Chapter 24: I Shall Play the Part of the Quiet, the Deaf, and the Blind

"So painful! It's just so painful!"

"What's wrong? Why are you all making such faces? Sighing one by one?" Song Dan asked, feeling somewhat awkward.

"I think we could have a fun campfire sports meet. If that doesn't work, maybe we could just hold a sports meet by the campfire," Wang Sulong suggested again.

But as soon as he caught Song Dan's gaze, he wilted instantly.

"How about this? Why don't we take a vote? Let's see if everyone prefers a campfire party or a sports meet," Xu Xiu couldn't help but interject.

He was starting to feel sleepy. It was already ten o'clock at night, and he felt that if he didn't speak up, this group could drag things out until midnight without reaching a decision.

"Oh? That's a great idea! I agree with the Chief," Wang Sulong's eyes lit up immediately.

Li Xueqin chimed in, "Exactly! Voting is fair, right? The minority should submit to the majority!"

"Come on, let's vote!"

"..."

Clearly, everyone agreed with Xu Xiu's point, leaving Song Dan no choice but to concur. However, when it came to the voting stage, Song Dan began to exert her pressure again.

"Raise your hand if you want a sports meet!"

As soon as she said this, her gaze swept over everyone present. Her look made many who wanted to raise their hands silently lower them; even Wang Sulong and Li Xueqin couldn't bring themselves to raise their hands.

After a long moment, not a single person had raised a hand. Wang Sulong and Li Xueqin exchanged a helpless, bitter smile.

"Chief, let's move on!"

"So... I guess we're doing a campfire party then?" Xu Xiu asked.

"It has to be. We can't go against the grain when we're just small potatoes!" Wang Sulong sighed.

Song Dan smiled, "Hahaha, don't look so down! It'll definitely be lively when we get it going. Since the three of you from the 650 group are in charge of hosting and planning, why don't we do a dance? A group dance?"

This immediately caused everyone's expressions to shift. A group dance was the most difficult because if anyone was out of sync, they would have to start over.

But to everyone's surprise, Xu Xiu took on the responsibility. He did so mainly because of the song "Little Apple" provided by his system—wasn't that the ultimate party anthem? The thought of everyone standing there dancing to "Little Apple" was just too exciting!

"Alright, everyone who wants to sign up for the group dance, please raise your hand," Song Dan said.

Everyone quickly raised their hands, but one person sat quietly, staring into space.

"Chuanjun, are you in?"

"No, no, no. I’m playing a 'lobster.' I’m playing a 'quiet lobster,'" Wang Chuanjun shook his head like a bobblehead. He truly disliked this kind of thing, especially when it felt mandatory. His mental state was quite low, which was the very reason he had joined the show.

However, Song Dan wanted everyone to be included, believing that group activities helped newcomers integrate faster.

Just then, Lamu spoke up, "I suggest that besides the group dance, everyone should prepare an individual performance."

Li Xueqin’s face twisted in disbelief, "Wait, what’s wrong with you? Has someone possessed you? Why are you being so competitive?"

"I can't help it! I'm being forced!" Lamu shrugged.

"Teacher Wu, what about you? Since you can't play the piano, how about a contrast? Maybe you could sing a song?" Song Dan continued offering suggestions.

Wu Mu also shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, I can't sing. Maybe I'll just join the group dance after all, but I can't do fast moves—only slow ones."

The atmosphere in the room had become incredibly stifling, like a dark cloud hanging over everyone.

"Brother Wang Chuanjun, do you want to join too? It’s easier to arrange formations with eleven people," Paipai turned to look at him.

Wang Chuanjun’s face turned green. He had tried so hard to stay out of it, yet he was still being cued.

"No! I said it before, I don't want to!" Wang Chuanjun shook his head again. He felt they weren't that close yet, and the prospect of performing in front of so many people at such close range was daunting. Especially with the tight deadline—the performance was tomorrow, and he had no mental preparation.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Chuanjun felt he needed to say something. He wasn't trying to be antisocial; his perspective was simply different from the others.

"Uh... actually, I've been quite happy these past few days. I felt this was a peaceful show without pressure, and I was happy right up until the meeting started. But when it comes to performing a show, I’m really not happy," Wang Chuanjun said honestly.

The others burst into laughter, and Song Dan replied, "Sure, you don't have to perform."

"Right, I definitely won't. Actually, I’m a very sensitive person. I feel like I'm being pressured and pushed along."

Song Dan shook her head, "You don't have to feel pressured. Please, don't think like that."

The dialogue between the two immediately sparked heated discussion among the audience.

"I feel like Wang Chuanjun makes a lot of sense. If you don't like it, you don't like it. I’d rather state it clearly so at least I won't be miserable!"

"Ugh... I really admire Wang Chuanjun's courage. I’ve often had to do things I disliked because I was forced to..."

"Although, wait! I don't think Song Dan is wrong either. They are on a variety show; they have to perform for us, don't they?"

"How do you know this part wasn't scripted? Just to stir up some hype for the show."

Meanwhile, everyone in the restaurant turned their gazes toward the two. Their faces were full of tension, fearing the two might start a fight—especially Li Xueqin, Wang Sulong, Meng Ziyi, and Lamu, who had experienced the first season.

Wang Chuanjun nodded and continued, "I really dislike the feeling of being forced. I don't like this feeling, and I must speak up. Because I think we shouldn't just complete a task because it was assigned. If we do, the state we present to the audience will definitely not be perfect."

"I look forward to a time when we perform because it comes from the heart—for example, because I have a song I want to sing or a dance I want to do—not because someone cued 'Wang Chuanjun' and told him to do something! I won't!"

As his words landed, the room fell into a dead silence. Even Song Dan remained quiet. Everyone was stunned by Wang Chuanjun. His logic was crystal clear, and he had expressed his point perfectly.

"Clap, clap, clap! Bravo!" Xu Xiu stood up and applauded Wang Chuanjun.

"Brother Jun, that was so well said! But I have to emphasize one thing: although you spoke very well, it’s still nowhere near as good as my basketball skills!"

"Pfft—hahahahaha!"

Wang Chuanjun, who had been looking so serious a moment ago, suddenly burst into laughter. Even Wu Dajing bowed his head, struggling to contain his laughter until he was nearly in pain.

Their antics left the others bewildered; they didn't know about the scene on the basketball court that night, so they didn't understand what the two were laughing about.