Although this was within their expectations, the sense of accomplishment surged when their names were finally called.
After all, they had defeated contestants who were also known as geniuses.
Those whose names were not called could only force a smile and offer insincere applause.
Zhou Yutong was also on the list of those not advancing, meaning she and fifteen others would compete for the remaining twelve spots.
The host continued speaking on stage, "Contestants who did not advance, do not be discouraged. You still have a chance to PK. We hope you will all face the preliminary competition with your best state.
As it is very late, and we have been recording all afternoon, I believe everyone is tired.
We will have a two-hour break for everyone to eat and rest. At precisely eight o'clock in the evening, we will reconvene here."
After the host finished, everyone rose and left the recording studio.
Indeed, they were all hungry by now.
Contestants, invited guests, and accompanying family members were provided with work meals.
They only needed to queue up at the canteen to get their food, but the audience had to eat outside.
This was why the production team had arranged a two-hour meal break; otherwise, the audience would feel rushed.
Liu Yifeng came to Tong Tong's side and, without a word, picked him up and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Tong Tong, how can you be so amazing? Daddy is so proud of you!"
"Daddy, are you satisfied with my performance?" Tong Tong giggled and asked.
"Does that even need asking? Of course, I'm satisfied. In Daddy's eyes, you are the best," Liu Yifeng praised him generously.
Who said children couldn't be praised constantly, lest they become arrogant and complacent? He certainly wouldn't. His son was so outstanding; if he didn't praise him, who would?
Just as Liu Yifeng was about to take Tong Tong to eat, Tian Tian's mother called out to him, "Mr. Liu, shall we go eat together?"
Liu Yifeng turned around and saw Tian Tian's mother walking towards him with her daughter. He smiled and said, "Sure, let's go together!"
This woman seemed quite approachable, unlike Mother Song, who was sharp-tongued and always comparing.
He didn't know many people here, and if he could get to know a few more, it wouldn't be so boring, with no one to talk to.
Upon seeing Tong Tong, Tian Tian's mother's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but touch Tong Tong's face. "Tong Tong, you performed so wonderfully. Auntie really likes you. This is your older sister, Tian Tian. If you ever need any help in the future, don't hesitate to ask us."
She had a very sharp eye for people. Tong Tong would surely shine on the show.
Regardless of whether her own daughter could successfully advance to the end, she felt that building a good relationship with Tong Tong's father would be nothing but beneficial.
Moreover, she genuinely liked this child.
So young, yet so sensible and filial. Honestly, in real life, besides Tong Tong, she hadn't met any other child like him.
"Hello Tong Tong, my name is Tian Tian. Although we are opponents in the competition, I hope we can be friends outside of the competition," Tian Tian said with a smile to Tong Tong.
She could tell that Tong Tong was not like ordinary children. When talking to him, he shouldn't be treated like a child, but rather as someone of similar age.
Tong Tong was naturally amiable. When others initiated contact without any hostility, he wouldn't, like Song Yicheng, look down on anyone.
He immediately smiled back, "Hello, Sister Tian Tian!"
"Since you call me sister, then you are my little brother. Brother Tong Tong, shall we go eat together?" Tian Tian extended her hand.
Without a moment's hesitation, Tong Tong took her hand.
"Mr. Liu, please don't mind. My daughter is used to living abroad and is very friendly," Tian Tian's mother said hurriedly, seeing her daughter holding Tong Tong's hand and walking ahead, fearing Liu Yifeng might be displeased.
Liu Yifeng smiled indifferently. "It's fine. It's good if the two children get along; they won't be lonely in the future."
"I think so too. We all come from different places and are meeting for the first time today. Frankly, it feels a bit awkward standing together.
If we become familiar, we'll have company. The children can learn from each other academically, and we parents can share parenting experiences," Tian Tian's mother agreed.
"They're almost out of sight. We should hurry and catch up, Qianqian, let's go!" Liu Yifeng saw Xia Qianqian standing awkwardly and called out to her.
Xia Qianqian smiled and nodded, "Okay!"
Tian Tian's mother saw Xia Qianqian and couldn't help but smile. "You must be Tong Tong's invited guest. You look quite beautiful.
Indeed, good-looking people tend to have good luck. It's very fortunate that the production team paired you and Tong Tong together."
"It is indeed quite fortunate, but your daughter is also lucky. Out of the thirty-two invited guests, only two are famous celebrities, and your daughter is one of them."
But Tian Tian's mother was dismissive. "What's the point of being famous? The most important thing is the children's strength. They can't give my daughter special treatment just because they're famous!
Look, as soon as the competition ended, she was immediately taken away by her assistant and didn't interact much with me.
However, her luck is much better than Yun Duoer's. Look at Song Yicheng, who was paired with Yun Duoer.
That child is truly hard to describe. I don't know how she managed to film.
And now she has to record programs with him; it's like she's bringing trouble upon herself." Speaking of this, Tian Tian's mother had endless topics to complain about.
Speaking of Yun Duoer, Liu Yifeng and Xia Qianqian both looked towards Yun Duoer's seat simultaneously. As expected, she had already left.
In fact, Liu Yifeng was quite curious how Yun Duoer felt seeing Tong Tong's performance in these rounds.
Did she regret it? Or did she regret it?
"Tian Tian's mother, let's go quickly. Tong Tong and Tian Tian have already gone out!" Xia Qianqian did not want to mention Yun Duoer and quickly changed the subject.
Her only thought now was to make a stunning comeback with this competition, go further than her, and defeat her with her own strength!
Then, the three of them hurried out of the recording studio and saw Tong Tong and Tian Tian walking cheerfully towards the cafeteria from a distance.
Many parents were also walking together, discussing their parenting philosophies.
After all, their children were all excellent, so discussing with each other was effortless.
However, they all kept a few things to themselves, as their children were rivals.
Mother Song also wanted to join their conversation, but none of the parents who had watched the video were willing to talk to her.
They were afraid of being influenced by her and turning their well-behaved children into bookworms, which would be a loss.