Did Assistant Xie Make the Trending Searches Today? - Chapter 24.2

Chapter 24.2

At this level, if they don’t give a perfect score, there’s a shady deal.

Xie He-ting was entranced!

This was the first time he had heard the sound of a Western zither; it was very pleasant. His teacher was a music fanatic who loved studying different instruments; if only the teacher could be here too.

Thinking of the people from his hometown, Xie He-ting felt a small sense of sadness.

What is Xie He-ting doing? Spacing out? That’s a bit disrespectful, isn’t it?

He’s not putting in any effort while his teammate is working hard. Even if he doesn’t cheer, he’s actually distracted. U-Yu-Zi (Speechless).

Xie He-ting was clearly not in the zone. His fans were a bit anxious for him; such behavior would damage his reputation with the public.

Luckily, Xie He-ting quickly pulled himself out of his melancholic mood and gave warm applause after Shi Jixing finished playing.

“Brother, that was amazing!”

Shi Jixing had been nearly dizzy from his praise these past few days; at this moment, he couldn’t help but purse his lips slightly.

This item naturally passed.

But the “Stars” were still a bit dissatisfied: They only gave four ‘Goods’? Production team, where did you find your judges? Do they have no aesthetic sense?

This bullet comment was soon drowned out by others.

The second room Shi Jixing chose was “Calligraphy.”

Dipping the brush in ink and moving it, he wrote two lines of poetry in regular script.

Shi Jixing’s writing was acceptable, but since they had passed the previous level, the production team was bound to design some minor setbacks. Two judges gave a “Good,” while two gave a “No” (Fou), and one reserved their opinion.

In other words, it wasn’t certain if they had passed this level.

The bullet chat exploded instantly: Is this not intentionally making things difficult! How can someone reserve their opinion? How does that count—pass or fail?

Never seen scoring like this. It’s disgusting, right? Just purely blocking people?

Shi Jixing expected some difficulty and wasn’t too surprised.

He hadn’t written with a soft brush for many years; passing would indeed be difficult.

“So, there’s one reserved opinion. How does that count?” Shi Jixing asked.

The judge said: “You can complete this poem. We will then look at another line and make a decision.”

Xie He-ting looked at what Shi Jixing had written. The poem was a good one, Li Bai’s Imitation of Ancient Style No. 9: “Heaven and earth are but an inn, Ten thousand ages a sorrowful dust.”* It was very grand and free-spirited.

But this handwriting… if one had to praise it, it was a bit better than his five-year-old nephew’s.

He actually got two “Goods”? Xie He-ting had a standard now.

His writing should be able to pass, right?

Xie He-ting pulled on Shi Jixing’s clothes and said softly: “Brother, let me try. I’ve studied calligraphy a little too.”

“Friendly reminder: there is only one chance. If you do not pass on the second attempt, the challenge will be considered a failure.”

Shi Jixing! Don’t go crazy! Don’t agree to him!

Don’t take the risk!!!!

Shi Jixing looked into his eyes, which were as transparent as a lake.

His answer was… to directly hand the brush to Xie He-ting.

“Don’t feel pressured. It’s fine even if you don’t write well; we have plenty of chances anyway.”

Big brother, what ‘chances’ do you have? If you fail, you might have to start all over!

Wake up, Shi Jixing! You don’t have much time left!

I’m baffled. Have all these guests been hexed by He-ting??

Hearing him say that, Xie He-ting became a bit nervous instead. He nodded solemnly: “Fine, I will definitely work hard and not let you down.”

The bullet chat was a sea of wailing, calling it game over.

Forget it, nothing to see with this group. I’m going to check the other two groups.

My blood pressure is almost up; a ‘love brain’ is truly unwanted.

The bullet chat was full of various comments, and instantly the heat of the live stream dropped by more than half.

Until “Eight Hundred Moron’s” golden SSSVIP annual member-exclusive golden font appeared on the screen again.

He-ting passed.

Some who had already left Xie He-ting’s live stream quickly switched cameras, but they had already moved on to the third level.

The bullet chat, which previously had some discordant sounds, was now entirely filled with amazement at Xie He-ting’s high level of calligraphy.

This made the viewers who missed it feel regretful to death.

Offering a large sum for a screenshot of Xie He-ting’s calligraphy!

+1111111

For the third level, Xie He-ting chose “Chess.”

“This is an honorary member of the B-City Go Association we’ve invited, Teacher Yan Xingchang. If the guest can hold out for more than five minutes against Teacher Yan, it will count as a pass.”

Yan Xingchang was an older, middle-aged man wearing a long robe and a hat, looking quite well-off.

Xie He-ting quickly bowed and saluted Yan Xingchang, respectfully saying, “Hello, Teacher Yan.”

