novelraw Chapter 216 - 209: Uncle Dong Arrives
Chapter 216 - 209: Uncle Dong Arrives
The next day
The warm sunlight gently woke the girls from their slumber.
After breakfast, the production team instructed everyone to gather in the dance practice room.
As everyone sat down, confused and waiting, a well-built middle-aged man with flaming red hair entered the room.
The moment they saw him, everyone felt like he looked oddly familiar!
"It’s Uncle Dong!" some of the girls exclaimed, recognizing the man.
The others suddenly realized—this was someone they’d only heard about in legends!
Producer, head director, host, and even a former Chief Content Officer of "Peach."
The girls were shocked and had no idea why the show had invited such a big shot. Was he here to pick actors?
"Hello, ladies!" Uncle Dong greeted everyone with a kind smile and a wave.
"Hello, teacher!" Some of the confused girls stood up, bowing in unison to greet him.
"Today, I’m here to give you all a mental wellness session."
"Because many of you have doubts in your hearts, or perhaps don’t know how to face the ’storms’ and challenges outside."
Uncle Dong’s tone was steady, and his gaze exuded calm emotional strength.
"I’ve been following this show for a long time. At first, I thought it was just a singing and dancing program, but in reality, it’s a reality show. Now, let me ask you: do you think in a reality show, what’s more important—the reality, or the show?"
The trainees listened to Uncle Dong’s words, each forming their own opinions in their minds.
Someone like Meng Meixuan, a talent-driven performer, naturally believed the person mattered most.
Someone like Gao Ziyi, an actress by trade, thought the show took precedence.
But the majority of the girls leaned towards believing the person was more important—they believed in the value of skill.
In their eyes, only ’actors’ with works under their names could truly establish themselves in this industry.
Without works or without talent, one would simply be—
"In my opinion, reality—the ’person’—is what matters most in this program. That’s where you should focus your efforts. Because the ’show’ alone cannot sustain you in the long run," Uncle Dong said earnestly.
"Most of you made it here because your original companies recognized your talents. Particularly for professional girl group trainees, regular eliminations are just part of the system."
Hearing this, many trainees who doubted whether their skills mattered began to reevaluate their positions.
Ye Yuwei listened closely to Uncle Dong, understanding that he was relaying the production team’s message: the final lineup would predominantly consist of skilled performers.
Lv Fangxin, on the other hand, seemed to be slowly grasping Uncle Dong’s words and began to feel a vague sense of unease.
"Over the past several decades, the mindset shaped by single-child households has become significant—’I am supreme,’ with little sense of teamwork."
"But when you enter a team, or step into a highly competitive industry, you need to think carefully: do you feel a responsibility towards your team?"
Uncle Dong’s words made many girls nod in agreement. The first public stage had taught them that without proper teamwork, the stage couldn’t shine, and without a shining performance, there would be no screen time.
"Especially when you aim to win—when you’re running full speed ahead and see someone else fall, should you keep running to claim first place, or set aside competition to help your teammate out of friendship?"
At this moment, the camera turned to Liu Danmeng, while every girl revealed expressions of solemnity as they watched Uncle Dong.
"This is the duality of a single coin: friendship and responsibility. It’s a choice only you can make. Everyone has different moral perspectives and thoughts on the same matter."
Uncle Dong was essentially telling the girls not to obsess too much over such dilemmas—either choice was valid, yet equally complex.
This was in contrast to Long Zitao, who always emphasized friendship, responsibility, and team spirit. Uncle Dong’s approach was distinct.
"Earlier today, the director shared a sentiment with me from a highly respected teacher in the industry: ’Dreams aren’t fulfilled here; they are adjusted here.’
Uncle Dong’s words were met with enthusiastic applause from the group. Indeed, the statement was exceptionally well said.
"Your dreams will be gradually corrected here. For example, someone might graduate from college dreaming of becoming a ’CEO,’ but with time, the dream might adjust to simply owning a ’house.’
Uncle Dong’s humor drew laughter from everyone.
"Conversely, someone might initially enter society yearning only for a roof over their head, yet, as their environment changes, their dream might grow into becoming a big star."
These words reminded everyone of Lv Fangxin.
Each girl’s heart was filled with deep emotion, like Fan Lei’s. Back when she joined the Magical Numbers girl group, she had been tricked by the boss into imagining a utopian dreamscape.
Become a national girl group, perform at the Spring Festival Gala—but now, all she hoped for was to survive another round on this show, clinging to a faint, unrealistic hope.
"I hope many of your lives will change for the better because of this program—that you’ll find a new path and create beautiful moments in life."
Uncle Dong’s blessing touched everyone, eliciting sincere applause.
"I’ve talked quite a bit—mainly to get familiar with you all. That way, you’ll feel comfortable asking me questions," Uncle Dong added with a smile.
The girls immediately raised their hands eagerly.
Uncle Dong first chose Wang Na, who was seated in the last row.
"I’m the only contestant on this show who has been eliminated twice."
"After leaving twice, I had a lot of deep reflection about myself."
"I’m the most unique presence in this group—everyone thinks I’m the least fitting trainee for a girl group."
Wang Na spoke thoughtfully, her expression shifting with her words. As she continued, many felt she was talking too much.
"When I was brought back, I felt conflicted."
"I don’t believe I’m completely untalented."
"But why do my talents seem inferior to some of the prettier girls, who are remembered and loved by audiences simply for their looks?"
The moment they heard this, the other girls knew Wang Na was referring to Lv Fangxin!
Lv Fangxin stood out as the only trainee in the top 11—or even among all those who qualified—who lacked both singing and dancing abilities.
Although many girls felt frustrated by Lv Fangxin’s advancement, they also understood clearly that this show wasn’t just about projecting talent. Lv Fangxin’s position was secured by her robust fanbase—like it or not, that was the reality.
What did Wang Na really have? Good looks? Singing and dancing ability? A magnetic personality to attract fans?
She had none of these. So criticizing Lv Fangxin seemed petty and unfair.
Yu Xiaohong bluntly said, "Wang Na—for real, what do you mean by that?"
"I’m talking about you!" Wang Na jestingly pointed at Yu Xiaohong.
But everyone understood who she truly meant.
Lv Fangxin’s complex emotions swirled—she hadn’t expected the respected Wang Na to publicly embarrass her in such a setting.
Ye Yuwei felt puzzled by Wang Na’s behavior.
Lv Fangxin was clearly already making waves—and everyone knew they’d have to coexist in the same industry moving forward. Why would Wang Na deliberately make an enemy of her? Unless she had some personal agenda. Moreover, Uncle Dong’s choice of her as the first question asker was intriguing.
Wang Na sat in the back rows, relatively unnoticed—how had he singled her out?
Chen Yinghan’s face was frosty, but she shared the same question as Ye Yuwei.
Meng Meixuan and Lu Bingbing, on the other hand, felt a sense of satisfaction.
Wang Na had voiced exactly what Lu Bingbing herself had wanted to say but didn’t dare to.
As the leader of Galaxy, Lu Bingbing had already faded into obscurity.
Lai Ruoxuan, Fan Lei, and others, however, were deeply displeased.
To them, their group was a collective, and no matter how intense internal disputes might be, airing grievances publicly in front of "outsiders" was simply unprofessional.
Girl groups demanded unity, and Wang Na’s behavior showed she was fundamentally unfit for this role.