Chapter 22

Everyone in the room who could hear thoughts was stunned, especially the female lead, He Xuan, whose mind was full of question marks, “???”

What little white flower female lead? What woman made Qiao Cen fall head over heels in love?

She had heard the words, but Qiao Chuchu hadn’t spoken! And what did it mean that she said these things?

“You just said—beep (censored).”

He Xuan tried to ask about what was just said, but she was horrified to find that her words were censored. No one except her knew what she meant.

Qiao Chuchu slightly turned her body to block He Xuan’s view of Qiao Cen, “What did you say?”

“I said—beep (censored).” He Xuan tried again, but still, nothing worked. She was completely baffled, having never encountered such a strange situation before.

What was going on? Why could she hear Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts?

“Nothing, you can sit.”

Qiao Chuchu didn’t really want to sit. The female lead was a ticking time bomb, and being around her was extremely dangerous.

【Maybe we should just wait for the car to be fixed. If we’re late for the variety show, at most Qiao Cen will get scolded, but that’s still better than becoming fall head over heels in love.】

Qiao Cen: Me? Fall head over heels in love? Impossible!

Qiao Chuchu, “We…”

Not sitting.

Qiao Cen quickly added, “Sis, let’s sit down. We’ll be waiting for an hour.”

Qiao Cen just wanted to prove to himself that he wouldn’t fall head over heels in love! Although He Xuan’s pure and innocent looks were his type, he would never let that turn him into a love-stricken fool. After all, he was a man who prioritized his career!

Seeing Qiao Cen swear this, Qiao Chuchu sighed. 【Great, the female lead’s charm is strong. He’s already attracted to her just from meeting her! My poor little male supporting character brother, you really need to be careful!】

Qiao Cen: “!!!”

Sister! Stop making things up! He didn’t!

He Xuan: “???”

What did that sound mean? She couldn’t understand any of it, but it didn’t stop her from trying to strike up a conversation with Qiao Cen. Her main goal for coming on the variety show, aside from that foolish director, was Qiao Cen.

He Xuan spoke to Qiao Chuchu, but her gaze was fixed on Qiao Cen, “Do you prefer milk or coffee?”

A perfect smile appeared on her delicate, fair face. Her eyes, like those of a rabbit, were lively and enchanting. Every smile and frown exuded an air of seduction, like a blooming, gorgeous flower.

However, Qiao Cen didn’t look at her. Instead, he asked, “Sis, what do you want to drink?”

Qiao Chuchu took out a thermos from her bag, opened it, and took a sip, “I have water.”

【I definitely don’t want the female lead’s water, drinking it would be dangerous! My foolish brother actually wants to drink the milk she’s offering. He’s so naive!】

【I have to remind him.】

Before his sister could speak up, Qiao Cen quickly added, “Sis, I just remembered, I still have some water left in my bag. It’s the rose and goji berry tea you made for me. It’s great for skin and health.”

Saying that, he took a big sip and looked completely satisfied.

This gossip system is way too powerful! He only had a fleeting thought about wanting to drink some milk, and his sister caught it! Watching himself eat his own melon online is a bit too terrifying!

Qiao Chuchu: 【Well, at least my brother still has some conscience and remembers the goji berry tea I made for him. As the saying goes, “^[1]“Another year passes, and it’s hard to bear the wear and tear of time. But if you steep goji berries in a thermos, you can live for ten thousand years.” It’s a humorous way of saying that … Continue readingAnother year passes, and it’s hard to bear the wear and tear of time. But if you steep goji berries in a thermos, you can live for ten thousand years.” My brother will definitely live to ten thousand years.】

Qiao Cen choked on his words, “Cough, cough…”

The one who lives for ten thousand years is the tortoise! He doesn’t want to be a tortoise, he only wants to live to be one hundred!

He Xuan, who was about to offer milk to start a conversation, was left confused, “???”

What’s up with this Qiao Chuchu? It’s just the first time they’ve met—why is she showing so much hostility? But it doesn’t matter, no one can stop her from doing what she wants.

He Xuan carefully observed them and smiled, “You two siblings look alike, and you’re both very good-looking.”

This compliment was absolutely true. Qiao Chuchu and Qiao Cen had perfectly inherited their parents’ good looks. Whether it was their figures or their faces, they were top-tier beauties.

Otherwise, Qiao Cen wouldn’t have been the first love of all the girls on the internet when he debuted.

