The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 16

The gentle slope of the beginner’s ski run made it relatively easy to learn as long as one paid attention to the key techniques.

After being guided by Jiang Musheng three times, Yu Youqing could now manage to ski a short distance slowly on her own. Just then, Yangyang waved her phone from off-camera, seemingly needing Jiang Musheng for something.

Yu Youqing quickly said, “Teacher Jiang, you should take a break first.”

Jiang Musheng nodded, taking the phone handed to her by Yangyang. The screen showed Lin Xuqiao’s name.

“Why did you go film that show again? Weren’t you supposed to spend this week with me?” Lin Xuqiao’s voice sounded urgent, not waiting for a response before continuing, “What should I do? Xu Liyu said she’s going to the bar with me tonight. What am I supposed to say to her?”

“…” Jiang Musheng fell silent for a moment, never expecting Lin Xuqiao to call during filming just for something so trivial. “Don’t you know how to talk normally?”

Lin Xuqiao: “It’s different from usual! You’re usually there.”

“Then talk the same way you do when I’m there,” Jiang Musheng replied lazily, her attention fixed on a figure in the distance. “Just treat it like talking to a friend.”

“But my intentions aren’t pure, I can’t just treat her as a friend.” Lin Xuqiao sighed on the other end. “You wouldn’t understand anyway. You’ve never pursued anyone. Forget it, I won’t bother you anymore. Go back to filming.”

Jiang Musheng suddenly said, “Wait.”

“?”

“If someone usually doesn’t act a certain way but is very polite and reserved toward a friend of mine, what does that mean?” Jiang Musheng frowned as she spoke.

Lin Xuqiao let out an intrigued “Oh,” then asked, “She’s not usually polite? Toward you?”

“It’s my friend… That’s not what I meant. She’s just normally more straightforward.” Realizing she’d said too much, Jiang Musheng cut to the chase. “Just answer the question.”

Lin Xuqiao said, “Isn’t that just how you’d treat a stranger?”

She then asked, “Who is it?”

After a long pause, Jiang Musheng said, “Busy. Hanging up.”

“…”

Yu Youqing was still concerned about Jiang Musheng’s hand, so as soon as she returned, she asked, “Teacher Jiang, isn’t your hand cold? I saw you took your gloves off while on the phone.”

Jiang Musheng shook her head, then looked up at her. Yu Youqing was puzzled and touched her face to make sure nothing was on it before saying, “Teacher Jiang, don’t forget to apply that ointment until it heals.”

Remembering that Jiang Musheng had given it to her before they left, she felt guilty. “Ah, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have said I was thirsty. I’m sorry, Teacher Jiang.”

Jiang Musheng lowered her eyes slightly, as if it didn’t matter at all. “Thank you. You’re very thoughtful.”

“I’m nowhere near as considerate as you.” Yu Youqing felt embarrassed, she hadn’t even thought to prepare something like that. She exhaled a white puff of breath and said, “It’s only right to look out for you, Teacher Jiang.”

Yu Youqing had picked up the basics and could now ski a little on her own. She insisted Jiang Musheng stay put and just watch from the side. Noticing Jiang Musheng walking a bit slowly, Yu Youqing worried she might be cold and boldly urged, “Teacher Jiang, hurry up. I’m about to ski.”

Jiang Musheng suddenly turned and glanced at her, saying, “You don’t need to take care of me like this.”

Yu Youqing: “Huh?”

She paused, only then realizing how many times she’d called Jiang Musheng “Teacher Jiang” in that short hour probably enough to annoy anyone. She quickly nodded, “Alright, I won’t say it anymore.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Jiang Musheng’s brows furrowed and then relaxed, as if amused. She sighed, looking somewhat helpless, then bent slightly to adjust Yu Youqing’s ski poles and posture. Standing straight again, she met Yu Youqing’s gaze at eye level, her expression both serious and focused.

Her voice was soft, spoken close to Yu Youqing’s ear, sending a faint electric current through her.

“I meant, let me be the one to look after you. Just ski ahead without fear, alright?”

Yu Youqing blinked, following Jiang Musheng’s words with a dazed question: “Then, what about me?”

“You?” Jiang Musheng lightly brushed aside a stray lock of hair that had fallen across Yu Youqing’s forehead and chuckled. “Just focus on trusting me.”

–

Back at the campsite, Yu Youqing hurried into her room.

After confirming the cameras were off, she flopped onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow for a long moment, as if Jiang Musheng’s words were still echoing in her ears.

Had she,  had she done anything wrong?

Yu Youqing lifted her head, yanking off her hat and running her fingers through her messy hair.

Which strand? Or which tuft? Which section of hair had Jiang Musheng touched?

She searched until her palm landed on two strands she’d accidentally pulled out only then did she snap out of it. What was she doing? Jiang Musheng had barely touched her hair for half a second, and yet here she was, feeling,  fluttery?

After that brief touch, Jiang Musheng had skied ahead to wait for her at the finish line. For the first time, Yu Youqing hadn’t paid attention to her footing, her eyes fixed on Jiang Musheng instead and somehow, she’d made it to the end without falling.

Honestly, skiing hadn’t felt like much of an achievement.

But seeing Jiang Musheng waiting for her had inexplicably filled her with motivation, a burning desire to reach her as quickly as possible.

