“Dad—Mom—Grandpa—Grandma! I passed the test!”

Li Nan was surprisingly quick on his skates, hopping and skipping all the way over. He pounced straight into Shen Xudong’s arms, babbling a string of excited words: “Dad, Dad—did you see, did you see? How was I? Am I awesome or what?”

Li Wenqing: “….”

Give me back my brief moment of sentiment!!!

“Okay, okay, awesome!” Shen Xudong played along, giving him a thumbs-up. “At first, I thought you were just randomly interested in figure skating, but I didn’t expect you to be this good! No wonder you’re my son!”

Li Nan happily accepted the praise, then turned to Li Wenqing with a face full of expectation for more compliments.

Li Wenqing cleared her throat awkwardly. “Well, it’s… it’s not bad.”

Li Nan wasn’t satisfied: “Just ‘not bad’? Is that all you’re going to say?”

Li Wenqing was speechless. “It’s very good, alright? You’d better keep up the good work and not waste the tuition I paid for you!”

Li Nan paused, about to say something, when he was surrounded by his grandparents. The two elders couldn’t stop showering him with praise, and Li Nan was so happy that his smile practically stretched across his face.

Li Wenqing helplessly shook her head when a voice suddenly interrupted.

“Excuse me.”

Li Wenqing turned to the side and saw the national team coach with the square face, the same person she had seen at the training base entrance earlier. She didn’t know when he had appeared behind them, but he was accompanied by a well-mannered young man wearing a camera around his neck.

“Hello, hello, is there something you need?” Shen Xudong hurried over. This man was the head coach of the figure skating team, and it looked like their son was about to join the team. His relationship with the coach could greatly impact their son’s future in the figure skating team.

As everyone knows, networking is crucial in China. Even if you don’t focus on managing relationships, simply leaving a good impression could make the other party more inclined to take care of Li Nan, leading to a win-win situation for everyone.

“This is the thing,” Coach Zhang Guanghua began, pausing for a moment to organize his words. “This is Mr. Lin, a reporter from S City’s Urban Newspaper. He’s here to do a feature on the figure skating team.”

After a brief pause, Coach Zhang continued, “We just watched this young lad’s performance, and Mr. Lin was quite impressed. He’s inquiring if it would be possible to use this young man’s footage for a promotional report.”

If Li Nan were already an official member of the figure skating team, it would be expected for the athletes to cooperate with promotional efforts since they were receiving a salary. However, since Li Nan hadn’t officially joined yet, Coach Zhang brought Mr. Lin along to ask about it.

“A promotional report?” Shen Xudong didn’t expect this. He had only guessed that their son had a lot of potential, especially since even the head coach was impressed. It seemed like they were moving toward getting him on the team quickly. But being featured in a newspaper—he hadn’t anticipated that.

But this wasn’t a decision Shen Xudong could make on his own. He turned to look at Li Wenqing, who also hesitated slightly.

Being featured in the newspaper was certainly a good thing, but Li Nan hadn’t really achieved much yet in terms of results. Would being on the newspaper so early hurt his potential?

Before Li Wenqing could voice her thoughts, her parents, who had been showering Li Nan with praise, immediately perked up at the mention of their grandson being featured in the newspaper.

“What? What? He’s going to be in the newspaper? Oh my goodness, our little treasure is really making it! To be in the newspaper at this age!”

Li Hongguo waved his hand dramatically, “Of course, of course, he has to be in the newspaper! Our treasure is so impressive, making it at just ten years old. What’s next? The sky’s the limit!”

Li Wenqing couldn’t stop her father, who had already agreed on the spot. After a moment of hesitation, she thought it wasn’t such a big deal. After all, it was the figure skating team’s promotion, and they couldn’t possibly give Li Nan too much coverage. At most, they’d just mention him in passing, so she nodded and agreed.

As for Li Nan?

He had no objections. In fact, in his past life, he had been interviewed and featured in reports many times. As one of the most inspirational veterans, he was included in year-end reviews every year, especially on the “Most Beautiful Athletes” list. Competing with a group of female athletes for the spot was a tiring affair, but what could he do? He was good-looking, after all.

Mr. Lin, still eager to interview Li Nan, was stopped by Coach Zhang Guanghua. It wasn’t until Ding Jianguo arrived to take Li Nan and his family to sign the contract that Coach Zhang finally explained to Mr. Lin, “The child is still too young. Over-reporting might not be good. It’s better to wait until he has real results before the media coverage.”

Mr. Lin sighed, “You’re already protecting him, even before he’s officially signed on.”

Coach Zhang’s stern face stiffened for a moment. “…No, I just value talent.”

…

According to the usual process for joining a team, signing the contract wouldn’t be so quick. Generally, they would need to observe the athlete for a while before making any decisions. However, Li Nan’s talent was so outstanding that Ding Jianguo was worried that some other club might snatch him away in the blink of an eye, so he was eager to get the contract signed immediately.

Fortunately, Coach Zhang Guanghua, who had the authority to approve Li Nan’s signing, was also present.

