Chapter 264-269

Chapter 264. Drinks And Desserts

"Ding Shan is right. If the final score is affected by Mysterious X, then it would be unfair. If that happens, then as a teacher, I'll stand up and question the Festival Group." Li Yang said in a severe tone. Then, she looked at Su Yan and Chen Xi.

The two of them nodded in agreement.

...

Seeing that Chen Xi, who initially agreed with her opinion, also agreed with Ding Shan's explanation, Chen Tong was so angry that her lungs were about to explode!

Are these people performing crosstalk here? Was everyone trying to ostracize her? Alright, Ding Shan, you win this time!

After the debate on the program's fairness ended, Ding Shan heaved a sigh of relief.

Thinking of that Mysterious b*stard, Ding Shan couldn't help but feel that she was secretly protecting him. He really should thank her.

Originally, Ding Shan only wanted to come to the program and be a dedicated mentor, but the appearance of this Mysterious X had added a lot of work to her.

She had to find out where this person had gone later. Was he lazy and didn't want to train, or was there another reason? After all, he was a member of her team, and she couldn't just leave him be.

The five coaches continued to record in the observation room for more than two hours, and Ding Shan's back was sore from sitting.

After the recording ended, she rubbed her neck, stood up, and prepared for lunch.

Chen Tong glared at Ding Shan, and Ding Shan could feel a piercing gaze following her. However, she was already used to Chen Tong's hostility.

She didn't even look at Chen Tong and directly walked out of the observation room while holding Li Yang's arm.

"Teachers, please wait a moment. These are the drinks and desserts that the Festival team has prepared for you. Thank you for your hard work!"

A familiar voice rang out. Ding Shan turned her head and saw Xiao Liu, waiting outside the observation room, walking towards the Instructors.

Liu beckoned to the staff and handed the drinks and snacks to the coaches.

Chen Tong was in a bad mood. She took the drinks and snacks in frustration and threw them into the trash can next to her. She glared at Ding Shan and left.

The remaining four instructors took the drinks and snacks.

Li Yang opened it and took a look. Her portion was filled with tea and almond crisps. Ding Shan opened her portion, too, and realized that she had lime, half-cooked cheese, matcha, and heart-flowing puffs.

Li Yang was a little surprised. "It's not the same. The Festival Group is attentive. However, I wouldn't say I like to eat apricot crisps. Green tea is not bad. Shanshan, do you like almond crisps? I'll give you my share. You can share it with your studio's staff if you don't like it."

Ding Shan took the almond crisps. "Xiao Zhao should like it. I'll accept it."

After taking the almond crisps, Ding Shan looked at her drink and dessert and fell into deep thought.

She likes matcha-flavored drinks and Liu Xin puffs. What a coincidence! The person who gave her the gift seemed to know her preferences.

Could it be that the person who gave her the gift was her fan?

Although not many people knew about Ding Shan's preferences, some of her fans who had liked her for many years might know.

She had once seen a post written by a fan. The post specifically analyzed all the food and drinks in her Weibo photos and then deduced her taste preferences.

Ding Shan was dumbfounded by the post. She never thought that her fans would be so attentive. She was shocked and touched.

It was likely that the person who arranged for the staff to deliver the drinks and desserts was her fan. Otherwise, it would be impossible to deliver them so accurately.

Ding Shan took a sip of the lime-half-cooked cheese matcha. The taste of the lime was robust when it first entered her mouth. After swallowing, the rich flavor of the cheese gradually emerged. The fragrance of the matcha enriched the drink, and the sweetness of the sugar was just right.

"Sister Shan, you seem to be in a good mood. Did today's recording go smoothly?" As soon as she went downstairs, Xiao Zhao, waiting at the door, ran over. She saw the things in Ding Shan's hand and asked curiously, "What are these?"

Ding Shan handed the Liuxin puffs and almond crisps to Xiao Zhao. "These are from the program team. They're quite delicious. You should try them."

"Wow, I didn't expect the Festival Group to be so considerate!" Xiao Zhao happily tasted a few pieces of apricot crisps, but before she swallowed them, she thought of something and asked Ding Shan in confusion, "Sister Shan, did that Chen Tong give you any trouble? I think I saw her just now, but she didn't seem to be in a good mood. As she walked, she was scolding her assistant, and her face was dark."

