just about technique; it’s about presence and charisma.”

Baili Xiao observed silently, taking in the atmosphere. He could sense the tension and anticipation filling the room, but he remained calm.

“Who wants to go first?” the man on the left asked, glancing at the candidates.

A girl near the front stepped forward confidently, a determined look in her eyes. As she began to dance, Baili Xiao couldn’t help but admire the way she moved—graceful yet powerful.

When she finished, the judges exchanged glances and nodded, clearly impressed.

“Good! Next!” the woman called out, and one by one, the others stepped up to showcase their talents.

Finally, it was Baili Xiao’s turn. He took a deep breath and stepped into the spotlight, feeling the weight of their gazes upon him.

As the music began, he focused on the rhythm, letting it guide his movements. Each step was fluid, a reflection of both his training and the innate grace that came from his lineage. He moved with a confidence that seemed to mesmerize the judges, his expression calm yet captivating.

As he finished, the studio erupted into applause. He stood still for a moment, absorbing the energy of the room, before bowing slightly and stepping back.

The judges looked impressed, and Baili Xiao felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. It was a small victory, but in a world filled with uncertainty, it felt monumental.

“Very good! We’ll be in touch soon,” the older gentleman said, a smile breaking through his relaxed demeanor.

As the auditions continued, Baili Xiao glanced at Sen Mu, who was watching him with wide eyes, clearly amazed.

“Wow! You were incredible!” Sen Mu exclaimed as they exited the studio. “I didn’t know you had that in you!”

Baili Xiao shrugged, trying to maintain his usual aloofness, but he couldn’t hide the slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Let’s just see how things go,” he replied, allowing himself a moment of optimism.

As they stepped into the hallway, the atmosphere felt different. There was a sense of possibility lingering in the air, and for the first time in a long while, Baili Xiao felt a flicker of hope.

The woman who had guided them into the room briefly explained the situation. To Baili Xiao’s surprise, the three younger individuals were actually managers, and the older man on the far right wasn’t introduced, but it was clear that everyone in the room recognized him. Baili Xiao noticed a fleeting glimmer of desire in the eyes of the trainee performers when they saw the older man.

He deduced that this person was either a powerful figure in the company’s human resources or a director. Based on his attire, Baili Xiao suspected the latter was more likely.

Suddenly, everything clicked for him. His gaze swept over the long table, and he noticed that among the three managers, one stood out with an exceptional fate and strong luck. This person exuded a calm and commanding presence. Baili Xiao immediately understood why Sen Mu had sensed competition among the trainees. Both he and Sen Mu were outsiders, unfamiliar with the inner workings of the industry. These internal trainees must have known the true purpose of the audition. They were all contracted artists, and this audition was likely meant to determine the allocation of managers.

Although he didn’t fully grasp how deep the waters of the entertainment industry ran, he clearly understood that not only did celebrities have hierarchies, but so did the management teams. The significance of having a top-notch manager for an artist was something even a layman could appreciate.

As if sensing his gaze, the standout manager looked up at him, his eyes lingering on Baili Xiao’s face for a few seconds. There was a hint of surprise in his expression before he lowered his head to sift through the materials, seemingly searching for Baili Xiao’s profile picture in his resume.

Baili Xiao felt a strange mix of apprehension and excitement. This was a pivotal moment in his journey. He had come to this world hoping to find his place and carve out a path for himself, and now, the possibilities were beginning to unfold before him.

As the audition continued, he remained aware of the dynamics at play. He could sense the tension among the trainees, who were all vying for the attention of the managers, eager to impress them and secure a good position. He knew he had to stand out, not just through his talent but by leveraging the situation to his advantage.

When it was Sen Mu’s turn to perform, Baili Xiao watched intently. Sen Mu had a natural charisma that shone through, and the energy in the room shifted as he danced. Baili Xiao couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with him, they were both navigating this strange new world together.

After Sen Mu finished, the managers applauded, and the older man leaned forward, nodding appreciatively. Baili Xiao felt a surge of determination. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

As the auditions progressed, he noted the judges’ reactions closely. He observed who they focused on, who received compliments, and who seemed to fade into the background. Each detail mattered, and he was determined to make the most of this chance.

Finally, when it was his turn again, Baili Xiao stepped into the spotlight. This time, he felt the weight of the moment even more keenly. He drew upon the strength of his lineage, the training he had received, and the energy that surged within him.

