Chapter 38
The hashtag “#ZhaoYuLearnsDanceInTenMinutes” quickly shot to the top of the trending charts.
Her popularity had already been on a steady rise after the debut night, and netizens were paying close attention to anything related to her. While her stage prowess had already boosted her fame significantly, variety show performances had always been better at attracting fans.
Looking at the entertainment industry today, countless popular artists had risen to fame through variety shows. The exposure and buzz from variety shows often surpassed even that of film and television, with stage performances consistently ranking last.
Besides its fan base, Path of Thorns also had a massive general audience. Even those who hadn’t watched the debut night stage were left with a strong impression of Zhao Yu after the first episode.
People with strong professional skills always easily won others over.
In the show, she not only taught Zheng Wanyi and Chu Erping how to dance but also offered professional stage advice to several other groups. What truly captivated viewers, though, was her collaborative stage with Shen Junyi.
Shen Junyi was widely recognized as the king of the stage. Apart from the other king, Huo Xi, no one in the industry had ever been able to match his stage presence.
Standing beside him always meant being relegated to a supporting role. When netizens watched Zhao Yu and Shen Junyi rehearsing, they were already nervous for her.
– I’m so worried Zhao Yu will end up as just a backup dancer!
– Who are you underestimating? You think three years as a main dancer were for nothing?
– There’s a difference between solo stages and collaborative ones. Shen Junyi’s stage presence is famously explosive. Remember at the last Fengyun Ceremony when LY performed with him? He completely overshadowed her.
– There’s still a gap between kings. But Zhao Yu is already incredible—don’t demand perfection.
– Shen Junyi debuted several years before Zhao Yu. It’s normal if there’s a gap. Fans should just accept it—having room for improvement means there’s still room to grow.
– How can you already see a gap when they haven’t even started performing? I didn’t see any issues with Zhao Yu’s rehearsal just now.
– No way, no way—did my sister just get famous and already attract haters?
– New fan alert??? Let me clarify—she’s not just famous. She’s the only Chinese female artist to win a solo single award at the International Music Festival. Look it up.
– As someone from the Korean entertainment scene, let me tell you—Zhao Yu’s popularity in Korea is beyond your imagination. The fact that her company immediately disbanded Shining Five the moment she left says it all. No one could replace Zhao Yu’s position.
– True. I went to Korea for the New Year, and there were still ads of Zhao Yu everywhere on the streets. She feels way more famous there than here.
……
While the bullet comments buzzed with heated discussion, the two performers for the opening act took the stage.
It was a small venue for two thousand people, with rather basic special effects and props. This was, after all, just a charity performance within a variety show. The audience hadn’t held high expectations for the final stage presentation.
Then the rhythm-heavy music suddenly blared, the camera zoomed out, and after a rapid flash of lights, the two figures appeared back-to-back at center stage.
They wore matching colors. Zhao Yu’s long white shirt draped over her like a wisp of silk, wrapping around her striking waist, the hem falling below her hips, her long legs in black boots slender and straight.
Whether netizens or fans, this was the first time anyone had seen a duet version of So Busy.
The originally powerful male dance, infused with feminine elements, now carried a touch of gentle sensuality. They had no backup dancers, yet the stage never felt empty. When they unleashed their full presence, it actually made the stage seem too small.
A supporting dancer? Not a chance.
Wherever she stood, she was the center.
– This is a true union of kings!!! I declare this the best stage I’ve seen this year so far!
– It’s like a queen and her knight QAQ (No shade—the guy is handsome too!)
– I thought the Shining Girls debut night was her peak, but then she learns a dance in ten minutes. I thought ten-minute dance learning was already insane, but then she holds her own next to a king. This girl keeps surprising you—a true hidden gem.
– Let go of Jun’s chest—let ME touch it!!!
– AHHHHHH Shen Junyi did what I’ll never be able to do in this lifetime! Let me touch that waist too, please TT
– I feel like I just watched a full-on concert within a variety show?
– Suddenly get why Shen Junyi is considered handsome. When he’s not being goofy, he’s so charismatic—I want to watch him live now.
– When is Zhao Yu having a concert?? I want to go!!!
– Ahhh, I want to see these two collaborate again! Gorgeous guy and girl—so pleasing to the eyes, and that dance was so fiery it made me hungry.