The smile on Ding Shan's face deepened. "Oh, then I'm sorry. She might be angry because of me.

Chapter 265. What Was Her Reaction?

On the other side, Xu Yan came back after finishing his business and happened to see his boss sitting on the sofa drinking big gulps of water.

Beads of sweat began to drip down Xiang Hong's forehead. He seemed to be feeling a little hot. He unbuttoned two buttons, revealing a small part of his well-built chest.

...

Beside Xiang Hong was a beautiful lady with blonde hair and blue eyes who said, "I'll come back in the afternoon. President Xiang, is there anything else?"

Xiang Hong nodded slightly. "Go back and rest. I'll let you know when you'll be back in the afternoon.

Watching the woman leave the office, Xu Yan walked to Xiang Hong's side and reported, "President Xiang, I've already sent the things over."

"What was her reaction?" Xiang Hong's gaze looked at Xu Yan. His eyes revealed a trace of expectation and nervousness.

"She seems to like it. President Xiang, you're so thoughtful. You even investigated Miss Ding's preferences. If Miss Ding knows you're so considerate, she'll be very touched."

Xu Yan thought happily, 'Maybe Ding Shan will agree to be with the boss when she's touched. By then, I'll probably have to call Ding Shan lady boss.'

If Xiang Hong got together with Ding Shan, he would spend a lot of time dating. By then, he wouldn't have to work with the workaholic Xiang Hong all day.

Moreover, he had heard that men's tempers would improve greatly after falling in love. Xu Yan didn't dare to hope that Xiang Hong would become gentle as long as he didn't reveal that terrifying expression of killing without seeing blood.

Hearing Xu Yan's words, Xiang Hong's expression did not have any noticeable change. Only the corners of his lips were slightly raised, and his originally fretful brows also relaxed.

The office door was opened, and Yin Hui and Lu Chen walked in with their arms around each other.

Yin Hui shouted exaggeratedly as soon as he came in, "I think I saw Jesse leaving your place just now. Oh my God, Old Xiang, are you serious? Are you learning to dance from Jesse? Lu Chen, can you imagine Old Xiang dancing? Why do I feel that the scene is a little scary?" After he finished speaking, Yin Hui couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Lu Chen tried to imagine Xiang Hong dancing in his mind, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't.

He nodded approvingly and said jokingly, "Do you think Old Xiang's family will be so angry that they'll ban your variety show if they know that he's here to participate in a variety show and that he's going to sing and dance?"

Even though Lu Chen didn't know Xiang Hong's family background very well, if the heir of a top-tier family came to dance in a talent show, his father would break his legs!

The elders of their families were usually profoundly prejudiced against the entertainment industry. After all, if celebrities in the entertainment industry were placed in ancient times, they would be considered actors. What were actors? It was a lowly profession that changed ways to please the audience and the nobles on stage!

Even though the times have changed, the prejudice between classes has not changed.

Hearing their laughter, Xiang Hong's eyes were like a pair of murderous daggers as they fell on the two people. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

Did they dare to laugh at him? Was it because he hadn't dealt with these two for too long that they were itching for a beating?

Xiang Hong's thin lips formed a sharp arc as he looked at the two of them from the corner of his eyes. He said coldly, "It just so happens that I'm a little bored practicing by myself. The two of you are quite free, so come over in the afternoon to practice with me."

Upon hearing this, Yin Hui couldn't smile anymore. He immediately waved his hand and refused, "What does this have to do with me? I'm the boss; I'm busy!"

Then, Yin Hui grabbed Lu Chen and pushed him in front of Xiang Hong, "He's freer than I am. Let him practice with you! I won't keep you company, goodbye!"

Yin Hui wanted to leave immediately. Lu Chen didn't expect their friendship to be so fragile. He grabbed Yin Hui's collar and dragged him back.

"How can you betray your brother like this?" After saying that, he turned to Xiang Hong and squeezed out a flattering smile. "Aiya, I was joking with you. Please don't take it seriously. I fully support you in the direction of becoming an all-around trainee who sings, dances, and raps. My good brother, when you're out of trouble, I'll be your number one fan!"

"Lu Chen, aren't you embarrassed? you're such a hypocrite!" Yin Hui made a vomiting expression.

The two of them quieted down after a while.

