Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1074 - 530:

~6 minute read · 1,486 words

"But don’t cry for too long, your makeup won’t look good if it’s smudged. This is just the preliminary selection, there will be bigger stages waiting for you in the future."

Zhou Xiumei sniffled, took the tissue, carefully dabbed the corners of her eyes, and nodded vigorously, her eyes full of dependence.

Fang Cheng casually took her heavy guitar case, slung it over one shoulder, and with his free hand, patted her shoulder:

"Let’s go, our future singing star, we must celebrate today."

Leaving the bustling broadcasting hall, the outside world was no quieter because of it.

The spacious public rest area and corridor were still crowded.

Looking around, everywhere were the hurried staff members, other contestants, and their accompanying friends and family.

Fang Cheng, carrying the guitar case, forcefully made a path through the crowd with his shoulder, protecting the two girls as they reached the elevator lobby.

The red numbers on several elevators were slowly climbing, evidently not coming down anytime soon.

The surroundings were noisy, everyone discussing the competition and those few lucky ones who passed the preliminary round.

Fang Cheng found a position slightly to the side, standing firm, and shielded Zhou Xiumei and Wen Xin from the crowd.

"By the way, Xiumei."

While waiting for the elevator, Fang Cheng asked with a seemingly casual smile:

"You seemed quite nervous at first on stage, but later you suddenly relaxed and performed steadily."

"Wasn’t my meditation breathing method quite useful?"

Upon hearing this question, Zhou Xiumei was taken aback for a moment, then her cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly with some embarrassment:

"Actually... I was about to faint from fear then, my mind went blank, and I didn’t remember to try your method."

"But I saw you standing below the stage, raising your hand and calling my name, and suddenly, I don’t know why, it felt dizzy."

"Dizzy?"

Fang Cheng raised his eyebrows.

"Yes."

Zhou Xiumei earnestly recalled that feeling:

"At that moment, it felt like everything around me went dark, except for your direction, which was particularly bright, and warm."

"It was like...like seeing a sun. Then I felt full of strength, my mind exceptionally clear, and not afraid at all."

Hearing this response, Fang Cheng thoughtfully nodded.

It turns out to be related to the ’Sun Heart Net.’

Standing below the stage watching Zhou Xiumei perform, he vaguely sensed a subtle energy flow.

The previously timid girl seemed to undergo a transformation, and her entire Qi Field shifted remarkably.

This change wasn’t just an emotional comfort, but also a mental enhancement.

It’s as if an invisible bridge was established between them, sparking deep spiritual resonance.

His spiritual power, through this bridge, became the pillar supporting Zhou Xiumei’s soul.

Previously, Fang Cheng tried using this ability on Zhou Xiumei but couldn’t establish a stable spiritual link.

Because Zhou Xiumei’s feelings for him, although sincere, were merely simple romantic affection.

It didn’t possess the intense religious-like faith or absolute obedience of a believer, thus couldn’t construct the nodes of the Heart Net.

But just now, unexpectedly, the link was established unknowingly.

Not only established, but a never-seen-before reverse feedback emerged.

His spiritual energy, through this network, continuously transmitted to Zhou Xiumei, becoming her spiritual fuel.

"Was it because, in extreme fear and helplessness, you saw me as the only savior...?"

"No, not entirely."

Fang Cheng silently shook his head, denying this singular hypothesis.

Pure fear and helplessness would only lead to dependence, not strength.

This must be the essence of their relationship being sublimated under extreme pressure.

Admiration, worship, redemption amid fear, unconditional trust, without any impurities...

Various thoughts flashed through his mind, allowing him to vaguely touch some threshold.

Fang Cheng’s gaze subtly shifted, glancing at Wen Xin standing beside him with a naive expression.

Perhaps, he could try with others after returning.

If this hypothesis could be validated.

It would mean that the ’Sun Heart Net’ could not only be used for connected communication and real-time monitoring.

But more importantly, in times of need, it could provide powerful spiritual reinforcement to believers.

This would be of extraordinary significance for his future plans.

"Ding—"

A crisp prompt sound interrupted Fang Cheng’s thoughts.

