Chapter 51

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Chapter 51: Title

5:00 PM.

In the imaginations of Qin Yuanzhuo’s fans, Song Yutian must have been desperately struggling at this very moment, exhausting every means to "clear her name."

However, Song Yutian was currently sitting on the sofa, eyes closed, emptying her mind and resting her body.

Song Yutian had thought this through clearly—she couldn’t control the trending scandal now, so focusing on what she could manage was paramount.

Such as the upcoming audition.

For reasons unknown, Director Cheng had called that very afternoon after her temporary departure from the show, asking if she could audition for a role that evening.

Song Yutian naturally agreed immediately.

As for the scandal, given its magnitude, Song Yutian believed even if the director himself wasn’t paying attention, his team would surely inform him.

Since she arrived without being notified of any cancellation, it confirmed the matter hadn’t impacted this arrangement—at least for now.

Earlier, an assistant had informed her that Director Cheng was occupied and asked her to wait in the lounge. Now she was sitting quietly on the sofa.

Her phone screen suddenly lit up with a chat app notification.

Opening it, Song Yutian found a friend request from Wei Yao’s personal account.

She’d left the program group so abruptly that staff had to pack and deliver her luggage. There had been no time for farewells, let alone exchanging contacts.

Song Yutian accepted the request.

Within seconds, messages flooded in:

Wei Yao: Yutian! Why did you leave without telling me?

Wei Yao: What’s happening? Is it about the trending topic? The program group won’t explain, just warned us not to comment—said they’ll handle it.

Song Yutian hesitated, then kept her reply vague:

Song Yutian: Don’t worry. It’s nothing major—just a temporary absence.

Song Yutian: How did you get my number?

Wei Yao: Gu Feng told me.

Wei Yao: I tried contacting you immediately after getting my phone. Turns out only Mr. Gu had your personal info!

Song Yutian chuckled silently.

Though the program-issued phones contained everyone’s contacts, the constant daily interactions had made exchanging personal details seem unnecessary. Thus, among all contestants, only Gu Feng—who’d known her beforehand—had possessed her actual contact.

Wei Yao: Are you sure you’re okay? How can I help?

Wei Yao: Everyone’s gathered here. If you need messages relayed, I can assist.

Song Yutian: Truly, it’s minor. No help needed—please don’t worry.

After exchanging a few more words, Song Yutian set her phone aside.

She had never considered asking fellow contestants to defend her publicly. Every word from public figures got dissected by netizens, especially during controversies. Those distant wouldn’t speak up, while close acquaintances—she refused to burden.

Her screen lit up again.

A message from Gu Feng’s personal account. The day’s competition must have concluded, returning phones to contestants.

Opening it, she found no text—just a shared Weibo post. Their last exchange had remained from a month ago: the original "Song Yutian" pleading, "Why do you keep ignoring me?"

She clicked the link.

@Evening Food Group Gu Feng | Posted 5 minutes ago

When are you returning to the competition? We’re all waiting. @Song Yutian

The post pointedly had tagged only her, omitting Qin Yuanzhuo entirely—a clear stance.

Surprise flickered through her. She had never expected Gu Feng to publicly support her.

Scanning the comments, she noted Qin Yuanzhuo’s fans hadn’t swarmed the thread—whether from haste or reluctance to antagonize Gu Feng. The space remained uncharacteristically tranquil, filled with well-wishes for her return.

As she debated responding, another message arrived:

Gu Feng: Unlike you small-time actors, the program group holds no sway over me.

Gu Feng: Don’t misunderstand. This isn’t for you.

Gu Feng: That Qin bastard’s irritated me since day one of this show.

Song Yutian: Okay.

After thinking for a moment, she added another sentence.

Song Yutian: Thank you.

Hearing footsteps, Song Yutian looked up and saw the previous assistant had arrived.

"Miss Song, Director Cheng has finished. Let me take you to him," the assistant said.

Song Yutian put her phone back in her pocket and nodded with a smile. "Okay."

Seven or eight people were sitting in the meeting room.

Song Yutian felt surprised; she hadn’t expected such a crowd.

Director Cheng spoke when she entered. "You’re Song Yutian?"

Song Yutian nodded. "Yes."

Director Cheng addressed the others. "This is the girl I mentioned earlier. Since we’re all here now, shall we evaluate her together?"

The group of men and women nearby voiced their agreement.

"Height and weight?" Director Cheng asked directly instead of offering her a seat.

Though caught off guard, Song Yutian responded promptly. "171 centimeters tall, 49 kilograms."

The weight measurement had been taken at noon, while the height figure came from her previous life—though she doubted there’d be much difference now.

Director Cheng nodded. "Your thoughts, Teacher Wang?"

A female voice answered. "Posture’s acceptable. Body measurements meet standards, though she could stand to lose more weight."

