The interactions came one after another in waves, and because the young ladies were all very open to joking around, the atmosphere on set kept getting more and more lively. But happy times always pass quickly. The host Yang Xiaoxiao received an envelope passed to her by a staff member and said to the audience:
"It's now time to announce the results that everyone has been anticipating, yet dreading to part with. But time does not flow backwards, we must strive ahead boldly. Every step we take with effort counts!"
"Next, I will announce the results to everyone..."
The cheerfulness from the interactions earlier dissipated, and everyone held their breath waiting.
"The overall rankings by class for the group performances: Sixth place, Group E. Fifth place, Group F. Fourth place, Group C. Third place, Group B. Second place, Group A. First place, our Group D!!!"
Qin Wei stood up and applauded loudly, not stingy at all with her cheers. Everything had come so painstakingly, their hard work was now rewarded!
"The rankings by small group performances within each class...
Fourth place, Group D's 'You Are My Answer'. Third place, Group D's 'Memories'. Second place, Group A's 'A Distant Road'. First place, Group A's 'Snowy Mountains and Rivers'!"
The first place went to the small group performance Qiao Sixiao was in. Qin Wei had watched their entire performance backstage, and it was wonderful from start to finish, truly well-deserved.
Qiao Sixiao's dance skills were unparalleled, even in Qin Wei's professional judgement. So she sincerely acknowledged their win.
Qin Wei's own rap part did not fail either, that went so well! She must continue to improve her rapping skills in the future!
"The overall individual rankings...
Sixth place, Group F. Fifth place, Group E. Fourth place, Group C. Third place, Group B. Second place, Group A. First place, Group D!"
Sun Tiantian hugged Qin Wei tightly in tears, never expecting they could get first place. It was so difficult!
While Qin Wei could only think about finally getting two days of rest after the second round of performances...
After getting off stage, Qin Wei had only taken a few steps when she was grabbed from behind by the neck and pulled into an embrace.
"Not bad, taking first place."
Qin Wei looked up to see Qiao Sixiao, a bit surprised to run into her.
Now was Qin Wei's chance!
Qin Wei grinned cheekily:
"Qiao Sixiao, you took first place this time, didn't you?"
Finally it was her turn to gloat a little!
Five minutes later, in the conference room with everyone gathered.
The screen showed the individual popularity ranking, with Qiao Sixiao in first place.
Qin Wei secretly turned to glance at her, but was caught red-handed.
Qiao Sixiao stood on a higher step with arms crossed, looking down condescendingly with raised brows:
"What, does eleventh-place Qin Wei have something to say?"
Qin Wei: "......"
Ten more would be eliminated in this round of competition, unlike the rules last time. Even harsher this time, only the first place was safe, while a different number would be cut from the rest of the five groups.
Still ten eliminated in total across the classes, the second and third place would each eliminate one trainee, fourth place eliminating two, fifth and sixth place eliminating three trainees each.
The audience's preferences were clear enough after two rounds of performances. The trainees lacking in popularity and ranked too low naturally lacked appeal. The show's rules were made with considerations for viewership, clicks and engagement.
Among the elimination list were Yao Ying and Lin Qiqi.
A flashy entrance but quiet departure was the way of competitions.
Yao Ying walked out of the TV station, surprised to see Qin Wei waiting by the entrance.
"You're not going for interviews?"
Yao Ying felt a bit surprised seeing her, after all she was a nobody.
"Let the interviews wait. Sending off a roommate is more important now."
Qin Wei spread her arms to hug Yao Ying:
"There are revival rounds later, you must come back if there's a chance."
"Mm..."
Yao Ying nodded with reddened eyes.
Partings always make one sad...
After seeing her off into the car with waving goodbye, Qin Wei also felt her eyes grow hot.
Looking up to the moon in the sky...
Behind her came the sound of high heels, Qin Wei turned to see Lin Qiqi.
"Going back?"
Qin Wei asked naturally.
Her tone was calm and indifferent, with no schadenfreude. Lin Qiqi was a bit surprised, but still nodded.
She had reached the end of her road here.
"Focus on acting, let go of utilitarian motivations. The path grows narrow but doesn't disappear. I don't know what else to say, just do your best from here on."
Qin Wei held out a hand to Lin Qiqi as she spoke.
After a long while, Lin Qiqi still did not take her hand.
"Qin Wei, being too good in this industry will invite retribution."
Qin Wei did not understand what she meant.
She laughed helplessly twice, and Lin Qiqi shook her head again before getting in the car to leave.
Qin Wei sighed. At this time with everyone gone, the rare peace and quiet made her want to linger a little longer downstairs.
Qiao Sixiao walked to stand beside her and asked:
"Lin Qiqi got eliminated but you don't mock her a little? If it were me I'd definitely trash talk her badly."
Qin Wei spread her hands:
"She already got eliminated, no need to go that far! I never want conflict with others. You can call me a coward or an idiot, but this is just..."
"Warrior goddess Qin Wei."
"Stop giving me weird nicknames!!!"
Qiao Sixiao was already a bit taller than her, and standing a step higher now looked down at Qin Wei condescendingly, patting her head lightly:
"Forget it, I shouldn't ask you to be nasty and aggressive like before. I didn't even like you at all back then.
But seeing how timid and weak you are now, it makes me feel... oh well, no need to get tangled up playing mental games. Just protect yourself when facing real ethical issues, don't let anyone easily bully you aside from me."
Qin Wei gritted her teeth:
"Eliminated? How funny. Our class took first place overall, the one who can't be eliminated is you!"
After horsing around for a bit, the two still had to go upstairs for interviews. Qin Wei followed behind Qiao Sixiao up the stairs, but was grabbed by the wrist by a somewhat cold hand.
"Senior-apprentice sister."
"Youyou?"
Qin Wei turned back to see her, not knowing when Youyou had come downstairs and surprising Qin Wei with her sudden appearance.
Hearing them, Qiao Sixiao ahead also stopped and looked back at Qin Wei, then at the girl beside her.
Qin Wei pointed at Youyou and took the initiative to introduce her to Qiao Sixiao:
"This is my junior-apprentice sister Youyou, she's in the same group as me this time. She's an actress still in university."
This young girl caught Qiao Sixiao's attention for some reason.
"Youyou? From Kings Entertainment?"
Youyou did not deny it, and Qiao Sixiao's gaze now held some wariness.
"Qin Wei, we should go upstairs for interviews."
"Oh, alright."
Qin Wei responded and was about to go upstairs.
But Youyou did not let go, pleading softly:
"Senior-apprentice sister, give me one minute. I have something to tell you..."
Impatient voices came from Qiao Sixiao upstairs at the same time:
"Qin Wei, the elevator's here, what are you waiting for?"
Qin Wei called back:
"I'll come up in one minute!"
Then said to Youyou:
"What do you want to say, make it quick!"
