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

Chapter 8

In a CP  where genuine feelings are scarce, the one who gives more, the one who appears weaker, is the one who wins.

*

The post-evaluation interview of the initial stage performance deeply affected Gu Ye Ning's mood.

Until the start of the next recording session, he sat quietly in a rarely occupied corner, his irritability simmering in the heavy air around him.

It was well known that large-scale idol shows often feature a collective performance where all or most trainees participate. This stage isn't just the trainee's first official appearance but also a great chance for those who didn't do well in the initial evaluations to redeem themselves and earn a higher ranking. It's a crucial opportunity for everyone to be noticed by the audience.

Everyone was giving  it their all.

Someone sat down next to him, accompanied by a familiar sweet perfume.

Gu Ye Ning turned his head to see Ming Ye greeting him with a bright smile. "I saw you sitting here all alone, looking down. What's going on?"

"...Nothing, just resting."

"Are you too tired?" Ming Ye nudged him playfully with his shoulder, acting as though they were close. "I've got some snacks stashed in my dorm. If you're hungry, I could bring you some."

"No need," Gu Ye Ning said, his body tensing up. Strangely enough, whenever Ming Ye got too close, he felt suffocated, as if the air became stifling. At first, he thought it was just a conditioned response, but later he realized it was a mental block.

Fans of idol trainees wouldn't want to see someone's face growing puffy with weight over time.

Ming Ye smiled at him, seemingly aware of Gu Ye Ning's discomfort ,yet still leaning in even closer. "Don't worry, you're such a great dancer. "Don't worry too much. You're great at dancing. As long as you stay calm, the theme song shouldn't be a problem for you."

That smile was like overly sweet honey—fake and sickly.

Gu Ye Ning felt a growing sense of discomfort. The growing discomfort in his chest reminded him that he was far from calm. He quickly scanned the surroundings to confirm there were no cameras nearby, then stood up. He wasn't planning on breaking ties with Ming Ye just yet, but if he continued to pester him like this, it was only a matter of time.

Ming Ye stood up as well.

"Which floor is your dorm on?" he asked.

Gu Ye Ning waved his hand dismissively, not wanting to continue the conversation. But even after being turned down, Ming Ye didn't seem discouraged. He took a step back with a smile, only to suddenly close the distance again. He extended his arm, lightly circling Gu Ye Ning's waist before quickly retracting it.

It all happened so fast that Gu Ye Ning didn't even have time to react. Bewildered, he turned to look at Ming Ye, who no longer wore the sweet smile from earlier. His eyes drooped slightly, and his fingers nervously fidgeted in front of him.

Meeting Gu Ye Ning's gaze, Ming Ye muttered, "I'll go now," then hurried off. Gu Ye Ning watched him leave, and when he turned his head again, he noticed a cameraman approaching with his equipment.

He instantly understood Ming Ye's intention.

Realizing this, Gu Ye Ning couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.

The two of them could be considered old acquaintances.

About two years ago, when he was still a trainee, he and the fifteen-year-old Ming Ye participated in a little-known show called Talent Exchange. Ming Ye happened to be in the same team as him, and early on, they had a relatively close relationship. But after some unpleasant incidents, their team was forced to disband and reorganize.