Chapter 16#
【Chapter 016】#
The tall man at the front cast a glance, casually removing his sunglasses. “Sister Yin, we meet again.”
Yu Yinhe took the initiative to shake his hand. “Changting, welcome to our show.”
“It’s my honor to participate in a show produced by you, Sister Yin.”
Fu Changting responded with a smile, but his gaze fell on Jing Shun beside her.
Following his line of sight, Yu Yinhe began to play the role of introducer. “Changting, let me introduce you—”
“This is Jing Shun, one of the guests on this observation panel. And this is his agent, Yu Xiuzhu.”
Fu Changting clearly saw the wheelchair beneath him that couldn’t be ignored, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes. “Mm.”
Jing Shun had long noticed Fu Changting’s gaze. Considering the other’s current status and position, he greeted him politely and properly. “Hello, Teacher Fu. I’m Jing Shun. It’s an honor to be recording the show with you.”
“…”
Fu Changting was silent for a few seconds, but his response wasn’t distant. “It’s only been a few years, and you don’t recognize me anymore? Back on set, didn’t you call me ‘brother’?”
As soon as this was said, the people around showed varying degrees of surprise.
Jing Shun also hadn’t expected Fu Changting to take the initiative to reminisce, and he faltered.
Yu Yinhe asked curiously, “You two know each other?”
Yu Xiuzhu was fairly familiar with Jing Shun’s acting career. “Seems like you’ve worked together? Played brothers?”
“Yes, we worked together on two dramas. Come to think of it—” Fu Changting deliberately mimicked Jing Shun’s earlier form of address, “Teacher Xiao Jing debuted earlier than me, so technically, you’re my senior.”
Jing Shun’s ears burned as he quickly denied it. “Teacher Fu is joking. How could I possibly be considered that?”
Yu Yinhe smiled and glanced at her watch. “How about we all head into the hall first and get ready? Once you’re on this show, there’ll be plenty of time to chat and catch up.”
“Mm.”
“Alright.”
The large reception hall was divided into several small makeup cubicles, but the doors weren’t labeled with corresponding guest nameplates, suggesting they could be chosen freely.
Knowing his status was far from impressive compared to the other guests, Jing Shun tactfully found a small makeup cubicle in the corner. Since he wasn’t very mobile, he had already changed into his on-camera outfit at home.
Yu Xiuzhu handed him a cup of fruit tea that had just been brewed. “Here, I just made this for you. Drink it to warm up. The makeup artist will be here soon.”
“Okay, thanks, Brother Yu.”
Yu Xiuzhu pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. “Xiao Jing, how’s your relationship with Fu Changting? Close?”
Thinking back to their chance encounter in front of the elevator, Jing Shun took a small sip of the hot tea. “We worked together on set before, but we haven’t seen each other in years. Not really close.”
Back then, the two had very few scenes together, and the combined time spent on both sets was very short.
However, since there were few people their age in the crew at the time, Jing Shun had really liked Fu Changting, this actor brother who was a few years older. Influenced by their characters in the drama—
Off set, he had indeed called him “brother” all the time.
“At that time, I didn’t have my own WeChat account, and my parents still managed my Weibo, so I never added him as a contact personally.”
The entertainment industry is neither big nor small.
Ten years had passed. Fu Changting had become a household name as a powerful actor, while Jing Shun had faced multiple pressures and setbacks, to the point where he was now a fringe figure in the industry.
He knew the vast gap in their status, which is why he kept his greeting formal and proper, never intending to bring up their past association, lest others think he was trying to claim a connection.
Hearing Jing Shun’s reasoning, Yu Xiuzhu agreed with his sensible caution.
“However, since you’re recording the show together this time, it’s not impossible to find a chance to reconnect. Fu Changting has a good reputation in the industry these days and a wide network of resources.”
If Jing Shun wanted to develop a long-term career in the entertainment industry, he would inevitably need to know more people in the circle—both in front of and behind the scenes.
Of course, these connections had to be clean and free from any shady under-the-table rules.
Jing Shun understood what Yu Xiuzhu meant and suddenly remembered something else.
Since there were no outsiders around, he asked, “Brother Yu, what’s the reputation of Producer Meng in the industry?”
