CH 83

At this time, there were countless viewers watching the [For You To Debut] live broadcast, but no one knew the exact number. The venue was already filled with tens of thousands of people, and the support light boards formed a dazzling sea of stars. Wen Li had no idea how many of those light boards were there for her.

She had just heard the chaotic yet loud voices from the crowd saying, "Little Li, we believe in you."

Even though he had only appeared briefly in the public eye, he had already gained the trust and support of these fans. She herself had been standing under the spotlight for so many years and her fans naturally believed in her. If it were her on stage, the voices of support would undoubtedly be even louder.

That's why she was willing to act as a hero. Firstly, because she could withstand criticism and slander better than him, and secondly, because she knew that even if there was a risk of being pelted with eggs on stage, there would always be people who would believe in her.

She was clearly timid, yet also very brave, for Xu Li and for the fans.

Now she should go and settle the score with someone.

Xu Li took a deep breath. Although it was regrettable that his sister wasn't present at the scene to hear the song, he was glad that he wasn't so shy anymore.

——

At this moment, Wen Li ignored the surprised looks from others along the way and walked straight towards Xu Xingyue's dressing room.

After today, she had no intention of maintaining any superficial peace with Xu Xingyue. In the future, only one of them could be in Jiarui.

Xu Xingyue was sitting in front of the dressing table, applying makeup. The makeup artist was the first to notice Wen Li and sounded surprised, "Teacher Wen? What are you—"

Before the makeup artist could finish speaking, Wen Li lifted her foot and kicked the chair Xu Xingyue was sitting on with a cold expression on her face.

Xu Xingyue held onto the chair's armrest and looked up, her tone angry, "Sister Wen? What are you doing?"

Wen Li pinched Xu Xingyue's chin, her anger intensifying in her eyes, and gritted her teeth, "I can understand if you want to steal my resources in the company. But my brother is a newcomer who hasn't even debuted yet. His fans don't even compare to a fraction of yours. I didn't provoke you or do anything to you, yet you spread rumors about me having an affair with my own brother. Are you mentally ill or just twisted?"

Her chin was being pinched, causing Xu Xingyue pain. However, she forgot to struggle as she was shocked by Wen Li's words.

"... Brother? What do you mean?"

"Don't you understand human language? Xu Li, Xu Li is my younger brother, my real little brother," Wen Li emphasized her words, "You spread rumors about me having an affair with my own brother. Are you mentally ill or just twisted?"

Xu Xingyue widened her eyes, her face turning pale in an instant.

No wonder when she mentioned it to Song Yan that day, he didn't react at all and even laughed.

So he was laughing at her foolishness.

Wen Li let go of her and didn't want to say anything more. She took out her phone directly and played the recording sent by Song Yan. It didn't matter if the makeup artist belonged to the production team or Xu Xingyue's team. In any case, this recording would be made public, an eye for an eye.

The phone was close by when she spoke in the recording and the hotel corridor was quiet. So the phone clearly recorded every word Xu Xingyue said to Song Yan.

Including her pitiful tone and her hidden intentions behind her seemingly understanding attitude.

Only Song Yan was present when she said these words with an unchanged expression, but now, in front of everyone in the dressing room, even the thickest skin couldn't endure such humiliation.

The makeup artist looked at them strangely, and with a look of disgust in Wen Li's eyes, Xu Xingyue felt ashamed and angry. She stood up stiffly and reached out to grab the phone.

"You're quite patient, saving the most sensational day to expose it," Wen Li evaded backward, "But it's not like only you know how to hold back."

Xu Xingyue panicked, "Please, senior, don't"

"If Xu Li and I weren't siblings and were just good friends, as an artist, you should know that rumors always spread faster than clarifications. By posting videos, you're leading the public opinion. No matter how much we clarify in the future, the label of infidelity will never be removed," Wen Li sneered, taunting her. "I only exposed your failed attempt at being a mistress, and you're this scared?"

Xu Xingyue trembled all over and couldn't say a word.

Finally, she managed to squeeze out, "I'm sorry..."

"Is a simple apology enough to brush aside the wrong you've done?" Wen Li calmed down, "But even if you apologize, I won't forgive you."

Xu Xingyue struggled. "President Zhang and the investors won't agree to your exposure!"

"You're wrong. Even if you collapse and can no longer earn money for the company and investors, do you think they would genuinely pity you? They only care about the initial investment they made in you. Once they realize it's irretrievable, they'll find someone else to promote. This industry never lacks the money trees they need," Wen Li, having been in the industry longer than her, understood the true power players behind the scenes.