Yin Hui tidied up his collar while looking at Xiang Hong seriously, "Old Xiang, tell me the truth. Have you thought about it? Will your family really come and ban my variety show? It's fine if you get caught and beaten up by your family, but I can't let anything go wrong with my variety show!"

Chapter 266. Dancing

Xiang Hong didn't want to bother Yin Hui at all, but he didn't want to be bothered by Yin Hui anymore. He impatiently said to Yin Hui, "With me around, who would dare to touch your lousy variety show? "

His words were so domineering that Yin Hui immediately felt relieved. Lu Chen took a sip of water and looked at Xiang Hong in confusion. "What if your family sees the show after it's broadcast? Is it okay?"

...

"They can't control me," Xiang Hong didn't seem to take this matter to heart. However, when his family was mentioned, he subconsciously frowned. His expression looked a little irritable as if he didn't want to continue discussing this issue.

Yin Hui and Lu Chen looked at each other and didn't ask further.

Lu Chen looked at the time and said to Xiang Hong, "Let's go and eat."

Xiang Hong shook his head. "You two can go."

Lu Chen was a little surprised, "Even if you've forgotten about your friends, you won't refuse to have a meal with us, would you? You don't have anything to do right now; what will you do if you don't eat?"

Xiang Hong glanced at him unhurriedly. "Do you think everyone is as free as you two? I still need to practice later."

"Then it doesn't matter if it's just one more meal, right?" Lu Chen didn't expect Xiang Hong to be so serious.

Initially, he thought that even if Xiang Hong was serious about Ding Shan, he was probably only playing around in this variety show. After all, Xiang Hong was the president, and there was no way he could be a trainee.

"My time is very precious. You can go if you two don't have anything else to say. Don't stand here and be an eyesore." Xiang Hong displayed an attitude of chasing people away.

In the end, Yin Hui and Lu Chen were courteously invited out of the office by Xu Yan. The two of them stared at each other outside the door and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

"Heavens, he's for real? Was it worth it for a woman? In my opinion, why don't you send more flowers and perfume? Why go through so much trouble?" Lu Chen knew many ways to please a woman, but he couldn't understand why Xiang Hong chose the most incomprehensible way.

"I don't get it either. Maybe this is Old Xiang's exclusive romance? I don't understand a single one of them. Forget it; let's go and eat." Yin Hui shook his head and left with Lu Chen.

After Lu Chen and Yin Hui left, Xu Yan was also planning to go since he was hungry. But just as he was about to leave, Xiang Hong stopped him. "Wait."

Xu Yan trembled and hurriedly turned to look at Xiang Hong. "President Xiang, what's wrong? "

The expression on Xiang Hong's face was somewhat complicated. Hesitation, irritation, and helplessness appeared on his face one after another.

In the end, he seemed to have finally made up his mind. He stood up and said to Xu Yan, "You stand there. No matter what you see later, maintain this posture and expression, understand?"

Xu Yan was perplexed. He had no idea what Xiang Hong wanted to do. However, since the boss had given him such an order, he could only nod. "Understood."

Xiang Hong walked to the top-class stereo system he had just moved into the office this morning. He turned it on, and a loud and bright sound came from the stereo system.

Xiang Hong rotated his wrists and moved his limbs a little. Then, he began to dance with the accompaniment of music.

Xu Yan was dumbfounded. It was as if he had been struck by lightning and could not move. He looked in a daze at Xiang Hong, unfamiliar with the dance. Only one thought appeared in his mind. Would Xiang Hong kill him?

If Yin Hui and Lu Chen were in the office at this moment and saw Xiang Hong dancing, they would burst into laughter.

But as Xiang Hong's Secretary, how could Xu Yan dare to laugh? He was so scared that he was about to cry!

How could he watch Xiang Hong dance? Would he pay a heavy price? Countless ways of dying appeared in Xu Yan's mind.

Xiang Hong didn't seem to care about Xu Yan's expression. He finished the entire dance and then turned off the sound system. He then let out a sigh of relief.

Not bad; he didn't forget his actions.

In the beginning, Xiang Hong could not accept being a trainee, not to mention that he had to sing and dance on stage. He had never considered this in the first 20 years of his life.

To Xiang Hong, it was customary for Yin Hui and Lu Chen to mock and ridicule him for wanting to sing and dance on the stage. Even he couldn't imagine himself singing and dancing in front of so many people.

