After the competition, the production team organized a dinner party under the pretext of "celebrating advancement and relaxing." The location was a rather upscale private club in the city. For most of the contestants, who were still students or had just entered the workforce, this kind of place carried an unfamiliar sense of luxury and pressure.
The private room was enormous, lavishly decorated, and a huge round table was already set with exquisite cold dishes and drinks. Several directors and producers from the production team, as well as several heavyweight media judges, were present. In addition, there were several unfamiliar, distinguished faces, who were introduced as executives from a certain brand and representatives from the platform.
The contestants were arranged to sit among these "important figures." Lin Chen was seated next to a producer surnamed Zhao and a bald, brand executive referred to as "General Manager Liu."
The atmosphere was initially quite warm, with everyone toasting each other and exchanging polite blessings. But after a few rounds of drinks, the scene began to become somewhat ambiguous and chaotic. The directors and producers began fraternizing with their favorite contestants, their voices growing louder; the media judges, glasses in hand, discussed industry trends and the secrets to instant popularity; and Mr. Liu, beaming, would occasionally "unintentionally" pat a female contestant's shoulder with his thick hand, his words dripping with suggestive undertones.
Lin Chen felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. Producer Zhao repeatedly refilled his glass.
"Lin, come on, toast Mr. Liu! Mr. Liu is a major sponsor of our show; one word from him is worth ten lines of your singing on stage!" Producer Zhao, reeking of alcohol, put his arm around Lin Chen's shoulder.
"Director Zhao, I... I don't drink." Lin Chen tried to refuse, remembering Chen Kai's advice to remain sober in this situation.
"Oh dear, what man doesn't drink?" Mr. Liu squinted at him, his gaze scrutinizing him like a buyer examining merchandise. "How can you make friends without drinking? How can you discuss business? I think you're a good-looking young man, and your singing is decent too. We're still looking for a spokesperson for our brand's promotional song next quarter..."
The temptation, mixed with the nauseating stench of alcohol, assaulted his nostrils. Lin Chen felt a wave of nausea. He saw the female contestant next to him, being harassed by Mr. Liu, her eyes already red, yet she forced a smile. He also saw several other experienced or already signed contestants, effortlessly maneuvering among them, offering drinks, cigarettes, and flattery, as if it were second nature.
Is this the reality behind the glamorous stage? Does achieving one's dreams require wallowing in this quagmire of wine, women, and power?
"What are you standing there for? Give Mr. Liu some face!" Producer Zhao's voice carried a hint of displeasure, and with a forceful movement, he practically shoved the glass to Lin Chen's lips.
Under pressure, Lin Chen forced himself to take a small sip. The pungent liquid burned his throat, triggering a violent cough.
"That's more like it!" Boss Liu laughed heartily, personally picking up the decanter and refilling Lin Chen's glass. "Good things come in pairs, another one! After this, we're friends. Let's have more opportunities to cooperate in the future!"
Another glass was forced down his throat. Lin Chen felt dizzy and his stomach churned. He excused himself to go to the restroom, practically staggering out of the suffocating private room.
The cold tap water splashed on his face, slightly dispelling some of the drunkenness and nausea. Leaning against the sink, he looked at the pale-faced, fearful-eyed boy in the mirror, feeling a deep sense of alienation and sorrow. Was this the price he had to pay for pursuing his musical dreams?