Everyone in the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Flirty Diva [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 8

The first day’s training was relatively light, starting with formation drills. The six participants varied in height and build, with some swinging their arms too fast and others lifting their legs too high. The most ridiculous was Dong Wei, who moved his arms and legs on the same side simultaneously. He was the burliest among the guests, yet no one expected him to be the most uncoordinated.

“Right foot first, left arm out—watch me!” Squad Leader Liu pulled Dong Wei aside and demonstrated beside him.

“Sir!” Dong Wei mirrored Squad Leader Liu’s posture, stepping forward with his right foot and swinging his left arm.

“Good. Now follow me. Ready, march! One-two-one, one-two-one, one-two-one…”

The squad leader’s cadence was rhythmic, but within a few steps, Dong Wei’s arms seemed to rebel, flailing briefly before falling back into his same-side stride.

Squad Leader Liu was exasperated. “Watch my arms and legs! Match my footwork—whichever arm I swing, you swing the same! Understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir!” Dong Wei replied firmly.

They tried twice more, but Dong Wei’s forced synchronization only made things worse. Earlier, he could at least manage a few proper steps, but now he kept glancing at the squad leader, forgetting his own limbs, and reverting to his awkward gait.

Squad Leader Liu believed in drilling until perfection. He persisted, and on the third attempt, their strides finally synced.

The training ground fell eerily silent, with only the squad leader’s “one-two-one” echoing.

After a while, Squad Leader Liu noticed something odd. Dong Wei had finally matched him—but when he glanced sideways, the man was still moving same-side.

A horrifying realization struck him.

If Dong Wei had synchronized with him… and Dong Wei was still moving same-side… then that meant…

The camera captured their figures marching in perfect harmony, so natural and dignified that one might not even notice—unless looking closely—that both had subtly, unknowingly fallen into the same-side stride.

Squad Leader Liu halted.

Viewers watching the livestream lost it. The comments exploded with:

[HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]

[HAHAHAHAHA Squad Leader Liu didn’t fix Dong Wei—Dong Wei got the squad leader to move same-side too HAHAHAHAHA I’m dying!!!]

[Squad Leader Liu’s dead-serious same-side march is adorable!]

[This is exactly like my military training—one person messes up and drags the whole squad down HAHAHAHAHAHA!]

[Dong Wei: What are you all laughing at? Be careful or I’ll start marching out of step as a warning!]

[Oh my god, even when Squad Leader Liu marches out of step, he still looks so handsome! All the good-looking guys really do get handed over to the country, huh?]

…

Not only did the audience laugh, but even the remaining five guests on the training ground couldn’t hold back their laughter when they saw the usually strict squad leader getting thrown off by Dong Wei’s antics.

As Squad Leader Liu and Dong Wei marched further away, the remaining five relaxed, standing sloppily on the training field.

Chu Xi heard Yu Yiyuan giggling beside her and couldn’t help but let out a snicker herself, lowering her head to stifle her laughter.

The sight of the squad leader marching out of step was just too funny. Chu Xi kept replaying the image of Dong Wei and the squad leader in her mind, and the more she thought about it, the harder it was to stop laughing. So much so that she didn’t even notice when the laughter around her had died down, still burying her head and lost in her own little world of amusement.

It took Chu Xi a while to realize something was off.

Why… was it so quiet?

No more commands from the squad leader, no more muffled giggles from Yu Yiyuan. Chu Xi cautiously lifted her head and saw that Yu Yiyuan had stopped laughing at some point, standing ramrod straight with a serious expression, eyes fixed straight ahead.

The other male guests were the same, standing at perfect attention.

A chill crept up Chu Xi’s spine. She timidly looked up and, sure enough, met Squad Leader Liu’s stern glare.

Squad Leader Liu: “Chu Xi, had enough fun laughing?”

Chu Xi: “………………”

Some things in this world were just unlucky. Even though everyone had laughed, even though everyone had slacked off, Chu Xi was the only one caught red-handed.

Squad Leader Liu’s gaze was sharp: “Chu Xi, what did I say before I left? I told you all to practice standing at attention properly. Was I telling you to stand around slouching and giggling? Look at yourself—do you look like a soldier right now?”

“Squad Leader, I…” Chu Xi seemed to want to defend herself.

The barrage of comments flared up again:

[Is Chu Xi seriously about to rat out the others? Ugh, this woman is disgusting.]

[Yan Zhun didn’t even laugh, okay?! He was the most disciplined one here! If Chu Xi dares to drag him into this, I swear I’ll fight her!]

