Author: hoeniely (Page 7 of 14)

Chapter 83 – Zhou Jinchen has changed

《Different Roads》was released nationwide and the box office finally ended up to 340 million on its first day. In its first week of release, the box office broke through the 1.5 billion mark.
 
Although the news of pre-selling exceeded 100 million had already given the crew a reasonable estimate, when the news really came, it still did not reduce the joy by half. Congratulatory messages from various parties were nonstop and the real-time box office record website had already given a predicted box office of four billion. The official blog was busy sending out posters, the publicity and development team was also busy sending out press releases, and Ma Lao was invited by the CEO of Fang Zhongyou Corporation to have a good banquet.
 
As the second investor after Fang Zhongyou Corporation, the investment company under Zhou Jinchen is also in an exuberant mood. If there were no major mistakes afterwards, according to this momentum, they could even finish a whole year’s performance with this one movie.        
 
When Xin Zimai handed in his report, he also sent a copy of the word-of-mouth ratings. The movie’s current reputation is very good. With Ma Lao’s brand, the movie’s rating had a fairly high base score to begin with. As the week went by, instead of decreasing due to the increase in the number of people, the rating had gone up to 0.1 point because of the turbulence of word-of-mouth.
 
This is already a very impressive achievement.
 
However, there is another point in the review that Xin Zimai has compiled.
 
In Xin Zimai’s opinion, Zhou Jinchen’s decision to take the red carpet was a bit abrupt but the good thing is that the emergency plan quickly launched by his boss, yielded good results.
 
“The public opinion has stabilized,” Xin Zimai said. “We’ve monitored all the comments and the audience’s attention has been drawn as planned.”
 
Zhou Jinchen flipped through the reviews and they were indeed just as Xin Zimai said.
 
After the release of 《Different Roads》, it sparked a lot of discussions. In addition to the restraints of the two protagonists originally planned by the crew, there was also a topic that quickly becomes one of the most dominant voices ——
 
In the post-credits, what was the reason for Ling Sihang to tear up his ticket? Where did he want to go when he left through the airport’s entrance?
 
The issue has sparked an extremely heated discussion on different websites and platforms. With one turn of the message, one can see a long analysis, and every detail is discussed repeatedly. In the absence of the film source, the discussion also virtually increases the audience’s motivation to brush twice or brush even more.
 
Based on the current voices of the whole network, this discussion has three main points of view. The first is that Ling Sihang decided to stay in Lin City, waiting for Ye Qisheng to end his probation after only a few months in prison, and then find each other to have a deep talk. The second point of view, the person who left Ling Sihang behind was Bai Qingchi, who decided to make up for the harm he had caused to the person before. The third point of view is that Ling Sihang left a criminal record and did not want to return to the place where his parents were, intending to find a strange city to slowly recuperate.
 
The third point of view was rejected first because it was difficult to justify it, and the first two points were evenly matched, each occupying half of the rivers and mountains.¹half of the country; a vast swathe of territory; means a vast majority of the people were discussing the two points.As time passed, the number of viewers increased, and the only two remaining points were discussed more and more intensely.
 
Those who held the first view insisted that Ling Sihang had only ever liked Ye Qisheng from beginning to end. Even after ten years, he was constantly defending Ye Qisheng, and even willing to bear being in prison for the other party, which is why he stayed and intended to make his first real confession to Ye Qisheng.
 
Supporters of the second view say that Ling Sihang was already shaken when he first kissed Bai Qingchi in the classroom. That close-up of his eyes when he looked at Bai Qingchi after the plan succeeded is the indication of this. Ten years later, Ling Sihang being a scapegoat was completely trapped by Ye Qisheng, and the two of them had already become strangers and gone on their different roads. Ling Sihang finally decided to give up the past and face up to the true voice in his heart.
 
Fundamentally speaking, the emergence of these two points is actually the two interpretations of the whole film.《Different Roads》is known as a double male-lead film. The two protagonists take up the majority of the scenes, and their relationship with each other is the link between the whole story and its ups and downs. Moreover, Ling Sihang has been withdrawn and silent since childhood. When he was bullied, it was Ye Qisheng who saved and taught him how to make friends with others, that’s why Ling Sihang fell in love with this first friend of his. 
 
As the male counterpart, Bai Qingchi’s scenes were much less compared to the main characters. In the scene ten years later, he only appeared at the end of the film when the witness is revealed. However, although Bai Qingchi did not appear in many shots, he was a significant key character. The spectacular appearance of ballet dance and his unrequited love for Ling Sihang are also impressive.
 
To put it simply, it is indeed in line with the ‘love triangle’ and it’s still the most classic struggle between bamboo horse and the heavenly descent.²suitor that is the heavenly descent can beat his/her original bamboo horse (i.e someone he/she has known since childhood and is compatible; childhood sweetheart), and finally getting married. Although Ma Lao did not have any related ideas when he made the film, the relationship is only added to make the character three-dimensional. But after the movie hit the cinema, it is true that many people have joined the LingYe party and LingBai party, and the arguments between the two sides are extremely heated. They are even more tit-for-tat when discussing the most important plot of the post-credit scene.
 
And at this point, Zhou Jinchen’s performance before the premiere was specifically used for interpretation. LingBai party deliberately write down and magnified it in bold about his speech at the media conference —— “It’s true that there is a very thick arrow between me and Xiao An but this arrow is not one-way, it’s two-way.”
 
Listen, it’s a two-way arrow. What else is there to say, it’s as suitable as a LingBai HE!
 
Moreover, there is the red carpet sequence at the premiere. Lin Rui and the director, Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo, someone on the scene recorded the video but also recorded the words of the director —— “The red carpet sequence is related to the movie”. If this is not an official statement, then what is it? The director stamped it himself!
 
Because of these two ‘arguments’, the LingBai party quickly occupied the high ground, and the LingYe party could not bear to show any weakness, and begun to turn over the details inside and outside the film. All kinds of sugar-picking techniques are at the microscope level which they even refused to let go of even at a glance. In this way, the arguments naturally extend from the film to the outside of the scene. The relationship between Lin Rui, Zhou Jinchen, and An Xumo has also become a very hot topic.
 
Based on the status quo of the domestic entertainment industry, although the power of fans is very strong, there is still a clear difference between the base number and the audience. The three actor’s performance during the interview was basically interpreted as a projection of the movie’s ending. Hence, it makes the fans most sensitive in rubbing bundle heat and the battle for the position was overshadowed.
 
If there is no movie to support, the “two-way arrow” stated by Zhou Jinchen alone would be enough to set off a bloody storm between the two fans, after all, both of them are extremely popular in traffic. However, due to the popularity of《Different Roads》, the influence of the film far exceeds the fans. This kind of friction between the fans has become more important than guessing the official blog’s sending out a few hundreds of millions of posters today.
 
The situation became particularly mild for a while. After receiving such feedback, Xin Zimai who had been monitoring the comments, immediately realized that the plan had been successful.
 
Zhou Jinchen’s purpose is not just to show the public the relationship between the two, the difference in status will inevitably cause disparities between the two sides’ fans. A fan’s war of scolding is undoubtedly a drain for the artist, not to mention An Xumo’s current status as a traffic idol.
 
He said he wouldn’t let An Xumo get hurt and he really did that.
 
But……why would Jinchen change the fundamental purpose of the cooperative promotion plan in the middle of the process? Does this have anything to do with the strange feelings he mentioned?
 
Xin Zimai couldn’t figure it out and tentatively asked, “Jinchen, you said before that you wanted to do psychological counseling, when do you plan to go?”
 
Zhou Jinchen put the report aside and raised his hand to pull out another document bag on the table.
 
“I don’t have the time recently; let’s talk about it in a few days.”
 
He was busy with work and busy with sorting out how he really felt about An Xumo.
 
Xin Zimai took the document bag, “What is this, a new project?”
 
Recently, the company’s main business is not the《Different Roads》ma, how can there be new documents?
 
The document bag was opened and a thick proposal was pulled out.
 
On the cover, there was a line with the title ——
 
《Temporary Plan for the Eighteenth Birthday Celebration》
 
–
 
The shift in public opinion was not only noticed by Zhou Jinchen’s people, as one of the main characters, Lin Rui also quickly received the relevant news.
 
He looked down at the various messages and comments on his phone while his agent on the side was asking, “Brother Rui, should we continue to send out new press releases? The public relations department has already prepared the photos and videos during the filming.”
 
Lin Rui did not say anything, his eyes remained on the screen until the agent waited and was a little confused, and he then spoke, “No need.”
 
The agent was stunned for a moment, “Ah?”
 
Lin Rui locked the screen and put the phone away, “In the future, don’t send any of these two-person circulars, the public relations side will still focus on my part alone.”
 
The agent’s eyes widened and said, “This…..you’re not going to proceed? What about the original plan?”
 
Lin Rui closed his eyes, “Canceled.”
 
The agent did not know whether to be happy or sad for a moment. He did not agree with Lin Rui’s feelings for Zhou Jinchen but the other party persistently refuses to turn back. This is the first time Lin Rui has made such a firm determination, which has been going smoothly to have whatever he wanted. The agent saw that he could not be persuaded, and he could only temporarily restrain it.
 
Unexpectedly……now, it’s Lin Rui who has taken the initiative to give up.
 
The agent cautiously said, “Brother Rui……what happened, why did you suddenly……” changed your mind?
 
Lin Rui whispered, “He already has his heart set on someone else.” (E/N: /pats lin rui)

 
“Who? That little boy?” The agent was a bit puzzled, “Didn’t you say before that they were just doing an act? Just to interfere with our plans or something……”
 
“Originally,” Lin Rui said in a low voice, “it’s different now.”
 
He propped his forehead with his palms and buried his eyes with it.
 
“The way he looks at that boy was already completely different from the beginning.”
 
Perhaps, even Zhou Jinchen himself did not notice but Lin Rui clearly understood what this really meant.
 
And by the time Lin Rui reacted, it was clear to him that he was really out of the question.
 
“I originally thought that it was a natural indifference.”
 
“But I never thought,” Lin Rui’s voice was low and hoarse, his tone was thick with exhaustion, “that someone as cold as him would show such gentle eyes……”

•·················•·················•
 
The author has something to say:
 
Lin Rui and Han Ming are not the same, ha _(:3」∠)_
 
Brother’s progress can be considered fast, right? Are there any students who start writing reports together ma, raise your hand and share a tad bit of suffering?

•·················•·················•

Jie Jie: *raises hands Lol

Welp. I saw your comments and here’s Lin Rui’s response~ This will put your mind at ease now~ qaq I felt sad for him but I still feel sadder for our Xiao Mo.

Chapter 82 – Watching my own kissing scene
 
The long, bright red carpet was spread on the spacious square, dazzling under the sunlight. The most suitable position for taking photos around has long been occupied by a large number of photographers, and their shots flashes are getting longer and longer. Outside the red carpet was crowded with people; the degree of popularity was evident. For this reason, the mall also specially deployed a large number of security teams to ensure the smooth progress of the red carpet.
 
The giant LED screen on the high wall lit up the whole time. The melodious music came from the specially prepared surround sound speaker system. The noisy crowd gradually quieted down, and the countless pairs of eyes turned in the direction at the beginning of the red carpet.
 
The much-anticipated wait was finally answered with a sudden “here it comes!” from the crowd. At the end of the space, separated by the barricade, a car slowly drove over.
 
The red carpet ceremony kicked off.
 
The first to make an appearance were some young actors and actresses in the cast, the young men wearing well-ironed suits and the young ladies wearing elaborate dresses. The two matching artists waved around as they walked towards the end of the red carpet.
 
After the young artists, there were some familiar faces. Unknowingly, the atmosphere in the venue was pushed to the climax little by little.
 
The long-awaited names were also read out by the host at that moment.
 
“Let’s welcome ——”
 
The voices of the crowd instantly became boisterous and there was a lot of screaming in the middle. The black car parked before the red carpet shone low-key and dazzling in the sun but all everyone saw was the man who opened the door and walked out of the car.
 
The dark blue suit was wrapped around a near-perfect body, and the handsome, unparalleled face was as dazzling as the summer sun. The tall, long-legged man stepped on the red carpet as if he was born for this high-profile show.
 
“—— Mr. Zhou Jinchen!”
 
The sound amplified by the microphone was quickly drowned out by screams and the atmosphere was instantly heated to the extreme. The scene even got a little out of control for a while, with the security guards having to hold up the barricades from the inside to prevent the overexcited fans from pushing the thick barricades down.
 
The heated atmosphere did not disturb the main person who had caused the screams. The man waved his hand around but he stood in place and did not leave straightly beside the car.
 
Before everyone had time to wonder, they heard another name in the surrounding speakers.
 
“And Mr. An Xumo!”
 
The atmosphere climaxed again, in a new round of screams, the door on the other side of the car was pushed open. A handsome, delicate boy appeared in front of the crowd, his sky blue suit makes him look purely naïve and elegant, two contradictory temperaments blended together. It was the kind of youthfulness that made people can’t help but be moved.
 
The car slowly drove away and the two people who remained in the same place stood side by side and walked towards the red carpet. There was an endless shuttering and cheering around, and there were fans that were desperately holding up their phones, constantly taking pictures. The two waved around and exchanged a few words from time to time. Even though they did not hold their arms like the previous male-female pair, they walked together in perfect harmony.
 
While fans were overwhelmed by the appearance of their idols, some invited reporters were secretly asking questions.
 
How come it was the two of them walking the red carpet together?
 
This question became even more difficult to understand when Lin Rui and Ma Lao next appeared together. Although the vast majority of the audience was attracted by the appearance of the actors in person, and many reporters were nervously and rapidly recording, there were still people who secretly wrote down these questions and planned to ask them during the interview after the ceremony.
 
But the question was not saved for long before the host took the initiative to ask it.
 
After the crew standing together took a group photo together, they signed their names on the background board. Taking advantage of the time to sign, the host said to the crew, “We know that the movie《Different Roads》is a double male lead film, two main characters are played by Teacher Lin Rui and Teacher Zhou Jinchen. However, just now, we found that when walking the red carpet, it was Teacher Zhou Jinchen and Teacher An Xumo who came together. We would like to ask for the audience ah, is there any special intention for this arrangement?”
 
He turned the microphone toward the several people in the middle of the crew and the nearest An Xumo took the microphone but the person who answered was not him, Ma Lao was coming to the microphone.
 
“Previously, a lot of media told me before that the love triangle in the film was buzzing before it was released.” Ma Lao still has his usual serious face, “I don’t think our crew did it on purpose but since everyone thinks so, we just continued to keep the triangle going until the end.”
 
The host cooperated with a smile, “Oh, just now, I heard a fan friend say it, asking whether this is an indication of the ending of the three people in the film. But seeing the meaning of Elder Ma, this question has to be answered in the movie.”
 
