The performance on stage could be judged by the cheers and applause from the audience below. Amidst these sounds, the guest seating area remained notably quiet.
No one had expected such a result.
The agreement was that Class A was for the top students, and Class B was for the stragglers. Yet, not only was Class B not crushed, but they also presented a stark contrast to Class A. The superior and inferior could be discerned even by an amateur.
"It's over. We won't be able to sign any promising talents this time. With Tian Hua here, as long as they extend an offer, no one will refuse," someone whispered with regret.
The others who heard this grew increasingly frustrated.
If it were a fair competition, they could offer enticing terms. But because of that bet, they had to wait until Tian Hua had made their selections before they could make their move.
Why did they have to participate in that pointless bet?
The company representatives who had bet incorrectly lamented inwardly.
However, there was one person who was exceptionally happy.
Zhao Kuo looked at Wang Chuan with a stiff smile, "If one didn't know better, they'd think Teacher Wang Chuan had found a golden nugget."
Wang Chuan chuckled, "I didn't expect this either. It seems sometimes the majority should rule the minority. Gentlemen, I've won." As he spoke, he took out a stack of contracts from his briefcase.
Everyone around looked on with envy.
Li Jing snorted, "A petty person gloating over success."
"What?" Wang Chuan cupped his ear, "Speak up, I couldn't hear you. The applause was too loud."
Li Jing simply propped her head with one hand, turned her back to Wang Chuan, picked up the microphone, and said in a flat tone, "Your performance was excellent, everyone was truly immersed. Tian Yu welcomes your joining." She put down the microphone.
Wang Chuan, smiling, picked up the microphone, "Like Teacher Li Jing, I'm at a loss for words. Your performance was too good. I'm still in shock, and I feel anything I say would be redundant, so I won't waste your time."
He presented the contracts and began reading names, "Zhuang Yu, Xiang Fei, Ren Kui..."
He called out eight names in total, and finally, Wang Chuan asked, "Han Zhao. The nine of you, are you willing to join Tian Hua?"
Those whose names were called were mostly overjoyed and jumped with excitement. Zhuang Yu responded loudly, "Thank you, Teacher. I am willing." He then made to run off the stage, eager to sign immediately.
Wang Chuan smiled and stopped him, "No rush, no rush. We'll sign the contracts leisurely after the event concludes."
Then, he asked with some confusion, "Why haven't I seen Han Zhao? Isn't he in your Class B?"
This question echoed the thoughts of the other company representatives. Had Han Zhao not performed today? Such a radiant person, if he had been on stage, he would undoubtedly have been the most eye-catching. How could he not be on stage?
The students on stage, however, burst into laughter.
After laughing for a moment, Zhuang Yu pointed to Wang Lifu, the "shopkeeper" next to him, "Teacher, this is Han Zhao. Didn't you recognize him?"
As soon as he spoke, not only the guests but also the audience in the back rows were stunned.
Han Zhao was not only the "campus heartthrob" of the department but also the "campus heartthrob" of the university. There was hardly anyone who didn't recognize his face. Yet, Wang Lifu on stage looked like a shrewd and capable middle-aged shopkeeper.
This was a far cry from the gentle and pure Han Zhao.
Wang Chuan was so shocked that his microphone slipped onto the table.
Picking up the microphone, he asked in astonishment, "Are you really Han Zhao?"
Han Zhao was an exceptional individual with the looks to become a top star, but his acting skills had always been at the bottom of the class. Many companies that wanted to sign him knew this. However, due to his high颜值, they didn't expect him to be an acting prodigy and were considering a more commercial path.
If one were to critique this performance, the most outstanding character was undoubtedly the tea house owner, Wang Lifu.
Yet, throughout the entire performance, no one realized that the actor playing Wang Lifu was Han Zhao.
The difference between the idol and the shrewd small merchant was like night and day.
Zhao Kuo also asked in surprise, "You're Han Zhao?" How could this be possible? He had seen Han Zhao's classroom performance just a week ago. How could he have transformed so drastically in just one week?
Li Jing was even more speechless. As a woman, her eyes were sharper. Upon closer inspection, she could indeed see traces of Han Zhao's features beneath the makeup.
"It really is Han Zhao," Li Jing murmured in shock.
Han Zhao on stage also dropped the persona of Wang Lifu and resumed his usual smile.
The change in expression immediately made it clear that this was indeed Han Zhao.
Wang Chuan quickly pressed, "Han Zhao, you are truly surprising. Your transformation is immense. I didn't recognize you at all. What have you been through?"
Han Zhao subconsciously glanced towards the far edge of the guest seating area. Then, he smiled and said, "I learned a lot during this week's intensive training."
The guests exchanged glances. Could such a significant change really happen in a week? It seemed too incredible, a comeback from last place to the best protagonist...
Zhao Kuo also chimed in, "Who is the instructor for Class B? Could they please come on stage to enlighten us?"
Yan Chi said with difficulty, "Teacher Nine had previously stated that she did not wish to come on stage." She was already sitting in the audience.
"It's Nine again. I'm becoming more and more curious about her," Zhao Kuo put down the microphone and said to those beside him,
"A screenwriter whose popularity and attention surpass that of celebrities. Our company has analyzed it; over the past two months, she has been the number one trending topic. Even current top stars are no match."
Li Jing immediately retorted, "Just a short-term phenomenon. She did well abroad because there were fewer people. It's not that easy to make a name for oneself in China."
Wang Chuan chuckled, "Didn't she and Jin Xue trend a few days ago? Did Jin Xue tell you what Nine looks like?"
Mentioning this, Li Jing's anger flared.
Jin Xue was someone she had cultivated. Although the person indeed had issues, she also resented Wei Tao, who exposed the truth, and Nine, who was involved. If not for them, Jin Xue would still be fine.
Li Jing's face turned stern, "It's all over the internet, isn't it? An ugly, fat otaku. What's there to be curious about? If she dared to show her face, she would be here now. Why is she still hiding?"
"This person is not simple," a sudden voice from behind chimed in.
Li Jing, irritated, retorted, "Bolin, you've retired from the industry. Why are you still so concerned about matters within the circle?"
Bolin smiled and said no more.
Wang Chuan's gaze returned to the stage, specifically to Han Zhao.
He stood up with utmost sincerity, "Han Zhao, Tian Hua sincerely invites you to join our company." He then looked to his left and right and asked with a smile, "Are there any others who wish to extend an offer? If not, I won't be polite."
Li Jing's face contorted with anger. Zhao Kuo gritted his teeth in hatred. But no matter how angry or hateful they were, due to the bet, they could not make a move at this moment. After all, the stakes of the bet were written on Wang Chuan's ledger, and breaking the agreement would be detrimental to both their reputation and their companies.
Wang Chuan was secretly delighted. With Tian Yu and Hei Li, the two major competitors out of the picture, Tian Hua signing Han Zhao...
"Han Zhao, I sincerely invite you to join Chu Xin Culture."
Before Wang Chuan's pleasant fantasy could materialize, a pleasant voice shattered his illusion.