This rehearsal was extremely rushed. With over 50 groups of artists, the schedule was packed. FTM only had 30 minutes, as if pushed forward by unseen hands, regardless of whether they could stand steadily.
The microphone sound was only adjusted twice. The staff hurriedly told them to leave, “You can go back now. Any details can be discussed during tomorrow’s joint rehearsal.”
The five felt very uncomfortable backstage.
They wanted to stay longer to familiarize themselves with backstage routes, but overheard staff whispering—
“This new boy band is so funny, daring to sing fully live.”
“Waste of time, they sing terribly, better to play the original track.”
“Where did FTM come from? I’ve never heard of them.”
“Just debuted recently, only released one song, recently held a cover contest that’s quite popular.”
“Forget it, New Year’s Eve galas always have these filler unknowns.”
The five: “…”
Fang Yinnian turned and said, “Let’s go to the lounge.”
FTM’s popularity was indeed insufficient. Only the recent cover contest had some buzz, so they didn’t even have a separate lounge backstage.
They shared a lounge with several other unknown stars, with a door sign listing “FTM, Qi Rui, Zhou Jianan, Chen Mian.”
Fang Yinnian: “Do you know these people?”
Fu Fei, surfing the internet fastest, immediately said, “One is the third male lead in a summer hit drama, one is a recently popular movie supporting actor, and one is a faded singer?”
These were the people the production team considered to be on the same level as FTM.
Fang Yinnian pushed open the door and entered. Since they rehearsed early this morning, no one else was in the lounge.
After closing the door, Tan Junwen slumped on a bench, frowning unhappily, “I’ve seen what it means to flatter the powerful and look down on the weak. Those staff really know how to gossip behind backs!”
Mo Xun said, “This industry has always been like this. When you’re popular, everyone is nice to you. When you’re unknown, you have no rights.”
Fang Yinnian smiled and patted Junwen’s shoulder, “Don’t be angry.”
Compared to the four-hour slow rehearsal at the company concert, this New Year’s Eve rehearsal only gave them 30 minutes before rushing them off.
The stage effects were probably perfunctory.
The key reason was simple—they weren’t popular enough.
The entertainment industry is fiercely competitive. Only when you’re popular will you be surrounded by polite people.
Fu Fei awkwardly laughed to lighten the mood, “Hehe, it’s like we’ve left the newbie village and are venturing into the big world for the first time. Getting some mockery and doubt is normal!”
Mo Xun said, “Right, we just debuted, lack fame and strength, and others have no reason to take care of us.”
They only had 30 minutes for rehearsal.
Tao Yizhou, who came later, had an hour reserved.
The five had nothing to do back at the hotel, so they went to the second-floor audience seats to watch Tao Yizhou rehearse.
Tao Yizhou’s entrance was wire-flying while sitting on a starship. The director was clearly more enthusiastic toward him, shaking hands and greeting him proactively. The staff also smiled collectively, fully cooperating with his stage design.
Fu Fei asked, “Tao Yizhou sat on the moon at the last Shengyao concert, now he’s sitting on a starship. Does he like singing in the air so much?”
Tan Junwen looked up at the man in the air, “Isn’t he afraid of heights? If it were me, I’d definitely have weak legs singing so high up.”
Fang Yinnian also looked up.
Tao Yizhou stood on the starship, which floated above the stadium with his singing. When the night lights come on, it must be very dreamy.
But hearing the singing live, Tao Yizhou opened his mouth two seconds late? Fang Yinnian quietly asked Mo Xun, “Is he lip-syncing?”
Mo Xun said, “No way. I can clearly hear breathing.”
The microphone picked up obvious breathing sounds, very much like live singing. But he opened his mouth two seconds late. Did he see it wrong? Fang Yinnian looked up again, puzzled.
Wait… one word’s lip movement didn’t match. If he wasn’t staring at his mouth, he wouldn’t have noticed.
How could this be?
Fang Yinnian frowned, unable to understand.
The voice of Tao Yizhou’s manager came from behind, “Director, the teleprompter isn’t clear.”
Director Xin hurriedly said, “Fix the teleprompter quickly.”
