Chapter 49: Two Familiar Faces

The opening segment of the live show was captivating, utilizing the budget given with extreme efficiency. It truly showcases the director and coordinator's skills. The official audition process began after Zhang Yuan finished explaining the rules and giving his opening speech.

The stage was set with four streets, each filled with different styles of graffiti and Hip-Hop elements, representing the four coaches. Contestants stood on the edges of the streets, and after choosing their desired trainer to be assessed by, they would step onto the corresponding street for their evaluation. Each contestant had one minute to showcase their talent, and if the mentor thought they were good enough, they would toss a towel as a symbol of passing. However, the mentors also had the right to stop and eliminate contestants midway.

Generally speaking, many viewers believed that such an elimination would not happen. Even if there were valid reasons to do so, it would be too damaging to someone's pride to not let them finish their performance.

"Now, let's welcome our first contestant, AKA Great White Shark, a B-Boy from the northern capital of Beijing. His chosen celebrity trainer is Luo Shixiang."

The camera switched to the street where the Asian Dance King was stationed. Among the contestants, one stood out with a headscarf and long, messy braids, making gang-style hand gestures as he walked out, theatrically pretending to cut his head, revealing a set of sparkling gold teeth. "Yo, this is AKA Great White Shark. Once the mentor sees me, he'll be all over me like a knife finding its sheath."

The audience seating erupted with cheers and whistles.

However...

The opening was impressive, but it was short-lived.

After just thirty seconds, the contestant known as the knife, was halted and eliminated from the competition without even completing a full minute.

The numerous camera angles showed off every aspect of a contestant's skill, turning a simple elimination scene into a highlight by including reactions from the audience and the contestant's bewildered expression. With the addition of sound effects, they successfully created a burst of excitement.

The first contestant was eliminated!

Thanks to the live feed editor's work, the atmosphere exploded at that moment, and the camera switched to the other celebrity's streets.

At this point, including Song Ziyin's street, all the first contestants on each coach's street were eliminated, none making it through their full minute.

Although the mentors provided reasons for their eliminations, the atmosphere became serious and tense.

Many people began to realize that this wasn't just a variety show but a competition, a cruel one at that.

Throughout the show, many contestants held a somewhat dismissive attitude towards the celebrities, considering them merely as a means to attract attention and doubting their true abilities compared to professional dancers like themselves.

But after this wave of eliminations, the professionalism displayed by the trainers awakened many contestants, causing them to abandon their playful attitudes and take them more seriously.

"Tianyou doesn't disappoint; they didn't just pick a group of pretty faces," Miaoyi commented, expressing her admiration.

Indeed, those who have achieved great success and gained a large fan base naturally possess outstanding qualities.

The program gradually found its rhythm and showcased the professionalism of a specialized competition, revealing professional knowledge that the audience didn't previously know.

The audition process progressed rapidly, considering the large number of contestants and the disparity in skill levels. They couldn't afford to drag out the pace.

Of course, not all contestants were eliminated. Some talented individuals began to receive towels as a sign of passing. Occasionally, An Qiuying would grab Miaoyi's arm and ask for her opinion on certain contestants.

Miaoyi didn't have much to say, but seeing Qiuying's hopeful eyes, she reluctantly shared some non-expert insights.

Music was fine for her, but when it came to analyzing dance, she felt a bit out of her depth.

Miaoyi noticed that Qiuying became increasingly emotional due to the show's expansive influence as the competition progressed. Even some renowned dancers who held a significant position before the match had joined and were gradually making their appearances.

These contestants never failed to ignite the enthusiasm of the audience and the other participants. Starting from the middle stage, the first phase of the auditions had transformed into a showcase for the masters.

The amateur dancers with exceptional skills and the relatively unknown ones were left feeling miserable, completely unnoticed, and relegated to background roles. While many amateurs managed to receive towels, the cheers were far fewer.

However, the situation took a turn when the seventh dancer from Song Ziyin's street came on stage.

Especially for Miaoyi and Qiuying, who were watching at home, their astonishment at seeing this contestant exceeded their surprise at the beginning.

"Greetings, Captain Song Ziyin, esteemed audience, and fellow contestants. I am contestant number seven, Lin Ruofang. I specialize in Urban style and am an amateur choreographer from the Magic City, Shanghai."

Wearing a baseball cap with a brim and a hoop, his shoulder-length hair tied neatly in a short ponytail, Lin Ruofang had taken extreme care to ensure his looks were perfect. Dressed in a denim jacket, and denim jeans, he exuded an aura of a relaxed and sophisticated dancer. Miaoyi also recognized him as the class monitor, Lin Ruofang.

"Miaoyi, is that Lin... Lin... Lin Ruofang?" Qiuying quickly asked.

"It seems so... I guess?" Miaoyi was equally puzzled.

Miaoyi finally put the pieces together and found the answer to the long-standing question of why Lin Ruofang had been on an extended leave from school.

In contrast to his usual refined demeanor at school, an aura of confidence emanated from him while standing on the stage. His stance displayed power and grace.

"Very impactful for an amateur dancer." Tang Miaoyi couldn't help but sigh, entirely taken by surprise.

"Lin Ruofang is amazing." An Qiuying praised.

Miaoyi nodded. "Yes, he's very imposing."