Just as Qiao Cen was about to respond, Qiao Chuchu’s voice rang out first, “We’re real siblings, so it’s normal we look alike. You’re also very beautiful, but…”

【If you weren’t the female lead, if you didn’t have any interest in my brother, if you could focus on your career and promotion, I might think a bit more highly of you.】

He Xuan: “…”

How did she know her thoughts? And even her hidden identity? Who exactly is she?

After that, He Xuan became quiet, lowering her head as if lost in thought.

Qiao Chuchu, of course, wouldn’t speak to her. However, Qiao Cen, for some reason, felt a strong urge to talk. He had a lot of things he wanted to say, and he couldn’t help but feel the need to let them out.

But the strange thing was, the person he wanted to confide in was the newly-met He Xuan? This feeling was too odd.

—

At the recording site, two sets of guests had already arrived: Tian Ka and his sister Ye Yu, and Bai Yun brought a new guest onto the show, a senior from the same company. They were under the same manager and had a good relationship.

The variety show Dear Us was gaining huge popularity, and the saying “Good water should be kept in your own field” applied here—good resources naturally go to insiders.

Before the show started, Bai Yun purposely reminded her senior, Wen Yu, to not be surprised by anything they heard or saw, just enjoy the show.

Wen Yu was confused, “What do you mean?”

Bai Yun replied, “I can’t explain it, but you’ll understand once you’re on the show.”

Before the second episode aired, Bai Yun was already looking forward to meeting Qiao Chuchu because being around her meant she could happily eat melons, and just thinking about it made her excited.

So, when Qiao Chuchu and Qiao Cen arrived, Bai Yun was the first to go and greet them, “Hello, Chuchu! Long time no see.”

“Long time no see.” Qiao Chuchu had a very good impression of Bai Yun.

“I remember you like sweet treats.” Bai Yun took out a gift box. “I happened to pass by a dessert shop today, and they had a new item. I bought it for you. Would you like to try it later?”

Wen Yu, hearing this, almost doubted his life: What do you mean ‘happened to pass by’? What do you mean ‘bought it casually’? Didn’t she walk ten miles and stand in line for twenty minutes to get it?

What surprised him the most was Bai Yun’s attitude toward Qiao Chuchu. It was way too nice. They had known each other for so long, and Bai Yun had never treated him like this. She was always cold and indifferent, making him feel like he had offended her somehow.

Qiao Chuchu was quite surprised, “Ah? Thank you! You’re so kind.”

【Bai Yun, the beauty, is so nice! She even brought me a gift, but I didn’t prepare anything in return. It doesn’t seem right to just take her gift without giving one back.】

Wen Yu: “???”

Did Qiao Chuchu just say all that? She clearly didn’t even open her mouth!

But then he saw Bai Yun immediately respond, “I also prepared gifts for the other guests. Could you help me distribute them?”

Qiao Chuchu nodded, “Of course, I can.”

The two beautiful ladies appearing together instantly caused a stir among the silent fans online.

【Wow, wow, wow! I love watching pretty ladies together! If only I could join them, that would be perfect!】

【Yunyun seems to really like Chuchu, and since Yunyun likes her, I’ll like her too!】

【I have to say, Yunyun’s taste is impeccable. Every friend she makes is a beauty, haha, and they’re all my type!】

【Wait, why did Yunyun switch friends in this episode? Where’s Si Xiang?】

【I accidentally found out some details. Si Xiang made a mistake and got arrested. Didn’t you notice? Bai Yun’s Weibo photos and topics related to Si Xiang have disappeared.】

【Made a mistake? Arrested? Is it what I’m thinking?】

【What kind of mistake did she make?】

The barrage in the live broadcast started to derail, with everyone discussing Si Xiang’s arrest.

The director noticed this and told his assistant, “Keep an eye on the barrage in the live broadcast and control the comments. If anything related to Si Xiang comes up, mute it immediately. We can’t let Si Xiang’s situation affect the vibe of the show.”

Assistant: “Understood, Director.”

As the first ones to know about Si Xiang’s incident, the production team had developed a deep unspoken understanding. After they found out about Si Xiang’s arrest, they were determined not to let any rumors affect the show.

“Ding dong—”

The director’s phone, placed on the desk, lit up with a new message. He picked it up and looked at it for a moment, his previously serious face breaking into a smile.

The assistant, standing nearby, was stunned. The director’s smile was so flirtatious that it made the assistant wonder if he was in love.