There was a long screen on the second floor of the stands specifically for lyrics. Singers can watch the teleprompter while singing. Just now, Tao Yizhou’s lip movement was off. Could it be that there was no teleprompter and he forgot the lyrics?
No way, forgetting his own song?
Xu Baichuan’s voice came from behind, “There are several more groups of artists rehearsing. You guys don’t stay here, go back to the hotel and rest.”
The five had no choice but to follow.
Back at the hotel, Fang Yinnian kept thinking about what happened earlier.
He couldn’t figure it out and asked Mo Xun, “I noticed Tao Yizhou’s lip movement was off for one word… but the voice sounded like live singing. Did I see it wrong?”
Mo Xun thought for a moment and said, “Maybe it’s a pre-recorded track.”
Fang Yinnian was stunned, “Pre-recorded track?”
Mo Xun explained, “It’s recorded and pitch-corrected in advance, even with realistic breathing sounds included. During the actual performance, they play this pre-recorded track, which sounds like live singing.”
Fang Yinnian: “…”
Such advanced techniques?
Mo Xun laughed mockingly, “Using pre-recorded tracks is for singers who want it both ways. They lip-sync but want people to think they’re singing live, so they record very realistically and perform earnestly on stage.”
Fang Yinnian fell silent.
Looking up at the top singer standing on the starship, he had admired his voice and songwriting skills.
But now he suddenly felt that the person standing high up was so unreal and ethereal.
Like a beautifully wrapped candy, looking pretty and expensive, but rotten inside.
Tao Yizhou debuted five years ago and was Shengyao’s ace singer, with 20 million Weibo followers. Any daily post of his could get over a million likes and comments.
A top singer who puts effort into every stage.
Spending so much effort on pre-recorded tracks and performing so realistically, wouldn’t it be easier to just sing live? Are they really that afraid to take risks?
Maybe the title “top singer” is also a shackle for him—he’s afraid of making mistakes, even a single wrong note.
So at big events, he just plays the pre-recorded track and lip-syncs. Fans then praise, “My brother sings live so steadily,” “He basically swallowed the CD,” satisfying their vanity.
So fake.
Everything is so fake.
Is it fun to treat everyone like monkeys?
Fang Yinnian couldn’t understand. The music industry has decayed to this point, even top singers lip-sync.
How many are left who insist on singing live?
Is his persistence even necessary anymore?
Mo Xun rarely saw Fang Yinnian this silent.
This “leaving the newbie village for the main city” experience had completely overturned their worldview.
Naked power worship and looking down on the weak—staff openly despised unknowns, writing their disdain on their faces.
Directors openly encouraging lip-syncing with pride.
To make it look like live singing, they painstakingly pre-record tracks in advance, even including breathing sounds…
How much filth is hidden beneath the glamorous exterior?
Mo Xun sat down next to Fang Yinnian, gently putting his arm around his shoulder and whispering, “It’s okay, we don’t care about others. Just do our best.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to become like Tao Yizhou, pre-recording even breathing and gasping sounds, then performing earnestly on stage.” Fang Yinnian almost wanted to laugh. “Living like an exquisite fake person.”
Mo Xun said, “In this industry, many people wear a persona shell. No one knows what they’re really like.”
Fang Yinnian looked at Mo Xun: “Good thing Brother Xu didn’t make us perform any personas—acting every day must be exhausting, right?”
Mo Xun joked, “Our manager is very laid-back. Even though our CP is popular, he doesn’t have any business plans.”
Fang Yinnian was also amused: “That’s actually quite good. At least the five of us live freely and comfortably.”
The two smiled at each other.
No matter what others do, they still want to stick to some principles.
It doesn’t matter if they get mocked.
A singer’s stage skills require accumulated experience and gradual practice. If you don’t dare to sing live the first time, then the second and third times you won’t dare either, gradually becoming trash dependent on lip-syncing.
Fang Yinnian said seriously, “I was actually very nervous during today’s rehearsal, but now I’m suddenly not nervous anymore.”
Mo Xun asked curiously, “Why?”
Fang Yinnian’s eyes curved into a smile: “Because they’re all copying answers, while we’re solving problems live. No matter what score we get, we can face ourselves with a clear conscience.”
