Idol Uncovered is a livestream program Little Shark runs every year in June or July, right when summer-vacation traffic is at its peak. The platform selects six “star streamers” from over twenty major categories for interactive livestreams, and then these 120+ streams compete in a popularity PK for twenty small homepage recommendations, three major recommendations, and one top pinned slot.
The full livestreams of the top ten contestants are later edited into short-form episodes and vlogs for Little Shark’s own video site. With good luck, some may even get sent to a TV station and broadcast on television.
The person in charge of the Online Gaming & Esports category is still Zhao Yang. He’s dealt with Sui Ning and PNG plenty of times, and for the last two months, he’s been monitoring the team’s rising popularity. His plan to get a full-team PNG appearance has been brewing for a long time.
Each PNG player has their own livestream room; normally, that would count as several separate contestants. But Zhao Yang is shameless, and Idol Uncovered has no restrictions on content or external guests. Just have one of them start streaming—aren’t the rest basically bonus additions?
He pictured it beautifully, prepared everything, and by the time PNG’s management agreed, all was set and ready for the filming team to show up.
The heads of other categories nearly coughed up blood when they found out: “Zhao Yang, are you kidding me?! This is way too dirty! That counts as five slots!”
An esports team—even without the coaching staff—still has five people. How could that possibly be counted as one slot?! Some colleagues had been gloating over the external guests their streamers managed to rope in, but upon hearing this, their vision went dark.
Zhao Yang scoffed: “Why didn’t you cry about fairness when your streamers brought in guests? Multi-person streams? Top tippers buying heat? Celebrity cameos? Where was all that ‘fairness’ then? It’s all skill.”
PNG had already agreed—no reason for these jealous people to whine.
His colleagues rolled their eyes so hard they nearly passed out.
Zhao Yang ignored them. The division’s performance in this event is tied to year-end bonuses—and maybe even promotions. Of course, he’d do whatever he could.
As for whose channel they’d use, none of the PNG players objected. Chen Chen had already told them in advance that platform bonuses and extra perks like livestream-hours credit would be split evenly.
Zhao Yang went straight to the point, discussed it with Sui Ning, and obtained backend access for Room 32566.
“We might start streaming some warm-up content while we’re on our way,” Zhao Yang explained. “There’ll be a host and professional camera crew, so you guys won’t need to get up early to turn on your cameras.”
He added, “Just like when you were a trainee filming shows!”
Sui Ning: …
Hit by Zhao Yang’s sudden flash-engage combo, Sui Ning was silent.
Still, he had no real interest in the format. And the platform technically already had the authority to manage his room—giving him a heads-up was already polite enough.
As for the “warm-up,” he didn’t think much of it. Most programs have opening introductions from hosts anyway.
Seeing his agreement, Zhao Yang finally relaxed, smiling like a man hiding great merit.
——
June 20, 8:00 a.m.
On the day Idol Uncovered began, Room 32566 suddenly went live early in the morning.
Fans who were subscribed and received the notification all showed the collective expression of a shocked mother witnessing a miracle—they thought they were hallucinating.
[??? Am I dreaming?? Since when does Feng-bao’s stream go live at such a normal hour?!]
[If it’s not starting at 1 a.m., I don’t buy it.]
[I checked the clock four times… pulled the curtains open and the sun hit me in the face before I believed it—this is actually 8 a.m.???]
[I haven’t gotten up before 10 a.m. in years, but the notification woke me instantly. Better than an alarm.]
[So what day is this? Also—why is it black screen if it’s already live?]
[Rookies, clearly. Don’t you know about Idol Uncovered? > sharing link]
[I screamed on Weibo for two days, set a 7 a.m. alarm—I'll wake early for my baby!!]
[PNG… hehe… my PNG…]
Early campers were already waiting. More and more curious viewers flooded in, and the room soon passed one million heat.
To ensure quality, Zhao Yang even invited Xiao Luo, an HPL match host. She was pretty, articulate, extremely competent, and also a Wind & PNG fan. She had led the post-match interview in Wind’s debut match—perfect for the job.
The black screen didn’t last long. Viewers saw the camera shake slightly, and then Xiao Luo’s familiar face appeared, the background showing the villa district where PNG lived.
“Good morning everyone, welcome to PNG_Wind’s livestream. I’m caster Xiao Luo.” She greeted them with a stern, official tone.