The crew had already almost signed, the host did not delay and said directly, “Then let’s invite the lucky early audience into the cinema. It doesn’t matter if the fans don’t have insider tickets, because tonight at six o’clock,《Different Roads》will be fully screened. Our top floor cinema has already arranged for the screening.”
 
Soon, the crew went through a special channel towards the arranged inner cinema. An Xumo followed the large group with a somewhat stiff back, his fingertips were cold. When he entered the mall, he was blown by the cold wind from the oncoming air conditioner, and the freezing cold was even more painful.
 
Before An Xumo could lower his head to see his fingers, he noticed a cold and sharp gaze.
 
He subconsciously looked up and saw that not far ahead Lin Rui who stepped on the escalator around the corner is looking at him condescendingly from a high level. The other person’s face has long lost his usual gentle smile. At this time, only a frozen piece remained, and even his gaze looked like a sharp ice blade.
 
An Xumo’s movement paused for a while.
 
But before he could react, the man in front of him suddenly stopped.
 
Everyone is walking but Zhou Jinchen took a step back sideways. He did not make extra moves but just stood side by side with An Xumo. The man who was nearly one point nine meters tall immediately blocked An Xumo on his side.
 
The boy was attracted by the other party’s movements, and by the time he realized it, the two had already stepped on the escalator together. He looked up where Lin Rui had already turned his head and withdrawn his eyes.
 
An Xumo clenched his fingers and felt that his hands and feet seemed to be getting colder.
 
After taking a photo with the insiders who had advanced viewing of the movie on the stage, the crew walked off the stage and sat on the reserved row of seats. The lights dimmed and the venue was left with only the glow of the screen. Soon, it was time for the opening of the film’s dragon logo and its distribution company.
 
After a short period of silence, a leather suitcase suddenly appeared on the screen.
 
“Sihang, here! Here!”
 
Ling Sihang who was pulling the suitcase waved towards his old friend, who picked him up at the airport. After a long absence of a hug, the two got into the car together. The lush green plants flashed hurriedly outside the car window and the old friend driving the car knocked on the steering wheel, “Sihang, the case you told me about……what is it about?”
 
“Ten years ago,” Ling Sihang’s voice was slightly lowered, “it was just assisting in the investigation, nothing major.”
 
“That’s fine, I was shocked ne.” The old friend joked, “It’s not easy for our big Dr. Ling to finally come back once, so why did he get called by the police station?”
 
Ling Sihang hooked up his lips and said lightly, “The police station is not the problem.”
 
“Huh?”
 
“The problem is the person whom I met at the police station.”
 
“Who is it? Isn’t it just the police inspector in the bureau ma.” The old friend reacted after speaking. He couldn’t help but look at Ling Sihang from the rear-view mirror, “No, it will not be that one……”
 
“Yes.” Ling Sihang finished and looked out the window.
 
“Ye Qisheng.”
 
At the same time, the name was pronounced, the camera pulled up, and the bridge surrounded by lush trees appeared on the screen with two big words “Different Roads”. The direction of the highway extension is Lin City.¹I used Lincheng (cheng means city) before. I’ll check it on previous chapters and edit when I have the time. Apologies
 
An Xumo sat on his seat and tilted his head to look at the giant full-frame screen. A scene that he had once observed up close was replayed on the screen, and it is only when he made such a comparison that he deeply appreciated the role of the director and the editing.
 
Some of the shots which he had obviously watched on the location were now presented in a perspective he never imagined. Although An Xumo has not yet had an in-depth understanding of the film, just watching these shots, he could feel the power of Ma Lao.
 
Ma Lao has given each shot a unique and effective purpose.
 
The Lin City murder case involves an old accident ten years ago. When the image was turned, the slightly old Lin City Middle School class bell rang. An Xumo quietly watched, and his heartbeat slightly accelerated.
 
Soon it will be…… Bai Qingchi’s scene.
 
“Little brother, are you alone ah?” Zhao Jiujiu’s frivolous and insincere voice sounded and Bai Qingchi wearing a turtleneck sweater in his school uniform appeared on the camera. He frowned, turned his head away in disgust, and hurriedly walked in the other direction.
 
Zhao Jiujiu stood in place and stared at the person’s slender and tall back, and smiled maliciously. His purpose was someone else, that’s why he didn’t go after him.
 
He looked back at the school entrance and soon, Ye Qisheng, carrying a shoulder bag came out.
 
An Xumo quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
 
Qian Lingyuan’s acting skills are superb and he vividly portrayed Zhao Jiujiu’s feeling of being disgusting to look at. In contrast, An Xumo has much less acting experience but fortunately, after the training within the crew and the processing of the camera, his performance is still considered to be able to pass.
 
As the film continued, the main story gradually unfolded. The struggle between life and death, the desperate screaming were presented, and the kissing scene to fake the break-up between the two also successfully triggered a burst of exclamation in the venue.
 
While Bai Qingchi on the screen took the initiative to tug at Ling Sihang’s collar, An Xumo on his seat wanted to find a crack in the ground.
 
This feeling of watching your own kissing scene is really…… too refined, especially when Zhou Jinchen who was kissing him is sitting next to him at this time.
 
The light in the cinema is dim, and the others’ expressions could not be seen clearly. An Xumo also did not dare to look sideways, his face was burning hot, and his breathing was softened.
 
He was so nervous that the side of his face kept burning and didn’t notice the fiery gaze coming from the side.
 
It was only when the film was nearing its end that the temperature on An Xumo’s face dropped a little.
 
The evidence was delivered, the truth came to light, the loud hammer sounded, and the two main characters were each sentenced to the final decision. The moment the two brushed past each other, it was captured in slow motion, and their eyes turned back. They were already the most familiar strangers.
 
At the end of the film, the person who sent the key evidence is revealed. Bai Qingchi leads a little boy to meet Ling Sihang. After the conversation, Bai Qincghi turned away without regret but his efforts to disguise himself were broken by childish cries of pain.
 
In the end, only one person was left standing on the streets lush with green, as the Lin City name suggests, warm and cold forest street.²lush: verdant and lush. Lin: woods, forest
 
The credits appeared, the lights came on, and the cinema erupted in applause. The creators rose again to greet the audience, the premiere should have ended here but because of the prior reminder, no one left the cinema immediately.
 
At the end of the movie, after a brief period of darkness, the screen lit up again.
 
Inside the spacious and bright terminal, Ling Sihang, carrying his suitcase was holding a boarding pass. He looked at the transatlantic ticket for a long time, but suddenly reached out his hand and tore the boarding pass into four.
 
He threw the pieces into the trash can, dragged his suitcase, and walked quickly towards the entrance of the terminal.
 
The screen went black and this time, the film really ended.

Chapter 81 – Brother’s straight ball¹this just means he’s being straightforward or like going forward/directly.

On the day of the premiere ceremony, An Xumo met Zhou Jinchen whom he hadn’t seen for thirteen days.

The ceremony took place in the central business district of S City and the whole ceremony lasted nearly a full day. The main creative team and key characters of the film were all present. As an important supporting character in the movie, An Xumo stood next to Zhou Jinchen again.

The habit of counting the days of not seeing the person had been retained a long time ago but by now, this habit seems to have somewhat changed. However, An Xumo was still aware of his most important task, and he has never shown any abnormality in front of outsiders.

The day before the ceremony, An Xumo received a notice of the relevant process. The first press conference, followed by a red carpet, and waited until three o’clock when the cinema premiered, and the insiders’ audience attending the ceremony can watch the film in advance. At six o’clock in the evening,《Different Roads》will be released in cinemas nationwide.

Press conferences are a cliché. After so much training and practical rehearsal, An Xumo has become quite proficient in dealing with interviews. The afternoon viewing did not require much worrying. After a brief interaction, they were left with the matter of watching the box office.

The only thing that made An Xumo paid attention to was the red carpet ceremony before the cinema premiere. The sequence of walking the red carpet was not stated in the process, he was somewhat uncertain.

In the end, Tang Tang asked the crew, and the other side said that the others have to wait for Ma Lao and the two main characters to finish walking on the red carpet.

Then there is nothing to worry about.

The weather on Saturday was great, the snow-white clouds brought some shade and the temperature wasn’t so high that it was unbearable. Therefore, the audience and fans waiting in the square were much more relaxed.

The event’s launch was held in a large, spacious conference room, and the enthusiasm of the media in attendance was no less than that of the fans outdoors. The conference hall was packed with people but fortunately, the venue was well organized that the whole conference could go smoothly.

An Xumo sat next to Zhou Jinchen, basically very close in the middle. The shutter sounded one after another and the reporters who had their turn at the microphone were constantly asking questions.

Some of these questions are for the movie and some are for the individuals. Because of the popularity of their relationship, the number of questions thrown to An Xumo was not small, and the content of the questions is not only about the film. In the middle of the conference, he was also asked specifically what he thought about the recently rumored love triangle between him and the two leads.

The eyes in the room were focused and their gaze was as hot as the camera. An Xumo first couldn’t help but laugh and held the microphone for a moment before saying, “This question should be divided into two situations.”

“In the film, my relationship with the two teachers is more complicated. For the time being, it still needs to be kept secret, later on……” He looked around, seeing Zhou Jinchen next to him, he directly turned his wrist and lit up the dial²watch’s faceto him.

“En, in another four hours, you’ll get the answer.”

An Xumo didn’t speak fast which is obviously different from his performance when he first debuted. Slowing down his speed can give people a little more time to think, as well as stimulate the appetite of the listener.

“As for off-screen performance, there’s no need to keep this question a secret.”

Everyone’s attention was focused including the others in the creative seat. An Xumo smiled and said. “But the answer is not the love triangle you just said, between me and the two teachers……”

He gestured with his hand to himself and the two main actors on his right, “It should be the single arrow I have for the two of them, the kind that is very thick and coarse.”

There was a burst of laughter in the venue. An Xumo waited, he expressed some more of his admiration for the two main actors, and how well they took care of him. Although it can’t be said to be a perfect answer, it was a quite decent answer for an artist of his age.

When the question was successfully uncovered and he was finally able to put down the microphone, An Xumo quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

He was about to pass the microphone back but the man beside him took it over in advance. Zhou Jinchen did not wait for the next question after he got the microphone but directly said, “I want to make a statement.”

His voice was very recognizable and as soon as he opened his mouth, he attracted everyone’s attention.

“It’s true that there is a very thick arrow between me and Xiao An.” He pointed to himself and the boy beside him, “but this arrow is not one-way, it’s two-way.”

There was still a noisy atmosphere around him but An Xumo felt a sudden silence around him. He was a beat late to make a surprised expression, then smiled embarrassedly and concealed himself.

Zhou Jinchen’s statement made the media present happy. This is the kind of scene that they like to see. Moreover, Zhou Jinchen had already taken a stand, and Lin Rui, the only one left, is supposed to speak up as well. The crowd moved their eyes over to look at Lin Rui on stage, indeed he really picked up another microphone.

But just when the media was expecting Film Emperor Lin’s speech, Ma Lao who was sitting in the middle spoke, “Alright, you guys don’t have to blow³boasteach other up. Haven’t you praised each other enough during the filming?”

He directly signaled the staff, “Next question.”

No matter what others think, An Xumo is really relieved.

Even if he knew that his brother was acting, An Xumo could accept his words. However, if it’s the Film Emperor who speaks up……

An Xumo felt that he really couldn’t bear it.

The press conference lasted for more than two hours and the media who had received enough materials and red packets, left with satisfaction. The main creative team went back to recuperate and wait for the time for the red carpet in the afternoon.

An Xumo sat in the lounge to eat lunch and waited for the makeup artist to come. But before the makeup artist came, Tang Tang pushed open the door of the lounge first.

“Xiao Mo!” The lounge was quite small, only An Xumo and Xiao Zhang were inside. Tang Tang closed the door with the back of her hand and directly said, “There was just a notice that the order of the red carpet might change. Remember to follow the instructions ah, don’t miss the order.”

An Xumo was stunned, “What was it changed to?”

“It’s still unclear,” Tang Tang shook her head. “It seems like they’re still discussing over there, so I only talked about listening to the command at the scene.”

An Xumo’s heart could not help but give birth to a premonition.

……no way, right.

In an office not far from this lounge, three people are sitting at a conference table discussing the order of the red carpet.

“The producer who said he was stuck in traffic, looking at the current conditions in the road, it’s unlikely that he will be able to arrive in time.” Ma Zechi pointed his right hand on the table, looking at Zhou Jinchen and Lin Rui. “The producer was originally supposed to go with Jinchen but now he can’t come. In order to balance the position of the two of you, this order may have to change.”

“There are two options now. One is to keep it the same and find someone else for Jinchen and the other is that my Father goes with the others and you two go side by side.”

The first option is obviously riskier and the role of going with the director is definitely more important. Originally, there was a producer who went with another person, and there would be not much difference in their treatment. But now that the producer is not here, Zhou Jinchen who fell off the order will appear a little subtle. 

Moreover, as a dual male lead film,《Different Roads》has to measure the exposure of the two leads. Once there is an imbalance, it’s not just a matter of whether the actor themselves will care about it but in front of the media, any little relevant issues will be magnified a hundred times.

Lin Rui said, “Otherwise, I’ll join with Jinchen.”

“Then, who can we find to join my father?” Ma Zechi frowned. “This candidate is more difficult. There are no special guests in the crew and there is no important female role. It’s really hard to find.”

With Ma Lao here, Ma Zechi himself will not be on the red carpet. He appeared in the crew and followed in the previous journey to substitute for Ma Lao but the film is not Ma Zechi’s work, and he has not left his name anywhere in the film.

Although he has a good temper, in the end, Ma Zechi is Ma Lao’s son. They have the same stubbornness and persistence.

Zhou Jinchen glanced at them, “I’ll find someone else. Teacher Lin and Ma Lao should not be changed.”

Ma Zechi asked, “Then, who will you look for?”

In fact, Zhou Jinchen’s candidate was just as difficult to find. Otherwise, Ma Zechi would not have specifically called the two of them to discuss.

Lin Rui frowned and said first, “This choice is not as good as us together. It might be a bit easier to find someone for Ma Lao.”

“It’s not hard for me either.” Zhou Jinchen did not look at him and said directly, “Moreover, I already have a candidate in mind.”

Ma Zechi froze, “You mean……Xiao An?”

Lin Rui was faintly annoyed and his words were much more straightforward than usual. “Jinchen, no matter what you do usually, this is the premiere ceremony. If you look for Xiao An, his level is so far behind Ma Lao, it’s still out of balance……”

“Moreover, it does not necessarily need the same status to be the reason for walking the red carpet together.” Hearing Lin Rui’s words, Zhou Jinchen still looked indifferent. Only when he heard Lin Rui accused An Xumo of not being qualified did his eyes sank slightly.