Artists come and go, but capital is eternal.

Wen Li said word by word, "The ones who will genuinely pity you are your fans. They love you, trust you. They celebrate for you when you're successful; they're happier than you when you secure good opportunities, and they're more excited than you when you receive recognition. When you're being slandered, before the evidence is presented, no one believes you, but they believe in the version of you that they support. They stand up against the judgment of outsiders, clarifying things for you, controlling the negative comments, and supporting you. But what about you? Do you think you deserve them?"

Tears welled up in Xu Xingyue's eyes as she asked, "Why are you telling me all this?"

"I also had a dream of being a singing and dancing idol, but it didn't come true, so I became an actress," Wen Li said, "You're starting from a point that I envy, with a great beginning. I genuinely don't understand why some girls, despite being talented and hardworking, can't wait and choose to deviate from the path. Even if it takes them a bit longer and the road may not be smooth, they would eventually achieve what they desire. Why can't they wait?"

When Xu Xingyue first debuted on the talent show, her eyes were bright, her smile was warm, and she exuded vitality. The applause and flowers surrounding her were what she deserved through her efforts.

Xu Xingyue's gaze trembled as she clenched her lips tightly.

"Senior, I..."

"You don't have to cry; it's your own doing," Wen Li's words were straightforward and cruel.

Without hesitation, she sent the recording to Zhang Churui, wanting to see if her boss would protect her.

In addition, she included a message: 「If you protect her, I'm switching to Bai Shi Entertainment.」

「Recently, I've taken an interest in new talent. They have good conditions, so in the future, make sure to involve them in business activities.」

Even if they give up on one Junior Sister Xu, there will still be many other Junior Sisters to replace her.

After finishing all this, Wen Li returned to her own dressing room. Later, when all the trainees finished their solos, she had to go on stage to announce the rankings. So, she had to finish the half-done hairstyle.

As soon as she entered the room, she saw Lily, the makeup artist, and her assistant Wen Wen standing shoulder to shoulder in front of the screen, watching the live broadcast of the stage in real-time.

She called Lily a few times but got no response.

So she had to walk over, only to find Lily and Wen Wen both in tears.

They were crying even harder than Xu Xingyue.

Wen Li was startled, "What's wrong with you two?"

"Wuwuwu, sister," Wen Wen sniffled, "Your younger brother's singing is really amazing."

"Is it that good?"

Wen Li had heard Xu Li sing before. His voice was decent, indeed quite good, but not to the point of tears streaming down one's face.

Wen Li's curiosity was piqued, so she shifted her gaze to the large broadcast screen. Unfortunately, at that moment, Xu Li had already finished singing and left the stage.

She was too busy settling accounts with Xu Xingyue and missed it.

Fortunately, the marketing accounts on Weibo were quick to post. Wen Li searched on Weibo, and within minutes, a recorded live stream from a few minutes ago was available.

Because Xu Li's song was changed at the last minute, there was no accompanying track specifically for him in the sound system. Xu Li stood in front of a standing microphone, gently strumming the guitar strings with his fingertips.

On the spacious stage, the glaring lights softened. The clean sound of the guitar, accompanied by Xu Li's clean and gentle vocals, created a refreshing and soothing melody. It felt like being embraced by gentle sea breezes carried by white waves on the shore, accompanied by the clarity of the blue sky and the calls of seagulls.

"When I opened my eyes as a child, I could see her smile,

But back then, she was a source of annoyance for me,

She had the pride of a Leo,

And the nagging I detested the most,

"Then we grew up together,

The gardenia flowers imprinted signs of maturity,

The moon took her away,

Watching her laugh and run towards her own light, I felt lonely yet so happy."

"Then we grew up together,

Finally understanding her significance to me,

The moon embraced her,

Taking on the responsibility of accommodating all her prospective whims, I welled up with tears but also felt grateful."

After a slow build-up, until the very end, the young man's voice returned to a calm tone, as if whispering to himself.

"I want to tell him, the moon, to treat her well,

I am her little brother and her fortress,

She is my sister and my warm sunshine,

When moonlight is not enough to keep her shining forever, I will reignite her radiance,

Just like in our wild and lively childhood."

As the song concluded, love, which was not explicitly mentioned in the lyrics, lingered in every word, conveying the message of siblings' love.

During the months at the training camp, Xu Li learned to dance, learned to rap at the most basic level, and learned how to blend his voice into a group. However, when he stood alone on the stage, singing quietly and slowly narrating the stories within his lyrics, he revealed his original and most authentic self.

The quietest few minutes of this song on stage came to an end, followed by an eruption of screams and applause from the audience.

