Chapter 25

Whether Qin Yao wanted to laugh or not, Papa and Mama Huo lips were already curling up.

Listening to Ye Leyao, this indeed sounded like a very interesting variety show!

They were getting excited too.

“President Qin, let’s sign the contract!” Ye Leyao said cheerfully, his previous hesitation gone.

[To gather so many interesting people, President Qin does have some ability.]

[I’m already looking forward to the variety show filming!]

Qin Yao: “…”

This kind of compliment… he really didn’t need it!

Qin Yao’s hand slightly tightened on the contract, and only when Papa and Mama Huo curious gazes turned to him did he slightly tremblingly take out the contract and hand it to Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao glanced at the contract, then looked up at Qin Yao, thinking:

[Why does President Qin seem unhappy?]

[Or is he naturally serious and not fond of smiling?]

Maybe.

Qin Yao closed his eyes.

But perhaps Qin Yao should indeed smile. On the bright side, the situation now is just a travel show turning into a gossip fest, which is much better than the previous mosaic-filled show, right?

Qin Yao’s temples throbbed, and his expression showed a sense of heroic resignation.

But even if he had started to accept the travel show turning into a gossip fest, Qin Yao still had to be fully prepared.

After Ye Leyao signed the contract, Qin Yao returned to the company and immediately convened the entire PR team for a meeting. After the meeting, Qin Yao had HR recruit an additional PR team on standby.

The variety show “Let’s Go Traveling Together” had already undergone a major overhaul of guests, and a hefty compensation had been paid. This time, there absolutely couldn’t be any more accidents!

…

A week later, amidst the anticipation of the entire Huo family and Ye Leyao, the filming of “Let’s Go Traveling Together” finally began.

On the day of departure, Ye Leyao’s manager, Li Li, along with an assistant, arrived at the Huo residence early in the morning to pick him up.

Seeing the three people fully prepared, Li Li was a bit confused: “Chairman… Madam, are you going too?”

Papa Huo beamed, “Yes.”

Mama Huo explained, “The first filming location is by the sea, right? It’s been a while since we’ve traveled, so we thought we’d join Leyao on this trip.”

Ye Leyao nodded repeatedly.

[That’s right.]

[About the other day, it seemed like the big brother was quite reluctant.]

Mama Huo’s smile deepened.

Knowing there was gossip but being too busy with company affairs to come and enjoy it personally would naturally make him reluctant.

But this little detail wasn’t necessary to tell Ye Leyao.

When Ye Leyao and the group arrived, it was already afternoon, and the program’s filming began at the airport.

Although Ye Leyao had already had half a day’s experience recording variety shows, it was still just half a day, so before getting off the plane, Li Li gave him several reminders.

Ye Leyao, with a humble attitude, listened very carefully.

Seeing this, Li Li felt slightly relieved.

When Assistant Feng contacted her some time ago, saying that President Huo hoped she would take care of Ye Leyao, Li Li was somewhat worried.

After all, she had managed other wealthy heirs before, and those young masters and misses who entered the entertainment industry just for fun weren’t known for their obedience. If they didn’t cause trouble, it was already considered good.

To her surprise, Ye Leyao was so serious, which made Li Li look at him differently and put her mind at ease.

However, what Li Li didn’t know was that the reason Ye Leyao was so serious was because—

[So the program team doesn’t prohibit using phones during recording? Great, then I can relax and enjoy the gossip!]

Not far away, Papa and Mama Huo nodded in agreement.

If Ye Leyao could watch the gossip, then they could also enjoy it.

Happy.

The program’s filming team had been waiting at the airport exit for a while. As soon as Ye Leyao walked out, two cameramen ran toward him with cameras.

“Let’s Go Traveling Together” was broadcast live.

Seeing the camera aimed at him, Ye Leyao smiled and waved at the camera.

Not stage-shy.

Li Li was very satisfied with this and then took her assistant onto the staff car.

A staff member came forward and told Ye Leyao the next steps: all guests needed to gather at the airport and then take the program’s bus to the destination.

The staff pointed to the bus opposite, and Ye Leyao thanked him before dragging his suitcase over.

When Ye Leyao got on the bus with his suitcase, he found that there was already someone on board.

On the plane, Li Li had already shown Ye Leyao the information about all the guests for this episode, and since Ye Leyao was very much looking forward to the recording, he immediately recognized the man in front of him.

The gentle and kind-hearted idol in the eyes of fans, but in reality a chain-smoking, hard-drinking, sharp-tongued man—

The popular star, Song Zhehan!