Song Yutian observed the stern-looking woman with her hair in a bun, instinctively recognizing a fellow dance professional.

Having worked in this field previously, Song Yutian remained unfazed by the strict physical standards mentioned.

Director Cheng commented after hearing the evaluation. "Seems decent enough."

The woman continued. "Song Yutian, correct? Any dance background?"

After brief consideration, Song Yutian answered. "Some basic training from before."

Pleased, Director Cheng declared. "Then let’s see her in costume. Xiao Zhu, take her."

Song Yutian blinked in momentary surprise.

The assistant approached. "Yutian, I’ll escort you for styling."

Ten minutes later, Song Yutian reentered the meeting room.

Now clad in pristine white classical dance attire with proper footwear.

The so-called "styling" had merely involved changing outfits and strict instructions to remove all makeup, including the base layer.

When Song Yutian claimed natural complexion, the assistant had scrutinized her face closely before marveling at her flawless skin.

Director Cheng studied the transformed figure intently, approval evident in his gaze.

"Since you claim dance experience," he said, "could you perform something now? A minute will suffice."

Song Yutian nodded, recalling her previous dance repertoire.

"Preparation time needed?" Director Cheng inquired.

"I’m ready now," she responded.

Under silent observation, she executed her opening movement.

She selected visually impressive choreography suitable for her current physical capabilities.

Though it was less effortless than she remembered, she completed the routine without mishap.

"Excellent. Truly excellent," Director Cheng praised enthusiastically after her finale.

He surveyed the room: "Your opinions?"

Others echoed approval, complimenting the director’s discernment.

Director Cheng specifically addressed the woman: "Teacher Wang?"

"Quite satisfactory," the woman acknowledged. "Records indicate drama school training?"

Song Yutian nodded in confirmation.

Though the original owner’s acting drew criticism, her formal performance education remained undisputed.

"Rare quality," the woman conceded.

Director Cheng’s enthusiasm visibly heightened. "Outstanding! No wonder both recommenders endorsed you. Return home now, Miss Song. I’ll contact your agent shortly."

Changed back into civilian clothes, Song Yutian rode the elevator down with the assistant.

The chatty companion praised her beauty and figure throughout the descent, reassuring her that Director Cheng prioritized role suitability over external factors.

Song Yutian suspected the implied references to recent scandals but refrained from inquiring, given the assistant’s indirect approach.

After expressing her gratitude several times, Song Yutian hesitated before asking, "By the way, I just heard Director Cheng mention someone recommended me. Could you tell me who it was?"

The assistant paused. "There’s nothing confidential about it, but I assumed you already knew."

Song Yutian replied, "I… wasn’t entirely certain."

The assistant pondered. "One of them I’m not clear about—probably someone from the investor side. The other is an actor who previously collaborated with Director Cheng. By the way, he’s been gaining popularity lately—Zhong Yueli."

While returning to her apartment by taxi, Song Yutian received a call from her agent.

She answered, "Hello, Sister Chen."

Sister Chen’s voice sounded through the phone. "Yutian, I must say you’ve handled this remarkably well. With those contestants voicing support, the tide is turning in our favor."

Song Yutian sounded perplexed. "What do you mean?"

Sister Chen continued, "The PR team is still strategizing. Don’t respond impulsively for now. We haven’t identified the mastermind or their motives yet."

"Wasn’t it Qin Yuanzhuo’s doing?" Song Yutian asked.

"Initially, I thought so too," Sister Chen admitted, "but new developments suggest more complexity."

Song Yutian frowned. "What kind of complexity?"

"It’s a tangled web involving multiple… Never mind, it’s too convoluted to explain now. Let’s focus on practical matters. How did Director Cheng’s audition go?"

Song Yutian recounted the details.

Sister Chen sounded satisfied. "Excellent. Securing this role would significantly boost your career. Remember to stay low-profile these days—avoid unnecessary outings and potential scandals."

"Understood," Song Yutian replied.

After hanging up, she sank into contemplation.

The situation involved only herself and Qin Yuanzhuo. She’d naturally assumed her rival’s team orchestrated the trending topics since she hadn’t.

Yet upon reflection, targeting her exclusively would have been more effective for Qin Yuanzhuo. Curiously, three of the five trending hashtags criticized Shanzhu TV instead.

As a top-tier television network, provoking Shanzhu TV for publicity would damage any artist’s career. But why initially target both her and Qin Yuanzhuo if the real aim was the program group?

Shaking her head, Song Yutian dismissed the thoughts. Having inhabited this body for less than a week, the entertainment industry’s shadowy machinations remained unfamiliar territory.

Gazing through the taxi window, she suddenly recalled Sister Chen’s remark about multiple contestants supporting her.

Besides Gu Feng, who else? Hadn’t Wei Yao mentioned the program group discouraging public statements?

She opened her social media app and found immediate answers.