[People like her are the worst—dragging others down the moment they’re in trouble. Who’d ever want to be friends with her? Unbelievable.]

[If only this show didn’t have Chu Xi, damn it!]

[What’s the matter with you guys? The remaining guests were clearly slacking off too just now. Even if Chu Xi exposed them, she didn’t do anything wrong.]

[Well, it’s her own fault for being less alert. Remember back in school when the whole class was noisy, and everyone quieted down when the homeroom teacher came in? If you were the only one still foolishly playing around, who else would the teacher scold but you?]

…

Chu Xi was halfway through her sentence when she met Squad Leader Liu’s stern gaze. She suddenly lowered her head, pursed her lips, and said, “I’m sorry, Squad Leader. I was slacking off.”

The production team had already instructed them not to give Chu Xi special treatment just because she was a girl. Squad Leader Liu was particularly strict and impartial as he announced the punishment: “Dong Wei, one extra hour of training after the session. Chu Xi, half an hour extra after the session.”

“Yes, sir,” Dong Wei and Chu Xi replied in unison.

The barrage of comments arguing that Chu Xi was trying to drag others down finally quieted down.

A couple of timid comments floated by:

[Chu Xi is so unlucky.]

[That’s really rough.]

The first day of training ended, and everyone headed to the cafeteria for dinner. Only two lonely figures remained on the training ground as the sun gradually set, stretching their shadows longer and longer in the fading light.

“One-two-one, one-two-one, left-right-left, left-right-left, one-two-one…”

Chu Xi chanted the cadence while keeping an eye on Dong Wei’s hands and feet.

Once again, Dong Wei ended up moving his same-side arm and leg together. Frustrated, he stopped. Some people just seemed naturally uncoordinated, but in the military, uniformity was paramount. Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal, but the finale of Brave Hearts would feature a grand inspection organized by the XX Military District, with all six guests participating in the parade. If even one person marched out of step, it would stand out glaringly.

As the sky darkened, Dong Wei checked his watch and said to Chu Xi, “Your half-hour is up. Go get dinner.”

Chu Xi shook her head. “It’s fine. I’ll keep practicing with you. We’re already late anyway—what’s a little more time?”

“It’s only the first day. The inspection is still days away. You’ll definitely get it.”

Grateful, Dong Wei replied, “Alright, I’ll practice hard.”

The first stars began to appear in the sky, and the training ground’s floodlights flickered on. The production team naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity to showcase the show’s spirit of perseverance and positive energy, so the cameras diligently captured Chu Xi and Dong Wei’s practice session.

Squad Leader Liu was highly skilled in combat but not the best teacher. His method mostly involved having Dong Wei mimic his movements. In contrast, Chu Xi was more patient and meticulous, constantly correcting Dong Wei’s form.

By the time they saw noticeable improvement, they realized two hours had passed—far beyond the extra hour Squad Leader Liu had assigned.

Dong Wei had clearly made progress. Though he occasionally still moved same-side limbs, he could now march correctly for long stretches.

“One-two-one, one-two-one, left-right-left, left-right-left… Halt!”

Dong Wei completed a flawless 50-meter march without a single misstep.

Both had forgotten they still hadn’t eaten, practicing on empty stomachs all this time.

The live audience, watching Dong Wei train from sunset until the stars filled the sky, was deeply moved by his visible progress.

[Now this is the spirit of a soldier. Dong Wei’s dedication is inspiring.]

[“Wuwuwu, my eyes actually welled up seeing Dong Wei’s progress.”]

[“Dong Wei, you’re amazing!”]

[“Many might think walking in formation is such a simple thing, but as someone who’s also uncoordinated, I can say it’s really not easy.”]

Someone mentioned Chu Xi.

[“No one’s talking about Chu Xi? She’s the one who kept practicing with Dong Wei the whole time.”]

[“Yeah, Chu Xi seems so patient, constantly teaching Dong Wei.”]

[“Hmph, obviously just acting for the camera, so fake.”]

[“Hypocrite.”]

[“But no matter how you speculate, Chu Xi genuinely practiced with Dong Wei. Even if it was for the camera, she still did it.”]

[“Oh? The white lotus Chu Xi has defenders now? Can you even buy comment spam these days?”]

[“Can we just watch the show properly? Stop arguing, it’s so annoying!”]

…

After practicing with Dong Wei, Chu Xi passed by the cafeteria, which was already closed.

The military base didn’t have a convenience store, and even if it did, neither of them had any money. They had brought some snacks in their luggage, but those had been confiscated in the morning.

“Uh, sorry for troubling you today,” Dong Wei said as he walked beside Chu Xi.

