TL: Hua
The man was about ten centimeters taller than Lin Yanran, with a slender waist, long legs, and a handsome, striking build.
His features were delicate and well-defined. Below his strong eyebrows were a pair of captivating ‘peach blossom’ eyes, which were now looking at Lin Yanran with a hint of a smile. The corners of his eyes curved up slightly with his smile, and a captivating light instantly bloomed in his beautiful pupils.
This man was excessively handsome, a thought that immediately flashed through Lin Yanran’s mind when he saw him.
With his iconic peach blossom eyes and dozens of assistants and staff members surrounding him, such a grand presence immediately made Lin Yanran think of one person from the original novel—Gu Siye.
The superstar Gu Siye.
He burst onto the scene at age 20 and became a top idol the moment he debuted.
Each of his albums broke sales records, and the two movies he acted in, which were more of a side project, not only swept the box office but also won him the Best Actor award that year.
Most importantly, after seven years in the industry, his popularity remains unmatched. He not only has countless fans but also holds a very high status in the entertainment world.
Everyone felt that Gu Siye was born to be the darling of the entertainment industry, an existence favored by fate.
Logically, such a powerful character should have had a romantic storyline with the protagonist. However, for some reason, in the original novel, Gu Siye was the only person the universally adored protagonist, Xuan Yihan, failed to win over.
Perhaps because he and Xuan Yihan were now on opposing sides, Lin Yanran instantly felt a natural affinity for this man who had rejected Xuan Yihan.
Lin Yanran met his beautiful eyes and gave Gu Siye a grateful smile. “Thank you so much. I’ll trouble the makeup artist then.”
Lin Yanran’s attitude was humble yet respectful.
Gu Siye nodded slightly toward Lin Yanran, seemingly accepting his thanks. “It’s nothing.”
After the brief exchange, Gu Siye was escorted away by his staff.
Once Gu Siye’s back had completely disappeared, Yingying, who was standing behind Lin Yanran, couldn’t help but cover her mouth and shriek.
Seeing the young girl’s hands shaking with excitement, Lin Yanran quickly pulled her into his dressing room. With no one else around, Yingying finally let loose, excitedly jumping up and down.
“Brother! The person who just helped us was Gu, Gu! Gu-Gu-Gu-Gu!!!”
Lin Yanran, of course, knew what Yingying wanted to say, but he pretended not to understand. “What ‘Coo-coo’? There are no pigeons in this room.”
Seeing that Lin Yanran was teasing her, the highly excited Yingying immediately corrected her mistake. “It’s Gu Siye!”
The girl cupped her face and sighed dreamily. “I can’t believe I’d get to see the real Gu Siye in my lifetime! And we were less than two meters apart! He’s so nice to be willing to help us. Everyone said he was a good person, and it’s true!”
Thinking back to the scene, Yingying’s eyes sparkled.
“Ahhh, his makeup artist is coming to help you, Brother Yanran, with your makeup soon, right?” Yingying, in fangirl mode, was so excited that she suddenly got carried away. “So, if you round it up, isn’t that roughly equivalent to kissing him?”
Lin Yanran: ?????
How does getting your makeup done equate to kissing him???
Lin Yanran was not only confused but also shocked.
Realizing the outrageous thing she had just blurted out in front of Lin Yanran, Yingying quickly waved her hands in an embarrassed gesture and changed the subject. “No, no, no! What I meant was, why is Gu Siye here?”
Lin Yanran unscrewed his thermos and took a sip of his wolfberry water, slowly reminding her, “The production team said there was still one heavyweight mentor who hadn’t been officially announced!”
Yingying suddenly understood.
Before Super Idol aired, the production team had indeed announced this.
At the time, they used all sorts of exaggerated language to build up the hype for this mysterious mentor. Many people speculated that the person praised to the heavens and back might be Gu Siye.
But after that, the show had already aired three episodes, and the mentor was still nowhere to be seen.
Plus, Gu Siye was abroad during this period and had no intention of returning for a variety show. Because of this, the rumors died down, and everyone assumed the production team was just creating hype.
But now, Gu Siye really showed up!
This bombshell news, if announced, would undoubtedly dominate the trending searches.
While Yingying, who knew the news early, was itching to share it with her fangirl friends, her professional ethics made her hold back.
“If he’s really the mentor, I’ll get to see him all the time, won’t I? Maybe I can even get an autograph?”
Yingying was lost in her hopeful thoughts when there was a knock on Lin Yanran’s dressing room door.
“Hello, is this Teacher Yanran?” The person introduced herself gently. “I’m Ming, Teacher Gu’s makeup artist. I’m here to do your styling.”
