The final live broadcast of 'Island Restaurant' marked the grand finale.
But what should have been a harmonious and fulfilling ending turned into a sudden climax.
The large cat mascot, Bao Ruanruan, stood motionless, stiff, almost bloodless.
The camera zoomed in on her flawless, poreless, fair and natural face. Her small, sweaty face seemed to be shrouded in a thin mist that softened her willowy eyebrows and bright eyes, giving her a delicate and ethereal beauty that took one's breath away.
This endearingly fragile face, with its slender swan-like neck, paired with the awkward mascot collar and the exaggerated fluorescent pink fur, was both harmonious and contradictory.
[Help, isn't she too good-looking?]
[D*mn, Da Mao, you're right, I'm really going to lose sleep tonight! That face, it won't let me sleep!]
[Oh my, is this the terrifying story you mentioned about taking off your headgear? You can tell me for 101 nights with a story like that!]
[Plot twist!!! Did the director already know she was gorgeous, so he convinced her to take the headgear off?]
[I was wrong, I shouldn't have cursed the director for adding drama, the director is a true bodhisattva who wants to give us benefits!]
[Ah, I love beautiful young ladies!]
[I always thought Da Mao's pink fur was cute, but now—after taking off the headgear... my goodness, I've just discovered there's something cuter!]
[Xiao Mengfei has been upstaged, hasn't she? Once the headgear comes off, I feel like she's just a product of makeup, and Da Mao is the real fairy!]
[The young lady is so beautiful but looks familiar, doesn't she.]
[Familiar +1, but beautiful women are always the same, right?]
[Look at her startled eyes, so cute and tender, come here, let this big sis hug you~ there's nothing to be scared of, this big sis will protect you, little fairy!]
What is there to be scared of?
Bao Ruanruan was already scared to death.
She felt lightness around her face, and the blood in her body froze.
Stiffly, she reached out and touched.
She no longer touched something furry... but a warm cheek.
Silently, she turned around.
Too late.
I'm out of here.
But suddenly, a roar came from behind her!
"Bao... Ruan, Ruan!?"
Lu Wenhao's voice sounded astonished and unbelieving!
[!]
[!!!]
[?]
A group of exclamation marks flashed through the bullet comments.
After a while, comment texts finally appeared.
[No wonder I find her familiar, Bao Ruanruan? The one on the hot search? Oh my gosh!]
[Huh? She looks so much better in person than in photos. Goodness me, I just said that I would be a fan no matter who was wearing Da Mao's headgear. Now, I'm stunned, what should I do?]
[Shocked, is the fairy the female artist who disrupted the engagement ceremony?]
In the live broadcast, Lu Wenhao's voice was accompanied by a teeth-clenching sound.
"So, you... have always been Bao Ruanruan?"
"No...... I am not."
Lu Wenhao: "!"
Qu Feifei: "!!"
Everyone stared at her.
"I will not change my first name after doing something, nor will I change my surname after sitting down. I am Bao Ruanruan from a parallel timeline."
"I just arrived today. It's nice to meet you all."
Everyone: "!!"
Lu Wenhao: "Bao, Ruan, Ruan!"
Goodbye to you1.
She would go on a faraway journey.
Bao Ruanruan held her headgear and, without looking back, swiftly entered the team of photographers and disappeared into the night.
The photographers hurriedly ran to catch up.
But the only scene they could capture was her fleeing figure.
[Pfft!]
[If she really is a mistress, she won't be able to clean herself up with me, but d*mn, she's hilarious! So unexpected!]
[Poor Lu Wenhao!]
[Brother Lu: Da Mao, who saved my life, is actually my enemy!]
[Young Lu: My benefactor is my big brother's enemy, where should I stand!]
[...I laughed. But why do beautiful women always have to think about love? Isn't it attractive to be independent? Isn't building a career more appealing?]
[If she didn't have any flaws, I would definitely pursue her, max in looks and max in athletic ability, and she has saved people in the kitchen several times!]
[Am I the only one who didn't believe she was being kept by Mr Lu before but now somehow believes it? This delicate beauty, with a beautiful voice...]
[Wake up, if the hot search is true, she's not only a love brain, but also morally corrupt! Mr Lu and Yuxin are a couple, she's the third wheel.]
[? Is the person above a man? Is it the woman's fault that she is the third wheel? If she was kept in the dark, she's the victim, okay! It seems that the Movie Queen and Mr Lu never made their relationship public.]
[Honestly, I was on the side of Mr Lu and the Movie Queen before, and I am still a fan of good shows, but after watching these days, including tonight, do you really think Maomao is a bad person? If she wanted to gain fame, she should have agreed to the director's suggestion in the cabin and revealed her face. She could have taken away some of Maomao's fans and appearance fans, but she refused on the spot.]
[But maybe this is a whitewashed variety show arranged for her, it's all scripted.]
[Actually, from my years of experience eating melons, Lu Wenyao is probably not clean. As for whether Bao Ruanruan is innocent, it remains to be seen.]
[Let's wait and see. I won't scold her yet.]
