Similar to the first evaluation, the order of appearance in the second evaluation would be decided by drawing lots.
The production team, headed by Su Botao the chief director, waited enthusiastically for the evaluation, anticipating what would become of the ratings. Above all, they were most looking forward to whatever stunt Mr. Yun Xiao was going to pull in the evaluation.
Outside the judging room, the trainees were a bundle of nerves, hoping they could do better for their performance this time. Everyone dreamed of advancing straight to Group A.
Amid the nail-biting tension, the evaluation finally began.
The trainees would be lying if they said they were not afraid or nervous. Group A, in particular, was on edge since the number of contestants in Group A was fixed. The failure of holding on to their seat would come at the cost of being replaced.
As one who never knew what jitters were, Song Wenye started to get butterflies in her stomach. Still, she would never show it and went on to comfort Ye Weiyang instead. “Don’t be scared, Yangyang. Isn’t your favorite Mr. Yun Xiao in there too? Think of it as your normal practice and bring your A-game.”
That was right.
It was hard to say whether it was sheer luck or bad fortune, but Ye Weiyang drew the lot and was the first one up for the second evaluation.
Cosmos Entertainment girls, together with Group F, gathered around her to cheer her on. Since Ye Weiyang was the youngest of them all, the girls showered her with love and care as older sisters would.
Ye Weiyang had never felt so encouraged, pampered, and protected. She was touched and grateful for all the good they gave her.
Since Han Yan pushed her to teach the others the dance to having been accepted by the others, her shattered confidence seemed to have found its way back bit by bit.
“Yangyang, you can do it. You’re the best.”
“Don’t embarrass our Group F! Don’t be scared. Take it easy and everything will be fine. We’ll be right here waiting for you. You’ll do good.”
“You can do it, come on!”
Group F truly adored this soft-spoken and quiet girl with a sweet and warm smile. They were aware that she was introverted, self-conscious, and constantly apologizing, thinking she was never good enough.
However, she was doing great. Ye Weiyang worked harder than anyone else and as a person who never dabbled in dance before, she was crushing it more than all of them. She had a gift, for sure!
They did not carry much hope for themselves to debut. Sure, a person should have dreams, but most importantly, they must be sensible enough to know where they stand. Group F could probably survive a few rounds, but to fight for the seven debuting spots was mission impossible.
“I will do my best.” With eyes welling up, Ye Weiyang gratefully gazed at them and spoke in a raspy and soft voice, “Thank you all.”
She would never grow tired from listening to such compliments and encouragement.
Song Wenye and the rest were glad to watch the scene unfold. They were most worried about Ye Weiyang being alone and isolated in Group F. It was great that Ye Weiyang was getting along with Group F, more so than with them.
It made sense though. They were part of the same group, they ate, slept, and practiced together. It would be weird if their relationship did not blossom from there.
The other trainees were with their respective groups. They found Group F distasteful for making a huge deal out of a mere appearance. Well, they shall wait and see how many out of Group F would make the cut, especially the substitute trainee named Ye Weiyang.
It did not take long before the production crew was calling out numbers. First up was Ye Weiyang.
Ye Weiyang took a deep breath to keep it together. With her nerves getting the better of her during the first evaluation, where she sang out of tune, now was the chance to redeem herself.
The mentors had no idea about the order of appearance since the production team oversaw the drawing of lots and the production team had no plans to inform them.
Just like the previous arrangement, Xia Mi sat beside Shen Xi. She looked at the girl walking up on stage as she tilted her head and lamented, “Mr. Yun Xiao, you have a good eye.”
Ye Weiyang was a promising kid at both singing and dancing. Her improvement could only be described in leaps and bounds, surprising the mentors every single day. Judging by her going from zero knowledge to today’s breakthrough, Ye Weiyang was truly gifted.
The kid was a talented contestant and born to be on stage with her voice, the moves, and that looks of hers.
It went without saying Ye Weiyang could absolutely turn the tables in her favor. Xia Mi would bet on Ye Weiyang becoming the trending topic of the show.
Cosmos Entertainment had great insight on picking talents. The contestants from the agency could make it to showbiz on their own without needing to pull strings.
Since the production team kept a close eye on Group F and Mr. Yun Xiao, they were familiar with Ye Weiyang too. They were beyond excited by the surprise Ye Weiyang would bring to the stage.
What was the biggest surprise? It was the act of turning the tide. Viewers were in love with plot twists and character shields.
The assessment this time was set on a grand stage under a radiant spotlight. Without a doubt, the pressure on rookies must be tremendous.
The mentors sat behind the judging panel as they watched the girl standing on stage.
Gu Yang said, “You may begin.”
Ye Weiyang was getting the jitters as she gasped for air standing in the vast stage far away from the mentors. Twiddling her fingers, she broke out in cold sweat. With clammy hands, she stuttered in her introduction. “M-my… My name is Ye Weiyang, I…”
“Take it easy.” Shen Xi was the first to speak in a calm and flat tone.
The production crew and mentors looked towards Mr. Yun Xiao in surprise. It never occurred to them that he would be the first to talk.
Mr. Yun Xiao thought highly of Ye Weiyang, and it was plain to see from his actions during the first evaluation. It was common for mentors to comfort contestants who they were optimistic about.
Ye Weiyang loosened her tightly knitted fingers as though Mr. Yun Xiao’s words had soothing powers over her. Although still a little nervous, she was able to finish her introduction.
The other mentors, except for Su Muyan, gave her a friendly smile. The chatty Fang Yao even gave her a hand gesture to hang in there.
It bothered Su Muyan to the max. He simply could not stand the sight of anyone from Cosmos Entertainment, be it Yun Xiao or the trainees under Cosmos Entertainment.