The young man’s clear eyes were full of honesty, sincerity, and determination. Sunlight from the window fell on him, making his whole person seem to glow.
They were sitting very close, and Mo Xun could hear his own heart beating loudly.
Fang Yinnian truly had principles, and as the main vocalist, his persistence prevented FTM from starting down the path of mediocrity.
This “authentic path” would definitely be harder to walk.
But they would walk it together.
***
December 29th, Yuntu Satellite TV’s New Year’s Eve gala began its first major rehearsal. Today, over 50 groups of artists—78 stars and 230 backup dancers in total—were all present to run through the program sequence.
This major rehearsal didn’t require makeup; everyone wore casual clothes. It mainly rehearsed lighting effects and host transitions, while tomorrow night would require full makeup rehearsal.
Large event rehearsals are always this tedious, but preparation is necessary to avoid mistakes during the live broadcast.
Fang Yinnian looked at the program list. This New Year’s gala was star-studded, with careful consideration given to program order.
Among boy bands, Sonic performed 15th, around 9:30 PM prime time.
Popular drama actors appeared in the 9:00-10:00 PM slot.
Tao Yizhou performed at 10:00 PM as the second segment’s finale.
Around 11:00 PM, veteran female singer Ji Ying would sing four songs consecutively—she was brought in to anchor the show, fully live.
Following her was a small singer named Chen Mian.
Then at 11:30 PM, FTM would perform “For the Music.”
After that, an actor would sing a TV drama theme song, followed by another popular male singer performing several songs and interacting with hosts until the New Year countdown.
Most TV viewers peak between 8-10 PM. After 11 PM, TV ratings plummet.
Scheduling them at the awkward 11:30 PM slot was indeed small group treatment. They couldn’t even perform early and leave—they had to wait until the very end.
FTM arrived at 10:30 PM.
During the first major rehearsal, problems kept occurring—wrong lighting here, microphone issues there… Each program delayed a few minutes, constantly pushing the schedule back.
The five waited backstage until 1 AM without their turn.
Seeing the young men’s faces, Xu Baichuan comforted them: “It’s normal for major gala rehearsals to go until 3-4 AM. Don’t worry, you can sleep in tomorrow.”
They had already waited three full hours.
Fang Yinnian smiled and said, “It’s fine, let’s wait a bit more.”
They weren’t famous in the entertainment industry anyway. As newcomers who had just released a somewhat popular single, as long as they could perform, the time didn’t matter.
The previous performer had more problems, and Director Xin’s voice clearly showed impatience.
This singer was also singing fully live—Chen Mian.
Chen Mian was a singer who emerged from a competition five years ago, but unfortunately had bad luck, didn’t sign with a good company, and lacked songwriting ability, gradually fading from public view.
But he had a very popular catchy song called “Missing You Every Day” from a few years ago. Tonight he was singing this song.
He’d been singing it for years—his only representative work, almost worn out… But he sang earnestly, fully live, with audibly tense vocals.
After finally completing it smoothly, when he came offstage and saw FTM waiting, he smiled awkwardly, rubbing his hands: “Sorry for taking extra time, really sorry.”
Fang Yinnian said, “No problem, you sang beautifully.”
Chen Mian was stunned and said, “Thank you, good luck!”
In this industry where most people slack off, there are still those who stick to principles, aren’t there?
Even without high fame, only able to sing one representative work for years, he still dared to sing it out loud with an open mic.
FTM prepared to go on stage.
At 2 AM, the director naturally had little patience, only running through their process once.
The stage supervisor was surprised to find—this group had been quite nervous during yesterday’s rehearsal with shaky voices, but today they were much better.
They smoothly completed the entire song.
The director’s stage design for them wasn’t complex, requiring no coordination with lifts or wire work, just entering through the “Starry Gate.”
So when the night lighting team followed up, the effect was unexpectedly good.
Director Xin looked at the recorded playback and said, “Very good, this act passes, next!”
The five politely bowed to the staff: “Thank you, teachers.” “You’ve worked hard.”
Everyone followed their manager back to the hotel.