As the music started, he poured everything he had into his performance, letting the rhythm guide him. Each movement was deliberate and expressive, showcasing not just his skill but also his unique presence. He danced with a quiet confidence, drawing the eyes of the judges and filling the room with an aura of determination.

When he finished, the applause was thunderous. Baili Xiao took a moment to bask in the recognition, feeling as though he had truly made an impact.

The older man nodded again, this time with a more profound respect in his eyes. Baili Xiao felt a flicker of hope that this could be the beginning of something significant, not just for him but for those who would walk this path alongside him.

As he stepped back, Sen Mu was waiting with an enthusiastic grin. “You did amazing! I can’t believe how effortlessly you move. I really think you’re going to get signed!”

Baili Xiao simply nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities ahead. He had entered this audition uncertain of what to expect, but now, with every dance and every glance from the judges, he felt the weight of destiny shifting in his favor. The stage was set, and he was ready to seize his future.

Baili Xiao slightly turned his head, a hint of a smile in his eyes. He used a photo from his resume that had been dug up from home—this was the photo of the previous owner of this body. Although it was the same face, the soul residing in it was different, which changed the entire aura of the person. The authentic Li Xiao had good looks, but the photo gave off a somewhat foolish impression, suggesting that he was not very bright. If it weren’t for Baili Xiao’s aversion to taking ID photos, he wouldn’t have used an old one.

He discreetly studied the man who was still frowning at his resume. This person had a strong aura of luck, indicating that he had likely sailed smoothly through life since childhood, excelling above others.

In Baili Xiao’s worldview, luck itself was a form of excellence.

He liked lucky people.

So, he lowered his gaze and examined the man’s star chart. To his surprise, the man’s main star was several small stars belonging to the Ziwei Yuan constellation. Although his fate could be considered above average, the Ziwei Yuan was experiencing unusual movements today, suggesting that the man might not have a smooth day.

The star chart of Ziwei Yuan was somewhat similar to the Northern Dipper; those belonging to Ziwei Yuan were usually composed, cold, strategic, and disliked noise. These traits were strikingly similar to Baili Xiao’s own, making them a good match.

A slight smile curled at the corners of Baili Xiao’s lips. At that moment, the examiner announced the interview topic and distributed the background materials. He quickly skimmed through the paper, and his smile widened.

The audition topic was: “Political Discourse.”

The roles they were to perform were those of young men in an ancient setting. This young man was exceptionally gifted from a young age, making remarkable progress and ultimately succeeding in the imperial examination. However, due to his lack of social skills, he offended some noble young masters and faced a series of injustices. Nevertheless, his talents shone through, and after facing repeated setbacks and starting over, he finally caught the emperor’s eye and received an imperial decree, becoming the designated top scholar.

The emergence of this top scholar was sudden. He participated in a palace celebration as a lowly ordinary examinee, only to be mocked by those who had previously ostracized him. They challenged him to solve a pressing problem facing the current emperor within ten steps—due to drought, food supplies were tight, and certain southern border towns were beginning to suffer. Meanwhile, the emperor had recently achieved significant success in repelling foreign invaders, and it was time to eradicate the root of the problem. If action wasn’t taken now, the issue would inevitably resurface. Should they focus on repelling foreign threats or ensuring internal stability? This question had been discussed in the court for a long time.

Although the court was usually divided into two factions that were at odds, everyone knew that the situation with the small border towns was ambiguous. Whether they could be considered subjects of the current dynasty was still up for debate, and it was absurd to compare these small towns to the fight against foreign invaders. Thus, the court’s consensus was clear: they should focus on repelling external threats. However, the emperor had not made a definitive statement regarding the ministers’ suggestions, only requesting that they come up with plans for repelling foreign invaders. But no matter what plan was proposed, it was met with criticism.

Now, asking a nameless junior to advise the emperor on how to wage war was clearly pushing him to the guillotine. Unexpectedly, the young man merely made a few understated remarks and earned the emperor’s favor, becoming the designated top scholar.

What exactly did the young man say?

Baili Xiao and the others were to perform this very segment.

This was an audition without set lines or a predetermined plot, and everyone present felt a bit bewildered, except for Baili Xiao.

After reading through the background materials again, he looked up and once more locked eyes with the manager he had silently chosen.

—It seemed he already knew what kind of answer the man was waiting for.