I desperately want to win on the peninsula

Inside the TV station, sunlight filtered through the tall sycamore trees, leaving only fine, golden hues that lazily spilled onto the floor.

Zhou Xian and Lin Qianqiao arrived as scheduled, because today was the day of the performance.

The two arrived at the location in an AOMG van. Lin Qianqiao and Zhou Xian greeted and interacted with the fans who came to support them.

They then followed the team into the TV station, but instead of going up immediately, they waited on the first floor.

The reason was that a friend came to cheer them on, so they decided to go up together later. After informing the mentors, Jay Park expressed his understanding and led Earthling and Loco up to the studio first with a smile.

As time went by, three figures walked into the TV station. The youngest member, Im Chang-kyun, was quite familiar with the place because he had participated in his debut battle and music show performances here. As soon as he entered, he knew how to lead the way.

"I know this place very well, you two just follow me."

"I see...it seems I don't need to lead the way anymore, I see Zhou Xian and Qian Qiao."

"Where?"

"What are you looking at, you brat?" Zhou Xian stepped forward and grabbed Ren Changjun, who was looking around, and said irritably, "Are you pretending not to see me?"

"Ani, Ani, absolutely not." Ren Changjun tried his best to explain, but he couldn't express his suffering.

The two were still bickering when Xue'e quietly walked up to Lin Qianqiao, raised her little fist, and encouraged her, "Qianqiao, good luck with your performance today!"

"Qian Qiao will definitely defeat the opponent, don't worry, Xue'e-xi..." EXY, who was following closely behind, glanced at Xue'e and continued the conversation.

He then looked at Lin Qianqiao and said with a smile, "Hehe, right?"

"I was a little nervous just now, but after you guys cheered me on, I felt much more confident," Lin Qianqiao said with a light laugh. "Kamsamita."

"It has nothing to do with me, it's mainly because of Xue'e..." EXY tugged at Xue'e's sleeve, urging her to take a couple of steps forward. Perhaps sensing the pause in her words, or perhaps because the warm light was too captivating, Xue'e slightly raised her eyelids, her long, thick eyelashes fluttering upwards like butterfly wings. In that instant—

Lin Qianqiao's gaze fell naturally from her hair clip, meeting her raised eyes, as if time had been paused.

He noticed that her small earlobes were turning a beautiful blush at a visible speed, like newly blossoming cherry blossom petals. But at that moment, they were quickly overtaken by a hint of surprise, which then melted into something deeper and softer.

The blush even subtly spread to her cheeks, spreading across her fair skin like a drop of light color on rice paper.

"Let's go up first, don't stand here." After a moment of silence, Lin Qianqiao turned her head and said to EXY.

"Alright then." EXY nodded, then gave the cowardly Seol-ah a disapproving look. "Let's go."

"Oh." Xue'e seemed to wake up from a dream, her throat bobbing again as she cleared her throat lightly. However, her gaze did not immediately shift away, lingering for a moment on his profile before falling on EXY's teasing face. She gave an embarrassed chuckle.

The reason for choosing to break the atmosphere was mainly because there were a lot of people chatting around, such as the two members still joking around, and staff members passing by. However, after the two noticed Lin Qianqiao coming over, they stopped playing around.

"We've gone up."

"GOGOGO, watch me dominate the battlefield today!"

"Good luck... By the way, bro, I remember the SMTM studio was the stage for our debut performance, right?"

"This is the large studio we'll be using. EXY's performance of 'UR' will also be gradually moved to that stage."

"Is there anything else I need to do?"

The group chatted as they walked, and when the elevator doors opened, they took the elevator to the studio floor. They were very familiar with the MET TV station and found their way there easily. The MET TV station led the three of them to the audience seats, where they could cheer up the audience up close and watch the rehearsal.

The three spectators were not invited by the contestants, but were people the TV station asked Starship for, wanting their supporters to get some exposure and encouragement.

Anyone who has played King of Fighters knows that the background atmosphere is very important when two players are fighting in the ring.

Another issue is that female viewers also need to be somewhat attractive, since the camera will cut to them to show them their beauty.

How could a talent agency lack good-looking faces? Starship has a ton of trainees they can show off, so they've never been afraid.

Therefore, EXY and Seol-ah's pretty faces came in very handy. They even dressed in a very fashionable, simple, and beautiful way today, and even put on some light makeup. One of them was youthful and radiant, while the other was sweet and lovely.

At first glance, it is a feast for the eyes.