After 2 AM on the streets, with few vehicles, their van had just driven about 100 meters from the underground garage when they saw over ten girls waiting for them on the street near the stadium.
They held amber-gold support light sticks with “FTM” written on them.
Those amber dots were especially visible in the dark night.
Sparkling.
Fang Yinnian’s eyes grew slightly moist.
While they waited backstage, fans waited outside too.
December in Yun City was particularly cold. The girls were so frozen their hands and feet were nearly numb, yet they stubbornly waited for them to finish work.
With these people supporting them, what right did they have to slack off?
Fang Yinnian said softly, “Stop the car, let’s greet them.”
The driver stopped.
Security immediately rushed over: “You can’t get out!”
Mo Xun rolled down the window and said to security, “We don’t have many fans, just a quick greeting and we’ll leave, thank you.”
Seeing the familiar face at the window, the fans outside immediately screamed: “Ahhh Mo Xun!” “It’s really them!” “You’re off work, FTM fighting!” “You sang so well!”
Security looked at the fans behind—indeed not many, just about twenty? One of the smallest fan groups for New Year’s support.
Security stepped back to maintain order: “Don’t rush forward.”
Fans obediently stayed in place, just screaming.
Mo Xun rolled the window all the way down and said, “Thank you everyone, it’s so late, please go back and rest.”
Fang Yinnian poked his head out: “It’s too cold, don’t catch a cold.”
Tang Che also said, “Be safe on your way back!”
Tan Junwen smiled and said, “We received everyone’s support and will sing well!”
Fu Fei: “We’ll work hard!”
Several fans were already crying with excitement.
Station sisters frantically pressed shutters, recording this warm scene.
After a moment, urged by security, the car drove away.
Fang Yinnian looked back at the gradually distant amber lights, warmth rising in his heart.
He always felt that idols and fans have a relationship of mutual energy—actors should improve their acting to bring fans more exciting characters; singers should seriously improve their vocals and not be perfunctory on any stage.
Only this way could they live up to fans’ expectations and support.
But it seemed many industry people didn’t think this way.
Fang Yinnian took a deep breath and secretly made a resolution—from this moment on, every performance would be worthy of himself, his teammates, and those Music Notes who traveled far to support them.
He couldn’t control others, but treating every performance seriously was his principle and bottom line.
***
The next day’s major rehearsal required full makeup with strict schedule control.
Since they had rehearsed the night before, the December 30th evening rehearsal went much more smoothly with precise timing.
11:30 PM, FTM took the stage.
Today’s completion was even higher than yesterday’s.
The stage supervisor couldn’t help saying, “This little unknown group is amazing—they sang terribly the first day but got steadier with each performance.”
Someone said, “The first day they probably weren’t adapted. After all, they had just woken up early morning, rushed to rehearsal with such tight timing. Newcomers seeing such a big stage for the first time would naturally be nervous.”
The stage director thought for a moment and accepted this explanation: “Maybe so. After getting familiar with the venue, their performance became much smoother. This group does have something, no wonder they dare to sing live.”
However, with so many guests at the New Year’s Eve gala and stars everywhere, FTM wouldn’t get much attention.
After the rehearsal ended and they returned to the hotel, their manager gathered them together and said: “Tomorrow afternoon there will be a red carpet segment. Our status isn’t high, so our red carpet order will be very early.”
The entertainment industry’s red carpet order is very particular – the later you appear, the higher your status. The last three are usually the most famous stars of the event, like Best Actor/Actress winners, etc.
The earlier you appear, the more unknown you are.
Xu Baichuan said: “This is everyone’s first time walking the red carpet. Don’t feel pressured. Our fame is average, so reporters won’t ask too many questions. After walking the red carpet, I’ll take you backstage for dinner.”
Their official performance time was 11:30 PM, and the red carpet time was 4:30 PM. They’d have to wait a long time after walking it.
They could have dinner in between and change into their stage outfits before performing.
***
December 31st, the last day of the year. The five FTM members slept until 10 AM, had lunch, and then went for styling.
Their red carpet outfits were all black and gold suits, recently ordered and reasonably priced. Not from a famous brand, but well-fitted.
