With Wu Zhizheng's support, those who wanted to enjoy a spectacle were disappointed. Chen Zichen glared at Chen Jin once and then let him go. Chen Jin, however, discerned from Mei Yanfang and Wu Zhizheng's attitude towards this woman that she had some significant background.
After a while, Wu Zhizheng also left. As the overall in-charge, he was responsible for the bigger picture, while Chen Zichen, who was now in front of them, was specifically in charge of managing Chen Jin and the others' daily needs. It seemed that this woman was indeed not simple.
After the news conference ended, Chen Zichen took Chen Jin and the group of 'lambs' to the nearby training center. Normally, training time was from 9 to 10 in the morning, but now it was already half-past ten. What followed was just a formality, introducing the professional teachers who would train them for the next ten days or so.
There were five vocal teachers and two dance teachers, six men and one woman. The woman was a dance teacher, but unfortunately, she was already in her forties. Although well-maintained and heavily made up, appearing charmingly mature, she was no match for the prime-aged fox spirit, Chen Zichen.
It didn't matter. Just like Wang Xiaoshuai in "Love Is Not Blind" or the more enchanting Chen Jin, who from the age of three to eighty, basically had his way with women. Wang Xiaoshuai even managed to woo Wang Dama, the gatekeeper downstairs. Chen Jin was equally confident about making this menopausal dance teacher submit to him.
After the introductions, Chen Zichen had a staff bring out a small box, identical to those used in lotteries. She clapped her hands and announced, "Alright, now let's draw our competition numbers. This number will accompany you for over a month, sharing your glory and shame. It's also the basis for the audience and guests to identify and support you."
The order of numbers seemed trivial, but it was actually crucial. Competitions usually progressed from number one to the last. Unless exceptionally outstanding, those who performed first or last, especially when their level was similar to others, tended to score lower.
Out of the thirty-something people, almost everyone, being in their twenties, had some understanding of this. Each was nervous and anxious while drawing their lots.
Among the seven in Chen Jin's group, Tang Baoru drew number six, Lian Junying number eight, Li Guoxian number ten, Xu Dong number twelve, Chen Qiang number fifteen, Zhao Shaowen number sixteen, and Chen Jin got the worst - number thirty. Upon seeing the results, Li Guoxian couldn't help but laugh mockingly, patting Chen Jin's shoulder, "KING, you truly are our star, even deliberately choosing to be the last, as if to boost our morale."
Tang Baoru couldn't help but ask why he enjoyed targeting Chen Jin, but Chen Jin patted her back and she had to roll her eyes in resignation, ignoring this pest. Not just Tang Baoru, but Zhao Shaowen and the others also felt Li Guoxian was going too far. He was the first to meet Chen Jin, but now seemed deliberately alienating him.
Chen Jin also developed a distaste for this guy but didn't want to quarrel for the team's sake, pretending to be indifferent. He patted his chest, humming, "Of course, who am I? The one who got direct advancement, a master among masters. Naturally, I should back up you lower-level players, so you don't lose too embarrassingly."
Chen Jin didn't need to learn vocal techniques from the teachers, but needed to acquire some professional singing skills and also piano playing. He didn't want to learn from Lian Junying, not only because her skill level was limited, but also because it wouldn't be appropriate for two competitors to get too close during the contest.
He had much to learn from the dance teacher. Despite his experience from a different era, he only knew some basic moves and occasionally street dance. Now, he needed to learn choreography techniques, creating mesmerizing, miraculous dances. Also, mastering various ballroom dances was essential for entertainment industry networking.
Of course, all this would take time. Chen Jin knew haste wouldn't bring success. However, one thing made him impatient - after the afternoon break, he headed straight for the piano room.
The other six were surprised by his action. Zhao Shaowen exaggeratedly exclaimed, "No way, Ah KING, you're back at it? You really want to torture us, but please, not with the same method again!"
It was like striking a chord in his heart; Chen Jin was truly obsessed with the piano. Shrugging, he said, "You guys go ahead with your tasks; I'll give it another try. If it doesn't work, then so be it."
Half an hour before the afternoon class, everyone had their things to do - choosing songs, enhancing musical skills. Seeing his determination, they dispersed.
Only Tang Baoru and Lian Junying remained in the piano room. Chen Jin turned and smiled, "You two want to see me embarrass myself?" Tang Baoru snorted, "I've chosen my song and don't need to learn an instrument. I don't need to rush like them. Since Yingying is staying with you, I might as well enjoy the show."
Lian Junying laughed it off, and Chen Jin smiled, "Then, I shall embarrass myself." He opened the piano, gently touched the keys, and felt the familiar sensation. Recalling the basic piano knowledge he learned, he slowly pressed the first key.
It was slow but noticeably more skilled than yesterday, and surprisingly, Chen Jin became more proficient, gradually increasing his speed. After about twenty minutes, Tang Baoru suddenly patted his shoulder, "Ah KING, did you use to be familiar with this, then stopped playing for a long time? Otherwise, I refuse to believe you improved this much overnight."
Compared to yesterday's poor performance, it was a day and night difference. Seeing the same astonishment in Lian Junying's eyes, Chen Jin grinned, showing off his teeth, "I told you, I learned before and was even better than now. But I haven't touched a piano in five or six years, so I'm just rusty. You didn't believe me yesterday and made me sound so hopeless."
Tang Baoru, somewhat relieved, patted her ample chest, "That makes more sense. Otherwise, you'd really be a freak." Chen Jin laughed heartily, "See, I'm quite amazing. I have many more impressive things to show you that will definitely shock you."
Tang Baoru didn't quite believe him and, pulling Lian Junying, left, "Enough bragging, be careful not to sprain your tongue. We have a dance class to attend."
At two o'clock sharp, the first dance class began. The female teacher was Ke Man, and the male was Wang Zheng. Ke Man was clearly the lead. She clapped her hands, "Hello, everyone. We've met this morning. Now, let's start our first class. First, I'd like those who have learned dance before to perform, to let me, Teacher Wang, and everyone appreciate and learn more about each other. It's a great opportunity to liven up the atmosphere..."
Ke Man's suggestion received many responses, including Zhao Shaowen, whose passionate breakdance earned applause and whistles.
If one doesn't want to be envied, either have nothing or be so powerful that no one dares to challenge you. After several boys performed, Chen Jin, who initially didn't plan to join, suddenly felt inspired. His appearance had already made him a target, so now, he wanted to gradually reveal his soft power, leaving no room for others to speak ill of him.
Seeing him raise his hand, Ke Man was pleased, but the other six who knew him well were surprised. Li Guoxian, merciless as always, mocked him, "KING, can you do it? Don't mess up like yesterday!"
Tang Baoru couldn't stand it anymore, "Li Guoxian, what do you mean? Ah KING considers you a friend, but you don't support him and always mock him. Isn't that too much?"
Li Guoxian's face turned red from Tang Baoru's blunt scolding. His words were indeed a bit too much, and in front of the teachers, he couldn't argue with her. He awkwardly defended, "Tang Baoru, why are you saying that? I was just advising KING."
His words didn't hold up, as his earlier comment was more mocking than advising, and everyone could see that.
Chen Jin didn't want the situation to escalate, especially not in front of others. He laughed it off, "It's okay. Xian is known for his sharp tongue but good heart."
Ke Man didn't want to see any conflict either. She was just a teacher, and though she didn't need to manage these squabbles, it wouldn't look good. She quickly smoothed things over, "Alright, let's encourage and help each other as classmates. Now, let's watch Chen Jin's performance!"