Viewers were startled: Don’t tell me—this is going to be a serious interview show? No way. We want chaos!
“Today’s matchup is PNG versus…” She checked her phone on-stream, seeing Room 32566 ranked 68/120 in heat. The 67th was a dancer streamer named Hua Yan.
Xiao Luo then mimicked esports commentary: “Versus streamer Hua Yan. At present, PNG is trailing by about 100,000 heat. But since it’s only 8 a.m., and most who stayed up watching Wind’s late-night stream are still asleep, this 100k deficit is negligible.”
[???]
[Ma’am… Xiao Luo what are you doing.jpg]
[Damn, I can’t hold it anymore LOL why does this feel like the World Championship broadcast]
[Opening thunderbolt—just now I navely thought this was some serious program…]
[It’s only 100k viewers, right? I’m calling my night-owl brothers to get online!!]
[I took a glance at that Hua Yan—she’s already dancing. THAT is what you call professional!! Where’s PNG? What is PNG doing!! (angry)]
[Hua Yan has already taken down the outer turret, and PNG is still at home shopping for items (funny)]
Very soon, Xiao Luo herself couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Pfft—haha, no, no… don’t worry, everyone, this is absolutely a serious and proper competition show.”
She shifted to the side to let the cameraman capture the villa district more clearly. “Today, thanks to Idol Uncovered, we have the chance to visit PNG’s team base and explore the players’ daily lives!”
The camera panned around, showing the environment of the villa complex clearly to the livestream audience.
“This is a certain wealthy residential area in Shanghai’s Longhu… I can’t tell you the exact location. A lot of HPL clubs are nearby. Those few buildings in front are PNG’s base.”
Shanghai’s summer coincides with the blooming of magnolias and flame trees. The fiery red and pure white petals alternated on both sides of the road. Unlike the quiet elegance of early spring, the greenery in June looked youthful and full of vitality.
Xiao Luo and the cameraman stood at a fork in the road. Not far away, you could vaguely see PNG’s iconic arched fountain at the base entrance. If you went down the other path, you’d reach Tayloo’s base, but because of a scheduling conflict, they weren’t participating in Little Shark’s event.
Walking toward PNG’s entrance, she continued interacting with chat:
“……Can we drop by TL on the way? Not this time. TL’s base isn’t open for tours lately.”
“When can we see Feng-bao and the PNG members… hahaha, wow, friend, you’re in a hurry.”
Xiao Luo covered her mouth to laugh. “But you’ve spoken my heart. I also really want to meet Feng-bao ^^.”
[UGHHHH I’m biting into lemons whole!!]
[So sour, I’m dying… just one look at the base area and I already want to go there!!]
[As a Shanghai local I think I know where this is. If I go camp outside will I get arrested (no)]
[Rich areas have strong security. Didn’t you see Xiao Luo going through like nnn security checks… and the camera caught multiple patrol guards]
[I get it, I get it, but I can't suppress my delusions 5555]
[Am I the only one worried about the time? Are the players even awake? Am I going to camp here until afternoon]
[Same concern…]
“Are the players awake? Honestly, I have no idea.” Xiao Luo shrugged.
“But today we’ve invited a tour guide. With him here, today’s schedule should be very pleasant… uh no, very smooth.”
She led the filming team to PNG’s front door and knocked.
The tour guide, Wei Ye, had already been waiting behind the door.
The moment he heard her voice, he didn’t bother with any dramatic ‘slow reveal’ showmanship and simply swung the door open.
The camera almost smacked directly into his face.
“Morning!” Wei Ye grinned at the camera, radiating impatience like he couldn’t wait to start.
The livestream chat went quiet for a second.
[…?]
[Wait, Mye… that little sleep cap on your head…]
[I can accept the slippers, and the team jacket is neat, but inside—that’s pajamas, right??]
[This is exactly how I dress when I have to leave the house early but refuse to change clothes!! Mye!! You’re this unrestrained??]
[Another opening thunderbolt—other streamers dress like they’re attending an awards show, and YOU—!!]
[This is so raw and real that I can’t look away]
Waking up at eight was practically inhumane for Wei Ye. He still had a soft, floppy sleep hat printed with a chibi anime wife on it. He wore a fall-season team jacket zipped all the way up—yet the viewers still caught a glimpse of his pajama collar.
