The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 27
The moment Jiang Musheng arrived, Yu Youqing’s brain completely short-circuited.
The production team had promised secrecy, only to drop this bombshell?
And Jiang Musheng had positioned herself right beside Yu Youqing, whose expression crumbled the second she turned and saw her.
Jiang Musheng’s appearance froze everyone in shock, and the barrage of comments instantly flooded with exclamation marks and question marks, too many to even read.
[What the hell?!]
[I don’t even know what to say. Is Orange TV insane for daring to invite Teacher Jiang, or is Teacher Jiang insane for descending to join a dating show?!]
[Jiang Musheng needs to date?? I don’t believe it! Just standing there, she’s enough to make me fall head over heels, okay?]
[Yu Youqing must’ve planned this, right? She definitely knew Jiang Musheng was coming and followed her here.]
[How shameless can this woman be? If I were Jiang Musheng, seeing her would be torture every single time.]
[While you’re all busy cursing, I just want to admire our Teacher Jiang in peace, wuwu.]
[I’ve never seen Jiang Musheng on a variety show before, and her first one is a dating show? My feelings are complicated.]
[No one is worthy of Teacher Jiang! No one!]
[Is there a script at play here? Otherwise, why would Jiang Musheng agree to come knowing Yu Youqing would be here?]
Fans in the comments were beyond excited, practically clawing at their screens, desperate to interrogate the production team about their thought process.
On set, the initial shock had worn off, and everyone greeted Jiang Musheng politely. Yu Youqing gritted her teeth and managed a greeting as well.
The moment she spoke, all eyes naturally shifted between her and Jiang Musheng. Given the recent negative headlines, their reunion on the show was Jiang Musheng merely nodded, thankfully not engaging further, allowing Yu Youqing’s racing heart to gradually settle.
Xu Liyu stepped beside Jiang Musheng, tucking a strand of her red hair behind her ear, her gaze flickering between Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing with intrigue.
“!” Yu Youqing instantly recalled that mortifying encounter at the bar.
“What brings you here?” Fortunately, Xu Liyu broke the ice first, chatting with Jiang Musheng. “Never thought I’d see the day a workaholic like you joined a dating show.”
Jiang Musheng: “Is it that strange?”
“Rare. I thought you’d already transcended earthly desires.” Xu Liyu chuckled, but her teasing glance was swiftly intercepted by Jiang Musheng’s warning look, drawing curious stares from the others.
“Xiao Xu, you and Teacher Jiang?”
Xu Liyu waved a hand. “Just good friends. Relax, everyone don’t look at me like that. She’s not my type.”
Her remark eased the tension in the room. Yu Youqing exhaled quietly, about to slip away unnoticed, when Xu Liyu suddenly addressed her.
“Yu Youqing, I remember you.”
Yu Youqing froze, her heart leaping into her throat, the only time she’d met Xu Liyu was that disastrous night at the bar. No way was Xu Liyu really going to bring it up here?
Ahhhh, please no! I’ll call you ancestor if you don’t!
She immediately turned to look at Xu Liyu. Jiang Musheng, who was closest to her, clearly sensed the sudden tension in Yu Youqing’s posture. Just as she was about to glare at Xu Liyu to warn her against saying anything inappropriate in this setting, she heard:
“I watched that outdoor show you did with Musheng last time. You were really dedicated when learning how to ski.”
Yu Youqing felt her emotions rollercoastering wildly. Indeed, one shouldn’t court disaster, it always leaves you feeling guilty.
Only then did she manage a smile: “That’s because Teacher Jiang taught me well, so I studied hard.”
Others, eager for a chance to get familiar with Jiang Musheng, naturally swarmed forward. Yu Youqing quickly retreated to the side. The moment she stood next to Cheng Shunzhu, he whispered in her ear: “Sis, something feels off to me.”
“What do you mean?”
Cheng Shunzhu: “I feel like there’s something strange between you and Teacher Jiang.”
This was Cheng Shunzhu’s observation after watching them. He’d seen Yu Youqing boldly challenge investors at dinner parties, yet around Teacher Jiang, she became like a kitten with its claws sheathed. Moreover, he’d noticed that Teacher Jiang didn’t seem to dislike Yu Youqing at all, contrary to popular belief.
There was an inexplicable atmosphere between these two that others couldn’t penetrate.
Yu Youqing was perfectly composed when not near Jiang Musheng. She glanced at Cheng Shunzhu and said, “Don’t go making up stories about Teacher Jiang.”
She didn’t outright deny it.
Cheng Shunzhu immediately sensed an opportunity, a bold idea forming in his mind.
Could it be that Sister Yu Youqing actually likes Teacher Jiang?
At that moment, Director Zhao had the staff remind everyone: “Since you’re all acquainted now, we’ll head upstairs to your rooms shortly. But first, we’d like to ask, why did you decide to join our show?”
