Back at the hotel, Zhao Shaowen immediately switched rooms with Xu Dong's roommate. The guy, having learned street dance with Chen Jin that afternoon and familiar with Zhao, agreed after being bribed with a pack of good cigarettes.
With Li Guoxian gone, the relationship among the six people became even more harmonious. They gathered in Chen Jin's room, discussing the knowledge they had learned that day and occasionally sharing their insights. For a moment, even their subtle defensive attitudes seemed to vanish.
At 6:30 pm, Zhao Shaowen began to urge, "Hurry, hurry, turn on the TV. The news is starting." Chen Zichen had visited the training center that afternoon to check on their progress. When she left, she told them that they would be featured in tonight's entertainment news and tomorrow's newspapers.
Tang Baoru pouted, "What's there to watch? It's nothing special!" Despite her words, she was sitting close to the TV and turned it on.
The beginning of the entertainment news was filled with information about various celebrities, TV shows, movies, and albums. After a while, the host reported on the rookie singing contest.
However, the content of the news disappointed everyone. In the three-minute segment, most of the time was given to Sister Mei's interview. Chen Jin had a little airtime, while the others were merely glanced over by the camera, their faces barely recognizable.
Chen Jin's coverage in the news was significant, showing TVB's attention to him. The news explicitly mentioned he was the only contestant who directly advanced to the next round and even broadcast his entire response, cutting out the mistakes of other contestants.
On TV, Chen Jin appeared handsome and suave, exuding a mysterious charm. His composed and confident interview demeanor gave off the air of a great leader. He seemed to have the makings of a star.
Tang Baoru snorted and kicked Chen Jin, who was sitting next to her. "This press release seems to be all about you. TVB is really nurturing you!"
Xu Dong laughed bitterly, "Exactly. After this, I don't even feel like competing with A-King for the championship anymore," patting Chen Jin on the shoulder, "But you really have the talent and skills, and you're so impressive." Chen Jin had demonstrated his singing ability in various styles just an hour ago, impressing even Xu Dong.
Chen Qiang jumped up and grabbed Chen Jin's neck, "You have to treat us today, or I'll eat you alive." Before watching the news, they had already ordered food to the room. Zhao Shaowen joined in the fun, "Right, right. You four sneaked red wine yesterday, it's our turn today."
Chen Qiang happily went to make the call, ordering two bottles of wine. Seeing this, Tang Baoru added, "Just get two more desserts, a dozen ice creams, and two cold dishes. And a dozen beers too, or maybe…"
Before she could finish, Lian Junying pinched her, "Ru Ru, stop it…" Chen Jin looked at Lian Junying with a soft smile, saying gently as if to a lover, "Let them splurge this time." His tone made Lian Junying's heart flutter and her cheeks blush with charm.
Tang Baoru wrinkled her nose, teasing, "You two, remember this is a public place. Save the affection for after we leave." Yet she shouted at Chen Qiang, who was about to hang up, "Qiangzi, add two boxes of Tess chocolates too. If they don't have it, ask them to buy from the nearby store."
Chen Jin just smiled and shook his head, "Baoru, aren't you afraid of overeating and not being able to sleep tonight?" She huffed, "None of your business. I can eat if I want to!"
Xu Dong and Zhao Shaowen exchanged glances, amused. They shook their heads, with Xu Dong saying to Chen Jin, "I'm starting to wonder if you're some rich tycoon's son who ran away from home. You're quite generous with money."
Xu Dong knew Chen Jin had spent a thousand dollars on red wine yesterday. Today's wine and expensive chocolates would cost almost three thousand Hong Kong dollars, totaling four thousand in two days.
Like Chen Qiang, the others, except Lian Junying, were also not very wealthy. Seeing Chen Jin spend so freely was quite astonishing.
Chen Jin, not a hedonist but believing in comfortable living within his means, shrugged. "As long as everyone's happy. But let me declare, this is a one-time thing. Next time, even if you want to splurge on me, I won't have the money."
Zhao Shaowen laughed, "Should I consider adding some of my favorite things…" Xu Dong nodded, "Good idea. We should think about it. Otherwise, we'll miss this opportunity."
Everyone laughed. The food they had originally ordered was plentiful, and with Chen Qiang and Tang Baoru's additional orders, nothing was lacking. This merry-making deepened their friendship.
After the entertainment news ended, the food arrived. The large round table filled the room, covered with various dishes, desserts, and drinks, creating a festive atmosphere.
Chen Jin paid the bill. Seeing Tang Baoru about to eat chocolates, he snatched them away, placing them on the TV stand. "Eat during mealtime. Save the snacks for later…"
Tang Baoru glared at him, feeling a strange emotion, planning to pounce on him but hesitated after glancing at Lian Junying and gave up the idea.
The meal was sumptuous, and they truly bonded, chatting and laughing, enjoying the warm atmosphere. Suddenly, the phone in the hotel room rang.
The laughter stopped, and everyone looked at each other, wondering who would call at this time. Very few people knew this room's phone number, and Chen Zichen had warned them not to disclose it, not even to family members.
Chen Jin immediately thought of one person, Zhang Weixiong, whom he had told about his location. Zhang Weixiong, despite his joking nature, was sharp and discreet.
Telling everyone to continue eating, Chen Jin answered the phone. It was indeed Zhang Weixiong, who was in a noisy environment. As soon as Chen Jin said hello, Zhang started, "It's connected, it's connected. Ladies, quiet down, or we can't continue."
Chen Jin guessed the reason and was about to ask when Zhang Weixiong shouted, "Brother, you're famous now! The beauties at our school want to meet you and be friends…"
Before he could finish, the phone was snatched away, and a crisp female voice came through, "Are you really Chen Jin? Or is Zhang Weixiong fooling us with a stand-in?" As she spoke, others chimed in, "Exactly, we've never heard him mention such a good brother."
Another bold girl grabbed the phone, "Chen Jin, do you want to save your buddy? If you don't come to Sweet Restaurant outside Hong Kong University, your buddy's doomed. But you better be the real Chen Jin, or this guy won't be able to return either."
"Ladies, calm down," Zhang Weixiong's voice faintly came through. Then he finally got the phone back, shouting, "Brother, you heard the ladies. You're on fire. Keep it up, you did great today... I'm still waiting to be your agent."
Another girl snatched the phone, not caring if it was really Chen Jin on the line. "Chen Jin, I love you. Remember my name, Zhang Ying. I'll wait for you to come marry me."
Chen Jin was speechless at her boldness but didn't hang up, not wanting to offend Zhang Weixiong. Zhang, knowing his limits, quickly ended the call, "Brother, leave them longing. Bye for now!" He hung up, with the last second filled with the girls' protesting voices.
After hanging up, Chen Jin faced the curious group. Shrugging, he said, "That was the joker Zhang Weixiong who brought me here." Everyone understood, and Chen Jin remembered he hadn't told Zhang about the dispute with Li Guoxian, but that seemed unimportant now, didn't it?