The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 31

[Is Yu Youqing actually being considerate to these people? Hmmm?]

[Is this another one of her scripted acts? She’s really good at acting.]

[Not necessarily. I just saw the footage of Yu Youqing going out to buy groceries, she seemed completely normal.]

[But she’s so desperate for screen time. Jiang was already accepting a sandwich from Zhu Zi, yet she insisted Jiang take hers instead.]

[Emmmmm! no one else would go this far to ride on someone’s coattails. Besides, Teacher Jiang doesn’t even like this flavor.]

[Sigh, Sheng Sheng is always so polite and never makes others feel awkward.]

[Why do I get the feeling these people actually get along well with Yu Youqing?]

[It’s an illusion, just an illusion.]

[It’s obvious Teacher Jiang didn’t like it, she didn’t eat the one CEO Xu gave her later.]

At this point, Jiang Musheng finished eating and stood up to leave the table.

“Such a small appetite. Why won’t she eat the one I gave her?” Xu Liyu shot Jiang Musheng an unguarded glare before turning her gaze to Yu Youqing. She noticed the sandwich Yu Youqing had set aside the one Jiang Musheng had handed back still sitting outside the bag.

This time, she clearly saw the ingredient list.

Peanut butter?

Xu Liyu instantly understood, her eyes narrowing with newfound interest as she studied Yu Youqing. “Interesting.”

“Huh? Did you say something?” Yu Youqing happened to turn around, catching only a faint murmur from Xu Liyu.

Knowing Xu Liyu was Jiang Musheng’s close friend, Yu Youqing paid extra attention to her.

“Nothing, just saying I want a sandwich too.” Xu Liyu picked up the lonely sandwich on the side and waved it. “Mind if I take this one?”

“Of course not.” Yu Youqing nodded, glancing briefly toward Jiang Musheng, who had already settled on the living room sofa, before casually looking away. “Do you need?”

“No, I’ve got it.” Xu Liyu smiled as she unwrapped the sandwich, her suspicions confirmed.

Yu Youqing didn’t dwell on it. Cheng Shunzhu suddenly asked, “The production team said we’ll have to handle meals ourselves from now on. Anyone here know how to cook?”

His eyes swept the room, deliberately skipping over Yu Youqing. When everyone else shook their heads, Cheng Shunzhu groaned, “We’re doomed. Takeout for three days straight?”

“We could learn,” Wei Xi suggested. “With a recipe, it shouldn’t be too hard, right?”

Just as Yu Youqing was about to speak, Ji Fuzao cut in gravely, “It’s impossible! I tried following recipes step by step before, but the food turned out disgusting. I had stomach issues all day, and the pan was ruined.”

The group exchanged uneasy glances, instinctively touching their stomachs after hearing Ji Fuzao’s story.

“I—” Yu Youqing started, but Cheng Shunzhu immediately interrupted, “I get it, sis. You’re a kitchen disaster too, right? Blew up a stove once? Don’t worry, we won’t make you cook.”

“What I meant was,” Yu Youqing said softly, “I can cook. I’ll handle dinner tonight.”

Her quiet words landed like a boulder in still water. Everyone stared at her in shock.

Wei Xi ventured cautiously, “Like… edible food?”

Yu Youqing said confidently, “Of course! You’ll find out tonight.”

She turned her head and noticed Xu Liyu smiling at her with a knowing look, which made her feel slightly uneasy. “What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?”

Xu Liyu replied, “No, it’s just that the more I look at you, the more I like you.”

After dinner, everyone gathered in the living room to chat and relax.

As long as it wasn’t bedtime or a special circumstance, no one would retreat to their rooms otherwise, they’d miss out on screen time.

Jiang Musheng sat on the sofa, seemingly watching the TV screen, but in reality, the same clip had looped several times without her adjusting it.

She occupied a two-seater sofa, but her commanding presence kept others from daring to sit beside her when she wasn’t speaking.

Xu Liyu grabbed the remote and plopped down next to her. “Since when did you enjoy watching these cheesy romance clips?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jiang Musheng said flatly.