But Wei Ye didn’t care at all.
—After hearing today’s livestream plan, he dared say he was definitely the most presentable one in PNG. If anyone should be panicking, it was definitely not him.
The moment Xiao Luo saw him, she burst out laughing. “Pffft—HAHAHA, Mye, I thought even if you didn’t wear a tuxedo, you’d at least do your hair before opening the door!”
“That would be extra. I don’t do extra,” Wei Ye waved her off and pulled the door fully open. “Please come in.”
“Hmm…” After stepping inside, Xiao Luo noticed the floor was so clean it reflected light. “Wow. At first glance, PNG’s base is really clean.”
She smiled. “Looks like your team members really cherish this place.”
Wei Ye shook his head. “Not really. It’s mainly our cleaning auntie… she’s pretty fierce.”
He hesitated, wanting to use a more elegant word—but his vocabulary simply didn’t allow it.
[—??? I swear I just saw a giant question mark pop up over Xiao Luo’s head]
[They gave him a chance to praise teammates and build positive PR, and he immediately uplifted the cleaning auntie… Mye, truly iconic]
[I’m going to die laughing. ‘Auntie is pretty fierce’—I can already picture her unleashing the cosmos while mopping the floors]
[I just came from another livestream where they’re all saying “thank you, top supporter for the gift,” and here this guy is talking about fierce aunties. Incredible]
[I bet 50 cents that what Mye really wanted to say just now was definitely “badass.” If not for remembering that Uncovered will later edit this into a proper episode, he absolutely wouldn’t have held back like that LOL]
[Xiao Luo right now = pure awkwardness, wanting to laugh but also wanting to punch Mye twice]
Holy shit, why are your replies always this chaotic! Xiao Luo couldn’t help complaining inwardly—complaining while laughing.
After laughing for a while, she continued, “Then—pff—haha… shall we start the tour now? I’ll trouble Player Myerii to introduce things to everyone.”
Wei Ye answered at light speed: “One floor has the training room and kitchenette—that’s the restroom. The second floor is offices and dorms. Third-floor cafeteria, fourth-floor gym. I barely use it.”
[I barely use it.]
[Please add this line to the scriptures]
[I’m dying—am I watching a comedy livestream??]
“Hahaha— cough you’re really honest.” Xiao Luo held back a laugh and looked at the camera. “So where should we start?”
[DORMS!!]
[Even if I die and get nailed into a coffin, I’ll use my decayed voice to shout: DORMS——!!]
[DORMS, AAAAA!!]
[Oh you little shark, your mind runs deep! A livestream at 8 AM? He’s not being random—he planned this!!]
[OMG I UNDERSTAND NOW—the timing!! The players! Are! Not! Awake!!]
[SURPRISE INSPECTION!! GKD!!] (GKD = hurry up)
[Just saying, can we get Feng-bao and God Yun’s sleeping faces ASAP!!]
[Does Brother Su look cute when he sleeps? Heehee, heeheehee…]
[Uhhh I feel like we shouldn’t expect too much… livestream surely informed them beforehand]
Chat flew by rapidly. Xiao Luo, being ruthless, nodded with fake solemnity: “So that’s how it is. Everyone really wants to see the… training room first!”
[?]
“That’s over there.” Wei Ye, confused, pointed toward the frosted glass door.
The cameraman knew what to do—he turned the lens toward the door, clearly capturing the artistic doodles and signatures on it.
In the center was still the gold-and-red team name, Phoenix Nirvana Gaming. Compared to when Sui Ning first arrived, the meaningless little doodles around it had not only failed to decrease—they had increased dramatically.
Lin Zhaoxu had drawn a chibi scene of his demon-king self beating up Cheng Su—but the drawing was so terrible no one could tell what it was.
Sui Ning had left behind his own prank evidence too: he signed “Cloud Ji Yunyu” next to the fat purple-feathered chick that Ji Yunyu drew, so every viewer could conveniently identify the “artist.”
He didn’t try to imitate Ji Yunyu’s signature. His handwriting was bold and powerful—especially the “cloud” character, where he always hooked the final dot upward, just like the last stroke of “Ning.” Ji Yunyu was mortified, but once he saw the signature, he couldn’t bear to erase the doodle and signature together. So he could only live in denial.
