Chapter 19: The Idol’s Standard

Today, Star Selection Town welcomed a unique masterclass—the four mentors themselves came to teach the contestants in person.

The first lesson was from S-77. He gave a precise demonstration of how to adjust the vocal cords and facial muscles for proper vocalization. After his demonstration, he singled out Cheng Wangshu.

“Cheng Wangshu, your breath control is excellent, which is why you can maintain stability even while singing and dancing. But your mouth shape isn’t quite right; your oral cavity isn’t open enough, so your sound comes out a bit thin, and high notes are a struggle. You should learn from Senyu—her vocal technique is the best among all of you, very impressive.”

Cheng Wangshu nodded earnestly, while Senyu covered her mouth in surprise, unable to suppress the smile that spread across her face.

The others looked at her with envy. To be praised by S-77 for her singing showed that Senyu’s skills were far above average.

One particularly bold Earth contestant called out, “Teacher 77, is Teacher Yu Huaiyin’s singing the best?”

At these words, S-77’s face showed a rare smile, with a gentle expression one would never see in the Third Star System.

“In my heart, he truly is the best.”

The girls let out uncontrollable squeals, their faces all showing the same “shipped it” look.

S-77 had learned a lot during his time on Earth; he understood what “Yu7” CP meant, but all of it would become precious memories of his time with Yu Huaiyin. After all, what were a few decades in the grand scheme of things—why fuss over such small details?

·

The second class was taught by Qing Wu, who explained her own understanding of music.

“We are all different individuals, so even with the same melody, the emotions we invest are different. As a performer, your job is to convey the feelings you experience to your listeners.” Qing Wu glanced around at the attentive contestants, then, like S-77, called out a name. “Senyu, your vocal technique is flawless in my view. But your emotions aren’t coming through, which means you haven’t understood the feelings the song is meant to express. In this regard, Xu Yunshu does very well. Everyone can learn from her.”

Xu Yunshu was so excited by Qing Wu’s praise that she was momentarily speechless. To be recognized in her area of expertise by her idol—what could be more thrilling?

“Teacher Qing Wu, I… I’ll always be your fan!” Xu Yunshu finally managed to say.

Qing Wu smiled gently. After her experience on “Interstellar Singer,” the once-shy girl had grown rapidly, her every gesture now exuding the confidence of a top singer.

“Thank you for your support. I’ll keep singing, too.” Qing Wu gave Xu Yunshu a hug. The love of her fans was what kept her going.

·

The third class was a dance lesson from master Huo Yuexing. She explained in detail the rather abstract concepts of stage presence and charisma.

“Remember, every performance on stage is an interaction with your audience. Your job is to stir their emotions. The most basic element is the dance moves themselves. With the same choreography, you need to dance in your own style—that’s the most direct impression you give the audience. Beyond that is the advanced level: facial expressions. What expression fits which move depends on your understanding of the dance and the song.”

As she spoke, Huo Yuexing signaled the staff to play a piece of music, then demonstrated how different expressions could change the effect of the same melody and choreography. “The highest level is in the eyes. There’s a saying: the eyes are the window to the soul. Watch—if I stand still, with no music, just my gaze alone, the audience can tell if I’m scared or happy.”

Huo Yuexing looked around at everyone, then called out a name as well. “Cheng Wangshu is a standout in this regard. She has absolute command on stage. Watch her performance of ‘Expedition’—her presence is electrifying. But don’t imitate her blindly; following others will only make you lose your individuality.”

·

The final lesson was from Le Huan, who, in a rare moment of seriousness, explained the subtle power of approachability.

“Girls, you must always remember your status as idols and develop your own sense of approachability. Not everyone can attract fans with a cold face like Lord S-77.”

Le Huan’s words drew a round of laughter.

“Approachability doesn’t mean getting too close to fans without limits. It’s about maintaining a certain distance, but never making fans feel you’re pushing them away. Let them feel your sincerity. That’s the kind of approachability an idol should have.”

The girls took careful note.

How far they could go in this show would depend on how well they absorbed and digested these lessons.

·

The masterclass content was broadcast alongside the post-stage team formation and song selection for the first public performance. It gave a comprehensive display of what a qualified idol drama must achieve, what sets an excellent idol as the benchmark, and subtly provided the audience with a standard for evaluation, which would influence their voting tendencies in the future.