After learning her intention, Lin Yanran quickly invited her in. However, she politely declined.
“We have a lot of equipment, and time is a bit tight. It’s too much trouble to move things back and forth with so many people around. If it’s convenient, would you mind coming to our makeup room?”
Lin Yanran had no objections and immediately went with Yingying.
When they arrived, Lin Yanran realized it was Gu Siye’s private lounge. However, Gu Siye wasn’t there; he had thoughtfully left his entire styling team to work on Lin Yanran’s look.
Lin Yanran had assumed Gu Siye would only send one makeup artist to help him, but he didn’t expect him to be so generous.
After all, a person in his position didn’t need to go to such lengths to help a down-and-out cannon fodder.
Lin Yanran quietly took note of the favor, vowing to repay it if he ever had the chance.
The superstar’s styling team was highly professional, with excellent speed and skill. In no time, Lin Yanran’s look was complete.
The makeup artist, Ming, gently brushed a few strands of hair from Lin Yanran’s forehead. “All done!”
Yingying, quick on her feet, brought warm water for the stylists. “Thank you for your hard work, teachers!”
Ming waved her hand, but as she admired Lin Yanran’s beautiful face in the mirror, she sighed with a bit of regret. “Today was a bit sudden, so we weren’t fully prepared. We couldn’t find a suitable necklace. Otherwise, this look would be even more stunning.”
As she spoke, her eyes couldn’t help but fall on the pure white neck again. The more she looked at it, the more regretful she felt.
Just as Ming finished speaking, someone at the door seemed to read her thoughts.
“That would be a shame, then.”
The man who entered spoke with a graceful and elegant tone.
Through the half-length mirror, Lin Yanran saw Gu Siye walking toward him.
As he walked, he spoke softly to his assistant, who then quickly pulled out a brand-new necklace from somewhere.
Gu Siye held it in his hand, toying with it before slowly asking Ming, “How about this one?”
Ming’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the necklace in Gu Siye’s hand. “It’s absolutely perfect!”
Without another thought, she snatched the necklace from Gu Siye and happily moved to put it on Lin Yanran.
Before the necklace could touch Lin Yanran’s neck, Gu Siye rested his hand on the back of Lin Yanran’s chair, leaning in to say, “This necklace is brand new. I’ve never worn it.”
Lin Yanran turned his head and met his gaze, immediately understanding his meaning.
He was explaining that he hadn’t worn it so that Lin Yanran wouldn’t have to worry.
Gu Siye had an impeccable reputation in the industry. He was known for being a pleasant person who would go out of his way to help others, regardless of their status. Everyone who had worked with him had nothing but praise.
Lin Yanran looked at the necklace around his neck and could tell it was very expensive. He was secretly surprised that the other man would lend him such a valuable item. But since it was already on, saying he didn’t need it would seem overly humble and ungrateful.
So he quickly thanked him. “Thank you, Brother Gu. I’ll have it cleaned and return it to you after the show.”
“We’re colleagues; it’s no trouble.”
Gu Siye smiled like a gentleman, looking down at the watch on his wrist with a relaxed and stylish movement.
“The show starts in about ten minutes. Let’s head over, shall we?”
Watched by those affectionate and captivating “peach blossom eyes,” Lin Yanran felt a bit awkward, so he nodded and agreed, “Okay.”
He got up and followed Gu Siyue toward the recording studio.
Looking at the back of this kind stranger in front of him, Lin Yanran gently touched the necklace around his collarbone.
It seemed to still hold the warmth of the other person’s palm.
A faint warmth, yet it felt very comforting.
However, Lin Yanran and Gu Siyue didn’t walk together for long. As soon as they left the lounge and entered the main hall, Lin Yanran saw a whole row of cameras and a crowd of staff.
Of course, Lin Yanran knew these cameras weren’t there to film him. So, after a word with Gu Siyue, he tactfully left.
As soon as Lin Yanran was gone, Gu Siyue’s agent, Zhong Xiao, immediately darted to his side and whispered in his ear.
“I heard you lent your entire styling team to Yanran?”
Gu Siyue responded with an unruffled “Mhm,” not even bothering to lift his eyelids as he strode forward.
Zhong Xiao quickly caught up, whispering, “But Yanran hasn’t had a good reputation lately.”
This time, Gu Siyue stopped.
He lifted his eyelids and glanced at Zhong Xiao, then let out a small laugh.
“What does that have to do with me?”
As Gu Siyue spoke, a staff member came over and enthusiastically handed him the day’s schedule.
Gu Siyue took it, and as he looked down, he said to Zhong Xiao, “Lending a hand doesn’t hurt anyone.”
