Chapter 5 The Fifth Day of Starting a Business

The woman as beautiful as the wind was none other than Xia Xi during her morning run.

As a martial artist, her senses were naturally sharp. Even though she wasn’t in her original body now, her instincts remained. The moment the camera was pointed at her, Xia Xi immediately noticed.

She didn’t know what they were doing, but she instinctively felt uncomfortable with the lens and subconsciously quickened her pace.

As a result, those attempting to photograph Xia Xi only captured a series of blurry shots.

“…” They could only pin their hopes on the show now, praying this Fairy Sister would get more screen time and not be eliminated in the first round!

With no clear photos available—just blurry images showing a tall figure with a ponytail and long legs—even though eyewitnesses repeatedly emphasized her stunning beauty, it didn’t create much buzz. The Super Topic continued discussing more famous contestants instead.

Xia Xi remained completely unaware of all this.

After her run, she headed straight to the cafeteria. Exercise had whetted her appetite, and her only real concern was: Would there be her favorite braised pork today?

A full stomach meant high spirits.

On the way, she even helped a round-faced girl open a stubborn bottle cap.

The show’s director, who had been monitoring online reactions, came across the Super Topic and immediately clapped in delight.

“Blurry is good, blurry is perfect… I mean the photos.” Just as stock and fund investors dread seeing red, the director couldn’t stand hearing about things going “blurry” (a homophone for “eliminated” in Chinese).

Xia Xi was one of their key cards for the early stages of the show. The less exposure she got beforehand, the better—they wanted everything to unfold according to plan.

The cameraman explained, “Xia Xi, the director means it’s good that no clear photos of you got out.”

Summoned over, Xia Xi didn’t quite understand but had her standard response ready: a nod paired with her most obedient student expression.

This tactic never failed, whether with her martial arts master or school teachers.

The director now found Xia Xi utterly pleasing—how could someone be so naturally adept at avoiding cameras? It was almost too perfect!

But soon, the director realized this relief had come too soon.

After implementing measures to block leak-prone contestants’ locations, the director sat reviewing footage at his computer, utterly baffled.

“Where’s Xia Xi?” Where had their prominent Xia Xi disappeared to?

How could there be so little trace of her across all these clips?

The cameraman wanted to cry. “They’re all blurry!”

Xia Xi dodged cameras with lightning speed—not just others’, but even the show’s own lenses.

Thus, Xia Xi received a strict, unprecedented order among the 101 contestants: Stop avoiding cameras.

Feeling guilty, Xia Xi said, “…I’ll try to adjust.”

First praised for avoiding cameras, then scolded for it—she was learning how unpredictable this world could be.

But what could she do? A worker’s spirit prevails; under someone else’s roof, one must bow. For long-term goals like the Martial Arts School, and immediate ones like braised pork…

She had to keep going.

……

Before filming began, the *Pick 101* production team had invested heavily in promotional campaigns, already generating significant buzz. As fans and audiences eagerly awaited, the show’s official Weibo account finally released the names and profile photos of all 101 contestants.

The comments section was quickly flooded by fans of famous participants:

“All-rounder Ace Zhao Tianqi—sweet or fierce, Born Dance Prodigy, Stage King. Investing in her is a sure win.”

“An Yi, An Yi, our hearts belong to you.”

“Damn, Chu Sisi, is that the popular internet singer? I heard rumors she was joining the show but didn’t believe it. She must be making good money as an influencer already—why bother with this kind of program?”

“Sisi is a legit music conservatory student, why can’t she join? Grandpa Xiao Ming lived to 103, mind your own damn business and keep your nose out of it.”

Most of the attention was focused on the well-known contestants, but some were already excitedly scouting for new favorites to support.

Among them, the non-celebrity Xia Xi caught their eye with just her photo.

“This girl Xia Xi is gorgeous! If the photo isn’t overly edited, I might just invest in her early.”

