The Most Popular Comedian

Chapter 37

In the silent atmosphere, Wen Zhecheng was still trying to negotiate for himself, saying, “I’ll just watch for ten minutes.”

Qu Youhe was speechless. He had already seen through it. Every time Wen Zhecheng wanted to do something but knew it was not appropriate, he would try to bargain, saying things like “I’ll just watch a little,” “It will be quick,” “Just a little bit…”

Qu Youhe searched for clues in his mind and after a moment, he squinted his eyes. “The final of ‘Ace Star’?”

Wen Zhecheng hesitated for two seconds and then nodded seriously. “Yes, I am also a mentor.”

Qu Youhe chuckled. He was the exclusive mentor of Rong Yuheng.

Director Long Zheng had already called out, “Is Wen Laoshi ready?”

Qu Youhe turned his head and said, “The final doesn’t start for another twenty minutes. If you can finish shooting this scene, the next scene is Rong Yuheng’s. It should be enough time for you to watch that.”

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhecheng stood up abruptly, his whole demeanor changed, even forgetting his previous disguise.

He walked towards Long Zheng with big strides. “We can finish shooting this scene in twenty minutes. It’s enough time.”

…

Meanwhile, Rong Yuheng, who was at the TV station, had no idea about the transformation happening with Wen Zhecheng.

At 7:30 p.m., the stage lights illuminated the whole venue. Amidst cheers and applause, the three mentors took the stage one by one. The background music started, and the stage was filled with starlight.

Host Xi Lin stood on the stage and with an enthusiastic tone, opened the curtain for this final showdown. Lime TV’s online live channel was already open, and the barrage of comments with different fan colors floated across the screen.

The opening performance was a dance and song routine brought by the three mentors. Jin Zhiyao was at the peak of her career, exuding radiant charm.

Although Song Tang and Qiao Tan were already past their youth, their stage presence remained as strong as ever.

The atmosphere in the venue was instantly ignited, creating a hot atmosphere. The soundwaves reached backstage, and Rong Yuheng swayed along with the music, saying, “Oh~ Oh~ yeah~”

His teammates, Pu Zaixi and Shan Qi, were astonished. One covered his ears, and the other covered his mouth, saying, “Don’t get too carried away. Think about your own performance in your mind.”

With his mouth and ears covered, Rong Yuheng felt his soul being confined. He twisted around in place, resembling a stubborn bug, expressing strong protest.

Wang Wenge from the neighboring team saw this and snorted. “With this state, you dare to participate in the final.”

Huang Jianing glanced at him unhappily, but they were about to go on stage as the first group. It was unwise to have a dispute at this moment.

Rong Yuheng didn’t pay much attention to it. After being freed from his restraints, he wiggled his buttocks at Wang Wenge and said, “You’re not good enough, you’re not energetic.”

Immediately, Yu Fu, who was in front, turned sensitively and asked, “Who’s not good enough?”

Rong Yuheng reassured him, “It’s not about you this time.”

“…”

After the mentors’ lively performance, it was Huang Jianing’s group, the first group, to perform.

Huang Jianing’s group prepared a Korean-style group performance. With electronic music, metallic lights, and a powerful rhythm, the silver light on the back pillars flickered, and the five figures on the stage appeared tall and slender. As soon as they took the stage, it triggered cheers and screams throughout the venue!

The barrage in the live chat exploded, and the groundhog’s cries merged into one:

– Ahhhhh, Mom loves you, Jianing baby!!

– Tang Tang will debut tonight!! Charge ahhhhhh…!

– So powerful!

…

In front of the screen, the Rong father and son were also waiting.

Rong Tianshen still had a stern face and stared at the screen unhappily.

“Why isn’t he in the first group? He’s not proactive at all. What is he doing in the entertainment industry?”

Rong Congyan saw through his father’s hidden expectations and explained calmly, “It’s the arrangement of the program group.”

Rong Tianshen snorted.

The first group’s performance took the stage amidst the uproar and ended with a brilliant display of fireworks.

The lights dimmed, and the atmosphere gradually calmed down. The screen in the live chat also plunged into darkness.

The second group featured Shan Qi and Rong Yuheng. These two had always maintained a high level of popularity. Therefore, during this waiting period, the barrage was even more enthusiastic than before:

– Shan Qi, invincible in every aspect!

– Tango and beautiful vocals, the treasure boy is here!

– Moon pulls the tide Pu Zaixi won’t move!

– Rising star, I pick you, Rong!

…

Rong Tianshen’s gaze became focused, and he said in a deep voice, “Someone stole my lines.”

Rong Congyan replied, “When support slogans are spoken out, they become public.”

Before Rong Tianshen could voice his resistance again, the screen suddenly lit up with a “swish” sound.

A melodious ancient string music broke the silence, followed by powerful drumbeats!