As for... Ren Changjun, he's just an accessory, not worth mentioning.

So, if the other contestants knew that Lin Qianqiao and Zhou Xian had two beautiful younger sisters supporting them from the audience, they would probably be so jealous.

After settling their audience members and friends in, the two then went into the backstage waiting room. The fixed cameras in the SMTM waiting room were flashing, indicating that they were already filming.

Jay Park and LOCO sat together, while the Earthling sat alone in a corner. When he saw the person who came in, he glanced at him but didn't care. When faced with a choice, it's inevitable that emotions will fluctuate, so it's best to talk less and avoid arguments. The same goes for Joo Heon.

Jay Park, on the other hand, was more enthusiastic, saying, "The show starts in thirty minutes, let's take a break first."

"Yes, Jaebeom hyung." Joo Heon nodded crisply and sat down next to Loco to greet him warmly, a stark contrast to the Earthlings squatting in the corner.

"Inside." Lin Qianqiao didn't seem to mind and casually found a seat. The space wasn't large, but it was just right for five people to sit down.

The stage is about to unfold, but that doesn't mean AOMG is about to make their appearance. The first match will be between the losers.

So, there's still plenty of time.

About twenty minutes later, the television in the waiting room started displaying images, pointing at the main stage, and the first person to appear was... the host, Jin Zhenbiao.

This guy was honest and didn't talk much. He had a smiling face as he faced the audience, reciting his lines from the script. Unsurprisingly, the sponsor got a lot of attention.

Then came the introduction of the two teams, such as what choices YG's Lil Boi and InnoVator would face, and who mentor Tablo would prefer.

When Song Minho mentioned their rival team ZICO, there was a hint of schadenfreude in his voice. After all, when the two teams clash, YG always has a chance of being completely defeated, which is something many people want to see. Naturally, he applauded and cheered enthusiastically.

"WOW—"

"Alright, the suspense has been created."

"Our contestants are ready to go. Now, please welcome the first team to perform!"

"YG!!!!"

Jin Zhenbiao's pause was met with an immediate response from the audience, indicating that the order of the performances was already predetermined and not at all surprising.

"You got it right!"

"YG team, please put on your show!"

After saying that, Jin Zhenbiao put away his script, walked to the side with a smile, leaving the stage where the performance was about to begin.

In the AOMG waiting room, the suspense of the stage was still there, and a group of people began to discuss it.

Who will YG choose to go on stage?

LOCO was a little confused. Jay Park glanced at the TV screen and said with a hint of regret, "It should be Lil Boi. After all, he's an old hand. I just don't know why he went to YG."

"I know that. Lil Boi said he wanted to go against Inui Takumi, so he went to another team."

"What? There's such a thing? How come I didn't know?" Park Jae-beom was surprised, then looked at the nonchalant Lin Qianqiao with a look of astonishment. Perhaps feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, he nodded in confirmation.

"That's what happened. He said I dissed him too harshly that night and wanted to go against me."

Lin Qianqiao shrugged and replied casually. Zhou Xian kindly added, "Then during the team battle, they were completely overwhelmed, and afterwards they complained to Qianqiao that they had been too ruthless."

"He shouldn't have complained to me. Going directly to Shaoyou Nuna might have been more helpful. I might invite him for coffee or have a tea party afterwards to comfort him," Lin Qianqiao said, pursing her lips.

"Hahahaha!" Jay Park laughed loudly upon hearing this, and LOCO couldn't help but chuckle as well, covering her face and giggling.

In reality, Lin Qianqiao's performance was the main reason why AOMG got this far, so naturally no one would blame him for it. Let him be ruthless, it's his fault for being blind.

"Look! The stage has started!" Zhou Xian, like the atmosphere-setter, called for everyone to look in the direction of the television. Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes immediately fell on the stage screen.

On stage, the classic lights dimmed, and the beat began. As the music played, a toy car slowly drove out, carrying Lil Boi, who had been having such a heated discussion earlier.

"Hahaha! What a lil boi, why did you come out in a stroller?"

"It's probably because the song is called 'Brother's Car,' I just didn't expect him to be able to fit in it."

The stage lights were warm and bright candy colors, shining on Lil Boi in the center of the stage. He was wearing a bright yellow loose sweatshirt, denim overalls, and brightly colored sneakers. Instead of choreographing complicated and technically impressive moves, he performed dance steps full of childlike fun and improvisation.

That said, Lil Boi's typhoon performance was undeniable. Even with his quirky entrance, he effortlessly commanded the stage, living up to his long-established reputation.