Upon hearing the commotion, Song Zhehan stood up immediately, and even before he saw Ye Leyao clearly, he had already put on a practiced gentle smile: “Hello, do you need help?”

Ye Leyao quickly shook his head: “No, no.”

[Don’t be fooled by Song Zhehan’s polite demeanor. It’s just his persona. I mustn’t be deceived by appearances! Song Zhehan has to maintain his persona, so he has to be polite to everyone, but I can’t take it seriously.]

[It’s a pity others don’t know this and end up getting roasted on his anonymous Weibo account.]

Ye Leyao didn’t want to get involved and end up being part of the drama. He needed to earn money seriously in the entertainment industry to support his family!

In the staff car nearby, Li Li watched this scene on the live screen and nodded in agreement, sneaking a glance at Papa and Mama Huo beside her.

They said they were here for a vacation, but as soon as they arrived, they followed Li Li onto the staff car.

But since these two were Li Li’s superiors, she couldn’t say anything, let alone ask.

Now that there was finally something to talk about, Li Li spoke: “It’s fine that Xiao Yao refused Song Zhehan’s help at their first meeting, but Song Zhehan has always been known for being helpful in the industry. Even if Xiao Yao hadn’t refused, it wouldn’t have been an issue.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Papa and Mama Huo simultaneously turned to look at her.

Li Li was stunned.

What?

Did she say something wrong?

Before Li Li could figure it out, Papa and Mama Huo simultaneously looked away again.

Unmentionable, unmentionable!

Li Li was puzzled, but since they had nothing more to say, she turned back to watch the live broadcast.

Although “Let’s Go Traveling Together” had just started, the live broadcast room already had over ten thousand viewers, and the number was still increasing.

As soon as Ye Leyao appeared in the live broadcast, the screen was flooded with comments:

—”He’s so handsome!”

—”In one minute, give me all his contact info!”

—”The show managed to get such a handsome guy, amazing!”@@novelbin@@

—”Ye Leyao? This name sounds familiar—”

Hearing Ye Leyao’s self-introduction, Song Zhehan smiled and said the same thing as the comments: “Your name sounds familiar.”

Ye Leyao, not good at small talk, could only smile awkwardly and politely: “Really.”

And then, he internally panicked:

[Ahhhh—Someone save me, please! I’m really bad at chatting, and now I’m stuck here with the sharp-tongued Song Zhehan. What if I accidentally say something wrong and he roasts me on his anonymous account?!]

Just as Ye Leyao finished panicking, a female voice came from outside like a timely rescue: “Hey—so tired.”

Upon hearing this, both Ye Leyao and Song Zhehan looked up.

They waited for several seconds, but no one got on the bus.

Ye Leyao looked puzzled.

Both he and Song Zhehan were sitting at the back of the bus, unable to see what was happening outside.

Song Zhehan stood up and walked forward: “Is it a new guest?”

“Yes, why are they taking so long? Young man, come and give me a hand!”

Ye Leyao’s eyebrows immediately raised upon hearing this.

[Is this… Du Yueqin?]

Since he was here to enjoy the gossip and excitement, he had naturally done his homework in advance.

So when he heard this name, Papa and Mama Huo also made the connection—

This was the old artist who liked to boss around juniors in the industry, using her seniority as leverage!

Just now, Ye Leyao was hesitating about whether to go over and take a look, but now he simply leaned back against his seat, completely unwilling to move.

The live audience was momentarily stunned by this scene:

—”Song Zhehan went to help, and Ye Leyao didn’t move at all?”

—”This clueless kid probably doesn’t understand the social niceties of variety shows, right?”

—”No matter how unaware he is of social niceties, he should still go up and help, right?”

In the staff car, Li Li frowned with some concern as she watched this scene.

Although it wasn’t really an issue for everyone to meet for the first time and not help out, it could easily become a point of contention later.

Li Li couldn’t help but glance at Papa and Mama Huo again, only to see that neither seemed to find anything wrong. Papa Huo even nodded approvingly: “Not going to help is the right move.”

Mama Huo smiled: “Indeed.”

Li Li: “…”

Huh?

You all…

Never mind.

The parents had spoken, so what could she say?

In the front vehicle.

Du Yueqin saw Song Zhehan coming over, and a flash of dissatisfaction appeared in her eyes. She reproached him, “You took too long to come over,” and without looking at his expression, handed over all her large and small bags, “Quick, carry these in for me.”

Song Zhehan’s forehead veins throbbed as he looked at the sudden load of bags in his hands. This was the first time he had encountered someone so ungracious.