Zhong Xiao was speechless.
He couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, yet what Gu Siyue said seemed to make perfect sense…
Other people might have concerns.
But Gu Siyue was different; he was completely fearless.
Whatever you want, do as you please!
*
Just before the show was about to start, the trainees entered the studio. They took their seats in the A, B, C, D, and F sections according to their ranking from the last evaluation.
Facing the cameras directly again after a few days, the trainees seemed quite excited, starting to guess what new challenges the production team would have for them.
As the stage manager’s countdown clapper sounded, all the lights in the hall dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the side of the stage.
The host, dressed in a blue suit, raised his microphone and smiled at all the trainees.
“Hello, everyone, and welcome back to our main stage. This new episode will be a new journey. Before we begin this episode’s theme assessment, let’s give a warm round of applause to welcome our mentors!”
Before he finished, the trainees’ continuous cheers erupted in the hall.
“Woohoo! Han Zhe! Han Zhe!!”
“Tangtang, my goddess!!!”
“Pei Luo, I love you!!!”
Amid the trainees’ excited screams, the host announced the first mentor’s name.
“First, let’s welcome our versatile goddess, Tang~~tang!”
The lights came back on, and Tangtang, with cute pigtails and idol makeup, appeared in the center of the stage.
She sweetly waved at the trainees, flashing a beautiful smile, “Hello, everyone, long time no see~”
Tangtang is a new-generation singer who has become incredibly popular in recent years. Her popularity and skills far surpass her peers. Despite her sweet and cute appearance, she has immense power in her voice and is a true representative of a skilled vocalist.
After Tangtang, the host introduced the next mentor, Han Zhe.
He is one of the hottest rapper-singers in China today, known for his sharp lyrics and tricky flow. Rap music is relatively niche, so Han Zhe’s popularity isn’t the highest among the mentors. However, his skills are superb, and anyone who knows a little about rap holds him in high regard.
Most people have an innate admiration for strength, and the trainees were no exception. They naturally adored such an exceptionally talented rapper.
Han Zhe, dressed in a casual denim jacket and ripped jeans, didn’t say anything when he came out. He just gave a cool salute to the trainees below, and their cheers immediately became exceptionally enthusiastic.
The third mentor to appear was Pei Luo, the top member of the popular idol group “seses,” known for his singing and dancing. In the novel, he is also one of the “dog-licker” suitors of the protagonist shou Xuan Yihan. In the Super Idol competition, he protected and helped Xuan Yihan all the way, ultimately helping him debut as the center.
As a former trainee and a super-popular idol, Pei Luo was naturally the most admired and desired figure for every trainee fighting for a debut spot. Seeing their radiant senior on stage, each of them generously gave him their screams and applause.
However, the trainees were unaware that Pei Luo, who called himself their senior, had eyes for only one person from the very beginning.
Pei Luo glanced at the trainees, and after finding Xuan Yihan’s position, he kept his gaze locked on the B section.
Meeting Xuan Yihan’s eyes, Pei Luo performed his signature cool move, his fingers lightly brushing his lips as he nonchalantly blew a kiss, then meaningfully said, “The center spot belongs to you. You can do it!”
As Pei Luo was subtly showing affection for Xuan Yihan on stage, Lin Yanran walked to the side of the stage.
It was his turn to come out next.
The previous mentors’ entrances were more and more hyped, especially Pei Luo, who deliberately mentioned the “center” position that all trainees were most concerned about. At this moment, the overwhelming cheers made his ears hurt a little.
Just as the trainees’ excitement was at its peak, the host’s voice rang out again.
“Next, let’s welcome our final mentor—”
“Yanran!”
When the host said the name “Yanran,” the cheers in the hall quieted down significantly.
Compared to the previous mentors, where trainees jumped up, waved, and cheered with excitement, the reaction to Yanran was noticeably colder.
The camera panned across the trainee section. Most of the trainees chose to sit obediently in their seats, clapping lightly with emotionless, professional smiles on their faces.
Occasionally, they would let out exclamations like “Wow” or “Wooohoo” to create an atmosphere for Lin Yanran, but it all seemed forced, practically screaming “perfunctory.”
Few people present could act, and it was clear who was genuinely excited and who was just going through the motions for the camera.
In reality, most of the trainees had no personal grudge against Lin Yanran, but they had all witnessed the incident between him and Xuan Yihan in the first two episodes. Many were a bit scared, worried that if they encountered such a mentor, they might be the next one to have bad luck.
In addition, Yanran’s professional skills were not on the same level as the others. His singing and dancing might even be worse than many of the trainees present. So, very few of the trainees truly respected him as a mentor who would be scoring them.