“It’s literally playing on the TV right now and it’s looped multiple times.” Xu Liyu studied Jiang Musheng closely. “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.” Jiang Musheng glanced at her, then lowered her gaze, concealing the thoughts in her eyes. “You have something to say to me.”

“I’ve made a big discovery.” Xu Liyu leaned in, turning off her mic for privacy, and discreetly unfolded a small piece of white paper in her palm. “Take a look at this.”

It was an ingredient list.

The second item listed was peanut butter.

Jiang Musheng’s gaze lingered on those three words, and a flicker of understanding passed through her previously indifferent eyes, now tinged with a faint light.

“Someone here knows you well enough to remember you can’t eat peanuts?” Xu Liyu subtly gestured toward Yu Youqing, who was chatting with others across the room. “This is the sandwich she took from you earlier. Coincidence?”

Jiang Musheng’s attention snagged on the nickname. “Yu Yu?”

“Oh, I heard others call her that, Xiao Yu, Yu Yu.”

Jiang Musheng frowned, finding Xu Liyu’s familiarity a bit too warm. “It’s only the first episode. Are you that close already?”

“Don’t change the subject. I’m telling you, this girl seems to know you pretty well.” Xu Liyu, feeling a sense of duty toward her friend’s romantic prospects, whispered persuasively in Jiang Musheng’s ear. “And guess what? She just mentioned she’s a great cook. Impressive, right? Any thoughts?”

Jiang Musheng stayed silent for a moment before replying, “I know.”

“You know? But you weren’t even watching the TV oh, so you overheard us.” Xu Liyu pressed on, “Old Man Li sent you here hoping you’d finally give love a chance.”

Jiang Musheng asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying, if this isn’t a coincidence, then this girl knowing such a detail might mean she’s interested in you.” Xu Liyu patted Jiang Musheng’s shoulder meaningfully. “Forget about that so-called ‘white moonlight.’ Maybe it’s time to consider moving on.”

After Jiang Musheng’s interview about her “white moonlight” went public, Xu Liyu and Lin Xuqiao had tried to pry for details but got nowhere. They concluded that Jiang Musheng must have been rejected by this mysterious figure, hence her reluctance to speak of it again.

But Xu Liyu couldn’t help making connections, the very first task had Jiang Musheng paired with Yu Youqing. Moreover, she’d heard from Lin Xuqiao that Yu Youqing was signed at Jiang Musheng’s request.

Naturally, she began to wonder if her friend might have some feelings for Yu Youqing.

What did a white moonlight matter? Wasn’t it better to cherish the person right in front of you?

But after waiting a while without hearing Jiang Musheng respond, she prodded, “Well? Aren’t you going to say something? If you like her, I can help you out during the show.”

Jiang Musheng, however, seemed lost in thought, a faint frown creasing her brow.

Ever since renting her own place, Yu Youqing had been keeping her distance.

Even after Jiang Musheng had suggested they could try.

Perhaps her words had caused the younger woman more trouble than she’d realized. If Yu Youqing was going out of her way to avoid her, how could she possibly let others play matchmaker?

“…No need.” Jiang Musheng replied tersely with just two words.

At that moment, Yu Youqing and Wei Xi approached, chatting as they walked.

“Wei Xi, I’ll have you assist me later!” Wei Xi shyly rubbed his nose. “I can’t cook, but I can at least help out.”

“What should we have for dinner?”

“Yu-jie, can you really cook?”

“I want boiled fish with chili! Or stir-fried pork with peppers!”

“I’d like braised fish and spare ribs.”

“I… I want spicy blood stew, hahaha!”

Surprisingly, their tastes aligned everyone preferred spicy dishes. After going around the group, they realized two opinions were still missing.

“Should we ask Teacher Jiang what she thinks?” Ji Fuzao suggested. Cheng Shunzhu hesitated, “You go ask. I’m a little scared, Teacher Jiang seems kind of intimidating.”

After some back-and-forth, the daunting task fell to Yu Youqing, the evening’s designated chef.

