Going from "Fanservice" to Reality with My Goddess - Chapter 24

Yin Qin didn’t even recognize the name when she first heard it. “What travel?”

Shen Yan explained, “The travel variety show I mentioned earlier the one I said wasn’t bad.”

Yin Qin thought back for a moment before it clicked. She frowned. “Why the sudden urge to join a variety show?”

Shen Yan replied seriously, “My schedule all year round is nothing but filming. I feel like that’s really detrimental to building rapport with the audience.”

Yin Qin ignored the second half of her sentence and asked instead, “What do you mean, nothing but filming? Didn’t you just finish a commercial shoot recently?”

Shen Yan: “…” That point seems slightly off-target.

She reflexively defended herself. “The vast majority of my time is spent filming.”

Yin Qin wouldn’t let her off the hook. “The vast majority? Did you enter a new set right after finishing Love Sickness?”

Shen Yan: “…” What is with this version of Yin Qin? Has my ‘lazy person’ persona become that deeply ingrained?

Steadying her emotions, Shen Yan decided not to argue that point. She continued her push for the variety show: “Participating in a variety show allows me to show everyone a different side of myself. I can also use this opportunity to properly adjust my state of mind.”

She spoke with high-sounding words that seemed quite logical, but Yin Qin remained skeptical. “Is that really the only reason you want to join this show?”

Shen Yan answered earnestly, “Of course. One must have the courage to make changes.”

It’s definitely not because Yu Nianzhi is participating.

Yin Qin felt somewhat helpless; she realized the frequency with which she felt helpless toward Shen Yan had increased significantly lately. “Is it because of Yu Nianzhi?”

Shen Yan paused. She hadn’t expected Yin Qin to reach that conclusion so directly.

However, since almost every recent event had been connected to Yu Nianzhi, and Yu Nianzhi was a confirmed participant in this variety show, Yin Qin would have to be truly oblivious not to notice Shen Yan’s intentions.

Knowing Yin Qin wouldn’t believe a flat denial, Shen Yan opted for a conservative answer. “That’s part of the reason.”

“Have you considered the potential impact on your career? Your acting skills are beyond reproach, but what if you’re not suited for variety shows?”

Shen Yan went silent for a moment before saying, “I’ve been considering moving behind the scenes in the next couple of years. Although my father agreed to let me enter the entertainment industry back then, he still hopes I’ll return to the company.” At this, she smiled. “After all, I’m his only child. I’m thinking of eventually taking over his business. Just let me act in whatever I want for now.”

Knowing Shen Yan’s family situation, Yin Qin didn’t pursue that topic.

In many ways, Yin Qin viewed Shen Yan as a younger sister. She had been with her through her entire career, witnessing both her brilliance and her hardships. Shen Yan was excellent a focal point of attention wherever she went. But in private, she had her own temper, could be willful, and was even known to log into her main account to clap back at haters directly.

She thought it over and asked again, “Are you serious?”

In truth, Shen Yan was an adult who didn’t need others to worry for her, but Yin Qin couldn’t help asking. I really was born with the soul of a meddling old mother, Yin Qin thought self-deprecatingly.

Although Yin Qin didn’t state it explicitly, Shen Yan understood what she was asking. Her tone was no longer its usual languid or mock-serious self, but a rare, solemn one: “I’m serious.”

Yin Qin smiled; she really was powerless against Shen Yan. “And what if I don’t contact the production team?”

Shen Yan snorted. “Then I’ll contact Kiwi TV myself.”

“That sounds exactly like something you would do,” Yin Qin sighed. “I’ll help you get in touch.”

Shen Yan hadn’t expected Yin Qin to be so easy to persuade. “You’re just agreeing like that?”

Yin Qin said crossly, “What else can I do, my big boss?” She didn’t forget to nag Shen Yan one last time: “Go ahead and participate, but take it easy. Don’t go overboard.”

Shen Yan replied, “Don’t worry, I know where the line is.”

“And if you really do end up with Little Yu in the future… both of you are public figures. Be careful.”

Shen Yan nodded repeatedly. “Don’t worry, don’t worry.”

Once the call ended, Yin Qin contacted the production team. Kiwi TV was, naturally, more than happy to have Movie Queen Shen join the show. Because they hadn’t expected Shen Yan to participate, they had invited two other stars who were unable to make it due to scheduling conflicts, forcing them to reduce the original eight-person lineup to seven.

With Shen Yan agreeing to join, they decided after some discussion to keep her as a “mystery guest,” to be officially revealed during the broadcast of the first episode.

As Let’s Travel Together neared its filming date, the production team actively promoted and teased the show. In the final trailer, they announced that a mystery guest would be joining the recording.

From the moment Kiwi TV announced the show, the audience had maintained high interest. Let’s Travel Together was to be broadcast in a live-stream format; the production team claimed there would be no editing and no script, aiming to show the stars in their most authentic state. The format was interesting, Kiwi TV was a well-known station, and the invited guests were all currently popular or had strong fanbases, ensuring high engagement.

The news of a mystery guest further whetted the netizens’ appetites, leading to widespread speculation. To ensure the show’s impact, the guest’s identity was kept strictly secret—even from the other participants.

When Yu Nianzhi heard about the mystery guest, she didn’t care much. It didn’t affect her who came, as she assumed it certainly wouldn’t be Shen Yan. She just wanted to record her variety show steadily.