However, Xiang Hong had already joined the show and even made a promise to Ding Shan.

In Xiang Hong's world, once he had decided on something, he would never give up halfway. No matter how difficult it was, he would continue to do it.

Chapter 267. Rapid Improvement

Overcoming the psychological barrier was the first stage. Xiang Hong used to be a high and mighty CEO who controlled the life and death of others in their workplace. Now, he was going to become a trainee performing for the audience. No one could accept such a huge gap, so Xiang Hong let Xu Yan stay at the last minute.

Xu Yan was Xiang Hong's assistant. To Xiang Hong, he was someone he was more familiar with. To Xiang Hong, performing in front of Xu Yan was still acceptable. Moreover, Xu Yan would not dare to laugh at him.

...

After he finished dancing, Xiang Hong looked at Xu Yan and saw that he was still in a daze.

Xu Yan saw that Xiang Hong had finished dancing and returned to his senses. His mouth moved as if he wanted to say something, but he couldn't force out a word for a long time.

Xiang Hong could also see that Xu Yan did not dare to speak. He smiled and did not seem to have any psychological burden. Instead, he asked, "What do you think?"

Xu Yan felt a chill on his back, and his tongue seemed tied up. He stuttered when he opened his mouth, "I think it's pretty good!" Could he say no? He still wanted to live for two more years!

Xiang Hong didn't care about the authenticity of Xu Yan's evaluation. He initially didn't need to listen to Xu Yan's evaluation. He still had a clear idea of how well he danced. Letting Xu Yan watch was just to let him get used to having an audience.

"Alright, there's nothing else for you to do. Go out." When Xiang Hong saw that Xu Yan was still looking at him with a worried expression, he felt a little amused. He casually waved his hand, and Xu Yan hurriedly nodded and left.

After closing the office door, Xu Yan still felt like he was dreaming.

He had just watched his boss dance. Oh my God, he would have three consecutive days of nightmares when he returned!

Xu Yan wiped the cold sweat on his forehead as he recalled the scene of Xiang Hong dancing.

At that time, he was very flustered and couldn't concentrate. He couldn't remember anything now, but some fragments were still in his mind.

Now that Xu Yan had relaxed, he realized that although Xiang Hong's dance was not as good as those of male idols on TV, it was still relatively smooth. He had made all the moves that should have been done. There was no way to tell that Xiang Hong was a newbie who had just practiced the entire morning.

This rate of improvement was too terrifying!

Xu Yan didn't know about other people's situations, but if it was him, he might not even remember the movements for the entire morning, let alone jumping out completely!

Xu Yan knew that Xiang Hong was serious and efficient in his work, but he had never expected that when it came to singing and dancing, Xiang Hong would also put in his usual work spirit.

As expected, people who were efficient in learning and learning would improve much faster than ordinary people, no matter what they did.

Moreover, Xiang Hong had also found Jesse. Jesse was currently the instructor of Specter Dance Studio. She was a top female dancer and charged an astronomical amount for a single lesson. The students were heavenly kings and queens in the country. With an excellent teacher like Jesse, Xiang Hong's progress would naturally be faster.

But what shocked Xu Yan the most was that Xiang Hong seemed to get used to being a trainee very quickly. He did not feel that singing and dancing were embarrassing things for him. His movements were natural and relaxed when dancing, as if this was just an ordinary job.

His mental fortitude was way too strong. Xu Yan sighed as he thought: It seemed that he wouldn't be suddenly assassinated by the people sent by his boss when he returned home at night.

...

After a simple lunch, Ding Shan dealt with some work matters.

Currently, the studio has just gotten on the right track and is still recruiting people. The relevant procedures had not been completed yet. She had to ask about these in detail to avoid any accidents.

Other than that, she also had a lot of things to do, including a few endorsements currently being discussed. She needed to get in touch with the brand's person in charge at any time, and a few directors came to her door to cooperate with her. The script would probably be sent over in a few days. By then, she would have to start arranging her next stage of work.

Ding Shan could be very busy, but she felt these days were fulfilling. If she was not active, her career was on a decline. Celebrities in the entertainment industry were most afraid of not being busy.