Ma Zechi saw that the situation was so stiff that he had no choice but to say, “What do you mean Jinchen, is there any other reason?”

Zhou Jinchen raised his eyes to look at him, “Previously, when Director Zhang filmed the《Heavenly Affairs》, didn’t he walk the red carpet with Sister Sun Ming?”

Ma Zechi was shocked and couldn’t believe his ears.

“You……this, Sister Sun Ming is Director Zhang’s wife, you mean……It wouldn’t be……”

Zhou Jinchen only said faintly, “Yes.”

Lin Rui’s eyes widened incredulously and the tone of his voice rose uncontrollably, “There’s a limit to joking, right? Do you know what you’re talking about?!” 

The always gentle and elegant Lin Rui finally tore his disguise in pain. Lin Rui thought that he had seen through Zhou Jinchen’s acting and didn’t care about the other party’s disguise with An Xumo. He did not stop the plan to have his agent sent out various displays of feelings on circulars, insisting on using the public opinion in hopes to catalyze the relationship between the two. But now, Zhou Jinchen is moving further and further away from what he wanted, his initiative towards An Xumo is simply more obvious than Lin Rui’s towards Zhou Jinchen!

In contrast, Zhou Jinchen who was sitting on a soft chair was cool-headed to the point of being almost cold.

“I know.”

Lin Rui was so angry that he couldn’t speak, his chest rose and fell sharply, and his fists were clenched extremely tight. In the end, he still failed to hold down his emotions, pushed his chair away, walking towards the door, and slamming it with a ‘clang’.

“……” Ma Zechi who was left behind had some unpleasant feelings inside.

He looked at Zhou Jinchen with a complicated expression, “If you use this kind of reason……do you understand the consequences?”

Zhou Jinchen nodded.

Ma Zechi said, “This is not a problem for you alone. Have you discussed it with Xiao An? Have you thought about what kind of attacks he will face……”

“I haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet but it won’t happen as you said.” Zhou Jinchen lightly said, “I have already prepared a plan.”

After being aware of his own difference, Zhou Jinchen had completely made a comprehensive revision and improved his and An Xumo’s cooperative publicity plan. The plan which was originally used to stop Lin Rui’s plan had changed its most fundamental purpose.

The thing that Ma Zechi mentioned, he had already made a thorough consideration.

Just hearing what he said that Ma Zechi frowned. Zhou Jinchen’s fans’ combat ability is notoriously strong, he obviously didn’t believe it.

Zhou Jinchen did not explain too much and only said, “Things are not what you think; you will know the details when the time comes. I promise it will not affect the crew.”

Ma Zechi was still a bit hesitant, “Even if you can handle it, then, if Lin Rui became impulsive……”

“Even if he is impulsive, Teacher Lin will not make any excessive movements.” Zhou Jinchen’s tone remained incomparably calm. “You should know him; with his self-esteem, he will not allow himself to discredit a junior.”

Even during the period when the publicity was at its hottest, Lin Rui did not take the initiative to attack An Xumo.

Ma Zechi and Lin Rui have known each other for a long time but he could believe this. However, even if he understood this matter, Ma Zechi could not help but sigh a little.

“Jinchen, you, treating Lin Rui like this……” Ma Zechi smiled bitterly “Don’t you think it’s a little too heartless?”

Especially in comparison with An Xumo.

This time, Zhou Jinchen wrinkled his eyebrows. “This is the normal choice ba.”

“As a friend, I will try my best to whatever Teacher Lin needs me to do.” He said, “But only this matter is impossible. All I can tell him is the most straightforward rejection.”

“Forget it,” Ma Zechi shook his head. “I’d better not get involved with the business between the two of you.”

He got up and walked outside, “I’ll notify the receiving staff. You get ready and go change your clothes.” 

Before opening the door, he looked back at the person and whispered, “I hope……Lin Rui won’t do anything stupid.”

Zhou Jinchen watched the other party leave and also stood up from his chair.

He lowered his eyes and looked at his opened palm.

Even if Lin Rui really did something, what could he do?

Zhou Jinchen closed his right hand.

He had absolute certainty that Lin Rui would not harm An Xumo for a single moment.

With a soft sound, the room became empty again. Zhou Jinchen called out to a staff member who was passing by.

“Which lounge is An Xumo in?”

•·················•·················•

The author has something to say:

Brother’s arrangement will be discussed next; the thoughtful and sensible persona will not collapse. Mua mua

Chapter 80 – Can’t say after being clear-headed

Tang Tang held An Xumo’s phone, carefully and repeatedly looked at it many times before she dared to believe her eyes.

She turned her eyes back to An Xumo, her gaze was dulled with astonishment, “You, what major did you apply for?”

An Xumo said, “Mathematics.”

Tang Tang: “……?”

She looked at the person for a long time but could not find the slightest sign that the other party was joking.

Tang Tang repeated, “What did you apply for?”

“Mathematics,” An Xumo was a little puzzled, “what’s the matter?”

“Nothing……” Tang Tang’s look has not recovered yet. “I just felt like your interest has changed a lot this year……”

The person who enrolled in the Mathematics department ran to the entertainment industry to become an entertainer……

She asked another question, “You took the exam last year ba, what was your total score?”

An Xumo reported a score. Tang Tang grew up with him in S City and knew a little about the college entrance examination results, this number once again shook her down.

“This score……you, what’s your ranking in the city?”

Heavens! The company won’t turn a top student back, right……

“Eighth.” 

“Oh.” Tang Tang doesn’t know whether to be lost or relieved but even if it’s not the first rank, eighth is already very impressive.

This is the overall ranking of the whole S City ah. Tang Tang can’t still react to the shock. Xiao Mo is too deeply hidden……

“The first top seven have the same score as the top student and I’m one point behind them.” An Xumo did not notice Tang Tang’s strangeness and he spoke in a very unusual tone, “The Chinese literature is relatively high so the total ranking is higher.”

Tang Tang just put down her little heart again that almost jumped out of her mouth.

“You, you you……”

She couldn’t help but twist her expression for a moment and her voice seemed to come out of her teeth, “You have this score……why did you sign as a trainee in the beginning……”

He also said that studying is meaningless, is this score that a person who felt no interest can get these results from an exam ma?! (E/N: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MAAAAA) 
An Xumo smiled lightly, he said softly, “At that time, I was not in a good mood, and when I saw the project announcement to the public by Jin Dian, I thought that maybe a change of direction will be a little better so I came to sign up.”

Tang Tang sensed his gloomy mood and didn’t continue to ask questions. She knew at that time was when An Xumo driven out of the Zhou family, it was normal that his emotions could not adjust for a while.

She simply found a new topic, “Then, Xiao Mo, you really like math? Generally speaking, the first thing you should consider is financial management and the like, right. Have you ever thought about applying for these?”

P University’s School of Management is a nationally renowned top student harvester and with An Xumo’s ranking, there shouldn’t be a problem getting in. However, if An Xumo really likes mathematics, Tang Tang thought, Xiao Mo should also find some of his own hobbies. Seeing how his movements increase every day, it always makes people feel a little heartache.

However, An Xumo paused for a long time before saying, “…… have thought of it, kind of.”

Kind of, what kind of answer is this?

Tang Tang was wondering about the other party’s attitude but An Xumo took the lead to change the subject. He put the phone back and asked, “Do you still need me to take the college entrance exam again? If I were to go to an art school, I have to transfer my school registration back from P University in advance.”

Tang Tang’s attention was drawn to him, “Your school registration is still at P University? That means you can go straight to school when you get back?”

“Not now,” An Xumo said, “I want to go with the next term.”

It’s okay to go with the next term, ah because Xiao Mo is not too old. But if he went to the mathematics department, will it conflict with Xiao Mo’s future work ba? Tang Tang thought, feeling a little tangled.

According to the current mainstream trend, art schools are the best choice for most artists. It’s just that the attraction of this P University sign is too strong. If it was any other school, just give it up, but this is P University ah……

Tang Tang couldn’t decide for a while, she asked An Xumo, “What do you think?”

An Xumo shook his head, “I can go anywhere, see which company can pass it.”

The accident of filling out the application at that time still makes him uncomfortable. Besides, it’s not that difficult for him to take the college entrance examination again. Moreover, An Xumo knew very well that he had signed the most demanding trainee contract with Jin Dian and there were many things that were not up to him to decide.

Tang Tang thought about it, “Then I’ll go and discuss it with Brother Shen and the others first. I’ll bring it to you when there’s a plan.”

Shen Mingze is the person in charge of the company’s team for An Xumo and he was the one discussing with Tang Tang about any important matters.

An Xumo agreed, “Good.”

—

On this side, An Xumo’s team is making a painful and happy choice for their family’s child’s dream of either going to P University or Jingdian Academy, while people around Zhou Jinchen are going through deep water and scorching fire.¹abyss of suffering]

It was not until Xin Zimai who had been ‘blood book petitioned’¹letter written in one’s own blood, expressing determination, hatred, last wishes, etc by several people, rushed back from the investment company, that certain someone finally broke the two-meter boundary around Zhou Jinchen.

“Boss, energy is limited and work is unlimited.” Xin Zimai said politely after listening to the cries of his team. “No matter how much is given, human beings still need sleep.”

Zhou Jinchen didn’t even give him a look and just stared at the computer in front of him. The white light emanating from the screen hung over his face, making the already handsome and compelling man even more a thousand miles resistant.

It shouldn’t be ah……Xin Zimai was a little confused. Isn’t these two days just a rare free time between their rounds of busyness? Otherwise, he would not be able to temporarily get away from Jin Dian to take care of Zhou Jinchen’s new investment company.

Could there be another reason? Thinking about it, Xin Zimai remembered the previous incident.

“You……did you have another nightmare again?” Xin Zimai asked hesitantly.

Zhou Jinchen still did not speak but was finally willing to take off his eyes from the screen.

Xin Zimai felt that he had guessed right and asked, “Then, why didn’t you call Xiao An?”

As he was speaking, he remembered another thing, “Oh, by the way, didn’t I talk to you about living together before ma, what do you think about it? Tang Tang said Xiao An is still living in the company’s dormitory and you two happen to be in the same building.”

Zhou Jinchen was silent for a moment. When he finally opened his mouth amidst Xin Zimai’s questioning gaze, he talked about something else.

“How many days are left for the premiere of 《Different Roads》?”

Xin Zimai was stunned by this rapidly changing topic but he quickly said, “There are only a few days left, isn’t it just this Saturday?”

Zhou Jinchen said, “The location of the premiere ceremony?”

Xin Zimai gave out an address and curiously said, “Are you worried about the movie? This should be fine, I asked the crew before. The pre-selling on the first day has already exceeded a hundred million; there should be no problem with the premiere.”

It coincides with the golden summer season, it’s still the weekend. Despite having entered the tensest countdown phase, the whole crew was still relatively optimistic about the box office.

Zhou Jinchen replied by pulling up his memo on his computer and set up a reminder on the day of the premiere.

Xin Zimai still wanted to say something but he heard Zhou Jinchen say, “Tell them that those who don’t have a task, doesn’t need to work overtime with me and come back when they have a task.”

“Good.” Xin Zimai answered, “I’ll take a look. You should pay attention to yourself and rest.”

Before leaving, he remembered about the nightmare, “Ah, right, Jinchen, you really don’t need to call Xiao An over? I just met Tang Tang on the second floor, she said Xiao An is being interviewed and will be back in an hour or so.”

The man with a straight back inside the room did not turn around. His voice was as cold and hard as the arc of his back, “No need.”

With a soft ‘click’ the door was closed by Xin Zimai who had left the room. Zhou Jinchen at the desk looked at the complicated reports on the screen but he couldn’t see a single value.

He raised his hand and rubbed his temples, propping up the side of his face with one hand, his eyes drooping.

The nightmare was still there but no one could be called over. Xin Zimai had said before that after his drunkenness, he had called over and told the person that and An Xumo was ignoring him.

Although the fact remains unchanged, it even became increasingly worse. Nevertheless, this is something that Zhou Jinchen could not say to others when he was sober.

So now, he can only be stuck here alone in vain, tasting the growing strangeness of An Xumo’s intentional avoidance of him.

Chapter 79 – Brother’s strange desire
 
Since he had no acting experience, An Xumo had never been on a road show before. Although the team had prepared in advance once the operation started, the intensity of continuous work was more than he could bear.
 
The importance of road shows is undeniable and the same goes for a large-scale production like《Different Roads》with a star-studded cast. Therefore, in the road show, before the film was released, except for Ma Lao who rarely attended because of health reasons, the other important people were asked to move their schedule. People of their status had to be very diligent. An Xumo, who was a newcomer in the film industry, found it even more difficult to leave the scene without permission.
 
In addition to the three absolute important people, An Xumo was the one who participated in the most number of road shows within the cast. Although this is definitely a good thing for his career and development, the pressure that comes with it is also evident.
 
The high intensity of the road show is mainly due to the tight schedule and the constant rush to the scene. After a full day of meetings, media interviews, and cinema promotions, there was no time to waste and they continued to rush to the next city to repeat the same work.
 
After the crew arrived in Dongzhou City, An Xumo was still in a normal state during a series of interviews and meet-and-greets during the day. He was interviewed with the crew, and when someone brought up the relationship between the three explicitly or implicitly, he smiled and defused the tho-ny issue with the plot of the trailer.
 
However, when evening came, the increasingly intense schedule and accumulated fatigue for a long time burst out together.
 
The crew had to go to six of the top ten cinemas in Dongzhou City to do activities, each of which requires a half-hour screening and half-hour fan interaction. And in the full length of more than six hours, they had to travel through the six districts of Dongzhou City without even a chance to take a break.
 
The time was tight, the staffs were complex, and the pressure of the scene can be imagined. The crew can only weigh the priorities first and temporarily postpone some of the less important things.
 
For example, dinner.
 
As one of the main artists, An Xumo was also very busy. He didn’t even think about dinner at first and it wasn’t until he was reminded by the pressure coming vaguely from his stomach when he ran to the third cinema.
 
It doesn’t matter if an ordinary person is hungry for a meal. It’s not uncommon for artists to eat irregularly but for a stomach that is already showing symptoms, eating irregularly is the biggest taboo.
 
An Xumo soon received a protest from his body.
 
With so many eyes on the stage, the boy naturally did not make any extra moves. It wasn’t until the third event was over and the crew rushed to the next cinema that An Xumo found the opportunity to take the medicine Tang Tang had prepared for him in advance.
 
Taking into account An Xumo’s gastritis, Tang Tang had already prepared an emergency dinner beforehand. But unfortunately, because the trip was too rushed, Tang Tang was left behind at the second cinema. Now, An Xumo is only followed by his assistant Xiao Zhang but the latter does not have anything that An Xumo can eat.
 