The suit details were slightly different, but the overall color scheme was unified. After putting them on, the five posed at the hotel while a photographer took pictures to post on Weibo.
At 4 PM, their van arrived at the venue.
The five waited in the car for a moment.
Host: “Next walking toward us is the new boy group from Shengyao Media – FTM! Please welcome these handsome guys!”
The car stopped at the end of the red carpet. Mo Xun was first to open the door and get out, with other teammates quickly following. The five stood shoulder to shoulder in a line and walked forward.
Walking the red carpet for the first time, everyone felt nervous.
Both sides of the red carpet were filled with fans from various groups, plus many media with microphones and cameras.
Fang Yinnian spotted FTM’s twenty-plus fans with his sharp eyes.
Maybe because FTM’s red carpet time was so early, they had secured good positions in the front row, screaming excitedly.
Fang Yinnian smiled and waved at them.
Media reporters, seeing this not-very-famous small group, simply took a few photos without much interview enthusiasm.
Mainly because they didn’t know much about them or what to ask.
The five came to the signature wall, and the host enthusiastically conducted a brief interview: “Welcome FTM! First, please introduce yourselves?”
The five said in unison: “Hello everyone, we are FTM!”
Host: “The group is called FTM. Is there any special meaning?”
Mo Xun answered fluently: “FTM is short for ‘For the Music,’ meaning born for music.”
On the online streaming platform, bullet comments flooded the screen.
“This is that recently popular vocal group, right? I have classmates who participated in their cover contest.”
“Wow, even small unknown groups can walk the red carpet now!”
“The suits look so handsome!”
“The black and gold suits look pretty good.”
“Full screen of long legs, all 180cm+ right? Good physiques.”
“Ahhh, Yinnian in a black suit, who understands this contrast cuteness!!”
“Nian Nian’s smile is so beautiful~”
“These guys’ looks are quite impressive.”
Weibo media “Spirit Fox Entertainment” loves posting celebrities’ unretouched red carpet photos.
Spirit Fox Media was also very quick this time, posting five live photos on Weibo the moment FTM reached the signature wall.
Red carpet candid photos are the ultimate test of a celebrity’s condition.
These media outlets that love drama won’t help you retouch photos – sometimes they capture even acne marks and pores clearly.
At every major event, red carpet candids are screenshotted by netizens for judgment – which star gained or lost weight, who has acne, whose condition is poor or who’s more disciplined. Red carpet candids are like truth-revealing mirrors.
An entertainment forum opened a high-rise thread – [Yuntu Satellite TV New Year’s Eve Gala Red Carpet Live Thread]
As soon as FTM’s candids came out, discussion exploded.
“Wow, are these young men this handsome in candids?”
“The photos are comparable to retouched ones. Fang Yinnian’s skin condition is too good – can’t see any acne marks.”
“His face is truly amazing, he could totally live off his looks.”
“Mo Xun is ruggedly handsome, Fang Yinnian is the gentle boy-next-door type. I’m starting to get why Magic Cube CP fans are so crazy~”
“All five are good, no one’s looks drag the group down.”
“First time knowing this group, their condition is amazing! They must be very disciplined usually. Can I become a fan?”
“Feel free to stan them. I’ve been an investment fan for months. Our small group is getting better and will keep improving!”
“Check out their official blog @FTM Official Studio. The studio’s photos are even better – taken at the hotel, with both individual and group shots!”
At the red carpet scene, the host smiled and asked: “I remember FTM just debuted in August this year?”
Mo Xun nodded: “Yes.”
Host: “This is also your first official public performance since debut. How do you feel? Are you nervous?”
Mo Xun smiled: “Of course we’re nervous for our first public performance. We’ve never been on such a big stage – seeing it live is very shocking.”
Host: “What program are you bringing everyone today?”
Mo Xun: “It’s our single ‘For the Music’ that we released last month – a singing and dancing song.”
He looked at his teammates, using his eyes to ask if they wanted to say something. Fang Yinnian took the microphone and smiled: “Please look forward to our stage, and we wish all audience friends a happy new year in advance.”
Host: “Great, thank you very much FTM for coming to Yuntu Satellite TV’s New Year’s Eve gala! Please sign at the signature wall.”
