The author of “Chatting about the Passing of Time with a Zither,” Zai Yin, posted a lengthy weibo:
【Chatting About is a web series I’ve been following every week. Honestly, it’s much better than I imagined. I appreciate the respect and reasonable interpretation the production team has given to Chatting About.
Five years ago, when I penned Chatting About, my writing was still immature, and there were many flaws in character design. Recently, I’ve seen many netizens discussing, claiming that the portrayal of Jin’er in the series is a deviation from the book. I don’t agree with this.
I believe the portrayal of Jin’er in the series addressed some of the unreasonable aspects in my book, providing this character with more possibilities, not just as a tool to drive the plot.
Especially Xu Qiao’s performance truly moved me. Wearing layers of masks on his face, he could, in the final moments of life, remove all shackles and take off all masks. His life in the brothels, ending in Chunyu Yuan’s embrace, resonates with me. I really like this treatment.】
The popularity of the Chatting About web series was soaring. Opinions on the adaptation varied. The author’s response was like plunging a red-hot iron into icy water, emitting a sharp hissing sound as it suddenly cooled down.
Most book fans stopped their criticism, but some questioning voices became more acerbic.
「Very disappointed after fighting for Dada for so long. Turns out Dada doesn’t even care. It’s really hard to put this feeling into words.」
「She never loved her own work from the start, and who knows how many benefits the production team offered her. Speaking without principles like this.」
「What’s wrong with speaking sincerely? Why can’t Dada express genuine feelings? In my opinion, what Dada said is right. The series didn’t truly alter the character. Why can’t Jin’er have a complete life?」
「The author has spoken. Why are some people still making a fuss?」
「I feel disgusted when I see those two guys being overly affectionate, okay?」
「Doubting without even watching the series, and just spraying criticism everywhere. Xu Qiao’s performance is undoubtedly adding value to the show.」
「The production team is smarter than anyone else. Why do you think it’s the most popular web series right now? Look at the data, and you’ll understand Xu Qiao’s significance.」
Jin’er had already met his demise, and the plot was reaching its conclusion. The male lead, Chunyu Yuan, had finally become a renowned hero in the martial arts world and found his love.
Ideally, a well-rounded series like this should have higher viewership.
However, when the new episodes of Chatting About were released on Tuesday, everyone noticed that the 24-hour viewership not only didn’t increase but also significantly dropped compared to last week.
As the updates continued on Thursday, the decrease in viewership became even more apparent.
In the past weeks, whenever Chatting About released new episodes, the 24-hour viewership would rapidly soar, leaving other web series far behind.
Clearly, the current situation was a result of the impact of Jin’er’s exit on the series.
A data analyst created a line graph for analysis. From the graph, it was evident that episodes featuring Jin’er had significantly higher viewership. For instance, the third episode with Jin’er had a small peak, and the episode where Jin’er met his demise became the most-watched in the entire series.
The importance of Jin’er’s character to the entire series was self-evident.
Fortunately, with Jin’er out of the picture and the series entering its conclusion, the subsequent decrease in viewership wouldn’t have a substantial impact. Chatting About still maintained a commanding lead in total viewership.
Meanwhile, inside Xu Siyi’s studio office, Mo Chenghong summoned both Xu Qiao and Li Feifei to organize various tasks.
“Feifei, continue to accompany Xu Qiao, both in personal and professional aspects. Pay attention to every detail, including meals, accommodations, daily tasks, and travel plans. Keep your phone on at all times. I need to be able to contact you anytime.”
Mo Chenghong, meticulous when discussing work, paused and habitually pushed his glasses with his middle finger. “Regarding Xu Qiao’s previous incidents of street fights and disputes while intoxicated, such incidents absolutely cannot happen again. If anything happens, inform me immediately for timely damage control.”
Li Feifei felt that Mo Chenghong, by pushing his glasses that way, seemed to be indirectly addressing him. Recalling the negative impact of the two incidents on Xu Qiao, he nodded with a heavy heart.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
After briefing Li Feifei on his responsibilities, Mo Chenghong introduced the stylist and several teachers assigned to Xu Qiao.
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Nicole greeted Xu Qiao with a cheerful smile. “Xu Qiao, I watched your drama, and I really liked it.”
After saying that, her gaze unabashedly swept over Xu Qiao from head to toe. Xu Qiao felt like this woman was measuring his body with her eyes. He glanced at her, showing no particular reaction.
This sparked an intrigued gleam in Nicole’s eyes. Normally, when faced with such direct and explicit scrutiny, most people would instinctively shift their bodies to avoid eye contact. However, Xu Qiao was indifferent, relaxed, and unfazed.
Either he had a thick skin to a certain degree, or he had long grown accustomed to being the center of others’ attention. Now, it seemed that the latter possibility was more likely.
