Chapter 48

Because of Qiao Chuchu’s comment, Qin Zhongsong became increasingly worried throughout the rest of the recording, concerned that his daughter might really end up being deceived into the mountains by some handsome man, as Qiao Chuchu had warned. That kind of outcome was something he absolutely could not tolerate.

After the variety show ended, he planned to have a serious talk with his daughter about the gravity of the situation. He couldn’t let her keep going down the wrong path.

The reason he had agreed to let her join the variety show was after much consideration. He and his wife both felt that they couldn’t protect their daughter too much. She needed to see the world’s dangers and the evil in people’s hearts. She couldn’t just be easily deceived.

But Qin Hanhan, blinded by love, couldn’t believe a word of what Qiao Chuchu had said and thought she was just slandering her and her boyfriend.

Seeing how worried her dad looked, as if he might regret his decision, she reminded him, “Dad, don’t forget what you promised me before the show. You’re an adult, and you wouldn’t go back on your word, right?”

Qin Zhongsong replied, “…I haven’t forgotten.”

His promise to allow them to be together after the show was just a temporary measure. His real goal was for Qin Hanhan to hear Qiao Chuchu’s feelings and wake her up from her naïve view of love.

However, he realized that Qiao Chuchu’s words had no effect on Hanhan at all. Instead, they had only made her think worse of Qiao Chuchu. This was not the result he had hoped for.

It seemed he would have to try a different approach. The best way would be for her to see for herself what kind of person Hao Yuan really was—only then would she turn back.

—

The first day of the ancient city tour ended happily, and the production team had already arranged the accommodation for them.

It was a traditional-style inn, with an ancient exterior and modern interior design, giving it a strong sense of the past.

Bai Yun liked this style very much. “Wow, this inn is really beautiful.”

Tian Ka nodded. “Yes, the decoration is great. Hey, there’s also a wishing wall here. Do you guys want to make a wish?”

His words caught everyone’s attention.

The white wall was covered with large red bottles, each filled with a small note carrying a wish.

The innkeeper enthusiastically introduced it to them. “This wishing wall is a special feature of our inn, and wishes made here are said to come true. You can wish for health, career, love, etc. If you’re interested, you can give it a try.”

Bai Yun was still a bit interested. “How do you make a wish?”

“It’s 25 yuan per wish, and the bottles, paper, and pens are all provided by the inn. It’s very convenient,” the innkeeper said. “Do you all want to try?”

He went behind the counter to get the supplies.

Qiao Cen asked, “Sis, do you want to make a wish?”

Qiao Chuchu shook her head. “I don’t want to.”

【My wishes will all be achieved through my own efforts. Writing them down here is useless. It’s a waste of time and money.】

【What’s this about coming true? The innkeeper just wants to make business. It’s all just empty talk.】

【25 yuan per wish. I bet the director didn’t prepare any money for this, so if you want to make a wish, you’ll have to pay for it yourself. I don’t have much money left, so I’d better save it.】

Hearing her words, Qiao Cen also gave up on the idea of making a wish. They were too poor now, so it was better to save the money.

Hearing her words, the other guests silently put down their small bottles. 25 yuan per wish was indeed expensive. They had no money to make a wish, so they decided to just look instead.

“We’ll pass on the wish,” someone said. “Boss, please show us upstairs to see the rooms.”

The innkeeper was taken aback. Just as he had brought out the materials, he straightened up. Who had said they wouldn’t make a wish? Now, because of that, no one else was making a wish, and he had no business.

However, Qin Hanhan had to go against Qiao Chuchu. She said, “Dad, I want to make a wish.”

Qin Zhongsong frowned. Hadn’t she just heard Qiao Chuchu’s complaint? Why did she still want to make a wish?

He usually approved of his daughter’s harmless requests, and he wanted to let her, but he didn’t have any money.

“I don’t have money,” Qin Zhongsong said. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow when we earn some from the tasks.”

Qin Hanhan was upset. “…Can’t we figure something out?”

“Tomorrow,” Qin Zhongsong said. He didn’t want to borrow money from the other guests.

The innkeeper, seeing that she wanted to make a wish, quickly said, “Our inn allows credit. You can make a wish today and pay tomorrow.”

“Is that possible? Then I want to make a wish.” Qin Hanhan became happy. She went over and said, “Give me the paper and pen.”