The five went to the signature wall together and carefully signed their names in a corner spot.
The brief red carpet segment ended.
The celebrities appearing after them had increasingly higher status, and the screaming outside got louder. As top singers, actors, and award winners appeared one by one, fans’ screams could almost pierce the sky.
After the red carpet segment, many comparison posts appeared on Weibo and forums: “New Year’s Eve gala male stars’ red carpet candids – who looks best?” or “Who wore designer haute couture on today’s red carpet?” etc.
Some netizens even directly voted for “Today’s Red Carpet Four Ugliest Men” – vicious netizens showed no mercy to celebrities.
However, among the many celebrity candids with visible pores, laugh lines, and crow’s feet showing fatigue…
FTM’s red carpet candids became a breath of fresh air.
The five were full of collagen, youthful energy, and vitality.
Fang Yinnian’s face was even flawless. His skin was too good – he only wore very light daily makeup, and his smile was incredibly approachable.
In the group photo of the five standing together, not one person’s looks dragged them down.
Recently, to build muscle, they had strictly controlled their high-protein diet, eating very clean and healthy, maintaining good physiques.
Netizens all said: “FTM’s candids are the most resilient!”
Some celebrities obviously hadn’t done proper skin and body management. Their usual retouched photos were edited like porcelain dolls, but candids exposed everything.
Netizens’ harsh review: “Media candids are truly truth-revealing mirrors, all demons and monsters are exposed. Some celebrities can only live in the retouched world [dog head].”
The red carpet group photos of several major boy bands were also posted on forums for detailed comparison.
“Wind Group all look very tired, didn’t they sleep well?”
“I’ve always wanted to complain about 12star – 12 people with copy-paste hairstyles, can’t tell who’s who!”
“Star Group’s 12 people represent 12 zodiac signs. I’m Scorpio, and the guy representing Scorpio is so ugly it hurts my eyes.”
“Only He Jing and Mu Ziqian from Star Group have good looks, the other 10 are uniquely ugly in their own ways.”
“From Sonic, only Qu Yan is watchable. The others with their colorful non-mainstream hair aren’t my taste.”
“Looking at it this way, FTM is most pleasing to the eye. All five have high recognition and none are particularly ugly.”
A voting post suddenly appeared on the forum homepage – Which boy band center/visual do you think looks best?
This poster loved stirring up drama, finding today’s four major boy bands’ red carpet candids, extracting solo photos of the center members for comparison, and setting up a poll.
“Don’t follow idols, voting for Fang Yinnian.”
“Fang Yinnian looks best, is there any question?”
“Don’t know any of these four idols, but Fang Yinnian’s fresh and clean look appeals to me, giving him my vote.”
The percentage voting for Fang Yinnian kept increasing.
“Damn, the vote is decisive! The masses have sharp eyes.”
“Over 2000 people voted, with over 1000 thinking Fang Yinnian looks best? Well, I agree~”
“So many people saying Fang Yinnian looks good? I really don’t get it. How many paid commenters did Shengyao hire to awkwardly praise him?”
“This forum is full of Shengyao’s paid commenters!”
“No wonder FTM can be popular, Shengyao’s paid commenters are everywhere”
“Fang Yinnian is ugly as hell, calling him a visual is laughable”
Many such replies appeared in the comments.
“Certain groups’ fans, your alternate accounts are showing.”
“I only follow movie actors, not boy bands. Personally, among these centers, Fang Yinnian just looks the best. Today’s candid comparison is obvious, right?”
“Small group fans trembling here. This wave of hate is maxed out, please don’t kill us with praise! Our Yinnian is still unknown T_T”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no need to step on others. FTM’s fan club isn’t even properly organized yet – someone’s deliberately stirring trouble, right?”
“Heaven be my witness! This post couldn’t have been made by Music Notes. We respect other groups’ fans, our small group doesn’t compete with anyone~”
The entertainment forum actually argued for several high-rise threads over which center looks best.
Xu Baichuan suddenly felt uneasy seeing the endless posts and votes.
Since this morning, his eyelid has been twitching nonstop.
He hopes this performance will go smoothly.
##