The director quickly typed a reply and then glanced at the white car parked on the side of the road on the main screen, his expression tinged with urgency.

“Keep an eye on things here. I’m going out for a bit.”

The assistant nodded quickly, confused about why the director was leaving at this time, but he didn’t dare ask.

—

Inside the car, He Xuan looked at the director’s reply and smiled playfully. This foolish director was so easy to flatter—just a few nice words, and he’d be around her like a puppy. This kind of target was too easy, and it didn’t feel challenging at all, making it quite boring for her.

“Director will be here soon. You can get ready,” her manager said.

Having worked with He Xuan for six months, her manager was well-versed in her ways and understood her perfectly.

“Got it, I’ll make sure you look beautiful in the shots,” she said, “All we want is fame and fortune, just having fun with it. Don’t get emotionally invested.”

He Xuan smiled. “I would never get so worked up and invested in emotions. To me, men are just stepping stones for my climb.”

“That’s good,” the manager added, asking another question, “By the way, Qiao Cen isn’t bad. You should work harder to win him over.”

He Xuan nodded. “I know.”

She was mainly here for Qiao Cen, not for the director.

Thinking about the strange sounds she heard in the car earlier, she asked, “By the way, did you hear Qiao Chuchu say a lot of strange things on the way here? It wasn’t exactly speaking, more like I could hear her thoughts. It’s a really weird situation. She also seems to know some of my secrets.”

And it wasn’t just a few—Qiao Chuchu made her feel a sense of danger.

“What thoughts? I didn’t hear anything,” the manager replied, having been asleep at the time, wearing earplugs and unable to hear any sounds from the outside world.

He Xuan thought for a moment and said, “When we get to the recording site, you should listen carefully.”

The manager, although puzzled, agreed to her request.

The director hurried over, a man in his thirties, out of shape and winded after just a short run. He leaned against the car, breathing heavily.

The commotion caught He Xuan’s attention, and she smiled at his disheveled state. “Did you run all the way here?”

The director nodded vigorously, his breath unsteady. “I was in a hurry to see you.”

Then he gave a silly grin, looking a bit embarrassed. “Did you miss me?”

If his assistant had seen this, they would likely be shocked for a thousand years. Usually so stern and serious, the director now looked like a fool.

In He Xuan’s eyes, he really did look like an idiot.

“Of course, I missed you,” she said. “How could I not? I think about you day and night. That’s why I came to meet you. Aren’t you coming up to sit with me? I even brought you some milk.”

She almost added that she missed all the little fish in her pond, but held herself back.

“Come in!” the director said, nodding eagerly.

He got into the car and happily accepted the milk He Xuan handed him, drinking it with joy. What he didn’t know was that this was the very same bottle of milk that Qiao Chuchu and Qiao Cen had refused.

“He Xuan’s milk is always sweeter than anywhere else. I really like it,” the director said.

“This is specially prepared for you. I’m glad you like it.” He Xuan’s gaze flicked to another bottle of milk on the table. Thinking about how the Qiao siblings had rejected it, she felt a little upset. “Here, take this one too.”

The director, cradling the milk like a precious treasure, continued to express his affection for her.

The manager sat in the back seat, pretending to be invisible, not intervening, but still capturing moments of He Xuan and the director together on camera.

—

As a new guest in the second episode, He Xuan was scheduled to appear last. While the three other groups of guests chatted, Qiao Chuchu found something interesting and zoned out.

【Haha, what did I just see? The two bottles of milk the director is holding weren’t those meant for me and Qiao Cen? We didn’t take them, so why are they in the director’s hands, and why is he treating them like treasures?】

He Xuan’s milk had a unique mark on it. The side of the bottle had a small fish symbol, representing the idea that they were all “fish” in her pond, making it easy to recognize.

He Xuan? Who is that? The director? Is he the director from their show?

The guests instantly stopped chatting and focused intently on hearing Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts.

【Let me see… I found it.】

【Oh~ So it was He Xuan who personally gave the milk to the director, and she said she specially prepared it for him. Too bad that’s not true.】

The director, happily returning with the milk, froze in place when he heard Qiao Chuchu’s voice. Was she talking about him? It sounded like it, but also not?

【I have to say, He Xuan is really impressive. A few words and she has the director so happy, looking like a big fool. Tsk, tsk, I didn’t expect the usually serious director to be a love-struck fool. What a shock.】

Now, the director understood clearly that Qiao Chuchu was indeed talking about him. How dare she call him a big fool? Is there such a handsome “big fool” around?!