If they were not busy, it meant that they did not have a work schedule, which meant that they did not have any follow-up work. Once they did not have any works that continued to appear in the eyes of the audience, no matter how famous a celebrity was, they would soon be forgotten by the audience.

There were a lot of newcomers in the entertainment industry every day, and some competitors at the same stage were also waiting to take a share of the cake.

Chapter 268. Low-profile Taste

Ding Shan was well aware of the fierce competition in this industry. Even though she was very popular now, she could still feel a sense of crisis at all times. However, this crisis was positive, urging her to move forward and driving her to work hard.

After leaving the rest of the work to Xiao Zhao, Ding Shan looked at the time. It was almost four in the afternoon. She put down the documents in her hand. "I have to go to the training room later. I'll see if the Festival team has any other arrangements tonight. If I'm late, you can rest first."

...

Xiao Zhao shook her head. "Sister Shan, I'll wait for you to come back. Otherwise, I won't be able to sleep."

Ding Shan couldn't help but smile. She extended her index finger and gently touched Xiao Zhao's forehead. "Why are you getting more and more clingy? Didn't you say that the employees don't want to see their boss? "

Xiao Zhao chuckled. "I can't wait to be with you every day. I'm not interested in men anymore. I want to be sister Shan's little follower. I'll go wherever sister Shan goes."

Ding Shan felt helpless and amused, but her heart was warm.

Although she had no family, she still had close friends like Xiao Zhao and many fans who liked her. She was not alone.

"By the way, sister Shan, after knowing you're coming to film the show, the brands interested in signing with us sent a few sets of clothes overnight. I didn't dare to touch them. Do you think we should mail them back or ...?" Xiao Zhao took out a box and opened it. There were several sets of clothes in different styles.

Ding Shan looked at the brand logo on the box and smiled. The person in charge of this brand sure reacted quickly.

After Ding Shan got rid of the Ding family, her popularity rose. In addition, she had recently begun to change her style, gradually showing her unique fashion taste. Some of the more sensitive brands had also felt Ding Shan's potential and extended an olive branch to her.

However, before the contract was signed, many brands interested in collaborating did not think twice about sending clothes in advance. This niche luxury clothing brand called 'Paia' immediately arranged for someone to send the latest clothes over after learning that Ding Shan would be a talent show coach.

In addition to expressing their sincerity, there were other thoughts.

If ding Shan accepted their clothes, it would mean that they could reach an agreement to cooperate in advance. Moreover, Ding Shan would wear their brand's clothes in this show, which could be considered a wave of publicity for their brand.

If this show became famous after being broadcast, they would profit considerably. This was killing two birds with one stone.

Even if Ding Shan didn't want to work with them and didn't want to wear the clothes they gave her, it would only be a loss of a few sets of clothes. This loss was almost negligible compared to brand marketing and advertising investment.

"Then, sister Shan, do you want to wear their brand's clothes?"

"Yes. I happen to have the intention to cooperate with them. It's good to show my goodwill in advance. Ding Shan smiled and picked out a caramel-colored double-breasted retro suit dress from the clothes sent by Paia.

The dress's fabric was high-end and comfortable, and the details were exquisite. Overall, it looked low-key and elite, with a sense of elegance. Coupled with a pair of short white boots with thick heels, it looked precisely in line with Ding Shan's current mature style.

"Isn't that too low profile? Just now, Zhen Zhen told me that Chen Tong changed into a very exaggerated hot girl-style fashion brand in the afternoon. Sister Shan, although your dress is good, it can't catch people's attention immediately. Will she steal the limelight in front of the camera?" Xiao Zhao said worriedly.

Ding Shan shook her head slowly. "We're on a talent show, not a fashion runway. The main characters should be the trainees. Why should I dress so high-profile? And sometimes, being low-key has its benefits. This dress is low-key but has a sense of nobility, and it can reflect the partner's taste."

Xiao Zhao nodded, not fully understanding, and looked at Ding Shan with admiration.

Ding Shan took a small, delicate, butterfly-shaped brooch from the jewelry box and pinned it on the dress. The details added a little liveliness to the initially calm and low-key dress, but it did not seem too eye-catching. Instead, it highlighted the low-key and luxurious atmosphere.

Ding Shan arrived at the training room. The afternoon trainees were still in the midst of intense training. As soon as Ding Shan entered, everyone's attention was drawn to her.