On the background screen, there were swirling yellow dust and a battlefield scene. In the center of the stage, five figures in long robes and armor were illuminated by the light coming from behind.

The fast-paced ancient melody opened the curtain of a chaotic era. The five people on stage followed the beat, stretching their arms and lifting their heads. The close-up shots swept across their determined yet youthful faces, as if transporting everyone back to a battlefield filled with gunpowder smoke.

Marching in formation, wielding weapons, thousands of soldiers competing, ruling the world.

The C-position at the beginning was Shan Qi, with a slightly hoarse male voice, wild and fierce:

“Under the iron hooves of mountains and seas, flipping hands to turn rain, crossing the yellow sands, The white-clad Qingxiang, thanked the romantic flowers—”

In the next second, the formation changed, and Rong Yuheng stepped forward from behind him.

The dark red robe contrasted with his fair face. Rong Yuheng’s peach blossom eyes directly shot towards the camera, exuding a bit of arrogance and fierceness:

“Burying the country under raging flames, hometown’s green mountains exchange glances,

Ten years of a grand dream, love and hate shattering the floating tower—”

His voice was clear and pure, mixed with a touch of bright and rich vocal resonance, giving a sense of nobility and royalty wearing armor.

The barrage went crazy instantly:

– What the heck! Is this my Rong Goose??!?

– What just happened? Rong Rong suddenly became so cool!

– I’m sorry, I’m betraying! I’m changing from a mom fan to a girlfriend fan!

– Who is this young general, little prince Rong? I want to be Rong’s princess!

…

Rong Congyan was also going crazy. He had specifically learned about anime chants, but now he couldn’t use it.

On the screen, the formation on the stage changed once again.

The last line before the chorus was ignited by Pu Zaixi, and Nan Minshan and Yu Fu stepped forward at the same time, gripping the microphone and opening their voices, pushing the already intense atmosphere to the pinnacle of the entire performance:

“At that time, using ink as dust, now the fires of war and drums shake the stars,

How many fallen souls have been killed by the three-foot green sword…!”

The entire venue waved their hands and screamed: Ahhhhhhhhh!!!

“The raven fears not the cold pond, I’m not afraid of the bloodstained red attire,

In exchange for fame and dominance, reigning over the city!”

…

The stage lights flickered and changed, and the performance progressed to the second chorus. The screen behind them displayed a sky ablaze with war.

During the exchange of soldiers and horses, amidst the clash of swords and spears, two generals made a swift thrust with their horses. On the stage, Rong Yuheng and Shan Qi suddenly closed in and then swiftly moved apart again. The red robes drew a blood-like streak, perfectly aligning with the background scene.

Before the audience could even scream, the accompaniment suddenly quieted down, and there was a moment of silence in the live venue.

Suddenly, Shan Qi grabbed Rong Yuheng’s waist and lifted him into the air. The voices of the two intertwined:

“The raven fears not the cold pond, I’m not afraid of the bloodstained red attire—

In exchange for fame and dominance, reigning over the city!”

Both the barrage and the live audience exploded with excitement after a brief moment of silence:

“Holy cow, holy cow, holy cow!!”

“So cool, Shan Qi is on fire!”

“I actually imagined a scene of the two generals in enemy countries… Is anyone else

hooked?”

“Rong Goose’s waist, ahhh! It could also be a double king in front!”

In the midst of the uproar, a barrage suddenly appeared:

“No!! Little brother Rong Yuheng is beautiful on his own!!”

“People in the barrage: Wow… seems like a young and dedicated fan!”

In front of the screen, Wen Zhecheng had no idea that he had been labeled as a “young and dedicated fan.” Right now, he just felt annoyed:

After finally finishing shooting and rushing to watch the live broadcast, the first thing he saw was “Our Rong Goose” and “I’m Rong’s Queen”…

That was one thing, he could still understand the existence of “girlfriend fans.” But now, why were they creating a “double king and double general” CP!

Wasn’t it just lifting a waist? When he and Rong Yuheng danced the tango, why didn’t anyone ship them as a CP?

Wen Zhecheng glanced at Qu Youhe beside him, secretly propped up his phone screen, and started imitating the tone of fangirls in the fan circle:

“Rong Rong has also danced with Teacher Wen. Is there no one shipping this~”

After sending the message, there was a quick response in the barrage:

“Sisters in the front, please don’t bring this up here, stop being delusional.”

“I’m also a fan of Zhecheng… but can’t we not do this at a time like this?”

“We, the Thousand-Layer Girls, won’t take responsibility for this! Please don’t bring any trouble to Zhecheng in the front.”

Wen Zhecheng, who suddenly brought trouble upon himself,”…”

He never expected that after so many years in the industry, there would come a day when his own fans would diss him.

…

The performance of the second group came to a close with a soaring finale. Even after the lights dimmed, the audience could still feel the lingering echoes in their ears.

