The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 28

[WTF]
[Are you kidding me?]
[I’d believe Teacher Jiang never dated, but Yu Youqing? No way.]
[Wasn’t Yu Youqing always some sugar daddy’s caged canary? What, is she here to publicly break up?]
[Don’t listen to that nonsense upstairs, it’s all just baseless rumors.]
[Wow, Teacher Jiang has never been in a relationship? That’s kinda,  pure?]
[I! WILL be the woman who takes that first time!]
[LMAO Little Bamboo looks like he got struck by lightning, his face still hasn’t recovered.]
[Bamboo: Excuse me, are you messing with me?]

“Sis, you’ve never dated either?” Cheng Shunzhu muttered under his breath that his mouth must be cursed. The moment he said it, he felt a gaze lock onto him. When he looked up, it was Jiang Musheng, and he immediately shivered, instinctively moving closer to Yu Youqing.

Damn, Teacher Jiang’s eyes weren’t even that cold, so why did they feel so terrifying?

“Nope,” Yu Youqing said. “Do I really look like someone with tons of dating experience?”

Wei Xi nodded. “Absolutely.”

“You both give off that vibe,” Xu Liyu chimed in.

Wait.

A thought suddenly flashed through Yu Youqing’s mind.

If she remembered correctly, Jiang Musheng had mentioned having a white moonlight before.

Yu Youqing had initially assumed Jiang Musheng had dated this person and then broken up, which was why she couldn’t forget them. But now Jiang Musheng claimed she’d never been in a relationship, meaning this white moonlight was someone even Jiang Musheng couldn’t win over!

Damn, what kind of person could remain unmoved by Jiang Musheng’s face?

At this thought, Yu Youqing stole a glance at Jiang Musheng.

The reason Jiang Musheng rarely appeared in variety shows was pretty obvious, she wasn’t the type to chase the spotlight. If no one prompted her, she wouldn’t speak, her personality too reserved for the lively atmosphere most shows demanded.

But her popularity was high enough that even if she did nothing, the show would still get the engagement it wanted.

Yu Youqing doubted the production team had deliberately paired her with Jiang Musheng for hype. They probably hadn’t even expected the two of them to end up on the same show.

She was here because her recent buzz made her a good fit, and she needed the exposure from a dating show.

But why was Jiang Musheng here? She already had fame, acclaimed works, and recognition, she didn’t need this show to boost her profile. Surely she wasn’t actually here to date?

A staff member asked, “Teacher Jiang, how did you end up joining our show? You’re the only one left who hasn’t shared yet.”

Xu Liyu handed her a cup of hot tea, which Jiang Musheng accepted with a nod. “My teacher recommended me.”

Xu Liyu: “Old man Li Rongcheng? Oh, I saw your last interview, he was nagging you about marriage. Guess he moved fast, actually shoving you into a dating show.”

The exasperation on Jiang Musheng’s face wasn’t faked, and the others realized she’d genuinely been strong-armed into the show by her mentor.

Yu Youqing suppressed the urge to laugh while recalling that there was indeed such a situation. Li Rongcheng had extensive connections in the industry and seemed genuinely concerned about Jiang Musheng’s personal life, much like those family elders who nag about marriage.

After all, being from the older generation, he probably truly believed dating shows were meant for actual matchmaking, which was why he recommended Jiang Musheng to join.

It seems even someone of Jiang-laoshi’s status can’t escape the pressure to marry.

[Hahahahahaha Jiang-laoshi actually getting matchmaking pressure!]
[Well, she is at that age even us fans are getting anxious.]
[Sniff… I know, but selfishly, I still hope Jiang-laoshi never marries. No one is worthy of her!]
[Exactly! Especially Yu Youqing, Jiang-jiejie, please keep your distance from her!!!!]
[Did you see her smirk just now?]
[Just trying to steal the spotlight.]

Yu Youqing pressed her lips together, forcing her expression to remain neutral. After Jiang Musheng finished speaking, not just her but the others also visibly relaxed. Xu Liyu, being Jiang Musheng’s friend, didn’t hold back and laughed outright.

“Old Man Li must really be worried you’ll end up alone,” Xu Liyu said, her gaze flickering inexplicably between Yu Youqing and Jiang Musheng before adding with a grin, “How come you’re so hopeless? I’d have thought you’d be surrounded by omegas all the time yet here you are, living like a monk.”

The others pretended not to hear Xu Liyu’s teasing. Anyone else wouldn’t dare bring up such a topic in front of Jiang Musheng.

But Yu Youqing sensed something different in her words.