– I can’t decide who I envy more—Zhao Yu for touching Shen Junyi’s chest, or Shen Junyi for holding Zhao Yu’s waist…
– Um… I kinda… want to ship…
– CP fans, stay far away. Can’t you see how careful these two are to avoid any hint of romance in the show? You’re just inviting hate for them.
– To be fair, Zhao Yu immediately pulled back and stepped away as soon as the performance ended. She’s clearly being cautious. Let’s not force this. She just came back to the country and wants to focus on her career, not scandals. Leave her alone.
– Can’t we just appreciate the stage collaboration?! If you want to see them work together again, keep your mouths shut!
……
The brief murmur of CP-shipping was quickly snuffed out in its cradle by netizens. The Yi Ren were relieved to finally have a female collaborator who didn’t cause drama, and their impression of Zhao Yu was positive. The Yu Mei Ren were equally comforted by their daughter’s sensible behavior—staying focused on her career and keeping her distance from the top male star.
All in all, the first episode wrapped up perfectly. Zhao Yu and Shen Junyi’s collaborative stage was reposted to the top of the hot list, racking up tens of millions of views within hours.
In just a few short days, Zhao Yu had hit the trending charts twice with her stage skills, practically solidifying her throne as the number one female singing-and-dancing artist in the country.
The viewership of Path of Thorns continued to climb, and her performance in the show was widely praised. She was beautiful, enthusiastic, meticulous, professional, and carried a cool, dashing edge that even women couldn’t resist.
Thanks to her heartwarming interactions with Zheng Wanyi, a small niche of “Fish Ball CP” fans even sprouted online. Soft and delicate flower × cool idol—it was surprisingly fun to ship.
As Han Shuang had predicted, Zhao Yu’s popularity after returning to the country finally surged like a gushing spring. Endorsements and invitations began pouring in on their own.
Seizing the momentum, Chun Su officially announced Zhao Yu’s endorsement. When the ad video dropped, even the fans who had been jokingly screaming “come at me” were stunned.
WTF???
Was this milky little girl-next-door really our fierce goddess???
Ahhh, holding a bottle of milk, cross-legged on the grassland, swaying her head and squinting with a smile—our daughter was way too cute and soft!!!
Completely impossible to connect with the queen who dominated the stage! What kind of earth-shattering, heart-melting contrast was this?!
Buy it! Drink it! Replace water with milk! Drink our daughter to a brilliant future!!!
As Path of Thorns continued to air, both the show and its guests grew increasingly popular. Zhao Yu’s segment interacting with the “female ghost” in the second season became a classic moment in domestic variety history. Every time netizens mentioned “the most iconic variety show moments,” “Zhao Yu seduces the female ghost” made the list.
Fans compiled all the variety shows she’d participated in back in Korea into a “Zhao the Bold Compilation,” and netizens nearly died laughing at this idol who feared nothing but flopping.
Everyone lamented: We will never, in this lifetime, get to see our goddess scream in fear! Because she’ll only get more and more famous—flopping is simply not in the cards!
After the second episode aired, many netizens tagged Huo Xi: Hey, did you give Zhao Yu your autograph yet? The ghost is waiting.
However, Huo Xi was a rather unconventional celebrity who rarely posted on Weibo. He was one of the few artists in the industry known for his aloof personality—the media often called him cold and distant—so naturally, he didn’t respond to the netizens’ ghost meme.
That said, Huo Xi’s agent, Brother Bao, did find out about it and sent a signed photo of Huo Xi to Han Shuang. The two were acquainted—just nodding acquaintances—but the gesture, however small, signaled his goodwill.
As summer approached, Zhao Yu’s schedule became packed with invitations flooding in. Her first post-return album also began production. Meanwhile, Path of Thorns reached the recording of its final episode.
For the last episode, the production team rented a venue that could hold ten thousand people, and tickets had long gone on pre-sale. The eight guests would not only have solo stages but also mixed collaborative stages and a full group stage.
It was a farewell to the show itself.
And the two kings who had only collaborated in the first episode finally reunited once more under overwhelming anticipation.
The bullet comments bubbled with excitement: We just want to see the strong join forces! No other intentions! Definitely not shipping!
