Chapter 59

Yan Zhao took on a program.

Recently, love-themed variety shows have become very popular. Following the huge success of “100% Love You” launched by Qingmang TV, other film and television platforms have not been left behind, competing to launch similar programs. “A Hundred Love Letters” is a localized program launched by Pomegranate Film and Television after purchasing the rights to a variety show of the same name from Country K.

Yan Zhao serves as a love coach in the show, with tasks including commenting on the guests’ performances, bantering with other coaches, and occasionally advertising for sponsors.

The work is very easy, the kind where you earn money just by lying down and chatting.

Yan Zhao draped his coat over the back of the chair and greeted everyone.

There are six coaches in total, three men and three women. Besides the new colleagues he met, the other two male coaches are acquaintances—He Shengqi and Sheng Xin.

After chatting for a while, they went in to record the program.

Although Christmas is still half a month away, considering the review and post-editing, they had to record the Christmas special in advance.

The conference table in the room was carved into a heart shape, with two foam snowmen piled inside, wearing Christmas hats, and their noses were colorful candy canes provided by the sponsor, looking quite stylish.

The host is Teacher Liu Lan, who starts by thanking the sponsor “daddy”, and after the six coaches briefly introduce themselves, the program continues from the previous episode.

Yan Zhao propped his chin and watched the drama.

“A Hundred Love Letters” is a very common program setup. For the purpose of falling in love, ten strangers, men and women, live under the same roof and delivering a love letter every night to see which pair can become a couple. The only thing to note is that the program team explicitly revealed that at least one of the guests has an annual income of tens of millions, and at the same time, the program team has also planted a stooge among the guests to interfere with the guests’ judgment. In other words, the information revealed to you by the other party may all be false, and their personality may also be just a persona.

Chasing love or investigating the wealthy, securing true love or ending up alone, this program is quite wickedly amusing and doesn’t match its sweet name at all.

This week, two guests who were originally hopeful of becoming a couple have entered a cold war due to the intervention of a questionable tycoon.

In a love-themed variety show, the topic must revolve around love. Host Liu asked, “So now, assuming you are A, and you have mutual feelings with another guest B, but then you meet another person C who has more financial strength, what would you do?”

After asking around, Host Liu, Sheng Xin, and another coach agreed to contact both C and B at the same time, after all, dating without the intention of marriage is just playing around, and financial capability is also one of the factors that determine whether a couple can last.

When it came to Yan Zhao, he said without hesitation: “Continue with B.”

Host Liu: “Give up on C?”

Yan Zhao: “According to the question, I can assume I have no feelings for him, right? Then I’ll just pass.”

Host Liu: “Xiao Yan is such a cold-hearted man.”

Yan Zhao: “…”

He Shengqi, who always aims to be the ideal man, said: “That’s decisive, a real man never hesitates!”

“Alright, alright, we know you’re a Salt Soda,” Host Liu waved her hand, signaling him to stop praising his idol, and asked, “So, Xiao Yan doesn’t care much about the economic situation?”

Yan Zhao thought for a moment: “Not really… but I think I can handle economic issues myself, but love isn’t something you can have just by effort alone, finding mutually compatible feelings relies on fate.”

Sheng Xin cast a meaningful glance: Marrying into a wealthy family before falling in love, you and Lao Shen don’t seem to fit the above view, instead, it seems more like you would develop feelings over time with the wealthy C. Why don’t you quickly join our side?

Yan Zhao looked back innocently: That’s because Shen Yuanting’s initial conditions were too excellent, leaving me no room to show off.

Host Liu concluded: “Love is not easy to come by, when it’s time to seize it, you must hold on tight. ‘When flowers bloom, they should be picked immediately, don’t wait until there are no flowers and only branches to pick.'”

The program continued recording, and the second round of questions was: “What is your ideal type?”

He Shengqi sneakily glanced at the male god: “Responsible at work, strong ability, good-looking, attentive and gentle!”

It seems like the cabbage of a good brother has caught the eye of a pig from another yard, Sheng Xin warned: “Just say it, why do you keep looking at Yan Zhao?” And Yan Zhao is not gentle at all, what kind of false fan filter is this!

Host Liu came to the rescue: “Xiao He is a fan, of course, he will speak of his idol, standards are standards, but in reality, love always comes unpredictably, before you truly fall for someone, you don’t know what type you really like. But Xiao Sheng, have you ever been in love, and what type do you like?”

Sheng Xin, being a director, doesn’t need to avoid talking about his love history, he said: “The few I’ve dated were all quite lively and cheerful.”

Host Liu gossiped: “Looks like you’re not dating now, who initiated the breakup with your last partner? What was the reason for the breakup? Cough cough, we can skip this question.”

Sheng Xin: “She initiated it, saying I didn’t care about her, that I had someone else in my heart, but I myself don’t even know who else is in my heart, how can she be so sure?”