"Brother Cheng, the elevator is here."

Zhou Xiumei gently reminded.

Fang Cheng glanced at the elevator display with the bouncing numbers and nodded slightly.

As the three of them were following the crowd, preparing to enter the elevator, a slightly urgent call came from behind:

"Please wait!"

Fang Cheng and Zhou Xiumei stopped in their tracks upon hearing the call and turned their heads.

They saw a middle-aged woman in a gray business suit and black-framed glasses briskly walking down the corridor toward them.

Others who were also waiting for the elevator turned their heads, eyes filled with curiosity.

"Isn’t that Cheng Jiashu’s agent? I’ve seen her on TV."

"Who is she calling?"

Someone whispered in surprise.

The middle-aged woman walked straight to Fang Cheng and the others, ignoring the gaze of the onlookers.

"Miss Zhou."

The woman adjusted her glasses, her gaze quickly sweeping over the three.

When her eyes fell on Fang Cheng’s star-like handsome face, she paused noticeably, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

But she quickly regained her professional smile, looked at Zhou Xiumei, and handed out a business card with both hands:

"I am Mr. Cheng Jiashu’s agent, Zhang Hui."

"Mr. Cheng is very interested in Miss Zhou’s performance earlier. It happens to be the intermission, and he would like to invite you to the lounge for a chat."

At these words, there was an audible gasp from onlookers.

"Oh my god, it’s truly the renowned agent Zhang Hui!"

"Such luck! Could it be that she’s been noticed by Cheng Jiashu’s agency?"

"I saw Zhou Xiumei’s performance; she sang really well. Never thought she’d soar high like a phoenix..."

Other contestants looked on with a mix of envy, jealousy, and barely concealed bitterness.

Zhou Xiumei was a bit at a loss and instinctively looked at Fang Cheng, habitually waiting for him to decide.

Fang Cheng’s eyes flickered, his heart stirred.

She must be here because of him.

After a moment’s thought, he reached out to take the business card on Zhou Xiumei’s behalf, his fingers lightly flicking the classy hard paper card, and looked up at Zhang Hui:

"Such an invitation from a star, naturally cannot be refused."

Zhang Hui nodded and made a gesture of "please," turning to lead the way.

Under the gaze of other contestants, Fang Cheng and the others followed behind, heading to a different area of the floor.

They passed the glass sensor door marked "Work Area, No Unauthorized Entry," which instantly cut off the noise behind.

They walked along the quiet corridor, moving forward steadily.

Finally, Zhang Hui stopped in front of a red wooden door with a gold nameplate, gently pushed it open.

"Please come in."

This was a VIP lounge specially prepared by the TV station for top-tier celebrities.

The environment inside was worlds apart from the noisy and chaotic waiting area they had just left.

The soft carpet absorbed the sound of footsteps, and a faint scent of high-end incense filled the air.

The decor was impressive: leather sofas, a huge dressing mirror, and even a private minibar.

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea?"

Zhang Hui asked politely, appearing quite courteous.

"Just water, thank you."

Fang Cheng casually settled into a single sofa, his demeanor relaxed, as if he were at home.

"Alright, please wait a moment. Mr. Cheng Jiashu is changing clothes; he’ll be here shortly."

Zhang Hui poured water for the three and then smiled as she retreated out, gently closing the door behind her.

The room was left with only Fang Cheng and the others.

Wen Xin curiously leaned over the dressing table, marveling at the colorful bottles and jars, exclaiming:

"Wow, this mirror is so big, and it has lights! Is this where the celebrities on TV actually get ready?"

Zhou Xiumei sat at the edge of the sofa, holding a cup in both hands, sipping lightly.

Though a bit nervous, having just gone through the baptism of the stage, her back was clearly straighter, no longer timid like before.

"Brother Cheng... What do you think Teacher Cheng wants to talk to us about? Is he really going to sign me?"

She asked in a small voice, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Maybe, after all, you are an obvious talent with votes pouring in."

Fang Cheng sipped from his cup, smiling and calmly speaking.

Just then, the door handle turned.

"Click."

The door was pushed open, and a tall young man walked in.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."