Chapter 6 Variety Show Filming

Three days later, “Glorious Era” officially began filming. To give Lin Xi more exposure, Zhou Xin had already signed her up for a variety show.

“The Inside Scoop on Showbiz” was a brand-new, lighthearted entertainment program launched by Dragon Channel. It featured four regular MCs, with a guest star each episode. Through games, secrets from the entertainment industry would be revealed, with the option of choosing truth or dare. Each episode was filmed and aired in succession, twelve episodes in total, each running short enough to keep fans engaged in real time, allowing the audience to feel involved.

This was exactly what Zhou Xin valued—no disruption to the drama’s filming schedule and increased visibility.

Today was the first episode. The production team treated the MCs well; each had their own dressing room.

Lin Xi sat before the mirror, eyes closed, waiting for her makeup to be done.

Last night, she had dreamt fragments from more than a decade ago—the same young man giving her candy, making her laugh, and then herself collapsed in a pool of blood, crying so bitterly it seemed to tear her apart.

She woke with a start to find half her pillow wet with tears. The rest of the night was haunted by nightmares, leaving her unrested.

She knew something profoundly painful had happened back then. She'd tried to gently probe her brothers about what occurred when she was twelve, but they always refused to tell her. Even the easy-going fourth brother, Gu Yao, kept silent on the matter.

Lin Xi understood their good intentions, but she didn’t want to remain in the dark. She was determined to find the gentle young man from her memories—the only clue she had. She was sure he held the answers.

Though she’d reached out to people for help, there were no leads. It was far from easy.

Xiao Ke, Lin Xi’s makeup artist, hesitated, quietly asking Miya if she should start on the makeup now. Miya took one look at Lin Xi and shook her head, signaling to wait a little longer.

But things seldom go as planned.

Suddenly, loud knocking sounded from the door opposite, as if afraid it wouldn’t be noticed. A voice called out, “Mr. Xu, are you there?”

Lin Xi was already awake. She called for Xiao Ke to help with her makeup and ignored the commotion outside.

When it was time, everyone headed out and met in the hallway.

The four regular MCs were: the renowned host Xu Feng, a figure without a single scandal and with countless friends in the industry; An Leju, a second-tier singer whose songs were hits but who himself was not famous; Shen Yingying, a young actress who’d taken supporting roles in many dramas, recently gaining popularity with a new show; and, of course, Lin Xi.

After their meeting—

Lin Xi always favored flat shoes, never getting used to heels, so Miya supported her as they walked. Shen Yingying shot her a disdainful glance and snorted, “Showing off, are we?”

Though her voice was low, she made no effort to hide it; everyone present heard her clearly.

Unlike Lin Xi, Miya was hot-tempered, almost rolling her eyes at Shen Yingying. Did this woman really think she had the right to comment on Xi-jie? But Lin Xi gently squeezed her hand, signaling her to let it go.

Xu Feng, sensing the tension, quickly interjected, introducing himself, “Hello everyone, I’m your host, Xu Feng.”

Shen Yingying immediately followed with flattery, “Who doesn’t know Mr. Xu! Hello everyone, I’m actress Yingying, you all must recognize me!” She even threw a coquettish glance at the group.

Lin Xi didn’t spare her a look, simply greeting, “Hello, seniors, I’m Lin Xi.”

“Never heard of you,” Shen Yingying retorted, not even bothering to hide her disdain.

Miya clenched her fists. If any one of Miss Lin’s brothers were here, this woman would’ve been put in her place in an instant—her remains wouldn’t even be found.

Lin Xi had always been sheltered and pampered by her brothers; everyone in her circle treated her with deference. No one dared cross her, and any problems were swiftly handled by her family. Now, filming on her own, she was subjected to such rudeness—Miya could hardly tolerate it.

She had forgotten, though, that Lin Xi was not one to be bullied, having grown up a pampered young lady.

An Leju, sensing the awkward atmosphere and Xu Feng’s anxious look, quickly smoothed things over, laughing, “Yingying loves to joke. Hello everyone, I’m singer An Leju.” He smiled kindly and pressed on, “By the way, the muffins Yingying brought us were delicious, weren’t they, Lin Xi?”

Lin Xi finally looked at Shen Yingying, her gaze flitting over her without a word.

Xu Feng noticed the tension and was about to intervene when Shen Yingying sneered, “As if she deserves to eat something so good!”

She was convinced Lin Xi was just another newcomer without connections. She’d seen plenty like her—unworthy of standing as equals. After all the effort she’d put in to get this opportunity, she couldn’t let some nameless beauty steal her thunder.

Truth be told, she was simply jealous of Lin Xi’s looks.

As soon as Shen Yingying finished, the others’ faces darkened; the air grew cold and awkward.

But Lin Xi only smiled, her tone unyielding, “I don’t know what I’ve done to offend you, Miss Shen, but I’m not someone who tolerates bullying. If you leave me be, we’ll get along. If not, I won’t hesitate to call you out. And trust me—it won’t be pretty.”

Her words stunned the others—this newcomer had backbone.

“Hmph!” Miya couldn’t hold back, glaring fiercely at Shen Yingying. Having worked with Lin Xi for so long, she was used to others showing nothing but respect; for a no-name actress to mock her was infuriating.

After Lin Xi spoke, Miya helped her into the studio ahead of the others.

Miya fumed, “Xi-jie, she’s really too much. And you just let her off like that?”