Jing Shun hadn’t interacted much with variety shows before, so he didn’t know Meng Zhide at all.
Yu Xiuzhu replied, “Meng Zhide has been at Seaside City TV for almost seventeen years, right? He’s produced quite a few shows over the years and must have accumulated a lot of connections. He always has a smiling face for everyone, so his reputation is pretty…”
Mid-sentence, he sensed something off. “Xiao Jing, did Meng Zhide do something to you when I stepped out to take that call?”
Hearing Yu Xiuzhu’s line of questioning, Jing Shun shook his head. “No, I was just asking casually.”
Maybe it was just his long-term psychological issues making him overly sensitive, causing him to overreact to Meng Zhide’s sudden contact?
Yu Xiuzhu’s expression turned serious. “Are you sure nothing happened?”
Jing Shun nodded. “Mm.”
“Good, nothing happened.”
Yu Xiuzhu sighed in relief and gave a stern reminder. “It’s true that Meng Zhide earned his position as producer, but I’ve never heard of him engaging in any shady behavior in the industry.”
“Still, this show is ultimately Sister Yin’s call. From now on, don’t deal with him alone. If anything comes up, let me handle it.”
“Mm.”
Jing Shun had his own standards.
He wouldn’t easily let others cross his boundaries, nor would he casually allow others to overstep his limits. Besides, there was no concrete evidence yet. The show hadn’t even started recording, so it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
…
Since it was a network TV variety show, Jing Shun’s makeup and styling took nearly two hours to complete.
Yu Xiuzhu had stepped out earlier to coordinate the show’s schedule. Jing Shun sat alone in his wheelchair, still holding the cup of fruit tea with more than half left.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to drink it, but he didn’t dare to drink too much.
Facing the camera again after so many years, Jing Shun felt an overwhelming nervousness. Moreover, since he wasn’t as mobile as others, he had to minimize the need to use the restroom.
Knock, knock.
A knock sounded.
“Come in.”
Jing Shun initially thought it was Yu Xiuzhu returning, but he was surprised to see Fu Changting push the door open. Fu Changting had changed into a simple black-and-white sweater, and his usual aloof aura had largely dissipated.
Jing Shun was startled. “Teacher Fu, what are you doing here?”
Fu Changting explained, “The staff said your makeup room was here. It looks like you’re done with your styling? Mind if I come in and chat?”
A top TV actor like this had already reached the door—how could he be turned away?
Jing Shun straightened up and invited him in. “Of course not. Please, have a seat.”
Fu Changting walked over and sat down, letting his gaze sweep over Jing Shun from head to toe in a non-invasive manner. “There were too many people earlier, so I didn’t want to ask. How are your legs? Is everything okay?”
Jing Shun subconsciously tugged at his blanket. “It’s fine.”
Fu Changting, afraid of being misunderstood, added, “I just wanted to see if I could help.”
Jing Shun never liked showing his hardships to outsiders. “I’ve already found a doctor and am preparing for surgery. There’s still a chance for recovery.”
Hearing this, Fu Changting smiled sincerely. “That’s good. Actually, when I first saw you trending, I immediately contacted your aunt to ask about your condition.”
Jing Shun heard this for the first time. “My mom?”
“Mm.”
Fu Changting’s expression didn’t seem like a lie. “Don’t you remember? Back on set back then, you had your aunt add me on WeChat. She would send holiday greetings, and occasionally chat with me, asking if I was busy.”
“I recall you once complained to me that you didn’t get a role, otherwise we could have worked together a third time.”
Mentioning these past events, Jing Shun felt a renewed sense of familiarity with Fu Changting. “I was still pretty immature back then. Was it a bother to you?”
“Not at all.”
Back then, Fu Changting was in the midst of his career ascent, constantly busy with various commitments. He had also witnessed the malice, complexity, and scheming in the entertainment industry.
But Jing Shun’s blessings and concern for him were genuine, free of any impurities.
“About three months ago, when I heard about what happened to you, I wanted to help as much as I could, but the messages I sent to your aunt went unanswered.”
At that time, Fu Changting was busy filming a TV series abroad and couldn’t get any information through others.
About half a month later, Jing Shun’s mother finally replied to him, but before they could exchange more than a few words, she took the opportunity to make some rather difficult requests.