Chu Xi smiled. “It’s fine. Consider it weight loss.”

When the two returned to the dorm, they found Squad Leader Liu and the other four male guests sitting together on small stools, chatting. Two empty stools were left, presumably for Chu Xi and Dong Wei.

“How was the practice?” Squad Leader Liu asked.

Dong Wei: “Not bad, hehe.”

“We went to the training ground earlier to check on you. Didn’t expect you two to be practicing so seriously, so we didn’t disturb you.” Squad Leader Liu stood up and took out two insulated lunchboxes from behind him. “The cafeteria was closed, so we saved some for you.” He lowered his voice. “Eating in the dorm isn’t allowed, so eat quietly. Don’t let the company commander find out. After you’re done, give the boxes to me—I’ll sneak them back and wash them without him knowing.”

Chu Xi and Dong Wei were moved to tears as they held the lunchboxes.

Comments:

[“Wuwuwuwu, Squad Leader Liu seems strict, but he’s actually so warm-hearted.”]

[“Squad Leader Liu, I love you!”]

[“Hey, weren’t you saying you loved Yan Zhun this morning? Women are so fickle.”]

[“Telling them to eat secretly so the company commander doesn’t find out, but it’s all being broadcast live now.”]

[“So now everyone knows, lol 23333.”]

[“It’s okay, the company commander definitely doesn’t watch the livestream. Shh, everyone keep it low-key, don’t make a fuss.”

[“Hahahaha ojbk.”]

…

The group sat together chatting, with Chu Xi and Dong Wei holding insulated lunchboxes while sitting on small stools, joining the conversation as they ate.

“Reporting to Squad Leader,” Zhao Mincong suddenly raised his hand. “I have something to confess.”

Squad Leader Liu frowned. As a rough-and-tough soldier, he had already been shocked that morning by Zhao Mincong’s collection of eyebrow razors, moisturizing serums, ex-boyfriend face masks, and eye creams. He had initially thought those belonged to Chu Xi, never expecting that men could also slather so much random stuff on their faces. He squinted and asked, “What do you want to confess? Don’t tell me you’ve secretly hidden some kind of cream?”

Livestream comments: [“HAHAHAHAHA”]

[“Zhao Mincong, the Skincare Emperor of the military—this joke will never die hahahaha”]

[“When is Teacher Zhao publishing a book? His skin is amazing!”]

Zhao Mincong: “………………”

“Squad Leader,” Zhao Mincong cleared his throat, then glanced at Yan Zhun, Yu Yiyuan, and Liu Jinxiang. After receiving their looks, he said, “When you took Dong Wei to train this afternoon, uh… it wasn’t just Chu Xi slacking off in the back. All of us were slacking off.”

The others nodded. “Sorry, Squad Leader.”

Zhao Mincong added, “Chu Xi was just unlucky and slow to react, so you caught her.”

Chu Xi, who was eating: “………………”

She wasn’t very happy with how that was phrased.

Zhao Mincong: “We’re confessing now. Please punish us, Squad Leader.”

Squad Leader Liu nodded. “I see. So that’s how it was.”

He turned to Chu Xi. “Chu Xi, why didn’t you say anything at the time?”

Chu Xi looked up at the men. “I couldn’t… sell out my teammates.”

“If one person takes the fall, that’s enough, right?”

“You’re quite the loyal one,” Squad Leader Liu chuckled. “But as for you all,” he looked at Zhao Mincong and the other three, “since you’ve confessed, there’s still punishment. Three kilometers tomorrow morning.”

“No problem, Squad Leader,” they answered in unison.

After the confession, the group resumed chatting.

Having spent the day together, they had grown much more familiar, and their conversation kept the livestream audience thoroughly entertained.

[“Holy crap, Squad Leader Liu doesn’t have a girlfriend yet!”]

[“No, not just no girlfriend—he’s never had one! AAAAAHHHH!!!”]

[“Squad Leader Liu, I volunteer!”]

[“Yan Zhun: Warning for fandom betrayal!”]

[“Uncle Liu Jinxiang looks tough but is actually so adorable!”]

[“Teacher Zhao can’t use his serums, eye creams, or masks tonight. He acts like he doesn’t care, but his expression is screaming anxiety hahahahaha”]

[“Chu Xi eating quietly is so well-behaved.”]

[“Calling her well-behaved? Are you blind? Get your eyes checked.”]

[“Why do some people always have to nitpick when it comes to Chu Xi? So annoying.”]

