Chapter 21 1/4

“Your Song” seemed to have become the most anticipated program for everyone overnight.

Not only did the broadcast time change, but there were also changes in the business group, coordination group, camera group, technical group, and so on. Even the director’s team had new members added.

Finally, they had makeup artists who were not just skilled in pirate ship makeup.

All contestants were notified to arrive eight hours in advance, and the studio urgently cleared out dressing rooms. Inside, makeup was being applied to complement the costumes, while outside, the stage was being hastily set up with lights and backgrounds.

Chief Director Zhou Wei was both excited and nervous. He would rush to the stage to direct the background setup, then quickly move to the dressing room to check the progress of makeup. After a while, he would miraculously appear at the camera group to inspect the newly arrived equipment.

Originally treated like stepchildren, they suddenly became the most favored biological children. With so many people looking forward to their performance, this middle-aged man, who already had white hair at his temples in his forties, wished he could personally oversee every aspect to ensure nothing went wrong.

In the dressing room, this was his seventh visit in two hours.

The studio spared no expense in hiring a renowned makeup artist team. The professionals lived up to their reputation, transforming the faces of contestants who had looked like villains emerging from the sea into fair complexions.

Seated in order of appearance for the makeup application, each contestant had a large makeup mirror in front of them, making it convenient for the makeup artists to quickly observe their work. Even the costumes transitioned from the original “wear your own” to “sets of clothes displayed for the costume designer to choose from.”

You see, when they first signed up for the photo shoot, it was a simple process of sitting on a small stool, getting painted, and immediately being pulled away for a photo shoot without even glancing at themselves.

All the contestants were excited.

Those who signed up for such an unknown and small program were not necessarily famous individuals. Of course, they came with the thought that “it would be great if we could become famous,” but deep down, they knew how challenging it was.

Among the eighty contestants, only four could be considered insiders. One of them even had a bit of a relationship with the chief director and was pulled in by him. The remaining seventy-six were all amateur contestants, and some barely made it through the auditions.

There was no choice; there were too few people who applied!

Nowadays, there are so many talent shows. Even if you dance on odd-numbered days and act on even-numbered days, there is still a whole day left for singing.

People who want to appear on television go to larger shows to apply. Who would come to such a small and insignificant program that has nothing special to offer?

Who would have thought that this small and insignificant program would catch the attention of Director Sheng?

Zhou Wei, the chief director, happily entered the dressing room again. “Make him look good; add a bit of shine to his face. He’s the first one to go on stage; he needs to attract attention, preferably with a touch of fairy aura, giving people a bright feeling.”

The makeup artist had a good temper. After all, Zhou Wei was almost smiling a flower onto his face. Since he was so friendly, she couldn’t say, “Do you think I can perform magic and turn an ordinary person into a celestial being?” Instead, she touched up the makeup for the first contestant, adding some glitter for a better stage effect.

She felt that the first contestant was ordinary, but he looked at himself in the mirror and felt that this was the best he had ever looked in his life.

After Zhou Wei left, the contestant, who had admired himself for quite some time, cheerfully started chatting with the person next to him, “What’s your number? Why haven’t you been called yet?”

The second contestant had long hair; generally, guys don’t keep long hair. Although it’s not uncommon in the entertainment industry, this contestant’s bangs were too long, almost covering his eyes.

He lowered his head, and contestant number one could only see his well-shaped and attractive mouth. Then, the mouth moved slightly.

“Number 79.”

“Wow, you’re the second to last. No wonder you haven’t had your makeup done yet, but I think it’s almost your turn.”

Contestant number one didn’t care if the other person acknowledged him or not. Excitedly, he shared his feelings: “My mom signed me up. Originally, I said it would be fine if I could be on TV. I didn’t expect us to become the center of attention all of a sudden. I was so happy last night that I almost couldn’t sleep. I even said I wouldn’t come because it started so late, but not only did it become popular, it also started at 8 o’clock.”

“And maybe we’ll get to see Director Sheng. There’s a nervousness about meeting a celebrity. I don’t know if I can get her autograph. Do you want her autograph? If you do, let’s go find her together after we’re done. I can tell you’re a bit shy, but don’t worry. With me, your social skills will be top-notch. You might even get Director Sheng’s autograph.”

He talked incessantly, and contestant number 79 only occasionally responded with phrases like “no,” “not interested,” or “I don’t need it.”

Contestant number one didn’t mind. He even thought that contestant number 79 had a good temperament and was quite polite. After chatting for a long time (mostly one-sided), contestant number one finally remembered that they hadn’t introduced themselves to each other. “By the way, I’m An Baixing. My mom loves chasing stars, so she named me this. What’s your name?”

Contestant number 79 spoke again, “Jin Jiu.”

“Cheers? Hahaha, it seems like your parents love drinking. This name is quite unique. In the age of the internet, being unique is a victory. Don’t be nervous; be confident on stage. Say, ‘I’m Jin Jiu, but I don’t drink.’ Everyone will surely remember you.

Even if you get eliminated, your opening statement will still attract a lot of attention. So, when you become popular, take me with you. If I become popular, I’ll take you with me. Let’s form a team.”

Baixing didn’t wait for Jin Jiu to respond. The conversation quickly shifted to another topic: “You know, I’ve heard many people say that today’s talent show is like Sheng Quan’s selection for a concubine, and rumors online suggest that she’s here for a specific contestant. Otherwise, with so many major talent shows, why would she choose ‘Your Song’?”

He looked around and whispered to Jin Jiu, “Actually, after this show becomes popular, I heard that the production team plans to replace us with a group of established singers. However, they are afraid to do so because they might replace the contestant Sheng Quan is interested in.”

“You see, the young lady did my makeup so nicely. If Director Sheng takes a liking to me and wants me to be a canary, what should I do? I don’t sell myself, and you, even though I can’t see your face clearly, if you put on makeup, you should look good. Maybe she’ll like your cool style.”

Under his persistent chatter, Jin Jiu might have gotten annoyed or couldn’t stand it anymore, and he spoke, “No one will like me. They’re not replacing us because they’re afraid it will affect the public’s perception.”

“True, we haven’t shown our faces. Who would like us? Oh?!” An Baixing suddenly realized, “You can speak in long sentences. Your voice is quite nice, although a bit husky. It sounds great, though. You must sing well.”