While writing, she blocked it with her hand so that the camera couldn’t see it and neither could anyone else. But Qiao Chuchu could see.

【I thought Qin Hanhan would wish for better grades, but I didn’t expect her to like the handsome guy so much that she wants to be with him forever.】

【Tsk, if her dad saw what she wrote, I wonder if he would be furious. He’s raised this little cabbage with so much effort, only for it to be eaten by a pig.】

How could he not be angry?

Qin Zhongsong’s face turned pale with anger. If this weren’t a variety show, he would have completely lost his composure. When it came to his daughter, everything was always the most serious.

He walked over, wanting to stop her.

But—

Qin Hanhan had just finished writing her wish, slipped the note into the bottle, sealed it, and hung the wish bottle in a perfect spot.

Qin Zhongsong walked up behind her. “If you hang the bottle so high, it’s harder for your wish to come true.”

“Dad, don’t talk nonsense,” Qin Hanhan pouted, lowering the bottle by two spots.

Qin Zhongsong continued, “The exact center position allows air to flow from all sides, which isn’t good for the feng shui. It can bring separation.”

“…!” Qin Hanhan didn’t understand these things, but hearing her dad say it so seriously, she thought it was important, so she moved the bottle a little to the left.

Qin Zhongsong added, “This area near the door is too full of energy, it’s not conducive to success.”

“…!” Qin Hanhan had no choice but to move the bottle to the right. But then her dad said again, “This side is all wall, no sunlight. It can get moldy.”

Qin Hanhan: “!!!”

She had figured it out. Her dad was just messing with her, everything he said earlier was nonsense, right?

“Dad, can you stop talking nonsense if you don’t understand?”

“Hanging a bottle isn’t that complicated, is it?”

Qin Zhongsong smiled, “Of course it’s complicated. Every action you take has its own meaning. As long as you can understand the true essence of everything, you’ll have more opportunities to succeed. Otherwise, you’ll just take detours and waste your time.”

He was implying something, “You’re still young, there’s a lot for you to learn. When older people offer advice, you should listen carefully. Everything they say is for your own good.”

Qin Hanhan felt helpless, “Dad, it’s just a wish bottle. Can you stop giving me life lessons?”

Qin Zhongsong sighed, “My daughter has grown up, she has her own opinions now, and doesn’t want to listen to me anymore. I’ll try not to give life lessons, but when it’s necessary, I still will.”

Qin Hanhan, “……”

Bullet comments:

【Hahahaha, is Mr. Qin trying to be cute with his daughter? It’s the first time I’ve seen Old Qin act cute, and it’s making me so happy!】

【Mr. Qin is such a good dad, he really cares for Hanhan. He’s teaching her all these small life lessons. If I had a dad like him, I’d be smiling in my sleep.】

【So envious, where can I find such a good dad?】

【Mr. Qin, do you still need a daughter? Because I need a dad.】

【Has no one noticed that Qin Hanhan doesn’t seem to be too nice to her dad? She seems a bit impatient.】

【Yeah, probably because she’s a teenager. She’s probably a little rebellious.】

【But she shouldn’t treat Mr. Qin like that. He’s such a great dad. She doesn’t appreciate him, but I would! I want him!】

—

With Qin Zhongsong’s interference, Qin Hanhan never ended up hanging the wish bottle. She just put the bottle in her pocket for safekeeping.

“As long as you have the determination to achieve your goals, it doesn’t matter where you place the wish bottle.”

Qin Zhongsong was finally satisfied, “Yes, my daughter is right.”

When she saw her dad smile, Qin Hanhan had a feeling she had walked right into a trap, but hopefully, she was just overthinking it.

—

The next day’s task was: check in at the three major scenic spots of the ancient city and learn three traditional crafts from artisans.

Completing the task would earn them: a 100-yuan reward.

The guests could choose to do the task separately or together. Since everyone was curious, they naturally decided to follow Qiao Chuchu and her brother. They also wanted to know more about Qin Zhongsong’s daughter.

But Qin Hanhan didn’t want to hear any more complaints from Qiao Chuchu. She thought everything she said was groundless. Hao Yuan wasn’t like that.

He was willing to ask 100 strangers to wish her a happy birthday on her special day, and even if people talked about it, he didn’t care. That was enough to prove his sincerity toward her.

In the end, she was willing to believe in him.

But not long after, she would find this thought of hers laughable.

