The Irascible Si Fuqing

Xie Yu was also a student highly regarded by Li Jingchen.

The entertainment industry was becoming increasingly superficial, with genuinely talented individuals becoming scarcer.

Capitalism had thrown what was once a decent industry into chaos.

Li Jingchen was frustrated, especially with resource-hogging figures like Si Fuqing.

Xie Yu might be a bit temperamental but he had always been earnest and diligent. How could he make such a poor choice and pick Si Fuqing as a mentor?

Si Fuqing couldn't sing or dance; what could she possibly teach?

"The trainees are currently in training and they'll be eating dinner shortly," the vocal mentor tried to placate him. "The team assignments haven't been posted online yet. Why don't we talk to them after they've had a break?"

Li Jingchen's expression eased slightly. "I may have been a bit rash."

Lin Qingyan's face was still somewhat pale.

She pursed her lips, placing the registration forms back on the table. "Whether he chooses me or not, it doesn't really matter. I believe Teacher Si will be able to teach Xie Yu well."

"What could she possibly teach?" Li Jingchen's quenched anger flared up again. "Don't worry, Teacher Lin, Xie Yu will definitely be in your class."

Lin Qingyan finally allowed herself a small smile. "Thank you, Teacher Li."

Li Jingchen continued, "I'll discuss this with the director and producer. They'll never agree to this."

A talent like Xie Yu couldn't be allowed to be ruined by Si Fuqing.

**

At seven-thirty in the evening, Si Fuqing returned to the training camp.

After all, Xu Xiyun was somewhat like her disciple. Although she had taken the day off, she still wanted to check on her teaching results out of a sense of dedication.

As she reached the third floor, she nearly collided with a sprinting Xu Xiyun.

With quick reflexes, Si Fuqing grabbed him, preventing a nasty fall.

Straightening up, Xu Xiyun stuttered when he saw her. "Te-Teacher Si!"

"Running so fast, what's the matter?" Si Fuqing arched an eyebrow. "Be honest, how many hours did you practice dancing today?"

"I've been practicing diligently, Teacher Si," Xu Xiyun spoke hurriedly. "I have something urgent. I'll come find you later."

Si Fuqing's smile faded, and her fox-like eyes became serious. "What happened?"

Xu Xiyun pursed his lips, struggling to speak. "It's about the student team assignments. Brother Xie chose you as his mentor, and now he's been called in by the mentors, the director, and the producer."

"He chose me?" Si Fuqing paused, took a deep breath, and displayed a kind smile. "Is he mentally deficient, or is he blind? I could offer some medical advice."

Was it not clear enough that she was trying to lay flat?

How could he pick her?

Her fists tightened.

Xu Xiyun was speechless for a moment.

He was unsure exactly who was being insulted.

"That's not the point," Xu Xiyun lowered his head, his voice tinged with bitterness. "As you know, Teacher Si, Xie Yu is an independent trainee, without an agency backing him. The production team is already somewhat suppressing him."

"I'm afraid someone might use this incident to force him out of the competition. Teacher Li was already furious earlier."

"Ugh," Si Fuqing's eyes chilled for a moment. "Annoying. Wait here."

With that, she turned and headed towards the planning room on the second floor.

"Teacher Si!" Xu Xiyun paused. "What are you going to do?"

With her hands in her pockets, Si Fuqing's voice floated back, icy cold. "Claim what's mine."

Xu Xiyun hesitated.

In the next few seconds, he understood and hurriedly followed her.

Inside the producer room.

Xie Yu was surrounded by several people.

He sat, his long legs folded, emotionless.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, he exuded a dispassionate, roguish handsomeness.

"It was my choice, no one forced me," Xie Yu lifted his eyelids slightly, too lazy to look up. "Is there a problem? Am I not allowed to choose?"

"It's not that you can't choose. Xie Yu, this is about your future career, so think carefully," the vocal mentor advised. "Teacher Lin's stage is excellent; you could learn a lot from her."

The director added, "Xie Yu, let me be frank. Most of the screen time in the later stages will go to Teacher Lin's team. If you go with Si Fuqing, you might not get any screen time at all."

Xie Yu remained unfazed, a corner of his mouth lifting. "So what?"

The director was momentarily speechless, as if something was stuck in his throat.

Li Jingchen had less patience. "Xie Yu, you should be clear that Si Fuqing can't teach you anything. I've given your registration form to Teacher Lin; you'll be in her class."

"I find Teacher Si quite nice, at least she's comfortable to be around," Xie Yu responded, his arms crossed and his expression relaxed. "Isn't the competition format about trainees choosing mentors, and then mentors making their own selections?

Has Teacher Si said she doesn't want me? What right do you have to send me to another class?"

A moment of silence fell over the room.

Lin Qingyan's nails dug into her palm, her body trembling slightly from anger.

She struggled to control her emotions, sounding resigned, "Fine, maybe it's because I'm not capable enough. Teacher Si is good too. But Xie Yu, if you have any problems, you can always come to me."

At these words, everyone frowned.

"Xie Yu, both the director and I hope you understand the importance of this show," the producer extinguished his cigarette and spoke calmly. "Not only is 'Youth With You' the first large-scale talent show in the country, but it's also a key project aimed at the international stage."

"Lin Qingyan has a friend at the Grammy Awards. If you stick with her, even if you don't make it to the Grammys, you'll at least have contact with those in the industry."

The Grammys were a sanctuary that all artists aspired to.

Of course, the producer wasn't really expecting Xie Yu to stand on the Grammy stage.

It was just something to say.

After all, for all these years, including veteran actors, not a single person from the Great Xia Empire had ever won a Grammy.

Xie Yu remained indifferent, casually stating, "I'm not changing. I want Si Fuqing."

Li Jingchen lost his temper: "Then forget about competing for the center position with Lu Yan for the rest of your life! You might as well quit now!"

"Bang!"

A dull, heavy sound rang out.

Outside, Si Fuqing lifted her leg and kicked the door open.