This icebreaker question was unavoidable in a dating show.
Yu Youqing wasn’t fond of answering such questions. She wanted to honestly say she was here for the money, but voicing that would get her in trouble with both her company and netizens.
Ugh, what a dilemma people never want to hear the truth.
Previously, she hadn’t felt so desperate, but after spending all her savings to help Ye Miaoyi reclaim Wind, she was broke again.
So she needed to perform well on this show.
The guests’ luggage remained unpacked by the side. After the staff’s question, Wei Xi, who’d been about to sit down, froze mid-motion, forgetting to take her seat.
Being unaccustomed to cameras, such nervousness was understandable. Yu Youqing stepped in with Cheng Shunzhu to defuse the situation.
“Shall we sit down first before continuing?” Yu Youqing initiated, though her gaze drifted toward Jiang Musheng as she added, “Teacher Jiang, if you don’t sit first, none of us dare to.”
Jiang Musheng took a seat on a single sofa nearby, and Yu Youqing settled onto a beanbag. With this lead, the others gradually found their seats.
Cheng Shunzhu, being closest to Yu Youqing here, stuck to her like glue, pulling up a stool to sit right beside her.
“Since we’re here for the show, of course we’re here to date,” Cheng Shunzhu spoke first, scratching his head with a hint of embarrassment. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship. I’m kind of a straight guy.”
Wei Xi said, “I have plans to film abroad later, so I’m here to save up for travel expenses.”
Ji Fu chimed in, “I came to make more friends. Of course, it would be even better if I could find the right person.” She smiled and added, “But honestly, seeing Teacher Jiang here is an unexpected delight. Even if I don’t find anyone, I won’t feel any aesthetic regret.”
“You all sound so rehearsed,” Xu Liyu laughed as she picked up her teacup. “I just returned to the country and was bored, so I thought I’d try dating. If anyone’s interested, feel free to reach out.”
Cheng Shunzhu remarked, “Then you and Wei Xi might be a good match, one just returned, and the other is about to go abroad.”
Wei Xi couldn’t help but exchange a glance with Xu Liyu, her striking red hair leaving a vivid impression. Ji Fu interjected, “Let’s not play matchmaker the moment we’re alone. We still haven’t heard from Xiao Yu and Teacher Jiang.”
Naturally, all eyes turned to the two of them.
Under the collective gaze, Yu Youqing spoke softly, “My company said this was a rare chance to work and date at the same time. There won’t be many opportunities to go public with a relationship later, so they sent me here.”
Everyone: “???”
Sis, aren’t you a little too honest?
Xu Liyu burst out laughing first. “Now that you mention it, it’s true. People in the entertainment industry have it tough they can’t just announce relationships whenever they want. Even if they’re caught, they have to issue joint disclaimers, all to avoid losing popularity. Xiao Yu, aren’t you afraid of losing fans?”
“You flatter me,” Yu Youqing replied, genuinely embarrassed now. She chuckled. “I probably don’t have many fans to begin with.”
Then, facing the camera, she clasped her hands together and widened her eyes slightly. “If there are any fans watching, I apologize in advance. You’ve suffered for supporting me.”
【???????】
【What the heck? Isn’t this a dating show? Why is she playing the pity card?】
【But I kinda bought it. At least Yu Youqing answered honestly.】
【Is this a persona or what?】
【The show already clarified that the guests didn’t know who else was coming. The way they froze when they saw Jiang Musheng didn’t seem fake.】
【This group seems pretty decent. I’m sold.】
【Hahahaha poor Xiao Zhuzi, the only guy on the show.】
【Enough with the persona talk. None of these guests are teenagers. If someone said they’d never dated and were just here to make friends, would you believe it? I sure wouldn’t.】
【+1 You took the words right out of my mouth! Keep it coming!】
Cheng Shunzhu happened to say at that moment, “No need, no need. If I were in a relationship, I’d immediately issue a statement to acknowledge it. I wouldn’t trouble everyone to take pictures. My company has never said I can’t date. Besides, if I knew I wasn’t allowed to date but still got involved with a girl, wouldn’t that be unfair to her?”
After saying this, he muttered, “Although it’s been a long time since I last dated, I have been in relationships before. Given our ages, is there really anyone here who’s never been in a relationship?”
As soon as Xu Liyu heard this, her gaze immediately drifted to the side.
The camera followed her line of sight and landed on Jiang Musheng’s face.
Jiang Musheng calmly stated, “I haven’t.”
Cheng Shunzhu: “?”
Xu Liyu’s eyes then shifted to Yu Youqing’s face. Yu Youqing felt as if she were being scrutinized under a spotlight. After blinking a few times, she slowly said, “I haven’t either.”
Cheng Shunzhu: “?????!”