"Or how about I let him video call you?" Xu Lingxin asked.
"Let's skip that then," Qiao Xixi quickly refused. "I'm afraid he'll freeze me to death."
Xing Jiahe truly had endless things to say, but only to Xu Lingxin.
He was cold and distant to everyone else.
He certainly wasn't afraid of awkward silences.
Qiao Xixi, being talkative, couldn't stand this about him.
She had forgotten that Mu Chen was just like that too.
Except for her, he was indifferent to everyone else.
No, it was more like all four of them were the same.
Truly, they had grown up playing together.
"Then you still dare to interview him?" Wen Tingxue teased. "Aren't you afraid it'll be nothing but awkward silences?"
Qiao Xixi chuckled, "That's why I've prepared a ton of questions! Watch me interview him to death!"
She held up her notebook filled with writing.
Wen Tingxue and Xu Lingxin's eyes widened simultaneously.
"This must be the most diligent you've ever been, right?"
They said in unison.
Except for the time she was pursuing Mu Chen, Qiao Xixi had hardly written so much, and she had even made careful annotations.
Really.
If she had had this kind of perseverance in school, she would have been among the top students.
"Sigh," Qiao Xixi sighed, "Life, you always have to endure some hardship. If you didn't endure it in school, you'll inevitably face it at work."
Xu Lingxin nodded, "That's good awareness. You're certainly worthy of working in content creation."
Qiao Xixi huffed, "Don't just watch the fun, you two. After they finish the interview, you need to be ready too."
Xu Lingxin quietly moved a little further away. Wen Tingxue asked, "Shall I introduce you to some more high-quality gentlemen?"
...
The heat was scorching, and the roar of the race cars was like that of wild beasts.
Car after car sped past, stirring up even hotter air currents.
Wen Tingxue wasn't interested in this kind of competition and rarely watched them live.
But seeing the race cars chasing each other on the track with her own eyes, the indescribable tension and thrill quickly took over her thoughts.
Making her unconsciously hold her breath.
It wasn't until the fiery red race car crossed the finish line that she, like everyone else, finally screamed out loud.
It was just a regular race, and Chi Zerui got out of the car with little interest.
As he took off his helmet, he casually glanced back.
The crowd was bustling, yet he paused for a long time.
"What's wrong?" The assistant looked in the same direction, his gaze momentarily faltering.
"Holy crap!"
The moonlight has arrived!
"Brother Rui, hurry up and go. I'll handle the reporters."
The assistant quickly took the helmet from his hand and pushed him forward.
His encouraging gaze was so obvious.
Chi Zerui gave a wry smile. If he could have pursued her, he would have long ago.
"Congratulations."
Seeing him being welcomed over, Wen Tingxue congratulated him with a smile.
Chi Zerui casually glanced at the person next to her, "Are you alone?"
"No," Wen Tingxue pointed behind her, "I'm with Xixi and the others."
Chi Zerui then saw Xing Jiahe being interviewed in a corner of the stands and raised an eyebrow, "What's going on?"
"You don't know?" Wen Tingxue was surprised. "Xixi is going to interview you guys."
Xu Lingxin, with her domineering CEO aura, raised an eyebrow, "Looks like I need to send something else next time."
"Alright, alright, you two can be lovey-dovey later," Qiao Xixi quickly interrupted, "Just let me finish recording the video first."
Xing Jiahe frowned, "Isn't that the last question?"
In other words, there's more?
Qiao Xixi admired his patience with others and explained helplessly, "The questions are all done, but the process isn't finished yet, dear. But don't worry, this is really the very last part."
"Fine." Receiving his girlfriend's warning look, he immediately compromised.
Qiao Xixi turned back and gave Xu Lingxin a thumbs-up.
Then she quickly grabbed a small box from the side and handed it to him, "Draw a slip of paper from inside."
Xing Jiahe did as she said.
Qiao Xixi: "Open it. What does it say?"
Out of the remaining three judges, only one was willing to be bribed. The other two were as stubborn as ever!
No amount of money or resources could sway them.
Therefore, he could only use this method to lower Yu Wenli's chances of debuting.
"That's one way to go," Chi Zerui raised an eyebrow. "There are no major hit dramas this summer, but there are various competitions happening. The public's attention on the champions is no less than that on popular artists."
"It's not just because of the championship, is it? I think their looks play a significant part too," Qiao Xixi said pointedly.
Chi Zerui and Xing Jiahe were both exceptionally handsome with outstanding charisma, garnering countless fans both domestically and internationally.
"Since you're praising my looks, I can add ten more minutes to your interview time," Chi Zerui smiled.
Qiao Xixi rolled her eyes, "Hmph, do you think I care... I do care!"