This was outrageous! It made him furious!

The director immediately opened his mic. “Qiao Chuchu! You—【bleep】.”

As expected, he couldn’t say what he wanted to say, and one of his hands trembled as he pointed at her.

Why was Qiao Chuchu not properly participating in the show and instead focusing on other people’s gossip?!

Qiao Chuchu, hearing the voice, looked confused. “Director, what’s up? Did you call me?”

She had no idea. But Qiao “Melon-Eating Crowd” Cen knew exactly what was going on. “Director, the show has been running for a while now. Why haven’t the fourth group of new guests arrived yet?”

He smoothly changed the subject, making the director furious, but he could only swallow his anger.

“They’ll be here soon!”

It was so fun eating others’ melons, but when it came to dealing with his own melons, he was absolutely not happy!

The others saw the director’s sour face and couldn’t help but laugh. Who knew that the director was a love-struck fool? What a shocking discovery!

Wen Yu, seeing their reactions, easily guessed that everyone in the room could hear Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts. He took off his mic and couldn’t hold back, whispering to Bai Yun, “Bai Yun, Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts…”

Before he could finish, Bai Yun nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes!”

She understood but didn’t want to say it out loud. If Qiao Chuchu knew, she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the first-hand gossip anymore.

Wen Yu, his face full of shock, widened his eyes. “So, when you mentioned it before, you meant this?”

At the time, he didn’t understand, but now it seemed like he was starting to get it, though he still didn’t fully grasp everything.

“That’s exactly what I meant,” Bai Yun nodded, softly warning, “Don’t talk about it, and don’t mess with Qiao Chuchu. She knows everything about everyone. If you don’t want her to find out about your dark past, just listen to me.”

Seeing this usually quiet, stoic guy showing so many complex emotions, Bai Yun couldn’t help but feel amused. She thought he was only good at acting cool!

Wen Yu: “…”

This was so unbelievable! It didn’t make any sense at all!

His expression of existential crisis made everyone around him want to laugh. But they understood, since they’d been through the same thing.

—

“Hello, everyone! I’m He Xuan, and this is my manager and friend, Qiu Dan, also my guest partner. It’s a pleasure to meet you all at this wonderful moment~”

Before her appearance, He Xuan had touched up her makeup, looking delicate and beautiful. Her eyes, curved and sparkling with a smile, seemed to speak, giving everyone an excellent first impression of her.

The viewers in the live stream were equally stunned.

【Wow! She’s so beautiful! Like a fairy, her features are exactly how I like them. I really like her!】

【Ahhh! It’s my Xuanxuan! She gave me such a big surprise by showing up on the show!】

【One minute, immediately organize all her information for me!】

【CEO, it’s coming right up. He Xuan, female, 23 years old, graduated from a normal college, born as a model, very popular in the fashion industry. Her pure and beautiful appearance caught the director’s attention, leading her into the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, she shot a youth web drama “Miss Me, Miss Me, Miss Me,” which is currently airing and has been praised by many netizens as the pure and beautiful “campus goddess.”】

【So she’s a newcomer! No wonder she looks so unfamiliar. I’m going to watch her drama now!】

【I will always be captivated by beautiful sisters!】

—

As soon as He Xuan appeared, the netizens dug up her information, and they quickly found out about her new youth campus drama. Many interested people rushed to watch it, and within a short time, the drama, which was originally not very popular, gained millions of views.

The director, who had been struggling with how to market the web drama, was suddenly told by his assistant, “Director, it’s exploded! We’re going viral!”

“What do you mean exploded? Be clear!” The director immediately learned that the new drama was taking off thanks to He Xuan’s popularity. Watching the view count rise rapidly, he laughed heartily. “This is great! I knew I didn’t make the wrong choice, He Xuan has such an influence! This little drama might even become the most popular one on the entire internet!”

He quickly sent He Xuan a congratulatory message, but she was busy and didn’t see it.

Meanwhile…

Tian Ka’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Wow, she’s a beautiful guest.”

“Hello, I’m Tian Ka, but they all call me Kali, you can call me that too.”

Although he had seen many beautiful women, He Xuan made the strongest visual impression on him, sparking an impulse to get to know her. This feeling was unfamiliar to him.

Ye Yu looked surprised. She knew her brother well enough to understand that Kǎlí was a nickname, used only by his close friends. Usually, he preferred people to call him “Brother Tian.”