Lin Xi, calm and collected, comforted her, “Don’t worry about it. If a dog bites you, would you bite back? We’re here to film—no point stooping to her level.”

On the other side, Shen Yingying’s face turned green, her fists clenched so tightly her manicured nails nearly broke.

Xu Feng was exasperated—Shen Yingying was just looking for trouble. He muttered, “Don’t stir things up again.” An Leju shook his head, thinking female celebrities really were troublesome.

The two men entered the studio.

Shen Yingying was left stewing, indignant that even a lowly assistant dared to slight her. Why were both men siding with Lin Xi? She must be seducing them behind the scenes.

Inside the studio, everyone tacitly let the matter drop.

“All departments ready, action!” the director called, and the recording began.

The four guests sat in a semi-circle around the table. Xu Feng sat in the center, flanked by An Leju and Lin Xi, with Shen Yingying beside An Leju. In front of each person were snacks and beverages sponsored by the program.

Xu Feng opened, “Welcome to ‘The Inside Scoop on Showbiz,’ proudly sponsored by Milk Source.” The guests introduced themselves in turn, mentioning their representative works.

When it was Lin Xi’s turn, she faced the camera and promoted, “Hello, viewers, I’m Lin Xi. My project ‘Glorious Era’ is currently filming—please look forward to it.”

Shen Yingying couldn’t resist sneering—so she was the lead actress in Lu Yuxiu’s new drama? Hmph, just another newcomer who must have slept her way to the top.

Xu Feng glanced at the script to keep things on track. “Let’s move into the first segment—drawing lots to decide truth or dare.”

“Jumping right in, huh? The producers sure are ruthless,” joked An Leju, lightening the mood.

“I’ll go first,” Shen Yingying volunteered, immediately drawing a lot.

Xu Feng, seeing her eagerness, didn’t object. “Let’s see what you got.”

The card read: Which male (or female) celebrity in the industry interests you?

A simple question—one could just name a respected senior or even a fellow actress to win favor, depending on how clever one was.

All eyes turned to Shen Yingying, waiting for her answer. Without disappointing, she coyly announced an answer that even stunned the director.

“Lu Yuxiu! The God of Drama!”

Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed herself.

The studio froze for a second. The two male guests were clearly shocked; this was as good as a public confession! Not long ago, Lu Yuxiu had openly stated he already liked someone—could it be Shen Yingying?

Their eyes drifted to Lin Xi, who was currently acting alongside Lu Yuxiu, but she looked utterly unconcerned.

It wasn’t composure—Lin Xi simply knew Lu Yuxiu wouldn’t be interested in someone like Shen Yingying. Yet why was she so sure? The thought made her frown.

Shen Yingying wasn’t foolish; she’d heard what happened to women who threw themselves at Lu Yuxiu. Still, she was captivated by his aloofness and ascetic charm and decided to go all in—declaring her feelings on air. Perhaps she might move him. Even if he didn’t accept, he wouldn’t be so ungentlemanly as to reject her outright, and she could use the buzz to imply she was the one he liked.

Xu Feng now regretted signing on for this show—trouble after trouble. He hurriedly shifted the topic, “Ha-ha, who wouldn’t want to work with the God of Drama?”

An Leju chimed in, “He’s an idol to many in the industry!”

“Let’s continue drawing lots!” The two men, seasoned pros, deftly sidestepped the sensitive issue.

Lin Xi’s turn: She drew “Call a friend in the industry and borrow one million yuan.”

She hesitated. The staff handed her phone over. Scrolling through her contacts, someone came to mind.

She made a voice call.

After a few rings, a clear, pleasant female voice answered, “Hello, Xi, what’s up?” instantly easing the tension.

Lin Xi smiled, her eyes bright, “Sister Qi Qi, I’m in a bit of a bind—could you lend me a million?”

Qi Qi’s mind spun—Lin Xi was Gu Yao’s sister; why would she be asking her for money? She quickly caught on, “No problem! Just send me your bank details.”

Her upbeat reply made the whole studio smile—except Shen Yingying. Lin Xi was elated.

Over the phone, Qi Qi teased, “Xi, you’re filming a show, aren’t you!”

“Ha-ha, yes, Sister Qi Qi! Hello!” Xu Feng greeted her, and the others followed suit.

“Xi, I figured as much! Remember to buy me a meal!” Qi Qi joked.

Lin Xi couldn’t help but laugh, warmth blossoming in her heart. “Absolutely!”

The group chatted amiably.

Only Shen Yingying seethed—Lin Xi actually knew the newly crowned Best Actress Qi Qi? Impossible! It had to be a coincidence. This newcomer was trying to steal her spotlight.

In the next round, Lin Xi lost a game and chose truth. Asked about her ideal type, she was briefly at a loss—she’d never thought about it. She instinctively replied that she hoped for someone gentle and attentive, like the big brother from her childhood, though she kept the last part to herself.

A few more rounds passed, and the recording ended on a cheerful note.

The director promised that the first episode would air in a week, with further recording dates to be announced. Lin Xi had gotten a taste of variety shows.

Much like reality TV, she was glad she’d insisted on not crafting a public persona; otherwise, her facade might have crumbled on camera, and the internet’s sharp-eyed viewers would have dragged her onto the trending lists for any misstep.

It was wiser not to build an artificial persona—presenting her truest self to the public was most honest. If she was lucky, people might even say she was refreshingly genuine.