The Most Popular Comedian

Rong Yuheng felt that Wen Zhecheng was truly a good person.

He couldn’t help but reflect to himself: People are often misled by external comments and rumors, forming deep-rooted biases. They simply couldn’t see beneath Wen Zhecheng’s cold exterior, the passionate and genuine heart that lies within!

Wen Zhecheng had already taken out his phone. “Let me scan you.”

Rong Yuheng quickly handed over his phone with a smile on his face.

“Beep!” A friend request popped up on the screen, and Rong Yuheng momentarily froze when he opened it.

The profile picture was a passport photo, which was fine since the person looked handsome. But the WeChat name of Wen Zhecheng was simply “Wen Zhecheng”!

Three simple and straightforward characters! It looked like the name of an insurance salesman.

Wen Zhecheng noticed his reaction and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Rong Yuheng’s smile seemed forced as he replied, “Nothing, it’s just… I guess I don’t need to change your nickname in my contacts. It’s fine as it is.”

Wen Zhecheng remained silent for a couple of seconds, pursing his lips. Unable to resist explaining himself, he said, “I only add close acquaintances on WeChat, so it’s convenient for everyone to communicate this way.”

Rong Yuheng nodded repeatedly. “I understand, I understand…”

With Wen Zhecheng’s guidance, Rong Yuheng felt much more at ease. As the first round of eliminations was approaching, he bid farewell to Wen Zhecheng after their conversation.

As the door “clicked” shut, the small rest area was once again occupied by Wen Zhecheng alone. He stared at the Q-version flower icon on his phone screen and absentmindedly tapped it with his finger.

Just then, the door suddenly swung open with a “clatter”—

Startled, Wen Zhecheng, feeling guilty as if caught in the act, had a moment of fright, almost performing a somersault with his phone.

Rong Yuheng poked his furry head through the door crack, smiling brightly and sweetly.

“Oh, I forgot to mention, Wen Teacher, I love you so much~”

After saying that, the door “clicked” shut again.

“…,” Wen Zhecheng’s throat moved.

Thump-thump—

The day of the first round of eliminations.

The students boarded the company bus early in the morning to go to the local TV station for the competition recording. The performance order had been decided by an early draw, and Rong Yuheng was assigned the 13th spot, the same as his audition number.

He didn’t know if there was any special connection between him and the number 13, but he was willing to cherish every encounter.

Everyone, including the mentors, arrived at the TV station together and were taken to the backstage makeup area.

It was Rong Yuheng’s first time wearing full makeup. To match his stage performance, he even wore a pair of glasses and drew a teardrop mole at the corner of his eye.

Zou Yi turned his head and glanced at him, momentarily taken aback. “You look very different today compared to usual.”

Rong Yuheng asked, “How so?”

Zou Yi replied, “You look like a dog.”

Rong Yuheng said, “…thank you, thank you.”

Huang Jianing was the third to go on stage. By now, he had finished his makeup and was as restless as a little sparrow, fluttering around the room. After flying around, he finally landed near Rong Yuheng.

“Wow, Xiaorong, you look very different today compared to usual!”

Rong Yuheng was holding his chin up for the makeup artist to contour, and he responded numbly, “I know, I look like a dog.”

“…”

Huang Jianing’s expression became complicated. “Actually, I wanted to compliment you on looking beautiful.”

Rong Yuheng replied, “…Okay, thank you.”

While the two were talking, Bian Chen passed by from behind, and Rong Yuheng’s eyes met his. Instantly, joy filled his face.

“Brother Chen, did you write a cheer for me again?”

Bian Chen felt like he had walked into a trap. “…No.”

Rong Yuheng’s expression fell, feeling disappointed.

Bian Chen subconsciously came up with an explanation, “I’ve been busy preparing for the competition lately, so I don’t have as much time.”

After saying that, he wanted to chew his own tongue off—damn it, why did he feel the need to explain this!

And what did Rong Yuheng mean by “again” writing a cheer? He had never written one for Rong Yuheng!

Rong Yuheng generously comforted him, “It’s okay, you can write one after the elimination round.”

Bian Chen said, “Oh, okay.”

Huang Jianing, who had been observing the whole interaction, thought to himself, “…”

He felt that Bian Chen seemed a bit slow-witted.

Half an hour later.

The Lime TV live channel opened, and the spacious and bright stage, filled with the cheers and applause of the live audience, appeared in front of the online viewers.

Host Xi Lin stood in the center of the stage and, after reciting an exciting opening speech, introduced the three judges and mentors of this talent show one by one—Qiao Tan, Song Tang, and Jin Zhiyao.

Once the three took their seats, the applause gradually subsided. Xi Lin asked, “As we all know, this elimination round is the first competition after the auditions. So, mentors, do you see any changes in your students compared to the preliminary selection?”

Song Tang was the first to speak, “I think they have all become more mature. Through mutual learning and competition, they have identified their shortcomings and continued to grow. Moreover, living together as a group has taught them the importance of teamwork. I believe that’s a precious thing.”

Qiao Tan chuckled, “Song Teacher, are you being too official right from the start?”

