By the time the guests wrapped up their filming and everyone was preparing to return to their rooms for rest, most of the viewers finally noticed that Ning Xiaoyu had changed into an entirely new look today.

【Xiao Yu’s hair looks like it’s been trimmed. It’s much more pleasing to the eye than before!】

【The glasses Xiao Yu is wearing go perfectly with her previous birdcage aesthetic.】

【No way, no way? Are you guys seriously praising this? Isn’t she wearing reading glasses?】

【Tsk tsk, so young and already using reading glasses? She’s really embracing the elderly aesthetic, huh?】

【So what? Styling doesn’t matter anyway. I became a fan of Xiao Yu because of her personality, and I’ll stay a fan because of her personality.】

【Even if Xiao Yu got a wild hairstyle, wore thick black-rimmed glasses, and looked totally outdated, I’d still love her!】

Normally, most of the audience were looks-driven. Their initial decision to support a celebrity was almost always based on appearance.

But Ning Xiaoyu’s fans were different.

Even if she aged one day and no longer looked as pretty, her genuine fans would probably still love her just the same.

After all, from the very beginning, what they loved was never her looks but her personality.

And fans like this had the highest level of loyalty.

────ρя


The next morning, when Ning Xiaoyu went downstairs, she was surprised to find that the program team hadn’t prepared breakfast for them.

The children, however, were already drinking milk.

It seemed that they had to get their own breakfast today.

Sure enough, the director quickly announced, “Today is the last day of the crossover between 《Hi, My Friend》 and 《Hello Dad》. To make the final day even more memorable, guests will need to take the children to buy breakfast themselves. No food delivery is allowed, but other than that, you’re free to choose whatever you want.”

【Typical reality show setup. Just classic.】

【Tsk tsk.】

“There are plenty of breakfast spots nearby, so you should be able to find whatever you want. The program team will provide each group with a breakfast budget of 50 yuan, which should be enough for you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the other guests began to take action.

Ling Zige asked Ning Yuwei, “What do you feel like eating this morning?”

Ning Yuwei didn’t have much of an appetite. She was supposed to be the rising young star here, while Ning Xiaoyu was just an unknown, struggling celebrity. Yet, in terms of popularity on the show, Ning Xiaoyu had completely overshadowed her. Forcing herself to stay composed, she said, “Whatever Xiao Wei wants to eat, we’ll get that.”

Without hesitation, Xiao Wei said, “Sister, I want to eat KFC. Can I?”

Ling Zige picked him up and said, “Sure, let’s go.”

The other kids also chimed in with their breakfast requests.

When it came to Ning Xiaoyu’s group, Xiangxiang simply said she could eat anything.

Ning Xiaoyu nodded in acknowledgment.

After thinking for a moment, she found that the closest breakfast shop was a century-old bun shop. It was clean and hygienic, offering a variety of stuffed buns as well as soy milk.

She suggested, “How about we have buns?”

Lu Jingdu and Xiangxiang had no objections. Just as the two were about to leave to buy breakfast, Ning Xiaoyu suddenly pulled out a flashy, bright yellow toy car from who knew where.

Seeing that everyone’s eyes were now on her, she explained, “This belongs to the owner’s son. I borrowed it for fun.”

【Hahaha, so does Xiao Yu know all the treasures hidden in the guesthouse?】

【First, the birdcage with the myna, and now this little car.】

【Wait, what exactly is this little car for?】

The audience quickly found out.

Ning Xiaoyu placed the money in the car’s small storage compartment. Then, she operated the remote control, steering the little car out the door.

It was equipped with a camera and speaker, and was connected to her phone. Through her phone, Ning Xiaoyu could see exactly where the car was going.

【I’m dying. So Xiao Yu is sending the car to buy buns?】

【I should have expected this!】

【I can never predict what Xiao Yu will do next.】

【For real, Xiao Yu keeps redefining my understanding of her every day, hahaha.】

While lazily controlling the toy car, Ning Xiaoyu noticed that Xiangxiang was staring at her with big, sparkling eyes. She explained seriously, “You need to eat well so you have the energy to walk.”

【Exactly!】

【Xiao Yu is absolutely right! How can you walk on an empty stomach?】

【It’s like dieting. How can I have the energy to lose weight if I don’t eat enough first? Doge.jpg】

【Blame the bun shop for being so far away! Walking takes effort too!】

As she continued controlling the little car, Ning Xiaoyu asked her two teammates, “What kind of buns do you want?”