Yan Xingchang returned the salute.

Both took their seats. Yan Xingchang sat on the black piece side, while Xie He-ting sat on the white piece side.

Yan Xingchang was about to explain the rules when Xie He-ting already grabbed a handful of white pieces, clenching his fist around them and placing it on the board.

A flash of surprise crossed Yan Xingchang’s eyes. He then used his right index and middle fingers to pick up two black pieces from the box and placed them in the center of the board.

Xie He-ting opened his hand, palm up, revealing exactly four white pieces.

He made a gesture of invitation, and Yan Xingchang smiled slightly. Using the fingers, the black piece “flew into the 3-3 point” in the upper right corner.

Xie He-ting thought for a moment and placed a white piece.

The two had no communication throughout, leaving the bullet chat as confused as the guests on site.

Just playing chess in silence? Not even saying a word? So boring.

That flurry just now, I couldn’t understand it at all, holy crap.

Some in the chat clearly knew a bit about Go and began to provide fun facts.

…Is it possible that you just don’t talk while playing Go?

That guessing move just now is called ‘Shou Tan’ (Hand Talk). The side that guesses correctly plays first with black. But normally the younger one guesses; He-ting doesn’t know the rules, does he? He probably only knows a little and is intentionally showing off.

Despite the explanation, everyone was still somewhat confused, but they understood one thing—He-ting did indeed know a bit about Go; at least two minutes had passed and he clearly hadn’t “died” yet.

Can’t understand it; my head hurts. I’m taking a step ahead to see the other two groups.

A bullet comment drifted out gloomily: No need to check; the suit group was won by Jin Huaifeng’s group.

A stone stirred a thousand waves, and the entire bullet chat was in an uproar.

????

Holy crap?? I didn’t switch cameras for twenty minutes—how did Jin win? Is he using a cheat?

Twenty minutes ago, clearly the three male guests were still rushing toward the suit photo shooting point, and suddenly Jin Huaifeng had won. It was absolutely inconceivable.

Ahhhh why is this live! When is the replay? I’m so anxious.

Wait, am I the only one who noticed… that means Film Emperor Shen and the Big Beauty have to shoot the primitive animal skin series??

Damn, my nose is bleeding.

Can you stop interrupting? Can a kind person who finished watching provide a text summary! Don’t force me to kneel and beg!

Mutes are anxious (screaming).

Soon a kind person who had been following that group gave a passionate summary of Jin Huaifeng’s process of “survival in a desperate situation.”

Everyone remembers the rules from the start, right? To reach the photo shooting location, you need to complete tasks.

Yes, yes, yes! So we were all stunned when Lan Chi didn’t keep up, thinking they planned to give up.

Actually, each group’s task was based on the shooting theme. When the production team showed the guests the photos, they gave hints.

Hints? Where were the hints? How come I didn’t know?

Don’t interrupt.

The bullet comment explained again: The ancient costume group’s style was called ‘Ancient Charm, Modern Breeze,’ followed by a small introduction: ‘Ancient charm and modern breeze are inclusive, the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture.’ Remember the suit group’s photos? The name was ‘Suit Thugs.’ We had a passionate discussion about why it was named that. The small text introduction was: ‘Showing Power and Speed.’

So?

The production team wouldn’t put unrelated content on there. Jin Huaifeng guessed it, so he directly asked the team if all the introductions would be related to the tasks, and asked if a task must be completed by one person.

Yes, yes, I remember this scene. But I remember the production team’s answer at the time was quite ambiguous.

Whether it was ambiguous isn’t the point. The point is Young Master Jin—this person truly has decision-making power. In that situation, he first judged that the task was definitely related to time, since there was ‘speed.’ To snatch time, and with Lan Chi, that little burden, being a total weight, he set out alone.

So… so bold. What if he guessed wrong?

He gambled.

A total gambler’s mindset; it would be embarrassing if he lost.

The bullet comment said: Before absolute speed, that’s not an issue.

Someone who watched the live stream immediately added:

What followed truly opened my eyes. This Jin Huaifeng is probably from the Special Forces! You guys have no idea how exaggerated it was; he ran like a rocket by himself, leaving Shen Ji and Zhou Yanrong two kilometers behind.

Of course, he guessed right. The first level was a competition for time; whoever arrived first was considered to have completed it. He got the first task easily.

You know the production team never does human things. The second level was weighted push-ups. One guest needed to carry one-fifth of another male guest’s weight and do 100 push-ups; whoever finished first won.

But since Lan Chi wasn’t there, to show fairness, the production team gave two choices: either double the weight or wait for the other guest to arrive.

The bullet chat was shocked: Wok (Wow), doubled weight. According to Lan Chi’s weight, it must have been at least 25kg? How did Brother Jin pass?