She logged onto Weibo to check the production team’s updates and scrolled through the comments. People were guessing everyone imaginable, counting through every idol in the industry. But with so little information provided by the team, no one could reach a conclusion.

She was about to log off when a comment caught her eye:

@SadnessIsSoBig: My Yuyu is there, so I’ll risk my life to pray for Shen Yan-yan. “YanZhi” (the ship name) has barely interacted lately. Did they “BE” (Bad Ending) right after filming? I’m currently obsessed with this ship, I won’t accept it! (Wailing)

Yu Nianzhi thought: I want Teacher Shen to come too, but is that even possible?

Since parting ways at the film set, she and Shen Yan had stayed in touch, but because Wu Lian had crammed her schedule with work, they hadn’t seen each other. Thinking of this, Yu Nianzhi grew even more melancholic.

She saw several replies to that comment. Clicking on them, she saw the idea of Shen Yan participating in a variety show was thoroughly dismissed as absurd:

@RomanticLikeARainbow: Is the original poster possessed by their ship? You actually think Shen Yan would come?

@DiDiDaDa: Hahahaha, no offense, but OP is definitely dreaming.

@SpicyStripsFlavoredShampoo: Pfft, if Shen Yan joins this variety show, I’ll live-stream myself washing my hair while doing a handstand—and I’ll gnaw on a computer while I’m at it. A desktop one.

Yu Nianzhi put her phone away and sighed. When will I see Shen Yan again?

Time flew by, and Let’s Travel Together finally began its first recording. The location for the first episode was Xixun Town, a town in Jiangnan known for its ancient charm and traditional style.

The meeting place for the first day was set in a courtyard in Xixun. Yu Nianzhi, always punctual, arrived early on recording day. She saw that cameras were already set up in the courtyard the live stream had begun.

Behind the scenes, the staff closely monitored the data. Since it was the first episode, the stats would indicate the show’s potential. The viewer count rose steadily; many people were waiting before the start. The bullet comments  were harmonious, mostly expressing anticipation for their idols and sending well-wishes.

Yu Nianzhi should have been used to being surrounded by cameras, but she felt inexplicably nervous today as if something extraordinary was about to happen. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the courtyard.

As soon as Yu Nianzhi appeared on screen, the danmu began to explode:

Aaaaah Yuyu, I’m here! As expected of Little Yu, #1 in punctuality! Today’s Yuyu is as beautiful as ever!

Yu Nianzhi walked into the house. She thought she had arrived early, but to her surprise, someone was already sitting inside.

Someone is already there?! Why didn’t the camera show them? Scared me. Is this the legendary mystery guest? Wait, forget who got there first don’t you think this person looks familiar? HOLY CRAP! Is that Shen Yan?!! Don’t scare me… who? Sister, have some confidence. It’s not “is that,” it IS Shen Yan!

The danmu froze for a split second, then went wild.

OMG OMG OMG! A once-in-a-lifetime moment! Aaaaah Shen Yan-yan, I love you!

Yu Nianzhi also froze, standing rooted to the spot. The phone in her hand slipped and hit the floor with a loud thud.

The noise didn’t snap Yu Nianzhi out of it, but it did startle the person who had been sitting quietly on the sofa. That person looked up at her, and upon seeing who it was, a smile spread across her lips. “You’re here?”

Yu Nianzhi couldn’t give a reaction; she remained standing there like a statue. Shen Yan’s smile remained, betraying the slyness and satisfaction of a prankster who had succeeded. With that, she walked over to Yu Nianzhi and leaned down to help pick up her phone.

Once it was confirmed that the mystery guest was Shen Yan, the danmu completely exploded into wails of excitement. Simultaneously, as the news spread, the viewership—which had been rising steadily skyrocketed instantly, pushing the hashtag #ShenYanLetsTravelTogether to the top of the hot search list.

The production staff were stunned. After a long silence, someone finally spoke: “Is… is this the charm of Movie Queen Shen?”

The audience in front of the screens took a long time to digest the news, eventually turning to ruthless mockery of the still-stunned Yu Nianzhi.

Hahahaha Yuyu’s expression is so dorky. Little Yu’s reaction is a perfect replica of mine. Yuyu: I’m broken. Crap, I just remembered I made a flag two days ago. If Shen Yan joined, I’d wash my hair while doing a handstand. Heh, so you’re the one who replied to me. Don’t forget, you’re not just washing your hair; you’re gnawing on a desktop computer too. Hahahahahaha sister, take care. Don’t forget to fulfill your promise. Yu Nianzhi: Who am I? Who are you? Where am I? Don’t scare me. Seeing Yuyu’s reaction, I truly believe the production team didn’t leak a single word.

Yu Nianzhi stared blankly at the phone Shen Yan held out to her. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she came to her senses. She blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering, and a glint of moisture appeared in her eyes. “Shen… Teacher Shen?”

Seeing Yu Nianzhi’s slightly reddened eyes, Shen Yan froze for a moment, then gently ruffled her hair. “It’s me. I’ve come to accompany you.”

Help! Is Little Yu going to cry? Is she that emotional about seeing Shen Yan-yan? Sister, you found the truth. Aaaaah Teacher Shen’s doting gaze! I can watch it a hundred times!!!! Good grief, starting off with a head-pat? Is it this intense? Please keep this pace! Waaaah it’s so good! I don’t care even if I am fake, YanZhi is REAL (screaming)!!!