It was a highly successful stage performance.

After Rong Yuheng and the others left the stage, their hearts were still pounding. Their emotions had completely been unleashed, and sweat dripped down their foreheads, even forming droplets on their eyelashes.

The performance of the third group was going to be much milder. As the final act to conclude the competition, the atmosphere was lively and joyful, compared to the previous intense and climactic performances.

Bian Chen was also part of the third group, and Rong Yuheng couldn’t imagine the spectacle that would be created when the former bounced and laughed.

…

The performance of the third group came to an end with a cheerful melody, marking the end of the entire competition.

The online voting channels were closed, and the backstage data was being rapidly compiled.

All the contestants returned to the center of the stage to receive feedback from the three mentors.

Qiao Tan was the first to speak, “Today’s performances, to be honest, surprised me!”

He smiled and continued, “Especially some of the contestants who changed their usual styles, showing us more possibilities—like Bian Chen.”

As soon as Qiao Tan finished speaking, laughter filled the stage. “Hahaha…”

Rong Yuheng laughed along with the crowd: “kekekeke…”

Qiao Tan continued, “And Rong Yuheng, I never expected you to follow the conventional route and not deviate from it.”

The laughter on the stage grew even louder. “Hahahaha!”

Rong Yuheng’s smile disappeared. “…”

Jin Zhiyao was the second to speak. She said, “Shan Qi, Jianing, you both performed consistently as always! Tang Ji has made tremendous progress, and I’ve seen your efforts!”

Song Tang said, “I think Zou Yi had an exceptional performance. He completely let go and was in great form!”

As each contestant received feedback, the data backstage was also compiled. Xi Lin walked up holding a cue card, bringing the final list of debutants.

When he stepped on stage, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Rong Yuheng. When their eyes met, Xi Lin smiled imperceptibly.

Rong Yuheng was taken aback.

The live broadcast room was already about to explode, with overwhelming support messages flooding in, adding to the momentum of their chosen idols.

After Xi Lin delivered the introductory speech as usual, he picked up the results in his hand and slowed down his speech.

“Now, I announce the names of the top six contestants based on the vote count—”

“Sixth place, Zou Yi!”

“Fifth place, Bian Chen!”

“Fourth place, Tang Ji!”

“Third place…” Xi Lin suddenly smiled, “Rong Yuheng!”

Rong Yuheng’s eyes brightened, his lips curled up, and his clear eyes and red lips swept across the screen, causing another wave of screams in the live broadcast room.

“Second place, Huang Jia Ning!”

“And the first place is… Shan Qi!”

Xi Lin announced, and with arms wide open, he gestured towards the contestants in the field, “Congratulations, tonight, you debut as a group!”

The entire venue erupted with shouts and cheers: “Ahhhhhhhhh!”

Golden fireworks scattered in the air, and golden glitter burst around the stage. The members on stage embraced each other, and applause thundered through the audience seats.

Amidst laughter and tears, the selection show of Ace Star officially came to an end, and from then on, each would embark on their own paths, going their separate ways in different corners of the entertainment industry.

Whether they debuted or not, the contestants couldn’t calm their restless hearts at this moment.

Especially Rong Yuheng, whose tear ducts were easily triggered. He was now leaning on Zhou Shubai’s shoulder, crying with tears streaming down his face. His nasal mucus swayed in the air, reflecting the sparkling light of the fireworks, making it particularly eye-catching.

As the camera swept across, the live broadcast room, which was a mix of laughter and crying, instantly turned into an ocean of joy:

“Hahahahahaha…”

“Hahahaha, Rong Rong, wipe your nose quickly!”

“Oh my, does Xiaobai know that his egg peeling machine is hanging boogers behind him?”

“Hahahaha, now that you mention it, it’s a bit out of place… Not to criticize, Rong Rong is very cute, but he’s really not in line with the idol image.”

“I actually became a fan of Rong Rong with the idea of watching crosstalk.”

“Me too, I…”

“I joined halfway through. I started following after watching ‘Treasure Hunt Contest.’ I thought he was a comedian./doge”

“Hahahahaha, a comedian! That suddenly makes sense!”

“A comedian!!! This positioning is perfect, Rong Rong is definitely a comedian!”

“Congratulations to Rong Rong, the comedian, on his debut!”

“Rong Rong, the comedian, has debuted! Accompanying Rong Yuheng on his path!”

Amidst the support messages flooding the live broadcast room, the members of STAR-T, the idol boy group, collectively waved and greeted the camera, basking in the sea of well-wishes from their fans.

And amidst it all, Rong Yuheng, waving his hand like a blossoming flower, had no idea that he had already been sent off to debut by his own fans, carrying the identity of a comedian.

Author’s note: The only consensus at the moment—

Wen Zhecheng: This is the most challenging group of fans I have ever dealt with!

Rong Yuheng: Same here!