The curtain opened, and Lin Yanran took in the audience’s reaction.
He had actually anticipated this scene, so he felt no surprise or discomfort.
After all, for him, the atmosphere might be cold, but his presence and dignity must not be lost.
Lin Yanran curved his lips, his eyes slightly hooked, and after walking to the center of the stage, he gave a generous smile to the camera and the trainees. “Hello, everyone, I’m Yanran.”
However, this simple sentence from Lin Yanran stunned the entire audience. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to him.
His long legs were highlighted by black denim pants, paired with a matching black shirt with subtle patterns, creating a mysterious and high-class look.
However, the most stunning part of this outfit was the accessories on Lin Yanran.
The long tassels on his lower back swayed with his movements, sweeping from his slender waist to his long ankles, making him look sensual and alluring.
The dazzling silver necklace reflected against his fair, milky-white skin, resting on his beautifully shaped collarbone, adding a mysterious and free-spirited air.
Talent show stages are very different from regular stages; they emphasize style and atmosphere.
At this moment, the intense stage lights shone on Lin Yanran, highlighting his delicate and perfect features and instantly creating a stunning visual.
He used his fair, slender fingers to gently smooth a few strands of black hair from his forehead, revealing his innocent and beautiful eyes beneath his long lashes.
He seemed noble, elegant, and incredibly beautiful, as if he was born to be the most dazzling light on the stage.
The trainees below were completely stunned when they saw Lin Yanran’s styling for the day.
The original owner’s former makeup artist was a relative of his agent, Ding Weikang. Not only was the makeup not great, but she was also stingy with money and effort on his styling. As a result, the makeup actually made him look worse, and he was better off without it.
Because of this, although the trainees had seen Yanran in person several times before, he was always quiet, and his styling was very ordinary and not fashionable. So, everyone’s impression of him was just that of a handsome guy in the entertainment industry.
But there are too many handsome men and beautiful women in the industry, so no one thought Yanran’s looks were anything special.
However, with his new makeup and stylish outfit, combined with his seemingly natural high-class and confident aura, the sense of amazement was immediate.
“Why didn’t I notice he was so good-looking before?”
“He looks like a completely different person. His style and aura have changed so much.”
At first, it was a few people whispering, and then, after someone let out a “wow,” the microphones instantly picked up the trainees’ astonished gasps.
“Teacher Yanran is way too handsome this episode!!!”
“Ah!! Mom!!! My heart has been struck!”
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!! Is this kind of beauty for real???”
“Is this what they call a beauty crit hit?”
“Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!” One trainee even stood up in excitement, “Teacher, are you here today to defeat us with your looks??!”
The more lively trainees immediately burst into laughter and chimed in, “We protest, Teacher Yanran; you’re putting so much pressure on us.”
“Yeah, today is another day of feeling inferior because of looks TAT.”
“I’m glad I wore good makeup today TAT otherwise the comparison would be even more brutal.”
The initial cold reception for Lin Yanran was real, but the subsequent shock and excitement caused by his beauty were also very real!
Many of the trainees were completely immersed in Lin Yanran’s stunning beauty and couldn’t calm down for a long time.
However, in the midst of all the excitement, one spot remained strangely silent.
Sitting in the B section, Xuan Yihan stared intently at the necklace on Lin Yanran’s neck.
Fang Su, one of the “dog-licker” suitors who sat next to him, immediately noticed his unusual behavior.
Seeing the camera pan over, he gently nudged Xuan Yihan’s wrist. “What’s wrong, Hanhan?”
Xuan Yihan deliberately gave a smile that said he was fine.
But the more he smiled like that, the more Fang Su sensed something was wrong, and he quickly asked, “What is it? Why are you staring at him?”
The “him” Fang Su was referring to was, of course, Lin Yanran.
When his teammate kept pressing him, Xuan Yihan finally said evasively, “Doesn’t Teacher Yanran’s necklace look a little familiar?”
After Xuan Yihan’s hint, Fang Su specifically looked at the necklace Lin Yanran was wearing.
“It does look a little familiar…” After a moment, Fang Su seemed to remember something and looked at Xuan Yihan. “I remember you used to wear a similar one. It looks a lot like it.”
Xuan Yihan nodded but then casually corrected him, “It’s not ‘a lot like it,’ it’s the exact same style. My mom gave it to me for my birthday. It’s a limited edition worldwide…”
In Fang Su’s surprised gaze, Xuan Yihan then lowered his head and murmured sadly, “But I accidentally lost it today and haven’t been able to find it.”
He spoke in a very low voice, but it was just loud enough for Fang Su to hear.
The little shit