Chapter 9: The First A!

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Zhou Jieqiong stared intently at Gu Jingyi, her cheeks flushing slightly. Although she had a good private relationship with Gu Jingyi, the added aura of the stage seemed to endow him with an indescribable charm. After a flawless performance, even the unreserved praise from Li Ronghao and Zhang Yixing, two popular artists well-established in the country, did not make Gu Jingyi visibly elated. He calmly stood on stage, accepting the mentors' critiques with composure. This man was truly a paradox—young in age but possessing a rare maturity, exuding a strong aura of brotherhood. Zhou Jieqiong could easily imagine how many viewers would become devoted fans of Gu Jingyi once the show aired.

During the stage commentary, she smiled and joked, “Gu Jingyi, did you come on the show just to be the face of the group?” The term “face of the group” referred to the member with the most outstanding looks in an idol group. Zhou Jieqiong’s words were a subtle compliment to Gu Jingyi’s handsomeness, while also quietly showcasing their close friendship. Unlike other mentors who gave business-like feedback, she steered the commentary in a lighthearted, conversational direction.

“I was just wondering why, the moment I saw you, the corners of my mouth couldn’t help but lift. Even the fatigue I felt earlier vanished instantly,” Zhou Jieqiong said frankly, without hesitation. Such a candid comment caught Gu Jingyi off guard for a moment, but he quickly recovered and smiled. “Thank you, teacher. But I don’t have a fixed position for myself yet. If the team needs me to be the face, I can be.” That “can be” was a bit playful, as if he was somewhat reluctant but humored Zhou Jieqiong out of consideration.

Wang Jiaer couldn’t help but grin and pointed at Gu Jingyi, laughing. Zhou Jieqiong’s cheeks flushed as she gently fanned herself. “Stop laughing, I just think Gu Jingyi is very handsome.” “But Jieqiong, it seems Gu Jingyi isn’t too keen on being the face,” Wang Jiaer said, picking up the information sheet on the mentor’s desk and shaking it at her. His Mandarin was a bit imperfect but candid: “Look, Gu Jingyi wrote ‘All-Rounder’ for his position. Jieqiong, were you just looking at the handsome guy and didn’t even check the info?”

The news that Gu Jingyi had labeled himself an “All-Rounder” sent the trainees into a buzz over that bold word. “All-Rounder? That’s quite a claim.” “Gu Jingyi is too eager. Even if he does nothing but follow the routine to the end, he’s guaranteed a debut spot with his popularity. Isn’t this just giving the producers a reason to edit him maliciously?” “Wow, Gu Jingyi is really daring. Isn’t this basically saying he’s the strongest ACE of this season? That’s not humble at all.”

Cheng Xiao straightened slightly, watching Gu Jingyi calmly face the many doubts from the trainees. Her hand on the table trembled slightly with excitement. It was hard-earned mentor dignity, shattered once again. [As expected, these are the kind of things he’d say. This guy really hasn’t changed at all...] Cheng Xiao gazed at Gu Jingyi with sparkling eyes.

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Gu Jingyi remained unflustered; his strength could shatter all doubts. Since joining “Idol Trainee,” he had never intended to hide his sharp edge. He needed to seize every opportunity to fully showcase his personality and charm to the audience, leaving a deep impression in the shortest time possible.

The show “A Little Happiness” had been a limited-time hit in its previous life. After three months on air, Hu Yitian’s popularity had dropped back to an ordinary second-tier level. Gu Jingyi learned from predecessors and chose a phenomenon-level audition to steadily stabilize his somewhat fluctuating popularity. A distinct personality and strong skills were what fans loved most. Conveniently, the image Gu Jingyi presented on “Idol Trainee” fit this perfectly.