[Maybe the third party doesn't exist at all, it was her YY from the beginning to the end. If that's the case, all you can say is she's crazy, but she's definitely not a bad artist.]
[Don't say anything, just sit and wait for the truth. @Bao Ruanruan, if you have any proof, just show it. I'm dying of anxiety!]
In the restaurant's camera, Xiao Mengfei looked dazed and speechless, like a wooden chicken.
It was actually Bao Ruanruan?
Was she really prettier than herself?
No, it must be because she came out of the bulky mascot costume; the contrast makes her win.
If they just stood together, she would still be the prettier one... right?
Xiao Mengfei was absent-minded.
Agent Ji Fei stared at his phone in the nanny car, watching the live feed.
Clatter.
The phone fell onto his thigh!
Why is it Bao...?
Ji Fei remembered how he had bowed to the mascot like he was her grandson, greeting her and giving her gifts. He wanted to go back in time and erase that part!
Then he thought about the number of times the mascot had gone on the hot search recently—four or five times more than when he was Bao Ruanruan's agent—which made him dizzy!
"How did I not know she knows so much about cooking and is in such good physical shape?!"
This wave of God-given popularity for the mascot was like a knife in his heart!
Did Bao Ruanruan's popularity increase after she left him?
Wasn't that just a slap in the face for him as her former agent? Was he the useless one holding her back?
Ji Fei almost vomited blood.
He was going bald and still hadn't progressed in his career.
In the last five minutes of 'Island Restaurant', the live bullet comment reached a record high.
The show's viewership had exceeded 1.36%, making it the top variety show on Jiangcheng TV this quarter.
However, the trending topic of blacklisted artists appearing on variety shows had once again caught the attention of casual netizens on Weibo.
Comments unfavourable to the Lu family and Bao Ruanruan had emerged in large numbers. Calls for a boycott, for her to be removed from the show, and even demands for the show to be taken down echo one after another.
...
Could doing the show turn things around and allow one to carry on?
No.
Bao Ruanruan took a sneaky look at her Weibo, only to be horrified that her follower count had risen to 620,000.
A whopping increase of 50,000!
There were even more people criticising her now...
The situation had worsened.
"How could it get worse? At first, the moment you appeared, you were overwhelmingly criticised. But now, there are netizens defending you."
Chen Feng scrolled through the comments.
"The situation is getting better, as even more people are willing to give you a chance. They want to see you provide evidence and the truth."
Previously, whether it was casual critics, the Lu family's water army2, or the Movie Queen's fans, none of them bothered to understand the reasons and just nailed Bao Ruanruan to the pillar of shame.
Of the three, Bao Ruanruan was the only one subjected to a barrage of criticism.
Now, with her appearance, netizens had noticed her personal strengths and were eager to uncover the true causes and consequences behind this matter.
"The higher the volume of discussion, the better it is for you. It shows that your appearance has value." Chen Feng was very optimistic.
Bao Ruanruan sighed.
What value?
Now that Lu Wenhao and Qu Feifei were there, the audience had even more heart to destroy her, right?
"So far, Lu Wenyao has never publicly admitted to being in a relationship with you. Unless he changes his mind and confesses or is caught cheating himself, you won't be labelled as the third party, and you won't be banned by the TV station."
Only Bao Ruanruan couldn't escape the scolding of those who felt indignant on behalf of their Big Brother and Big Sister3.
But Chen Feng also found it strange, "From what you said before, you didn't even know that he was with the Movie Queen Tang, so why didn't you expose him? Why didn't you just release all the chat records from when you were with him? If you did that, it would definitely crush him!"
"I didn't have them." Bao Ruanruan shrugged helplessly.
In the novel, Lu Wenyao told his assistant to confiscate this woman's mobile phone whenever they met.
He was very cautious.
If there was any evidence on the phone, she would have released it long ago to save herself.
Why would she wait until today?
Bao Ruanruan shook her head in despair.
"Dear, is it too late for me to resign now?"
As soon as she got into the nanny's car, she adjusted her backpack and asked the peach-blossom-eyed man lying lazily in the backseat next to her.
Chen Feng, in the driver's seat, almost laughed out loud.
However, when he turned around and saw Bao Ruanruan's serious expression, he stopped himself.
In the back seat, Xue Jing turned to her side and flipped over a stack of papers with his slender fingers.
"According to the contract, you can't."
Bao Ruanruan collapsed in her seat for a moment. But even in her despair, she remembered to fasten her seatbelt carefully.
"Well then, I want to go on a faraway journey. This planet isn't suitable for me."
Xue Jing's peach-blossomed eyes flickered, and his thin lips seemed to curve slightly.
"Hmm. I see you have scheduled an announcement for the Faraway Journey program."
"?"
*
'With Dreams As Horses, Head Towards A Distant Place' was a new emerging reality show on Jiangcheng TV Station.
It would take several guests away from the city to a remote countryside to live the beautiful life they dream of, doing things they had put aside in reality.
This slow-paced lifestyle variety show, following the finale of 'Island Restaurant', was just confirmed and would be broadcast live every weekend.
