Chapter 37
Chapter 37
At last, movement sounded in the distance. The guests instinctively turned toward it, and the cameras followed.
[They’re here!]
[It really is Sister Luwei! She’s so pretty!]
[Is this the new guest? She’s quite cute. Going by how these things usually work, is that her older brother next to her?]
[An introduction for everyone: she’s Zhang Luwei, a first-year student at the Capital Academy of Drama. She’s professionally trained, beautiful, and has a sweet voice. Her new drama, My New Husband Is an Immortal Lord, premiered recently and is currently airing on Cherry Film and Television!]
The young woman walking in front wore a pale-blue denim dress. Her hair was gathered into a cute bun, her makeup was Korean-inspired, and her large blinking eyes made her look brimming with energy.
The man beside her was tall, with pleasant features that resembled hers upon closer inspection. He pushed two large suitcases.
“Hello, seniors. I’m Zhang Luwei, one of this episode’s temporary guests. This is my older brother, Zhang Hewang.”
Zhang Hewang did not say much in front of the cameras, but he carried himself with composure.
As the most senior guest, Zhong Lingling was the first to welcome them.
Afterward, Song Shu pulled Zhang Luwei over to sit beside her and said with a smile, “I was watching your drama just yesterday. It’s very interesting.”
Zhang Luwei looked faintly proud. “I think it’s very good too!”
[Hahaha, she’s kind of cute.]
[Uh, isn’t that just low emotional intelligence?]
[What drama?]
[For anyone who needs the background: Song Shu and Xie Fengyi are both artists under Cherry Film and Television, and Zhang Luwei is a newcomer the company just signed. This is simply coworkers praising one another.]
[The necklace and bracelet on the newcomer are a matching set from G’s latest collection. Together, they cost close to six figures. Add Song Shu’s attitude, and it’s obvious she’s just a wealthy young lady playing at being in show business.]
[Well, looks like she’s the temporary guest they’re featuring this episode. Waiting for the poor guests brought in as foils.]
Many viewers had already seen through the production’s routine.
The two guest pairings arrived at nearly the same time. Zhang Luwei and her brother had barely sat down when Lu Yao and Zhu Yin arrived.
As the camera fell upon them, the comments suddenly surged.
[Wow! Immortals!]
[Two great beauties! Are they a new duo signed by some company?]
[Isn’t the one on the left that person who trended before? I can’t remember her name. She’s an actress who had scenes with Sun Lie.]
[It’s Lu Yao! My hidden-gem rookie! Everyone should watch this video (link). She may be new, but her acting is really good!]
The regular guests had been told the names in advance, so they were not surprised. Zhang Luwei had not known. When she looked up, their astonishing beauty nearly dazzled her, and she stared without blinking.
Each woman pushed a suitcase. Lu Yao introduced herself first. “Hello, everyone. I’m Lu Yao, one of this episode’s temporary guests.”
Then she looked at Zhu Yin.
Seeing that Lu Yao was not going to introduce her, Zhu Yin said simply, “I’m Zhu Yin, Yao’s cousin and her partner for this episode.”
Her meaning was clear. She was not a celebrity guest, but the guest’s non-celebrity relative.
Not only the viewers watching the screen but even the guests were taken aback.
[You’re not a celebrity? How can you have a face like that and refuse to debut?]
[If the younger cousin is a star, the older cousin naturally can’t fall behind! Zhu Yin, I suggest that you two enter the industry together so you can look after each other.]
[Wow. I thought the second pair would be the foil, but these two don’t look like it at all.]
[Anyone calling them cannon fodder should search online. Lu Yao’s debut is The Swordsman, starring Sun Lie and directed by Ji Lingze, and she plays the female lead. Compared with the first newcomer, she’s the real industry royal.]
[Whoa, has I’m No Superstar finally changed its strategy and stopped using foil pairings to stir up attention?]
[I’m leaving. What kind of newcomer is this? Someone with a sugar daddy promoting her counts as a newcomer too?]
[I don’t mind. At least looking at these two beauties is a treat for my eyes. Better than having a few ugly people forced onscreen through connections to assault my vision.]
Children were the most direct about what they liked. The two had barely finished introducing themselves when a small figure rushed over and hugged the leg of Lu Yao, who stood slightly closer on the left.
“You’re so pretty!”
The girl hugging Lu Yao was Xie Lang, the daughter of Song Shu and Xie Fengyi. Her childhood nickname was Xie Taotao.
The nickname suited her perfectly. The little girl was fair, soft, and round. Her cheeks were rosy against pale skin, making her look like a fragrant, juicy peach.
One glance showed that she was adored at home and had been raised in a cocoon of affection. She was not shy with strangers in the least. Even as she hugged Lu Yao, she kept stealing looks at Zhu Yin, apparently regretting that she had not been born with four arms.
Xu Xinchen was four years older and had grown up as a child star, so she was considerably more mature and restrained. She merely stood to one side and watched with shining eyes.
[I’m dying. This child is acting out my feelings!]
[Xie Taotao, you’ve hugged her long enough. Isn’t it my turn now?]
[What’s this? A sweet, soft beauty–hug her! What’s this? A sweet, soft beauty–kiss her!]
[I’m just going to shout “wife” twice. Wife! Wife!]
Lu Yao had been beautiful since childhood and received no shortage of compliments, so she reacted naturally. She gently stroked the little girl’s cheek. “Thank you. You’re very cute too.”
Dazed by the compliment, the little girl clung even tighter.
Helpless, Lu Yao said softly, “How about I hold your hand and we go sit over there?”
Xie Taotao dawdled and refused to release her.
The next instant, her entire body rose into the air. Her eyes widened in alarm, and her limbs flailed helplessly.
A pleasant voice sounded above her head. “Little rascal, I’ll take you back to your parents.”
Xie Taotao looked up and discovered that the other beautiful woman was carrying her. She immediately stopped struggling and obediently let all four limbs dangle.
The comments exploded again, but this time they were not praising Zhu Yin’s beauty.
[Damn, what incredible arm strength!]
[??? I remember Taotao being a particularly solid child. Once, Song Shu could barely pick her up. One hand? By the collar? What kind of strongwoman is this?]
[Damn, damn, damn! That raised eyebrow was so cool!]
[Uh-oh, I can’t call her my wife anymore. Husband!]
[How can someone look sweet and innocent at first glance, make my knees go weak by raising an eyebrow, and then perform a miracle through sheer strength?]
[What is this superpowered-beauty persona?]
The audience was not alone. The guests stared too, especially Xie Taotao’s parents.
Even after their daughter was obediently delivered into her arms, Song Shu had not recovered.
Xie Fengyi looked at Zhu Yin with admiration. “You’re… quite strong.”
Zhu Yin replied modestly, “I do all right.”
[That look in Xie Fengyi’s eyes–thirty percent confused, thirty percent helpless, and forty percent shocked. I’m dying.]
Song Shu finally recovered and instinctively lifted the daughter in her arms a little, testing her weight. Yes, she was just as solid as ever.
She asked blankly, “What do you do for work?”
Zhu Yin called Lu Yao over to sit with her in the empty seats and answered casually, “Oh, I’m Yao’s assistant now. Mm, and her bodyguard too, I suppose.”