Unlike the trainees, the mentors showed keen interest in Gu Jingyi’s statement. Zhang Yixing raised an eyebrow, scanning Gu Jingyi’s resume. Soon, he made the first move: “Gu Jingyi, you participated in ‘Produce 202’ before, right?” “Idol Trainee” was a domestic attempt to replicate the overseas sensation “Produce 202,” with similar audition modes and processes.

“Yes,” Gu Jingyi answered succinctly, instantly establishing his “big shot” persona. Even Zhang Yixing was a bit surprised; he expected Gu Jingyi to boast about his previous popularity, which would’ve given him, as a producer, a chance to explain why Gu Jingyi was starting anew. But Gu Jingyi didn’t follow the usual script, leaving the seasoned veteran unsure how to proceed.

“Jingyi, aren’t you going to elaborate? Bro, you were incredible back then. You broke nationality prejudices as the first Chinese center in an overseas audition,” Wang Jiaer said, unable to sit still, lavishing praise on his good younger brother. For many in the country, “Produce 202” was an unheard-of show—only the more dedicated, opinionated “show fans” might have watched it.

Seeing Wang Jiaer offer a way out, Zhang Yixing relaxed a bit and curiously asked, “Gu Jingyi, you were trained as the main dancer overseas. Why did you choose to showcase your vocal skills on the ‘Idol Trainee’ stage instead of dancing?” “Because I want to show all the producers that I have limitless possibilities,” Gu Jingyi replied, rare smile breaking through his usually polite, distant expression. He looked straight into the camera confidently: “After a semester of professional training at the Central Conservatory, I want to demonstrate my progress to all the producers. Today’s stage is the best trial.”

Zhang Yixing nodded, offering rare praise: “I believe once the show airs, everyone who’s ever followed you will see. Jingyi, do you want to do a dance challenge now?” Gu Jingyi nodded without hesitation. After a simple warm-up, the music began.

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“Bang! Bang! Bang!” The clear drumbeat intro sounded. Gu Jingyi hit the beat and launched into a power move. Through a series of moves—single-hand spins, timed elbow V-kicks, reverse hooks—Gu Jingyi finished the one-minute challenge with a crisp floor move. Both his control over his body and the explosive force were striking. His technique and emotional expression were flawless.

Gu Jingyi once again proved through action that his self-description on the information sheet as “the standard answer for getting an A” was no exaggeration. Even rival trainees were awed by his dance skills. No one understood better than them how difficult it was to balance emotional expression and technical skill in dance.

“Gu Jingyi deserves the very first A. He’s the standard answer for an active idol.” “If he doesn’t get an A, I’ll suspect foul play.” “He’s literally wearing his ambition on his face. Gu Jingyi is so handsome. If I had his skills, I’d be just as arrogant.”

Absolute skill earned the respect of the entire room. Those who had previously criticized Gu Jingyi now looked at him with admiration. At the mentors’ table, Zhang Yixing and the others conferred briefly before announcing into the microphone:

“Now, the evaluation for Huace Entertainment trainee Gu Jingyi—”

For show effect and to insert sponsor ads, Zhang Yixing paused significantly. After several seconds, he no longer held back:

“Your original songs are excellent, your vocals flawless. Your dance is captivating. You’ve truly raised the bar for the entire show on your own.” “As you said yourself, your evaluation level is A!”

Zhang Yixing announced the initial stage rating and added, “However, after discussing with the other mentors, we all agree that Gu Jingyi’s A isn’t because he only has A-level skills, but because A is the highest rating on this show.” “He’s not just the standard answer for an A—he’s the perfect score answer!”

Li Ronghao clapped and echoed, “Gu Jingyi, you are the perfect answer we’ve been waiting for.” Cheng Xiao also admired Gu Jingyi, giving him high praise: “You’re unquestionably an A in my book!”

“Thank you, mentors,” Gu Jingyi said calmly, bowing toward the mentors’ table.

Having walked alone through a dim, deserted tunnel for a long time, Gu Jingyi felt he deserved this long-awaited dawn. The first A was just the beginning.