Taking advantage of the previous wave of popularity, it would be promoted on the Lejiang Video App.
After setting the schedule, the TV station temporarily found Zheng Mingchang, who had just finished his work, to direct this new show.
He was an experienced director who had recently achieved high ratings with his restaurant show.
The director had the power to recommend guests, but the TV station had already confirmed several spots.
For example, the most talked about and controversial Bao Ruanruan...
"Brother, why did they tell me you want me to participate in this reality show?"
Inside the Lu Group.
Lu Wenhao, wearing a short-sleeved camouflage shirt, slammed open the door to the CEO's office.
Rarely protesting, he looked at his older brother in a sharp suit sitting in the CEO's seat.
Lu Wenyao paused from writing and looked at him after hearing his words. "You have free time, perfect for a vacation."
Lu Wenhao felt a sudden suffocation. Irritated, he scratched his head, full of grandma-grey curly hair.
"I don't want to see the camera lately."
He was very annoyed.
A few days ago, he thought that cat was... his fan, a kind-hearted person, but it turned out to be Bao Ruanruan!
He genuinely believed she was looking after him, saving him, and helping him, but it was all fake and planned.
Looking back now, Lu Wenhao felt incredibly confused.
For the first time, he wanted to work hard for his fans, not to disappoint them, but it all went wrong!
Now, every time he saw a camera, he recalled that ridiculous moment when Bao Ruanruan took off her headgear.
He actually believed in her!
He just wanted to rest now and didn't want to participate in any reality shows, let alone one with Bao Ruanruan!
What was his brother thinking? Bao Ruanruan framed him and now wanted him, his younger brother, to appear with her?
I don't understand!
He won't go!
"Why, because she's a regular guest, you won't go?"
Lu Wenyao gestured for him to sit, showing a brotherly listening attitude.
"Father used to say we can't avoid problems. Are you afraid of her—"
"How is that possible! How could I be afraid of her!?"
Lu Wenhao immediately denied it.
But his mind flashed back to the image of her 'amazingly' catching a ball and putting out a fire. That athleticism... that agility...
For a moment, he didn't know if his martial arts training would be useful.
"Then you will go to this show on behalf of your brother." Lu Wenyao smiled gently.
Lu Wenhao raised his eyes in surprise, "Huh?"
Lu Wenyao asked his secretary for a cup of black coffee and wiped his fingers.
"She works in the entertainment industry. There are things neither brother nor the company is suitable for; only you, Xiao Hao, can accomplish."
As he spoke, a hint of coldness flashed in his dark eyes.
He had never expected that Bao Ruanruan, who seemed brainless and only capable of crying, would come up with the idea of becoming the mascot for the show.
Not only did she quietly escape Huangtai's scrutiny, but she also subtly disintegrated the Lu Group's industries from the show, first, replacing the dishwashing liquid with OZ, then with Haiming gas stoves...
Like a grasshopper in late autumn4, she had more might than he had imagined.
In just over two months, several accidents had cost the company millions.
These accidents had allowed its rival, Jingtian International, to gradually dominate the market.
He, Lu Wenyao, for the first time in his life, had a great fall because of a woman.
And that woman was weak and foolish.
He should never have listened to Yuxin and let her go in the first place!
"Brother, do you mean... you want me to deal with her on the show?" Lu Wenhao frowned.
As he spoke, a flicker of discomfort crossed his mind, unnoticed by himself.
Lu Wenyao chuckled.
"What are you thinking? Our Lu family has always been upright."
Lu Wenhao couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, "Big Brother, if you want to sue her for defamation, I'll support you with both my hands! But... bullying a girl face to face, as a grown man, I really can't do that. So what do you want me to do, Brother?"
Lu Wenyao's eyes dropped.
He had promised Yuxin that he would not ban or force her out of the industry.
He could only act from other angles.
"How long can a person disguise themselves on a reality show?"
"Hmm? Does Brother mean... I should pay attention to her flaws and expose them to the audience on the show?"
Lu Wenyao smiled and nodded.
He knew his younger brother best.
He was always impulsive, unable to control his temper.
Since his younger brother disliked Baoruan, he would definitely clash with her in front of the camera.
When someone was agitated and angry, they would lose their rationality and expose their weaknesses.
By then, the audience would see that Bao Ruanruan was a worthless woman, and they would realise that the heir of the Lu family didn't care about such a straw bag5 beauty.
Their rumoured relationship would collapse on its own.
And once a conflict arose... his younger brother's volatile temper would be fully displayed in the reality show.
When their father saw this, he would know that this family could only rely on his eldest son.
This should prevent him from favouring the younger son just because of something like kitchen safety instructions!
He would also make sure those old folks on the board of directors could clearly see the future successor who could lead the Lu Group to its peak!🦊
"You said last time that you thought I was too tired and that no one could help me; this show is also an opportunity."
Lu Wenyao handed over a folder from the office desk.
"The first mountain area that the production team is going to – Hengshan Scenic Area- is undeveloped yet. We are considering whether to invest in turning it into a resort."
