Chapter 34: Crafting a Different Kind of Idol.

On the way, Wang Yongchang briefly introduced the details of the current project.

After localizing the idol group model imported from the Korean entertainment industry, the next logical step was monetization. The primary channel for this was "I Am a Trainee," an A-tier variety show fully funded by Xingmei Entertainment.

While it lacked the massive S-tier budget and promotional push of a blockbuster like "Xianxia," it still represented a significant investment for a web-based variety show, and the marketing campaign would be far from small. Combined with other resources, it was capable of producing a top-tier celebrity.

The problem, however, was that there were too many capital investors wanting a piece of the idol pie, and this show was not the only one of its kind. When the time came, they would likely face fierce competition and head-to-head clashes with other programs.

"A head-to-head clash?" Li Can nodded thoughtfully.

It seemed the pressure on the company was substantial. Perhaps, beyond being a reward for his own success, the company was also hoping to see if he had any unorthodox tricks up his sleeve to turn the tide in this competition.

Guided by Wang Yongchang, the group soon arrived at the adjacent zone.

The atmosphere here was completely different from the music studio in Zone A. The space was vast, featuring dormitories, makeup and dressing rooms, and a massive, spacious dance studio. There were quite a few trainees around, but not as many as Li Can had imagined. After all, in his understanding, trainees were primarily cultivated to generate contract termination fees, with most being sent out for minor commercial gigs, while very few actually made it to debut. Looking at it now, it seemed that the nauseating Korean-style model had not yet fully taken hold here.

"Come on, boys and girls, let me introduce someone to you." Wang Yongchang clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

When they saw Li Can walk through the door, everyone froze. Their first reaction was, *Which male model is this joining the idol group?* But after a brief moment of stunned silence, they recognized him.

"Holy cow! Is that Li Can?!"
"It’s the big shot from next door!"
"Does this mean there’s going to be a project? Will I finally get a chance?!"

Although Li Can was usually very low-key and rarely socialized within the company, legends about him still circulated. For instance, there was his six-foot-three stature, his male-model-level physique, and his exaggerated resume and musical prowess. The fact that he had managed to turn a toxic artist like Chen Meijing into a success only added to his mystique.

"Damn, if I can latch onto this guy, I'd have to blame myself if I don't become a star!"
"Mom! I’m finally going to make something of myself!"

It was clear that the trainees recognized Li Can and were quite excited.

Seeing this, Wang Yongchang smiled. "It seems I don't need to introduce him."

Hearing this, the trainees immediately turned toward Li Can and offered a synchronized greeting. "Hello, Brother Can!"

"Yes, hello, hello everyone," Li Can nodded with a faint smile. It was a simple, polite gesture, yet it made the eyes of several female trainees light up with infatuation—and it made Winnie, who was standing beside him, feel a strong sense of crisis. Though she didn't show it, she radiated a subtle chill.

*Where are those women looking? I’ll gouge their eyes out!*

"I won't say much more. Moving on, I’ll give each of you five minutes to showcase yourselves—whether it’s a song, a dance, or some strange personal skill. Whether you work in teams or solo, there is only one goal!" Li Can sat in the center of the dance studio, his back against the large mirror, and addressed the trainees. "Show me who you are."

"Yes!"

As everyone spoke up, the others from the studio stepped forward and sat down next to Li Can. With more people watching and several gazes locked on them, the trainees began to feel the pressure. The young girls, in particular, grew nervous. Winnie, sitting right next to Li Can, was staring at them with a particularly sharp gaze.

"Hurry up!"

With that command, the trainees quickly sprang into action. Soon, everyone took their turn. There was a bit of everything, with singing and dancing being the most common. However, the more he watched, the tighter Li Can’s brow furrowed.

Coming from a classical background and having dabbled in street dance privately—though only at a recreational level—he still possessed the eye to distinguish quality. It didn't take long for him to realize that even though he had been prepared for it, the skill level of these trainees was still much lower than he had imagined.

He pondered silently, though he wasn't exactly surprised. If he had to describe it, it would be... the singing was merely on-key, but lacked any fundamental vocal technique, and the dancing was little more than calisthenics. The movements were standard, but they completely lacked the "texture"—the rhythm—that dance required. It might fool the average person, but in front of a professional, it was a joke.

For idols, musical and dance works were indeed secondary; being handsome or pretty, knowing how to act cute, or knowing how to play it cool was enough. The goal was to use manufactured, artificial sexual tension to define trends and aesthetics, thereby "harvesting leeks" from the young consumer demographic. In reality, however, such marketing had a very poor social impact.

Thinking of this, Li Can shook his head and asked internally, "Xiao Ai, how can we avoid the toxicity of 'fan circles' and negative influences while promoting idols?"

*The entertainment economy is essentially about labeling, creating opposition, establishing hierarchies, and fostering identity and superiority among fans. In the process of star-making, the excessive deification of idols only reinforces these attributes, naturally leading to hostility.*

*The reason idols are prone to attracting hate is mainly because their public image is overly polished, hollow, and fake, while fans are subjected to obedience tests and psychological manipulation (PUA). PR departments only consider the economic perspective, never the rationality of values or social impact.*

*The best way to avoid 'fan circle' toxicity is to establish a positive aesthetic, actively shatter the idol filter, and completely 'de-mystify' them...*

As Xiao Ai analyzed and explained, Li Can’s path forward became clear. Many idols suffered from severe fan-circle issues and would eventually face a harsh reality check. He had to make money, but he didn't have to be trashy about it.

De-mystification and shattering the filter were essentially about bringing idols "down to earth." Theoretically, such a persona might seem at odds with market logic, but experience had shown that not only did it not hurt traffic, but it actually garnered more goodwill from the general public.

Did the fans really not know their idols lacked talent? Were the haters truly just annoyed because the idols were untalented and overpaid? Perhaps some were, but that wasn't the whole story. Pretending to be talented, forced deification, attacking anyone with a different opinion, and hijacking aesthetics—that was the true essence of what attracted hate.

Li Can smiled slightly. The overall trend of the idol economy was hard to shift, and he couldn't influence the industry-wide variety show landscape just yet. But he had the authority to guide a few trainees himself!

Currently, the market's understanding of idols was still in the early "infamous-is-still-famous" stage, trending toward "high-and-mighty" god-making, and this posture wouldn't be dropped anytime soon. But he was countless versions ahead of them!

A head-to-head clash? Not a chance. Once a down-to-earth, positive-energy idol was compared to other idols, the contrast would be incredibly stark. Since conflict was inevitable, he would use it to his advantage.

Immediately, Li Can scanned the room. The blueprint for the kind of idol he wanted to create was already clear in his mind.