Did Assistant Xie Make the Trending Searches Today? - Chapter 26.1

Chapter 26.1: Apology

After dinner, Mu Ying organized a gathering in the living room and announced the final results of today’s photo shoot.

“According to the Weibo voting results, first place is the pair of Shen Ji and Zhou Yanrong. Second place is the pair of Jin Huaifeng and Lan Chi. Third place is the pair of Shi Jixing and He-ting.”

Forget the scene itself—the entire bullet chat was in an uproar.

The more active fans among Xie He-ting’s following were the first to raise doubts.

Crispy Star: No, with an image as good as He-he’s, they actually ended up at the bottom? Is this ‘river-carp’ (reasonable)?

Did Brother Jin Faked-it Today: Exactly, there couldn’t be a shady deal, could there!

A stone stirred a thousand waves. Xie He-ting had a lot of fans now, and the bullet chat was filled with front-row tags for the official Weibo to come out and explain.

However, someone came out to clarify: Hahahaha to the family members saying there’s a shady deal—go look at the official Weibo, the finished shots are already out. This time there really is no shady deal. Them being third is simply because there were only three groups competing. If there were six groups, they’d definitely still be at the bottom.

The large TV in the villa was also playing the finished photo sets from today.

The first group was Zhou Yanrong and Shen Ji’s “Animal Skin Photos.”

Everyone had originally thought this group was purely for comic relief, especially after seeing their costumes: animal skin miniskirts, colored paint, and clubs made of stone and wood—it was as “pit-dad” (unfortunate) as it could get.

But unexpectedly, the final effect of their photos was exceptionally good.

Painted patterns adorned Shen Ji’s handsome face. The makeup artist’s hands were very skilled; it didn’t detract from his handsomeness at all, but instead added an indescribable wildness. Paired with that rugged, brownish-tan animal skin outfit, he perfectly portrayed a tribal chieftain who had just returned from a hunt. Fans in front of the bullet chat were howling with attraction.

The animal skin outfit on Zhou Yanrong was more minimalist compared to Shen Ji’s.

Because his profession was modeling, Zhou Yanrong had a lean body with symmetrical muscles. Every piece of leather fit his body curves perfectly, showcasing a primitive and pure aesthetic—it had a unique charm.

The two were either holding long spears, leaning back-to-back to show a sense of shared destiny between life and death; or leaning down and whispering, like a couple who had been in love for many years; or sitting quietly side-by-side by the campfire, gazes tenderly fixed on each other.

The two perfectly interpreted the state a pair of lovers should have. Every look was full of deep affection, making the audience’s faces turn red even through the screen.

My God, looking at it this way, Teacher Shen and the Big Beauty are quite a match. Their gazes are practically ‘pulling silk’ (full of chemistry).

Is this a professional actor’s sense of conviction?

The second group released was Jin Huaifeng and Lan Chi’s “Suit Thugs.”

Although Jin Huaifeng usually dressed very eye-catchingly, it had to be said that a man in formal wear is most charming.

A classic black suit with a perfect silhouette paired with a shirt, several buttons casually undone, a powerful physique, and sharp features… he was as elegant as a gentleman, ascetic and majestic yet unrestrained and provocative.

The audience in front of the screen was stunned into silence for three seconds by Jin Huaifeng’s image.

Someone commented, seemingly with emotion and a hint of pity: If Brother Jin just didn’t have a mouth, he would truly be a perfect partner.

The bullet chat uniformly burst out laughing.

Lan Chi’s outfit was also very good, his style forming a sharp contrast with Jin Huaifeng’s. A white suit paired with his delicate and beautiful features; he smiled sweetly at the camera, eyes curved into crescent moons, exuding a pure and innocent cuteness.

These two’s images were indeed eye-catching, but the “CP feeling” (chemistry) wasn’t strong enough.

For instance, there was one shot that was supposed to be Jin Huaifeng holding Lan Chi’s waist while Lan Chi looked at him with deep affection. However, both of their eyes were filled with mutual disdain; the perfunctory feeling was beyond words. Thus, they were crushed by the Shen Ji and Zhou Yanrong pair.

I’m looking forward to the third group more and more. Lan Chi and Jin Huaifeng already have so little couple-vibe? Just how did He-he and Little Xing film to get third place?