"You go and check it out for your brother."
Lu Wenhao's expression changed for a moment.
Before he came, he had made up his mind to refuse.
But now...
He wanted to become a star, with only his older brother's support in the family.
If his older brother hadn't taken over all the company's affairs, he wouldn't be able to do what he wanted on stage.
His ease was all due to his older brother's hard work.
"Fine."
Lu Wenhao gritted his teeth.
This was the first time his brother had asked him for help.
Even if Bao Ruanruan was really annoying, so what?
He... was not afraid!
After Lu Wenhao left, Lu Wenyao called his secretary in.
In a low voice, he instructed, "Arrange for him to have some time alone with Bao Ruanruan during the show, if necessary—"
*
"Uncle, I want to be on this new variety show too!"
Xiao Mengfei called her uncle, the Huangtai's strategic department head, from a small villa.
"Last time on the 'Restaurant', I lacked experience and gave Brother Lu a bad impression. This time, I want to perform well. Can you save a spot for me?" she said coquettishly.
"Yay, thank you, Uncle!"
Beside her, Ji Fei breathed a sigh of relief.
A noob translator, きつね, translated this noob translation. Please read this chapter at xin-shou.site. If you read this in another location other than the site stated, it has been taken without the translator's permission. Please don't support this kind of act.
If it were anyone else, it would be impossible for the company to let them join a buzzworthy variety show shortly after losing followers for appearing on another!
But Xiao Mengfei could try again!
Bao Ruanruan gained 50,000 followers for her single appearance on the restaurant show!
While Xiao Mengfei lost 5,000 followers!
It is a nightmare.
We will win back this time!
"We have learned our lesson. This time, we'll follow Bao Ruanruan's style, light make-up, natural and down-to-earth, resilient and hard-working."
"Follow her path, leave her no way out!"
Xiao Mengfei's eyes lit up.
Ji Fei continued to offer ideas, "You can also add a character who likes snacks and playing games; the audience will like that."
This time, Bao Ruanruan appeared on the show as herself, but with Lu Wenhao's innate dislike, she wouldn't win anyone over.
With Xiao Mengfei joining the show, she would definitely win a round!
"Great! I'll follow your advice! Don't worry, I can do it!"
*
"I can't do it."
Bao Ruanruan was about to cry before going on the show.
"That liar lied to me!"
Before leaving home, she found a paid tarot master on Weibo.
She spent 100 yuan to have her fortune told regarding her participation in the newly-announced show, 'With Dreams As Horses, Head Towards A Distant Place'.
As a result, she received 'The Empress Card'.
[Look at the card, the Empress is sitting on a comfortable and soft throne, wearing a crown, exquisite clothes, and holding a red gold sceptre. ]
[She is the Empress of the material world; you can go confidently, and this journey will be fruitful. ]
[Will some unruly people want to harm you? Er... That won't happen. The Empress is respected by all people and symbolises gentle motherhood. You will have the care and concern of your companions. ]
Bao Ruanruan believed it.
She willingly paid 100 yuan, happily put on her lucky little red jacket, got into the nanny car, and went to the show's meeting point.
The result————
"Who is the one with purple hair......?"
"Lu Wenhao."
"!"
Liars!
The liar who cheated her 100 yuan!
And the big liar, Xue, who lied to her that the show would take her on a faraway journey!
"The show is not a charity organisation; it must be discussed. The sparks of competition between you, Lu Wenhao, and Xiao Mengfei in 'Restaurant' will continue in this variety show, which is the highlight of the early stage of the show."
Xue Jing glanced at the girl's red and pitiful eyes. Her accusing look almost made him think he was the landlord exploiting the poor little cabbage.
It seemed that he had bullied her to tears.
"There will be a medical team of three emergency doctors with first aid kits accompanying you on the show."
Bao Ruanruan immediately blinked and pulled back her protesting hand slightly.
"Chen Feng will pick you up in three days and take you for an upgraded VIP full-body check-up," Xue Jingtai said with narrowed eyes.
Bao Ruanruan's eyes lit up.
Early prevention would lead to early treatment.
A check-up was essential for longevity.
"VIP level? How many tests are included in a routine blood test? Is there a PET-CT cancer screening?" she asked, her eyes shining. "Send me the check-up list so I can prepare in advance. Should I fast the night before?"
Xue Jing: "..."
Rubbing his slightly throbbing forehead with his index finger, he said helplessly, "Get out of the car. Now."
Bao Ruanruan's red lips pouted, and she huffed, but she still got out of the car with a bit of joy.
She looked at Lu Wenhao, who was waiting by a bus not far away and found him more amiable.
—One advanced check-up.
It was a pity that Qu Feifei didn't come.
Otherwise—two advanced check-ups!
Feeling a bit regretful, Bao Ruanruan tightened her grip on the pepper spray in her bag, gathered her spirits, and walked cheerfully towards the 'one advanced check-up' guy.
The location where the guests gathered for the show was a remote elevated road.