Yan Zhao glanced at Sheng Xin: “There must be a reason for the rumor.”

Sheng Xin looked back gloomily: “Don’t reveal my sad story, I think everyone might be more interested in Xiao Yan’s feelings, what about you, what type do you like?”

All the other pairs of eyes stared at him, even the director behind the monitor unconsciously looked at Yan Zhao.

Host Liu shouted into the air: “Salt Soda fans listen up, the following is key content, it will be on the test!”

Yan Zhao: “… I like mature ones.”

Host Liu: “Alright, He Shengqi is out, no chance for you.”

He Shengqi: QAQ

Although there was never any intention to develop a relationship with the male god, there is still a sense of sadness…

Host Liu, held her chin: “Being mature, this kind of love will reduce many unnecessary frictions, but will it be too dull?”

Yan Zhao: “Well… what I mean is, mature in the big picture, but it’s okay to be a bit childish in the trivial daily life.”

Sheng Xin began to doubt: Is Shen Yuanting like this when he’s with Yan Zhao? Childish? Is he afraid of exposure, so he’s making things up???

Host Liu became interested: “Oh? Can Xiao Yan give us an example?”

Yan Zhao: “For example… when you’re busy working, he’d bring you a cup of milk but wouldn’t leave. Without saying anything, he just stares until you hug him before he’ll go.”

Sheng Xin: “…” Can’t imagine it! Shouldn’t Shen Yuanting be the “want it? Beg me” type? What’s going on here!

The other two female coaches, on the other hand, held their faces and commented: “Kind of cute, very girly, and very sweet!”

“I thought Xiao Zhao liked mature women, but it turns out he likes sensible acting cute!”

Yan Zhao: “…”

He wonder how Shen Yuanting felt after hearing these comments.

Host Liu deliberately nitpicked: “But what if you were in a really bad mood at the time, like if you couldn’t memorize your lines and your partner  were still hovering in front of you? That could easily lead to conflicts between the two of you.”

Yan Zhao recalled his interactions with Shen Yuanting and realized that such a situation had never occurred. Apart from the initial phase of getting to know each other when they had given each other the cold shoulder, they had been very affectionate…

How could two grown men in a relationship be so mushy!!!

Yan Zhao hesitated before saying, “I think we wouldn’t argue.”

Host Liu burst out laughing: “Xiao Yan’s view of love is very idealistic, but everyone has their bad days. If it’s just one person having a problem, the other can comfort him, but what if both of you are on the verge of exploding?”

Yan Zhao pondered, imagining if he couldn’t figure out a character’s personality during filming, feeling irritated, and Shen Yuanting happened to be feeling down… In fact, they were both quite stubborn, who would soften first was hard to say.

Yan Zhao: “Maybe there would be a cold war?”

Host Liu: “Hehe, it looks like we’ve got some homework for Xiao Zhao. Think about how you would resolve a cold war when you get back.”

Yan Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

For the Christmas special, the guests also celebrated Christmas Eve early and exchanged gifts.

Host Liu brought out a plate of gingerbread men, then distributed them to everyone: “I was going to ask what gift you would hope to receive from a boyfriend or girlfriend for Christmas, but considering there are too many single folks here, let’s not rub salt in the wound. Here, have a gingerbread man and share a memorable gift you’ve received.”

Sheng Xin was the first to finish eating, wrinkling his nose and said :“Why does this taste like mustard!”

Host Liu: “Provided by Hogwarts, there’s also a snot-flavored one—why aren’t you all eating? I’m just joking.”

Sheng Xin drank some water: “You’ll be scared if I tell you. The most memorable Christmas gift I received was Ying Hongyu.”

Yan Zhao coldly said: “Wait, is this 110? There’s human trafficking here.”

Sheng Xin: “I’m going to reveal your secrets.”

As if he was threatened, Yan Zhao: “I’m not afraid, go ahead.”

Host Liu laughed heartily: “I remember… Ying Hongyu was brought into the circle by Xiao Sheng.”

Sheng Xin: “Right, I was visiting a film city, and it snowed that day. A group performer fainted from a high fever, landing right in my arms… It was Ying Hongyu. I thought this kid was pretty good-looking, so I cast him as the lead in my next movie, although the rating was only 4.8.”

Two other love coaches answered the question, He Shengqi munching on a gingerbread man said: “An Hermès brick.”

Yan Zhao: “…Was it a gift, not something you bought yourself?”

He Shengqi: “What’s the use of me buying that? Is it because it feels smoother than a regular brick?”

When it was Yan Zhao’s turn, he said: “Does it count if it’s not a Christmas gift?”

Host Liu: “No problem.”

Yan Zhao: “A ring.”

Everyone: ……

Everyone: Huh? !!!!!!

He Shengqi exclaimed: “Is it, is it the one on your hand?!”

Yan Zhao had a platinum ring on his finger. He shook his head, saying, “No. I only wore it once when I received it as a gift.”