The memory of Xu Liyu speaking to her at the bar flashed in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Xu Liyu was hinting at her.

Jiang Musheng subtly stepped forward, blocking most of Yu Youqing from view, and said quietly, “Now that introductions are done, go ahead and pick your rooms.”

There were six guests in total, with two single rooms, two double rooms, and one triple room upstairs. Earlier, everyone had gathered downstairs, and no one had rushed to claim a room. Now, reminded by Jiang Musheng, they all hurried upstairs.

The female guests had brought suitcases, naturally packed with plenty of belongings. Just as Wei Xi was about to offer to help carry them, Yu Youqing stepped out from behind Jiang Musheng and said, “Wait.”

She had seen Jiang Musheng reach for a suitcase, but how could she let Jiang-laoshi carry it herself?

Last time, just catching snow for her had nearly drowned Yu Youqing in fan backlash. Now, with Jiang Musheng standing right in front of her, staying idle would only invite more criticism.

But Yu Youqing also knew that offering to carry Jiang Musheng’s suitcase alone would be seen as clout-chasing by fans. So what else could she do? She decided,  “I’m strong!” Yu Youqing grinned, flexing her arm playfully. “And I’ve already rested enough. You all relax, I’ll handle this.”

“No way, let me do it,” Cheng Shunzhu, the only male guest present, immediately stepped forward and grabbed the handle of Yu Youqing’s suitcase. “You all go rest. I’ve got this.”

Yu Youqing patted Cheng Shunzhu’s shoulder and placed his hand on Jiang Musheng’s suitcase, saying, “No need for mine. You can help Teacher Jiang carry hers upstairs first. Thank you.”

Cheng Shunzhu: “……?”Why did he feel like Sister Youqing was displeased with him?” Wuwu.

But just as Cheng Shunzhu was about to help Jiang Musheng with her suitcase, Jiang Musheng moved faster and took it herself.

“Thanks, but no need,” Jiang Musheng said, holding one suitcase in each hand the other one was Yu Youqing hurried forward: “Teacher Jiang!”

She had been standing closer to Jiang Musheng earlier, with her suitcase nearby. So when Jiang Musheng approached, she effortlessly picked up Yu Youqing’s suitcase as well.

By the time Yu Youqing realized and exclaimed in surprise, Jiang Musheng was already effortlessly carrying both suitcases upstairs.

Without another thought, Yu Youqing quickly followed: “Teacher Jiang! Wait, This isn’t good.”

Even though Jiang Musheng was an alpha, after what happened in the snow last time, when Jiang Musheng’s hands got frostbitten, Yu Youqing hadn’t thought of her as particularly strong.

So Jiang Musheng’s sudden action startled her. What if Teacher Jiang got hurt again? But to her surprise, Jiang Musheng carried the suitcases steadily and soon reached the upstairs room.

Yu Youqing stopped behind her, barely catching her breath before Jiang Musheng turned around. There wasn’t a trace of exhaustion on her face instead, a faint smile lingered at the corners of her lips as she asked, “What’s not good?”

Everything wasn’t good.

But Yu Youqing didn’t dare say it.

She had rushed upstairs in a hurry, and the momentum almost made her crash into Jiang Musheng. Now, standing close, she was slightly out of breath, partly from the effort and partly from the fear of accidentally bumping into her.

Jiang Musheng, fully aware of her state, didn’t step back at all. It gave Yu Youqing the illusion that even if she did collide with her, Jiang Musheng would catch her without hesitation.

Jiang Musheng had packed her own suitcase and knew how heavy it was. Yet she carried it effortlessly, reminding Yu Youqing once again of the inherent strength of an alpha.

So Yu Youqing quickly said, “Thank you, Teacher Jiang.”

Her tone was polite as always, but Jiang Musheng stared at her for a couple of seconds without responding, the emotions in her dark eyes fading before she finally spoke in a calm voice, “Which room do you want?”

In front of them were two open doors, one to a single room, the other to a double.

Instinctively, Yu Youqing was about to choose the double room. The single room was undoubtedly the best, and in her subconscious, she assumed Jiang Musheng, being the most senior among them, would naturally take it.

But just as the words were about to leave her lips, she found herself asking instead, “Which one are you choosing, Teacher Jiang?”

For a fleeting moment, she feared that if she said she wanted the double room, Jiang Musheng might choose to stay with her. The mere thought of that scenario made her breathless, so she had to eliminate any possibility of it happening.

Yu Youqing stole a glance at Jiang Musheng, only to have her gaze caught red-handed. Her ears burned as their eyes met, feeling as if her little thoughts had been instantly exposed. She gave an awkward, overly deliberate smile and said, “Since you helped me with my luggage, Teacher Jiang should choose first.”

