Zhang Man managed to keep her composure in the end. The reality show wasn’t over yet, so aside from buying a few more mops, she didn’t plan to immediately confront Xu Jingzhe. She did, however, call Zhu Xiaoxiao over and ask her a few questions.
“Is it normal for Mr. Xu and Mr. Liang to get along like this?” Zhang Man didn’t specify how they got along, but Zhu Xiaoxiao immediately understood.
Having made it through her initial phase of inner conflict, she no longer cared about whether her ship was real or not. She was going to ship anyway. In any case, her faith was unwavering, and she was going to defend her ship through hell and high water.
“They’re both very hardworking.” Zhu Xiaoxiao didn’t dare deceive Zhang Man, but she also couldn’t be too definitive about what she said. “Their relationship seems very good.”
Zhang Man gave her a meaningful look and said, “I just want to know how good their relationship is exactly. Of course, I’m not blaming you. If Mr. Xu has said anything to you, you can tell me.”
It was then that Zhu Xiaoxiao’s naivete showed. “He didn’t say anything to me, but, if they’re getting along, that means business is proceeding as planned. Isn’t that a good thing?”
Zhang Man: “…”
Yang Jierui had recently become much more proactive in contacting Zhang Man. It seemed that, after getting a taste of the benefits of their cooperation, he no longer felt like he was losing out. Sometimes, Zhang Man really disliked him. She felt that he truly lived up to his nickname of Burrowing Rat, willing to do anything to hoard even the slightest bit of profit.
For instance, Yang Jierui was now asking, “Will Mr. Xu be riding with us to this year’s Starlight Awards?”
Zhang Man responded with a dismissive laugh, saying, “Mr. Liang could also ride with us. My primary concern is that Green Water is about to air. I’m afraid Mr. Xu might have to travel with the rest of the crew at that time.”
Yang Jierui: “Mr. Liang also visited the set of Green Water! We’re all one family!”
Zhang Man thought, “Who the hell is your family?!” However, it seemed that Yang Jierui was still in the dark. Zhang Man sighed and thought, “Although you’re kind of pitiful, I’m not going to tell you anything!”
The reality show was nearing its conclusion, with just two episodes left to record. The producer that was primarily responsible for Xu Jingzhe and Liang Yu actually seemed rather reluctant to wrap up the show. The upcoming activities weren’t going to have them do anything crazy like before. Instead, the next two episodes would involve an aquarium date and a camping trip.
While in the car, Xu Jingzhe asked the producer, “Are we sleeping outdoors tonight?”
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.
The producer: “There’s a camping tent. Can you set it up?”
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“We also have a surprise prepared for the two of you,” the producer said mysteriously. “You two should look forward to it.”
Xu Jingzhe helplessly remarked, “I hope it’s a good surprise.”
The producer: “I promise it’s a good surprise. It won’t be scary.”
The cameraman zoomed in on the two of them, and the producer continued to ask, “The Starlight Awards are soon. Will you two be walking the red carpet together?”
The Starlight Awards was a celebrity event organized by Phoenix TV and Weibo. The producer was undoubtedly asking for promotional purposes. Xu Jingzhe did want to walk the red carpet with Liang Yu, but he couldn’t just say that as it would depend on arrangements between cast members and such.
Liang Yu, however, was pretty straightforward. “Xu Jingzhe has a new drama to promote, so he’ll probably be walking the red carpet with the rest of the cast.”
The producer’s expression showed a hint of regret. “I see.”
Liang Yu then added, “We can still sit together though. You guys are the one organizing it, right? I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this.”
The producer: “…” He didn’t expect this question to circle back to him like this.
Liang Yu didn’t like aquariums very much, so this part of the itinerary was relatively minimal. Xu Jingzhe was still looking at the map by the time they left, identifying the various types of fish. He didn’t notice Liang Yu scooting closer.
“There aren’t many types of fish that taste good,” Liang Yu suddenly said. “The taste of seafood can be kind of strong.”
Xu Jingzhe was pretty surprised. “How do you know?”
Liang Yu: “I’ve caught them before.” He pointed to a few on the map. “None of them were very good.”
Xu Jingzhe chuckled. Liang Yu must really not like seafood. Thinking back on it, Liang Yu must have had a hard time the first time they met since it took place at a Japanese restaurant. The fact that he didn’t pinch his nose could almost be considered a sign of his respect for Xu Jingzhe.