But Song Zhehan always remembered not to break his persona. Despite feeling uncomfortable inside, he forced a gentle smile, said nothing, and dutifully helped Du Yueqin carry all the luggage onto the bus.

Du Yueqin had three large suitcases and four small bags. Each bag seemed to weigh at least 30-40 pounds. After making three trips, Song Zhehan was sweating profusely and out of breath.

The fans, seeing this, couldn’t help but feel distressed.

—”Zhehan, you’ve worked hard!”

—”Carrying three suitcases alone, that’s total boyfriend power!”

—”Sweetheart, you’re amazing! Unlike some people… actually staying seated.”

And Ye Leyao did stay seated. Not only did he remain seated, he also observed Song Zhehan’s expressions.

Ye Leyao clearly saw that several times, when he was sure the camera wasn’t on him, Song Zhehan’s face turned dark.

[Three times, hmm, didn’t miss it; his face darkened three times.] Ye Leyao even counted.

At this moment, Du Yueqin leisurely got on the bus, and while walking, she didn’t forget to talk to Song Zhehan: “Look at you, sweating all over…”

With a gentle smile on his face, Song Zhehan was about to say it was okay, just something he should do, when Du Yueqin’s tone abruptly changed—

“You got tired after just carrying a few bags? Look at you, such a weakling, tsk tsk…” Du Yueqin shook her head, “No way! You need to exercise more! If you carry more bags in the future, you won’t get this tired!”

[How dare you say a man can’t handle it!]

Ye Leyao almost couldn’t hold back his laughter and quickly propped his chin up, pretending to look at the scenery outside the window.

[Song Zhehan is completely stunned, hahahahahahahahaha—]

Song Zhehan was indeed a bit stunned, even forgetting to maintain his persona, looking at Du Yueqin in disbelief.

Du Yueqin continued her nagging: “Alright, don’t just stand there; find a place to sit. Sweating all over and standing so close to me…”

She even reached out and pinched her nose slightly with a hint of disdain.

At that moment, Song Zhehan’s face turned completely black, and his trademark smile was nowhere to be seen.

The live audience was in an uproar:

—”What the heck? Is Du Yueqin out of her mind?”

—”Why is Song Zhehan all sweaty? It’s almost 40 degrees outside, and he carried three of your suitcases, and now you dislike him?”

—”I’m so pissed off! How can there be such a person?”

Ye Leyao almost burst out laughing.

[That’s just how Du Yueqin is. She not only likes to boss around using her seniority, but she also thinks any help from others is rightfully hers, so—]

[I’m not going to volunteer for trouble!]

“What are you dawdling for?” Du Yueqin frowned when she saw Song Zhehan standing there.

Song Zhehan gritted his teeth, swallowing down all the curses that almost slipped out, and forced a strained smile: “It’s nothing.”

Then he turned and walked to the back of the bus, sitting heavily across from Ye Leyao. As soon as he sat down, the smile on his face vanished.

[It must be tough maintaining that smile for so long.]

Ye Leyao glanced to the side cautiously and saw Song Zhehan take out his phone, fingers flying across the screen, seemingly typing something.

[Could he be posting on his alt account on Weibo?!]

Ye Leyao was instantly curious:

[I really want to know what Song Zhehan is saying. I remember the story mentioning his alt Weibo account, but I can’t recall the name…]

In the staff car, Papa and Mama Huo were getting restless.

What was the name of that alt Weibo account?

Since you’re busy filming, you could just tell us the name, and we’ll look it up ourselves!

Mama Huo even had her phone out with the search bar open, ready to search at any moment.

Suddenly, Song Zhehan’s voice came from the screen: “Why didn’t you come to help just now?”

Mama Huo quickly looked up at the screen.

Somehow, Song Zhehan had moved to the seat in front of Ye Leyao and was talking to him.

Ye Leyao, evidently not expecting Song Zhehan to ask this question, blinked his almond-shaped eyes and replied sincerely, “You didn’t ask me to help. I don’t like meddling in other people’s business.”

[I really like respecting other people’s choices!]

Song Zhehan was taken aback.

Clearly not expecting such an answer, he couldn’t find a retort and simply turned away without saying anything.

The live audience was equally surprised by this response. The viewers who were ready to criticize Ye Leyao for being inconsiderate fell silent after seeing Song Zhehan’s plight:

—”To be fair, Ye Leyao isn’t wrong.”

—”True. After all, who wants their good intentions to go unappreciated?”

—”Poor Song Zhehan.”

After Song Zhehan stopped talking, the entire bus was filled with Du Yueqin’s laughter. She seemed to be updating her family about her safety, laughing loudly without regard for anyone else, filling the bus with her somewhat grating laughter.

