The trainees anticipated the announcement of the best team that would be granted a total of 150,000 stars for the first eliminations.
"And the star team goes to—CHAOS' Daybreak! Congratulations to all of you, and congratulations to trainee Zeth for having the highest amount of star benefits among all the trainees!"
The room was filled with applause as Zeth took the mic. "Umm, I really don't know what to say except that I'm very grateful for this reward. I couldn't have done it without the starlights. I promise to work harder and show you better stages from now on," he said with determination.
June looked at the screen and shook his head.
This guy was definitely born to become an idol. He already speaks like one too.
And to add to that, he just bagged 150,000 stars under his belt. It's not like he needed it too. Zeth could probably place first even without the benefit. However, truth be told, the kid deserved it. Some are just born to be idols, that's all.
"Now, time for the announcements," Minho said, commanding attention from everybody.
"You all know what comes after the first mission, right?" he asked.
June listened intently.
"The first eliminations," he muttered, and Minho said it at the same time as him.
"After the airing of the second episode tomorrow, starlights will be given the chance to start voting for their favorite trainee. They will be given two weeks to vote, just in time for the airing of the first eliminations."
The trainees chattered among themselves.
"Two weeks? Shouldn't it be one week?" C-Jay asked. "Then, won't our fancams be uploaded online so the starlights can have a glimpse of our performances already?" he asked.
"If this was last season, then that would be the case," Minho said. "However, since we want to become fair to all trainees, starlights would only be able to see your Artist Battle performances on the third episode."
"It still doesn't make sense," Hoon chimed. "How are we going to film the first eliminations if starlights are given two weeks to vote?"
Minho smirked. "Rising Stars always wants to be transparent to its viewers. And to avoid the controversy that had happened last season, we decided to change our eliminations system this year."
June pursed his lips.
"Buckle up, trainees," Minho said. "The eliminations for this year would be broadcasted live!"
***
After the announcement of the "live" eliminations were posted online, people started complimenting the Rising Stars production team. A lot of people had lost trust in the show ever since last year's rigging controversy, so this was one way to ensure viewers that they have now become transparent with the voting.
Although it isn't a guarantee, some viewers thought they made some good efforts.
- That's more like it! The third-party team they hired is quite trustworthy too.
- Stupid people. Even with live eliminations, the production crew can still rig the show!
- I might start watching Rising Stars now.
- Commenter upstairs, you really should. Only the first episode has aired, but the trainees are so good already!
- When's the next episode?
- It's tonight, guys! Make sure to tune in tonight at 8:50 PM.
- Don't forget to vote for Zeth and Ren <3!!
The trainees had yet another break before they started their next mission. June, who had run out of BenBen gummies, went to the Seven Star Convenience Store to refill his stock.
Sure, they haven't done shit to his height.
However, they tasted pretty good. June even tried to switch it with normal cola gummies, but it just didn't taste the same.
"Oh, June, you're back?" the old owner said.
"Yes," June said. "I'll be going back next week."
"That's great! Grandma has been showing you off to our ballroom dance group ever since the first episode of Rising Stars aired. Some of the grandmas even took a liking to you. They're still confused about why you wear a mask, though."
"Ah, thank you, I guess," June scratched the back of his head.
"Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen your face. I'm sure you're a pretty good-looking lad!"
"Tune in to Rising Stars, old man," June joked. "Then you'll see what I look like."
The owner chuckled loudly. "Ah, you're really good at luring in those viewers, huh? Very well. I shall watch it with my granddaughter from time to time. She seems to be around your age."
"While you're at it, why don't ya give me some stars, too?"
"Stars?" the owner asked, confused. "We don't sell stars here."
June chuckled and shook his head. "Don't sweat about it."
"Right. We don't have stars, but we do have a new stock of BenBen gummies. Do you want some? I'll give you a whole box."
"For free?" June asked in a hopeful voice.
"Well, since I can't give you stars, I'll give them to you for free."
June smiled. "Then, I'm taking it, old man."
"Wait here," he said. "I'll just bring some out from the back."
June smiled as he waited for his BenBen gummies. He sat down on the counter and started reading the magazines on the rack.
On one of them, Rising Stars was the first page.
The show is definitely becoming more popular now.
"Are you sure this is the place?"
"This looks like it came out from the 1960s, though?"
"Will brother really work in a place like this?"
"Quiet down, and just enter!"
June lifted his head and frowned when he heard some familiar voices outside the store.
He stood up from the counter and saw five silhouettes outside the door. Then, the bell chimed, and five familiar faces peeked inside.
June's eyes widened in surprise when he saw who they were.
"Oh my! Is that Brother June? It's his eyes. It's really you!"
"Big Brother!'
"You're really here."
"Woah, these are the snacks I had when I was younger."
"Hi, brother."
"What the hell are you all doing here?"