Xiangxiang said, “I want meat buns.”

“Okay.” Then, Ning Xiaoyu turned to Lu Jingdu. “What about you?”

“Meat buns.”

As the little car made its way through the streets, it attracted quite a few curious onlookers.

Without hesitation, the little car rolled forward, steadily heading toward the bun shop. Once it arrived at the storefront, Ning Xiaoyu used the speaker to speak to the shop owner.

“Do you have meat buns left?”

There were three or four people in line. The shop owner looked at the tiny car in surprise and replied, “Yes, we do.”

“Great.” Ning Xiaoyu maneuvered the car to the end of the line and patiently waited.

While the car was queuing, she took the opportunity to make herself a cup of lemon water.

Holding her cup, she took a small sip and casually shared with the audience, “Drinking lemon water in moderation helps with skin hydration.” Of course, she drank it simply because she liked the taste.

Since there was still time before it was their turn, Ning Xiaoyu asked the others how many buns they wanted.

Xiangxiang, being small, only needed one. Lu Jingdu wanted three. As for the fathers, they would take care of their own breakfast.

Before long, it was finally their turn.

Ning Xiaoyu spoke into her phone, “Four meat buns, two vegetable buns, and three cups of sweet soy milk, please.”

The voice rang out clearly through the loudspeaker on the small vehicle, reaching the ears of everyone near the bun shop.

The shop owner lowered his head to look at the little car while his hands kept busy. At the same time, he called out, “Got it.”

“The money is in the cart.”

“Alright.” The shop owner leaned forward to take the money, then placed the change back in the cart. “I’ve put the extra back for you.”

“Mm.”

During this time, more and more onlookers gathered around.

“Someone’s talking?”

“Of course, can’t you see the camera on the car?”

“That’s actually pretty interesting.”

“There really are a lot of new things these days.”

Who would have thought that one day, people could buy breakfast without even stepping outside, simply by controlling a little car?

The shop owner placed the packaged buns and soy milk into the cart.

Seeing that breakfast was ready, Ning Xiaoyu lazily controlled the little car to drive back.

A little while later, the small vehicle returned steadily.

Inside the cart were the buns, soy milk, and the change.

Ning Xiaoyu got up, handed the meat buns to her two companions, and started eating a vegetable bun herself.

【I can’t believe this is possible!】

【Noted! I’ve learned something new!】

【Even if Xiao Yu wants to eat KFC, she can use this to buy it.】

【Ning Xiaoyu: I can, but there’s no need. KFC is too far away, unlike the bun shop. It’s not convenient.】

While the other guests spent half the morning walking to the breakfast shop, Ning Xiaoyu never even left the guesthouse and was already enjoying steaming hot buns and fresh soy milk.

By the time the other guests spent another half a day walking back, Ning Xiaoyu had long since finished eating and had been resting for quite some time.

When Ning Yuwei and the others returned, they immediately noticed the little car parked in front of the guesthouse.

“What’s this for?”

“It’s a bit small. Seems like a kid couldn’t even fit inside?”

The guesthouse owner overheard their conversation and explained, “Xiaoyu just used it to buy breakfast.”

Originally, the guesthouse owner had modified this little car for his son to play with. He hadn’t expected it to actually be put to such practical use. It made him feel that his time spent modifying it wasn’t wasted after all.

────ρя

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

After breakfast, it was free activity time. The guests could take the children to explore the nearby area or stay at the guesthouse.

Since staying at the guesthouse was an option, Ning Xiaoyu, of course, had no intention of going out.

The weather had been getting colder quickly. Just a few days ago, she could wear a single layer without feeling cold, but this morning, the temperature had suddenly dropped significantly.

Ning Xiaoyu had already changed into a thick coat.

Usually, on days like this, she liked to curl up under the blankets, do nothing, and just lie in bed to rest.

Unfortunately, since she was still filming the show, she couldn’t just burrow into bed.

Just as she was feeling a little regretful, Ning Yuwei spoke up, “On our way to KFC, we found a small amusement park nearby. The rides look pretty new. Any kids want to go?”

As soon as they heard that, the children eagerly raised their hands.

