I was looking for a brain off read and this met the criteria. Is it the best novel ever? Absolutely not, but is it an okay read? Yes. So I personally liked it.

Now if you are looking for dynamic plot or twisting characters, this is not your cup of tea. But if you just want a quick read with little to no romance in the idol survival show genre, then I recommend it.

The only downside is that I haven't found the rest of the novel online.

Interesting premise but the narrative feel scattered and as the story goes, the more MC seem like a borderline saesang.

1. Raided the talent show where his ex-idol will be. Fortunately or not he was then mistaken as a trainee. 2. Sticking his nose too far in things that are none of his business really as a 'fan'. What plans to push to the top, What frying CP. 3. Thinks too highly of himself. Like I admire his ability to lead opinions and actually helping expand his idol's popularity as well as the perseverance he shows, but thinking "if it weren't for me you wouldn't be there" is just plain delusional.
There's also a few viewpoints I really can't agree with. Ex. I agree with not supporting an immoral idol or any person in general but to really believe that idols can't date? Nah.

Regardless of my opinions on such, the biggest con for me is no character aside from MC is actually given time to consolidate. Nor given any importance. The narrative is too full of redundancies. The interactions greatly lacking. The only real relationship in the group is ex-idol's and his friend. I don't see any bond, don't feel any closeness. It's alright if the MC is solo flight but he's in a group. Very lacking in details. I only see 'he perform this', 'he did this', 'he went to this show', 'he did that' and 'then the netizens liked it'. About how the whole thing went, nada.

If you're looking for romance, do NOT read this novel. I read 73 chapters and there's not even a lick of it. I'm being starved with the tiny interactions I'm given. It is a good idol upbringing story but not shounen ai nor romance. Personally, I think those tags should be taken away from this novel.

The MC, Luo xin would be a good idol if he was real, I'd probably stan him. But in a novel, highkey boring to read. I fell asleep multiple times while reading.

Anyways, in my opinion,... more>> not a good read. Wouldn't recommend, thumbs down.

edit: HELP THE ROMANCE AND SHOUNEN-AI GENRE TAG ACTUALLY GOT TAKEN OFF. <<less