Clearly, the “vote clearing plan” Feng Jingyu had mentioned was already being set up.

If the earlier operations in “Interstellar Singer” were a blunt, forceful stirring of public sentiment, then “Interstellar 101” was like a silent, gentle spring rain, quietly guiding the audience’s preferences.

Not only was Chang Yu reviewing every decision Feng Jingyu made each day—even the planning team at Youjian Entertainment gathered daily to discuss among themselves. They all knew these would be valuable assets in the future, a smooth road upward.

·

With the end of the first public performance, the girls’ rankings shifted again. Chu Yunwan, who had always been in second place, overtook Cheng Wangshu to claim the top spot, all because her performance in the first public show was even more stunning than at the initial stage.

Chu Yunwan’s team chose a lyrical song—a style completely different from the initial stage. Not only did they perform it excellently, but they also showcased the unique role a talented rapper could play in a group.

The team led by Cheng Wangshu wasn’t bad, but up against Chu Yunwan, they could only settle for second.

The first public performance made the girls’ progress clear. After the late-night roundtable and the masterclasses, they had undergone a dramatic transformation. The determination in their eyes showed that each now had a clear goal—they were striving to become the most suitable choice.

Competition was growing fierce, but at the same time, the bonds between the girls deepened day by day. They understood that only by helping each other could they wear the brightest crown.

·

“It finally feels like a real talent show.” Feng Jingyu casually scrolled through the fans’ messages cheering on the contestants, almost feeling as if she were back in the super topics.

“Professor Lu sent word that he thinks it’s time to begin the first round of the vote clearing plan.” Cen Lan handed Feng Jingyu a cup of milk tea.

“Professor Lu is as sharp as ever.” Feng Jingyu took a sip of the milk tea. “Have the post-production team change the official homepage to a Chu Yunwan theme, congratulating her on taking the lead in votes. And have PR issue an announcement: after the second public performance, the contestant with the most votes will receive a major support event. As for the details of the event…” Feng Jingyu set down her milk tea. “We’ll announce it once the votes are in.”

“Mm, the support event is already lined up and ready to go at any time.” Cen Lan glanced at the data team’s report. “The data team predicted that Chu Yunwan would take the lead after the first performance. Looks like their model is pretty accurate. But now, with even stronger incentives, the vote numbers are going to fluctuate wildly.”

“That’s exactly what we want. The deeper the fans get, the better.” Feng Jingyu remembered something and added, “Once the votes are in, make sure we fulfill our promise right away, so fans know how much we value every contestant.”

“Understood.”

·

Central Star System, Interstellar Institute of Literature.

Shu stared intently at the virtual screen on his terminal, occasionally asking the AI beside him for data, his expression shifting from grave to ecstatic and back again. After a while, he snuck a glance at Wordweaver Star Anchor, sitting nearby, looking as if he wanted to speak but didn’t dare.

Wordweaver Star Anchor had long noticed her disciple’s restlessness and finally spoke up, helplessly, “If you have something to say, just say it. Why all the hemming and hawing?”

Seeing his teacher take the initiative, Shu mustered his courage. “Teacher, could you help me vote for Cheng Wangshu? You’re a VIP member, you get six votes a day. It’s a waste not to use them…”

Wordweaver Star Anchor looked at Shu with a half-smile, making him fall silent.

“Of course. You even dare to come to me for votes.”

Shu pursed his lips and lowered his head, but thinking of Cheng Wangshu’s lagging vote count, he looked up again. “Please, Teacher. Wangshu really deserves your votes.”

“No.” Wordweaver Star Anchor took a sip of tea purchased from Interstellar Express, savoring its aroma. “Because I already use all twelve of my daily votes for Cheng Wangshu.”

Shu was stunned for a few seconds before he reacted. “Teacher… you too…”

Wordweaver Star Anchor looked at her beloved disciple with a teasing smile. “That’s right. We’re in this together.”

Shu couldn’t help laughing a few times, then said a bit plaintively, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner, Teacher…”

“You never asked.” Wordweaver Star Anchor had seen through him long ago, but couldn’t resist teasing him a little. Shu’s reaction was just as she’d expected. “Don’t worry, I’ve also asked a few old friends to vote for Wangshu. We’ll definitely help her reclaim the top spot.”

“Mm!” Shu nodded vigorously.

Being on the same team as Teacher—what could be better? Shu thought happily.