Mo Chenghong paid no attention to Nicole’s mental activities. He tapped the table twice with his fingers. “Nicole, create a unique style for Xu Qiao. Ensure it’s eye-catching enough that he could stand casually in a crowd and still dazzle.”
Nicole gathered her hair. “This goal lacks any challenge. He doesn’t need to do anything. Just standing there is enough to captivate people.”
Mo Chenghong adjusted his glasses and ignored Nicole’s comment. He turned to the three teachers beside him and addressed Xu Qiao, “These three are your fitness trainer, dance instructor, and deportment teacher. Depending on the situation, we’ll decide whether to add vocal and other instructors for you later.”
Li Feifei discreetly assessed the fitness trainer assigned by Mo Chenghong to Xu Qiao, Kang Wei. He appeared robust and muscular, with a body full of tendons, yet for some reason, he felt he exuded a somewhat soft and gentle aura.
Mo Chenghong’s expression turned serious as he addressed Kang Wei, “Xu Qiao needs to develop attractive and toned muscle definition, but he tends towards a lean physique. There shouldn’t be large and exaggerated muscles.”
Kang Wei waved his hand dismissively and chuckled. “Aiya, don’t worry. I’ll measure Xu Qiao’s size every week, and ensure it meets your standards.”
When mentioning the word “size,” Kang Wei winked at Xu Qiao.
Li Feifei felt goosebumps rising, and hastily pulled his big brother behind him.
Mo Chenghong continued, “Next is in terms of deportment. Your demeanor, behavior, including expression management, must be tasteful and elegant. This responsibility falls on Teacher An. Teacher An’s grandfather was a prominent scholar. She has been teaching deportment for many years and is quite experienced in this field.”
Appearance, demeanor, and communication were essential courses for a celebrity.
The deportment teacher was a graceful old woman with silver hair piled up at the back of her head, exuding a dignified and elegant aura in every move.
She nodded towards Xu Qiao.
“Lastly, there’s specialized training.” Mo Chenghong introduced the final teacher to Xu Qiao. “I saw your dance segment in Chatting About, and it was impressive. Good coordination and flexibility. You can further develop in this area.
“This teacher is also responsible for training Siyi in dance initially. She excels in ethnic and modern dance. She also has experience in street dance elements like locking and breaking. If you’re interested in street dance, later on, I’ll find a more specialized teacher for you.”
After finishing this long list, Mo Chenghong’s gaze finally settled on Xu Qiao. “These are our current thoughts. If you have any requests or concerns, feel free to let us know.”
Xu Qiao glanced at the three teachers and asked, “Do we have classes every day?”
“We’ll discuss it when there’s a work schedule. When there’s no work, at least two months of continuous training in deportment. Dance and fitness training will continue consistently.”
Starting from the next day, Xu Qiao, with no current work commitments, began attending classes in the training room at the studio office.
The first day involved the deportment teacher coming in to instruct. The old woman was dignified, virtuous, and poised, radiating a refined aura shaped by the influence of scholarly family background in every gesture and expression.
“Keep your shoulders open and downward at all times. This posture will make you appear more upright and is beneficial for your spine.”
The old woman’s hands were well-maintained. Though marked by the passage of time, they remained soft.
She lightly patted Xu Qiao’s shoulder from behind and, when turning to meet his gaze, paused for a moment.
His eyes were clear, carrying a serene light — profound, composed. Those were the eyes possessed by individuals with extensive knowledge and broad perspectives.
Suddenly, the old woman’s movements became hesitant. She took two steps back and said to Xu Qiao, “Walk a bit for me.”
In his slow steps, there was the tolerance and courtesy acquired from prolonged superiority. Despite the haziness in the old woman’s eyes, she could still discern the indescribable aura of time that enveloped Xu Qiao, as if he were a young nobleman born into a royal and aristocratic family a thousand years ago.
Unconsciously, a sense of reverence and distance emerged in the heart. When the old woman noticed this, she fell silent for a moment.
The feeling she was experiencing was similar to facing a gentleman who served the royal court.
Etiquette and deportment, eloquence, and conduct flowed naturally as if they possessed their own universe. Why bother with such unnecessary efforts to teach?
That evening, the old woman expressed to Mo Chenghong that she couldn’t instruct Xu Qiao.
Mo Chenghong, unaware of what happened, wanted to persuade her, but the old woman waved her hand, casting a glance at Xu Qiao as she left.
“Chenghong, don’t bother finding someone else to teach him. His deportment is the best on its own.”
Little did the old woman know, Xu Qiao, who had transmigrated in a book called “Crown Prince,” received royal education since childhood. He witnessed the rise and fall of the royal family, the historical changes between dynasties, allowing a unique aura to settle on him that others couldn’t imitate.
The next day, the dance teacher came to instruct.
Being an adult, learning dance was more challenging for Xu Qiao compared to children. The dance teacher decided to start with flexibility exercises, gradually opening up Xu Qiao’s body, and then teaching some uncomplicated dance movements, progressing gradually.
