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Cheng Yu was unconcerned. "I trust my judgment. I think Ling Yi is very good, and we're a great match."

Cheng Tianrui could not help but object. "But—"

"You seem to have misunderstood me, President Cheng." Cheng Yu smiled faintly at Cheng Tianrui. "I wasn't discussing this with you."

Cheng Tianrui was left speechless for a moment and instinctively looked at Cheng Tianguang.

Even Cheng Tianguang was intimidated by Cheng Yu's bearing. He could only shake his head with a wry smile. "Since Second Young Master Cheng has made up his mind, we'll go along with it. Ling Yi's looks and dance foundation are beyond question, and his rap is decent too. He can certainly take on the role of main dancer in a group."

Hearing that, Cheng Yu smiled slightly but said nothing.

Cheng Tianrui was still somewhat unwilling, but judging by Cheng Yu's attitude, he clearly could not persuade him. It was not worth clashing with C&C Jewelry's second young master over an trainee like Ling Yi. After thinking it over, he decided to let Cheng Yu have his way. Rich kids like him never had any staying power anyway. Maybe he would grow tired of this little hobby after a year or so. As long as Ling Yi's contract remained with Tianguang Entertainment, he would still be in Cheng Tianrui's palm. Cheng Tianrui was not afraid that he would run away.

With that in mind, Cheng Tianrui glanced at the still-silent Ling Yi and snorted. "Since Second Young Master Cheng specifically chose you, get ready. You'll participate in Shining Stars together in half a month."

Ling Yi's face was filled with shock and ecstatic joy. He looked at the two Presidents Cheng, then at Cheng Yu. He hesitated for a long while before finally managing to say, "Thank you, Presidents Cheng. Thank you, Second Young Master Cheng. I'll work hard."

When Cheng Yu heard Ling Yi address the others as President Cheng, his expression turned a little strange. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Call me Brother Yu."

Ling Yi looked at Cheng Yu and obediently called out, "Brother Yu."

As they spoke, Zhu Jianxin had already brought over the rest of the company's trainees. Cheng Yu gave them a rough glance. There were around fifteen or sixteen of them, all boys. None were familiar faces.

Cheng Yu turned to Ling Yi. "Who are you close with?"

Ling Yi looked at Cheng Yu blankly.

The two Presidents Cheng and Zhu Jianxin also felt that Cheng Yu's method of selecting people was inappropriate. Frowning, they suggested, "How about letting these trainees show off their talents?"

"No need." Cheng Yu smiled and looked back at Ling Yi. "I trust Ling Yi's judgment."

After all, Ling Yi was a man who would become famous throughout China ten years later. Cheng Yu believed that, given Ling Yi's character and ability, the friends he approved of should be good as well.

Ling Yi was immediately flattered beyond measure. At a loss, he pinched the slightly overlong sleeve of his shirt, but without hesitation pointed at the tall boy standing at the very back of the trainees. "Qing Chen is especially good at singing. He's good at dancing too."

If they were going to form a group, Ling Yi could serve as the main dancer and rapper, while Qing Chen could be the lead vocalist. Even if Cheng Yu could not do anything, that face alone would ensure their group stood out through sheer ability.

Cheng Yu nodded and gestured toward Qing Chen with his chin. "He's the one."

Zhu Jianxin looked at Qing Chen and could not help nodding. As one of Tianguang Entertainment's veteran managers, Zhu Jianxin was very familiar with the company's trainees. This Qing Chen truly had fairly strong all-around abilities among this group of trainees. It could be said that only Ling Yi surpassed him. Moreover, he had a gentle, responsible personality, which also suited Cheng Yu's requirements.

The only question was whether Qing Chen himself was willing to debut in a group. According to the company's original plans, Qing Chen was supposed to participate in Shining Stars as a solo artist. Of course, if Qing Chen was willing to join Cheng Yu's group, the company would certainly give them more resources in the future. Zhu Jianxin had just made that clear to the trainees as well. That was why so many trainees capable of going solo had been willing to come over and be selected.

"I'm willing." Qing Chen glanced at Ling Yi, then at Cheng Yu, who was a complete stranger yet vaguely controlled the situation. He nodded. "I'm willing to form a group with Ling Yi."

Qing Chen and Ling Yi had joined the company together, and they had known each other before that. They had participated in the same street dance competition and had come to admire each other's abilities. They often practiced together, so they had developed considerable chemistry when dancing. On top of that, Qing Chen was generous and low-key by nature, and would not steal Cheng Yu's spotlight. Ling Yi felt that he was suitable in every way.

After making his choice, Ling Yi instinctively looked toward Cheng Yu. Though his face was expressionless, his eyes were full of eager anticipation for praise.

Cheng Yu did not know Qing Chen. He had not even heard of this person ten years later. Either Qing Chen had left the entertainment industry midway through, or he had failed to make much of himself. Still, Cheng Yu trusted Ling Yi's judgment. Even if Ling Yi had truly misjudged him, there would still be time to replace him.

With that in mind, Cheng Yu waved at Zhu Jianxin. "You can dismiss the others. We'll work on getting acquainted."

The other trainees who had been brought in exchanged looks. Someone could not help speaking up. "Isn't this just messing with people? You told us to come, we came, and in the end we didn't even do anything before being sent away. Isn't that too disrespectful?"

Once someone spoke, the others began chiming in as well.

"Exactly! Isn't this going too far?"

"Why does he get to decide everything with a single sentence?" someone asked indignantly, pointing at Ling Yi.

No one was stupid. They had all understood Zhu Jianxin's hints and implications earlier. These people might not necessarily think highly of a rich kid like Cheng Yu playing around through connections, but the resources the company would give them were real. A small handful might even have dreamed of using Cheng Yu as a stepping stone to rise higher. Yet before the dream had even begun, it had already ended.

Ling Yi was a little stunned by the sudden accusations and instinctively looked toward Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu had anticipated this situation long ago and did not care. "This is how I select group members: by whether I like the look of them. The only criterion is my mood. It may be a little subjective, so please bear with me."

—His words were so completely justified that no one knew how to react.

The two Presidents Cheng and Zhu Jianxin, standing to the side, nearly burst out laughing. Once again, they witnessed Cheng Yu's unconventional nature and arrogant pride.

As expected of a spoiled heir raised by a family worth tens of billions. His presence was simply different!