"Little Li ahhhh!!!"

「Oh my god, I can't believe I'm crying.」

「Is the moon mentioned in the lyrics referring to Song Yan? Song Yan is nicknamed 'White Moonlight'!」

「So, this song was dedicated to Little Li's older sister and his brother-in-law, haha.」

「Suddenly, as an only child, I really want a little brother.」

「I fucking envy Wen Li like crazy!!! Who wouldn't want a little brother who can write songs and loves his sister?!!!」

"I wonder if she likes it," Xu Li held the microphone and hummed lightly, "Well, it doesn't matter, as long as you all like it."

"We love it!!!"

「They're real siblings! Fans certified it! Their tsundere behavior is spot-on!」

「If Sanli dares not to like it, we fans will be the first to cut her ears off!」

「Would she dare not like it? She must like it!」

「Sob, sob, sob. I like Sanli, I like Beauty, and now I really like Little Li. Is it destined that I'll fall for this family in my lifetime?」

「Sister above, you can also like Master Xu! A family of four, all together, haha!」

Wen Li: "..."

Cut her ears off if she doesn't like it? What kind of fans are these?

Lily and Wen Wen were observing Wen Li's expression closely. Wen Wen cautiously asked, "Sister, how do you feel?"

"Hmph," Wen Li sniffed and whispered, "It's just okay."

If it weren't for the fact that Xu Li wrote this song and sang it, she wouldn't be this happy or fond of it.

Meanwhile, the siblings were still unaware that their father, who was far away overseas, hastily logged onto Weibo after hearing the news from his son-in-law. He didn't care about the time difference and couldn't find the right words. Instinctively, he used the simplest words and the most straightforward photo to clarify the rumors for them.

Under the fermentation and buildup of the "cheating scandal", the sibling relationship between Wen Li and Xu Li exploded into trending topics as soon as it was revealed.

On that night, Weibo's trending topics were exceptionally lively. The trending topics from the debut night and various clarifications crowded together. Marketing accounts posted Weibo updates every few minutes, riding on the popularity of the trending topics, and the reading count easily exceeded tens of millions.

Entertainment Brother:「Tonight's trending topics definitely refreshed at an unprecedented speed, right? One trending topic changed every half an hour. 'For You To Debut' night has completely gone viral. The craziest thing is that just a few hours ago, netizens were still criticizing Wen Li for having an affair with a trainee. Immediately, they were proven wrong when it was revealed that the two are actual siblings. Moreover, their biological father, Master Xu, personally clarified it on Weibo. *eats *」

Guagua's Wanted List:「Everyone's attention has shifted from the cheating scandal to the sibling scandal. Am I the only one amazed at this divine family? The father is a master of traditional Chinese painting, the older sister is a top-tier actress, and the younger brother is a singer-songwriter. The crucial point is that the entire family is stunningly beautiful and talented (although Master Xu has gained some weight lately ).」

「Guagua, you forgot someone: the son-in-law is a movie emperor. *eats *」

「If there was Song Yan in that photo, the whole family of four would be complete!」

「Am I the only one curious about where the siblings' mother is?」

Guagua's Wanted List:「Master Xu has been widowed for many years. The siblings' mother has already passed away.」

「No wonder there's only a photo of the three of them. But I'm sure their mother must have been extremely beautiful; otherwise, how could these siblings be that extraordinary. 」

Once Wen Li and Xu Li's relationship was revealed, not all comments were positive. The live broadcast of the debut night was still ongoing and many people suspected that Xu Li's popularity skyrocketed so quickly because the program team already knew about his background and had manipulated things behind the scenes.

With the cheating scandal clarified and dismissed, Xu Li's fans bravely stepped forward and presented a series of data to prove that Little Li attracted fans step by step through his own charisma and talent, leading him to the stage of the debut night.

「As long as the fans are happy, that's all that matters. After all, being a fan of the Crown Family is worry-free, haha~」

In talent shows, the Crown Family refers to a contestant who, despite having low popularity, receives strong support from the capital due to favoritism. No fan wants to hear others say that their idol is a member of the Crown Family.

However, when the rankings were announced on the debut night, the comments proclaiming Xu Li as the chief judge's real brother and a confirmed member of the Crown Family disappeared without a trace.

Xu Xingyue couldn't perform on stage due to personal health reasons, so the debut members were announced by the chief judge and the other three mentors.

There were twelve spots in the final group, and Xu Li ranked fourteenth, failing to secure a debut position.

Fans from various fandoms flooded Weibo with criticism, and for a while, it was a bloody mess on the debut night.