The venue was packed with fans from all sides. Light-up signs in every color illuminated the space in a dazzling display, and wave after wave of fan chants surged like tides, overturning the night sky.
As Zhao Yu finished her performance, she stood on stage catching her breath and looked down at the audience.
On the night she left the group, she thought she’d never see a scene like this again.
After two months of filming, the eight guests had grown much closer. They’d created a WeChat group and made plans to meet up again when they had time.
Back at the hotel, Zhao Yu saw Shen Junyi post a King of Glory game link in the group chat, enthusiastically inviting Xia Yuan, Wei Chi, and the others to play together.
– Wei Chi: I’m in my promotion match… maybe not this time.
– Xia Yuan: Bro, do you have your booster with you? If you get him on, we’ll play with you.
– Shen Junyi: I don’t have a booster!
– Xia Yuan: Aw, it’s no shame to have a booster. Bro, we really can’t carry you ourselves. Find two more boosters and we’ll have a five-man squad.
– Shen Junyi: I DON’T HAVE A BOOSTER!
– Xia Yuan: …Fine, whatever you say. I’ll duo with Wei Chi then.
Shen Junyi sent a “blocked” meme sticker.
Zhao Yu stared at the game link for a while, thought about how she’d been stuck at Silver rank despite months of practice, and angrily tossed her phone aside to go shower.
The next morning, the guests left the hotel one by one. She and Shen Junyi were the earliest departures—both had 9 AM flights. She was flying to Beijing, while Shen Junyi was heading back to Hangzhou.
In two days, it would be Grandma Shen’s birthday. He was probably going home to celebrate with her. Just as Zhao Yu finished packing and was about to head out, she heard his voice and his assistant’s in the hallway. She quickly let go of the doorknob, waited for them to take the elevator first, and only then stepped out.
Lin Zhinan had long grown used to her decade-long cowardice and shot her a big eye roll.
While waiting for the elevator, two girls in masks walked over from the hallway corner, lingering suspiciously outside Shen Junyi’s room.
Zhao Yu exchanged a glance with Lin Zhinan, frowning slightly. But since Shen Junyi was already gone, they didn’t say anything and got into the elevator.
The car drove toward the airport.
At a red light, Lin Zhinan suddenly nudged Zhao Yu, who was looking at her phone. “Look ahead—isn’t that Shen Junyi’s car? Why is it pulled over?”
Zhao Yu looked up. Sure enough, the familiar black Mercedes business van was parked at the curb. Then, Shen Junyi—hat and mask on—stepped out.
Zhao Yu was startled and sat up straighter, leaning forward to look. She saw him walk to a white minivan not far behind and knock on the driver’s window.
With his hat and mask, and the distance between them, she couldn’t make out his expression. But from the force of his knocks and the chill radiating from him, she felt he was probably furious.
Through the window, he seemed to be saying something to whoever was inside.
Lin Zhinan was also observing, curious. “Who’s in that car? You can’t park here. Why’s he getting out so openly?”
Zhao Yu sensed something was wrong, recalling his recent string of sasaeng incidents. Fans stalking him to filming locations was common, but a few times, sasaengs had even sneaked into hotels late at night to knock on his door, putting the whole production team on edge.
Lin Zhinan caught on too, sounding annoyed. “Don’t tell me those are stalker fans again? Isn’t this a private trip back to Hangzhou? Seriously, they’re following him even for this?”
In just a few dozen seconds, Shen Junyi outside the car pressed his hat brim lower and turned back to his van. His assistant waited anxiously by the door, ushering him back in as they got inside.
The light turned green. Traffic resumed.
His warning seemed to have had no effect—the white minivan still followed at a steady, unhurried pace.
Zhao Yu clenched her fist and said to the driver in the front, “After we cross the bridge, find a chance to pull ahead of that white minivan and block it behind us.”
The driver nodded in acknowledgment.
The early summer morning sky was bright and clear, cloudless—another sunny day.
Zhao Yu kept her eyes fixed on the minivan, so when it suddenly behaved abnormally, she noticed immediately.
The car veered uncontrollably at a strange, terrifying speed, swerving erratically toward the bridge’s guardrail.
Her pupils dilated instantly. Her body lunged forward as if trying to grab something, though she clearly could do nothing. All she could do was watch helplessly as, the next second, it crashed through the guardrail and plunged into the surging river below.