Other than Ding Shan, the rest of the team was boys. The young and beautiful female instructor was rare and eye-catching, especially in the afternoon when Ding Shan had changed into a new set of clothes. She had a mature and elegant charm that was different from the morning.

Chapter 269. Interview Session

A group of young trainees in their teens and twenties was mesmerized, and some even forgot to blink.

Ding Shan smiled at them, and a few boys' hearts suddenly sped up, and their faces turned red.

...

Wen Xiu's eyes also revealed a bit of infatuation. He quickly walked to Ding Shan's side and softly said, "Hello, Miss. Ding. Are you here to check the results of our practice?"

Ding Shan glanced at Wen Xiu. Seeing that Wen Xiu had such a strong desire to perform in front of the camera, a mysterious smile flashed across her eyes. Then, she nodded gently. "I'll check it later. You guys can practice first. I'll go and have a chat with the instructor."

Although the Festival team had invited five coaches, they were all celebrities with high status. Each of them had their work to deal with. The Festival team was too thick-skinned to let the five coaches teach more than a hundred trainees.

Therefore, the Festival team had also arranged for instructors for each team to help the trainees learn more quickly. However, the instructors were only responsible for technical guidance and could not control the trainees. The ones who could handle the trainees were still the Coaches.

Ding Shan chatted with the instructor and understood most of the team members' basic level, strengths, weaknesses, and learning progress.

After she thanked the instructor, she took out the observation record book she had written in the observation room and read out one of the names.

The first one to be called was a very introverted trainee. After his name was called, everyone's eyes turned to him. He was so nervous that his legs were shaking, and his mind was blank.

Ding Shan smiled helplessly. "Don't be nervous; I will not beat you up. Come out for a moment; let's have a chat."

Ding Shan and the first trainee who was called out walked out. The group of trainees in the classroom immediately exploded when they saw the two of them walk out. Everyone was a little nervous and scared.

"Oh my God, why does this sound like the time when our form teacher called for someone to go out and have a chat? This is too scary!"

"I heard that the instructors saw our performance in the observation room this morning. I guess Miss Ding is dissatisfied with the performance of some people."

"I didn't slack off in the morning, so my name shouldn't be called, right? I'm so nervous, but it's not bad to be able to talk to Miss Ding. I guess I'll only have the chance to talk to a big star like Miss Ding in this variety show in my life."

...

Everyone was in a heated discussion. Wen Xiu lowered his head. His thoughts were different from the nervous trainees. He hoped that Ding Shan would call him out for a chat. That way, he would have the opportunity to be alone with Ding Shan.

Ding Shan was a teacher and he was a trainee. There was a considerable gap between their statuses. Although he was confident that he could make Ding Shan like him, he needed to have the opportunity to get close to Ding Shan. Otherwise, they would not even be able to talk, and Ding Shan would not have a deep impression of him.

Wen Xiu's eyes flickered, and he made up his mind.

If Ding Shan didn't look for him later, he had to find a reason to talk to Ding Shan alone.

Ding Shan chatted with the trainee outside the training room for about five minutes. She looked at the information in her hand and said, "You said that you're not used to being here, but Zhou Dong, time is of the essence. There's not much time left to adapt slowly to the environment. You're good at singing, but you didn't go to the dance group to practice in the morning and afternoon. Do you want to give up on dancing? During the evaluation, even if you score high marks in the music section, if you can't do well in the dance section, the teachers won't show you any mercy. Do you understand?"

The trainee named Zhou Dong lowered his head and trembled like a frightened quail.

Ding Shan sighed. "Even if it's for your sister's sake, you should give yourself the courage to break through. "

Zhou Dong raised his head abruptly, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Zhou Dong didn't participate in the show entirely for himself. He had a sister who had been seriously ill since she was young. To treat his sister's illness, the family had no savings.

Therefore, Zhou Dong decided to participate in this show. If he had the chance to become famous or become a Taoist, he might be able to earn money to treat his sister's illness.

However, Zhou Dong was very introverted and would usually blush when talking to others. After joining the Ding Shan battle team, he had barely spoken to anyone. If this continued, Zhou Dong would not get any good results in his first review.

Hearing Ding Shan mention his sister, Zhou Dong's eyes gradually turned red after recovering from his shock.