When they checked in at the ancient city, they were all wearing traditional costumes, recording the traces left by history.

Qiao Chuchu and Qiao Cen were visiting for the first time, and they took a lot of photos, hoping that in the future, when they look back, it will all be a beautiful memory.

Qin Zhongsong also pulled Qin Hanhan to take some photos, “Smile, these will be memories in the future. Dad can’t always be with you at every age.”

Qin Hanhan was moved by her dad’s words. When she stood in front of the camera again, a faint smile appeared on her face.

Other guests were also taking photos, trying to capture their best moments.

Bullet comments:

【This place looks so fun, I want to experience the joy of wearing traditional costumes next time I have the chance.】

【They all look so good in traditional costumes, I want to wear one too.】

【I grew up in the Ancient City, and the scenery here is really beautiful. I highly recommend everyone to visit if you have the time. You won’t be disappointed.】

—

The sightseeing check-in ended.

Next was learning traditional crafts, which was tied to the 100-yuan reward. Every guest did their best. The first two crafts were completed smoothly, but they were stopped by the third one.

The last craft was wood carving, considered a folk craft, and it was very difficult to learn. It really was hard, even master craftsmen had to study for many years to develop proficient skills.

The master craftsman wasn’t very lively and didn’t say much. After welcoming them in, he briefly explained some methods of making wood carvings.

He had participated in the national wood carving competition and won first place, earning the title of the number one folk woodcarver.

His carving skills were excellent, and he had carved many unique and delicate wooden crafts.

Qiao Chuchu immediately spotted a delicate little rabbit placed on the table and went over to take a closer look.

The master’s craftsmanship was indeed impressive. The little rabbit was carved so lifelike, it seemed almost alive.

She complimented, “This is so beautiful.”

Hearing her words, the master craftsman showed a look of pride and confidence on his face, “This lucky rabbit was carved by my daughter. She was only sixteen at the time, and this rabbit is also her most satisfying work.”

Qiao Chuchu was surprised, “Wow! Master Mao’s daughter is so impressive, she carved such a perfect piece at just sixteen. When I was sixteen, I was focused on studying, and knew nothing about wood carving.”

Aside from studying, she had also played the piano, and as she grew older, she had less time to practice Taekwondo because there were always other things to do.

“That’s really impressive. When I was sixteen, I didn’t understand anything,” Tian Ka laughed at herself. “I was still playing marbles with my friends.”

Qiao Cen added, “When I was sixteen, I was learning to sing, randomly singing online, and I made the most important decision of my life — to enter the entertainment industry.”

—

Bullet comments:

【I’m really grateful that Qiao Qiao entered the entertainment industry, and I’m also grateful that Qiao Qiao led me to meet you. You gave me the first ray of light on my life path, and that gave me the courage to keep going.】

【Their sixteen years old were so colorful, but when I was sixteen, I was like a fool, sharing spicy strips with my friends. I embarrassed everyone.】

【If the master’s daughter is this skilled, then his own skills must be exceptional.】

【Of course, the master must be even more amazing.】

【Holy crap! I just recognized that this is Master Mao, who won a national award. His skills are amazing, and everything he carves is so lifelike, like it’s real. I want to book an appointment with him, but it’s too expensive, I don’t have the money, sob sob sob.】

—

Their compliments made the master’s smile deepen. His previously cold attitude toward them gradually warmed up, and he spoke more.

He showed them all the wood carvings in the shop, earning more praise from everyone. Their astonishment was genuine, and the master noticed. He became more patient with their upcoming lessons.

Bai Yun asked curiously, “Where’s Master Mao’s daughter? Isn’t she in the shop?”

She was curious about what kind of person could carve such perfect works at just sixteen.

“She’s not here. She went to restock with my apprentice today,” said Master Mao. “She’ll be back around three or four in the afternoon. You’ll be able to meet her then.”

He reminded them, “My daughter is a bit shy, so don’t be too eager when you meet her. She might get scared.”

Everyone nodded. Seeing his careful reminder, they knew he was another doting father.

Qiao Chuchu had planned to check out Master Mao’s information but was interrupted by Qiao Cen, “Sis, here, have this. Have you decided what you’re going to carve?”

“You.” Qiao Chuchu said, “I’m going to carve you.”

“Ah?” Qiao Cen was surprised, then smiled happily, “Really? Sis, you’re going to carve me? But I’m hard to carve, what if you can’t finish the task?”