It was just after four in the morning, and there were few pedestrians.
Filming the gathering of several celebrities at such a time and place would minimise attracting onlookers and causing traffic jams.
Fortunately, the sun had yet to break through the clouds on this hot day, so the light was dim.
Due to its remote location, few vehicles were on the elevated road.
The whole road was empty, shrouded in mist.
From afar, Lu Wenhao, standing next to the tour bus, saw a peculiar figure in a sleeping bag walking towards him.
This silver-grey sleeping bag was the same width from top to bottom, with no body shape visible. As it walked along the deserted road, the sleeping bag's fabric gave off a faint metallic sheen.
The sleeping bag figure, wearing sunglasses and a shark mask, walked towards him, looking in his direction.
It was about to reach him.
Lu Wenhao's scalp tingled. "??"
"'Distant' staff?"
The sleeping bag figure brushed past him, shaking its head.
Lu Wenhao felt a sudden jolt in his heart, a bizarre and almost fainting thought flooding in.
"Bao Ruanruan!?"
[Hahahahuo.]
[Just entered the live broadcast room, is this it?]
[My brother is afraid of falling into the mascot trap again, so he's on high alert.]
[LOL? Could it really be Bao Ruanruan?]
[hhhh7 When two enemies meet, their eyes are especially red8. Yes, I'm here specifically to watch the second season of Lu Wenhao and Bao Ruanruan's love-hate relationship (dog's head9)]
The staff quickly stopped the sleeping bag figure.
"Which teacher are you? We have special costumes for the guests."
The sleeping bag figure looked up at the sky, then down at itself, before carefully pulling the mask down.
It revealed a snow-white, moist, delicate face with rosy lips, almost as if stained with morning dew, giving off a faint pinkish tint.
A delicate, refined and sweet nose.
That was right; it was indeed Bao Ruanruan herself.
[Haha, haven't seen you in a few days, you look even prettier? An illusion?]
[Suddenly not sleepy.]
[No, beautiful, why are you dressed like this!! Trying to be funny?]
"I'm wearing the special costume inside." Bao Ruanruan pulled open a little zipper under the neckline to show the staff.
Staff: "?"
Bao Ruanruan struggled to pull out a phone from her pocket and checked the time; it was only 4:30 now.
The dog agent wouldn't let her be late, insisting on being so early.
Getting up early and not getting enough sleep could lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
When one was in poor health, there was a possibility for one to die suddenly.
She usually got up at seven o'clock.
When she rounded it off, she needed to sleep another three hours to ensure her health today.
"May I ask if there is anything I need to do now?"
Only two guests had arrived, and three teachers were still missing.
There was still half an hour to go before the final assembly time.
And there might be delays.
The staff thought for a moment, recalling the instruction above—to let Teacher Lu and Bao Ruanruan spend more time together.
Even if they argued, there was no need for them to interfere.
The staff smiled. "There are no current arrangements, Teacher Bao. Please just stay in the waiting area."
Indeed.
Bao Ruanruan smiled as soon as she heard that. "Just call me Xiao Bao, then I'll lie down for a bit."
Staff: "???"
Lu Wenhao raised an eyebrow.
As Bao Ruanruan spoke, she carried her sleeping bag and walked towards a pedestrian bridge at the corner of the road.
There was an open space under the bridge that didn't obstruct pedestrian traffic.
Food stalls were usually set up there.
Bao Ruanruan took a look at the space and thought it would work.
She put down her bulging backpack and patted it.
"I also brought a spare sleeping bag; whoever wants it can take it."
What's for?
The staff and Lu Wenhao looked puzzled.
But no one could answer their silent question.
Bao Ruanruan had already zipped up her sleeping bag, completely covering her fair little face, and lay on the spot.
She rolled around a bit and seemed to have found a comfortable position.
Soon, there was a contented humming.
Only the gentle rise and fall of her sleeping breath remained.
Lu Wenhao: "...."
Staff: "............" Aren't they supposed to be fighting?
[!]
[?]
[Holy crap, did she just fall asleep?]
[Ah, I was going to ask this earlier! What kind of programme starts live broadcasting at four or five in the morning, not letting people sleep! I'm so tired... Has my Sister Lan Lan not arrived yet]
[Actually, there's no need to stay up late waiting for the live broadcast. The production team will edit it, and the full episode will be updated at eight in the evening next week~~~]
[Sigh, I don't want to miss any of my brother's scenes.]
[But my brother hasn't arrived yet. Should I go sleep for a while and then come back to wait?]
[Sobbing, my husband Lu has already arrived, I can't sleep, wuwuwu (light a cigarette)!]
Meanwhile, Lu Wenhao, who was in the waiting area, froze.
He had never seen a girl fall asleep on the spot like that!
Even though she used a sleeping bag, it was still... unbelievable.
He had never been one to follow the rules, but his upbringing had made him a mannerly person from childhood.
It was the first time he had seen a girl act so 'rough'!
What Big Brother said...... was right.
Some people really couldn't hide their true nature on a reality show.
Lu Wenhao strongly condemned her behaviour.