"Oppa has a new car!"

I'll come pick you up now.

Baby Let's ride (Hey)

Come out quickly! (Skkkkkrt)

Get in the car and come with me, it doesn't matter where we go.

Haven't we already gotten tired of talking about it?

I'll pick you up when I make money.

You just need to come over physically.

Even if there is nothing

And those who believe in me.

The music is a light and upbeat pop style, with drumbeats like bouncing marbles, lively and smooth bass lines, and catchy melodies.

The music was very pleasant to listen to, and the whole stage atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. Jinusean and Tablo from the mentor group looked even more handsome when they came on stage.

The audience members readily joined in the stage atmosphere, swaying their bodies.

The seemingly simple and cheerful atmosphere is actually related to the production method. It has a very City pop style. City pop was a product of Japan's economic prosperity at the time, and the music is full of optimism, luxury, and urban atmosphere.

The lyrics typically revolve around themes such as urban life, romantic love, summer vibes, driving, and parties.

Just like the song title "Oppa Car" and the slightly joyful and satisfied words in the lyrics, it is very clear that this also sets the overall style of the stage. This style of music is very good for clearing your mind and enjoying the atmosphere.

The music changes in the middle and later sections, with the drumbeats and rhythms gradually becoming more hardcore, resulting in a more unrestrained flow and a dual auditory experience. YG's producers are truly top-notch.

Thinking of this, Lin Qianqiao smiled and watched the entire performance with great interest. He was really looking forward to Song Minhao's response.

"Great! As expected of the God of Provocation and Brother Bu Leak, Lil Boi also performed quite well." Jay Park really knows how to tailor his praise to the audience.

"To be honest, I really didn't expect these guys to play this style, they're so young..." LOCO smiled strangely.

"Mmm." Zhou Xian could only agree softly now, because he had fallen silent the moment the stage started.

After watching the performance, Lin Qianqiao covered her mouth and yawned, not really interested in responding to the mentors' comments.

The main point is that when the camera is on, Jay Park is a real chatterbox, constantly babbling to the taciturn LOCO, commenting on the stage, and making fun of another group that is about to perform, while occasionally giving the appropriate facial expressions.

"Wow! ZICO's stage is here, it should be Song Minho performing."

"Hmm..." LOCO stared intently at the television screen, and only slowly responded when the contestant appeared on stage, "Oh, it really is Song Minho."

To be honest, the two mentors were a bit pretentious, because no matter who Song Min-ho had to choose between, it would be Song Min-ho; that was an obvious result.

Everyone here knows exactly which company Zico works for. What else can they do but make sarcastic remarks? They're all just trying to make money, so there's no shame in it.

However, things got interesting when the Zico team came on stage and the drumbeats started.

"Rock and roll?"

"Hahaha...that's impressive."

It's worth noting that besides rock music, everything else has to take a backseat to truly ignite the atmosphere.

Hip-hop music is more often used in small stages like nightclubs, while rock music can fit on any size stage, and its exciting and uplifting melodies are most likely to evoke the emotions of the audience.

Especially for live performances, it's not really considered cheating, since the genre is genuinely present—hip-hop rock—and it's been officially recognized.

Watching the performance, Lin Qianqiao wondered if he was going to resort to some tricks since everyone was doing it this way. Compared to rock, he did have many alternative tricks. The fusion of EDM could create a lot of stylistic changes, so there was no need to use the straightforward style of rock.

The purpose was too obvious. After thinking about it, I felt it was just average, and it wasn't time to resort to tricks yet, so there was no need to rush.

With the loser's bracket stage over, the mentors and contestants from both teams returned to the center of the stage to await the voting results.

Before the discussion in the AOMG waiting room had even stopped, Park Jae-beom looked at Lim Gan-chiao and asked with a grin, "Kyo, what do you think?"

"Zico should have won; their advantage was too great."

"I think so too," LOCO chimed in.

The advantages here refer to the musical style and the inherent popularity, which will definitely influence the audience and are unavoidable factors. The reason why an artist is an artist is that he has a group of loyal fans, and this advantage will last throughout the entire program.

On stage, everyone from both teams stood in the center, waiting for the voting results. Everyone looked serious and nervous.

finally--

As expected, Zico's team won the competition, and YG's entire team was eliminated. Their journey has come to an end, and they will not be performing in any more episodes of "SMTM".

If there's still any lingering attachment, one can only enter as a spectator.

Next up is the performance competition between the winning teams.