The feeling of hunger was all too familiar to An Xumo. He had only planned to endure it as usual but before the fourth event was over, the time became unbearable.
 
His stomach burned fiercely, burning all the way to his throat. The ever-present retching feeling kept stirring up tears, blurring the line of sight in front of him.
 
The only redeeming thing was that the pain of burning into the throat did not make his voice hoarse. And with the experience of throwing up on the set last time, the dry heaving sensation became barely tolerable this time.
 
An Xumo followed the turmoil and chaos of war¹social order is unstable/chaotic onto the arranged bus. He looked nothing unusual on the outside but every step was like stepping on cotton.
 
His body was light and the pain forced his mind to perform instinctive self-protection. The consciousness was shallowly drawn out and floated in the sky, watching the spontaneous movement of the body like a spectator to others.
 
An Xumo reacted for a long time before waking up to the fact that this person was him.
 
His thoughts were muddled and confused, unable to think of any logic. His mind was left with only one thought; he could not fall down and could not delay his work.
 
After a non-stop trip to the fifth cinema, An Xumo finally received a bit of good news —— this cinema had more than enough space provided for the important people with long sofas. Sitting was much more bearable than standing for half an hour and with Zhou Jinchen and Lin Rui doing most of the off-stage activities, An Xumo finally had a chance to rest a little.
 
He tried to use this time to let himself recover as much as possible and fortunately, the buffer time did pay off. Except that when he finally stood up when he left the stage, he shook a bit and was held by Zhou Jinchen on his side. An Xumo’s abnormality was not noticed by anyone.
 
“Sorry, I tripped a little ……”
 
The boy did not look at who supported him nor even raised his head. After whispering his thanks, An Xumo who stood firm hurriedly followed the person in front of him toward the stage as if he was unaware of the fact that he had just almost fallen.
 
Zhou Jinchen who was standing behind him looked at the boy’s thin back and could not help but frown.
 
After helping the person, Zhou Jinchen’s attention to the other person became more and more frequent. In the last event, the boy’s face was so pale that he was almost transparent. Although he still answered questions in a normal tone and still had a decent smile when taking a group photo, Zhou Jinchen could detect the hesitancy under the other party’s efforts to conceal it.
 
Or was it due to stomach problems? 
 
That’s right. The crew did not eat at night.
 
Zhou Jinchen is used to being busy and his three meals are not on time. He only remembered it when he found An Xumo’s strangeness but on the stage with so many people watching, it was difficult for him to act without permission.
 
The man can only pay more attention and help the person to share some of the pressure as much as possible. He calmly blocked several rude and impetuous questions for An Xumo, and in the end, when all the main people used a selfie stick to take a photo with the audience he reached out and pulled the person to his side.
 
In order to be able to capture the audience, the crew all squatted down. An Xumo also followed along and squatted down, but when he got up after the shot, he was more than a beat slower.
 
The boy’s body is nearing its limit.
 
Before An Xumo’s action drew the attention of others, Zhou Jinchen was quick to encircle the person’s shoulders, helping the swaying boy up. To prevent the other party from getting dizzy when he stood up abruptly, he also supported the person for a while longer.
 
Zhou Jinchen just wanted to help the person to stand up but the boy who was supported had been suffering for a long time and was not very clear about the current condition of his own feet. He followed everyone almost by instinct and thought he was standing firm.
 
So when his drowsy thoughts were interrupted by Zhou Jinchen’s suddenly reaching hand, An Xumo also visibly froze.
 
There was a flash that happened to light up just then; taking in the two people who were at an intimate distance, only then did An Xumo reacted. He didn’t say anything and just quietly stood there to let the person take pictures. It was not until the army was ready to leave did he followed and walked off the stage.
 
Seeing that the person can still walk on their own, Zhou Jinchen finally relaxed a little. But when walking from the side of the stage to the backstage, in the dimly lit exit tunnel, Zhou Jinchen could not help but look down at his palm.
 
He had just used this hand to encircle An Xumo, the warm, thin touch can still be recalled. There was another feeling that had not yet dissipated — the boy was obviously stiff when he touched him.
 
This is not the first time Zhou Jinchen discovered this. He briefly recalled that every time he was approached by his own initiative, his younger brother would have this stiff reaction.
 
What emotion does this behavior express?
 
The stiffness at that time of contact should be perhaps be interpreted as resistance and contradiction but Zhou Jinchen quickly denied this idea himself. After being rigid each time, An Xumo would quickly return to normal, never showing any sense of detachment.
 
It’s not resistance……what else could it be?
 
Zhou Jinchen carefully searched in his emotional inventory and was unable to find a relevant emotion for this slight contradictory move. The army began to exit one after another and there was a lot of noise around. Not far away, Ma Zechi raised his voice and called his name. Zhou Jinchen can only temporarily put this matter aside and walk over to the other side.
 
Just after leaving the cinema, Tang Tang who had been waiting at the back door for a long time hurriedly brought a whole jar of medicinal porridge to An Xumo. With something in his stomach, the tired boy finally had a chance to rest a little. Moreover, on the way back, he was so tired that he directly fell asleep on the bus.
 
Zhou Jinchen sat beside him, holding tissues and vomiting bags given by Tang Tang. They had prepared for the worst but An Xumo had been sleeping quietly and nothing happened.
 
The warm light from the window stained the delicately lined face but it added a little more life to the boy who had been pale. The look when he sleeps is more tender and immature than in the day and the unique freshness and softness of the teenager combined together makes it hard for people to take their eyes off.
 
Zhou Jinchen looked at him and felt that inexplicable feeling appears in his heart again.
 
Until now, he still has no way to understand emotions directly like a normal person, and the daily life together still has to be inferred by different behaviors. However, other people’s emotions can be deduced by their behavior but not on their own. Therefore, Zhou Jinchen has never been able to understand what he really feels for An Xumo.
 
The first thing that deliberately reminded him was the nightmare that kept coming back since he got drunk. It was the root of all the damage Zhou Jinchen has suffered since then and this raging darkness was temporarily suspended by An Xumo’s appearance.
 
In the end, it was no longer as simple as just relieving the nightmare, things began to develop towards a strange desire. Zhou Jinchen subconsciously focused on his younger brother’s situation, not just because he wants to ease his nightmares, but also because he wanted to make the other party better.
 
Let the person get more shots and better preferential treatment so that he will no longer be invaded by all kinds of viciousness in the entertainment industry and will no longer be harmed by physical ailments.
 
For Zhou Jinchen who has never been concerned about others’ actions, this is the first time.
 
The feeling was so unfamiliar that Zhou Jinchen never understood why he had this thought.
 
He could neither think of the reason for this desire nor could he find the benefit of doing so. The standard of benefit that he normally used for precise projections became useless and Zhou Jinchen had to keep thinking about other things to cover up this uneasiness after losing control.
 
But he didn’t refuse to get along with An Xumo because of this uneasiness. On the contrary, Zhou Jinchen held the thought of finding the real reason in more contact.
 
So when he got off the bus, despite the curious and concerned looks from many people in the crew, Zhou Jinchen still picked up the sleeping boy without looking away. Everyone had a busy day and it was also close to twelve o’clock, many people even felt aches and pains in their legs and waist when they stand up and walk. But Zhou Jinchen who was holding a hundred-pound boy in his arms entered the hotel calmly.
 
He never woke up the person and just carried the other all the way.
 
When dividing the room, Zhou Jinchen also did not hesitate. An Xumo was sleeping even though it would be more accurate to call it semi-conscious. He was held for such a long time without waking up, so it was natural that it’s not good to sleep alone at night. Zhou Jinchen directly asked Xiao Zhang to pull An Xumo’s luggage over and the two of them slept in a two-person room.
 
Fortunately, An Xumo’s illness was not too serious this time. Although he slept a little uncomfortably, he did not wake up and at least rested for the whole night. The crew assembled early in the morning and he got up without any problems.
 
With this day’s experience, no matter how busy he was after several cities in the road show, An Xumo would be watched to eat on time. Even on the road or in the cinema backstage, there will be someone to hand him a warm insulated lunch box.
 
While his body, fortunately, did not suffer much damage, An Xumo began to worry about something else.
 
After waking up in his brother’s room again and facing a crowd with knowing eyes early in the morning, An Xumo has been in a bad mood. He was worried that his brother would use his stomach problems as a deliberate publicity stunt.
 
It is not uncommon for celebrities to work with illnesses and many studios will use this to promote their artists’ diligence and dedication, sucking up the goodwill of passersby, and conveniently make the deeply moved and distressed fans more enthusiastic about their idols.
 
This is not an unbearable method, but An Xumo’s current situation is not quite the same.
 
From the very beginning, the boy preferred to show himself only at work in front of the public. An Xumo did not want too many people to know that he had stomach problems. He always felt that what should be presented should be the good side such as dancing or acting. Once this personal, private, and negative condition is exposed, he will have a vague uneasiness of having his protective layer pierced.
 
An Xumo prefers to close himself off rather than expose his vulnerable and real privacy to the public.
 
In addition to his own personality, An Xumo also takes into account his relationship with his brother. Once the team publicized the fact that he was still working despite having stomach problems, the next step to follow would definitely be Zhou Jinchen’s attentive care for him. Perhaps, because sick people are more sensitive, An Xumo felt a sense of resistance for the first time.
 
Forget the daily acting, even if you’re sick……
 
He really does not like this feeling that everything about himself is being taken advantage of.
 
But throughout the road show, the two getting along was inevitable. An Xumo had to disguise himself as much as possible as if he was not sick, only saying that he was well and did not show a little abnormality in front of his brother.
 
It’s several times harder to pretend to be normal than to endure disease, plus for some reason, Zhou Jinchen would always turn his attention and conversation to An Xumo intentionally or unintentionally recently. It took him a lot of energy to control his state.
 
When the road show finally came to an end, An Xumo left the set almost as if he escaped. In order to leave there early, he even bought a late night ticket in advance and did not stay one more night. He flew back to S City overnight.
 
The three main characters still need to continue to go on for two more cities, so this time An Xumo smoothly returned to Jin Dian alone.
 
When he came back, he slept for fifteen hours, except in the middle when he was woken up by Tang Tang to simply drink some porridge, and then fell back to sleep afterwards. After resting for a long time, he finally eased a bit of physical stress. Although his spirit is a little tight but compared to the previous period, he had obviously relaxed a lot.
 
An Xumo felt that after some more time, he would be able to slowly adjust to it. Even if there are still screenings and various interviews for《Different Roads》to come, it will certainly not be any tougher than the road show.
 
But Tang Tang is not so optimistic.
 
Without mentioning anything else, just looking at the performance these days, she also felt that An Xumo’s pressure really exceeded the bottom line.
 
“En?” when he was called to the office, An Xumo was still a bit confused. He didn’t quite understand Tang Tang’s words, “Too much pressure?”
 
“Yes,” Tang Tang’s expression was solemn, “Xiao Mo, you’re so young and you have chronic gastritis. You almost didn’t make it in the first road show.”
 
An Xumo thought she was blaming herself, he said with some apology, “Sorry, I will pay attention to eat on time next time. I will also try my best to recuperate this time……”
 
“That’s not what I meant.” Tang Tang quickly stopped him and explained. “I’m not saying you’re delaying your work but your body won’t be able to take it if you go on like this.”
 
An Xumo is only seventeen years old and has a long way to go. If he falls down because of his illness due to excessive pressure now, not only his career but also his own health will be affected. Acting is not a comfortable profession, and there is no practice in the entertainment industry that they die young and die from overwork.
 
An Xumo is still young after all. He does not know the seriousness of this kind of thing and speaks somewhat casually, “It shouldn’t be so serious, right? Just recuperating is fine, my recovery ability is also quite strong……”
 
Tang Tang felt angry and funny, she felt like she was earnestly teaching her old mother.
 
“Then you can’t just rely on your youth to build strength ah. It will be too late when something goes wrong!” Tang Tang worriedly said, “In fact, your gastritis is already a big problem now. If you don’t pay attention to it in time, there will be some sufferings in the future.”
 
“I understand,” An Xumo answered and thought about it again. “But now, I don’t have many opportunities to rest so I should pay attention to it at ordinary times.”
 
Before the premiere of《Different Roads》, the team had already helped screen a number of scripts, many of which are good productions. It’s just that in the film industry, An Xumo still has a lot of things to do.
 
“I’m also clear about this.” Tang Tang said. For artists, resting every day without work to keep them busy is the scariest thing, and……
 
“Even if you want to have a rest, the company won’t agree.”
 
She said, pulling out a bag of files from the table and handed them to An Xumo.
 
An Xumo opened the bag of files. “This is……?”
 
“You are now in the rising period, it’s impossible for the company to let you have a long time off but with your current situation, it is not suitable to bear the continuous work.” Tang Tang pointed to the bag of files. “Therefore, after discussing with the team, we have a new proposal.”
 
Just seeing those several stacks of paper taken out from the bag of files, the names of several most famous art universities in China were printed on it.
 
“Xiao Mo, you went to school early. You’ll only be eighteen in two weeks, even if you took a year off from school, you didn’t miss that much.” Tang Tang said. “So we thought to move your school registration to a senior high school for half a year in the third year and then at the beginning of the next year, you take the art exam.”
 
“In this way, when the college entrance exam ends in June next year, as long as the results are not too bad, you can go to a university in September.”
 
There are also several young traffic idols that made their debut in China, and their high school and college entrance examinations have attracted a lot of attention. Given the current situation, all underage artists who intend to continue working as actors will choose the path of arts examination to study in major art colleges and universities in the country. There, they will not only receive systematic acting studies but also be able to accumulate contacts in the circle. There is also a precedent in the country about two movie stars in the same class.
 
That is why Tang Tang proposed that An Xumo returns to senior high school to prepare for the art exam. Anyway, with the boy’s current age, he wouldn’t be too far off. If he does pass the exam, he will not only be able to go to college but also have some time off — just like the Jingdian Academy, one of the country’s top art colleges where they deliberately limit the number of time students can go out to take on dramas to ensure that they have enough time to attend classes.
 
When the time comes, the company will no longer let An Xumo to constantly take on various jobs for long-term considerations.
 
Tang Tang’s salary is linked to An Xumo’s. If he misses his job because of school, Tang Tang’s income will also be affected. Therefore, An Xumo understood that Tang Tang was really thinking about him.
 
But while Tang Tang was waiting for his decision with great expectation, An Xumo quickly expressed a different wish.
 
Tang Tang was obviously shocked by his words, “…..why won’t you go?”
 
She hurriedly said, “Do you have any other concerns? This is the most appropriate……”
 
“No,” An Xumo interrupted her not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “Tang Tang, don’t worry. Listen to me.”
 