In the promotional photos released by the production team, all the contestants wore identical uniforms with similar hairstyles, yet Xia Xi’s radiant smile still stood out—though half the sweetness in that smile was thanks to a crew member off-camera yelling, “Food’s ready soon!”

The comment about “investing” in Xia Xi got plenty of likes, but soon, negative voices emerged.

“I don’t think Xia Xi’s a good bet. Looks aren’t everything—what about skill? Did anyone notice her training period? Only two weeks! And that Dodder Flower appearance? Total Weak Useless Vase material.”

One netizen, thrilled to have spotted the “wind-swept beauty” among the 101 contestants, was immediately deflated by the “Weak Useless Vase” comment.

“…”

Given Xia Xi’s blur-defying speed and agile movements, “weak” was the last word she’d use.

The crew members who’d witnessed Xia Xi’s martial arts audition silently lit a virtual candle for the clueless commenter.

…

On the second day after the contestants were announced, filming officially began. *K 101* had innovated its format, combining live broadcasts with recorded episodes—live for viewers with time to spare, edited versions for the broader audience.

All 101 contestants, now fully styled, prepared to enter the venue for their debut stage performances.

Xia Xi stood with her agency’s trainees, though her outfit set her worlds apart. On one side: studded hot pants and ultra-modern girl group styling. On the other: Xia Xi in a flowing blue-and-white hanfu-style gown, her glossy black hair tied high with a white ribbon. Tall enough to carry the voluminous dress, her delicate features held a composed air, tempering her beauty with a vibrant, youthful boldness.

It made sense she didn’t match Rui Ziyue and the others—Xia Xi was a solo act.

Backstage, she’d heard the host explain the seating: five tiers from A (highest) to F (lowest). Before performances, contestants would self-evaluate to choose their seats.

Even with few agencies having entered yet, many A-tier seats were already taken.

Xia Xi’s agency-mates debated: “Where should we sit?”

“A-tier! Even if we don’t end up there, at least we can sit in it for now!”

“Definitely A-tier—I’m craving those high seats with the best view!”

The chatter was unanimous: they were all gunning for A-tier, ready to charge.

Rui Ziyue shared the strategy—seize A-tier early to grab screen time and audience attention. Besides, everyone here dreamed of staying in A-tier until debut. Who wouldn’t?

“Then you guys go ahead, I’ll go to F.”

Rui Ziyue: ? Who just spoke.

It was still Xia Xi.

While the others were busy expressing their ambitions to reach the top class, Xia Xi had assessed her own abilities. She didn’t believe her current skills warranted an A rating, maintaining a clear self-awareness. Still, since they came together, she felt she should inform them.

Rui Ziyue and her teammates had already settled in Class A. The more timid ones, seeing Xia Xi choose Class F, ultimately compromised and selected Class B.

“Xia Xi’s all alone over there… looks kind of pitiful…”

One of Rui Ziyue’s teammates sighed softly, murmuring, “It almost feels like we’re isolating her. Isn’t that a bit too much?”

Class F had very few trainees so far. Most contestants had gathered in the higher-tier classes, especially since Xia Xi sat far back. Looking down, her small section was completely empty except for her.

Rui Ziyue pressed her lips together. They hadn’t even asked Xia Xi’s opinion—that really wasn’t right. Being familiar with survival show tropes, she knew this situation could easily be misinterpreted as Xia Xi being uncooperative.

Yet even those who felt guilty didn’t move. Nobody wanted to go to F.

Just as Rui Ziyue predicted, live-stream viewers immediately noticed this scene. Though the broadcast camera work was chaotic with too many contestants to follow clearly—unlike the edited version—Xia Xi simply stood out too much.

Comments flooded in:

[Stop hyping up that “Godly Beauty.” So what if she’s pretty? Even her own company teammates won’t sit with her. Must have terrible social skills—probably a bad personality too.]

