After revisiting the original host's memories, Jiang Yuqi refocused on improving her dance and singing skills. While she had the looks, in the idol industry, true strength and talent were what sustained a long-term career.
She invested a significant number of points in the system's marketplace to purchase one-on-one holographic training sessions with expert instructors. Given that many of her competitors had trained overseas, she needed to quickly catch up from her zero foundation.
The system couldn't help but comment, "Host, why not just sell gold and hire real-world teachers? I'm shocked you spent 5,000 points this time—weren't you a total miser in the last world?"
Jiang Yuqi could only sigh. If she hadn't been forcibly bound to this system, she'd suspect it was an undercover agent sent by a rival.
She explained logically, "Did you forget I'm supposed to be an orphan? Spending a fortune on real-world training would only hand more ammo to internet trolls."
Realizing she had a point, the system decided to stay out of the way.
Under the guidance of the holographic instructors, Jiang Yuqi learned that her singing had unstable breath control, her high notes were weak, and her dancing was stiff and uncoordinated. Her facial expressions also needed work. Thankfully, the professional instructors created targeted improvement plans.
Thus began her month-long training bootcamp.
Every day at 6 AM, she jogged in the park while singing, to work on breath control. After breakfast, she studied music theory and dance basics. Afternoons were dedicated to jazz and street dance, where her natural strength was an asset. Evenings were spent in intensive vocal practice—learning pitch, emotion, and resonance.
In between, she managed her physique, practiced expressions in the mirror, and squeezed in English study. Her schedule was packed, and even in the bathroom, she replayed her practice videos to find flaws to fix.
Her goal was to present herself as a hardworking and improving contestant—not just a pretty face.
Every girl in a survival show needs a persona. Hers was "the hardworking underdog with average basics." Who could resist rooting for a beautiful girl who worked hard?
The show, Dream Chaser Girls, would be filmed over two months with 100 contestants living in shared dorms arranged by the program. Jiang Yuqi brought all her belongings in one suitcase, intending not to return to her old rented room.
Originally, the host had rented that apartment with money from part-time jobs to save up for college tuition. But after hearing about the Dream Chaser Girls show and its offer of a debut opportunity, a potential reunion with her biological family, and a daily stipend of 100 yuan, she applied without hesitation.
Two weeks prior, the show had already posted videos from the second round of selection to build hype. While most of the spotlight went to contestants with overseas training, Jiang Yuqi's knife-wielding martial arts routine unexpectedly stole the spotlight.
Netizens reacted strongly:
"Did anyone else notice Contestant 22, Jiang Yuqi? That face is perfect for a girl group!"
"She's not just pretty, she's got girlfriend vibes. I'm totally rooting for her!"
"Beautiful and powerful? I'm obsessed."
"Is this a joke? Knife tricks in a girl group audition? What is this, a circus act?"
"Ignore the troll above. We're here for our girl!"
The showrunners were thrilled by the buzz—more popularity meant better ratings.
However, in a wealthy mansion far away, a young heiress watched Jiang Yuqi's surging views and popularity with a twisted expression. Furious, she smashed her phone, while nearby servants trembled in fear. Her explosive temper was well-known, but none dared quit this high-paying job.
Once the Dream Chaser Girls livestream began, many viewers tuned in specifically for Jiang Yuqi.
Seeing her bare-faced appearance, viewers flooded the comment section:
"She's so bold! Everyone else has full makeup, and she's here all natural."
"No way. That has to be 'no-makeup' makeup. She's just fishing for attention."
"I'm a professional MUA—her face is untouched by makeup."
"Nobody looks like that naturally. Must've had plastic surgery for sure…"
The assistant director, noticing the skyrocketing engagement, immediately flagged Jiang Yuqi as a key focus, deciding to give her more screen time.
In her past life, Jiang Yuqi used cheap makeup to try and impress but ended up dulling her natural beauty. This time, she let her looks shine.
Still, fellow contestants judged her for her simple, street-market clothes. But once they saw her stunning face, they quietly marked her as a top competitor.
After all, in a show like this, poverty wasn't a threat—beauty was.
Many avoided standing near her to avoid unfavorable comparisons. No one wanted to look like the "ugly duckling."
Surprisingly, one sweet-looking girl approached her with a friendly attitude. Since the gesture was sincere, Jiang Yuqi responded graciously.