Chapter 7.1
Editor: Jodi
Mu Nan and Cheng Han’s collaboration was expected to have conflicts. This was something everyone knew.
However they never expected that they would be at odds almost every second of every minute.
Because an hour had passed and they hadn’t even completed one set of moves.
Their choreography was more dance-oriented than the original version. In the original, the first move had the Grim Reaper sitting on a carriage while Rudolf knelt beside him, resting his head on the Reaper’s leg.
And this was the first thing they disagreed on that started the conflict.
“I think the original version is great.” Cheng Han said without posing, his hair falling smoothly over his forehead, softening his facial lines.
“No, no, no.” Mu Nan said back, one hand on his waist and the other wiping sweat from his forehead. “I think it should be me lying down first, and then you lift me up by the neck.”
Cheng Han shook his head. “But that looks more like a vampire than a Grim Reaper.”
“But it gives a stronger sense of evil, which fits the Grim Reaper’s role better.”
After several disputes over the moves, the scene became quite tense.
However the two artists’ teams, the artistic director, the choreographer, the music director, and a group of people sat on one side of the rehearsal room, watching them argue. None of them tried to stop them; they didn’t even look worried.
A contestant who came to watch shivered, “Te-Teacher, aren’t you going to break them up?”
The artistic director waved his hand with a smile, “You don’t understand. Art is born from arguments. This is the pursuit of perfection!”
The choreographer nodded in agreement, the look on his face saying, “I love getting paid without having to work, thanks to these artists.”
“Alright, everyone, if you don’t have anything to do, don’t just watch. Go practice your own parts.” The director dismissed the contestants. No one noticed that someone in the crowd had taken their phone out quietly.
Mu Nan and Cheng Han rehearsed from noon until evening, however they were still undecided on the final move.
The ending was always the most crucial part of any performance, not to mention that the original ending of this performance in particular featured the Grim Reaper’s kiss that represented death.
They were exhausted after a whole day but still summoned their last bit of strength to have their biggest argument of the day over this move.
“Art is art, reality is reality. Kissing you? I’d rather die. Besides, if you don’t want to be chased and scolded, you’d better change this part.” Mu Nan said.
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Cheng Han said back coldly.
“I think it’s you who wants the kiss. Let me warn you, don’t be so full of yourself. I would rather kiss…” He pointed around and landed on Wilder. “Him! Than kiss you.”
Wilder: ???
Due to the intense training, Cheng Han’s gray shirt was soaked with sweat.
However Mu Nan wasn’t much better off, as his white shirt was completely drenched, revealing what should and shouldn’t be seen because he wasn’t wearing an undershirt.
As Mu Nan spoke, he noticed Cheng Han’s odd look. “What are you looking at?” Mu Nan asked him.
“Uh…” Cheng Han raised a finger but then thought better of it and put it down. “You should change your clothes.”
“What’s wrong?” Mu Nan asked, looking at his chest.
“Damn!” He yelled before Cheng Han could respond, covered his chest with his hands hurriedly, then run to his assistant Xiao Jin. “Quick, quick, quick, give me a shirt.”
Xiao Jin said as he handed it to him, “You’re a man, what’s there to be afraid of?”
“Oh yes, I’m a man.” Mu Nan realized belatedly, then he glared at Cheng Han. “Why is your mind so impure!”
There was an innocent expression on Cheng Han’s face. “I just thought you might be uncomfortable in sweaty clothes.”
Just as Mu Nan clenched his fist, the director burst in with hurried steps.
“What‘s wrong?” Mu Nan asked.
“A video of what happened just now was recorded in secret and released.” The director told them, looking tense.
Mu Nan instinctively pulled his phone out and saw that #MuNanChengHanArguing was trending. It was clearly a premeditated marketing stunt.
He clicked on the tag and saw the widely circulated video of their rehearsal. In the video, they were arguing over a move. He was gesticulating animatedly while Cheng Han stood with his arms crossed, watching with a cool expression.
Because the video was filmed secretly, their voices were inaudible, however from their actions and expressions, it was clear that this wasn’t a pleasant exchange.
And as expected, Cheng Han’s fans were the first to attack. [Is Mu Nan crazy? So aggressive, can’t he see that Cheng Han doesn’t even want to talk to him?]
[Does Mu Nan really think everyone is his mom? Talking to people with that attitude?]
[That’s right, it’s obvious he’s the one picking a fight. Rivals are always so annoying.]
But Mu Nan’s fans were battle-hardened and quickly launched a counterattack. [So Cheng Han ignoring people is okay? Isn’t he too arrogant?]
[Look at his mocking expression, and you guys still dare to say it’s Mu Nan’s fault?]
Soon, someone intentionally steered the conflict between the two fanbases.
[I heard they’re going to collaborate on a program?]
[Collaborate? On what? A martial arts showdown? Ha, that’s the funniest gossip I’ve heard.]
[Impossible!! If they manage to perform well together, I’ll eat my keyboard in public!]
[Just one video and you’ve made up a whole story?]
Mu Nan and Cheng Han’s fans showed extreme resistance to the collaboration. To them, working with the rival camp was like willingly throwing the game, stopping at second place in the rankings, surrendering without a fight, and suffering a great humiliation.
Nobody expected the news to leak early, and nobody expected the fans to be so opposed.
As the two fanbases argued fiercely, even the chief director hesitated. “How about, we just cancel it?”
“Don’t rush.” Cheng Han seemed the calmest person present. “Have we found out how it was leaked?”
“It was a temp worker who took advantage of the morning chaos to film it secretly.”
“Impossible.” Cheng Han said. “Someone instructed him. Keep investigating, my team will assist the program team.”
Wilder immediately expressed his support. “We also hope for a thorough investigation.”
The director didn’t dare to ignore the words of these two big shots and immediately arranged for people to handle it.
“Xiao Nan, what about you?” The director looked at Mu Nan. “What do you think?”
Mu Nan hadn’t spoken since he saw the comments, so the director was prepared for him to say they should cancel.
However nexpectedly, Mu Nan suddenly looked up and said firmly, “We’ll proceed as planned. I won’t be beaten by this.”
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