Chapter 17: The Fallen Child Star (17) part 1

In fact, Xu Ji’s thoughts mirrored those of most netizens.

‘Dear Family’ officially announced four guest groups on Weibo in succession. When revealing the pairing of Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng, the show described them as ‘a hidden paradise in a small town’.

It was only then that netizens learned about Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng’s participation in the variety show. Many were simply eager for the spectacle.

[Xu Weiheng and Xu Yiyuan! Are these two groups going head-to-head?]

[Fight! Fight! Fight!]

[Oh my, the production team really knows how to stir things up. My excitement is through the roof!]

However, others reacted with sarcasm or concern.

[Ha, it’s well-known that Xu Weiheng lacks variety show talent. Not only is he antisocial, but he’s completely stiff on camera—this will be a disaster. Who gave him the confidence to share a stage with my idol?]

[Tsk tsk, someone dug up that Xu Weiheng’s mom just runs a guesthouse. A ‘paradise’? An aging village woman has the audacity to glorify herself.]

[While I sympathize with Xu Weiheng’s situation, having seen his past performances, I must say he’s made a terrible move.]

[Seeing fans of the illegitimate child so enthusiastic is frustrating.]

[Who are you calling an illegitimate child? Are you crazy?]

[What’s the matter? Facts are facts. A paparazzi just released Xu Yiyuan’s birth record, and his biological father’s name is Xu Ji. What do you have to say about that?]

Xu Yiyuan’s fans and bystanders took their heated argument from the official Weibo comments all the way to the paparazzi’s post that released the birth record.

In response, the production team shared live stream links for both Xu Weiheng and Xu Yiyuan, inviting viewers to tune in at 6:00 AM the next day to see for themselves.

…

Xu Weiheng poured water for each crew member, watching them set up the live streaming equipment from a corner. After a while, he returned to his room.

As he lay down, he saw the production team’s Weibo post and the comments below. The escalating argument caught his attention for just a moment before he lost interest.

Indeed, he had lacked talent for variety shows in the past.

While acting, he could work hard to loosen up because he knew he was portraying someone else’s life.

But during variety shows, stripped of any role, he became extremely unnatural.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. He sat up in bed, opened the door, and carefully peeked out.

The crew had finished setting up in the yard and had gone to rest. No one was around except Ping’an rolling near the camera equipment.

Based on his experience, the cameras weren’t turned on yet—whatever he did wouldn’t be captured.

With this thought, Xu Weiheng confidently stepped in front of the camera.

The dark lens pointed directly at his face.

He adopted a serious expression, narrowing his eyes as if facing a formidable opponent.

After a long pause, he cracked a slight smile.

“It feels a bit stiff,” he muttered, shaking his head as he tried to adjust his smile.

After two attempts, it still felt forced.

“Woof.”

Ping’an bounded over, a chew bone in its mouth.

It tilted its head at Xu Weiheng, dropped the bone, and barked twice, seemingly urging him on.

Understanding its cue, Xu Weiheng bent down to pick up the bone and tossed it away.

Ping’an joyfully sprinted after it, legs pumping.

Seeing this scene brought a relaxed, contented smile to Xu Weiheng’s face.

Once he finished smiling, it dawned on him that he’d been standing in front of the camera all along.

“This must be what Ms. Yao meant by ‘just be yourself,'” he thought aloud.

Perhaps recording a variety show was also acting—just that some people performed characters audiences liked, while he needed to “play” his authentic self.

…

The online feud continued all night. Around 6 AM, both sides seamlessly transitioned their battle to the live streams.

On the official site, four live streams lined up with Xu Weiheng’s at the end.

At six o’clock sharp, the first three streams lit up, showcasing three distinctive, luxurious villas.

Whether intentional or an error by the production team, Xu Weiheng’s stream came on about ten seconds later—revealing a quaint guesthouse shrouded in mist that struck viewers with its stark contrast.

Those who had argued all night suddenly found themselves speechless.

Ding-ling-ling—

The copper bell under the eaves rang in the wind.

A yellow Chinese rural dog burst into view, its hind legs leaping toward a pot of butterfly orchids by the door, startling a bird resting among the leaves into flight.

Ignoring the bird, the dog tentatively pawed at an orchid leaf just as someone opened the door from inside.

“Ping’an, what are you up to?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Ping’an abandoned its floral pursuit and jumped at the person instead.

It had grown significantly and become more agile, catching its owner off guard as it leaped into their arms.

Xu Weiheng, worried it might fall, instinctively caught it, stumbling back several steps but managing not to fall over.

“You got my new workout clothes dirty!” he scolded with an exaggerated glare, pretending to twist its ear.

Ping’an wriggled free from his embrace and nearly knocked over a nearby camera.

Xu Weiheng followed its movement and glanced at the camera just as the soft morning light broke.

Dressed in a yellow short-sleeve shirt with his hair secured by a black sweatband revealing his smooth forehead, he looked briefly before turning away.

But that fleeting glance sent chat comments skyrocketing.