Seeing the coach so enthusiastic, Li Wenqing and Shen Xudong didn’t want to delay the process. They felt it would be awkward to ask for more time, especially with Qiao Cuiping and Li Hongguo being easily persuaded and Li Nan himself eager to join the figure skating team.

“The contract looks good. If there’s anything you’re not happy with, feel free to bring it up,” Ding Jianguo said, handing two copies of the contract to Shen Xudong and Li Wenqing.

Li Nan didn’t need to sign anything for now, as the final decision rested with his guardians.

Li Wenqing glanced at the contract quickly, still trying to process everything, when her eyes landed on a string of numbers. She couldn’t help but speak up, “Eight hundred for tuition per month? That’s quite expensive.”

In S city, the average salary for an ordinary worker was around one thousand three hundred a month, so the tuition for figure skating, which was nearly eight hundred, accounted for more than half of an average worker’s pay.

However, the Li family could afford the tuition, and Li Wenqing only mentioned it casually.

“No, no, you’ve misunderstood,” Ding Jianguo quickly waved his hand and pointed to the word “stipend” on the contract. “This is the official athlete’s stipend, provided by the team. You won’t need to pay this yourself.”

Li Wenqing was stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief as she asked, “You mean, our little Nan can come here every day to learn figure skating without paying tuition, and still receive eight hundred yuan a month???”

Was this even possible?

“Yes, yes,” Ding Jianguo confirmed with a nod. “Athletes in the figure skating team all receive a stipend. Of course, the amount varies depending on the level of the athlete. For younger, unconfirmed athletes, the stipend usually ranges from eighty to one hundred yuan a month.”

The implication was clear: Li Nan’s contract was at a much higher level, and it was rare for someone to get such a substantial stipend.

Li Wenqing turned her gaze to Li Nan in surprise, unable to believe that her son, at just ten years old, could already be earning money—and not a small amount either.

“In addition to the athlete’s stipend, there are also meal allowances, ice skate subsidies, and such,” Ding Jianguo continued. “The details are listed in the contract. The meal allowance is directly deposited into the meal card and can only be used in the team’s cafeteria. It’s usually more than enough, so it’s not something to worry about. As for the ice skate subsidy, you can apply for one pair of ice skates each year, which the team will purchase for you. However, there are limits on the brand and price.”

“If you choose to buy your own skates, that’s fine too, but the subsidy will only cover part of the cost. You just need to submit the invoice and apply for reimbursement.”

Li Nan leaned over his father’s back to read the details in the contract, mentally nodding to himself.

It was no wonder S city was one of the most developed cities in the country—even the newly established figure skating team offered such generous athlete stipends. Li Nan thought back to the future when, in the late 20s, athletes in China earned a base salary of only about two thousand yuan per month.

National team athletes might earn a little more, about four to five thousand, with additional bonuses and competition prizes potentially bringing their income to seven or eight thousand.

And that was for athletes with strong performances—those who didn’t do well had far less.

Of course, winning an Olympic medal was a different matter altogether—such an achievement could bring tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands in prize money.

An Olympic medal didn’t just signify achievement and honor; it guaranteed an athlete’s financial security for the rest of their life.

As for how a ten-year-old child like him could get eight hundred yuan…

Li Nan thought that this subsidy was probably because the figure skating team was currently short on members, and his talent was so outstanding that they offered him a contract that, in this era, was almost on par with that of a first or second-tier athlete.

…

After signing the contract and finalizing the official team entry date, Li Nan’s family finally headed back home.

That night, Li Nan lay on his bed, his mind full of thoughts about the wonderful days ahead.

From today on, he was officially a ten-year-old little worker! And he was earning eight hundred yuan a month in this day and age!

It was truly amazing!

『By the way, system, what did that prompt this afternoon mean?』Li Nan suddenly remembered that right after he finished his routine and did the ending, a mechanical voice from the system had popped into his head.

——【Detected an increase in host’s popularity value, officially starting the ‘Superstar Path’ mission system. The daily mission and side mission sections are now available. Please check and review them in time.】

But this made Li Nan’s smile freeze for a moment, nearly breaking his composure. Thankfully, he held himself back and didn’t show any signs of surprise. He had forgotten about it after the signing, but now that he was back home, the thought came to him.

【Because the host’s popularity value has finally surpassed 0, the system’s missions have officially started. Host, you can check the mission panel.】

【As a superstar, you naturally need to develop in all aspects: moral, intellectual, physical, artistic, and labor. The daily and side missions arranged by the system are tailored to you, and completing them will also reward you!】

Li Nan didn’t pay much attention to this and opened the mission panel, where he saw that the previous lone main mission had transformed into three separate modules.

【Main Mission】

【Main Mission】

Become a Super Superstar

Conditions: Unknown
Reward: Unknown

【Side Missions】

The First Step to Becoming a Superstar

Description: What? Heard you want to become a superstar? Do you have any fans yet?

Conditions: Popularity ≥ 10,000
Reward: 5 Free Talent Points, 1 Super Big Spin Lottery Chance, 500 Popularity Coins

Idol with All-around Development—Part One

Description: As an idol, you must set an example.