Realizing she was a blogger, Qiao Xixi quickly changed her attitude. Chi Zerui scoffed.
Wen Tingxue was silent for a moment and then left with her phone, "I'm going to make a call."
When the new rules were released, their first thought was about the industry, completely forgetting that this summer, Xing Jiahe and Chi Zerui's popularity could rival that of established artists.
With only three weeks left and three guest stars, if they could secure two, Yu Wenli's debut would be guaranteed.
Upon hearing Wen Tingxue's explanation, Que You's eyes lit up, "How could I not have thought of that! Little sister-in-law, don't worry, I'll definitely handle this!"
After hanging up, he immediately told the public relations manager, "Issue a press release, focusing primarily on the brotherhood of those four."
"Only the four of them?" the manager raised an eyebrow. "I think we should add one more."
"Huh?" Que You was confused. "Who else?"
"You," the beautiful manager provocatively pointed at him. "Your brothers are exploding in popularity, and you're their manager. Making money together, that's a great angle."
"Oh, right," Que You completely ignored the beauty's hint and instructed, "Then do as you said. I have things to do, I'll be going now."
The beautiful manager: "..."
What a straight arrow!
-
The racetrack.
After the interview, Xing Jiahe pulled Xu Lingxin away for some private time.
Qiao Xixi prepared herself and began interviewing Chi Zerui.
Although Chi Zerui refused many interviews, he was more relaxed in front of the camera than Xing Jiahe.
His charm naturally radiated even more intensely.
He had the perfect swagger of a player who had countless admirers.
His racing suit amplified his advantages, making people fall for him unconditionally.
And his eyes seemed to respond to one's infatuation.
Qiao Xixi felt it was unfair to Hao Luò'er, "Why did you come back alone? Where's Luò'er?"
With a slightly resentful tone, Chi Zerui raised an eyebrow, "Why don't you persuade her to break up with me quickly?"
"...What kind of scumbag are you!" "Can't you treat her better?"
Qiao Xixi said with frustration, "She's so good to you! If you were even a little bit nice to her, I wouldn't..."
"I want to be nice to all the beautiful women in the world," Chi Zerui interrupted with a smile. "She's not getting a good deal with me. You guys should pull her out of the fire."
"..."
Qiao Xixi was utterly speechless.
"Let's just do the interview," she gave up trying to communicate with him.
Chi Zerui shrugged indifferently, "Ask away."
"Wait a moment."
Qiao Xixi adjusted her posture, took out her prepared notebook, and asked the questions one by one.
Since Chi Zerui accepted so few interviews, there was very little information available about him.
Therefore, most of the questions were quite ordinary.
Fans wanted to know more about him.
"What's your favorite tree?"
"Black locust."
"?" Qiao Xixi paused.
She remembered Mu Chen saying that Chi Zerui's favorite tree was the osmanthus.
Because he had smelled it since he was young, and osmanthus trees were planted in the Chi family's home and his small villa.
Had she remembered incorrectly?
Qiao Xixi didn't dwell on it too much and continued to ask, "What's your favorite flavor of cuisine?"
"Sweet and sour."
"What's your favorite animal?"
"Giraffe."
"So, when you go to the zoo, you definitely go to see the giraffes, right?"
Chi Zerui paused for a moment. "Mm."
He remembered a long, long time ago, when he, Yu Wenli, and the little girl went to the zoo together.
Strangely, he hadn't paid much attention that day.
But years later, he could still recall every detail very clearly.
...
Wen Tingxue had a class that evening, so the group headed back to the city.
That scumbag Chi Zerui!
-
Late at night, in the dormitory area.
Jiang Yi, wearing a jacket, squatted downstairs. His fluffy curly hair was clearly styled.
Even his body smelled fragrant.
Squatting in the bushes, being fed to mosquitoes, was a complete waste of resources.
But he had no choice. If he didn't make one last push, he would truly have to go home.
He didn't want to go back; he wanted to leave something behind in the music industry.
Even a single symbol would suffice.
As he thought this, the sound of a car grew closer until it stopped.
Jiang Yi quietly peeked out, cautiously observing.
Beside the supercar, Yu Wenli and Lin Wanqing were talking about something.
They were too far away to hear clearly.
...
"The little girl called me this afternoon, and I think what she said is a viable solution. Don't push away interviews for the next few times. Cooperate with them," Lin Wanqing instructed, her voice faint and a little tired, as she held a cigarette.
"Okay," Yu Wenli responded, his gaze fixed on her noticeably thinner face. "Take care of yourself. If it's really impossible, you can ditch me."
The battle between him and Fu Yuchuan had quietly begun.
Lin Wanqing helping him so much could lead to her being targeted by Fu Yuchuan.
No.