Indeed, her classmate's ability to break through and enter the competition was not a coincidence or a stroke of luck. From that moment on, Miaoyi found herself genuinely interested in the show for the first time, sparked by her classmate's participation.

"Hello, contestant. You may begin your performance now," Song Ziyin nodded gently, signaling it was time to start. "DJ, please provide the beat."

"My choreography is titled 'In the Woods, Where the Fires Rage'" With the official start of the performance, the music began to play, and Lin Ruofang on stage closed his eyes...

...

The contest continued until all contestants had showcased their choreography to the best of their abilities. The coaches then distributed their remaining towels amongst the best of the remaining contestants who didn't receive one immediately.

The stream comments then took to online, where the well-known contestants were the talk of the internet.

Although in all the commotion, one previously unknown contestant was also discussed as a small community sharing video clips from the show soon formed...

In the clips, prominently displayed was the iconic street backdrop of "Street Dance of China," filled with elements of Hip-Hop culture. Lin Ruofang stood at the center, his eyes closed.

As the music started playing, unlike other contestants who typically chose electronic music or rap, Lin Ruofang surprised everyone by selecting a complex and rhythmically unpredictable piano piece. It was an unexpected highlight.

He was the first dancer to choose a classical piano track for his Urban choreography since the start of the show. It was a bold move, to say the least.

In the video, the crowd, as well as the contestants, erupted with exclamations of astonishment. Even Song Ziyin couldn't help but feel a bright spark in her eyes. They were all amazed by this unexpected twist.

Lin Ruofang's timing was impeccable, and his dance moves were remarkably fluid and challenging. They had a touch of freestyle elements, perfectly complementing his suave fashion sense.

The comments section of the video was already flooded with enthusiastic praise.

"+1+1+1."

"Damn, this dude is amazing. Dancing to this kind of pretentious music, and yet there's no sense of dissonance. It's incredible."

"I'm impressed you know the word Pretentious lol."

"His foundation is terrifying. He must have been dancing for many years to achieve this level."

"I'm from Shanghai, and I swear he's my classmate! I guarantee on my life that it's him. If I'm wrong, I'll immediately cut off my... well, I'll keep my promise!"

"Wow, bro, you're so straightforward. I support you!"

"I'm becoming a fan. He's a true master. I've never heard of him in the dance community before."

"I think he's just okay."

"↑ My guy, do you have eyes? If you think you can do better, why don't you participate? ↑"

"I couldn't find the background music. He must have made it himself. Impressive."

"Lin Ruofang, 'In the Woods, Where the Fires Rage,' Someone clip this."

"I think I'm in love."

"I want him to beat me up!"

"I want him to pound me."

"Whoa, my dude. That's a bit sus."

"You heard me."

- - - - - - - - - - -

Naturally, Tang Miaoyi was not the only one who recognized Lin Ruofang. The students in her class were also surprised to find a talented amateur dancer from their own class who made a name for herself on "This is Street Dance."

In an instant, Lin Ruofang became a new celebrity at Miaoyi's school, and discussions started circulating online, revealing rumors about the amateur dancer being a top academic achiever at a prestigious school in Shanghai. It sparked further debates.

Everything else remained the same. After another conversation with her "Parents," Tang Miaoyi deposited six million yuan into her mother's monthly living expenses account.

After a few money-related arguments, Tang Miaoyi finally convinced her mother not to sell the publishing company and shared her new business model. This seemed to spark an idea, and Miaoyi felt like her mother's spirit was rekindled as she began to work again.

It was on the third day since the live show of "Street Dance of China," October 17th, when Tang Miaoyi had just returned home from school and was about to open her computer to start working when she received a call from Zhang Yuan.

"Hello, Teacher TMY? It's Zhang Yuan. I want to discuss something about the show with you. Regarding the music video for 'Solo Dance,' do you have any plans for shooting yet? Could you consider using our show's contestants for it?"

"Music Video?" It turned out to be about the music video. Tang Miaoyi tilted her head and thought for a moment. "Currently, I haven't finalized anything yet, so your suggestion sounds fine."

Of course, she hadn't thought about it until Zhanf Yuan brought it up. But in an attempt to appear more organized than she really was, she acted like she already had a plan for it.

Previously, she hadn't considered a music video due to budget and manpower issues. As a result, the three popular songs under TMY's name, "Fox," "Closer," and "Solo Dance," all lacked Music Videos.

"That can be done," Tang Miaoyi replied, her beautiful eyes shimmering. "Your production team can take charge, and we can collaborate... Of course, let me clarify one rule: I won't appear in this video. Also, you have a contestant named Lin Ruofang, who must be featured in the music video." Tang Miaoyi mentioned Lin Ruofang showing a tiny hint of favoritism.

It wouldn't be appropriate if she didn't take care of her classmates. Some special treatment was necessary.

"No problem with that, but... can we discuss your appearance in it?" Zhang Yuan's tone carried a hint of desperation, lacking the authority he had in the show. "You should at least show your face in your own music video, right?"

"No discussion," Tang Miaoyi silently replied.

"Alright, you win." Zhang Yuan could only compromise helplessly. "But there's one more reason I called you."

"What is it?"

"It's about the celebrity mentor, Song Ziyin. She wants to get to know you and have a private conversation. She asked me to be the middleman. Are you available for that?"