Chapter 38

Chapter 38

[Umm… that feels a little odd, but I can’t argue with it.]

[Finally, an episode where all that combat skill makes perfect sense for her bodyguard job.]

[An assistant? A bodyguard? I respect every profession, but doesn’t that face feel rather wasted?]

[Wasted +1. With looks like those, unexpectedly monstrous strength, and such a changeable presence, she was born to be a star.]

[This persona has to be deliberate. I’ll bet ten cents that once this episode finishes airing and she builds some popularity, we’ll hear news of her debut within six months.]

The guests could not see the livestream comments.

After hearing Zhu Yin’s answer, they exchanged glances, though it was unclear how much they believed.

Zhu Yin and Lu Yao sat down together in the empty seats.

Zhang Luwei had been watching them the entire time. Now, she pressed her lips together.

She had realized that she and Lu Yao were the temporary guests for this episode. If Lu Yao received more attention and popularity, then Zhang Luwei would be the one who faded into the background.

She looked at her brother, and Zhang Hewang gave her a reassuring smile.

Zhong Lingling laughed. “Thanks to all of you, whenever temporary guests arrive, we get to relax and enjoy a feast on the production’s dime.”

Everyone laughed.

It was a tradition on I’m No Superstar. On the first day temporary guests arrived, the production welcomed them with a banquet.

Most of the first day’s content also centered on the two guests, allowing viewers to learn about them.

The capable-looking woman beside Wei Sheng smiled. “Why don’t the four of you choose your rooms first? We have a mountain of questions waiting for you afterward.”

She was Wei Sheng’s older sister, Wei Lan, a formidable entrepreneur who had founded her own company.

On I’m No Superstar, Wei Sheng–the unruly genius singer in his fans’ eyes–seemed completely subdued by his older sister. His amusing habit of looking furious but never daring to speak had won him many new fans.

Among the relatives of the regular guests, apart from celebrity couple Xie Fengyi and Song Shu, Cheng Feng, Zhong Lingling’s husband, and Xu Xinchen’s mother seldom spoke in front of the cameras. The commanding yet polished and composed Wei Lan stood out sharply.

When Wei Lan finished, Wei Sheng added, “Prepare yourselves. Our questions won’t be easy.”

Wei Lan raised her eyebrows in surprise. She glanced at her younger brother, then thoughtfully at the three young women who had just arrived.

[??? You aren’t Wei Sheng. Who are you?]

[Isn’t this the first time Cool Guy has initiated a conversation with a new guest? What are you plotting?]

[I wanted to say this earlier. Wei Sheng keeps looking toward Lu Yao and her cousin. I just can’t tell whether he’s looking at the older one or the younger one.]

[It’s the instinct to admire beauty. Look closely. Wei Sheng isn’t the only one. Both children, Xu Xinchen’s mother, and the other newcomer’s brother are all staring.]

[I understand that feeling too well. Last week, I saw a beautiful woman on the subway and stared at her for the whole ride. I couldn’t control myself at all.]

The new guests left to put away their luggage, while the remaining guests naturally had to keep the program moving.

Zhong Lingling spoke first. “I haven’t seen such beautiful young women in years.”

“Exactly,” Song Shu agreed. “Their family has wonderful genes.”

Then she changed direction. “But Luwei is lovely too. She’s sweet and adorable. Just talking to her lifts your mood.”

Zhang Luwei truly was beautiful. Even in an industry filled with attractive people, she could be called a distinctive beauty.

But Lu Yao was an incomparable jewel. Praising looks in front of her was practically inviting humiliation.

Everyone knew that Zhang Luwei, Song Shu, and Xie Fengyi were all with Cherry Film and Television, so they smiled and agreed.

Wei Lan looked thoughtful. “I wonder whether she accepts endorsements. The moment I saw the two of them, all kinds of ideas came to me.”

She was a fashion designer whose self-created clothing brand was already publicly listed and quite well known among the younger generation.

“I’ll ask for you later,” Wei Sheng said.

Wei Lan: ?

Now she was certain. The brat was definitely interested in someone.

The four returned quickly.

They soon moved to the main event: the customary first round for temporary guests on I’m No Superstar.

Each regular family would ask the temporary guests two questions.

The format looked simple, but it left plenty of room for manipulation.

Which member of each pairing received the question?

What question would be asked?

With past foil pairings, one side was generally asked bolder questions or ones more likely to spark controversy and attention. The other received safe, steady questions that left no impression on viewers at all.

Even during a livestream, the production could manipulate plenty of things.

Still, this was live reality television. The production’s format alone could not determine whom viewers would like. I’m No Superstar had seen overlooked guests win fans and regain popularity through their personalities on the show.

Each of the four regular families would ask a guest pairing two questions.

Everyone knew this process was unavoidable, so they remained calm.

Zhong Lingling smiled. “Judging by your expressions, you all came prepared. Which pair wants to go first?”

Zhang Luwei glanced at Lu Yao, then said crisply, “My brother and I will go first!”

Zhong Lingling looked at Lu Yao. Smiling, Lu Yao pulled Zhu Yin down beside her.

“In that case, I’ll ask the first question,” Zhong Lingling said.

She looked at the pair and named her target. “My first question is for Luwei. Why did you choose to become a celebrity?”

It was an ordinary, thoroughly safe question.

Zhang Luwei lifted her chin. “When I was little, I saw celebrities in beautiful gowns on television, and I said I wanted to become a great star like them.”

Zhong Lingling nodded with a smile. “Then you’re halfway there already. Second question: did your family support your decision?”

Zhang Luwei frowned almost imperceptibly. The two questions were terribly boring.

“Of course. My family has respected me since I was young and supports every idea I have.”

After Zhong Lingling’s group finished, Song Shu took over.

She smiled. “Luwei, I watched My New Husband Is an Immortal Lord. You’re very talented. Can you tell us about the most memorable thing that happened while filming it?”

[Cherry Film and Television owes Song Shu a huge bonus for this.]

[The title may sound crude, but the show seems interesting. Has anyone watched it? Is it good?]

[So-so. It’s a low-budget drama, and the sets and props look thrown together. But the two leads are attractive, so it’s fine for passing the time.]

Zhang Luwei chose an amusing incident from the shoot and told them about it.

Xie Fengyi asked, “Your brother came on the show with you, so you must be close. When you argue at home, who usually wins?”

Zhang Luwei turned to look at her brother.

Zhang Hewang sighed helplessly and said indulgently, “Our little princess wins, of course. How would I dare argue with her?”

Xu Xinchen’s mother was a quiet, scholarly woman. Her questions and the child’s were both fairly conventional.

At last, it was Wei Sheng and Wei Lan’s turn.

Wei Lan smiled at Zhang Luwei. “You and Lu Yao are both newcomers to the entertainment industry and close in age. You could be considered competitors who debuted around the same time. Well, Luwei? Do you feel any pressure?”

Oh!

The bored viewers instantly perked up.