Jiang Musheng couldn’t help but notice how distant this girl always seemed when speaking to her. But with cameras rolling, she couldn’t very well point it out now. Through Yu Youqing’s gaze, Jiang Musheng had already clearly sensed how intimidated the younger woman was by her.

She sighed inwardly, though her expression remained perfectly composed. Tightening her grip on her suitcase, she looked toward the single room’s door. “I’ll take this one.”

The moment she spoke, she noticed from her peripheral vision how the tension visibly drained from the shoulders of the person beside her.

Yu Youqing immediately said, “Then I won’t disturb Teacher Jiang’s rest.” She quickly retrieved her own suitcase and decisively chose the adjacent double room, giving Jiang Musheng a cheerful wave.

Without another word, Jiang Musheng entered her room to unpack.

Only when Jiang Musheng was out of sight did Yu Youqing finally lower her head and exhale slowly, careful to avoid the cameras.

For a fleeting moment, she’d wondered if Jiang Musheng might choose the double room too. But fear and apprehension had ultimately prevailed. Given her current reputation, any association with Jiang Musheng would only drag the latter down.

And so.

Yu Youqing reaffirmed her resolution the fact that she was Jiang Musheng’s tenant must remain the most tightly guarded secret of her life.

She began unpacking as soon as she entered her room. Before long, the door opened again to reveal Wei Xi.

“Ah! Teacher Yu,” Wei Xi said upon meeting Yu Youqing’s gaze, seemingly surprised to find her there. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear shyly.

“No need to be so formal.” Yu Youqing smiled and gestured toward the other bed.

The sound of rolling suitcases occasionally drifted in as other guests arrived. Casually, Yu Youqing asked Wei Xi about the room assignments. “After Teacher Jiang brought up your luggage,” Wei Xi explained, “Cheng Shunzhu insisted on helping everyone else with theirs. Being the only male guest, he naturally took the single room.”

“Xu Liyu and Ji Fu chose the triple room on the far right. Cheng Shunzhu’s in the third-floor single, while us girls are all on the second floor.”

Yu Youqing nodded in understanding.

Her hands never stopped moving as she efficiently finished unpacking.

When she looked up, she caught Wei Xi’s gaze and the undisguised surprise in the other woman’s eyes. “What is it?” Yu Youqing asked.

“I just didn’t expect Teacher Yu to be so capable with daily life,” Wei Xi admitted, having observed how deftly Yu Youqing organized her belongings the picture of self-sufficiency. This didn’t match the rumors at all.

Moreover, Cheng Shunzhu seemed quite taken with Yu Youqing too, always seeking her out and addressing her with affectionate familiarity.

Wasn’t Yu Youqing supposed to have no friends in the industry, with a bad attitude, acting like a diva and being difficult to get along with? Yet Wei Xi realized that in the short time since she’d arrived, Yu Youqing had already smiled at her twice.

When Yu Youqing’s delicate face softened into a smile, it looked utterly harmless, making one’s heart melt.

“These are all pretty simple,” Yu Youqing said, noticing Wei Xi standing frozen by her open suitcase, assuming she didn’t know how to organize her things. She naturally walked over and offered, “Let me help you.”

Heavens! Wei Xi practically jumped away from the suitcase, her movements so exaggerated that the flush on her face deepened. “N-no, that’s not what I meant. I can do it myself!”

Even though Wei Xi had worked with plenty of celebrities in the industry, when Yu Youqing’s face came this close, she still couldn’t handle it. It was like staring into a blinding light, she couldn’t bear to look directly.

From the audience’s perspective, the footage was split into multiple angles based on which guest they were following. Since Yu Youqing wasn’t particularly popular and Wei Xi worked behind the scenes, their segment had the fewest viewers.

But among the small crowd still watching, a handful of comments actually expressed that they were [getting hooked on their dynamic].

[Am I really this bored? I’m actually watching Yu Youqing!]

[The only people still here are those who got stuck because they were watching Teacher Jiang and didn’t switch in time. Who in their right mind watches Yu Youqing?]

[LMAO who watches Yu Youqing +1]

[Here to see if she starts acting crazy once she’s in the room.]

[How shameless to make Teacher Jiang carry her suitcase, ugh.]

[Wait a second????]

[Why is Yu Youqing so skilled at packing her suitcase??? Did she practice?]

[She’s actually helping Wei Xi?]

[No comment on Yu Youqing, but Wei Xi’s blushing face is kinda adorable!]