"Teacher Lu, do you want to take a rest too?" the staff member asked.
The situation had taken a strange turn.
As soon as Bao Ruanruan lay down, the number of online viewers for the early morning live broadcast actually increased.
For the sake of the show's effectiveness, if Lu Wenhao were to lie down as well...
"No! I'm not tired at all!"
Lu Wenhao firmly refused to do anything embarrassing.
Glancing at his watch, there was only half an hour left before the meeting time.
He opened his phone, leaned against the bus door, and started playing Honor of Kings.
Twenty minutes later, he had won a round.
He felt great.
Forty minutes later, he had won another round.
He felt delighted.
Fifty minutes later, his hand started to shake, and he made a mistake.
The traffic on the road began to increase.
His felt...
D*mn it, where is everyone!
Lu Wenhao was furious.
He had underestimated the sluggishness of the other guests.
Having never been on a date before, he didn't know that there were many procedures for women going out, and some men were even more particular.
After an hour of playing with his head down, his neck was stiff, and his shoulders were a bit uncomfortable.
He was the first to arrive today, even as early as four o'clock.
Since this was the first time his Big Brother had solemnly assigned him a task, he wanted to complete it well.
But unexpectedly... after waiting for a full hour and a half, standing there questioning life, the other guests began to arrive one by one.
"Brother, you have dark circles under your eyes." The third male guest, singer Cheng Yao, smilingly hooked his arm around Lu Wenhao's shoulder.
"..."
Lu Wenhao felt a sudden heaviness on his shoulder, making the already stiff area even more uncomfortable!
D*mn, he was really annoyed.
The second-to-last female guest to arrive was familiar face Xiao Mengfei. She wore a black T-shirt customised by the production team paired with a pink skirt. She obediently dyed her light golden hair black and didn't even bother with her nails.
This time, following her agent Ji Fei's advice, she softened up her look a bit, similar to the last time, applying light make-up for a more casual appearance. It was said that this would appeal more to male viewers and boost her popularity among the mom-aged audience watching the show.
She was naturally beautiful, and even with the light make-up, she exuded confidence in front of the camera.
After getting out of the nanny car, Xiao Mengfei flashed a sweet smile at the camera, with shallow dimples on her cheeks, complemented by the light make-up, giving off a fresh and sweet vibe, like a school flower.
[Oh, my dear Xiao Xiaozi looks so youthful today!]
[Celebrity looks are unbeatable! She looks good even without heavy make-up.]
[Wow, this is the first time I've seen Xiao Xiaozi without heavy stage make-up. Oh, where did this cutie come from?]
At 18, the girl's skin was flawless, in the prime of her youth.
Standing next to Xiao Mengfei, the female staff were instantly overshadowed.
Xiao Mengfei was determined to gain more fans this time.
"Teacher Lu, did you not sleep well last night?" Learning from her past mistakes, she refrained from using their senior-junior relationship.
But as soon as Lu Wenhao heard this, he frowned.
Could he have slept well?
He hadn't gone to bed until midnight and woke up at three to get ready for the four o'clock call time.
And yet, they all arrived one after the other, not until 5:30!
With a dark expression, Lu Wenhao replied, "Indeed, not as well as you did."
Xiao Mengfei: "!"
She didn't understand what she had said wrong this time.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, what do we do next? Get on the bus and leave?"
The last guest to arrive, Lan Zhi, an actress born in the seventies and currently the most awarded actress in the industry, elegantly wearing sunglasses and sun-protective sleeves on her exposed arms, asked as soon as she stepped out of the nanny car.
"Okay, we can set off now."
The staff nodded but froze halfway through.
[D*mn, I almost forgot too.]
Helplessly, the staff went under the pedestrian bridge and gently patted Bao Ruanruan to wake her up.
She immediately emerged from the sleeping bag—her face resembling a milky white colour, with light and shadow falling on it, pores so delicate they were almost invisible, only golden light fuzz visible, along with slight drowsiness on her profile, indescribably soft and cute.
Her red lips parted slightly, and her white teeth clenched lightly a few times.
She rubbed her watery eyes with her index finger.
"Hmm? Is it bright already?"
Staff: ".......... It's been bright for a while, Teacher Bao. Everyone is here."
[Haha, she thought she was still at home.]
[Looks like she really slept.]
Bao Ruanruan wiped off the imaginary drool from the corner of her mouth. After waking up, she briskly walked to the meeting point with a radiant face.
Because she'd slept so well, her small face was no longer pale but slightly flushed. Her slightly upturned, clear, watery eyes were even brighter, full of vitality.
Lu Wenhao had just let out a big yawn, but seeing her like this, he forcefully held back the next one!
He was not sleepy! Irritating!
"Good morning, teachers." Bao Ruanruan's greeting was full of vitality.
As she approached, she observed the other 4 guests.
Lu Wenhao, high risk ---------------- advanced medical check-up.
Xiao Mengfei, soup 'bomb', medium risk ------------ half advanced medical check-up.