Tang Tang stopped and looked at him anxiously.
 
“It’s not that I don’t want to go,” An Xumo explained, “But I’ve already taken the college entrance exam and I’ve also completed the admissions process.”
 
“You took the college entrance exam?!” Tang Tang was at a loss, “But didn’t you abandon your studies to become a trainee?”
 
An Xumo shook his head, “I didn’t abandon studying and the tuition fees have already been paid. It’s because I……I felt that studying was meaningless so I chose to sign with Jin Dian.”
 
“Studying is meaningless?”
 
Tang Tang was stupefied. It shouldn’t be, Xiao Mo’s grades were still top-notch when he was in junior high school ba. Did he suddenly plummet in senior high school that he even got tired of learning? Then, wouldn’t his college entrance exam results are also……
 
A lot of thoughts flashed through her mind for a moment but finally, she cautiously asked, “So, which university have you been admitted to?”
 
Tang Tang thought it doesn’t matter if it’s a secondary or a bad college. Just take the exam again. Anyway, art schools do not have too many high requirements for students’ in cultural courses performances.
 
An Xumo hesitated for a moment, “……P University.”
 
“P University?” Tang Tang repeated but have not yet reacted, “Which P University?”
 
An Xumo was about to explain when he saw Tang Tang jumping up from her chair like she had seen a ghost.
 
“P…..P University?!!”
 
An Xumo nodded his head.
 
“B, that one in B City? One of the top 2? Pek……” Tang Tang spelled the name incredulously then blankly looked at An Xumo, nodding once again.
 
The boy was calmed in her shocked eyes. He lowered his head and found a photo from his phone.
 
The picture was taken from the admission notice sent by P University, with An Xumo’s name clearly printed on it, and at the top, there was a bright and shiny school logo that everyone knew.
 
•·················•·················•
 
The author has something to say:
 
The brother’s change in attitude should be quite obvious……He just doesn’t know yet that this strange emotion is called like.
 
If he understood everything at once, wouldn’t AS patients and the indifferent personality collapse ma.
 
The mentality is awfully collapsing but I will still write according to the outline. It is my own responsibility to tell the story. In the future, I will try my best not to change it after sending it out, sorry.

---

Jie Jie(1/17/22): This had 4k words… I can’t believe I didn’t divide it into parts lmao

Chapter 78 – Participate in programs and road shows

The black camera also took the opportunity to pan over. When he saw the man who handed over the small spoon with his left hand, it was only then An Xumo realized why there was an exclamation from the audience.

Although Ma Zechi and Yan Xiangyan have been standing in the most prominent position in tonight’s program, they also played the role of the team leader in the game between them. But for the audience, they are mostly looking forward to Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo. The fans of both families have come in large numbers with all kinds of support. An Xumo also heard Tang Tang mention that not only did the Royal Guards prepared gifts for the show and the crew, but his fans sent their regards as well.

In contrast, the fans that came specifically for Lin Rui were much fewer; he took the orthodox actor route. Although his handsome looks and superb acting skills have also helped him to attract a lot of likes, relatively speaking, there is still a difference between the general audience and the fans that keep following their journey. Judging from the current situation in the audience, they paid more attention to Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo which is far more than Lin Rui.

Although the two fan groups are still in a vigilant wait-and-see state regarding the cooperation manuscript issued, after witnessing how Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo got along throughout the show, it’s difficult for them to attack the other person. This time, Zhou Jinchen took the initiative to feed the food to them which only triggered their amazement.

The crab meatball was already delivered to the mouth and the tender white color made the people want to look at it and can’t help but move their index finger, not to mention An Xumo who had been looking forward to the whole show for a long time. The “wow” sounds from the audience were getting longer and longer, and there was no room for hesitation. An Xumo subconsciously raised his hand to pick up the spoon. When he was about to touch Zhou Jinchen’s hand did he remember the other party’s intention.

He had no choice but to hastily take his hand back a little bit and lower his head to carefully bite into the tender white meatball.

When eating the meatball, An Xumo was careful not to touch the spoon. After all, acting is one thing, and really breaking through the psychological barrier of cleanliness is another. However, Zhou Jinchen didn’t seem to notice his intention. When the boy ate the crab meatball, he withdrew the spoon and moved very smoothly to scoop another one out of the small bowl, and resolved it by himself.

“……” An Xumo was stunned for a moment.

However, the camera has not yet withdrawn. Yan Xiangyan on the side is constantly sharing food for everyone. The scene is so lively that An Xumo did not spend too much time thinking about this matter.

The camera is still there, the boy thought and hurriedly pressed down the stagnation that had risen in his chest for a moment. Moreover, he had long been clear about this matter and had also made up his mind early on that he could no longer allow himself to indulge in overly sensitive mood swings.

According to An Xumo’s understanding of his brother, if they are really getting along with each other, the other party will never share the same set of cutlery with others. He made this kind of move, thinking and knowing that it can only be because of the camera effect.

Is it really necessary to……do it to this extent?

If An Xumo didn’t have other feelings for his brother, he can definitely go along with the other party’s actions right now. But the truth is, Zhou Jinchen for him is an existence that has reminded him every now and then not to cross the line.

The fresh and rich fragrance of the crab melted away between his lips and teeth, but An Xumo had to take a deep breath to relieve himself of the lack of oxygen a little bit.

Not only that, before the new cutlery was placed, Zhou Jinchen fed An Xumo two more pieces of fish and a shrimp dumpling. An Xumo, who was trying to calm down, finally did not hesitate. When the camera came over, he took the initiative to adjust their position, leaving the best angle for the camera.

Think of it as honing your acting skills, he thought.

After the show is recorded, it will not be aired immediately. According to the plan, it should be released about a week or two before the release of 《Different Roads》. After the recording of 《Surface Meeting》, An Xumo attended another talk show with the cast and crew under Baicheng Video before being allowed to go.

He didn’t stay long and returned to S City that night. If Tang Tang hadn’t held him back, she’s afraid An Xumo would have stayed in the dance studio all night again.

If you can’t calm down quickly, you’ll have to use your busy schedule to avoid the recurring emotions.

But the facts did not change according to one’s wishes. Not long after, the program group that the crew had to attend collectively for the third time also sent a contract. This time, it was an outdoor reality show called 《The Best Sunshine》 and An Xumo was ‘coincidentally’ assigned to a group with Zhou Jinchen, eating and sleeping with people for nearly two days.

The overall process of recording the program was thrilling but not dangerous. The only thing that surprised An Xumo was that he actually met an acquaintance on the show, Wang Yixiang

The way An Xumo made his debut was a little different from other traffic idols. He became popular as a backup dancer on a variety show that invited already famous artists to cross-border to dance. The person who partnered with An Xumo to win the championship on the final stage of 《Dance to the top Show》 was none other than Wang Yixiang.

Now that they have met again, the difference between their identities has changed. However, during the time when An Xumo was rapidly gaining popularity, Wang Yixiang also played an outstanding role in a blockbuster movie. The bonus of this movie continued to this day and his fame is much higher than it was at the beginning.

Wang Yixiang is also an artist who debuted before he was an adult and he is only twenty-five years old now. Although there was a seven or eight years difference with An Xumo, the two chatted very well. In addition to their previous friendship accumulated in 《Dance to the top Show》, Wang Yixiang himself is particularly a great example of a carefree and extroverted person. Whilst they only had two days together, their friendship has rapidly warmed up.

The most coincidental thing is that Wang Yixiang is very insensitive to numbers. He seems to have a little bit of a memory disorder against numbers. In the two-day event, every time he encountered the need to count, he had a big headache. In contrast to him, An Xumo’s best performance has always been in Science with eye-catching calculation and logic skills. Coupled with his memory, in the eyes of Wang Yixiang, he became a real heavenly savior.

The issue of 《The Best Sunshine》 happens to take the approach of cumulative results. At the end of each round, everyone had to calculate their scores and plan for the next levels. After several rounds of activities, Wang Yixiang expressed his admiration from the bottom of his heart, and then very consciously freeloaded with An Xumo, the human calculator.

An Xumo did not think there was anything. This kind of score looks difficult but in fact, it was more than enough to use probability and statistics learned in high school to deal with it. After all, he is a person who has actually experienced the college examination not long ago so the calculation is obviously much faster even with the addition of Wang Yixiang’s part, it will not take up much of his time.

Although this way of asking for help on the spot may seem a little obvious, Wang Yixiang’s insensitivity to numbers is no secret. He and An Xumo are on the same team, each activity is based on the overall results of the team. As long as the two of them do not mind it, others don’t say much. The program group is happy to see this kind of footage that can lead to a degree of a topic and naturally, there will be no more interference.

The only thing that made An Xumo felt something was wrong was during the last few rounds. Zhou Jinchen who was on the same team did not care much about winning or losing the event at first, but towards the end, he was the first to calculate the best result every time, a few minutes faster than An Xumo.

After he finished the calculation, he was in no rush to act first but he lends a hand to Wang Yixiang of the same team, which flattered the latter who has not been able to have in-depth communication with this film emperor.

Although it was a team of three of them at the beginning, Zhou Jinchen was obviously more difficult to get along with than An Xumo. Wang Yixiang knew the gap between him and Zhou Jinchen, that is, he is mainly respectful and did not think about dealing with the person much. Unexpectedly, he was helped several times at the last time.

Zhou Jinchen’s actions made Wang Yixiang who had a sense of distance from the film emperor at first, feel guilty. He couldn’t help but sigh, What a good senior! What a considerate and helpful film emperor! How could he find the other difficult to get along with at first?

An Xumo on the other side was somewhat puzzled but Zhou Jinchen’s expression still did not fluctuate, plus the three of them were indeed in the same team so he did not think too much about it.

After the recording of 《The Best Sunshine》, there were not many activities that required An Xumo to dedicate a large chunk of his time. Before the road show and the mass interviews began, he still had a few weeks of preparation time. Therefore, Tang Tang arranged special interview training for An Xumo. One was to allow him to answer questions more comprehensively and the other was to prevent him from being trapped unknowingly.

An Xumo expressed no opinion. As a person who has received more than ten years of exam-oriented education, he is far better at attending classes and training than acting.

Moreover, this busy life is enough to help shield An Xumo from the growing rumors out there and let him learn how to deal with them. He only had this precious little training time before he really had to face the hail of bullets.

The days passed by quickly during the high-intensity temporary remedial training. Soon, the road show for 《Different Roads》 was scheduled for fourteen cities and as an important supporting actor, An Xumo had to participate in at least half of road shows.

In addition, cooperation with various social media and online applications also emerged endlessly. Although the styling in the film will be used, but in order to cooperate with all kinds of collaborations, actors also need to take a variety of photos that would be used as material for different collaborative clients.

This kind of busyness is much stronger than the previous regular studying before and the continuous work makes people have to play with the spirits for twelve points.¹a very deep description, stronger than using ten; more than a hundred percent.After helping a music app to take photos that were about to be made into a player’s skin, the crew rushed to the southernmost part of the country overnight and launched the first city’s promotional road show in Dongzhou City.

Since it was the beginning of the road show and Dongzhou City is one of the three top-tier cities in China, this event is particularly important. The crew gathered everyone as much as possible and chose the location in an iconic commercial exhibition center in Dongzhou City.

However, at this critical time, An Xumo who had been busy with the crew for a few days once again suffered gastritis because of an irregular diet.

•·················•·················•

The author has something to say:

The daily life of the trio:

Wang Yixiang: Xiao Mo, you’re amazing! This kind of thing will blah blah blah…

An Xumo: It’s no big deal, you just have to remember…… (freely chatting)

Zhou Jinchen: ……

If you can’t grab your younger brother, you have no choice but to grab the job that takes up your brother’s time.

•·················•·················•

Editor: I can smell the vinegar, sadly it didn’t last that long

Jie Jie: welp.

Apologies for the late update. Had a busy day 😪

Chapter 77 – The youngest brother on the Surface controls his brother
 
Before the camera could zoom in, the eyes of the people on stage were already focused. An Xumo froze for a moment, remembering the words he heard outside the lounge before he went on stage.
 
“I will only have cooperative activities with An Xumo.”
 
An Xumo rightfully interpreted this statement along with Zhou Jinchen’s invitation as part of the plan. Without further hesitation, he stepped forward and tied the protective gear with the help of the staff.
 
The two men went up and stood by the high platform, in front of which was a thick sponge cushion hanging. An Xumo quietly glanced toward the side, the distance of ten meters away makes the guests below look much smaller but it can make people clearly see the hardness of the floor.
 
Even people who are not afraid of heights will feel restrained when standing here.
 
According to the results of the previous discussion, the balloon will be taken by the lighter-weight An Xumo and the balance will be maintained by Zhou Jinchen, which is a relatively safe way, as the case was the same with the previous groups. However, because there were two girls who were afraid of height and dared not move, the balloon was picked up by the male partner. As a result, without waiting for the men to move a few steps, the cushion was pressed out of balance and the people turned over together. Having learned from their lessons, the two men decided on this arrangement without much discussion.
 
Zhou Jinchen who was standing on the right side took the lead in placing one foot in. He tested the extent of the shaking and then stepped on both feet on the thick cushion.
 
The swaying range of the sponge pad increased, Zhou Jinchen waited for a while before the balance stabilized.
 
The crowd below was watching them closely. Yan Xiangyan who was holding his arm said, “Okay, that’s good. Now that Jinchen is standing, their first step went very well.”
 
After Zhou Jinchen stood firmly, he moved a step to the right to make way for An Xumo who was about to come up. But in order to maintain the balance of the sponge pad, he did not stray a few steps away. Therefore, when An Xumo came up, the two bodies were almost close together and there was not much distance between them.
 
Standing on this kind of cushion that could be turned over at any time, the challenger’s own sense of security would be greatly shaken. In addition to the height of nearly ten meters, soft and trembling legs are normal. Despite knowing that failure is not a serious consequence, the safety rope behind him is also tightly tied. But once you get to this position, all the security and comfort become so thin and pale.
 
An Xumo took a deep breath and felt the air around him was so thin that even the commentary and encouragement from the host below didn’t come through.
 
The only thing that can be heard is the deep voice of the person around him.
 
“Be careful.”
 
An Xumo blinked his eyes hard and exhaled a long breath.
 
With the efforts of the two, they finally managed to take the first step towards the both sides and stabilized their balance separately.
 
There seemed to be a round of delighted applause in the direction of the audience but An Xumo does not have the time to care about this, he was focusing on the position of the man beside him.  The thick cushion was nearly two meters long; to get the balloon at the edge, the two men also had to stand almost on both ends of the sponge pad.
 
