There’re Always Paranoid Thoughts to Monopolize Me - Chapter 42.2

“They’re making a show, not holding an exam.”

“You’re really wrong about that. I heard the core concept of this show revolves around academic geniuses and top students.”

“…Now that you mention it, I can think of a very suitable candidate.”

“…I thought of the same person.”

“You mean our class monitor? Her grades are indeed good, but… but it’s not certain they’re just looking for top students, right? Maybe they’re looking for other things?”

“Come on, you’re just jealous—too bad, even if it’s based on talent or looks, Qin Ke still has the highest chance of being selected.”

“……”

After this blunt truth was spoken, the excited students were immediately doused with cold water, sheepishly turning back to bury themselves in their studies.

At the front desk of the classroom.

Gu Xinqing, who had been “eavesdropping” on their discussion, turned back with a smile, covering her mouth and lowering her voice.

“Xiao Ke, did you hear what they just said?”

Qin Ke glanced at her helplessly, “Nine and a half out of ten rumors in school are false—you believe this too?”

“It’s better to believe it exists than to doubt its existence,” Gu Xinqing said with a beaming smile, looking as if she was the one being recommended for the show.

“…”

Qin Ke was about to advise Gu Xinqing that she’d be better off spending this time studying her textbooks rather than fantasizing, when she suddenly heard a gentle knock on the classroom’s front door.

An unfamiliar face peeked in and spoke in the quiet classroom. “Excuse me, is Qin Ke from your class here?”

“……”

The students who had just been discussing turned to look at the front row with complex expressions.

After a moment of confusion, Gu Xinqing excitedly nudged Qin Ke’s elbow—

“It’s here, it’s here! Ke Ke, go for it! Ke Ke, good luck!”

Qin Ke withdrew her hand helplessly, stood up, and walked outside.

Once outside the classroom, Qin Ke casually closed the door behind her, then asked the person at the door. “Hello, I’m Qin Ke.”

“Qin Ke, Teacher Wu Qingyue wants you to go to his office this period. He has something to discuss with you.”

“…”

After saying this, the person turned and left.

Qin Ke stood there, stunned for a few seconds.

Originally, Qin Ke didn’t believe her classmates’ discussions and speculations.

But now, Teacher Wu Qingyue, who hadn’t interacted with her since the end of military training month, suddenly sent someone to fetch her to his office. Could it really be…

Qin Ke felt a stir in her heart.

If she could participate in some kind of show through the school, it would likely be much less risky than actively contacting a talent agency herself.

Moreover, even if this path didn’t work out, it wouldn’t affect her ability to pursue the talent agency route later.

Thinking it through simply like this, Qin Ke didn’t hesitate any longer and quickly headed downstairs.

……

When Qin Ke arrived at Wu Qingyue’s office, he seemed to have been waiting for her for a while.

“Teacher Wu.”

Before entering, Qin Ke respectfully greeted him without hesitation.

Wu Qingyue, who had just looked up upon hearing the sound, smiled faintly when he saw Qin Ke.

“Qin Ke, you’re here? Come in.”

Qin Ke responded and walked in.

Wu Qingyue: “Have a seat.”

“…Thank you, teacher.” After a moment’s hesitation, Qin Ke sat down on the chair opposite Wu Qingyue’s desk as instructed.

“I called you here because there’s something I wanted to ask your opinion about.”

Wu Qingyue shook out the thin piece of paper he was holding, smoothing it out. He looked up at Qin Ke, about to say something, but suddenly smiled again.

“Have you already guessed why you’re here?”

“…”

Qin Ke, who had been curiously looking at the A4 paper, was taken aback by his words. She then said a bit sheepishly, “I made some wild guesses on the way here.”

“Oh? What did you guess?”

“…” Qin Ke hesitated for a moment, then decided to be straightforward, “Before I came, I heard classmates discussing that the provincial TV station has a show, and it seems someone came to our school to select students.”

Wu Qingyue’s smile deepened, “Look at you students from these recent years. Your study abilities might not be that great, but your information gathering skills… I think it’s a waste that you weren’t born in the intelligence agencies of the past.”

Qin Ke smiled along with him.

At the same time, her eyes flickered slightly—from this rare joke, it was evident that Wu Qingyue was in quite a good mood at the moment.

Wu Qingyue then asked, “Did you hear anything else?”

Qin Ke shook her head.

“No, I only heard that small part.” After a pause, she said honestly, “Actually, I didn’t believe it at first, until you sent someone to find me, teacher.”

“You’ve always been sharp,” Wu Qingyue said with a pleased smile. He handed the thin paper to Qin Ke, “What they said is indeed correct. The provincial TV station is planning to launch a new show. The show is tentatively titled ‘Academic Genius Show’, but of course, that’s just a gimmick. Essentially, it’s still an entertainment variety show. Its positioning, both in terms of guests and the show’s concept, isn’t very high. I asked some friends in the industry, and they’re planning to promote a few newcomers from various companies.”