Shi Jixing’s fans were clearly very indignant: Shady deal! Definitely a shady deal! With our Little Xing’s styling and image, how is he inferior to the previous two groups!

Exactly!

But soon, the third set of photos was released, and everyone was silenced in unison.

The styling for Xie He-ting and Shi Jixing’s group was beyond reproach; it was indeed beautiful. Especially Xie He-ting—a heaven-chosen ancient, a fine gentleman in a turbid world. It would be against the laws of heaven if he didn’t take first place.

The trouble lay in the fact that these were couple photos, not solo shots.

What is the most important thing for couple photos? Emotion!

Although Shi Jixing was trying hard to perform, Xie He-ting was truly terrible.

A tender, affectionate gaze? Please, that’s not an eyelid cramp!

Touching foreheads? My God, He-he, what is up with that expression of “excitedly becoming sworn brothers”!

His body language was incredibly stiff, and the final results were abysmal. Not a hint of the romance in the clear breeze and bamboo forest was expressed. Xie He-ting looked like he had been “cut and pasted” in, completely out of place with the whole image.

Calling them “artistic photos” was a slap to the production team’s face. If one had to describe them, “sticker photos” might be more appropriate.

Once this set of photos came out, even if Shi Jixing’s fans wanted to forcibly wash them clean, they really had no way.

The “Stars” were angry to death seeing that set of photos. Their Little Xing’s great image was ruined by Xie He-ting!

Never expected to lose here. Respect!

Not afraid of god-like opponents, but afraid of pig-like teammates!

But in any case, if it weren’t for He-he’s wit, your Little Star might have been filming animal skins, or even cross-dressing—could you accept that?

When put that way, the “Stars” lost their voice.

After displaying the photo results, Mu Ying continued to announce the rewards: “In addition to a ten-point reward, the first-place winner will also have a ‘Priority Choice’ in the next date.”

Date Priority Choice? What new thing are they playing now?

A variety show expert immediately provided an answer: I boldly guess that for the next date, the celebrities and commoners will likely be separated to choose, and it must be 1v1. Then, the person with Priority Choice can 100% choose the partner their heart desires.

Forced binding for a date? What if the commoner doesn’t want to date that celebrity?

Last time during the mutual selection, not a single pair succeeded. The production team will definitely set conditions. This way, at least two pairs can succeed.

Soon, Mu Ying also explained the rules for Priority Choice, and it was exactly as the bullet comment had guessed.

Both Zhou Yanrong and Shen Ji were quite surprised.

Shen Ji turned his head to glance at Xie He-ting.

Jin Huaifeng took everything in, and in his heart, he began to make his own little calculations.

Mu Ying continued: “Our show lasts for a total of three weeks, with two formal dates per week. Considering everyone worked hard yesterday, you’ll have free time for the next two days. We will start the second date on Friday.”

Was it just hard work? Participating in a dating show is like a triathlon. Did the show’s producer’s last gig involve Olympic planning or something?

Kekekekeke, laughing like a goose.

“Additionally, guests who participated in today’s date, don’t forget to send tonight’s ‘First Impression of Love’ to your date partner.”

Eugh—so who is naming everything for this show? ‘Love Villa,’ ‘First Impression of Love’… I really can’t take it.

Where did this rustic stuff come from? It’s the 21st century, okay!

Xie He-ting originally felt some pressure—a three-hundred-word text message. However, he had now learned voice input, so there was no pressure at all.

So, after Mu Ying finished speaking, he returned to his room and began opening his phone to “write” the message.

Xie He-ting’s fans had already switched cameras.

They saw him pull out his phone, click on the keyboard, and then…

In the quiet room, Xie He-ting’s soft voice rang out.

“Hello, Brother. I am Xie… um, I am He-ting.”

Hahahahahaha He, why do you use voice input.

My God, so embarrassing!!! Why voice! Don’t you know there’s a camera that can pick up sound?

But, He’s voice is truly so pleasant to hear. Suddenly I understand Shi Jixing being a voice-fetishist.

“We went on a date together today, and I felt very happy. This was my first time playing in a ‘playground.’ The carousel and the small roller coaster train were very interesting. Thank you for taking me to play something so fun.”