The movement of going backward has never been so difficult and the huge spotlight overhead radiated the heat that one had to care about. A little bit of moisture seeped out of An Xumo’s forehead. He blinked forcefully and moved his feet carefully.
 
In the previous three rounds of attempts, except for the first group which ended before going up, the second and third groups both overturned the sponge in the process of moving outward. The girl in the second group had reached the balloon on the edge but because her partner did not dare to go too much outside, the girl has just squatted down and touched the balloon when the pad tilted down toward her side, and she slipped out.
 
Summing up the experiences and lessons from the first three groups, the two moved more and more cautiously. However, their progress is still smooth. Although An Xumo feels that he’s spending a second like a year, in fact, the progress of the two can be described as rapid, the sponge pad was also never too shaky.
 
For the sake of balance, the first person to move each time is Zhou Jinchen. In the first few groups, most people standing in his position chose to squat and move slowly to increase their balance after lowering the center of gravity, but Zhou Jinchen did not choose to do so. He is still walking outward little by little, although his movements are not impulsive, the distance he takes each time is not small. But in this way, even though there will be a lot of shaking when he leaves, it will be much easier when An Xumo moves out in the next step.
 
From the point of view of others, they only seem to think that An Xumo is flexible and light, and it was only when he takes a step backward, they remembered to praise Zhou Jinchen’s bold movements. Coupled with the fact that he has been practicing dancing for so long, An Xumo’s balance itself is much better than that of ordinary people. When he was included in the camera, his performance was even more eye-catching.
 
Under the gaze of everyone’s expectations, An Xumo finally came to the edge of the thick pad in a light sway. He stretched out his right hand to keep his balance and leaned slightly to the left, his fingertips struggling to reach the balloon that was stuck on the edge.
 
The heartbeat vibrated against his eardrum and the sound of breathing was deafening. An Xumo held his breath and finally felt that smooth touch.
 
He was standing on the edge of the thick cushion and his body was about to be tilted outside, so it was difficult to grasp the balance at this time. It stands to reason that the sponge pad should have lean in the direction of An Xumo but he was too busy picking the balloon and did not notice that instead of pressing down the sponge pad like the girls in the second group, the position under his feet slightly tilted up a little.
 
If An Xumo could see the footage of this scene, he would have noticed that the man standing at the other end was watching his movements closely as he struggled to tilt his body to pick up the balloon. His right foot was positioned so that it was about to step out of the thick pad.
 
Stepping on the edge can indeed regulate the balance at any time but the psychological pressure to do so is too great, not to mention that Zhou Jinchen is still standing directly, he himself does not have the conditions to maintain stability.
 
But at this time, An Xumo did not notice the man’s actions. He used his fingers for a long time and finally took off the red balloon from its stuck position.
 
The moment he grabbed the balloon, An Xumo finally let out a sigh of relief. It was only then did he notice the cheers coming from the stage and the audience, but in an instant, the voice changed its tone —
 
An Xumo did not have the time to react at all and the sponge pad under his feet turned up. As a result, he was standing at the top and slid down to the right. The momentary onslaught of weightlessness made people’s hearts tighten.
 
“……”
 
Unable to scream out, the microphone is still at the side of his mouth and he will be heard —the moment of the fall, the boy’s mind is only left with this strange persistence.
 
However, before the pull from behind came, An Xumo hit something slightly hard on his side.
 
It was not until there was strength coming from that obstacle that even people covered with protective gear making one’s heart filled, did An Xumo realized what had happened.
 
He also foolishly raised his hand to hold up this hard-earned balloon, the side of his face was pressed against his brother’s chest. The hard protective lock was on his face and there was an extended pull that also came behind him.
 
There was an unreliable sense of suspension under his feet but his body is held tightly in the arms. The complex protection measures blocked the transfer of temperature but the mere physical proximity was enough to dissipate all the uneasiness of being suspended high up in the air.
 
It was not until the two slowly landed on a solid floor and the staff came forward to help untie the protective rope, did An Xumo retreated from his arms.
 
He raised his eyes to look over. Zhou Jinchen still seemed to have no fluctuations in his expression. It’s as if just hanging from a height of ten meters was not a serious matter.
 
Maybe it’s because my brother had more experience with weiya¹transliteration of the word “wire” which means hanging on a wire rope. It’s an ultra-fine high-quality steel wire. when he was filming before…… An Xumo thought randomly and heard Ge Zhiqiang on the side smiling, “Congratulations to our ‘quietest combination’ to successfully win the crown!”
 
Yan Xiangyen also smiled, “If it were not for the last one to turn down this play, watching the performance of the two of you, I still would have thought it was picking a balloon from the ground.”
 
When the camera came over, An Xumo hurriedly pull up the corners of his mouth and smiled. He raised the balloon and showed it to everyone but the heart beating in his chest was like a beating drum, which shook people’s limbs a little numb.
 
It was a close call. Another level passed.
 
Because the two men were on the stage, there was no score in this round. The total score is still blue and red, one to zero. An Xumo did not think too much of this either. He also understood that in this kind of variety show, for the artists, the results of the game are not important. The important thing is to have enough time for the camera and outstanding performance.
 
After this round of high-altitude balloon picking competition, even if there is not much footage at other times, An Xumo’s presence in this show has been enough.
 
After the second round, the third round of competition is a game of who is undercover. The props set up in the game were still related to the movie and it could be seen that both the cast of 《Different Roads》 and the program team of 《Surface》 had put a lot of thought into this promotion. In the end, the red team formed by the hosts won narrowly by mistake and scored one point.
 
After the props were removed, the crowd lined up on the stage. Yan Xiangyan standing in the middle, announced the one-to-one outcome, stating that the crew would give away movie tickets in the name of each two teams, totaling two hundred in total. In the end, he also gave the microphone to Ma Zechi and asked him to promote the summer movie release of 《Different Roads》.
 
While they were talking, a sumptuous table of fresh seafood meal was also pushed to the middle of the stage. The meal was shared by two teams, but the few disposable plates, forks, and chopsticks were put aside, nevertheless, it was not enough to put together twelve sets.
 
Everyone did not hesitate to lift the white porcelain lid. The heat and aroma spread together, causing several people who had been on a fitness diet unable to withstand the temptation.
 
The sets of cutlery were given priority to the ladies, after which the rounds did not make it to An Xumo whose age and seniority were all at the end of the crew. The stage director told them through the headset that there would be cutlery delivered later and after they had finished eating, they would give a portion to the audience on the stage in passing.
 
An Xumo who didn’t get the cutlery stood honestly on the side and looked at the meal on the table. The palm-size scallop meat is fat and juicy, the crystalline crab meatballs were soaked in the clear soup, and the delicious taste is visible to the naked eye. More than a dozen dishes were placed on the large round table. An Xumo was trying to avert his sight and restrain himself when he heard a sudden exclamation of high-pitched voice from the stage.
 
On one side of his head, there is a small spoon with crab meatballs pressed on his lips.
 
•·················•·················•
The author has something to say:
 
Brother: (hands a spoon)
 
Xiao Mo (sighs while eating): Why is my brother’s plan not over yet
 
Brother who really just wants to feed: ……

Chapter 76 – He just wants to see his younger brother
 
After separating from the crew, both of them had piles of activities to deal with. In consequence, although Zhou Jinchen had a series of nightmares, he didn’t deliberately take time to find An Xumo but chose to compress his sleep time even more harshly.
 
And when matters were almost dealt with, the publicity plan for 《Different Roads》 was also on the agenda. It was not easy to get in touch with An Xumo under the pretext of co-promotion, but Zhou Jinchen received a new piece of news —— An Xumo had gone to private dance training.
 
……
 
Forget it, Zhou Jinchen thought, then wait a few more days.
 
After waiting like this, waiting until the day 《Different Roads》 officially began running their publicity. Of the three collective variety shows, An Xumo has no schedule for the first variety show, and it was easy to wait for 《Surface Meeting》. Zhou Jinchen, whose time is particularly valuable, even bought a flight two hours in advance just to see the person ahead of time before the show.
 
He has never acted so irrationally before.
 
The unfamiliar feeling was like turbulent waves hitting the shore, constantly surging in Zhou Jinchen’s chest, making him thoroughly at loss as to what to do for the first time. The sudden shock without any warning made people clueless until a tender hand have appeared in the nightmare, there was a faint smell of milk that Zhou Jinchen only thought of his younger brother.
 
At first, it was originated in a dream, but later, the boy’s pale face when he was unconscious, the soft side of his face when he ate a fried egg, his serious expression when he analyzed the script, and his fragile thin back when he was vomiting. Little by little, it occupied all of Zhou Jinchen’s free space during the day.
 
Ten years ago, Mr. Old Yu taught him that a smile that shows the teeth means happiness, and a frowning face means frustration. For a long time, Zhou Jinchen has learned countless ‘what emotions this behavior represents’. He was able to deduce the emotions of most people through their behavior and he even won the title of Best Actor by his ingenious imitation of complex expressions.      
 
Yet, he still can’t comprehend the emotion itself.
 
This obstacle stems from the illness he was born with and the accident ten years ago. So now, Zhou Jinchen still doesn’t understand the reason why he would always think about his younger brother.
 
He only knows that he wants to see An Xumo.
 
This idea even goes a little beyond the rational calculation of benefits and uses, such as this two-hour flight in advance, and the deliberately calling the person to meet. They did not bring any benefits to Zhou Jinchen and even let the losses outweigh the gains on the clear accounts. The only effect these things had was to allow Zhou Jinchen to see his younger brother a little earlier.
 
Zhou Jinchen was not without hesitation at first, he was used to measuring everything in terms of its effectiveness. But when the boy sat across him and listened to him with his hands squarely on his knees, this choice brought rewards to Zhou Jinchen with ten times the results.
 
The man lowered his eyes to the script in his hands, his gaze lingering for a moment on one of the game settings.
 
PK¹Player Killing – mostly used in online games, means competition between players to see which one is the best. on both sides, taking turns playing, each team in a group of two people.
 
A great opportunity.
 
–
 
After returning from his brother’s exclusive lounge, An Xumo also saw Yan Xiangyan backstage, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. Teacher Yan gave him a warm hug, seeing that he was still holding his tablet and watching past shows to hold the Buddha’s feet²doing things at the last minute; making a hasty last-minute effort.for the last time, he also smiled and comforted him a few times, telling him not to be nervous.

After the busy preparations, An Xumo and the crew finally stepped onto the stage of Baicheng TV.
 
Technically speaking, 《Surface Meeting》 should be the first competitive reality show that An Xumo participated in. This kind of variety show consisting of games and interviews is now the industry’s highest-rated mainstream program. Several popular series of variety shows basically belong to the same type which has brought out many outstanding guests and a number of artists becoming popular again because of the variety show.
 
However, the negative effect of this kind of program is equally significant. The program has a high demand for artists’ on-the-spot reaction ability, and a little accidental response will reveal their own shortcomings. Thus, attracting a large number of black comments.³negative comments
 
Therefore, Tang Tang did not let her own artist receive this kind of program announcement. It was not until An Xumo slowly accumulated some experience that he participated in this program with the crew.
 
There are two fixed host partners for 《Surface Meeting》, Yan Xiangyan and Ge Zhiqiang. In addition to that, there are also three to four rotating hosts’ seats. For this episode of 《Different Roads》, the crew came with a total of six people, and the program team arranged for six hosts to correspond.
 
After a dazzling opening show, the six hosts consisting of four men and two women came out separately. The cast of 《Different Roads》 waiting at the backstage also took the stage amidst the countless cheers after the appetizing introduction.
 
In addition to the two movie stars and An Xumo, there was also Ma Zechi and the two actresses from the movie. Ma Zechi took the lead and led the team up. After a few pleasantries, Yan Xiangyan announced the rules of today’s entire program.
 
The host of 《Surface》 is the red team and the six from the movie team were the blue team. After three rounds of competition between the two teams to determine the winner, the final winning team will receive a seafood feast specially prepared by the chef of a five-star hotel in the coastal province. The program team will also give away a hundred movie tickets of 《Different Roads》 to the audience in the name of the winning team.
 
The main purpose of the program competition is to promote the movie so the main event should be the hundred movie tickets give away. However, from the front of the podium earlier, the first thing that caught An Xumo’s attention was the seafood feast. When the chubby master chef wearing a white chef’s hat waved to the crowd at the scene, he was staring at the actual food shown on the screen beside him and couldn’t move his eyes.
 
Looks so delicious……
 
Zhou Jinchen, who was standing beside him, glanced at the man calmly.
 
“Alright, next we will immediately enter the first round of the game ——
 
Yan Xiangyan’s voice drew back everyone’s attention. After the shots were filled in, the crowd also went down at the backstage and changed into their red and blue team uniforms.
 
Upon re-entering the stage, the set had changed dramatically. The two teams were clearly separated, each occupying one side of the stage. Behind each team stood several staff members who held a sprayer in their hands. The rules for the first round were also displayed on the screen —— watch the clip as the red and blue teams took turns in answering the questions. The team that had answered incorrectly would be punished with a blast of the spray.
 
This is an event that can very effectively stimulate the atmosphere in the venue. In order to match the movie promotion, four of the six selected were movie clips, one was a short film recorded backstage and the other video was from a past episode of 《Surface》.
 
None of the videos were long and it didn’t seem difficult. The key lies in the setting of the questions. The questions in such sessions are usually unexpected so it is important to take all the details down while watching.
 
The first to answer was the blue team. The video released is a clip from a film directed by Ma Lao twenty years ago. The set-up of the program team’s intention can clearly be seen, the camera also especially pulled to give a close-up of Ma Zechi.
 
On the screen, the majestic palace is incomparably grand, the golden main street is carved with dragon patterns, and the dignified presence of the emperor unhurriedly ascends to the highest throne. Turning around, the hundreds of officials sang praises altogether.
 
The movie of twenty years ago is quite different from what they are now but the gorgeous scenes and exquisite composition are still pleasing to the eye today. After the video was played, the question also emerged —— 
 
May I ask, in the golden tray held by the maid in purple in the main hall, how many luminous pearls were there?
 
…… Where are the luminous pearls, no, where is the purple maid?
 
The blue team began to recall desperately.
 
On the side, Ge Zhiqiang took the opportunity to ask, “Director Ma, didn’t you knew this question ba? At the time of filming, didn’t you even make a cameo appearance?”
 
The camera cut out to Ma Zechi’s face, he helplessly smiled, “If you ask the person next to you the number of agate gr4p3s on his hand, I may still know it but the luminous pearl, it can’t eat it ah!”

 
There was a burst of laughter in the venue.
 
The screened turned from a question to a countdown number, making the scene increasingly tense. When Ma Zechi was holding the microphone and worrying, Zhou Jinchen who was standing in the third position next to Lin Rui suddenly called out, avoiding the microphone, and said to him, “Nine.”
 
