Zhong Yan tidied up and went downstairs. There were no scheduled performances on the weekend. Although most people stayed to train, some went home. He encountered quite a few contestants when he came down.
Naturally, some of them recognized him.
Zhong Yan's singing and dancing abilities didn't offer much advantage compared to these people. However, his face was something almost no one could ignore. Even without makeup, he looked better than them with their elaborate preparations. Today, he had even put in extra effort, and he seemed to radiate light.
Some acquaintances greeted him. Zhong Yan was in a good mood today and was happy to respond, "Aren't you going home?"
"No, it's only two days. Training isn't even enough, you're going home."
"I'm not going home either."
The person looked at him, puzzled, "Then you?"
He replied gleefully, "I'm going out to play."
A few of them were somewhat surprised but didn't ask further, "Oh, you go then, have fun."
"Mhm."
Then he swept past them like a gust of wind, quickly disappearing into the hall.
Those behind him asked suspiciously, "Who do you think he's going out to play with? Isn't he nervous at all?"
"I don't think he's here for a talent show at all."
Someone sneered, "He has connections. He hooked up with a mentor as soon as he arrived. Why would he need to train? Serving the right person is more useful than any training."
"Damn, why are you so foul-mouthed? Did you forget to brush your teeth?"
Most of the people here were teenagers and young adults in their teens and twenties. The competition wasn't intense at the moment, and influenced by the overall environment, many were sunny and cheerful. Someone who spoke so carelessly from the start would naturally be looked down upon by others.
"He's just jealous because the guy is good-looking."
The person snorted and turned away unhappily.
"Everyone knows the current situation. How the previous 'Star of the Future' competition went down, everyone is aware. If Zhong Yan really had an improper relationship with a mentor and received preferential treatment because of it, it would have been exposed by the management long before he could make a righteous accusation. I really don't know what he's worried about."
"It's just jealousy. Honestly, I'm also jealous of Zhong Yan's face. Damn, I should ask my mom why she didn't give birth to me looking better!"
"Yeah, even as a guy, I'm smitten. He's too good-looking!"
"So, do you think he and Teacher Yao are really dating?"
"I don't know, but Teacher Yao seems to be only in his early twenties, and there haven't been any rumors about him. Even if they are dating, it's not an improper relationship, right?"
"I actually hope they are dating."
"Why?"
The person shrugged, "Think about it, if they are dating, it'll definitely get out. Then Zhong Yan's female fans will unfollow him, and maybe we can pick up some leftovers."
Someone immediately laughed, "That makes sense, hahahaha..."
***
Zhong Yan walked out of the hotel. As he was looking around, two honks sounded beside him.
He walked over. Just as he opened the rear door, he heard the person in front say, "Come to the front."
He hesitated for a moment, then closed the car door and moved to the passenger seat, opening the door and getting in.
Zhu Ran was wearing light makeup and a long red dress today. Her usual demeanor wasn't sharp; instead, it gave the illusion of gentleness and elegance. But red suited her well, giving her a very special aura.
Zhong Yan was momentarily stunned.
"Staring?" she teased, starting the car and reminding him, "Seatbelt."
Zhong Yan snapped back to attention, his ear tips turning red involuntarily. He quickly lowered his head to buckle his seatbelt, not daring to look at her.
"I thought you were quite bold before, why are you always so shy?"
Zhong Yan immediately retorted, "When was I shy?"
"Mhm, you weren't."
Her perfunctory reply was like hitting cotton for Zhong Yan; it lacked any impact and instead trapped him.
He felt a bit stifled.
Hmm... it tasted sweet.
Zhu Ran drove them out of the city quickly. After driving for more than ten minutes on a winding mountain road, they arrived at an amusement park situated on the mountainside.
This amusement park was developed and built by Wansheng Group. It had only opened a little over a month ago. Because it catered to a high-end market and was located in the suburbs, its clientele consisted of people with higher spending power. Even on a weekend, the number of tourists was not large.
After buying tickets, they entered the amusement park. There were no hawkers' calls. Along the way, there were high-end restaurants and some specialty restaurants. Various entertainment facilities like pirate ships, bumper cars, and carousels were mostly for children. Roller coasters were located far away, and even from a distance, the ear-splitting screams of people could be heard.
They walked inside side by side. Zhong Yan looked at the couples holding hands, groups of friends, and happy families of three around them, and a strange thought occurred to him.
They looked a bit out of place like this.
He cautiously nudged Zhu Ran with his hand.
Zhu Ran turned, not because of that, and asked, "Did you have breakfast?"
Zhong Yan subconsciously replied, "Yes."
Zhu Ran naturally pulled him towards a restaurant, "I haven't eaten yet. Can you accompany me?"
Zhong Yan had been busy getting ready early in the morning and hadn't eaten breakfast either. After more than an hour in the car, he was actually hungry.
But he had already said he had eaten...
"What are you hesitating about? Let's go."
"Oh."
He followed her into the restaurant. Zhu Ran ordered several dishes. They sat down, and after a short wait, the waiter brought the food. Sudan Novel Network.
It was enough for two people.
"Eat."
Zhong Yan said uncomfortably, "I, I'm not hungry."
"Even if you're not hungry, you have to eat. Didn't you promise to accompany me for breakfast?"
Zhu Ran once again sensed this person's personality trait in this world: too indecisive.
Perhaps before he met her, his indecisiveness was only in his mind, with no time to express it. After meeting her, his body became more honest than his mouth, often saying things he didn't intend to say.
And then he would stew in it alone.
Zhu Ran could only create an excuse for him to step down gradually.
Her actions allowed Zhong Yan to step down gracefully whenever he felt awkward or uncomfortable. This way of interacting made him feel comfortable.
In fact, just seeing this person made him feel quite comfortable.
Love at first sight?
It was a bit dangerous.
After breakfast, they played some more thrilling games. When they rode the roller coaster, both of them were so calm it was as if they were riding a carousel, making the people in the row behind them look like a pack of monsters.
Zhong Yan was actually quite nervous; his heart was pounding in his chest. It was only by looking at Zhu Ran's calm and somewhat reassuring expression that he felt less scared.
He even wanted to try something else.
Then they went bungee jumping.
As his body rapidly plummeted, he couldn't help but hug Zhu Ran, his voice trembling slightly, "Aren't you scared at all?"
Zhu Ran put her arm around his back, patted him gently, and used some spiritual energy to slow their descent, replying, "With me here, you won't actually fall. Don't be afraid."
Zhong Yan burst out laughing, "Hahaha, we're bungee jumping, not actually falling off a cliff. I wouldn't have fallen even without you."
Zhu Ran also smiled, "Mhm."
Later, Zhong Yan realized that this person could indeed prevent him from falling.