“I want to go!”

“Me too!”

After counting, four children wanted to go to the amusement park, while two decided to stay behind.

Among the two who stayed behind was Xiangxiang.

【Taking care of Xiangxiang is really effortless.】

【I actually feel like Xiangxiang wanted to go to the amusement park, but she gave it up for Xiao Yu. She probably knew Xiao Yu wanted to stay at the guesthouse.】

【Wait, do four-year-olds really think like that?】

【Of course! Especially a smart and adorable child like Xiangxiang.】

【Why do I suddenly feel like Xiangxiang is spoiling Xiao Yu?】

【Upstairs, you’re not imagining things. Xiao Yu really is being pampered by a four-year-old!】

【The salted fish queen deserves to be spoiled!】

【Xiangxiang is such a thoughtful little sweetheart!】

【Who wouldn’t want to spoil Xiao Yu?】

And so, while the other guests braved the winter chill to head out, Ning Xiaoyu stayed behind at the guesthouse with a few others.

Ning Xiaoyu hated both the cold and the heat. After informing Lu Jingdu, she took Xiangxiang to the back kitchen.

The guesthouse kitchen was different from a typical modern kitchen. It had a stove that required lighting a fire with matches, following the traditional method of cooking.

Ning Xiaoyu sat with Xiangxiang in front of the stove.

The fire burned brightly.

Warmth steadily radiated outward, dispelling the winter chill.

Just as Ning Xiaoyu was considering whether to grab some snacks, the slightly melancholic voice from the love system suddenly sounded in her ears.

〖Girl, how can you leave the movie king all alone in such a warm and cozy moment? In winter, everyone should huddle together for warmth.

Even though the movie king appears aloof and invincible, everyone has moments of loneliness.

So, go warm him up with your care.

Winter Exclusive Mission: Invite the movie king to warm up by the fire together.〗

After doing so many romance-related multiple-choice missions, Ning Xiaoyu’s first thought upon seeing one that required no choices was that today’s mission was surprisingly simple.

It was just inviting Lu Jingdu to warm up by the fire. It was hardly a task at all.

With that in mind, she told Xiangxiang to wait for a moment, then got up and left the kitchen. Soon, she found Lu Jingdu sitting alone in the main hall. She walked over and called out, “Come warm up by the fire. The kitchen is much cozier than here.”

Being invited to sit by the fire, Lu Jingdu seemed slightly surprised. After two seconds, he asked, “Would it be inconvenient?”

He had been in the back kitchen before. It was small, with limited seating.

If he joined, it would probably be quite cramped.

Ning Xiaoyu grabbed his arm without hesitation. “It’s fine, very convenient.”

Lu Jingdu glanced at the hand holding his arm. After two seconds of silence, he nodded and said, “Okay.”

Seeing Lu Jingdu agree, Ning Xiaoyu asked the guesthouse owner for a few sweet potatoes before leading him back to the kitchen. During this time, the love system kept screaming in her ear.

〖Ahhh, Girl, this is exactly how it should be! Someone has to take the initiative, or how else will your story proceed?

You grabbed the movie king’s arm, and he didn’t refuse! If it were anyone else, they would have been rejected immediately!〗

Today’s dose of sweetness had hit the system hard!

Ning Xiaoyu ignored the system’s chatter. When they returned to the kitchen, she showed Xiangxiang the sweet potatoes in her hands. “We’re going to have roasted sweet potatoes later. What do you think?”

Xiangxiang’s beautiful big eyes sparkled like black pearls. “Okay!”

While waiting for the sweet potatoes to cook, Ning Xiaoyu rubbed her hands together for warmth. At some point, the guesthouse owner’s plump cat, weighing over ten kilograms, lazily padded over and settled beside her to warm itself by the fire.

Ning Xiaoyu and the cat mirrored each other’s actions.

One person and one cat closed their eyes and rubbed their hands for warmth.

【Perfect synchronization!】

【A salted fish and a cat— this combo works!】

【Rubbing hands together, this is way too cute!】

【Sitting by the fire while waiting for roasted sweet potatoes on a cold winter day feels strangely heartwarming!】

【Compared to the chaotic mess happening in the neighboring livestreams, this place is so peaceful, hahaha.】

Today, four groups of guests had taken their children to an amusement park.