He went for it directly!! This stamina is truly something. Then when Shen Ji and the others arrived, he had just passed the second level.

Besides total shock, some in the bullet chat couldn’t help but start making “adult jokes.”

…This is just a bit too impressive. So if you were dating him, you’d actually be ‘eating’ quite well, right?

Heh, things like ‘piling driver’… it’s a bit of a dirty compliment.

Upstairs, yellow light warning.

No being ‘lewd,’ okay?

Seeing the bullet chat becoming more “yellow,” a “justice messenger” couldn’t help but give a yellow card warning: Don’t interrupt, talk about the serious stuff! That’s only two levels. It’s impossible for the third level to be completed alone too; that would be too unfair.

Right, but Lan Chi wasn’t actually slacking off. By the third level, Lan Chi had arrived. This level was one male guest carrying another on their back on a pressure point mat; whoever could hold out the longest won. Meanwhile, the production team would call out actions like jumping, standing on one leg, etc.

Just thinking about it makes my scalp tingle.

So this level was also?

Correct. Jin Huaifeng took the lead again and passed. His soles might be made of iron.

The bullet chat could say nothing but “Ni-wa ni-wa” (Awesome) in praise.

When Jin Huaifeng showed off his body on the show before, everyone had a passionate discussion about whether it was worked for or just naturally that way.

Now it seems it truly was worked for.

Damn, so rich and so self-disciplined. I’m truly feeling inferior.

So now, the ‘Suit Thugs’ are those two, and then Shen Ji and Zhou Yanrong…

Zhou Yanrong stared at the yellow-and-black “fur” and the primitive bone staff, unable to help letting out a bitter smile. He said to his fellow sufferer, Shen Ji: “I can already foresee that the next big runway show won’t be sending me an invitation.”

“Sigh, maybe international audiences will appreciate your ‘wild expression.'” Shen Ji made a small joke, turned his head to look at the camera, his face full of helplessness: “I’m the only one who’s a bit embarrassed. I hope everyone gives me a chance—share less, ‘read and burn’ is fine.”

The bullet chat laughed loudly, with many saying they would “only watch it a hundred million times.”

Soon the two came out after finishing their makeup.

Although it was quite “wild,” with their looks and figures, the effect was unexpectedly good.

Zhou Yanrong and Shen Ji had different patterns painted on their bodies and faces with pigment, wore animal bones around their necks, and most of their skin was exposed, with only a small animal skin skirt around their waists and abdomens.

Damn, wiping my nosebleed. They look hot and sexy.

What kind of damn adjective is that, hahahahahaha.

A sharp contrast to the ‘Suit Thugs’ next door.

Damn, Jin’s group is truly so handsome. Jin is handsome and Lan is beautiful. Perfect.

Is Stars’ group still not done? It’s been nearly half an hour, right?

How much longer? Can someone who understands give an update?

Soon, they’re almost finished.

At this time, in the bamboo pavilion of Wan-Zhu Garden.

Xie He-ting gently picked up the remaining two white pieces in his palm and placed them back in the box.

Then, Xie He-ting stood up and bowed to Yan Xingchang: “Teacher Yan, let’s stop here. I’ve lost.”

On the board, the black pieces occupied more than half the territory, while the white pieces were forced into a collapsing defeat.

But win or loss isn’t easily determined until the very last piece.

“It’s not over yet.” Yan Xingchang was left wanting more.

Xie He-ting shook his head and said plainly: “My winning chances are very small, and besides, this is a timed task; time is almost up.”

He gave a sheepish smile to the middle-aged man: “I originally intended to just hold out for five minutes. Teacher Yan’s chess skills are superb; I couldn’t help but play a bit longer with you.”

Today Yan Xingchang had taught him a lesson. He thought his own Go level was very high, but there’s always someone better. He hadn’t expected the guest invited by the production team to be so skilled.

So the people in this world had such a high level? Luckily the production team only required five minutes. Thinking of this, Xie He-ting still felt a trace of fear.

A close call—almost didn’t pass.

Faking it again. Only saying that after playing for so long. Speechless.

Yan Xingchang showed understanding, stood up with a laugh: “Fine. You’ve played with me for nearly twenty minutes. This level, you pass.”

“Thank you, Teacher Yan.” Xie He-ting bowed seriously to Yan Xingchang before turning to Shi Jixing: “Brother, let’s go shoot.”

“Wait—” Yan Xingchang called out to Xie He-ting.

Xie He-ting stopped. “Teacher Yan, is there something else?”

Yan Xingchang looked at the person before him. Beneath a calm exterior, his heart was already churning with waves.

How old was the young man before him? Twenty?