The more Song Zhehan listened, the more his head ached. He pulled out his phone once again.

This time, being closer, Ye Leyao clearly saw him open the Weibo app.

[He must be venting!]

[Ah, I really want to see what he’s saying!]

[What’s the name of Song Zhehan’s alt Weibo account again?]

Papa and Mama Huo were equally anxious.

Yes, what was the name again?!

Ye Leyao glanced at the camera, ensured his position wouldn’t be caught on film, and took out his phone, opening the notes app to jog his memory.

[I vaguely remember that Song Zhehan’s alt account was discovered because… right! His Weibo alt account name is his dog’s name!]

[What was his dog’s name again?]

Ye Leyao opened Song Zhehan’s main Weibo page and searched for the keyword.

[Hah! Why would anyone name their dog Gou Shi! No wonder his alt account was found; it’s so memorable!]

Mama Huo’s eyes lit up, and she quickly typed “Gou Shi” into the search bar. Before she could open the page, she heard Ye Leyao’s exaggerated laughter—

[Hahahahahahahahahaha—oh my god! Song Zhehan is so good at cursing!]

Papa Huo hurriedly nudged Mama Huo with his elbow, urging her with his eyes: Hurry up!

Mama Huo opened the Weibo page, and a post from a minute ago immediately appeared:

[Gou Shi: Du Yueqin is like a crazy woman.]

Scrolling down, there were two more:

[Gou Shi: Yes, yes, I do need to work out more. I’ll train my biceps so I can punch you to death, you old bat!]

[Gou Shi: I’m here to film the show, not to watch someone go nuts.]

Mama Huo: “Pfft—”

Papa Huo: “Ahem, ahem, ahem…”

He has to admit, the insults are quite accurate.

Ye Leyao held back his laughter for a full minute before wiping away the tears at the corners of his eyes.

At this moment, a strong male voice came through: “Am I the first one here?”

Ye Leyao looked at Song Zhehan in the front seat.

This time, Song Zhehan unusually didn’t stand up.

Soon, a tall, muscular man with a mini pink suitcase appeared in their sight.

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened, his tone excited:

[Muscle—Man—]

The muscle man was slightly surprised to see three people already on the bus. He smiled heartily and greeted them: “Hello, I’m Zhou Zijian. I thought I was the first one here!”

Ye Leyao straightened up and politely greeted him, “Hello, I’m Ye Leyao.”

Song Zhehan wore his trademark smile, “Song Zhehan.”

Du Yueqin, who had been on the phone, glanced over when she heard the voice. After just one look, she covered the phone’s microphone and smiled warmly at Zhou Zijian, “Hello, Xiao Zhou.”

[Why was her attitude so cold towards Song Zhehan and me?]

Ye Leyao quickly looked at Song Zhehan and caught him rolling his eyes.

Zhou Zijian smiled at everyone, put his suitcase away, and found a seat in the middle of the bus.

Du Yueqin had ended her call. She stood up, looked over the three men at the back, then casually walked over to sit next to Zhou Zijian, exclaiming, “Xiao Zhou, what happened under your eye?”

Zhou Zijian’s expression showed some embarrassment. He hesitated before saying, “Well, I… I got stung by a bee a few days ago, so I used some concealer, but didn’t it cover it well?”

“Really?” Du Yueqin sat opposite Zhou Zijian, “Did you see a doctor?”

[But I saw some bruising under Zhou Zijian’s eye. A bee sting should be red and swollen, not bruised, right?]

Ye Leyao’s keen radar sensed something was off!

[And, Du Yueqin’s attitude towards Zhou Zijian is way too friendly. She only nodded at me when I greeted her, but now she sits next to him?]

[Did I miss some crucial information?]

Ye Leyao quickly opened his notes app and browsed through the key plot points.

Soon, he let out a small exclamation:

[Ah, I see!]

Du Yueqin’s voice also came from the front: “But why does it look more like a bruise than a bee sting?”

[That’s because he got punched by his good buddy! Just a few days ago, Zhou Zijian was taking his buddy’s mom shopping and got caught by his buddy. Of course, he got punched!]

Papa and Mama Huo looked surprised and enlightened.

Zhou Zijian acts so quickly?

But it wasn’t over yet, as Ye Leyao continued:

[As for Du Yueqin… hiss, it seems she likes Zhou Zijian’s type. I think she even boldly expressed her feelings for him on a variety show…]

[Wait, no way? Could it really be the same variety show we’re on?!]

Just as Qin Yao walked up to the bus: “?”

He remembered that they were filming a travel variety show, not a dating one, right?