[OMG, am I actually seeing romantic chemistry between Yu Youqing and Wei Xi? I guess I really am weak to pretty faces.]

[Fake fake fake, it’s just for the show, I’ll say it a hundred times.]

[With cameras rolling, Yu Youqing could totally be faking it.]

Meanwhile, Yu Youqing remained completely unaware of the chatter. She only noticed when a staff member beside the cameraperson held up a sign that read: [Audience reaction is positive, Yu Youqing and Wei Xi’s chemistry +1.]

Since this was a live-recorded show without a script, the production team still wanted to steer the content toward viral moments. They occasionally gave the guests subtle hints about the audience’s reactions.

Both Yu Youqing and Wei Xi saw the message at the same time.

Yu Youqing, being an actress, kept a straight face. Wei Xi, however, wasn’t as composed her blush spread all the way to her ears. To hide it, she hurriedly finished packing.

A staff member said, “If you two are ready, you can head back to the living room.”

“No rush,” Yu Youqing added, not wanting to pressure Wei Xi as she sped up her movements.

Yu Youqing felt that Wei Xi was quite like a younger sister to her. Although some staff members hinted that there was a perceived chemistry between them, she personally didn’t feel anything. However, she did recall Tiantian’s advice about making a strong impression on this dating show.

Of course, that was under the assumption that Jiang Musheng wouldn’t be among the guests. Now that Jiang Musheng was here, she could almost imagine what Tiantian would say probably every sentence ending with a string of exclamation marks.

The guests weren’t allowed to check their phones during filming.

After finishing her preparations, Wei Xi hurried over to Yu Youqing. As they walked downstairs together, Yu Youqing casually glanced to the side.

The door was still closed, Jiang Musheng hadn’t come out yet.

Yu Youqing walked ahead of Wei Xi. Just then, Cheng Shunzhu also descended from the third floor. Yu Youqing briefly made eye contact with him and was about to continue downstairs when Wei Xi, who had been walking with her head down in a rush, missed a step and stumbled forward.

In the next moment, Yu Youqing instinctively reached out to steady her, whispering by her ear, “Careful.”

Wei Xi: “!”

“Thank you, Yu—thank you, Youqing-jie,” Wei Xi corrected herself mid-sentence, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks again. Flustered, she locked eyes with Cheng Shunzhu, who grinned and said, “My jiejie has quick reflexes. I wish she’d caught me too.”

Ji Fu, who had approached from the right, had met Wei Xi during previous filming sessions. “You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?” she asked.

Seeing that most of the guests had gathered, Yu Youqing took the lead and went downstairs first.

Cheng Shunzhu chattered on behind her, “Youqing-jie is actually really nice, right? Did you see that?” Seeking validation, he turned to Ji Fu, whom he wasn’t familiar with.

Ji Fu had a mature, elegant beauty that gave off a cool and aloof vibe when she wasn’t smiling. She looked at Cheng Shunzhu and asked, “Do you have a thing for older sisters?”

Cheng Shunzhu immediately protested, “Hey, don’t go making wild accusations here!”

He wasn’t blind, he knew his place perfectly well. His relationship with Yu Youqing was purely that of siblings. The main reason for his earlier eagerness was that he had wanted to help Yu Youqing with her luggage, only to find Jiang Musheng moving faster than him.

Cheng Shunzhu had a vague feeling that the relationship between Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing might not be as strained as the rumors suggested.

And since this was a dating show, maybe Teacher Jiang had some interest in Youqing-jie… Cheng Shunzhu shuddered at the thought, then dismissed it. If there was anything between those two, wouldn’t their fans collectively lose sleep over it?

When Yu Youqing reached the bottom, a staff member gestured to the six cups on the table. “Have something to drink,” they said.

She nodded, picked up a cup at random, and sat down on the sofa.

Cheng Shunzhu took another cup and sat beside her. Shortly after Wei Xi and Ji Fu joined them, Xu Liyu and Jiang Musheng also came downstairs.

“Now that all six of our guests have gathered, let me welcome everyone once again to our show! We hope you can experience the beauty of romance throughout these six episodes.” The assistant director smiled as he stood before the camera, gesturing toward a blackboard in the distance. “Since this is a dating show, we’d like everyone to introduce yourselves, share why you joined the program and describe your ideal partner. After that, tell us who you’d invite to complete the next task with you, should there be one.”

“Who wants to go first?”

After the assistant director’s prompt, an awkward silence settled over the group seated in the living room after all, they were still practically strangers.

“I’ll go!” Cheng Shunzhu bravely stepped forward, figuring that as a grown man, he should take the lead. Dressed in a black-and-white striped sweater with neatly trimmed hair, he had the earnest, approachable demeanor of a big, friendly dog.