Was it the cold? Whenever Jiang Musheng looked at her, Yu Youqing couldn’t shake the illusion that her gaze was tender and affectionate, stirring an impulse to draw closer and bask in her warmth.

Finally, she murmured to herself, “No wonder she was voted the most desirable alpha to marry.”

Even she had nearly lost her composure, forgetting her place.

–

By the time filming wrapped up, heavy snow had begun to fall again. When they were leaving, Li Rongcheng’s attitude toward Yu Youqing had completely changed from when she’d first arrived.

During the farewells, Yu Youqing noticed Li Rongcheng speaking with Jiang Musheng, so she slipped away to pack her suitcase. The others’ cars had already arrived, but hers was delayed. Tiantian called to check and said they’d have to wait a little longer.

At that moment.

Jiang Musheng glanced inside through the car door, about to turn away, when a voice called out, “Teacher Jiang.”

She looked up to see Liang Yitang standing before her, her face flushed with obvious shyness. After a brief hesitation, Liang Yitang mustered her courage and said, “Could I have your contact info? I don’t mean anything by it, I’m just really grateful for how much you’ve looked after me during the show. Once we’re back, there might be chances to collaborate, and it’d be nice to stay in touch as friends.”

Jiang Musheng held a small vial in her hand, the special stabilizer Li Rongcheng had given her before leaving.

“Are you really not planning to go back home? I heard your grandmother’s health has declined significantly.” Li Rongcheng was aware of Jiang Musheng’s family situation. When she remained silent, he sighed and said, “Well, never mind. What’s done is done. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you meet someone suitable, you should give it a try. Don’t let past disappointments close you off from love forever.”

“Professor Jiang? Are you listening to me?”

A faint, distant smile appeared on Jiang Musheng’s face. “No need for gratitude.” She didn’t take out her phone, making her refusal clear.

“Is that a no, Professor Jiang?” Liang Yitang sounded aggrieved. Remembering Li Rongcheng’s words about compatibility scores yesterday, she hesitated for a moment before tugging lightly at Jiang Musheng’s sleeve.

In the past, compatibility scores had been the ultimate criterion for partners after all, it was an attraction rooted in genetics. But now, more and more people prioritized social status and personal choice. Couples with low compatibility could still spend their lives together if they had genuine affection.

Liang Yitang believed her family background was respectable, and her reputation in their circle was decent. Couldn’t she at least try to win Jiang Musheng’s favor?

Tentatively, she said, “Actually, I don’t really care about compatibility scores.”

“Oh?” Jiang Musheng’s voice turned icy as she subtly pulled her sleeve back. “But I do.”

Liang Yitang had been outright rejected. Too embarrassed to linger, she quickly retreated to her car.

But I do.

Yu Youqing had been moving slowly toward the door, but she still heard those words.

She had already packed up, but seeing Jiang Musheng and Liang Yitang talking outside through the glass and Liang Yitang even daring to touch Jiang Musheng’s sleeve, she knew she shouldn’t step out just yet.

Liang Yitang had approached with her phone, likely asking for Jiang Musheng’s number.

And she had been turned down.

Yu Youqing looked down at her left hand. Yes, she had been about to do the same foolish thing, ask Jiang Musheng for her number.

Ugh.

The next second, she swiftly stuffed her phone back into her pocket, pretending nothing had happened.

She wouldn’t overestimate herself.

Compatibility scores were practically mystical these days. Finding someone with a score above sixty was already considered a match made in heaven. With Jiang Musheng’s status and looks, Yu Youqing doubted anyone could truly be worthy of her.

And if Jiang Musheng cared so much about compatibility wasn’t she doomed to be alone forever?

Sigh.

Why was she even worrying about this?

Yu Youqing approached Jiang Musheng, but before she could say goodbye, she noticed Jiang Musheng was now holding her phone.

They stared at each other, Yu Youqing at Jiang Musheng, Jiang Musheng at Yu Youqing.

Yu Youqing’s gaze dropped to the phone in Jiang Musheng’s hand. Jiang Musheng nodded slightly, about to open her WeChat.

“Professor Jiang, aren’t your hands cold?” Yu Youqing suddenly realized what felt off and immediately pushed both Jiang Musheng’s hand and phone into her coat pocket. “You should be careful.”

“……”

Yu Youqing flashed an innocent smile. “Professor Jiang, I’ll be going now. Goodbye.”

“Wait.” Jiang Musheng stopped her, her lips pressed into a tight line. Still, she opened the car door for her. “I’ll drive you. Come with me.”

“Oh?” Yu Youqing felt embarrassed and quickly said, “No need, my car will be here soon.”

“It won’t come.” Jiang Musheng stared at her, her eyes filled with unreadable emotions.

Yu Youqing didn’t understand, but Tiantian hurried over with her phone and said, “What do we do now, Youqing? The driver said someone rented his car, so he’s not coming to pick us up!”

Yu Youqing immediately looked at Jiang Musheng suspiciously: “?”

Can you predict the future?

Jiang Musheng hadn’t expected Tiantian to still be keeping Yu Youqing in the dark. She choked slightly and turned her gaze to Yangyang.

Yangyang immediately straightened up: “Oh, I heard from another driver. Aren’t they from the same fleet? They said someone offered triple the price, so they canceled on us. So unprofessional.”

Only then did Jiang Musheng smile again: “Yes, so unprofessional. So let me take you to the airport, okay?”

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