The remaining two, the new generation singer Cheng Yao, twenty-five years old, with tiger teeth when he smiles, looked very easy-going. He was temporarily classified as low risk ------------ 0.1 advanced medical check-up.
Lan Zhi was a leading actress in national TV dramas, the best actress, and the biggest star among the five.
She had been in the industry for 15 years but had never entered the film industry, and she had no contact with the 'Movie Queen' Tang Yuxin, who focuses on making movies.
And for so many years, the film industry—openly despised the TV industry.
Lan Zhi, a 45-year-old actress, was also compared to Tang Yuxin.
As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Bao Ruanruan's eyes flickered.
Best Actress, no crisis!
Bao Ruanruan immediately walked past the two male guests and stood obediently beside Lan Zhi.
On the other side of Lan Zhi was Xiao Mengfei.
When she saw Bao Ruanruan approaching, she felt a little hot as she hooked her hand around Lan Zhi's arm.
Bao Ruanruan had soft and flawless skin, innocent and delicate, large, blinking eyes that gave a sense of fragility. With a black top, the extreme black-and-white contrast of snowy skin and fabric made her look like an ancient jade.
Noble and rare lustre.
Even you would be afraid she would shatter if you dropped her on the ground.
Even if she is a girl, I like her to that extent!
Xiao Mengfei's confidence withered in an instant.
She was four years younger than Bao Ruanruan, yet Bao Ruanruan's skin looked even more tender than hers.
Not only were her pores smaller, but her skin also glowed from within, as if she had been injected with hyaluronic acid10.
Up close, one could clearly see whose skin had used white foundation and whose was natural!
Same delicate style, same production team black T-shirt, same little skirt and long black hair... The less attractive one would be the one who felt awkward.
Xiao Mengfei suddenly had a bad feeling. Maybe she shouldn't have asked her uncle to let her participate in another reality show with Bao Ruanruan.
[Ah, the collision of beauty.]
[? Obviously Bao Ruanruan won.]
[Doesn't Xiao Xiaozi look better with heavy make-up? That's unfair to Xiao Xiaozi.]
[Excuse me? Are these new netizens? Although Bao Ruanruan's character is not good, she was the face of Huangtai back then. It was just that she was too useless, unable to do anything. The company had almost given up on her even before any scandals.]
[Bao Ruanruan is completely outshining Xiao, okay? Among the 5 guests, she stands out the most. Like a small white flower with a bit of a pitiful temperament, which moved me.]
[Small white flower? Clearly, she's fragile and can't stand any hardship! She makes everyone wait and even has to bring a sleeping bag to sleep in!]
[Melodramatic! Bao Ruanruan, put on your cat head cover! When the real person shows up, no matter how beautiful you are, your character disgusts me!]
The bullet comments were lively.
However, Bao Ruanruan was unaware of this; she only felt that Lu Wenhao's gaze towards her was more hostile than the last time.
Unconsciously, she moved a little closer to the goddess, Lan Zhi.
"Let's get on the bus first."
The staff waved, and a bus pulled up, stopping at the taxi pick-up point.
"Teachers, please walk a bit."
About 100 metres of the road were ahead of them, fully exposed to sunlight.
The sun was already up.
It was... quite sunny.
Seeing this, Bao Ruanruan immediately opened her backpack and took out a double-layer sun protection umbrella.
Ultraviolet rays are very harmful to the skin. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to skin cell tissue and lead to skin cancer.
Sun protection is an important step in self-protection.
Bao Ruanruan thought as she quickly opened the small black umbrella.
She lowered her head and checked herself. When she saw that it completely covered her face and the exposed arms, she nodded in satisfaction.
Xiao Mengfei glanced over, revealing a slight smile.
In a reality show, the audience wanted to see the stars endure hardships.
"Sis, do you want to join?" Bao Ruanruan did not forget to bring the umbrella closer to 'the enemy's enemy', Teacher Lan Zhi.
Xiao Mengfei shook her head inwardly.
Despite her elegant appearance, Lan Zhi, this senior, was known in the industry for her tough temper and difficulty getting along with others.
She had suffered a lot when she was young, and now she especially looked down on newcomers who lacked ability and couldn't stand hardship.
All these faults fit Bao Ruanruan perfectly!
"Sister Lan Zhi wears ice sleeves, which are very popular lately, to protect herself from sunburn without using an umbrella," Xiao Mengfei remarked casually, flattering Sister Lan at the same time.
"If Sister Bao wants sun protection, the staff has some ice sleeves; you can get a set," Xiao Mengfei suggested.
Bao Ruanruan blinked but politely declined. "I don't need them."
Xiao Mengfei was speechless, unaware that she had stepped on a landmine.
However, when she looked at Bao Ruanruan, she found her quite serious.
Bao Ruanruan raised her finger and pointed it out.
"Although these sun protection items are all UPF50+, the UV protection rate of a sun umbrella is over 98%, while the ice sleeves are only 97%.
In addition, ice sleeves are a new product with different quality controls from brand to brand. Unlike an umbrella, sticking to a reputable old brand ensures effective sun protection without worrying about sweating."