Though rational viewers argued class selection was based on skill assessment, not popularity, the negative comments kept coming.

[Damn, stop arguing! Look who’s going to Xia Xi—does Chu Sisi know her?]

Rui Ziyue and her teammates were equally confused by the development. They only knew Xia Xi as the hardcore early-morning trainer—they had no clue about any connection with Chu Sisi.

…

As more trainees entered the studio, Chu Sisi—a popular live-stream singer—brightened upon spotting Xia Xi after her introduction. Abandoning her group, she shyly hurried over.

“Hey, remember me?”

Contrary to Rui Ziyue’s assumption of loneliness, Xia Xi seemed perfectly content sitting alone.

The round-faced, slightly chubby girl with circular glasses stood before her. Xia Xi’s memory was sharp, especially since they’d met just that morning.

She stood up smiling. “I remember.”

The girl who couldn’t open her drink bottle.

Chu Sisi beamed. “Thanks for opening my bottle earlier! You left so fast I couldn’t thank you… I even searched all the dorms but couldn’t find you.”

Of course she couldn’t—Xia Xi was always training. Xia Xi assured her it was no trouble, just a trivial favor she’d already forgotten.

Hesitating, Chu Sisi blushed and ventured, “Then… can I ask you to open bottles for me again?” Her apple cheeks grew redder.

Xia Xi: ?

Cameraman: ?

Xia Xi raised an eyebrow but agreed readily. “Sure.”

“Anytime.”

This was exactly what Chu Sisi wanted to hear. She immediately dashed off and returned moments later with a drink, gazing at Xia Xi with admiration—

As the bottle cap twisted open.

Chu Sisi: She didn’t want to be like this either, but this drink was just too delicious, and the cap was stubbornly refusing to open!

Xia Xi had long arms with fair, slender fingers that didn’t seem particularly strong, yet she effortlessly twisted open the bottle cap that had even threatened to break Chu Sisi’s teeth.

Live-stream viewers: Heaven knows why they were watching someone open a bottle cap with such relish.

But that cap really was hard to open. Xia Xi’s grip strength was unexpectedly strong, and judging from their interaction, she seemed like a decent person?

Chu Sisi didn’t linger around Xia Xi for too long. Though she really wanted to stick close to her pretty new friend, her teammates were waiting for her.

Xia Xi didn’t mind and took the initiative to help out. “Go find your friends.”

She appreciated Chu Sisi’s kindness, but she didn’t need anyone to keep her company specifically.

If Chu Sisi’s interaction with Xia Xi had already surprised people, what happened next left everyone stunned. Zhao Tianqi, clad in her combat boots, left her roommate behind and walked step by step toward Xia Xi, then naturally sat down beside her. Instantly, all eyes and cameras in the venue converged on the two women seated in the F-class section.

After a brief silence, a comment floated across the live stream:

[An influencer chats and cozies up to her, a top-ranked contestant sits shoulder-to-shoulder with her—and you say Xia Xi has bad social skills? I don’t buy it. If this is bad social skills, then what am I, a stray dog?]

Come out and take the mockery, whoever said she had bad social skills!

…

The truth might be hard to hear, but it was the reality. For instance, a hundred Rui Ziyues combined couldn’t match the influence of a single Zhao Tianqi.

Most contestants on-site had heard of Zhao Tianqi.

With overseas training experience and formidable skills, she was the only one among the 101 contestants who already had over a million followers on Weibo—while many others were still struggling to reach a few hundred.

As for Xia Xi?

She had zero Weibo followers. She hadn’t even opened an account.

It was safe to say that a significant portion of the live-stream audience was here for Zhao Tianqi.

Where Zhao Tianqi was, the cameras followed. Anyone sitting next to her could bask in some of that spotlight, even if they weren’t particularly remarkable themselves. But Zhao Tianqi was known for being aloof and sparing with words, making forced attempts to cozy up to her nearly impossible.

So why had she singled out Xia Xi?