DBQ (I’m sorry), I don’t want to laugh. But playing on a ‘small roller coaster train’ at a children’s playground—I really can’t hold it in.

Why does it feel a bit sad while laughing? Why has He-ting never played at a playground?

Ah, now that you mention it… it does seem a bit abnormal.

Right. Is that post digging into his identity online still there? I’ll go see if there’s an update.

The bullet chat suddenly began to diverge into discussion.

Xie He-ting continued speaking quietly.

“Your lute is very beautiful, and the pieces you played were very pleasant. Of course, your singing is even better than the sound of the lute.”

“Today’s ‘photo shoot’ was also very interesting, but I didn’t perform well and we came in last. I’m sorry. If there’s a next time, I’ll work hard. I hope you aren’t angry with me.”

@Sister Stars, do you still want to blame He?

In the fan group of the Shi Jixing Global Fan Club, several administrators were already discussing the current live content.

“Actually, He-ting is quite nice. I didn’t expect him to apologize in the message.”

“Isn’t an apology expected? If it weren’t for his poor performance, our Xing wouldn’t have been last. So embarrassing!”

“But he’s a commoner; it’s understandable that he doesn’t have much performance skills.”

“His emotions are very stable too. Usually, if a guest were taken to a children’s playground, they’d get angry, right?”

Ding Hongye, who hated Xie He-ting the most, looked at the messages scrolling through the group, curled her lips, and typed a line of words.

Star-Picker: “Because of him, Xing didn’t have to film the animal skin series this time. Consider it making up for his blunder. Let it go this once.”

Ding Hongye added: “I see some people are blacklisting He-ting online now. If you have time, help clear the negative comments too.”

Another administrator, “Exploding Little Lion,” saw this message and private-messaged Ding Hongye: “Sister Star-Picker? Has your account been hacked?”

Ding Hongye hurriedly explained: “Xiao Xing has a pretty good impression of him, and the two are clearly getting closer. If his reputation is blackened, it won’t be good for our Xing either!”

Exploding Little Lion: “True. Let’s go clear the air for He-ting together then. Last time made me quite embarrassed.”

After all, they had boycotted He-ting at the start because they felt he was “fake” and a “Green Tea” (manipulator). But now it seemed he actually had a simple personality.

And, whether one wanted to say it or not, He-ting was truly good-looking.

Shi Jixing’s fans had always been very active and numerous. After the administrators finished their discussion, they decided to help clear the air for He-ting. Several super-admins had long since secretly become “double-stans” (fans of both). This time, everyone reached a consensus, and they immediately logged into side accounts, opened He-ting’s Super-Topic, and began to work.

They were veterans of the fan circles with top-tier anti-black capabilities. The few discordant voices that had popped up in Xie He-ting’s Super-Topic were quickly suppressed by them.

After Xie He-ting finished checking the content of the message, he thought of what he had learned from watching TV dramas last night and added a sentence:

“I hope we can date again next time. Goodnight, Brother.”

Sigh. He is truly so gentle.

My God, I can’t imagine what a happy boy Shi Jixing will be when he receives the message.

While the bullet chat was in total harmony.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the frame.

Holy crap? When did Brother Jin come back?

How long has he been listening??

It’s game over. His face looks terrible. He probably heard the whole thing.

Xie He-ting turned his head and was startled by Jin Huaifeng’s face, which was as black as the bottom of a pot.

He instinctively stuffed his phone back into his pocket and looked at him guiltily: “…When did you come back?”

Jin Huaifeng ground his teeth.

From your very first sentence!

And ‘dear brother’!

Calling him so intimately!

Xie He-ting instinctively shrank his neck under the glare, but then he reacted—Eh, what am I afraid of him for!

Thinking of this, Xie He-ting turned his face away and stopped looking at Jin Huaifeng.

Just as Xie He-ting thought Jin Huaifeng would mock him as usual, he suddenly heard Jin Huaifeng utter a nonsensical sentence: “I’m a moron.”

“What are you saying?” Xie He-ting was completely confused.

Why start scolding yourself?

Although Jin Huaifeng’s voice wasn’t loud just now, the expensive camera’s sound collection was very effective, so the audience in the live stream also heard that sentence.

The bullet chat slowly typed out a question mark.

Holy crap, Jin Huaifeng, you???

It’s not what I think it is, right?