Inevitably, kids playing on rides would have minor bumps and falls.

These children were young and had been spoiled since birth. Any little accident could turn into a big deal.

Ning Xiaoyu didn’t bother paying attention to what was happening with the others. She simply kept warming her hands by the fire, waiting to eat sweet potatoes.

Xiangxiang sat to her right, near the wall, while Lu Jingdu sat on her left.

The three of them sat in a row, roasting by the fire. It was a little cute, and a little warm.

Time seemed to slow down there.

────ρя


When the sweet potatoes were finally ready, the director suddenly approached and said, “Xiaoyu, a few game companies have recently expressed interest in inviting you to be their brand ambassador. Take a look and see which one you’d like to choose.”

【Game companies noticed our Xiao Yu! Everyone, pay attention!】

【Xiao Yu is going to make it big! She’s making a name for herself!】

【Look at you guys acting like you’ve never seen such a thing before. It’s just a game endorsement. Our Weiwei has endorsed so many brands that we’ve lost count.】

【Getting this excited over one game endorsement? Hilarious.】

【Who knows, it might be some unknown company that picked Ning Xiaoyu just to save money. After all, she’s not exactly a top star. Hiring her wouldn’t cost much.】

【It could be one of those low-quality ‘one-hit-9999’ mobile games that no one plays.】

Although there were quite a few haters making sarcastic comments in the livestream chat, Ning Xiaoyu’s fans were genuinely happy for her.

Receiving offers from game companies is a great sign. Compared to the days when she had nothing, she was finally getting noticed.

The only question was which companies had made the offers?

Blowing on her hands to cool them, Ning Xiaoyu fumbled with the hot sweet potato and casually asked, “Which games?”

The director quickly listed them. “XT’s 《Invincible Heroes》, YH’s 《True and False Immortals》, BF’s 《Shooting King》, and one is a casual farming game.

Since you don’t have an assistant or manager, the game companies reached out to me directly. What do you think?”

Before Ning Xiaoyu could react, her livestream chat exploded.

【What? XT’s 《Invincible Heroes》? Damn! XT is the most profitable gaming company in the country!】

【I’m shocked. I originally thought getting an offer from a small game company would already be amazing. I was so wrong! I should never have underestimated our salted fish queen! Who can resist her charm?】

【This is insane! Absolutely crazy!】

【Wait a second, what about the farming game? The director named all the companies except for that one.】

【There are so many farming games. It’s probably from some no-name company.】

【Xiao Yu, listen to me. Pick XT!】

【No way! Go with 《True and False Immortals》! It’s the most profitable AAA game this year! So many celebrities would kill to endorse it!】

【Xiao Yu, pick the shooting game! Imagine her in shooting gear. It would be amazing!】

【LSP^[1]lǎo sè pǐ – old pervert; usually used in a teasing or mocking tone but can also be insulting depending on the context alert! We all know what kind of ‘shooting gear’ you’re thinking about.】

【Wait, can she only pick one? Can’t she take all of them?】

【As ‘responsible’ adults, we obviously want everything. （Even though we know that’s impossible.） Xiao Yu, just pick the best one!】

While her fans racked their brains trying to strategize for her, Ning Xiaoyu’s calm voice suddenly rang out in the stream.

“Oh, I’ll go with the farming game.”

Everyone: “……”

Even the director was caught off guard. He didn’t believe Ning Xiaoyu was unaware of XT’s influence in the industry. She should also know what endorsing a major gaming company meant. Yet, despite knowing all this, she still chose the farming game.

So she was really just being willful!

The director had watched Ning Xiaoyu rise to fame. She was indeed becoming popular, but she wasn’t at the peak yet.

He wanted her to make the best choice.

Since they were live, he couldn’t be too direct, so he gently reminded her, “Are you sure you don’t want to consider the others?”

Ning Xiaoyu shook her head. “No need.”

The director was confused. “Why pick the farming game?”

Ning Xiaoyu answered without hesitation, “Because I love playing these casual games. They’re relaxing, require no teamwork, and don’t need any brainpower.”

Everyone: “……”

That was such a classic Ning Xiaoyu response!

She might be the only person who could turn down major game companies like this! But somehow, after hearing her choice, they suddenly wanted to play the farming game too!

Maybe Ning Xiaoyu endorsing it wouldn’t be so bad after all?