Qin Ke took the paper, but before she could look at it, she raised her head in confusion upon hearing this.

“Then it doesn’t seem to have much to do with us ordinary high school students?”

“No.”

Wu Qingyue shook his head and smiled.

“You’re still too young—Qin Ke, you should know that even if there are backdoors and shortcuts for many things in this world, even if these unfair advantages are provided to others who may not have much ability—there must be exceptions.”

“?”

Qin Ke didn’t understand these words and looked at Wu Qingyue in confusion, “You mean…?”

Wu Qingyue decided to be straightforward:

“If out of ten positions, eight or even nine are filled through connections, resources, or shortcuts, then at least one or more must be filled purely based on ability.”

Qin Ke pondered this thoughtfully.

Wu Qingyue continued, “Because whether it’s this show or any other institution or organization, to maintain operations and prevent these ‘incompetents’ who got in through resources and shortcuts from ruining their hard work, they must have truly capable newcomers to support them.”

Qin Ke suddenly understood.

“So that’s why they…”

Wu Qingyue nodded, “So they need truly capable students—like you.”

Qin Ke was slightly taken aback, then felt a bit embarrassed. “Teacher, please don’t flatter me like this. I don’t have the ability to be worth ten people.”

“Of course you do, don’t underestimate yourself.” Wu Qingyue smiled, “Because in this show, what they want is comprehensive ability—you have grades and knowledge that those newcomers from various agencies can’t match, plus looks that are no less impressive than any of them, and the bonus of dance as an artistic specialty—your comprehensive abilities, at least for this show’s needs, are indeed worth ten people.”

“…”

“And, very importantly,” Wu Qingyue smiled again, this time with a hint of self-assurance, “Do you know who really succeeds?”

Qin Ke: “Isn’t it the most capable ones you mentioned?”

“Of course it is. But among them.” Wu Qingyue didn’t keep her guessing, “It should be those who are individually excellent and outstanding, but also happen to have some connections and relationships.”

“…”

Qin Ke’s eyes flashed, “Teacher, you mean—”

Wu Qingyue smiled and tapped his fingers on the desk.

“As it happens, one of the planners of this show is an old friend of mine—it’s because of this connection that they came to our school.”

Qin Ke suddenly understood.

—

No wonder a provincial TV station’s show suddenly came to a small private school in Qian City to select people. In her previous life, Qin Yan’s high regard for Teacher Wu Qingyue’s network of connections was indeed insightful.

Wu Qingyue: “My old friend has been racking his brains over selecting candidates recently, so I asked for this spot from him—I plan to recommend you, which is why I called you here today, to ask for your opinion.”

He paused, then added, “Of course, you don’t need to worry about your studies. I’ve specifically asked about this—the show is usually recorded only on weekends, so it absolutely won’t interfere with your normal classes and study life.”

“I also know a bit about your family situation. This show can provide guests with considerable compensation—unlike those new artists who have signed with agencies but haven’t debuted and can only get ‘pocket money’, you’ll get the full amount. I won’t take a penny.”

“So, Qin Ke, what do you think?”

Qin Ke smiled.

“I would certainly love to try such an opportunity. Thank you, Teacher Wu!”

She paused, then hesitantly said, “But, wouldn’t this make you owe your friend a favor?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Wu Qingyue smiled.

“Although I actively requested this spot when he mentioned it to me—in the end, this is mutually beneficial. You’re different from those new artists, Qin Ke. What really determines your ability to join this show is, as I just said, your own capabilities—my recommendation is secondary. He gave me a spot, and I gave him a perfect candidate. It’s a win-win situation, so why not? There’s no question of who owes whom a favor.”

After listening, Qin Ke nodded, but quickly shook her head. “Teacher Wu, I know this opportunity is rare—your recommendation is actually the most important part. After all, without your connection, no matter how capable I am, they might not have even noticed me. So I know you’ve done a lot for me, and I’ll always remember it.”

Wu Qingyue was momentarily stunned, then smiled and nodded, “Qin Ke, you’re a smart, outstanding, and thoughtful child. You’ll definitely achieve great things in the future.”

He then gestured to the A4 paper he had given Qin Ke earlier.

“That’s the application form for their show selection. There are only a few copies internally. They’ll screen you, but you’re very secure. It’s just a formality, so don’t worry—after filling it out, submit it according to the requirements on the form. Remember to submit both electronic and paper versions.”

“Alright.”

Qin Ke took a deep breath and nodded firmly.

“Thank you, Teacher Wu. I’ll definitely cherish this opportunity and won’t let you down.”

Wu Qingyue smiled and nodded.

“I look forward to your performance, and even more to your future, Qin Ke.”