The results showed that Xu Qiao’s natural flexibility was exceptional, and his body coordination was excellent.
When learning dance movements, he didn’t resemble a novice at all. There was no trace of struggle or difficulty on his face.
…Teaching provided no sense of accomplishment.
The only headache for Xu Qiao was the fitness trainer, Kang Wei, with muscles all over his body.
Xu Qiao wasn’t much of a fan of physical activity, preferring to lazily recline on the comfortable sofa cushions.
Encountering a fitness trainer brimming with passion made things a bit challenging for him.
Kang Wei measured his body fat percentage, jotted down notes and sketches in his notebook, and devised a fitness and diet plan.
“Fitness should be approached step by step. The fundamental principle is not to harm the body.” Kang Wei scrutinized Xu Qiao, fingertips grazing his chin. A somewhat uncomfortable smile appeared on his broad face. “Mr. Mo said not to develop exaggerated lines, so let’s work on something suitable for you. Your physique is decent, but a bit more defined muscle lines would be better, and a slightly perkier buttocks would be even better.”
Xu Qiao: “…?”
Kang Wei clapped his hands, signaling Xu Qiao to focus. “Warm-up first, then alternate between three sets of sit-ups and squats.”
After completing warm-up exercises with Kang Wei, Xu Qiao found himself pressed down onto the yoga mat by Kang Wei.
“Flat-ground sit-ups, shoulders down, tighten the core, chin slightly tucked…”
Soon, the faint sound of Xu Qiao’s breathing filled the gym.
After finishing the sit-ups, Xu Qiao lay on the ground, unwilling to move. Kang Wei simply pulled him up.
Exhausted, Xu Qiao gave him a weary glance, but Kang Wei remained unfazed by those misty eyes. “Adjust your breathing. Now, let’s do squats together. One, two.”
When Xu Siyi entered the gym, he saw Xu Qiao with a look of complete disillusionment, lips pursed, following Kang Wei in doing squats.
“Come on, one, two, lift that butt after! Come on, one, two, one, two.”
Xu Qiao frowned, showing some resistance in his expression.
Xu Siyi walked over, calmly observing the two.
“Well, is the boss here for an inspection?” Kang Wei greeted.
Xu Siyi lifted his chin slightly, giving a small smile. “Just taking a look around.”
Leaning against the wall, he casually inserted his hands into his pockets, watching Xu Qiao.
Xu Qiao’s movements involuntarily slowed under his gaze.
Kang Wei clapped his hands, raising his voice a bit. “Hey hey hey, don’t stop, keep up with the rhythm.”
Xu Qiao: “……”
Under Xu Siyi’s scrutinizing gaze, Xu Qiao silently increased his pace.
After finally completing the squats, Xu Qiao leaned against the wall, legs trembling, unable to stop panting. Beads of sweat formed a fine layer on his forehead and nose, while dark strands of hair clung to his cheeks.
Xu Siyi found Xu Qiao’s sweaty appearance quite appealing.
People around, having finished intense exercise, typically displayed flushed faces and sweaty, shiny skin.
Xu Qiao, however, seemed as if he had been lifted out of water. Glistening with sweat, his skin became even more translucent beneath the dewy beads. The corners of his eyes and the tip of his nose blushed, resembling the color applied with a makeup brush.
Xu Qiao half-closed his eyes, not feeling inclined to say a word.
Xu Siyi lifted the lunch he brought over for him. “Tired, huh? Have something to eat.”
Kang Wei glanced at Xu Siyi. “No. Qiaoqiao will eat the lunch I arranged for him. Balanced carbs, high-quality protein.”
Saying this, he took a warm salad box from the front counter and handed it to Xu Qiao.
Xu Siyi raised an eyebrow, setting aside the food he brought.
Xu Qiao opened the salad and, under Kang Wei’s strict supervision, drizzled a small spoonful of vinaigrette, quietly eating.
After a couple of bites, he looked up at Xu Siyi. “Is there something?”
Xu Siyi’s gaze swept from his sweaty forehead. “The studio’s official Weibo account posted the contract announcement. Could you repost it when you have time?”
Xu Qiao swallowed the bland taste and simply nodded in acknowledgment.
***
Thanks again, Rii! You’re an angel!!
Still have to exercise
The physical trainer cracks me up. XD XD XD
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING AWESOME!!!
Thank you for the update ☺️
Thanks for the chapter! Buttocks inspection, ML? lol
I would have quit immediately if anyone tried the exercising business with me, never mind dictating what I eat.
All he wants is to be a working potato 😂
Thank you for 2 chapters. yayyyy😆
what. I swear I saw 2 chapters being posted. Am I hallucinating or is my phone hallucinating?🧐
Thank you for the update!
Ty for the chapter ( ≧∀≦)ノ
Thank you for the update 🖤 💯