Song Tang couldn’t hold back a snicker, “Well then, let’s hear it from Qiao Teacher.”

Qiao Tan said, “I think the students have become more diverse.”

“More diverse?”

“Yes,” Qiao Tan said, “Each of them has developed more of their own unique qualities, so I have more students now.”

Song Tang nodded and led the applause, “Well said!”

Xi Lin asked, “What about Jin Teacher?”

Jin Zhiyao raised her hand and tugged at the stray hairs near her ear, smiling brightly. “They have become more mature, both in terms of skills and mentality. They have improved significantly since the preliminary selection.”

“Alright,” Xi Lin resumed the conversation and turned towards the camera, “Since our three mentors are all satisfied with the performances of their students, let’s test the results together! First, please welcome contestant number one, Nan Minshan—”

As the words fell, the stage lights went out.

A few seconds later, a beam of light descended from above with a “whoosh,” the music exploded, and Nan Minshan stood in the center of the spotlight on the stage. With the music playing, he suddenly looked up, and the lights above illuminated his eyes and brows. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

The barrage of comments in the live chat went wild:

“Ah, it’s starting!!”

“I’m done, I’m done!”

The stage was filled with dazzling starlight, and the powerful vocals reached the backstage. Huang Jianing was getting ready, moving his hands and feet. Standing beside him was Zhou Shubai, who was scheduled to perform seventeenth but seemed even more nervous than Huang Jianing.

Rong Yuheng lovingly held him, his warm arms gently encircling him, as if comforting a 200-pound child.

“Shubai, don’t be afraid. Worst case, we’ll just go home~”

Zhou Shubai whimpered, “Wuwuwu…”

Huang Jianing’s breath hitched, “You sound like you’re threatening him.”

Rong Yuheng remained oblivious, continuing to soothe the young master’s fragile heart in his unique way.

After two rounds of performances, Huang Jianing took the stage immediately. One could feel his high popularity, as the screams from the audience in the front row pierced through to the backstage.

They also pierced through Zhou Shubai’s trembling heart.

He repeatedly confirmed with Rong Yuheng, “Will I be ridiculed?”

Rong Yuheng spoke sincerely, “I will bear the brunt of being laughed at first”

Recalling the content of their rehearsals, Zhou Shubai was instantly convinced. He regained his composure and said, “I’ll go practice some more.”

“You go ahead.”

After Zhou Shubai left, Rong Yuheng sat bored in his seat, playing with his phone. He swiped through social media and suddenly paused on the name “Wen Zhecheng.”

Rong Yuheng thought for a moment and decided to open the chat window to send a message.

【Rong Yuheng】: Teacher Wen, are you coming to the venue today?

Surprisingly, Wen Zhecheng replied quickly, even though he wasn’t doing anything particular.

【Wen Zhecheng】: No.

Rong Yuheng felt a tinge of regret for him and could only offer some words of comfort:

【Rong Yuheng】: Well, life always leaves some regrets.

【Wen Zhecheng】: …I can watch the playback.

【Rong Yuheng】: ?? Can you really watch it? [Otter rubbing face.jpg]

On the other end of the phone, Wen Zhecheng stared at the otter rubbing its face and a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth. A staff member not far away called out to him, “Zhecheng! The equipment is ready. It’s your turn!”

Wen Zhecheng quickly replied and put down his phone, walking over.

Meanwhile, Rong Yuheng was squatting backstage when his phone vibrated. A bubble popped up next to Wen Zhecheng’s upright ID photo.

【Wen Zhecheng】: I’m looking forward to it. Good luck. [Otter rubbing face.jpg]-

At the headquarters of the Rong Group, Rong Congyan once again dismissed the insignificant tool, Secretary Shen, and sat upright behind his solid wood desk to watch the live broadcast of “Ace Star” elimination round.

More than ten contestants had already performed, and the passionate screams in the live chat never ceased:

“Zou Yi is the most handsome, sister loves him the most! Ahhh!”

“Jianing’s dance is not just a dance; it’s a beating drum on my heart!”

“Tang Tang, fly freely! Tang Bao, always together! Pick Tang Tang for me!!!”

…

As Rong Congyan anxiously awaited the start, a line of text finally scrolled across the big screen:

“Next contestant: Rong Yuheng.”

– Number 13, Rong Yuheng.

Rong Congyan immediately sat upright, taking a sip of his slightly cold coffee to refresh himself.

The lights on the stage instantly went out. Rows of bullet comments slowly slid across the dark screen:

“He’s here…”

“The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived”…

Suddenly, a rapid drumbeat sounded, followed by the familiar electronic instruments—Rong Congyan’s heart skipped a beat! He felt that the opening of this performance was oddly familiar; he used to hear it frequently when passing by Rong Yuheng’s bedroom.

As if to confirm his speculation, the stage lights “swished” open, and Rong Yuheng, wearing glasses and a school uniform, stood shining at the center of the stage!

He looked through the lenses towards the camera, pushing up his glasses frame with his hand. A mole near his eye corner glistened, and he elegantly began:

Standup！（站起来）

颜上げな视界夺う忧郁を

Lift up the melancholy that clouds your view

优雅にさばいて

Gracefully handle it.