Qiao Chuchu laughed, “It’s fine, it’s about participating.”

“Wuwuwu, sis, you’re too nice! Then I’ll carve you too!”

The fans in the comments were dying from laughter over their conversation.

【Hahahahaha, are Qiao family siblings this funny and cute?】

【Qiao Cen: Sis, have you decided what to carve? Qiao Chuchu: Carve you. Qiao Cen: Am I the object?】

【Hahahahaha, I didn’t want to laugh, but when Qiao Cen said ‘Carve you,’ I laughed so much.】

—

But Master Mao suggested, “Beginners should avoid carving things with high difficulty, like people, various animals, or small objects. These are too difficult, so I don’t recommend carving them. Since you’re just starting today, try carving something simple, like fruit.”

Qiao Cen looked a bit disappointed, “Sis, we can’t carve people anymore.”

“It’s okay, we’ll build the foundation first,” Qiao Chuchu comforted her. “We’ll come back next time to learn more.”

“Mm-hmm!” Qiao Cen nodded vigorously, “I’ll definitely carve a wooden version of you as a gift for sis!”

The sibling relationship between them is so good that it makes people envious.

Qiao Chuchu chose an apple, while the others selected pears, bananas, sugarcane, and other simple fruits to carve.

Master Mao taught them how to recognize and use the tools, then demonstrated the process himself, adding some extra details.

He recorded a video of his demonstration for them to watch repeatedly.

“I’ve already explained the basics of carving clearly. Everyone, follow my method and take your time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”

Everyone nodded, “Mm-hmm, we got it, Master Mao.”

When the eight of them started carving, they were very interested, but after a while, their patience quickly ran out.

The carvings turned out poorly, and they kept making mistakes.

Watching Master Mao carve so effortlessly, they thought it would be easy, but it was nothing like that.

As expected, watching others is easy, but doing it yourself is hard.

Carving a person would take at least a month, it’s too time-consuming and hard on the eyes.

Tian Ka was holding his carving and groaning, “This is so hard! My eyes are going to go blind.”

“Me too, it’s really hard! I thought it was going to be easy,” Bai Yun cried. “When will my pear ever look like it’s carved?”

Qin Hanhan also had a bitter expression, “This is really difficult.”

“Take it slow, carve with care, and you’ll definitely be able to finish it,” Qin Zhongsong patiently taught. “Your hand position is wrong, try holding it like this.”

Qin Hanhan mimicked his actions, “Like this?”

“Yes,” Qin Zhongsong nodded. “Follow my steps.”

Qin Hanhan slowly carved on the wood, following the grain and layers of the tree, and it seemed to go much smoother than before.

Qiao Cen also ran into some problems. “Sis, you carve so fast, please teach me!”

“Watch how I do it, and then follow along,” Qiao Chuchu said while carving, calmly guiding him and gradually soothing his anxiety.

Comments:

【It seems like wood carving is really hard to learn, how long will they have to carve?】

【Tell me about it, this stuff really tests patience and eyesight.】

【Brother Qin is amazing, not only is he good at carving, but he also has time to teach his daughter.】

【My Chuchu is awesome too!】

—

After a period of struggling and enduring, the eight guests gradually got into the groove, and before they knew it, it was already 4 o’clock.

“Dad, we’re back.”

A tall, muscular man walked in with a petite girl. They were Master Mao’s daughter, Mao Youlan, and his apprentice, Gao Lang, who had just returned with supplies.

Upon entering, Gao Lang saw the guests and the crew and was surprised. “Why didn’t you tell me there would be so many people today? If I knew, Xiao Lan and I would have stayed home so you wouldn’t have to manage everything on your own. You must be exhausted.”

He said this with a look of mild reproach. Then, when he looked over at the guests carving, his face softened into a smile.

“Hello, welcome to our little shop. I’m Master Mao’s apprentice. If you have anything you want to carve, feel free to come to me. I’ll make sure to finish it on time.”

He greeted them warmly, but despite his bright smile, there was something off about him.

Perhaps it was his overly purposeful demeanor. The guests, who had seen such behavior many times in the entertainment industry, didn’t quite like his approach.

So they simply nodded, acknowledging his words.

Even though their response was lukewarm, Gao Lang didn’t seem bothered. This was something Master Mao valued greatly about him—his emotional stability, which was why he felt comfortable entrusting his daughter to him.

