The venue fell silent for two seconds. Mu Feng replied somewhat awkwardly, "I've seen them."
Actually, he had never watched any of Linda's films or TV shows. But he couldn't afford to offend the mentor on the first episode of the show, so he had to lie to get by.
Linda was completely unaware of his lie. Instead, she was quite proud. After hearing Mu Feng's answer, she sat up straight, her eyes and eyebrows beaming with joy. She looked at Meng Nianchu provocatively and said in a strange tone, "Miss Meng seems to be quite popular in China. I thought she'd be just as popular in the US, but I guess I was wrong. No one in the US knows about her."
As she spoke, she covered her lips and let out a couple of giggles. She then touched the stud in her earlobe with her left hand and said proudly, "I'm well - known in the US, and I also have quite a few fans in China. It seems Miss Meng still has a long way to go."
This was an obvious provocation!
The atmosphere in the venue instantly became a bit awkward.
Meng Nianchu remained calm, her eyes still fixed on Mu Feng. "Since you've passed the vote, you can now choose the mentor you think is good."
"I'm quite optimistic about you. I'm looking forward to having you on my team. I hope you'll think it over carefully."
"What do you mean, Miss Meng?" Linda interrupted in a strange voice. "You already have Mu Junze. Why are you still eyeing other men? Mu Feng looks so much like Mu Junze. What if you two spend a long time together and develop feelings for each other?"
She looked at Mu Feng and gave a charming smile. "I think you should come to my team. I know many excellent singers and dancers in the US. You still have a lot of room for improvement. If you come to my team and I teach you new things, you'll definitely make great progress."
Here was an actress who hadn't even mastered her own performance skills, yet she was speaking condescendingly about teaching others.
Anyone who heard this would feel uncomfortable.
Mu Feng just forced a smile.
Meng Nianchu said, "You have one minute to think it over. Please think carefully."
"Okay."
The lights on the stage went out, and Mu Feng's figure was completely hidden in the darkness. The backstage staff controlled the sound system and played the countdown music when there were ten seconds left.
"Three, two, one."
The lights on the stage came on again.
Meng Nianchu picked up the microphone. "Have you made up your mind?"
Mu Feng nodded. "I have."
"You must think it through. Once you choose a mentor, you'll have to film this variety show with her. The final result will also affect your future. Miss Meng knows nothing about this. Think about what I said."
"Please give us your answer," Teacher Zhang Fan said sternly.
Mu Feng looked at Meng Nianchu and blushed slightly. "Please take good care of me, Teacher Meng."
The corner of Meng Nianchu's mouth curled up even more. "Of course."
They were happy to have found a suitable mentor and student respectively. But for Linda, who had talked so much but failed to recruit anyone, she was extremely angry.
Out of jealousy for not getting what she wanted, she naturally said something sour.
"Mu Feng, you look so much like Mu Junze. Aren't you afraid people will misunderstand when you stand with Miss Meng? When I first saw you, I kept wondering how there could be two people who look so alike. Did you get plastic surgery in South Korea on purpose to look like this?"
Although plastic surgery was an open secret in the entertainment industry, it was really impolite to bring it up directly on the show.
As soon as she asked this question, Mu Feng was stunned on the spot.
Meng Nianchu couldn't stand it anymore and replied on Mu Feng's behalf, "Good looks are a gift. Mu Feng has his own merits, and Junze has his unique charm. You're overthinking it, Linda."
"Miss Meng really gets into character quickly. I just asked a simple question, and you're so eager to defend Mu Feng. People who don't know might think there's something going on between you two. Miss Meng should be careful. Don't mistake a man who looks like your husband for your actual husband and do something disgraceful."
By this time, the tension in the venue was palpable.
Meng Nianchu knew she couldn't lose her dignity on the show because of an ignorant person like Linda. She suppressed her anger and let out a snort. "Junze is my husband of many years, and Mu Feng is my newly - met student. I can tell the difference. Maybe it's because you don't know Junze that you think this way."
"You!"
The best way to strike at one's rival is to use the affection her loved one has for you as a sharp sword to pierce her heart, leaving her angry and speechless.
Just like Linda at this moment.
Meng Nianchu felt greatly relieved. She shifted her gaze to Mu Feng. "The backstage staff will give you my learning medal. Please go to the backstage to rest first."
Finally able to leave the stage, Mu Feng bowed and quickly walked out.
Linda looked furious.
Most of the subsequent contestants were amateurs. There was also a relatively outstanding contestant named Yu Likun, who was from the countryside and had taught himself singing and dancing.
Linda couldn't let Meng Nianchu recruit another excellent contestant. This time, she worked even harder to promote her team.
Her efforts paid off. Yu Likun successfully joined Linda's team.
By the end of the first episode of the show, Meng Nianchu and Linda had each selected five members for their teams. But in the following competition, only one person would debut.
Time was tight for the two mentors and ten contestants. They only had two days before the first round of the PK. The competition system was extremely cruel.
Meng Nianchu took it very seriously. She even decided to stay at the venue with the contestants after telling Mu Junze.
"You should all be familiar with the song 'Sunny Days'. Since the piano teacher hasn't arrived yet, I'll play the piano for you. You sing it once, and then I'll teach you the dance. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
Gone was her usual amiable demeanor. Meng Nianchu looked serious, with every aspect of her face exuding strictness.
The five members all nodded. Meng Nianchu didn't waste any time and started playing the piano, asking everyone to sing along. After they finished singing the song, the problems weren't too serious, so Meng Nianchu focused all her attention on the dance.
They had watched the dance video the day before. After Meng Nianchu led them through the dance once, she stood behind them and watched them dance on their own.