Inspiration Superstar

Yanjing—amid the city’s soaring skyline, one tower stood apart, an unmissable presence even among a forest of high-rises. For here resided the headquarters of Huayi, the largest talent agency in all of China’s entertainment world. The company boasted a galaxy of superstars, an endless stream of solid performers, and each year, dazzling new talent appeared under its banner. Most remarkable of all, Huayi laid claim to both a king and a queen—the two colossal superstars whose influence reached far and wide.

Inside one of the building’s training studios, five young men were drenched in sweat, relentlessly rehearsing under their coach’s direction. They moved in sync, shifting positions and executing intricate routines—energy and harmony radiated from every step.

“Stop. Ten-minute break,” called the trainer after a grueling sequence.

At once, relief washed over the boys. Three sank to the floor, gasping for breath, while the other two bent over, hands on knees, sweat dripping steadily to the ground.

“Is that all you’ve got?” taunted the boy at the front, smirking at another. “Your stamina’s not what it used to be.”

“Don’t worry, this is nothing,” replied the other, straightening and drawing deep, measured breaths to ease his fatigue.

“Lin Qihua,” the first youth retorted, standing tall, “we’ve trained together three years now, debuted for one. We all know who’s got it and who doesn’t. You should be self-aware.”

Lin Qihua shook his head ever so slightly, dispelling a stabbing pain in his temples. “Liu Feng, who’s got it and who doesn’t