The topic shifted to whether they had girlfriends. As a married man, Uncle Liu Jinxiang was particularly enthusiastic about this subject. After getting Squad Leader Liu to spill, he moved on to the next person.

The question of having a girlfriend was sensitive, given that all the men present were public figures.

Liu Jinxiang simply grabbed a piece of paper, made a few lots, and decided whoever drew the marked one would have to answer.

Everyone picked one and unfolded theirs.

The first to breathe a sigh of relief was Yu Yiyuan, holding up his blank slip of paper: “Not me, hehehe.”

Live comments: [Little bro can’t be dating so young!]

The others unfolded their slips one by one.

Not Dong Wei, not Zhao Mincong, nor the highly anticipated idol Yan Zhun. So everyone’s gaze inevitably landed on Chu Xi.

Chu Xi: “………………”

Everyone: “………………”

She was the one caught by the squad leader and scolded in the afternoon, and now she was the one drawing the lot to answer a personal question in the evening.

Chu Xi truly was the chosen one.

Whoever drew the lot had to answer whether they had a girlfriend.

The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.

Squad Leader Liu didn’t know, and Yu Yiyuan was too busy with school and acting to know, but the others, being insiders, were more or less aware that Chu Xi had a man behind her—a man who doted on her, though their relationship was complicated.

And they were live-streaming.

Zhao Mincong tried to smooth things over: “How about—”

“No,” Chu Xi spoke first, glancing at them before answering meekly, “No girlfriend.”

“Hahahaha,” Liu Jinxiang laughed it off.

Live comments: [Pfft hahahahahaha]

The question was about having a girlfriend, so Chu Xi naturally answered accordingly—no girlfriend.

Yep, definitely straight.

Just as everyone was about to move on to the next topic, Chu Xi stared at the bowl in her hand and thought of Gu Mingjing.

Look at this bowl—the longer you stare, the more it resembles Gu Mingjing.

Back then, she had told her grandmother that Gu Mingjing was her boyfriend. When they were together, she comforted herself by thinking, “He treats you as his little lover, so you can treat him as your boyfriend.” But now, they had gone their separate ways, and there was no connection left.

“No boyfriend either,” Chu Xi suddenly added. She was about to die—she couldn’t leave this world with an unclear reputation, remembered by the public as some White Lotus, someone’s little lover, or a kept woman.

She wanted everyone to know she was single now—no one’s secret lover, no one’s hidden girlfriend.

No one expected Chu Xi to add that last remark.

The live stream audience didn’t see it coming either.

[Holy shit? What did Chu Xi just say?]

[No boyfriend? Hahaha, are you kidding? So your sugar daddy isn’t your boyfriend—is he your dad then?]

[Maybe she’s saying she doesn’t have a boyfriend now because she’s pressuring her sugar daddy to make things official?]

[Ugh, what a scheming bitch.]

[Are you guys overthinking it? Maybe she really doesn’t have a boyfriend and is just single.]

[People keep saying she has a sugar daddy, but there’s never been any proof. Last time, it was clarified that she was just helping an elderly man cross the street. She’s actually a pretty decent girl.]

The debate about Chu Xi’s relationship status raged on in the live stream comments, but the people on-site, aware of how sensitive the topic was, had already moved on to other subjects.

The group continued chatting and laughing.

Dong Wei had already finished the dinner secretly brought by Squad Leader Liu, putting away his lunchbox with a loud burp.

Chu Xi was also nearly done eating and was about to pack up when suddenly, the door creaked open.

It was an inspection.

“What are you all still doing up so late? Lights out soon. Liu Wei, when are you heading back to your dorm?”

Company Commander Wang Jinzhao appeared at the doorway, smiling as he saw the group gathered together.

But their reactions to him seemed a little… off?

Commander Wang clasped his hands behind his back, scanning each face.

Liu Wei—no issues.

Yan Zhun—no issues.

Liu Jinxiang—no issues.

Yu Yiyuan—probably no issues.

Zhao Mincong—all his weird creams and tonics had been confiscated, so no issues.

Dong Wei—aside from his shiny mouth, as if he’d just eaten without wiping, nothing seemed wrong.

As for the only female present…

Commander Wang’s gaze landed on Chu Xi’s face, then slowly dropped to the half-eaten lunchbox in her hands.

Commander Wang: “Chu—Xi—”

Chu Xi looked down at her lunchbox, then at Dong Wei, who had just finished eating and put his away.

Freeze.jpg

Silence.

Live stream comments: [HAHAHAHA omg why is Chu Xi always the one getting caught red-handed HAHAHAHA]

[Chu. The. Chosen. One. Xi]