Fu Changting omitted the less pleasant parts of their exchange and didn’t elaborate.
Jing Shun explained, “My parents got divorced many years ago. They both have new families now, and I don’t really keep in touch with them anymore.”
He paused, then added an apology. “I’m sorry, Teacher Fu. I didn’t know you had sent those messages back then.”
“Calling me ‘Teacher Fu’ over and over is way too formal.” Fu Changting waved his hand helplessly. “Even if you can’t call me ‘brother’ like you did when we were kids, at least call me ‘Brother Ting’ like everyone else?”
Jing Shun hesitated for a second, then changed his address. “Brother Ting.”
“Now that’s better.”
Fu Changting nodded in satisfaction and then asked, “The show is about to start. Are you nervous?”
Jing Shun was still holding his insulated cup tightly, masking his true emotions. “Not really.”
Just then, Yu Xiuzhu pushed open the slightly ajar door of the makeup room. “Xiao Jing, you…”
He paused slightly when he saw Fu Changting, then quickly continued, “Teacher Fu is here too? They’re about to do a test recording. Want to head over together?”
“Sure.”
Fu Changting stood up first and said to Jing Shun, “After the show, we can chat some more if we have time.”
“…”
The moment Jing Shun thought about the show about to start, his heart began to race, and he even forgot to respond to Fu Changting.
He couldn’t help but take a big gulp of fruit tea to wet his throat, which had tightened from nervousness, and forced himself to stay calm. “Okay, let’s go.”
…
The content of the observation room recording wasn’t very complicated.
After the guests’ opening self-introductions, they watched the main content of the reality show together, then discussed specific topics.
As the actor with the highest profile among the guests, Fu Changting naturally sat in the center seat. The other guests took their assigned seats according to the show’s arrangement and exchanged polite greetings.
Jing Shun sat in the second seat from the right, next to the show’s business guest for this episode—
Fang Lun, the PR director of Xiaomai Technology.
All four companies participating in the reality show had sent representatives, each taking turns to appear as guests in two episodes.
The five-hour-long show recording was indeed long, but all the guests maintained a high level of professionalism, engaging in interesting banter during discussions. The whole show went more smoothly than expected.
The first round of recording finally ended before 8:00 PM.
Jing Shun returned to the makeup room, finally letting go of the tension. His mind went blank.
Looking at Yu Xiuzhu beside him, he sincerely thanked him. “Brother Yu, you worked hard today too.”
For a recording of this length, even an agent could slack off behind the scenes, let alone an assistant.
But Yu Xiuzhu, worried that Jing Shun might not be used to being on a show after so long, and even more concerned that his body couldn’t handle it, stayed in front of the cameras the entire time until it ended.
“We don’t need to say such polite things to each other. Besides, how can I be as tired as you?” Yu Xiuzhu handed him the insulated cup again. “Now you can drink a bit more. Do you want to remove your makeup?”
“No, I’ll do it at home.”
Probably because he was too nervous during the recording, Jing Shun felt very tired now that he was relaxing.
“Then take a rest. I’ll go confirm everything with Sister Yin again. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take you back.”
“Okay.”
The moment Yu Xiuzhu left, Jing Shun felt his wristwatch vibrate.
He quickly pulled back his sleeve to check.
On the square watch screen, a message notification appeared: “Finished recording?”
Jing Shun immediately realized who it was. Typing on the watch was inconvenient, so he replied directly via voice:
“Mr. Chi, how did you know? I just finished and am about to head back.”
Chi Gui’s reply came quickly: “Your heart rate just returned to normal, so I guessed you were off the show and no longer nervous.”
“…”
He had hidden it so well in front of everyone, yet Chi Gui, who wasn’t even there, had seen right through him?
A subtle, indescribable feeling rose in Jing Shun’s heart. Then he found it strange:
How did someone as busy as Chi Gui find the time to check his heart rate?
And he even figured out that he was done with the show immediately—could he have been monitoring it the whole time?
As his thoughts wandered, Chi Gui sent another message: “Spot B20 on Floor B1. Take your time packing up and come down. No rush, go slowly.”
Jing Shun replied, “Did you send a driver to pick me up?”
Chi Gui’s answer was brief but struck Jing Shun’s heart heavily:
“I’m waiting for you.”