Even the director was excited. “Camera crew, focus on those two!”

Zhao Tianqi, the storm she had stirred, turned her face toward Xia Xi, who met her gaze calmly, showing no trace of excitement at encountering a popular contestant. In truth, Xia Xi didn’t even know who was popular and who wasn’t.

The two engaged in an exchange so simple it could’ve been between elementary schoolers.

Zhao Tianqi pointed at the name tag on her outfit. “Zhao Tianqi,” she introduced herself.

Xia Xi mimicked her, tugging at her own clothes. “Xia Xi.”

Zhao Tianqi asked, “Is this seat taken? Can I sit here?”

Xia Xi replied, “No, go ahead.”

Zhao Tianqi was the epitome of cool—monolid eyes, a hime-cut hairstyle, and for her debut stage, she wore a red-and-black leather outfit paired with knee-high combat boots.

Zhao Tianqi’s fans in the live chat were already shocked that she had initiated a conversation with someone. But their jaws truly dropped when they saw her rummage through her pocket, pull out a packet, and offer it to Xia Xi.

“Want some gummy bears?”

Zhao Tianqi’s fans watching the stream were floored.

Zhao Shen actually struck up a conversation, said so many words, and even offered gummy bears?!!!

The kicker? Xia Xi turned her down.

Xia Xi hadn’t actually expected the other party to offer her food. She blinked, a look of surprise flashing across her face.  

“Isn’t filming already underway? Eating might be against the rules?”  

She glanced around at the cameramen, staff, and various camera setups, then at Zhao Tianqi, who had already started eating. Unable to resist, she subtly tried to dissuade her.  

“There are cameras.” *Maybe you shouldn’t eat either.*  

Director: *We can all see it—and it’s live.*  

Dressed in blue-and-white ancient-style robes, her hair freshly tied up, Xia Xi had an androgynous beauty. Now, speaking earnestly about following the rules and cautiously advising Zhao Tianqi, she inexplicably reminded people of a *Celibate Taoist Priest*.  

The more she acted like this, the more people wanted to tempt her into breaking the rules.  

**[Mom, why is she so well-behaved?!]**  

**[Thank you, Goddess Zhao—forever the queen—for introducing me to such an adorable little sister. I didn’t get it at first, but now I’m grinning like a proud mom.]**  

**[Hugging the little Taoist priest tight—I’m just gonna say it: Hi, wife.]**  

Zhao Tianqi shared the same sentiment as the live audience. Propping her chin on one hand, she gazed at Xia Xi with an enigmatic smile.  

“That’s exactly why it’s exciting—because we’re not supposed to. Didn’t you ever sneak snacks in class?”  

Xia Xi really hadn’t. So Zhao Tianqi promptly stuffed a gummy bear into her mouth.  

…  

One in blue-and-white ancient robes, the other in modern red-and-black—the two of them “sneakily” ate gummies under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands of live viewers.  

The camera perfectly captured Xia Xi’s expression shifting from shock to acceptance, then to squinting in enjoyment. Afraid of being caught, she lowered her head, her long, elegant neck curved like a swan’s, her snow-white cheeks chewing rapidly like a little hamster.  

As the gummy bear melted in her mouth, Xia Xi felt her heart racing. Zhao Tianqi was right—it *was* thrilling.  

Pure joy!  

After finishing, she tilted her head and poked Zhao Tianqi, whispering, “Got any more?”  

The editors already knew what caption to add for her—  

*Famous last words.*  

The *Famous Last Words* principle—delayed, but inevitable.  

Zhao Tianqi hadn’t expected Xia Xi to adapt so quickly. Their relationship rapidly warmed up over this act of “stealing” gummies. Teasing, she asked,  

“Weren’t you the one saying it’s against the rules?”  

Instead of the expected bashfulness, Xia Xi replied with conviction,  

“If you’re going for thrills, you’ve got to commit.”