The producer and the cameraman watched them chat and refrained from interrupting. Liang Yu and Xu Jingzhe talked for a while when their eyes met. It wasn’t clear who made the first move, but the two soon came together for a kiss.
The staff all sighed, unsure of where to look.
The two individuals in question, on the other hand, didn’t really feel that anything was wrong. Liang Yu even changed his position so that he could hold Xu Jingzhe, resting his chin on the other’s shoulder.
“When we get to Huanhu Highway, you can stop and take some photos,” Liang Yu said. “I’ve heard about this campsite. There’s a grassland nearby where you can ride horses. There’s also an observation tower for stargazing. We can go there together.”
Xu Jingzhe laughed and said, “You’ve already planned everything?”
Liang Yu confidently replied, “I’m usually busy, so we might as well take this opportunity to have some fun this time.”
The production crew was pretty much powerless against Liang Yu. The popularity of this show hinged entirely on these two people. If it weren’t for the fact that they were only slated for twelve episodes, Phoenix TV would have liked to be tied to the two of them for life. They wouldn’t even mind if the two got divorced midway through the show. They could just rename the show We Got Divorced. Who knows? The show might actually become even more popular that way.
During the segment at Huanhu Highway, Phoenix TV would definitely be using a drone for the aerial shots. It was easy to zoom in and out that way. Once the car arrived at the visitor center, Liang Yu accompanied Xu Jingzhe for a stroll. The producer only assigned one cameraman to follow them, trying not to disturb the couple’s time together.
Liang Yu, having acted in many movies, had his own understanding of camera angles and lighting. He taught Xu Jingzhe how to arrange every pose, every expression, every miniscule detail in accordance with his standards. Surprisingly, Xu Jingzhe was very cooperative and did not express the slightest complaint from start to finish.
“You should be acting in movies,” Liang Yu brought the same old topic up again. “I can introduce you to a couple of directors.”
Xu Jingzhe pointed at the microphone pinned to his clothes. “It’s recording.”
Liang Yu: “They learned their lesson last time. They won’t air anything they shouldn’t.”
Xu Jingzhe knew this was true, but he didn’t really want to discuss this topic. He said, “New opportunities will always be popping up. I’ve been waiting this long. It won’t hurt to wait a bit longer.”
Liang Yu wasn’t pleased and insisted, “In this industry, there’s no one who can compare to me in terms of resources and connections. What’s there to hesitate about?”
Xu Jingzhe: “It’s exactly because they’re yours that I feel uneasy about it.” He paused before continuing, “Don’t just give away the things you worked so hard for. You mentioned your connections and resources. Why be so generous at a time like this? Is that not money to you?”
“Your man doesn’t need you to help him save money,” Liang Yu muttered, half-sitting on the guardrail. Suddenly, he extended his leg and locked Xu Jingzhe between his thighs. He then tilted his head up and looked at him. “Hurry up and agree. Stop being unreasonable. It’s not cute at all.”
In order to shut him up, Xu Jingzhe simply circled his arms around Liang Yu’s neck. He then lowered his head and sealed Liang Yu’s lips. Liang Yu didn’t hold back either, using the opportunity to press a hand firmly against the back of Xu Jingzhe’s head.
Not too far away, the cameraman slowly lowered the camera and widened the angle, capturing the entire scene.
It was almost evening when the group finally arrived at the campsite. However, just before Xu Jingzhe got out of the car, the producer suddenly called for a makeup artist and whispered, “Other guests will be here later. Can you tidy Mr. Xu up a bit?”
Xu Jingzhe didn’t understand the reason behind this until he looked in the mirror and realized that his lips were noticeably swollen.
“…” He covered his mouth with his hand, thought for a moment, and returned to the car.
Liang Yu didn’t show any remorse about what he’d done. Once the situation had been dealt with, Liang Yu only made an offhand remark, “I’ll be gentler next time.”
Xu Jingzhe didn’t really believe him and could only plead with him good-naturedly, “Could you please not bite me?”
“No.” Liang Yu grinned again, seemingly showing off his teeth. “I was born in the year of the dog after all.”
Xu Jingzhe: “…”
Sulky Liang Yu will stop sulking after a kiss.
(too stubborn to drop the topic, he’ll simply bring it up again, the following day)
To be honest, he IS right to keep on insisting, Xu Jingzhe deserves the recognition. But accepting the offer also means they’ll be further more entangled, which can be scary. It’s ok Xu, love IS scary~ 🤭
Thank You for the new chapter (灬♥ω♥灬)
Awww they kiss each other in every possible moment