Conditions: All Basic Attributes ≥ 20
Reward: 1 Super Big Spin Lottery Chance, 500 Popularity Coins

【Daily Missions】

None (Refreshing daily at 6:00 AM. The early bird gets the worm, so please come back in the morning to claim them!)

Li Nan: “……”

The more Li Nan thought about it, the more the system felt like a game. It even had side missions and daily tasks—so magical.

How should he put it? It felt like his life was turning into a game.

Perhaps this was what The Sims was like.

Li Nan flipped through the panels, confirmed there was nothing else unnecessary, and decided to go to sleep.

He closed his eyes, but after a long while, he still didn’t feel sleepy. He was wide awake.

Li Nan: ?

Li Nan: “…”

Li Nan pulled the system up. 『Can I get rid of this buff? I can’t sleep.』

This dazzling superstar aura was great—energizing buffs kept him from feeling mentally tired throughout the day—but the downside was obvious.

Now, he wanted to sleep, but he couldn’t!

【…This is a trial experience buff. It will automatically expire once removed.】

Li Nan felt a bit regretful. The aura was indeed quite useful. When he was on the ice today, he did feel some shortcomings, like a lack of stability in his axis, but it seemed like the effect of the aura covered it up.

Of course, when the footage of the official competition is played back in slow motion under high-definition cameras, his flaws would be obvious. Ultimately, these issues would need to be corrected through practice. If a simple aura could solve all those problems, that would be too overpowered.

There were still a few hours left on the 24-hour trial, but he couldn’t possibly wait until tomorrow morning to sleep, could he?

Since the shop was selling it and he might even get another chance to draw it later, Li Nan decided not to dwell on it any longer.

『Take it off.』

【’Super Dazzling Superstar Aura 24-Hour Trial Coupon’ has expired.】

Immediately, Li Nan felt a wave of exhaustion hit him. He flopped back onto the bed, feeling an intense soreness all over his body.

『What’s happening to me??』

【…Being a glamorous superstar in front of others naturally leads to increased fatigue behind the scenes. This is a normal phenomenon, host.】

Li Nan: ?!

So, did that mean all the fatigue during the aura’s effect was being accumulated, and once the aura ended, it was going to hit him with double the exhaustion?!

So, he was really living the life of a “glamorous superstar” in front of others!

Li Nan groaned, rubbing his sore legs, and silently vowed: He was NEVER using this item again!!!

…

At the same time, Lin Bowen imported the footage he shot today into his computer, studying it for quite some time. He found that the video really didn’t need any editing; every frame in the shot was perfectly exquisite. Li Nan looked like the swan inside a crystal ball, flawless in every way. Even when slowed down, it was still so perfect, like a carefully crafted work of art.

Lin Bowen sighed, “After working in this field for so many years, this is the first time I’ve seen someone so loved by the camera. If he became a star, he’d definitely become a sensation, right?”

He imagined it for a moment, then shook his head. Forget it—considering Zhang Guanghua’s stubborn temperament, if he told Li Nan to become a star, he’d probably be chased out with a broom by Zhang Guanghua.

After all, Li Nan was the little genius Zhang Guanghua had worked so hard to find.

Now, he had to think about how to promote the figure skating team…

Lin Bowen pondered for a while, then created a new document and quickly started typing away on the keyboard. In less than an hour, he had finished writing the promotional article.

As per Zhang Guanghua’s instructions, there wasn’t much space dedicated to Li Nan. He included a few stills from the video, but the rest of the article focused on promoting the figure skating team. It was all standard and straightforward, nothing particularly special.

Lin Bowen wasn’t sure what kind of impact this promotional article would have, but since Zhang Guanghua now had a talent like Li Nan, the need for new talent probably wasn’t as urgent. So, this middle-of-the-road approach might be better after all.

He saved the press release and stared at the video for a moment, still reluctant to delete it. With practiced ease, he opened a forum and uploaded the video there.

This was a very mixed-content forum. Back in the year 2000, the internet and computers hadn’t become fully widespread. Most people accessed the internet at internet cafés, and only a few professionals had home internet and computers.

Similarly, the variety of websites was limited back then. The creator of this forum had originally been a university professor who just wanted to set up a place for people within the school to chat. However, over time, it gained popularity. People from other schools started joining, and it gradually turned into a social-facing, mixed-content forum.

Lin Bowen knew this professor, and he had been invited to register for an account early on to share his experiences as a journalist, helping to liven up the forum’s atmosphere.

After the forum became more popular, Lin Bowen occasionally posted a few threads.

Today, he thought it would be a shame to delete such a video, so he decided to upload it and share it with other like-minded people.

After all, even someone who didn’t understand figure skating like him found the performance very interesting. Especially Li Nan’s expressiveness on camera—maybe others would like it too?

With this in mind, Lin Bowen typed out the title:

【Today, I was invited by a friend to visit the figure skating team, and I happened to see a young boy’s ice performance. I thought it was great, so I’m sharing it with you.】

【Li Nan’s Swan Lake OV】