Master Mao waved his hand dismissively, “What’s so hard about it? I’ve traveled all over for years, and I’ve always managed just fine on my own.”

“Lanlan, did you buy some good food at the amusement park? Are you tired?” He walked over to his daughter, taking the package from her hands. “Give it to me. My precious daughter shouldn’t be overworked.”

Mao Youlan shook her head, and a faint smile appeared on her fair, delicate face. Instead of handing the things to Master Mao, she placed them on the table and began gesturing to show what she had done today.

After they returned, they caught the attention of Qiao Chuchu and the others, who put down their wood carvings and looked over.

Master Mao’s daughter was petite, with a palm-sized face that was delicate and fair. Her large, bright eyes were full of life, but she always wore a slightly timid expression, as if she were afraid of something.

She was beautiful, but her behavior earlier made the guests suspect something.

It seemed like the young girl couldn’t speak.

Master Mao’s words confirmed their suspicion.

“We went to the amusement park, and I got some candied hawthorns and new clothes. She even bought me new clothes. This little girl never forgets about me wherever she goes.”

Mao Youlan was about to show him the clothes for him to try on, but Master Mao said, “We have guests now, we’ll do it later. Take the clothes and go rest.”

Mao Youlan wanted to stay, but Gao Lang walked over and put his arm around her shoulders. “Xiao Lan, you’re being naughty again. Dad told you to go rest. There are many guests now, and we don’t want to disturb you.”

Mao Youlan froze for a moment, and as she reached for Master Mao’s sleeve, Gao Lang quickly grabbed her hand. “Dad, I’ll take her inside and settle her, then I’ll come out to entertain the guests.”

“Okay, go ahead. Make sure to settle her first,” Master Mao waved them off.

After they left, Qiao Chuchu furrowed her brows and asked, “Master Mao, was that little girl your daughter?”

“Yes,” Master Mao smiled fondly as he spoke about his daughter. “My daughter is beautiful, isn’t she? She’s also very skilled at carving. Once she’s rested, I’ll have her come out and meet everyone.”

He was essentially bragging about his daughter, but the next words from Qiao Chuchu caused his smile to freeze.

Qiao Chuchu said, “She is very beautiful…”

【But she’s almost being abused to death by her husband. Master Mao dotes on his daughter so much—how could he not notice her abnormal behavior? It’s really baffling.】

【Master Mao’s judgment isn’t that great either. His apprentice is bad and despicable, yet he dares to marry his daughter off to him. He’s basically pushing his daughter into a dead-end.】

【Was that man called Gao Lang? Let me check his background.】

—

Master Mao, “???”

What’s going on?

He had only said one sentence to the little girl, but what were these three other sentences?

What abnormal behavior is she talking about? And why is she saying his apprentice is bad?

That’s not true.

His apprentice Gao Lang was the best one in terms of seniority and emotional intelligence among all the apprentices he’d taken in. He even liked his daughter and treated her well. He was glad to see them living happily together.

At this moment, Qiao Chuchu’s voice came again.

Unlike his own confusion, the guests who were gossiping perked up with renewed interest. They put down their wood carvings and eagerly listened in on the gossip.

Qin Hanhan looked around and realized the expressions of the people eating melons were so evident that even her father, who didn’t like gossip, was paying close attention.

Feeling influenced, she also leaned in to listen.

【Gao Lang, found him.】

【Holy crap, this Gao Lang is hiding his true identity. He’s actually a conman on the run.】

【Before deceiving the Mao family, he used the same tactics to trick three other families. After learning the craft, he married their daughters, killed them, inherited their fortunes and traditional crafts, changed his appearance, and then moved on to the next city to scam others.】

【The Mao family was his fourth victim. Because Mao Youlan can’t speak, she couldn’t inform her father about how Gao Lang treated her. Moreover, Gao Lang was good with words, and Master Mao trusted him, so he was able to cover everything up.】

【Master Mao thought Gao Lang would treat his daughter well, but it’s not true. He’s naturally evil, enjoys gaining others’ trust, and after taking their most precious things, he kills them and destroys everything.】

【And now Gao Lang is using needles on Mao Youlan’s head…】

“Bang—” There was a loud sound, like the door crashing into the door frame. Qiao Chuchu looked up and saw a shadow, as if something had flown past.