Xi Lei was a rough looking man, and looked pretty ordinary, it was no wonder that with all the talent that he was said to have he hadn't made it very far in the industry. The media tended to extend a more favourable light on those with beauty or extraordinary charm. While it is possible, against these sometimes raw talent doesn't add up to much and real talent is buried under pretty yet talentless stars.
Ying Luo was a bit of a elegant beauty, she didn't exude a youthful charm but instead had a mature and a bit of a stern look. She smiled and raised her hand as her name is called before lowering it and continuing to write. Whatever she was writing.
Song Yunyao continued speaking. "Beside them we have our guest judge for this entire season. Xia Xian."
"Hello Im Xia Xian from the boy band "Charm". Xia meaning summer and Xian meaning casual or free." The young man raised his hand and gave an introduction while smiling cheerfully.
Su Qingtang didn't like the air that this Xia Xian was radiating. Something about him was… strange. Su Qingtang also noted that he was the only judge that introduced himself.
"Xia Xian!" A girl in front of Su Qingtang softly exclaimed. "He's one of the artists in the new band from xxx Entertainment company! I heard that his Uncle is general manager."
After overhearing the girls words the looks of a few girls changed when they looked at Xia Xian. Thee system noticed this.
"Ah! Drama! Finally." At the film set there wasn't much drama. Most of the crew's energy was placed into making sure that the low budget an lack of resources was covered up. With the nitpicking Qiao Bifan around no one had the time to actually try scheming to get ahead. But even if they did scheme, how far ahead could one get in a low budget film? Its already a miracle that the acting was decent. "I already sense drama in the air!"
"Its nice having you here Xia Xian." Song Yunyao says as she smiles over towards him. Song Yunyao seemed like a person with high EQ and people skills, it was easy to see why she would be the MC.
"Its nice to be here, haha. The pleasure is mine."
Su Qingtang could easily tell that he was aiming for the sunny boy persona, she couldn't really tell if that was what he was really like. It didn't really matter much as judges and contestants generally didn't have much contact with each other. So shhe didn't really pay much attention to him specifically.
Song Yunyao then turns to address the crowd. "Now that we have introduced the judges, its time for you to introduce yourself. In the numerical order of your seats, you girls will perform. Wow us for a place in the starting one hundred and fifty! Judges can judge two ways. Directly passing the contestant to the live show with a red card-" Su Yunyao raises a bright red card high into the air. "Or by giving a score from one to ten. Scored candidates will be given a second chance to compete for the remaining spots after those who have passed get spaces into the live show. I wish you girls all the best!"
After Yunyao stepped down the competition started in full swing. Su Qingtang watched on with keen eyes. She carefully gauged the judges responses.
"Flat! Very flat ah! I can feel my ears bleeding! Couldn't someone tell her that her singing is bad before she came to this competition to embarrass herself. Poor girl." The system commented. "She probably won't make it past this round. It would be cruel if they let her through to the live round to embarrass herself further."
Su Qingtang agreed. Soon after they saw the judges raise their cards. [3] [5] [2] The poor girl ran off the stage crying. Su Qingtang looked at her with a bit of pity, but she turns back to look at the judges panel.
"That Xi Lei scores pretty harsh, he doesn't give any leeway whatsoever. While he occasionally gives passed I've never seen him give a score higher than six, ah. Ying Luo is a little better her scores are fair but and that strict. I like her style. But Xia Xian, ah? Why doesn't he give the competition away? Did he really think that that girl's loud abrasive screeching deserved a five? Honestly? Damn, is he serious?" The system was displeased. This sunny boy didn't make for a good judge. If it wasn't for his pretty face and probably good backing why would he be allowed on this show?
Su Qingtang didn't comment, she just looked at Xia Xian with an incomprehensible look before looking away.
The system didn't care much that the host didn't respond, it continued chatting away. It was having it fun so why should it let the host's lack of enthusiasm cramp its style? The cheerful system continued its judging.
"This Lin Qi girl can sing really nicely! Her voice makes me feel like dancing along! You'd better watch out for her. That Xiao ChuChu as well. They are both really good." Being a dutiful system it pointed out the strong competition to its host. Not that Su Qingtang really needed it, for she had been observing as well. She didn't want to dampen the systems joy so she simply let it be. "That-something-something-MiaoMiao girl as well! Her adorable persona will definitely make her popular!"
Su Qingtang glanced around periodically. She had felt a strange gaze watching her but in such a thick crowd of girls she couldn't pinpoint where. Maybe it was her imagination, ah? Damn, she must be lacking sleep.
"Host! Your turn is coming soon! Im so nervous, ah." Although it said this the system showed no signs of nervousness whatsoever. Could the system even feel to begin with?
Su Qingtang swept a stray lock of hair away from her face and stared at the girl performing on stage with her clear eyes.
She was as well.