It wasn't just possible.
It had already happened.
Lin Wanqing looked up, her bewitching fox eyes staring directly at him, as if trying to see through him.
But ultimately, she saw nothing.
"It's fine," she withdrew her gaze and exhaled smoke. "I can still handle it."
Yu Wenli didn't say much more. "Then I'll head up first."
"Mm."
Lin Wanqing leaned against the car, smoking, and waved dismissively.
After finishing her cigarette, she stepped on it to extinguish the butt and opened the car door to get in.
"Hm?"
Seeing the person in the passenger seat, she wasn't very surprised, only raising an eyebrow cooperatively.
"Kid, did you get into the wrong car?"
Despite asking this, she closed the car door and studied him with a calm expression.
Jiang Yi, unable to withstand her gaze, obediently called out, "Sister Wanqing..."
His voice was soft, and when he acted coquettish, even men would find it captivating, let alone women.
However, there were too many people who wanted to climb into Lin Wanqing's bed, and his tactics were simply not enough.
Lin Wanqing chuckled with little enthusiasm, "Too bad, you're not eighteen anymore."
Jiang Yi's expression stiffened.
—"I like any eighteen-year-old boy."
—"Brother, you should seize the opportunity."
—"I'm not doing that kind of thing. I want to earn a living with my own skills."
So, she really remembered everything.
Jiang Yi awkwardly fiddled with his palms, "I was young and reckless then, but now I just want to be sensible."
Lin Wanqing looked at him, her eyes devoid of emotion, "Oh? So, what do you want?"
"I..." He looked up with his wet black eyes and said softly, "I want to be a signed artist with Lin's Records."
"You have big ambitions," Lin Wanqing pulled out a cigarette from a hidden compartment.
Jiang Yi immediately grabbed the matchbox next to him.
She preferred the feeling of striking a match head against the sandpaper over a lighter.
Jiang Yi knew her quirk and deliberately made the sound louder.
Then, holding the burning matchstick in his mouth, he carefully leaned in to light her cigarette.
His lips were full and a vibrant red, like ripe cherries.
Under the firelight, they looked even more kissable.
As the cigarette lit, Jiang Yi looked at her fearfully, his puppy-like eyes, coupled with his soft face, evoked a strong desire to spoil him.
Just as the flame was about to burn his mouth, he didn't dare to move it away and instead looked at her with pleading eyes.
Lin Wanqing admitted that at this moment, she felt a flicker of interest.
"One night is too little."
Just before the flame licked his lips, she reached out and pinched it out, her voice as seductive as ever.
There wasn't the slightest hint of pain.
Jiang Yi immediately pried open her index finger and thumb to check. There were burn marks, but she didn't seem to care.
"I'm available anytime."
He released her hand, took her phone, and entered his number.
As the call connected, Lin Wanqing's eyes moved slightly, "What about now?"
Amidst the ringing phone, Jiang Yi lowered his eyes, his voice boyish, "I don't need to go back tonight."
In the dim light, Lin Wanqing scanned him meaningfully, her gaze seeming to strip away his clothes.
-
Friday night.
Before six o'clock, Wen Tingxue sent the initial design of the little ball to Song You.
She had read the script three times and felt that this cute yet strange appearance was the most suitable.
She just didn't know if the director would be satisfied.
As she was packing up to go out for dinner, Song You called.
"The director wants to meet you."
Before she could ask, Song You said directly, "He really likes the little ball you designed. However, he wants to discuss the specific details with you personally."
"Ah?" Wen Tingxue scratched her head, "When? I'm really busy lately and don't have time."
Song You smiled, "It's definitely not possible in the next two weeks. He still needs to cast actors. I estimate it'll be at least the end of the month. You probably won't be busy then, right?"
"..." She had calculated that very clearly.
Fourth-year university courses were not numerous.
Her busyness wasn't primarily due to her studies but rather her company and studio. By the end of the month, it would be vacation time.
"Alright then," she couldn't refuse, so she accepted, "Call me then."
"Okay," Song You replied.
The following days were indeed extremely busy for Wen Tingxue.
But she still paid attention to the online voting.
After all, the weekly popularity king's position determined Yu Wenli's fate.
Fortunately, the fans were supportive, and all the promotional efforts were in place.
The key was that the fans of each party cooperated well.
The Weibo popularity kings for the next two weeks were won by Xing Jiahe and Chi Zerui, respectively.
Jiang Tu was almost furious.
However, the popularity king for the final week had not yet been chosen.
He still had a chance to make a comeback.
Then he received the news:
"According to big data analysis, Xie Jinyi is very likely to become the Weibo popularity king next week. Brother Jiang, what should we do? Will Xie Jinyi help Yu Wenli?"