「Little Li, did your scandal of cheating at the last moment lower the popularity? The fact that you and the judge are siblings was announced as early as the first episode, alright?」

「The top five in real-time crowdfunding rankings didn't debut; it's fucking outrageous! Crown Family, come out and apologize!」

「Heartbroken for Little Li, being criticized as a member of the Crown Family and not debuting in the end.」

Apart from the die-hard fans who had been emotionally invested in the show for months, treating these trainees as their own children, most people weren't surprised by this outcome.

Xu Li's company initially sent the trainees to participate in the talent show with the goal of gaining exposure and attracting fans. It was like throwing them into a talent show factory to fend for themselves.

Wang Yiyuan, another trainee from the same company who participated with Xu Li, had already been eliminated in the third performance. To be honest, the fact that these two managed to make it this far was unexpected for the company.

Xu Li's surge in popularity during the fourth performance stage was beyond their expectations.

However, the outcome was already set, and it wouldn't change due to any unexpected events on the debut night.

Wen Li felt a bit regretful, but not too much. She had experienced a lot of setbacks and had a more open-minded perspective.

"I'll be waiting for your music," Wen Li said, "You don't have to worry about album sales; I'll buy them all."

Xu Li didn't have much of a reaction, but other trainees excitedly surrounded him and said, "Xu Li, how many good deeds did you do in your past life? You're so fortunate in this life!"

Xu Li felt that he was quite happy and even posted a Weibo to comfort his fans after the show.

For You To Debut - Xu Li:「I originally joined this show to gain fans. Now that I've gained all of you, I don't have to dance anymore and hold back my teammates. Nice.」

「Little Li, you're so good. 」

「Now that you've gained me, you have to take responsibility! Quickly write songs and release an album! I want to listen to 'Sister' on repeat for a hundred days!」

「Ding—hurry up and release the 'Sister' song!」

——

In the end, the chaotic debut night with disputes among various fan groups came to a close.

The next day, while the remnants of yesterday's hot topics were still lingering, a new scandal emerged.

Yesterday, it was a leaked video, and today, it was an audio recording.

Xu Xingyue had attended a film festival in Bin City the previous week, which was a publicized event. At that time, Song Yan happened to be in Bin City for his new movie preparations, so the timing of the leaked audio matched perfectly.

Compared to the video which was ambiguous and difficult to clarify, this audio recording was clear and revealed every word spoken.

Under such a heavy blow, fans had nothing to argue against, and they didn't know how to clear their idol's name without concrete evidence.

By spreading false rumors without any solid evidence, accusing the siblings of infidelity, and also knowingly approaching Song Yan, who was a married man -- this audio recording clearly presented all the facts.

Countless insults came pouring in without any public relations efforts to save her. Jiarui Entertainment gave up on her. Director Guo, who didn't want to offend Song Yan and Wen Li, also gave up on her.

Xu Xingyue didn't offer any defense and directly posted a long Weibo apology.

She apologized sincerely to her senior sister, her senior sister's husband, and her fans.

A year ago, when she debuted, she was at her busiest and happiest. Fans loved her, and she loved her fans. She was the star they admired and fans were her armor and spear.

「To my fans, I'm sorry for disappointing your love. May you find a star in the future that is more deserving of your love, always shining brightly, never extinguishing, illuminating your path forward.

Although I'm not qualified, thank you for accompanying me on this journey.」

Not long after, Xu Xingyue's largest personal fan site announced its closure.

「Thank you, Xingyue, for the happiness you brought us this past year. We won't see you again. Best wishes.」

After that, not many people cared about Xu Xingyue's future.

This industry never lacked young and vibrant idols. Even if one star falls, countless other stars will rise.

At the same time, with the conclusion of the debut night, Xu Li's performance of the song "Sister" on the debut stage swept major music platforms, reaching the top of the daily charts and gaining massive popularity.

Xu Li's fans finally felt relieved. Even though their "Little Li" couldn't debut as part of a boy group for various reasons, he was originally a singer-songwriter. He was most suited to stand under the spotlight, quietly singing his own songs. The guitar and microphone were his best and most harmonious partners.

The lyrics of "Sister" were not profound but easy to understand and it wasn't hard to guess who the "moon" mentioned in the lyrics referred to.

At this moment, the moon in Bin City had already guessed as well. The fans were frantically mentioning him, hoping for a response. He logged onto Weibo and replied to Xu Li's lyrics.

Song Yan:「The moon knows @Xu Li」

—I want to tell him, the moon, to treat her well.

—The moon knows.