Everyone’s curiosity was piqued, but they couldn’t ask too many details, only able to respond with a meaningful ‘Oh.’

Sheng Xin: A look that sees through everything, hehe.

After the program was broadcast, the reaction was huge.

The production team directly used “Yan Zhao Reveals His Ideal Type, and Once Received a Ring” as the headline, causing countless salt soda fans to almost lose their grip on their mouse. Ordinary passersby remained very calm, accustomed to sensational headlines like “Shocking! Every minute that passes, your life is reduced by 60 seconds.”

And as they expected, the content was standard. After all, the main attraction of the show was still the scheming and ambiguous interactions among the amateur guests. So the love coaches had little screen time. The discussion on love and money also sparked a debate.

And the second round of questions, “Your Ideal Type,” started off with high energy. He Shengqi’s fanboying was almost to the point of directly telling Yan Zhao “I like you,” setting off a wave of excitement in the comments.

[Coming out on the spot, this kid better be careful.]

[His eyes were practically glued to Yan Zhao.]

[To the salt soda fans watching, see that? Your rival in love.]

[It’s so direct that I actually think He is a real straight guy (.]

[Right, my next-door straight male fan also calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘hubby.’ That’s how straight guys are; in front of their idol, there’s no such thing as dignity.]

When it was Yan Zhao’s turn to speak, his statement “I like mature ones” dealt a critical blow to He Shengqi, and the barrage was filled with a wave of laughter. It was a heartbreaking moment on the spot!

Later, Yan Zhao mentioned some details, like waiting for a hug after making milk, never thinking about arguing, and perhaps giving each other the cold shoulder if there were ever a conflict…

The general public remained calm, with most salt soda fans taking notes on their idol, but a small portion sensed a storm coming.

When Yan Zhao admitted he had received a ring, someone in the salt soda fan group asked: [Zhao Zhao… are you in a relationship?]

Jia Ge: [Yes. I’m Zhao Zhao’s girlfriend, how did you know?]

Jia You Xian Zhao: [I’m not joking, have you guys seen the latest episode of “A Hundred Love Letters”? The way Zhao Zhao described it in B makes me think he’s seeing someone.]

This statement startled the lurkers.

[What?! Who is it, better not be xxx that little vixen, mom doesn’t allow it!]

[Don’t spread rumors, what time exactly, I’m going to check!!!]

[Ahhh don’t scare me, my girlfriend fan can’t take this kind of shock!!!]

After they watched the episode, the group was in chaos.

Among Yan Zhao’s fans, there were mommy fans(mother fans), girlfriend fans, career fans, and CP fans.

The idea that Yan Zhao might be seeing someone hit the girlfriend fans the hardest.

[It hurts… I hope it’s not true…]

[Sigh, I knew this day would come, but I really can’t accept it]

[If it’s true, we’ll meet again if it’s meant to be.]

Compared to the disheartened girlfriend fans, the other three groups of fans were much more composed.

The main group issued a public notice forbidding the discussion of speculative romantic affairs.

Then in their own small groups, they began wildly speculating about who Yan Zhao’s partner could be:

Sheng Xin, a notorious director, a playboy and 24k pure straight man, excluded.

He Shengqi, a well-known actor of the new generation, just rejected, excluded.

Zhou Yun, an award-winning actor, married and straight man, excluded.

Ying Hongyu, a film emperor, busy filming, not much contact, but once saved by Yan Zhao, possibility B.

Ling Xiao, a variety show lyricist, has worked on variety shows, good relationship, possibility A.

Wang Zai’s dad, a wealthy fan, knows him in real life, often cues each other on Weibo, possibility C.

Shen Yuanting, the boss of Yuanzhao, a cooperative relationship, has had ice cream together, watched a movie alone, affectionate actions, possibility S.

If it’s true…

Is my Zhao about to marry into a wealthy family???!!!

Even though it was just speculation for fun, they were still excited.

Upon waking up, Yan Zhao found the group chat was buzzing with: [I recommend “Morning Glory Rose” with my real name!!! Republic of China setting, with warlord General Shen and leading lady Zhao, no out-of-character behavior for the young maidens, a sweet yet anguishing romantic storyline, the intimate scenes are so damn good, I swear by it! Link xxx.]

Yan Zhao clicked in, then immediately closed the webpage with a shaky hand.

I Have Salt: [What are you all doing!!!]

CP discussions were forbidden in the main group, and the spokesperson quickly apologized and retracted the message: [Sorry, wrong group!]

Yan Zhao hugged his pillow, tossing and turning. Even though he only glanced at it, that description was still imprinted in Yan Zhao’s mind: [Yan Zhao gritted his teeth, sensing the changes in his body. He was like a budding rose forcefully opened by Shen Yuanting, revealing the fragile stamen…]

Damn, reading about my own ship is so exciting!