I keep getting dragged into fierce competition while struggling in survival show

Chapter 1

Others participate in survival shows to debut, but he seems to join them to make enemies.

"Boom—pop—!"

Confetti and golden glitter rained down from the sky, instantly lighting up the main stage as if it were daytime. The stage was surrounded by fans waving light boards and cheering wildly. The theme song for the second season of the national idol survival show, 'Shining Stars', "Shine for Myself," played loudly. The fast-paced drumbeats and catchy melody brought the atmosphere of the venue to its climax—

"Let's congratulate the nine-member boy group, K-rush, selected by the producers, on their official debut!"

"All together—bow—!"

On the dazzling, tiered debut seats, nine trainees in black uniforms, brimming with youthful energy, bowed in perfect synchronization—a deep ninety-degree bow.

"From now on, we ask for everyone's support! Please continue to accompany us on our journey!"

They shouted their thanks with all their might.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh——!"

"Li Zhou, go for it for mom!!!"

"Guan Fengxian!! Congratulations on your debut!!!"

"Xie Hou!! I will love you forever!!!"

"Yaaaaaaa——Ming Ye, the strongest high schooler!!!"

The fan section erupted, and boys and girls holding various light boards and DSLR cameras squeezed forward in a frenzy. Amidst the deafening screams, the triangular side stage, far away at the end of the transparent walkway surrounded by spectators, quietly dimmed.

Thirteen trainees who did not make it were left in the darkness, devoid of any light.

From a distance, it looked like a silent, absurd drama.

The noise around Gu Ye Ning gradually faded away. On both sides, the eliminated trainees gathered in small groups, hugging and comforting each other. Only he stood alone in the middle of the crowd, staring at the distant stage. It seemed like the heat wave from the vibrant song and dance was washing over him, leaving his throat dry and his chest suffocated.

This grand show, which had a pre-written script all along, finally came to an end.

After several months, he could at least leave this hellish place.

After repeatedly enduring "invisible" edits for three consecutive episodes, reaction shots cut to make him look bad, manipulation of mentor comments, delayed release of his solo performance videos until just before the voting deadline, and exclusion from side programs, it was already a miracle that his fans managed to push him up to tenth place.

The overwhelming negative comments were enough to destroy anyone. What he went through was beyond his expectations, and he had no strength to resist.

His fans did all they could, but halfway through the show, he knew he would inevitably disappoint their efforts.

"Uh...wahhh———"

A trainee behind him couldn't hold back anymore and let out a sharp sob, which soon turned into a heart-wrenching cry. Gu Ye Ning turned to look. A man over 1.8 meters tall had completely broken down, squatting on the ground, covering his face and crying uncontrollably.

His injured ankle throbbed with pain, his body couldn't bear the long hours of dance practice, and muscle soreness had become a norm over the past few months. Moreover, his old waist injury flared up these past few days, causing excruciating pain that made it hard for him to stand.