Xiao Mengfei: "?"
The staff member handing over the ice sleeve set: "??"
Bao Ruanruan turned her head to the staff and asked, "What brand is this?"
For a moment, the staff didn't know how to respond.
Instead, Bao Ruanruan skilfully noticed it with her sharp eyes. "Oh, it's from Dijia. I checked yesterday, and it blocks 95% of ultraviolet rays."
Staff: "!"
Xiao Mengfei: "!!"
Standing aside, Lan Zhi understood and immediately touched her own arm.
It was a bit sweaty.
Indeed, 95% is not as good as 98%.
"Xiao Bao, let's get on the bus together."
She took the opportunity to go under the umbrella and affectionately hooked Bao Ruanruan's arm, which was holding the umbrella.
The distance that had been created when they first met was instantly shortened.
Xiao Mengfei: "???"
As they walked, Bao Ruanruan turned her body around. "I have another umbrella. Do you want it?"
She could try to win over the 0.5 point medical check-up.
Maybe it would lower the resentment score!
Xiao Mengfei was embarrassed.
Should she accept or not?
She didn't like getting tanned either, but was she willing to lose face?
"Why do you have two? So considerate?" Xiao Mengfei couldn't help but suspect that Bao Ruanruan was scheming and pretending to be kind.
"Buy one, get one free at the flagship store, with a limited buying period of three days."
Xiao Mengfei: "!"
[Damn! What did I just hear? I have to take advantage of this deal!]
[Thinking about the dishwashing liquid, you may not trust Bao Ruanruan's character, but you can always trust her shopping research skills!]
[Me too, I just went to Taobao to get the same umbrella, LOL!]
[Haha, I'm tempted too. Does anyone know the brand of her sleeping bag? It seems pretty thin and must have sun protection, right? She woke up without any sunburn.]
[Right, the sleeping bag, look how she packs it up, just a small bundle. Pretty handy, and is it buy one get one free too?]
[Case closed, folks, the sleeping bag and umbrella are from the same brand, available at the flagship store~]
......
"Brother Xue, Brother Xue! D*mn, the umbrella that Xiao Baozi held up on the show, which was from the umbrella factory you asked me to acquire a while ago, has been sold out at their flagship store in Taobao!"
Chen Feng rushed over to Xue Jing in a panic.
His face tried to hold back laughter, but he almost couldn't help himself!
That store started as an old brand specialising in umbrellas and had just expanded into outdoor sports equipment this year.
A few days ago, when Bao Ruanruan was researching and shopping online, she waited two days for the package to arrive. When she finally received it, it turned out to be their umbrellas and sleeping bags. Chen Feng burst out laughing and taunted her.
He even bragged to her, 'If I had known earlier, I would have taken two from the warehouse for you. What's the point of doing research?'
But who would have thought that today, d*mn, this company has almost sold out its entire summer stock of sleeping bags!
As a small shareholder with 15% equity, wasn't he making a profit!
"She seems to have a bit of mystical influence." Chen Feng chuckled foolishly.
Xue Jing glanced at him slowly, his long peach blossom eyes lowered as he continued to work on the task at hand.
It was the same with OZ.
"Little Feng, take over that piece of land in Hengshan ahead of schedule."
Chen Feng was stunned. "The first stop they go to this time, the scenic area? 160 million, bro. Didn't you say we should wait for the show to air and check its popularity?"
He stopped halfway through.
*When a person is truly prosperous, the land they bring will also be prosperous.
"I'll take care of the arrangements now! From now on, I'll never say that Xiao Baozi is superstitious again, and Brother Xue, you're not allowed to tell her off either."
Xue Jing: "......?"
What misunderstanding did he have about his decision-making analysis method?
Xue Jing looked down at the densely packed investment analysis formulas in his hand, his face darkening.
Chen Feng ran out a few steps before running back, "Bro, read one for me, too."
"?"
"Just that, Om Mani Padme Hum~"
"............Get lost."
*
Bao Ruanruan had no idea that she would become the lucky charm in Chen Feng's heart.
She was about to board the bus and make an important decision in her life.
Footnotes Full List
- Bao Ruanruan used the polite you (您 nín) instead of the informal you (你 nǐ)
- trolls who are paid to promote or criticise organisations, companies or individuals online
- how younger fans usually call their favourite celebrities
- a well-known phrase meaning nearing one's end
- useless
- Wow, this guy is a real jerk! He even plans the downfall of his blood brother.
- stands for 哈哈哈 (hāhāhā), the Chinese equivalent of 'Laughing Out Loud'-Pandanese
- This Chinese idiom refers to a situation where two enemies meet, and their eyes turn red with anger and hatred. It means that seeing their enemy triggers intense negative emotions, making them want to confront or even harm them.
(Internet slang) Denotes that the preceding statement is sarcastic. It is a Doge meme based on the photo of Kabosu, the famous Shiba Inu.
- Wow, the beauty technology these days. With just one injection, you can make your skin look like this.
Image Credit | AI Beauty Clinic
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