Ma Zechi was stunned and also moved the microphone in his hand, “Are you sure?”
 
Zhou Jinchen said, “En, Xiao Mo remembers.”
 
Lin Rui who is sandwiched between the two, frowned, but time was urgent. Ma Zechi didn’t think too much about it and directly reported the answer, “Nine!”
 
Under the eyes of the crowd, the screen replayed a small clip. The golden plate in the hand of the maid in purple was enlarged and a number was marked on the side —— 9.
 
After the applause, the six rounds of questions and answers were conducted in turn. The program team chose the more classic images when setting up but the questions were deliberately chosen from tricky angles in order to increase the difficulty. However, they apparently did not expect a humanoid recorder in this set of guests. After answering the questions three by three times in turn, the blue team in the first group of the film team took the lead with a winning three points.

 
After the first round of the event, the atmosphere in the recording hall was completely mobilized. The staff went on stage to change the set and a high hanging crane arm was set up to the center of the stage.
 
An Xumo who had just won all three points looked up and was shocked by the height and let out a low “wow”.
 
Each of them was required to put on protective gear and steel ropes were fastened to their backs. Judging from this posture, it is right to go up high.
 
Sure enough, Yan Xiangyan quickly announced the rules of the second round.
 
Each team sent two groups, each group of two people standing together on the thick cushion suspended from a high place. One person is responsible for stabilizing the balance of the thick cushion, and the other person had to walk to the edge of the thick cushion to take down the balloon that was hanging on the edge.
 
This event will be a test of two people’s balance and tacit cooperation. In order to achieve the effect of the program, the two groups in each team are a combination of a man and a woman. The remaining people on the red team are Yan Xiangyan and Ge Zhiqiang while the remaining people on the blue team are Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo.
 
Although it was not difficult when the rules were explained and the height felt fine when looking up from the bottom, however, this event was not as easy as it seems. Once they stand on the high platform and look down, the height is enough to scare people to take a step.
 
The red team came first in this competition but two groups in their team were completely annihilated and they failed to take off the balloon on the edge. The blue team’s first group to go up also failed and the lines of sight in the venue were focused on the only group left.
 
However, when Lin Rui was about to climb up, Zhao Xiaodan who was in his group was pale and hesitant to take a step.
 
It was only when Yan Xiangyan came forward to inquire did they learned that Zhao Xiaodan was afraid of heights.
 
Now, the game became a little difficult to carry out. If you give up, you will be completely wiped out. Although there is no harm to the leading blue team but the quality of the footage will always be affected.
 
In the end, it was Zhou Jinchen who took the microphone.
 
“We still want to give it a try.” The man’s low magnetic voice amplified in the stereo, “But it may be necessary to change to another person.”
 
“We want to go up as two men. To be fair, we won’t count the points; just try to see the results.”
 
Yan Xiangyan discussed it with Ge Zhiqiang and quickly agreed to Zhou Jinchen’s proposal.
 
Lin Rui who was already wearing the safety gears, stood by the escalator but his heart loudly thumped.
 
And not far from him, Zhou Jinchen really did not look back.
 
The man stretched out his hand to the right, his open palm facing the boy standing beside him.
 
“Come.”
 
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The author has something to say:
 
Let’s understand the brother’s psychological transformation!!

Chapter 75 – He really wants to see An Xumo

Jie Jie: Apologies, I almost forgot to post an update due to school loads (－‸ლ)

We’ll also be having exams this week. Good luck to us (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑

Of course, this won’t affect my update schedule~

Oh, right! Happy Valentine’s!

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Yin Yuan is only in his forties this year. His appearance and temperament stand out among a large number of older management. Coupled with long-time body management and expensive maintenance, he seems to be no different from the average person in their early thirties.
 
Nevertheless, he is in a high position for a long time after all. He seemed imposing at a glance and not easy to provoke. Before that, a few people who have been curious about the room did not close their door to see the situation, but also immediately retracted their line of sight.
 
After all, the hallway is not a good place to chat. Yin Yuan also did not want to explain his presence here, he simply did not pay attention to others. He only chatted with Zhou Jinchen, and then left directly.
 
Xin Zimai took more look at a black suit that followed behind Yin Yuan without a word, and then slowly followed Zhou Jinchen into the room. 
 
Zhou Jinchen did not take the room card with him before closing the door. It was only when the door was knocked open did Xin Zimai saw who was in the same room. He was a little surprised to see An Xumo. The boy was still a little sleepy, but his body was unscathed, standing in the room in good shape.
 
When the four people entered the room, Xin Zimai asked Zhou Jinchen, “Were you drunk last night?”
 
Zhou Jinchen put the hangover soup he received on the table, “Someone tried to persuade him to drink red wine yesterday, and I blocked it for him.”
 
This him, naturally, refers to An Xumo.
 
Xin Zimai thought to himself that it was no wonder Zhou Jinchen had never been able to drink mixed wine. He tried again, “Then, do you remember calling me last night?”
 
Zhou Jinchen raised his eyes and looked over.
 
He admitted frankly, “I don’t remember.”
 
…… That means he was really drunk.
 
Xin Zimai’s eyebrows tightened while Zhou Jinchen turned his head to An Xumo who was standing on the side, “Put on your coat.”
 
An Xumo, who had just been woken up in a hurry to open the door, was inevitably a little thinly dressed.
 
Zhou Jinchen’s tone was extremely natural but it caused Li Qiucheng to give him a look.
 
An Xumo obediently put on his coat and said to Xin Zimai, “Last night, Brother Jinchen called after he entered the room and then fell asleep.”
 
Xin Zimai looked over suspiciously, “Was that so easy?”
 
“Easy?” 
 
“Jinchen can’t share a room with other people after being drunk.” Xin Zimai asked, “Did he not react when he saw you?”
 
The eyes gathered on An Xumo and even Zhou Jinchen looked over. An Xumo hesitated for a moment and nodded, “Yes.”
 
“Brother Jinchen asked me seven or eight times last night who I was.”
 
“……”
 
Xin Zimai and Li Qiucheng looked at each other.
 
However, Zhou Jinchen did not remember this at all. He frowned, “Seven or eight times?”
 
“Hmm,” An Xumo nodded and barely managed to hold back a yawn. “Every once in a while, he would ask……then it stopped only after falling asleep.”
 
The more Xin Zimai and Li Qiucheng listened, the more they felt that something was wrong but they had previously agreed not to mention Zhou Jinchen’s condition with An Xumo so they could only endure it for the time being. Fortunately, there was no mistake just now, except for a chance encounter with Yin Yuan, no other accidents happened.
 
After the finale banquet, the movie entered the post-production stage but for the actors, their work was over. An Xumo also temporarily ended the days of seeing his brother every day and started to catch up with various activities he had accumulated before entering the crew.
 
As the New Year is approaching, various activities emerged one after another. For An Xumo, this kind of full busy schedule is much more enjoyable than in previous years. He is in the early stage of his career. Although there are two programs to lay the foundation, the popularity brought by variety shows always seems to be a little weak. If he really wants to consolidate it down, he must still rely on his own business capabilities. After a month-long rush, An Xumo, who had completely forgotten what the New Year holiday was, was arranged by Tang Tang to attend a closed dance training within the company.
 
When An Xumo was training, Tang Tang and the others were not idle either. Due to An Xumo’s previous series of eye-catching performance and resources, the team that was originally temporarily assigned to him has now become his exclusive staff.
 
Although he did not appear in public, his team publicized various recent activities, methodically. In addition to the remaining hype of 《Different Roads》, An Xumo’s popularity has gradually stabilized, and some of the resources who took the initiative to contact him have become increasingly high in quality.
 
Because of 《Different Roads》, many movies and TV shows have sent invitations but considering An Xumo’s acting skills, Tang Tang still thinks that it’s still better to let the former hone their skills for a while longer. While she was planning to find a new way for him to study acting, she received a notice from the crew of 《Different Roads》.
 
The post-production of the movie ended completely a month ago and the publicity period will begin immediately. The actors need to set aside a schedule in advance to cooperate with the crew’s roadshows and various promotional activities.
 
Along with this, there was another piece of news that she had never thought of.
 
Zhou Jinchen’s team unexpectedly took the initiative to contact her, saying that they wanted to discuss the collaboration and promotion between the two people.
 
Cooperative publicity? Isn’t this the usual way when speculating CP? But it is impossible for Zhou Jinchen to fall in love with An Xumo…… Tang Tang didn’t understand at first until someone from her team reminder her; she realized that An Xumo was being used as a shield.
 
Her first reaction was not delighted. On the contrary, all kinds of binding and pulling remarks came out immediately. Tang Tang who is in the industry, especially in Jin Dian, naturally knows how terrifying the power of Zhou Jinchen’s fans is.
 
However, it was precisely because of the contract in Jin Dian that An Xumo did not have the qualification to refuse the cooperation. After careful consideration, Tang Tang could only work overtime with her team overnight and try her best to work out the most effective protection plan for An Xumo.
 
The auspicious or bad luck of the cooperation is uncertain but once it backfires, the only one who will be hurt will definitely be An Xumo.
 
Yet to her and her team’s surprise, Zhou Jinchen’s team’s attitude was very straightforward, and they immediately agreed to most of Tang Tang’s demands.
 
When she thought of the brotherly relationship between Zhou Jinchen and An Xumo, Tang Tang put her hanging heart down for a while.
 
Therefore, when An Xumo came out of the closed training, he realized that the public opinion outside had already become huge. The press release about Lin Rui and Zhou Jinchen working together for the second time and sparks collision have already been flying all over the sky. While on the other hand, Zhou Jinchen also expressed his admiration for An Xumo in public several times.
 
An Xumo looked at the various press releases and interview materials that Tang Tang had found for him. Although he was ready, he still felt somewhat sluggish in his heart.
 
Forget it. I hope that my brother can handle the matter with Film Emperor Lin soon. An Xumo turned off the screen and lay on his back on the soft bed. He looked at the glistening roof and subconsciously rubbed his empty stomach.
 
He had already made mental preparations in advance. In any case, it was good that he can help his brother.

 
Time flew by and the weather turned warm. In the midst of the intensifying article wars, An Xumo who was one of the parties involved was still going through his daily routine. It was not until Tang Tang brought over two reports that his schedule changed.
 
“Birthday?” An Xumo stared blankly, he had forgotten about it himself.
 
“Yes ah,” Tang Tang flipped open the reports and pushed them to the person, “It’s your coming-of-age birthday, it’s definitely significant.”
 
Since childhood, the only person who had ever celebrated An Xumo’s birthday was Zhou Jinchen before he turned twelve. That time had passed for too long, so long that the sweet taste was a little fuzzy. An Xumo had not thought about looking forward to his birthday for a long time. He did not expect that his coming-of-age will be celebrated by many people together.
 
“The specific plan has already planned out in four drafts, but we have figured out that Xiao Mo, your birthday may coincide with the schedule of 《Different Roads》. We are now discussing with the crew, and we still don’t know if we can ask for leave during the roadshow to find time to give you a birthday party.”
 
Tang Tang said, “If we really can’t take the time off, we may have to spend it with the crew when the movie is released. If we plan it in advance, it should have a good effect.”
 
She smiled and patted An Xumo’s arm, “It’s your coming of age soon, little friend Momo!”
 
After briefly talking about his birthday, Tang Tang took out another report.
 
“In order to promote the movie, the crew has chosen three collective variety shows and you need to attend two of them. The first one that you don’t need to attend had already been recorded, leaving these other two. The most recent one will be over this weekend.
 
Tang Tang took the contract to An Xumo and the name of the program group at the top came out —— 《Surface Meeting》.
 
《Surface Meeting》 is a fixed weekly program of Baicheng TV that has been on air for seven years, and its audience ratings had been very strong compared with other programs at the same time. It is also considered as one of Baicheng TV’s ace variety show. Many new dramas will come to the show to promote before it is released. It is not surprising that 《Different Roads》 will choose it.
 
For An Xumo, there was another special thing about this show —— one of the hosts of 《Surface Meeting》 happened to be Yan Xiangyan who recorded 《Sunny Weekend》 with him at that time.
 
In addition to urging him to watch the past episodes of 《Surface Meeting》, Tang Tang also gave a brief explanation of the crew’s other variety shows.
 
“Among the three variety shows that the group is participating in, one is a double lead, the other is you and Brother Zhou, and the only one where all the three of you are in is 《Surface Meeting》.” Thinking about the recent rumors, Tang Tang deliberately warned, “I will follow during the recording but your relationship with Teacher Lin and Brother Zhou has attracted more attention. Xiao Mo, you must be careful and never get into conflict with the two of them.”
 
“Especially Teacher Lin, just treat him as a respected senior and don’t show anything else. Otherwise, when the show airs and it happens to be the peak of the publicity period before the movie is released, there’s no telling what will be written about it.
 
An Xumo was naturally aware of this situation. It was only after he finished appeasing Tang Tang that he went to watch the other episodes of 《Surface》.¹written in shortcut. Will be used interchangeably, depending on the raws.
 
All his previous knowledge of the entertainment industry came from his brother. Zhou Jinchen had not participated in many variety shows and he had not been to the 《Surface》 so An Xumo still knew nothing about the show and temporarily relies on making up for it.
 
A few days later at Baicheng TV.
 
An Xumo came early. After greeting the others and putting on makeup, he waited backstage and briefly went through the script. He hadn’t finished reading the script when he was called out, saying that someone was looking for him.
 
Tang Tang wanted to follow but was called away by the program team. An Xumo turned around several corridors backstage alone before finding the single dressing room the other party said.
 
The dressing room is on the innermost level, pushing a door in, and there’s a curtain. As soon as An Xumo tried to go in, he heard a familiar low male voice coming from inside.
 
“Negotiate it in advance. I will only have cooperative activities with An Xumo.”
 
“This has already been agreed with the station,” Xin Zimai’s voice rang out. “The rest of the crew doesn’t know about this agreement.”
 
…… Is it about to start?
 
An Xumo thought; lifted the curtain and went in.
 
“Brother Jinchen, Brother Zimai.”
 
Zhou Jinchen let him sit on the chair opposite him, still expressionless. On the other hand, it was Xin Zimai who had some fluctuations and looked at the two people more.
 
Zhou Jinchen came a little earlier than An Xumo, the purpose is to make a good plan with the program team in advance. The reason he called An Xumo over was to discuss the cooperation with the other during the recording. An Xumo was not surprised and quickly agreed to do so.
 
The recording had not yet started. Tang Tang also did not follow behind. After the matter was finished, An Xumo left, and they are the only two people left in the room.
 
Xin Zimai looked at the man on the sofa with a complicated expression, “You’ve seen the person. Are you better now?”
 
Zhou Jinchen gave a low reply.
 