Meeting his puzzled gaze, Jin Huaifeng took a deep breath. “I said, I apologize to you. I shouldn’t have been mean to you.”

Jin Huaifeng seemed to have never done such a thing before; his expression was clearly a bit unnatural. He placed the item he had been holding behind his back on the coffee table in front of Xie He-ting. A flush appeared on his handsome face: “Shall we make up?”

Bullet chat: …

Where is the Young Master? Where is my large, cool, domineering Young Master! What happened to you!

It’s over. He-ting has conquered another one. I see Young Master Jin has also fallen straight into the pit.

Eight Hundred Moron finished watching this scene in silence and slowly typed a line: ‘Moron’ has become part of the ‘little couple play,’ has it? I’m changing my name! I’m calling a lawyer!

Xie He-ting looked at the transparent box on the table, then at Jin Huaifeng, then at himself, and finally back at the transparent box.

“Is this… for me?”

On the table sat a cake in a transparent box. The cake was very beautiful, with a deep blue base topped with a galaxy dotted with yellow and white stars. On the right side, there was a small light-blue sphere.

“Mhm.” Jin Huaifeng turned his face elsewhere. His handsome face still had no expression, but if one ignored the earlobes that were red enough to drip blood and the top of his head that was about to emit smoke, he indeed looked no different from usual.

Wow, this is so beautiful!!!

I want one too, wuwu.

Is there a price expert? How much is this?

Found it. Over two thousand.

How much????

Damn, cursed rich people, I’ll fight you!

“Such a beautiful cake—is it really for me?” Xie He-ting was a bit in disbelief, a hint of surprise he hadn’t noticed himself in his voice.

Detestable!

He has to keep asking!

Do I not care about my dignity!

Jin Huaifeng instinctively wanted to glare at Xie He-ting, but unexpectedly, Xie He-ting was looking at him with an unprecedentedly focused gaze; their eyes met, and the joy in the boy’s eyes was about to overflow.

The tensed corners of his mouth unknowingly curled into a soft arc. The sentence he was about to say—”I just bought it casually, don’t think too much”—also unconsciously became: “Yes, I bought it for you.”

Xie He-ting had never imagined he would receive such a beautiful cake!

“Really, is it really for me?” He confirmed with Jin Huaifeng again and again, as if unable to believe it.

Jin Huaifeng watched Xie He-ting’s smile, the pleasure at the corners of his mouth deepening: “It’s for you. Do you like it?”

“I like it very much! Thank you, Brother!”

Jin Huaifeng felt he was truly abnormal.

Otherwise, why would the belly full of “ghost fire” (rage) from just now vanish into Xie He-ting’s joyful voice?

“Can I open it?” Xie He-ting nervously rubbed his hands on his legs.

The cake was too beautiful, and the packaging was also very nice; he was reluctant to touch it.

Jin Huaifeng was amused by his suddenly tense expression. He very naturally walked to Xie He-ting’s side and sat down, their shoulders touching in a very intimate posture: “Of course.”

“It’s yours now; you can do whatever you want with it.”

Xie He-ting was rarely this close to others, especially when that person was Jin Huaifeng. In his heart, Jin Huaifeng was like a large lion dominating the savanna in the animal kingdom—the King of Beasts. Whoever made him unhappy, he would just go “wah-ooh” and swallow them whole.

The very contradictory thing was that he didn’t like being too close to Jin Huaifeng, but he liked the scent on him.

Every time he smelled the faint woody fragrance on Jin Huaifeng, being enveloped by this scent made him feel very comfortable.

It wasn’t until a long, long time later that Xie He-ting remembered that the scent on Jin Huaifeng was like the smell of books after being sunned.

He always held those books every day, never putting them down. He had grown accustomed to such a scent; it made him feel at peace.

“Not angry anymore?” Jin Huaifeng looked at Xie He-ting’s profile. The boy’s eyelashes were blinking restlessly—blink, blink—making Jin Huaifeng really want to reach out and press down those two disobedient little wings. They made his heart feel itchy.

“I wasn’t angry,” Xie He-ting said, pursing his lips as he remembered being scolded by Jin Huaifeng.

Jin Huaifeng looked at his beautiful profile and gave a light snort.

I don’t know who was the person who wouldn’t even speak to me or look at me.

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