Tipsy with My Childhood Sweetheart

Wen Tang has just returned from abroad when her scheming older brother tricks her into joining a talent show. “Pay up on your bet, or you’re a dog.” “...” She has no training whatsoever, so she’s long since made peace with being eliminated. When the show’s interviewer asks what ranking she hopes to get, Wen Tang replies with a cheerful smile, “I’m not good enough. I’ll probably be out after the first round.” Then the fans vote her into first place. Wen Tang: ??? * In just three years since his debut, Xu Jinzhuo has released several hit songs that became overnight sensations. His voice, as rich as a violin’s, has won him countless fans, not to mention his stunningly handsome face. So when the talent show THE QUEEN announced Xu Jinzhuo as a mentor, everyone was stunned. During the first-round evaluations, Xu Jinzhuo’s harsh, cutting comments left a lasting impression on the contestants. “Even elementary school kids doing morning exercises are more entertaining than this.” “This might be only slightly better than noise.” Wen Tang never expected to run into Xu Jinzhuo again after all these years, much less under these circumstances. At her skill level, she figured she might make Xu Jinzhuo so furious he’d walk right out. When her turn came, her voice trembled through the whole song, and she barely hit a single note. The room fell deathly silent as everyone waited for Xu Jinzhuo’s merciless critique. Instead, Xu Jinzhuo smiled and said, “There’s plenty of room for improvement.” Everyone: ??? * After the show aired, anyone with eyes could see that Xu Jinzhuo was holding Wen Tang to a different standard, and rumors soon began to swirl. That is, until behind-the-scenes footage from the show captured their voices. Wen Tang sounded a little anxious. “We’ve known each other since we were kids, at least. Can’t you just hurry up and eliminate me?” Xu Jinzhuo replied with an ambiguous smile, “Do I look like the kind of person who’d play favorites?” Netizens: ? I think I just heard something I wasn’t supposed to! Later, Xu Jinzhuo posted a photo of himself and Wen Tang as children on Weibo. @Xu Jinzhuo: It’s not favoritism. It’s special treatment. [Note]: The competition format is based on the overseas talent show Produce 101. Reading Guide: 1. Sunny, optimistic childhood friend × scheming, selectively biased childhood friend 2. Showbiz / semi-fictional setting / no real-life inspirations / please don’t overanalyze 3. No ranking-hunting, personal attacks, or insults. If it’s not for you, just click away. 4. Guaranteed sweetness [Next Contemporary Romance]: Unstoppable Love [Showbiz] Ming Rao debuted at sixteen. Her dazzling stage presence has captivated countless fans, earning her the title “The Human Heartthrob Hunter.” Because of her striking, flamboyant looks, rumors say she’s had more ex-boyfriends than a whole soccer team. When a reporter even asked her about it, she answered with a lazy smile, “Since everyone’s looking forward to it, I’ll do my best.” Rong Yue shot to fame with his debut. A triple threat who can act, sing, and dance, he’s hailed as the best-looking man in showbiz. At one performance, fans spotted an “R” tattoo on his waist. When asked what it meant, Rong Yue’s eyes darkened, and he replied through gritted teeth, “To remind myself not to get fooled again.” * Everyone in showbiz knows Rong Yue and Ming Rao don’t get along, but no one expected them to appear on the same variety show. And not just any show: a dating show! When the news broke, netizens got ready for a spectacle. -What’s so fun about dating? A fight would be way more exciting! -Let them fight! Let them fight! But when the show aired, Rong Yue could barely take his eyes off Ming Rao. When it was time to choose partners, he even singled her out as the person he wanted to work with. -Is that really how you look at your enemy? That’s obviously the look of love! -Got it. He hates her because he loves her. * When they meet again, Ming Rao watches Rong Yue stop her in her tracks. One brow raised, she gives him a faint smile. “We’re both adults. Do you really have to take this so seriously?” Rong Yue grits his teeth. “Aren’t you going to take responsibility for me?” Ming Rao immediately shakes her head. “Not a chance.” Rong Yue presses his lips together. “Then I’ll take responsibility for you.” Ming Rao: ? [Upcoming Contemporary Romance]: Spring Night in Bloom A dating show featuring ordinary people became an instant hit when it aired. The bittersweet awkwardness of unspoken love struck a chord with viewers everywhere. The most compelling pairing was the ambiguous relationship between award-winning actor Ji Yunshu and ordinary girl Sang Ran. The nightly one-way choices in the “heart-flutter” messages, his thoughtful care during their dates, and his tender attention when she fell ill. Netizens shipped them like their lives depended on it. -I’m the Civil Affairs Bureau, and I’m here! -Get married! I’ll chip in 500! -If this isn’t real, then nothing is! Only Sang Ran knew the truth: it was all scripted. * The day the show ended, one netizen remarked, “No wonder he won an acting award. He’s such a good actor.” The next day, Ji Yunshu’s secret account was unearthed. It chronicled 3,846 days of unrequited love. Day 3,756: I’m so happy I got to see her on the show. Day 3,720: I heard she’d be appearing on it, so I asked my agent to sign me up. Day 2,453: It’s your birthday today. Happy birthday. Day 1,870: The blue sky on set reminded me that you’re under this same sky, and it made me happy. Day 998: With the college entrance exams coming up, will we still be able to see each other afterward? Day 248: She wore a light pink floral dress today. It looked lovely. Day 10: So she likes banana milk. Day 1: Sang Ran, I love you. * After they get together, Sang Ran asks curiously, “How did you keep it up for so long?” Ji Yunshu replies, “Once loving you became a habit, you became the courage that keeps me moving forward without hesitation.” Theme: Don’t just lie around doing nothing.