Xin Zimai also did not expect that his own boss and artist who has always been emotionally restrained……there would be times when he would be eager to meet someone in advance.
 
Although this urgent desire wasn’t the same as ordinary people’s longing.
 
“Then, what you just said, from the last time you were drunk until now, the nightmare you’ve been having for the past few months……do you really need Xiao An’s help?” Xin Zimai couldn’t help but say, “Feeling better once you see the person. Maybe if you really live together, you won’t suffer from these nightmares anymore.”
 
Zhou Jinchen did not say anything, his eyes still rested on where An Xumo just sat, and his expression did not change much.
 
If Xin Zimai hadn’t heard what he said, I’m afraid no one would have believed that Zhou Jinchen who seemed so calm, was being tormented by an extreme emotion at this time.
 
As if the missing emotions these past ten years had been suddenly returned, there is a thought that is constantly screaming in Zhou Jinchen’s heart.
 
The voice lingered, twisting and turning around to come up with three words ——
 
An Xu Mo.
 
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The author has something to say:
 
The foreshadowing of drunkenness in the first two chapters is useful _(:3」∠)_……
 
The brother is not a typical AS patient, his illness is related to his own experience, and his individual peculiarities are relatively strong. He can chase Xiao Mo…….it’s certain it is no longer the same cold-and-doesn’t-care-about-anything-look before.
 
I saw a lot of messages saying how come only people chase his brother. This is the case. The clue of this article is how each male god is chasing his brother……each peach blossom has their own meaning. The outline is set like this and I dare not move it now _(:з」∠)_……
 
In addition, as to whether someone will chase Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo’s current status is not very high. He still has a long career line to go. In the end, he will certainly be in the spotlight. Don’t worry about this. As for whether someone will chase him to make his brother jealous, the answer that can be given is that the brother will definitely be jealous (vinegar jar become a fine gong), but I will not reveal this specific information. I will talk about that article slowly later~

Chapter 74 – Who did you sleep with last night? 

Thank you so much for the ko-fis, impatientlywaiting! ♡♡♡

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The call on the phone turned into a mechanical voice alert. Xin Zimai did not dare to call again. He pressed off the phone and asked the front desk anxiously, “Which room had an accident? Who fought with whom and how is the situation now?”

The receptionist was hit by his series of questions but after reacting, she cautiously apologized. “Apologies, this is the privacy of our guests so it is not convenient to disclose it to you for the time being.”

Xin Zimai froze for a moment, he tried to calm himself a little and explained, “Is it a crew that had an accident? I am a member of the crew. If it is inconvenient for other information to disclose, can you tell me when this incident happened?”

After the receptionist came back to her senses, she looked increasingly cautious and she shook her head again, “I’m sorry.”

Xin Zimai frowned, his heart suddenly felt a little uneasy.

It’s understandable that the hotel wanted to protect the privacy of the artists staying there. However, for some reason, Xin Zimai had a hunch that the receptionist did not want to tell him about this and it was not simply about maintaining the hotel’s professional ethics.

There was no way to get useful information at the front desk so Xin Zimai could only try to call his assistant again. Li Qiucheng pulled him to the lounge on the other side of the lobby. Xin Zimai was so anxious to make a call that he didn’t even sit on the sofa and went around the table, waiting to be connected.

After all, it was already late at night, and it took a while for the call to be answered. The hotel does not have extra rooms, personal attendants such as assistants and drivers stayed in another hotel a few hundred meters away. The assistant on the other side of the phone only inquired about the room number and the person was not there.

But according to him, there seems to be no movement on the crew in the hotel.

It couldn’t be Jinchen? Xin Zimai was puzzled and still went up with the intention of taking a look. He had just memorized the room number and was ready to go upstairs when he was suddenly pulled by Li Qiucheng behind him.

“What’s wrong?” Xin Zimai was in a bit of a hurry.

No sooner had he asked the question than he saw several people coming out straight from the elevator on the other side of the lobby.

There were a total of five people who came down, two of them were in black suits following behind and the three in front of them were walking side by side. In these three people, two of them are holding the person in the middle. Looking closely at them, he found the man in the middle has basically lost his ability to act on his own; he can only be held up and dragged forward. His pants were covered with dust and his drooping face was visibly red and swollen.

Xin Zimai was stupefied for a moment and a name almost came out of his mouth.

It turned out to be Han Ming.

How could he be here? Moreover, how could anyone be beaten like this?

Xin Zimai was full of doubts. Since the last Wutong Awards ceremony, he hasn’t heard of Han Ming’s movement for a long time. After the incident, Han Ming’s popularity plummeted and his aunt was transferred so even if she wanted to protect him, it would be beyond reach. Jin Dian is not a charity company. Others will naturally not waste their efforts. In the end, Han Ming was coldly treated and temporarily abandoned.

The situation in the entertainment industry is changing rapidly, especially in the field of idols. Even if they have been working hard to be active, there are a large number of people who are constantly being left behind, not to mention Han Ming’s situation that has absolutely no resources to show his face.

But even if he’s dejected and out again, he won’t be reduced to the point of being beaten like this right…… Xin Zimai was a little skeptical. If it hadn’t been for his good eyesight, I’m afraid he wouldn’t have been able to tell who the man who had been beaten black and blue was.

Han Ming was quickly assisted out of the hotel. The two black suits following behind watched from the hotel entrance, waiting for the three to walk away before turning around. They look around the lobby and one of the black suits walked towards the front desk while the other walked towards the only two people left in the lobby.

Xin Zimai didn’t notice the person approaching. He only paid attention to the server at the front desk that seemed to have been told by the black suit and hurriedly nodded his head repeatedly.

…… Is this why the receptionist refused to tell him the details of the fight? Xin Zimai thought and was suddenly pulled by the person behind him.

Xin Zimai stared blankly when he was pulled behind by Li Qiucheng who stood up.

“What……” Before he could finish his words, another black suit walked up to them.

The black suit’s figure was tall and strong with slightly bulging temples. As soon as he walked over, he felt that it made people’s heart to feel frightened. He swept a glance at the two people standing and said in an unwavering voice, “What happened just now, you’d better pretend you didn’t see anything.”

Li Qiucheng narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

“If word gets out, no matter where you go, someone will find you.”

The black suit’s voice was cold and rigid, like an iron plate which didn’t sound good at all. The meaning in his words was also very unpleasant. Xin Zimai frowned when he heard Li Qiucheng in front of him faintly say, “Okay.”

The doctor looked the same as usual and did not seem to hear the threat in the other party’s words.

His reaction also caught the attention of the black suit. The other party was about to take a closer look at him when another black suit had already come over. Black No. 2 saw Xin Zimai who was being protected behind the person at a glance. He stopped Black No. 1 and said to Xin Zimai, “Are you from Jin Dian?”

Xin Zimai hesitated for a moment and heard Black No. 2 say, “In that case, I’m afraid you also know the person who was pulled out today so if you don’t want to be like him, keep your mouth shut.”

Black No. 1 and Black No. 2 took turns to threaten before leaving the lobby and getting back on the elevator. Li Qiucheng also found a slightly hidden lounge and pulled Xin Zimai inside.

Now that the wounded and the perpetrators had appeared, it was unlikely that Zhou Jinchen was involved in the fight.

Xin Zimai was led into the lounge. He was thinking hard all the way and didn’t notice the posture of the two.

In the end, he finally remembered and slapped his thigh. “I remember now!”

The thoughtful Li Qiucheng raised his eyes to look at him, “What’s the matter?”

“I thought why their clothes looked so familiar,” Xin Zimai said. “They’re both from Yin Yuan’s black suit group!”

He was a bit bothered, “This style of pretending to be 13¹13 looks like B so it means pretending to be B where this expression basically means pretend to be superior to others or to be quite good at something is so obvious, why did I only remember it now.”

Li Qiucheng asked, “Who is Yin Yuan?”

“One of the top executives of Jin Dian, the number of equity shares he holds is only second to the big boss.” Xin Zimai waved his hand, “There may have been some other backgrounds before. Anyway, they can always recruit a group of younger brothers-like people to pose as gangsters at any time.”

Listening to his tone, it was obvious that he disdained and also did not like this person. Li Qiucheng thought about it and said, “Then I’m afraid that this person’s background is not simple.”

“Ah?” Xin Zimai looked up in confusion, “You know him?”

“Those two people just now,” Li Qiucheng pointed to his chest, “the other thing on his chest is a very new model of smart wearable camera. Before they opened their mouths to threaten, they had already taken in our appearance.”

“Anyone who can casually equip a group of people with such a new smart device, it’s not too much to say that it is not that simple.”

“Huh……?” Xin Zimai was confused. He didn’t even notice at all.

After reminding Li Qiucheng, he pulled the topic back. “The one who was just beaten is also someone from Jin Dian? If Yin Yuan is in a higher level of Jin Dian, why would he lay a hand to someone from his own company?”

“The one who was just beaten was Han Ming.” Xin Zimai scratched his hair. “I don’t know when he offended Yin Yuan. However, Yin Yuan is not taboo between men and women, playing very messily, that is, he is very generous and he really supports whoever he said he will support. I suspect that it may be because Han Ming was banned and wanted to beg him. As a result, he doesn’t know what went wrong so he got beaten up like this.”

Li Qiucheng raised an eyebrow, “The senior management of Jin Dian openly play like this?”

“Yeah,” Xin Zimai said, “not only in Jin Dian but which company in the circle is clean? No, at best, it’s a matter of giving or not giving cash after the game is over.”

His tone was so calm that Li Qiucheng was a little surprised.

“There are artists who really rely on their own ability or their background, so hard that no one wants to touch them. But if you think about it, in those years, even Jinchen can be attacked. There are actually a lot of things under the surface of the water in this circle. Shortcuts are too tempting for many people. Powerful people are also happy to play people in the palm of their hands. Otherwise, things like unspoken rules would have existed for so long.”

Li Qiucheng suddenly discovered that this slightly confused youth in his eyes who could even cook rice congee was far more mature and strong than he had imagined.

Although he hadn’t figured out why Han Ming clashed with Yin Yuan, this was not the point now. The two finally went upstairs and went to the room where Zhou Jinchen was.

At this time, it was not yet three o’clock in the morning. The rooms rented by the crew were all on the seventeenth floor of the hotel. After Xin Zimai went up, he saw that the hallway was quiet and there was no movement at all. He also found the room where Zhou Jinchen is and after confirming that there were no signs of fighting at the door and there were no movements inside the door, only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

However, Xin Zimai was still not completely at ease so he planned to wait until dawn to meet with someone before leaving. He still has a lot of business to deal with and took his laptop with him. Because he had slept for a few hours earlier, he was not too sleepy so he simply found a lounge on the seventeenth floor to work on the spot.

It was still dark and the journey was so far. Therefore, Xin Zimai couldn’t let Li Qiucheng go back by himself, thus he simply let him rest for a while. The two spent nearly five hours together in the lounge and the time passed in the light and regular breathing of Dr. Li on the sofa and the occasional sound of the keyboard.

Xin Zimai turned off his laptop only after there were voices moving around the hallway. He put away his laptop and planned to go over by himself but he didn’t expect that the deliberately soft sound would still disturb Li Qiucheng on the sofa.

Dr. Li with long hands and legs made the sofa look shorter. He got up and put on his coat and went to Zhou Jinchen’s room together with Xin Zimai.

As a result, when the two approached the room, they found that the crew had arranged for someone to knock on the door of the rooms one by one to deliver hangover soup. It was also this movement of walking noises that caused Xin Zimai to realize that it was dawn.

When he looked at the doors that were knocked open, all of them were two-person rooms. Xin Zimai’s heart suddenly thumped.

Is it possible that the room Jinchen stayed in last night was also a two-person room ba?

Heavens…….

Xin Zimai really dare not imagine, if someone was alone in the same room with Zhou Jinchen last night……

He knocked on Zhou Jinchen’s room in front of the server delivering the soup but there was no response from the inside for a while. Xin Zimai was about to increase his strength when the door was suddenly opened with a “shua”.

The gloomy Zhou Jinchen standing in front of the door looked angrily at Xin Zimai whose right hand was raised in front of his chest.

“……”

Xin Zimai slowly, slowly put his hand back.

He couldn’t help but be a little frightened.²lit. heart alarmed, trembling in fear (idiom); prostrate with fear; scared witless Is he awake or not awake?

Li Qiucheng called out Zhou Jinchen behind him. The latter looked at them, his voice was a little hoarse but he could tell that he was already sober.

“Why are you two here?”

“You were drunk last night. I was afraid something would happen so I came over……”

As Xin Zimai was speaking, he noticed the curious sight delivered from the other knocked-opened rooms. He just wanted to talk to Zhou Jinchen, the latter said he would talk again after entering the room. His eyes swept inside and his whole person was shocked on the spot.

There was still a person sleeping on the bed in the room.

There was indeed another person there. From Xin Zimai’s point of view, he could see the other person’s black hair scattered on the soft pillow.

Who can spend a night with a drunken Jinchen? This person could not have been knocked out by Jinchen, right? Mai was so dumbstruck that he even stuttered when the words came out.

“Y-you, who-who did you sleep with last night?!”

His voice was not too loud but in the slightly quiet early morning hallway, it could already attract enough attention.

What’s more, this was the room where Zhou Jinchen was.

Xin Zimai was so surprised that he didn’t notice the situation around him for a while. Zhou Jinchen frowned and was about to speak when he heard a slightly magnetic voice not far away.

“Well, if it isn’t Xiao Zhou, what a coincidence?”

As soon as he heard this voice, Zhou Jinchen’s expression was apprehensive.

The anger around his body quickly reined in and the annoyance of being woken up after being drunk also disappeared. He immediately changed back to his usual watertight appearance.

Zhou Jinchen closed the door behind him with the back of his hand, blocking the prying eyes around him. He gave a slight nod towards the man not far away and the moment he lowered his head in greeting, a hint of extreme darkness quickly flashed under his eyes.

“Boss Yin.”

•·················•·················•

The author has something to say:

By the way, has anyone guessed who the new male god is _(:3」∠)_

However, before Lin Rui’s matter is resolved, the new male god is still just a soy sauce.³bystander; to mind one’s own business/to not be involved/to be disinterested]Moreover, it should be said that each male god has a different role to play in the plot and are also purposely designed to have a different character set that will not be repeated.

One more thing, you can rest assured that once his brother understands his heart, he will not let the person he likes get hurt again. Including the matter of the Zhou family and the male gods who chase his brother later are unlikely to hurt Xiao Mo. (Whisper: the only one who can hurt Xiao Mo is his brother)

In addition to his brother’s protection, Xiao Mo himself will become more and more powerful until his heart is completely healed~ a straightforward text ha, everyone doesn’t have to worry.