Due to his status and position in the Go world, and his accomplishments in Go, Yan Xingchang had seen many genius players over the years. But among young people of the same age in B-City, those who could be an opponent to this beautiful child could be counted on one hand.

He was still so young. A chess player’s professional life is long; he had infinite possibilities.

It would be such a pity to miss such a good prospect.

“Teacher Yan?”

Yan Xingchang gave a slight smile, concealing his inner excitement and thrill. The way he looked at Xie He-ting was as doting as a grandfather looking at his grandson. In the calmest tone, he said, “You are recording a show today, and I shouldn’t take up too much of your time. Once you’re done recording, let’s have another match!”

As he spoke, he asked the staff for paper and pen, quickly wrote a line, and handed the slip to Xie He-ting: “This is my contact information. Once you’re done with the show, give me a call!”

Xie He-ting was overwhelmed by the favor. He took the slip respectfully with both hands and said with great courtesy: “Okay, Teacher Yan, I understand. Once the show recording ends, I will come to ask for your guidance again.”

“You must contact me!” Yan Xingchang patted Xie He-ting on the shoulder solemnly. Then, like a child being playful, he intentionally said with a smile: “The cameras have recorded it. If you don’t contact me, I’ll only be able to find you through the production team.”

Xie He-ting was moved by the goodwill he released, and a small dimple appeared on his smiling face: “I definitely will.”

“Well, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.” Yan Xingchang waved his hand kindly.

Why does this suddenly feel like a parent-child program.

Little Xie’s charm is infinite.

Truly didn’t see it coming—He-ting’s Go level is so high. He must have studied it, right? Damn, the ‘Idol Trainee’ persona is firmly set now. I’ve even thought of a debut slogan for him: ‘The best Go player among idols, the best acting cute among Go players.’

Until now, Xie He-ting’s reputation had been mixed, but this challenge, his calligraphy and chess skills gained him a huge wave of goodwill—never mind the beautiful writing, playing Go so well too. What a treasure boy.

After the incident with Shi Jixing, Xie He-ting’s Super-Topic had been established. After this challenge, the topic became even more lively.

But there were also many who poured cold water: I think you’re over-praising him. Isn’t it just playing chess? And with some ‘honorary member’ of a Go association… the level probably isn’t that high anyway. You can even ‘awkwardly’ praise this.

He-ting’s fans, be normal. A loss isn’t a win; speak lower. It’s not something glorious.

Does someone really think He-ting is great at chess? Ridiculous. It’s clearly a script!

This bullet comment was posted by the same ID that claimed it was a script every time.

The bullet chat immediately began to push back: Upstairs, ‘Script-bro,’ you’ve appeared again. Before saying ‘it’s just playing chess,’ can we please check who Yan Xingchang is?

No internet in the village, I see. Let me give you a fun fact: Yan Xingchang, male, from B-City. Born in 1972. Record holder for ten consecutive wins in the National Weiqi League in ’03. One of the 49 9-dan players in China. Former Chairman of the B-City Go Association and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Weiqi Association. Only became the Honorary Chairman of the B-City Go Association after retirement.

His name is unfamiliar to you, but remember that handsome Go genius XXX who gained millions of fans in National Players Project a while back?

Of course! That awesome Go genius! Professional 9-dan at just twenty-some years old! My eyes were opened.

That bullet comment said lightly: Yan Xingchang is his teacher.

XSWL (Laughing to death). Today’s funniest golden line: ‘Just an honorary member.’

Remember last time the National Table Tennis Team played an international match, and netizens asked about Coach Liu? ‘That fat guy who doesn’t understand ball’*? Hahahaha, before there was that fat guy, now there is this member. Miao-wa miao-wa (Wonderful).

Script-bro, why the silence? Is it still a script now? Go hold out for over ten minutes against him and show me.

Script-bro seemed to have disappeared entirely and didn’t pop up again.

Because the three groups were either filming or in makeup, the bullet chat began chatting and joking out of boredom. In Xie He-ting’s live stream, there was another heavy round of fun facts about just how awesome Yan Xingchang was.

Some even danced over to Weibo, which later caused a minor trouble.

Half an hour later, the last group finally finished their makeup.

My god my god my god, finally finished the ancient costumes! Photographer, hurry up! Camera, don’t film doorframes or flower windows; we want to see hotties!

At this time, in the SVIP live stream, the camera appropriately panned to the person slowly walking out from the moon gate.

Holy crap holy crap holy crap???? Who is this?

I’m letting out a screaming boom! Shi Jixing, you kid, what have you done to deserve this!

Finally, there was a large wave of “going-crazy” bullet comments.

Regular members couldn’t switch live streams and could only watch the bullet chat screaming wildly with longing.

In this damn show, it’s the first time I feel how desperate it is not to have money for a membership.