The spotlight on a celebrity usually lasts only a few years, unless they reach the level of international superstars or movie icons.
Lin Qingyan knew she didn't possess such formidable talent and would need to tread different paths.
She was well aware that she needed more popularity to sustain her footing in the entertainment industry.
Having an exceptional student like Xie Yu would naturally boost her fan following.
Adding Si Fuqing as a stepping stone, this show seemed tailor-made for her.
"Lu Yan will undoubtedly go to Teacher Li's class," the vocal instructor sighed. "Both of them are really talented; I have high hopes for them. They might even make it to the international stage someday."
"Yes," Lin Qingyan twirled a lock of hair near her ear and smiled softly. "However, Teacher Si did study abroad for two years and only returned last year. I was initially looking forward to collaborating with her, but alas…"
As she spoke, she finished reviewing the registration forms.
But Xie Yu's name was nowhere to be found.
Lin Qingyan's expression shifted, disbelief coloring her face. She flipped through the forms again, only to confirm that Xie Yu's registration was indeed missing from her stack.
Noticing her unusual demeanor, the vocal instructor asked, "Is something wrong, Teacher Lin?"
"It's nothing," Lin Qingyan pursed her lips and flagged down a staff member. "Was Xie Yu's registration form not handed in?"
The staff member was puzzled, "I personally collected it."
Xie Yu was a strong contender and a trainee that the show's production team took special care of.
Both the director and producer were quite considerate of him, so long as it didn't affect their relationship with Tianle Media.
Not to mention, Xie Yu was good-looking, making staff members more willing to interact with him.
"Then it must've been lost," Lin Qingyan suppressed her inner turmoil. "Please retrace your steps and look for it."
The staff member agreed, muttering, "But that's impossible…"
"Teacher Lin, nothing is absolute. Xie Yu might have chosen Teacher Li," the vocal mentor said, somewhat awkwardly, trying to console her. "When Teacher Li returns, I'll go with you to ask. Maybe we can get the form from him."
Li Jingchen was away as a friend from the industry had come to the city; he would be back later.
Lin Qingyan forced a smile, "I appreciate it."
She pursed her lips and selected 24 trainees, leaving one spot open for Xie Yu.
She and Li Jingchen had a good relationship; he would surely relinquish Xie Yu to her.
She didn't need to worry too much.
**
Meanwhile, the car had entered the city.
Si Fuqing had finished her skewer of candied hawthorn and a portion of fried chicken cutlet. Finally, she leaned back comfortably in her seat.
For a working person, having a good boss was the most crucial element.
After resting for a while, Si Fuqing lazily pulled a wooden box from her bag and tossed it over.
With a soft "thud," it landed precisely on the man's lap.
Feng San, observed all this through the rearview mirror.
He felt as if his heart might explode.
Thank goodness he was the only one bearing witness to this moment.
Had his other brothers seen it, they might have gone mad.
Fortunately, Yu Xiheng remained impassive, picking up the wooden box and looking at her. "What is this?"
"Medicine," Si Fuqing propped her chin on her hands, her smile fox-like with a touch of revenge. "I added some chocolate, candied fruits, and strawberries, just in case you find it bitter. Should taste pretty good."
Feng San was dumbstruck again.
Is she sure this isn't candy?
Yu Xiheng opened the wooden box.
A fragrant herbal aroma immediately filled the air—rich but not overwhelming, intense yet gentle.
Evidently, it was a high-quality medication.
Yu Xiheng's voice was soft and even. "Your salary will be transferred to your account."
The moment she heard this, Si Fuqing seemed to come alive. She grinned, "Love you, boss."
Minutes later, the car stopped in front of an apartment building.
Si Fuqing opened the car door.
Just as she was about to leave, a voice from behind stopped her.
"Hm?" She turned her head.
The man hadn't moved; his long legs were crossed. He simply tilted his upper body slightly towards her.
He looked up at her, and said, "Go up, and remember to test."
His eyes met hers, an enigmatic allure radiating from his light brown pupils. They were like fireworks shattered in the night sky, tranquil yet profound.
His gaze alone could induce a sense of free-falling.
"I know, I know," Si Fuqing rubbed her ears and waved her hand lazily.
That voice is truly a violation.
Among all the voice actors she had met before, not one had a voice more pleasing than his.
When Si Fuqing's figure disappeared from sight, Yu Xiheng refocused his gaze forward and simply said, "Let's go."
**
At two in the afternoon, Li Jingchen returned to the training base, running into Lin Qingyan and the vocal instructor.
"Xie Yu?" After hearing the details, Li Jingchen paused and nodded. "Yes, he should go to the dance group. I won't choose him."
Li Jingchen was the oldest and most experienced, so he had many registration forms.
However, to everyone's surprise, Xie Yu's form was still missing.
"Not even with you, Teacher Li?" Lin Qingyan's eyes widened. "Then could it be—"
As if suddenly remembering something, she hurriedly went into Si Fuqing's room.
There was no need to search; there were only two registration forms on the table.
Lin Qingyan wasn't interested in the other name; her eyes were glued to the characters "Xie Yu," her hand clenching the paper tighter and tighter.
Her heart felt momentarily hollow, accompanied by a strong sense of suffocation.
Xie Yu has actually chosen Si Fuqing?
Has he gone mad?
In the entire entertainment industry, who didn't know that Si Fuqing was both unattractive and incompetent?
Lin Qingyan's face paled, and she found it hard to breathe.
The vocal instructor and Li Jingchen, who had followed her, also saw the form.
"What is Xie Yu thinking?" the vocal instructor exclaimed in surprise.
"What's the matter with Xie Yu?" Li Jingchen frowned deeply, slamming his hand on the table, a sarcastic smile curling his lips. "Is he joking with his own career? What can Si Fuqing teach him? Call him over and have him choose again!"