Taking advantage of the moment when Qin Wei finished singing a song and the number of people watching the livestream increased, Xu Mingchuan hinted that she should give away presents.
But she didn't seem willing to do so, changing the topic:
"What other benefits do you guys want? Tell me."
Live chat comments -
【Call Jiao Sixiao and chat with her without telling her you're livestreaming, put it on speaker for us to hear】
【Agree!】
【+1008611】
...
Qin Wei laughed coldly and directly rejected:
"Don't even think about it."
A staff member timely reminded:
"Weiwei, the boss wants you to give away prizes to everyone."
Qin Wei hesitated for a moment, asked her assistant for her phone, and opened her contacts:
"Then I'll bother Teacher Jiao again..."
Live comments -
【?What is she going to give that she's so reluctant??】
【I'm curious too, is her boss going to give us her house?】
Qin Wei dialed the call and turned on the speaker.
Beep -
"Hello—"
Jiao Sixiao's voice came from the other end.
Qin Wei:
"Hello Teacher Jiao, sorry to disturb you."
Jiao Sixiao:
"What's wrong with you? Something happened?"
Qin Wei replied:
"Nothing really, just wanted to call you and give you my most sincere blessings."
【I feel Teacher Jiao will get angry...】
【I don't think Teacher Jiao will get that angry, but she'll definitely scold...】
【Like curse words】
Jiao Sixiao was silent for a moment, then said:
"Go ahead then, I'm listening."
Qin Wei opened WeChat group [xxx Community Retired Workers Group], then read Aunt Li's WeChat message out loud for Jiao Sixiao to hear:
"Good evening, sending you my warm regards to wash away your tiredness from the day, hope tomorrow will be even better!"
【My mom sends stuff like this to [Happy Family] everyday】
【My aunt sends stuff like this to [Loving Family] everyday】
【For the previous one, I feel like your aunt might be my mom...】
"Thanks."
Jiao Sixiao only responded with two words, then hung up.
Beep beep beep -
Qin Wei looked at the camera lens, helplessly.
This time, Xu Mingchuan directly told her:
"Qin Wei, give away presents to everyone."
Qin Wei frowned.
The staff brought the present out to her - it was a 27cm tall authentic licensed Strawberry Bear figurine, limited edition pink electroplating. (Don't look it up, I made it up)
Under the bear's feet there was a code, it was globally limited to 1000 pieces.
Qin Wei held it and kept feeling it.
Live comments -
【No wonder she's reluctant, it's her favorite】
【Haha E'lu is hugging the bear and won't let go of it】
【I can tell from her expression, it's sis E'lu's most beloved bear! Just don't do the giveaway, give it directly to her la】
【I'll take it if I win, if the child likes it then she has to own it!】
【Damn, where can I buy this? I'll get one for my kid too, feel bad for my own kid】
The live comments said don't do the giveaway, just give it to Qin Wei.
"The giveaway still has to happen."
After struggling psychologically, Qin Wei still decided to reluctantly let go,
"But...you guys have to promise me one condition..."
As Qin Wei spoke, Li Yao and Xu Mingchuan's smiles also gradually froze.
...
The next morning, taking the shuttle back to the show venue, the other artists also gradually returned.
Although there were still conflicts between the artists and production team, as long as they didn't quit, they still had to continue filming the show.
And the Fourth Performance had been delayed too long. The production team had only told the public it was due to format adjustments, and released many behind-the-scenes clips to placate viewers, but this wasn't a long-term solution. If it dragged on for too long, viewers might lose interest and stop following.
After much coordination, filming resumed.
Having been away for just a few days, returning to the dorms felt to Qin Wei like she had been away for years.
After a brief rest, everyone else also arrived. With no need to say excess words, the only thing left to face was the Performance.
In the practice room they continued training. During breaks, Qin Wei wanted to chat with the director, but the director made an excuse to slip away first, not even giving her a chance to meet.
"There are some things a director alone can't guarantee."
On the way back to the practice room, she encountered Gu Minghua. That's what he said.
Qin Wei looked up at him. He revealed a gentle smile:
"Let's go, to the piano room. There's a tune I want you to listen to."
...
After Gu Minghua finished speaking, he pushed open the door to the piano room. It was the same room where she had run into him last time. He walked in and sat at the piano bench, flipped open the fallboard, and started playing.
His fingertips danced across the black and white piano keys, outlining a beautiful scene.
It was <i>Dreams in the Snow</i>.
It wasn't the medieval Western classical music he loved. This piece had been composed just a few decades ago. The music depicted snow scenery in early spring - the lingering chill of winter yet to recede, but the breath of spring already concealed within the snow.
Serene and pure, yet brimming with vitality.
Under his interpretation the whole piece was gentle yet powerful.
Qin Wei stood to the side quietly listening. For that moment she even forgot all her worries, at least.
As the final note rang out, the music stopped. Qin Wei applauded for him.
Gu Minghua looked up at her and bowed his head slightly in thanks.
"<i>Dreams in the Snow</i>."
Gu Minghua said,
"This piece reminds me of clean, pure snow - the same as music.
Miss Qin, the production team acts for profit, we live in this mundane world and can't avoid vulgarity either. Even so, the stage must remain pure."
Qin Wei could tell Gu Minghua was persuading her not to care about the production team's disorderly business, to just focus on performing well on stage. But due to his limited language expression ability, without context his words were simply incomprehensible.
Qin Wei smiled at him to let him know she "understood".
Gu Minghua didn't doubt her response at all, and revealed his usual gentle smile.
...
With most artists acquiescing and returning, the filming date for the Fourth Performance was set for three days later. Training had been delayed due to some matters in the interim, but since everyone was back, the artists also brought their professional work ethic, seizing every minute to train.
It felt just like when they had first joined the competition.
Qin Wei also regained her drive, arriving early every morning to start practicing dance moves. By noon at 12 pm sharp she would rush to the cafeteria to eat.
Sun Tiantian had wanted to go with her but couldn't keep up with her speed, only able to sigh emotionally as she watched Qin Wei's disappearing back that her daughter still hadn't changed on this point - no matter how busy, she would always squeeze out time to eat...
Wait!
How did she start unconsciously being a mother again???
...
Qin Wei ordered a salad and small plate of boiled chicken breast, finding a table in the corner to sit down and enjoy her lunch...
A sudden whiff of fragrance entered her nose. Qin Wei couldn't help swallowing.
It was...
"Xiao Huntun pancakes^..."
She could smell with her true love nose that it was the chef's xiao huntun pancakes!!!
"Eat up."
That mouthwatering aroma drew closer, and the white porcelain bowl was placed on the table in front of her.
Glancing up, it was Teacher Jiao.
"Weren't you the one who said to restrain eating before performances?"
Qin Wei spoke while still salivating.
It really wasn't lack of restraint, just the aroma stimulating her taste buds.
"It's tiring training, I asked the chef to make half a bowl. Just eat what you should."
Jiao Sixiao said to her.
A warmth surged in her heart. It was nice having a friend like this.
"To ask which parent doesn't dote on their precious eldest child?"
Jiao Sixiao added another sentence.
The smiles disappeared from some people's faces.