He seemed overly enthusiastic about this new female guest.

“She’s really beautiful,” Wen Yu commented, unable to help himself.

Bai Yun also looked at him in surprise, her thoughts hidden, wondering, did he actually compliment someone?

Qiao Cen almost joined their conversation, but hearing his sister cough, he was distracted and quickly asked, “Sis, are you okay? Is something wrong?”

Qiao Chuchu cleared her throat a few times. “I’m fine, just a bit dry in my throat.”

“Drink some water quickly,” Qiao Cen said, eagerly handing her a cup, showing exceptional care.

Not far away, He Xuan noticed their interaction and tightened her grip. It seemed that to win over Qiao Cen, Qiao Chuchu was the biggest threat.

Wen Yu, being a new guest as well, was introduced to the group by Bai Yun according to the program’s rules.

Wen Yu stood up and seriously introduced himself, greeting all the guests. He didn’t dare talk to Qiao Chuchu too much, quickly passing by, but it caught her attention.

【Huh, I just realized that Wen Yu with glasses looks a lot like the villain character from a novel I read recently. A refined bad guy, with a cold and cruel appearance, he’s perfect for playing a villain.】

Just one step away from Qiao Chuchu, Wen Yu’s legs went weak, nearly causing him to kneel.

Qiao Chuchu: 【Oh my gosh, lucky I dodged quickly. If he had kneeled on me, I’d have lost years off my life. This Wen Yu looks young, but if his legs are that weak, can he really pursue the beautiful Bai Yun?】

Bai Yun, happily eating melon: 【???】

What’s going on? Wen Yu is pursuing her? Which kind of pursuing?

Wen Yu blushed from her gaze and quickly finished greeting the other guests, standing as far from Qiao Chuchu as possible.

He Xuan’s manager, Qiu Dan, was also stunned by the sudden sound.

He Xuan observed the expressions of everyone around her and came to a conclusion: everyone in the room could hear Qiao Chuchu’s inner thoughts. There were a lot of things she knew. Why did something so strange exist in her?

—

The four groups of guests got to know each other, and the director began to announce the rules for the second episode of the variety show.

“First, welcome everyone to the variety show Dear Us. We will be spending three days and two nights here, and we hope to bring you all an unforgettable experience.”

“Now, the show officially begins. The rules for this episode will change. It will no longer be pairs, but teams of four. You will draw lots to form teams and complete the tasks set by the production crew. The first team will receive an additional reward, so I hope everyone will actively compete!”

The recording for the second episode moved to a different location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They had arrived in the countryside to experience rural life.

The staff brought in a cardboard box, and one member from each group was chosen to draw lots. Unfortunately for Qiao Cen, he ended up drawing a lot that paired him with He Xuan!

For some reason, Qiao Cen felt a bit pleased about this? He shook his head and tried to push the thought away.

He Xuan flashed her most perfect smile. “Hello, Qiao Cen. It seems we’re really fated to be together, drawing the same colored ball.”

She gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, each movement carefully designed to make her seem more appealing.

Qiao Cen wanted to respond enthusiastically, but as he turned his head, he met his sister’s gaze. He cleared his throat. “It’s not that I wanted it. It’s just the last ball, no choice.”

He added, “If you don’t want to team up with us, you can find someone else to switch with.”

He Xuan put on a look of hurt. “…I didn’t mean it that way. I’m really happy to be teamed up with you.”

“Ah?” Her sorrowful expression left Qiao Cen a bit confused. “I was just saying that casually.”

Qiao Chuchu, unable to watch, muttered in her heart: 【Tsk, He Xuan is really a good actress. She went from looking sad to making Qiao Cen all confused.】

【The protagonist halo is strong. There’s always some cannon fodder director who bridges the gap for the female lead and the male supporting character to meet and get familiar, you just can’t avoid it. I’m really impressed.】

Director: 【???】

Who’s the cannon fodder?

Qiao Chuchu flipped through the storyline about He Xuan, Qiao Cen, and the director.

【The poor director happily thinks He Xuan is here for him, but he’s wrong. He’s just one of many backup options for her, and a useless one at that.】

Director: 【Useless? Who says I’m useless?!】

He was livid, furious!

Qiao Chuchu’s voice continued: 【He Xuan isn’t just some innocent flower, she’s raised eight fish. She’s like a big fish keeper! What’s impressive is that she manages to treat every man equally and give them all a good experience. This girl is really something.】

“Qiao Chuchu!”