“Who signed this?” Xiao Luo noticed the signature and asked curiously. “Judging from the handwriting, it doesn’t look like God Yun signed it himself?”
Wei Ye glanced at it and replied casually, “Oh, Wind signed it.”
“That ugly bird was drawn by Cloud. Wind said everyone needed to see God Yun’s masterpiece, so he helped Cloud sign a name next to it.”
He added, “Cloud said he wanted to sign something for Wind too, but Wind didn’t draw anything on the glass… anyway, it didn’t happen. Cloud was kind of unhappy about it for a while.”
He paused, then judged with disdain: “Getting upset over something like that—such an elementary schooler.”
[……???]
[Wtf is this elementary-school-couple behavior??]
[ Sis mind your wording, there are many people here!!]
[Mind it HOW?? At this point?? This is literally grade-school romance sweetness—God Yun being shy but doting, Feng-bao being smug—my God I can picture it perfectly!! I regret not witnessing it live!!]
[I’m dying, sis put your pants back on, there are male-moms in this chat]
[Don’t. Male-moms go insane over this, too. One of the top three supertopic fic suppliers is a male-mom…]
[What can I say—sometimes men really do understand men better (auntie smile)]
Xiao Luo kept quiet, but her expression held a twisted auntie smile of pure “kdl.” (kdl = CP feels / shipping joy)
After calming down, she pushed the door open and saw the empty training room. She spoke, “Mye, can you introduce whose seats these are?”
Wei Ye was baffled: “This… you can see all this during normal streams, though.”
PNG’s training room had uniform custom desks—140cm long. Top, jungle, and mid were placed together against the wall; marksman and support had to sit on the other side.
“I sit here. These two are Mior and Erllit.” He strode forward, slapping each esports chair as he named them. “Wind sits here. Cloud sits here.”
The cameraman zoomed in on every corner. Most areas were familiar from players’ stream backgrounds.
Sui Ning’s team jacket rested quietly on the chair back.
Xiao Luo walked over, inhaled dramatically like she was about to unveil a trillion-dollar contract, and lowered her voice: “Dear viewers… this is Wind’s jacket. If I steal it right now, will he notice?”
[??? WTF!!!]
[Xiao Luo!! Get a grip!! Let me do it!!]
[Honey, how can you leave something this important lying around! What if someone with bad intentions steals it!!]
[Other streams give fan benefits—shouldn’t this stream do the same? I declare this jacket a fan giveaway!!]
[ Too small. Think bigger. Shouldn’t Feng-bao sign it first??]
Wei Ye: “…”
He couldn’t see the chat, but he could hear Xiao Luo’s “quiet” muttering. His expression instantly became… complicated.
Xiao Luo shook her head: “Sigh, I’m just kidding. Of course we can’t.”
…But seriously, is there really nothing else? Xiao Luo scanned the room several more times, trying to dig up more CP crumbs— ah no, she should say: more evidence of brotherly bonding. Unfortunately, nothing.
She chatted a bit with the viewers, but the empty training room really didn’t have much to show.
“Then the next place…” Xiao Luo recalled, “There’s a small kitchen on the first floor, right? Should we take a look?”
Wei Ye panicked: “No—there’s nothing interesting there! If we’re looking, we should look at the dorms!”
Xiao Luo: “…?”
A giant question mark slowly formed above her head.
[?]
[?]
[…I mean I’m impatient too, but Mye, you…]
Xiao Luo was shocked. To look less desperate, she had deliberately done so much buildup— but Wei Ye was even more impatient than she was!
But Wei Ye wasn’t thinking that deeply. Two days ago, the production team had told him very clearly: Only he and Chen Chen knew the exact filming time today. He was designated as the guide.
He forced himself to wake up before 8 a.m. Because—what else is the point? A surprise dorm inspection was the whole fun of this gig! He even got all the room passwords from Chen Chen!
That’s where the content is!!
“Other places aren’t interesting. I’m the only one who got the notice today—
the others don’t know we’re filming right now.” Wei Ye talked quickly, his head full of thoughts about ganking his teammates and messing with their mental states.
He kept glancing at the wall clock. “They usually wake up in the afternoon—but what if someone suddenly wakes early? Then they’d have time to prepare! I suggest inspecting ASAP!”
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