Chapter 88: The Night of Formation, Livestream Begins (Please Keep Reading)

While "Nocturne" and "Youthful Recklessness" fiercely battled for the top spot, time quietly slipped into Friday—the night of the "Tomorrow's Star" group formation finale, broadcast live.

At noon, the "Tomorrow's Star" section on Penguin Video launched a livestream reservation event. By three in the afternoon, reservations had surpassed five million.

Since morning, the production team had been busily conducting the final rehearsals. By the time rehearsals ended, it was already six o'clock. The crew provided dinner, allowing an hour for rest before the live broadcast would officially begin.

During dinner, Fang Xing ate very little, just enough rice to stave off hunger while on stage. There’s a saying in the industry: "Play full, sing hungry." Vocal performances rely on chest resonance and involve using the muscles near the diaphragm; eating too much can affect their flexibility. So, Fang Xing was careful not to overeat.

Li Caiwei was the same. She took only a few bites before setting aside her meal and letting the makeup artist start her work. She was the guest performer supporting Fang Xing’s group tonight. She had joined rehearsals two days prior and, counting today's practice, had been preparing for a week.

While getting her makeup done, she received a video call from home.

"Mommy... Mommy..." came a soft, sweet voice from the phone, so adorable it made one smile just to hear it.

"Did Little Sprout eat her meal? Mommy’s about to go on stage to sing. Tonight’s song is beautiful—maybe the best Mommy’s ever sung in her life," Li Caiwei spoke gently to her daughter.

She angled the camera toward Fang Xing and continued, "This is Mommy’s partner tonight. If not for him, Mommy wouldn’t have gotten this chance."

The makeup artist was styling Fang Xing’s hair. He glanced sideways at the little girl on the screen and raised his hand in greeting.

"When are you coming home, Mommy? Little Sprout misses you so much." The girl, dressed in a shirt with cartoon prints, pouted as she spoke, looking irresistibly cute.

"Soon. Once work ends tonight, I’ll come home tomorrow. You have to be good and listen to Grandma," Li Caiwei coaxed patiently.

"Grandma, Grandma, TV, TV, watch Mommy sing," Little Sprout turned to say.

"Alright, that’s enough—if we keep talking, my makeup won’t be finished before I go on stage. Be good, Little Sprout. Don’t watch TV for too long. After you see Mommy sing, it’s time for bed."

"Goodbye, Mommy."

Little Sprout puckered her lips and gave a kiss toward the phone.

Li Caiwei handed the phone to Fang Xing and said, "Give Uncle a kiss too."

Little Sprout pouted again and blew another kiss.

...

At 7:30 p.m., the production team began notifying everyone to take their positions. One hundred and fifty camera setups were ready, and the livestream signal had been tested.

At 7:50, Tong Fei, holding a microphone, announced, "The 'Tomorrow’s Star' group formation finale, live broadcast, officially begins."

The director played a rousing opening track. Host He Hao, riding the musical wave, stepped onto the stage: "Good evening to our audience here, our guests, contestants, and everyone watching at home.

"Welcome to the 'Tomorrow’s Star' group formation finale. Tonight, five teams will perform ten songs, vying for the final eleven spots to debut.

"Everyone, please look at the Glacier Gate behind me."

He gestured toward the back. The big screen displayed a stunning, computer-generated glacier gateway.

He Hao continued, "Tonight marks the debut formation of 'Tomorrow’s Star.' The eleven members chosen will form the GLA Glacier Boys, shining as the brightest new stars tonight.

"Before the performances begin, let me announce the rules for tonight’s competition.

"Tonight, it’s all about popularity rankings. Whether or not a contestant debuts will be determined by the total popularity votes on the 'Tomorrow’s Star' section of Penguin Video.

"In other words, the fate of every contestant tonight is in the hands of the entire audience watching this live broadcast."

At this point, He Hao interacted with a close-up camera, pointing at the lens and saying, "That’s right—you, sitting in front of your television, hold the ultimate power tonight. You decide the fate of every trainee.

"From this moment on, there are no mentor votes, no professional jury—only you.

"Well, to be precise, mentors can also vote as audience members. Their votes count just like everyone else’s: one person, one vote."

He paused, then continued, "Now, let’s reveal tonight’s theme. Please look at the big screen."

A video with a rich, traditional aesthetic played, accompanied by classical music, creating an elegant atmosphere.

He Hao announced loudly, "That’s right, tonight’s performance theme is ‘Ancient Elegance.’ Five teams, ten songs in the traditional style.

"Competition is fierce tonight. Although each team has prepared two songs, not every team will have the opportunity to perform their second piece.

"That’s right—the first round is an elimination match.

"Only the top three teams in popularity after the first round will get to perform a second time."

"So, give it your all—don’t let this summer end with regrets.

"For those watching live, if you want to see your favorite contestant perform again, then vote for them!"

A wave of astonishment swept through the live audience and guests upon hearing these rules. The format was undeniably harsh.

If a team didn’t place in the top three in the first round, they’d lose the chance to perform a second song. With one less performance, making it into the final eleven would be nearly impossible.

That meant, unless a team was confident they’d get another shot, they had to pour everything into their first song.

Moreover, with no professional jury voting tonight, the outcome rested entirely on the audience.

As the host explained, some trainees’ fans erupted in celebration. The livestream’s comment feed exploded:

"The pro judges are finally out—now it’s all up to us fans!"

"Impeachment of the judges successful, nice!"

"This is our victory—let the Five Sons of Chaoyin dominate from now on!"

"With no pro judges, we’re unstoppable!"

"Junchen, fly bravely—we’ll always be by your side!"

"Starlight will not fail dreamers; time will not fail Wu Junchen!"

"I declare Junchen and Yichen the kings tonight—no more rigged judging, let’s send them to the top of the popularity chart!"

"Time will prove you are the best."

"Go for it! Not only must Chenchen debut, he must debut with a landslide, crushing Fang Xing!"

"Charge!"

"Vote for your favorites—let Fang Xing’s crew see what real popularity looks like!"