ほらbreakfast～（早餐）

Here comes breakfast~

ナイフandフォークで平げる

Smoothly level it with a knife and fork.

All right——（好的）

いざなえGracefulなlife！

Now, invite a graceful life!

For a moment, the bullet comments fell silent and then erupted:

“Oh my god!!! I’m Sakamoto, pleased to meet you!?”

“Oh my goodness, hahahaha!!”

“Ah, AAAAA, the king of coolness has arrived!!”

“Is my anime soul finally awakening??”

At the moment Rong Yuheng started speaking, Rong Congyan’s head was buzzing!

No wonder it sounded so familiar! Rong Yuheng had been binge-watching anime during that period!

On the stage, after striking several poses full of attitude, Rong Yuheng extended his arms straight and diagonally upward, while his lower body took a bowing stance.

Somehow, he began to drift sideways on the stage!

Meanwhile, his gaze remained aloof and icy, radiating with wisdom.

さあ、it’sshowtime

“Now, it’s showtime.”

见开いて逸らすな目を

Do not avoid your eyes when you see it open.

眩しく孤高のニューワールド

“Dazzling and solitary New World”

Yeahyeahブレるな～

“Don’t waver, yeah yeah”

“Hey boys!”

あふれ出す想い己つらぬけよ

“Let your overflowing emotions break through yourself.”

スペシャルをプレゼント

“Special gift”

行こうぜgoありのままで

“Let’s go, go as we are.”

“Just go from here and stay true to yourself”

Breakout! (Break it all)

岚起こせおもてなす

“Raise the storm and welcome”

お前连れてくheavenへ

“Take you with me to heaven”

……

After smoothly drifting back and forth several times, Rong Yuheng returned to the center of the stage, singing loudly while jumping from side to side:

“Oh～yeahyeah！ビビるな（不必畏惧）——”

“Oh yeah yeah! Don’t be afraid.”

 

Comments:

“Wow, hahaha! Jumping left and right!”

“Amazing performance!! I love it!”

“Oh yeah yeah!!!”

“Everyone, stand up and witness the King of Cool!”

Watching the screen, Rong Congyan, “… ” I want to die.

Today, Rong Tianshen had to convene a board meeting and came to the company for a rare visit. As soon as he stepped upstairs, he ran into Rong ‘s personal secretary, Xiaoshen. Rong Tianshen furrowed his brows and called out,

“Xiaoshen, what are you doing here wandering around? Congyan might need you at any moment!”

When Rong Tianshen glared at someone, his imposing manner was evident. Xiaoshen felt wronged, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“CEO Rong, it was CEO XiaoRong who asked me not to disturb him.”

Rong Tianshen asked, “What is he busy with?”

Xiaoshen weighed the options between immediate execution and a reprieve, and ultimately chose the latter. “Young CEO Rong seems to be… watching variety shows.”

Rong Tianshen, “?”

Rong Yuheng’s performance ended, and the entire venue was buzzing with excitement! About half of the audience in the stands had some experience or connection with the anime and manga community. Some hardcore fans even stood up from their seats, waving their hands and calling out.

The scene briefly turned into a gathering of hardcore fans.

The barrage of comments on the screen was filled with “Vote for him!” and “Pick, pick!” Rong Congyan also pinched the mouse and started fiddling with it:

“Where was the voting again?”

Just then, the office door suddenly “clang” opened. Rong Congyan was startled, about to raise his head to scold, but then he saw his father walking in with big strides.

Rong Congyan, “…”

Rong Tianshen took a few steps and stood in front of him, his face emanating anger and authority. “I entrusted the company to you so you could pursue variety shows?”

Rong Congyan’s heart choked, and his thoughts raced to filter out the best response.

“Dad, it’s Xiao Heng who participated in the variety show.”

Rong Congyan turned the screen towards his father. “Xiao Heng is struggling out there all alone. If he gets eliminated, he’ll really suffer. As his older brother, I must support him.”

Rong Tianshen stared at the screen, not uttering a word, clenching his jaws tightly.

His chest heaved a few times, and after a while, he spoke in a cold and firm tone.

“Selling smiles and singing, what kind of future is there in that? I don’t have a son as stubborn as him.”

Rong Congyan knew well that his father often made harsh remarks, so he remained silent and quietly turned the computer back, ready to vote.

While he was fiddling with it, he caught a glimpse of Rong Tianshen sneaking glances from the side. Rong Tianshen glanced a few times, then took out his phone, deliberately speaking to himself.

“Let me check the news from the board meeting.”

Rong Congyan fumbled for a moment, quickly finished voting, and turned his head to see Rong Tianshen still busy with his phone.

He remained silent for two seconds before speaking softly, “Lime TV, ‘Ace Creator,’ there’s a voting channel in the upper right corner.”

Rong Tianshen paused for a moment, “…”

Rong Tianshen, “Oh.”

Author’s Note:

Rong Congyan sends a team invitation: Shall we chase variety shows together?

The song Rong Yuheng sings is the opening theme of “Sakamoto desu ga?” called “Coolest“.

If you’re interested, you can listen to the music while reading.