Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 545 Li Dabai is Pregnant

That evening, the third episode of "Starry Dream Factory" aired.

The stage presentation of the first performance exceeded the expectations of most viewers. The ninety-nine trainees were divided into sixteen groups, with each group performing a song of their choice.

After the performance, based on the combined ranking of on-site and online votes, the bottom eighteen trainees were eliminated.

The post-elimination footage was widely shared on social media.

The eliminated contestants hugged their teammates and cried together, while the remaining contestants on stage bid farewell with red eyes.

The day after the second episode aired, Chen Mo walked into Fu Yibai's office again with the latest data report.

"The third episode's ratings have broken 3%."

He placed the report on the table, his eyes brimming with barely suppressed excitement.

"The number of views for Nebula Video has increased by 40% compared to the first episode, and the total number of online votes has exceeded 120 million."

Fu Yibai opened the report and glanced at it.

What's the registration status for the second season's auditions?

"As of this morning, the number of valid registrations has exceeded 150,000."

Chen Mo sat down in the chair opposite Fu Yibai.

"It's almost four times more than the number of auditions during the first season."

During the first round of auditions last year, we visited more than 30 cities and received fewer than 40,000 application forms in total.

"How's the quality?"

"It's a step up from the first season."

Chen Mo pulled out several forms from the folder.

"The feedback from the preliminary judges in the six competition areas was consistent: the overall quality of this batch of applicants was significantly higher than that of the first season."

Many of them are graduates of professional music academies with solid vocal and dance foundations, while others are internet celebrities who already have a certain number of followers on social media.

The success of the first season made many people see the potential of this platform, and those promising young talents who were originally hesitant about pursuing an idol career have all signed up this time.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table.

"We need to be careful to maintain the right standards in the next round of selection."

While professional skills are important, the core of idol development is audience appeal.

Even if a contestant is a talented singer and dancer, if they lack charisma and approachability on camera, it's all for naught if the audience doesn't resonate with them.

"I understand." Chen Mo nodded.

After Chen Mo left, the office became quiet again.

Not long after, Zhang Xinyu came in to report on her work.

But just as she opened her mouth, Fu Yibai's phone rang.

Fu Yibai picked up his phone and gestured for Zhang Xinyu to wait a moment.

When the call connected, the voice coming from the receiver wasn't Li Dabai's usual lazy tone.

"Yi Bai, is it convenient for you to talk now?"

"It's convenient. What's wrong?"

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

I think I'm pregnant.

Fu Yibai tightened his grip on the phone.

Are you sure?

"I took a pregnancy test this morning, and it showed two lines."

My period was more than ten days late this month, and I had a feeling it was coming, so I bought a pregnancy test.

Li Dabai paused here, and a hint of barely suppressed tension finally showed in his voice.

"I haven't gone to the hospital yet, I wanted to tell you first."

Where are you now?

"I'm filming in Hainan."

"Wait for me at the hotel, I'm flying over to pick you up now."

"Need not.

Don't fly over here. There are too many people and eyes around. If a big director like you suddenly runs over, everyone will be staring.

I've asked the director for leave; I'm flying back to Beijing tomorrow.

"Okay, then call me before you board the plane, and I'll pick you up."

"it is good."

The phone hangs up.

Zhang Xinyu stood across the desk. She had only heard half of Fu Yibai's part of the phone call, but she could roughly guess what had happened from the changes in her boss's expression.

"Mr. Fu, does the schedule for tomorrow afternoon need to be adjusted?"

"Cancel them all."

"clear.

Do you need me to arrange a car?

"No need, I'll drive myself."

When Fu Yibai returned to the villa in the capital that evening, Qin Lan was sitting on the living room sofa flipping through a script when she opened the door. She looked up when she heard the door open.

"I came home early today."

"Um."

Fu Yibai changed into slippers and walked over, sitting down next to Qin Lan.

Qin Lan put down the script and glanced at him sideways.

"What's wrong? Did something happen at work?"

Fu Yibai leaned back on the sofa, remained silent for two seconds, and then spoke.

"Big White is pregnant."

Qin Lan closed the script and placed it on the coffee table, then turned to face Yi Bai.

"It's happening again? Why haven't I heard anything here yet?"

Qin Lan rubbed her lower abdomen in disappointment.

Fu Yibai reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"Don't worry, it will happen."

Qin Lan nestled into his arms and stayed quietly for a while.

"What are you two talking about?"

Liu Yan came downstairs and sat down next to the two of them.

"Big White is pregnant."

"Big White is pregnant? That's great news!"

Have you gone to the hospital to confirm?

"She just called me today. She's coming back tomorrow, and I'll take her for a checkup."

"I remember when she first joined the crew."

What are you planning to do?

"It depends. If I ask her to come back and focus on her pregnancy, and cancel the filming, she probably won't agree."

We might need to talk to the director and coordinate to finish filming her scenes first.

The next day at noon, Fu Yibai drove to the airport alone.

At 1:20 p.m., Li Dabai walked out of the VIP passage.

She wore a loose-fitting off-white shirt, dark blue wide-leg pants, and flat shoes.

He was wearing a face mask and a baseball cap pulled low over his head.

She returned carrying only a small suitcase, without even bringing her assistant.

Fu Yibai got out of the car, took the carry-on suitcase from her hand, and put it in the trunk.

Li Dabai opened the passenger door, got in, and took off his mask and hat, revealing a bare face.

"Have you got a meal yet?"

I ate a little on the plane, so I'm not hungry.

Fu Yi, with his white hair, started the car and drove out of the airport.

"Yi Bai, I'm a little nervous."

"It's okay, I'm here."

The car drove into the parking lot of the private hospital, and Fu Yibai and Li Dabai got out of the car.

The two entered the hospital and went straight to Director Zhou's office.

"Mr. Fu."

Director Zhou stood up from behind his desk and saw Li Dabai next to Fu Yibai. A look of amazement and shock flashed in his eyes.

"What brings you here today?"

"She's pregnant, bring her in for a checkup."

Li Dabai sat down in the chair next to the desk.

Fu Yibai sat in another chair next to her.

"When was it discovered?"

"Yesterday morning. I took a pregnancy test, and it showed two lines."

"Are you feeling unwell?"

Do you experience symptoms such as drowsiness, nausea, or fatigue?

"I've been filming night scenes recently, so I'm feeling quite sleepy and weak."

It wasn't disgusting.

"Okay, let's do the check-up first."

Director Zhou opened several examination forms on the computer, then stood up and personally led Li Dabai to the ultrasound room next door.