Chapter 32: You Are So Shameless (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

"Just kidding, don't hit my face!" Guo Qilin's voice came through again. Laughter from the other three also echoed from the speakers.

Xu Xiu returned to the dining area with Meng Ziyi, only to find everyone except the 650 Radio crew practicing their singing and dancing. Upon spotting Xu Xiu, Song Dan immediately grabbed his hand.

"Why are you only just getting back? We've been waiting for you forever. Everyone's waiting for you to lead us through the dance again."

Xu Xiu desperately wanted to refuse; all he wanted right now was a moment of peace. But with everyone looking at him with such expectant eyes, it was hard to say no!

So competitive! You guys are just way too competitive. Isn't this supposed to be a slow-paced, relaxing social variety show? Why is everyone so full of passion? If I didn't know better, I’d think I’d stumbled onto *Extreme Challenge*!

"Come on, we’re performing this afternoon, let’s do one last run-through!"

"Fine." Xu Xiu sighed.

Just then, he noticed Wang Chuanjun, who looked completely out of place. He had just returned from outside, his arms and face scorched bright red by the sun, yet a blissful smile beamed across his face. Xu Xiu was incredibly envious! If only I could be as carefree as you—there are things I want to do, but I just can't!

"Da-da-da-da-da-da..."

The background music for "Little Apple" started, and Xu Xiu immediately ran to the front of the crowd.

"I planted a seed~"
"Finally, it bore fruit~"
"Today is a great day..."

Xu Xiu took the lead, singing and performing a sultry, seductive dance. Wang Chuanjun was left dumbfounded.

"Ahahaha..."

He burst into uninhibited laughter, but fearing he would disrupt the others, he forced himself to swallow the sound. However, his puffed-up cheeks made it look like he was struggling to hold it in. It wasn't his fault; Xu Xiu’s dancing was just too provocative.

In plain English: he was being way too extra!

But Xu Xiu wasn't satisfied; he felt it wasn't enough and believed he should go even harder during the actual performance.

"Too fast, slow down, we can't keep up."
"Don't just focus on your own moves; watch if everyone behind you is keeping the rhythm."
"I can't take it anymore, Xu Xiu, you're too funny. Who dances like that?"

Xu Xiu’s mouth twitched. These people were the ones who asked him to lead, and now they were complaining that he was being ridiculous and moving too fast. He admitted he had added some moves—caressing his chest, biting his lip, and throwing flirtatious winks. But that’s just how "Little Apple" is! If you don't dance it like that, is it even "Little Apple"? He was following the music video strictly.

Such a catchy, hypnotic dance, combined with Xu Xiu's overly enthusiastic performance, made the audience’s cheeks ache from laughter.

"Holy cow! Xu Xiu, you are so thirsty! But did you forget that Song Dan and Dong Xuan are in there too?"
"Can you stop making me laugh? My mom just beat me up because she asked if I was sick—I was sitting in my room giggling like a fool."
"Are you kidding me? Is that even a move a human could come up with? Truly the Greek god of the abstract!"
"My mom asked why I was watching on my knees. I told her I was weak in the knees because of Xu Xiu—my eyes are burning, you owe me the medical bills for my eyes!"
"Look at Wu Dajing, his limbs can't keep up with his brain, he looks like a confused deer."

[Ding! Detected host's abstract behavior gaining exposure. Singing +0.0069... Acting +0.0069... Cooking +0.0069... Physique +0.0069...]

After the song finished, Xu Xiu thought he was liberated, but he didn't expect to be dragged back to practice "Little Apple" two more times. They didn't let him go until they had barely memorized the steps, but even then, they didn't rest—they started practicing other dances. The women put together a group dance, and Song Dan started a Northeast Yangge folk dance. She alone was participating in three segments; the level of competitiveness was terrifying.

Just as Xu Xiu thought he could have a moment of silence, Meng Ziyi pulled him over to the sofa.

"I think I’ve memorized my part. Listen and see if I’m singing it right."

She didn't care about his well-being at all; she barely treated him like a human. Despite Xu Xiu’s strong protests, she started singing at full volume.

"The wind blows~ over the mountain~ the boat docks~ at the shore~"
"The scenery~ ah~ bit by bit~ I watch~"

Her singing, which sounded like a nightingale (or perhaps a distressed bird), immediately drew everyone's attention. Paipai and Wang Sulong exchanged a glance. There was a look of pure horror in Paipai's eyes. It was as if he were asking: Who am I? Where am I? Why am I here? I should be under the car!

"What's wrong, brother? Feeling a bit lost?" Wang Sulong patted Paipai on the shoulder.
"Heh, a little."
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. You'll be tortured by her plenty more in the future."

Paipai went silent, his face turning ghastly pale. You tactless guy! Paipai was fine before, but after what Wang Sulong said, his hanging heart finally gave up.

"Genius, did you rearrange this song?" Xu Xiu asked, frowning.
"No, I’m singing it perfectly. It’s exactly the same as the one you played for me, okay?"
"Heh, I wouldn't say exactly the same. I'd say what you're singing has absolutely nothing to do with what I played for you."
"What do you mean? What do you mean! I was clearly trying so hard to sing it~" Meng Ziyi said, hands on her hips, indignant.

The two bickered while the onlookers laughed non-stop. Wang Chuanjun stared at them without blinking, enjoying the show.

"Let's just say, if you really can't remember the lyrics, why don't you color-code them?" Xu Xiu offered a perfect suggestion.
Who knew Meng Ziyi would shake her head: "No, I have to memorize it myself. I'm very smart, you know~"

"Uh..."

Xu Xiu didn't know how to respond to that!

*

Afternoon.

The sun was setting, painting the horizon in shades of orange and red. The afterglow spilled onto the sea, shimmering like scattered gold. Waves rolled in one after another, gently lapping at the beach with a soothing sound. The sea breeze brushed by, carrying the unique salty scent of the ocean, tousling their hair but unable to disperse the picturesque beauty of the scene.

By the shore, everyone set up a makeshift stage with a few tables and some lights. Although the stage was simple, their enthusiasm remained high. The four members of 650—Wang Sulong, Guo Qilin, Li Xueqin, and Lamu—stood on the stage.

The crowd below erupted into enthusiastic cheers.

"Ahhh!"
"Lamu is so cool!"
"Dalin! Can I have your autograph?"

Wang Sulong feigned a professional move, stepping forward and pressing his hands down to signal for silence.

"Respected leaders, dear islanders, good evening everyone."
"Oooooooh~"
"So stylish!"

Only Xu Xiu remained calm. Far from screaming along with the crowd, he even adjusted his posture. A leader has to have a leader's aura; after all, the Island Chief is still a leader of sorts!