Almost Famous Episode 1 Recap
> Almost Famous Recap
Cheng Ming awoke from a vivid dream where she was a successful musical theater actress, bathed in the spotlight and applause for her original songs. The joyful illusion shattered as her mother's loud calls roused her from sleep. Cheng Ming's mother was determined for her daughter to attend Qingbei University, while Cheng Ming longed for a career on the stage. Her father, typically submissive to his wife, offered little resistance.
Cheng Ming's mother, dismissing her daughter's artistic aspirations as impractical given their family's background, tore down Cheng Ming's beloved music poster, insisting she focus solely on the upcoming college entrance exams. Despite her mother's forceful opposition, Cheng Ming resolved to break free and pursue her dream, deciding to participate in the Starry Arts Academy's entrance examination that very day.
Meanwhile, top idol You Zhiqi, who suffered from nyctophobia stemming from childhood trauma, was thrown into a panic when a sudden power outage plunged his recording studio into darkness while he was reviewing demo songs. A warm and powerful female voice from a demo playing in the background gradually calmed his fears. When the power returned, You Zhiqi expressed keen interest in the song.
His manager, You You, explained that the demos were from the "Girl's Heavenly Voice Audition Program" and were currently unorganized, making it impossible to identify the singer. You Zhiqi's acting skills had recently been criticized by fans and even by renowned Starry Arts Academy Professor Li Shuangbai after a previous power outage incident affected his performance. Driven by a desire to prove his talent beyond his idol status, You Zhiqi decided to apply for Starry Arts Academy.
You You strongly disagreed, warning that this unconventional move would jeopardize his career and potentially ruin his future as a top idol. Undeterred by You You's objections, You Zhiqi secretly coordinated with his psychologist to evade his manager's control. The psychologist successfully acted as a decoy, initially drawing away a large crowd of excited fans and reporters who had gathered at Starry Arts Academy, expecting You Zhiqi's arrival.
However, his most dedicated fans soon realized the deception and spotted the real You Zhiqi, who had to make a swift escape. At the same time, Cheng Ming found herself cornered by a reporter from Suipai Current News, who attempted to interview her about You Zhiqi's rumored appearance at the academy. Fearing her mother would discover her presence, Cheng Ming quickly fled the interview.
Both You Zhiqi and Cheng Ming, desperate to escape their respective pursuers, independently sought refuge in the women's restroom. You Zhiqi, upon seeing Cheng Ming, mistakenly assumed she was one of his persistent stalker fans and lectured her. To ensure her silence about their encounter, he signed the charm on her backpack, presenting it as a "gift" and making her promise not to reveal what she had seen.
Cheng Ming pointed out that he was in the women's restroom, prompting a mortified You Zhiqi to flee in embarrassment. Later, in the exam preparation room, Cheng Ming encountered fellow applicants, including Qu Shiyun, a former child star who was verbally challenged by another candidate named Amy. Amy, however, was friendly towards Cheng Ming. Cheng Ming realized her admission card was missing and worried she might have dropped it in the restroom.
Just then, a senior student named Wei Feng approached her, returning the card he had found. Cheng Ming was grateful for his kindness and chivalry. As the art examination commenced, You Zhiqi was among the first to be called. He directly addressed Professor Li Shuangbai, declaring his intention to prove that his success was based on skill, not merely popularity. Li Shuangbai, visibly surprised by his decision to participate in an entrance exam despite his established celebrity, listened intently.
While Cheng Ming was preparing for her turn, her mother saw a live stream on her phone featuring Cheng Ming at the Starry Arts Academy. Furious, she immediately rushed to the academy and intercepted Cheng Ming just as she was about to enter the examination room. Their heated argument drew the attention of other students and faculty, including Li Shuangbai. Her mother vehemently opposed her artistic aspirations, insisting she focus solely on academics.
Under the persuasion of Li Shuangbai and others, Cheng Ming's mother reluctantly agreed to let her take the exam. Stepping onto the stage, a nervous Cheng Ming shared her dream of becoming a musical actress on the world's biggest stage. Cheng Ming delivered an emotional performance that deeply moved the panel of judges, marking a significant step towards realizing her musical theater dream.