“I’m Cheng Shunzhu, a newcomer in the acting industry. My purpose for joining this show is simple just as the assistant director mentioned, to experience the beauty of romance through this program.” He blinked, appearing to give it serious thought before continuing, “I don’t really have a fixed ideal type. I don’t judge by first impressions, but prefer developing feelings after long-term interaction.”

After introducing himself, he naturally turned to Yu Youqing, passing the baton to her. “Sis, of course I’d want to team up with you since we’re most familiar. Why don’t you go next with your introduction?”

Yu Youqing: “…” Thanks a lot.

Several curious gazes immediately focused on Yu Youqing, given her highly publicized past rumors with Jiang Musheng such notoriety naturally drew attention.

With no other choice, Yu Youqing stood up and faced the group.

She could feel a particular gaze resting on her from the diagonal front.

Though it was the most subdued among everyone’s stares, it carried the strongest sense of pressure.

Steadying herself, Yu Youqing deliberately avoided looking in that direction.

“I’m Yu Youqing. I joined this show to let everyone see another side of me, hoping we can all have a comfortable and harmonious journey together. If new developments happen, that would be even better. Though,  I do have quite a few flaws,” she said candidly to the camera with an easy smile. “As for my ideal type—”

She paused briefly.

Then she glanced toward Jiang Musheng’s direction before casually looking away again.

“As everyone probably knows, I used to admire Jiang laoshi’s type mature, steady, and perfect in every way.” Yu Youqing met the camera directly, speaking each word deliberately. “Now I realize that was just my past immaturity. Jiang laoshi is too perfect, like a beam of light, and I’m certainly not capable of standing before that light. So now I prefer someone more lively, someone I can really connect with in conversation.”

Her honesty was disarming.

Knowing she couldn’t win either way, she openly admitted her past mistakes, how those questionable publicity stunts, real or fabricated, had indeed caused trouble for Jiang Musheng.

The latter part of her statement was clearly aimed at Jiang Musheng’s fans, signaling that she and Jiang would likely remain separate paths on this show, with no repeat of past publicity tactics.

“As for who I’d like to invite,” Yu Youqing noticed Cheng Shunzhu’s hopeful look but shook her head with a smile, “I choose Xu Liyu, because her hair left a deep impression on me, it’s really beautiful.”

She meant it sincerely.

Yet the moment she finished speaking, she accidentally locked eyes with Jiang Musheng and immediately felt her throat tighten. An inexplicable sense of having done something wrong crawled up her spine.

Yu Youqing instinctively averted her gaze and hurried back to her seat.

Cheng Shunzhu leaned in to whisper, “Why not pick me?”

Yu Youqing whispered back, “This is a dating show, not a sibling program. You should choose someone you might actually develop something with.”

“That’s true.” Cheng Shunzhu was easily convinced, but the next second he said, “Huh? So you’re thinking of getting closer with Xu Liyu? I thought—”

For some reason, he suddenly stopped talking.

“Not really, I just picked randomly,” Yu Youqing brushed it off vaguely, patting Cheng Shunzhu’s shoulder. “Focus on listening to the others.”

Apart from briefly meeting Xu Liyu once at a bar, Yu Youqing wasn’t familiar with any of the others. As for Jiang Musheng, it wasn’t that they weren’t acquainted, but she was absolutely off-limits as an option, so this was the only choice left.

When Wei Xi went up to introduce herself, Cheng Shunzhu leaned in again and whispered, “Sis, don’t you think something feels off?”

“Hmm?”

“I feel like Teacher Jiang is staring at us.” Cheng Shunzhu had initially wanted to lean forward more, but sensing an intense gaze piercing his back, he shifted away slightly. “Can you check behind us? I don’t dare to.”

The problem was, Yu Youqing didn’t dare either.

She had already noticed Jiang Musheng looking in her direction. Thankfully, the cameras weren’t focused on Jiang Musheng at the moment, or she’d never be able to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.

“Come on, sis, take a look. I’m too scared,” Cheng Shunzhu tugged at her wrist again. “I feel so uncomfortable sitting like this. Should we switch seats?”

Cheng Shunzhu’s seat was closer to Jiang Musheng.

Yu Youqing naturally refused. Steeling herself, she finally turned to glance back.

In the distance, Jiang Musheng silently shifted her gaze from Yu Youqing to Xu Liyu, then back to her again. Slowly, deliberately enough for Yu Youqing to clearly read her lips, she mouthed without a sound:

“You like her?”

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