Yu Youqing: “…”

So you’re all too scared to ask, but I’m supposed to be brave enough?

As she and Wei Xi approached, before they could get close, she overheard Xu Liyu muttering, “Can’t you string together more than a few words when you speak?”

Jiang Musheng: “My throat hasn’t been well lately.”

Yu Youqing paused mid-step. If her throat was bothering her, she should eat something mild. Mentally, she crossed out the previously planned spicy dishes.

“Every time I bring this up, suddenly your throat’s acting up. Don’t think you can dodge the question like this.”

Then Yu Youqing heard Jiang Musheng say, “It’s been cold lately.”

Cold weather? That called for hot pot!

Yu Youqing: Got it, got it.

She had already roughly decided on the evening’s menu in her mind. Seeing Xu Liyu and Jiang Musheng deep in conversation, she figured it best not to interrupt. Tugging Wei Xi along, she said, “Let’s check the kitchen.”

For winter, a light fish head hot pot would be perfect.

Meanwhile, Jiang Musheng, who had clearly seen Yu Youqing nearly reach her, watched as the woman abruptly turned and left with Wei Xi.

Xu Liyu: “See? You must’ve scared the poor girl. She doesn’t even dare talk to you. Everyone’s been deciding what to eat tonight, but no one’s asked us.”

Jiang Musheng: “…?”

Yu Youqing hadn’t known how to cook before. Back when she was popular, her packed schedule left no time to hone such skills. But after her fame faded, she suddenly had plenty of free time.

By cooking at home to save money, she had long mastered this skill to perfection.

The fridge happened to have all the ingredients she needed. After a quick glance around the kitchen, Yu Youqing immediately made her decision.

Cheng Shunzhu gathered around. “Decided yet, sis? Are we having spicy blood stew for dinner?”

“It’s the middle of winter, and there are so many of us, how about hot pot?” Yu Youqing began pulling ingredients out, grabbing a fresh fish head from the fridge. “How about fish head hot pot?”

Cheng Shunzhu pouted. “No spicy blood stew? Fish head hot pot is so mild. Sis, I didn’t realize you preferred lighter flavors.”

“You’re all celebrities eating too much spice isn’t good for your on-camera appearances later,” Yu Youqing said matter-of-factly. “Besides, too much spice can upset your stomach. Don’t you dread the pain when it’s time for the bathroom?”

Cheng Shunzhu choked, realizing she had a point.

“I support this,” Xu Liyu chimed in, leisurely raising her hand as she rejoined the group.

Wei Xi nodded. “Xiao Yu really knows how to look out for you guys. You all need to stay camera-ready, and lighter food helps avoid bloating.”

“Does Teacher Jiang agree?” Yu Youqing glanced at Xu Liyu.

She had to admit she was a little too timid to ask Jiang Musheng directly, so she settled for asking Xu Liyu instead.

“Of course. She’s the perfect candidate for mild hot pot, just look at how little she’s talking today. Clearly, her throat isn’t feeling great,” Xu Liyu said before calling out to Jiang Musheng, “Musheng, since your throat’s bothering you, talk less and just wait for the hot pot.”

Jiang Musheng: “…” She felt subtly called out.

Though Xu Liyu’s words were tactful, the barrage of comments erupted with laughter.

[HAHAHAHAHA I’m dying, Yu Youqing totally gets the struggles of us hemorrhoid sufferers!]

[Watching up till now, I haven’t spotted any obvious flaws in Yu Youqing.]

[It’s only the first day time will tell. Don’t get fooled so easily, girls.]

[But everyone seems to listen whenever Yu Youqing suggests something.]

[She came prepared. Everything she does, overtly or subtly, revolves around Teacher Jiang.]

[Don’t be fooled by her act, sisters! The timeline doesn’t lie. If this were just a chance encounter on the show, fine but don’t forget, Teacher Jiang showed up at that Saturday event, and guess who else was there? Yu Youqing.]

[She’s climbing the ladder by clinging to Teacher Jiang’s fame at every turn. Does she have no shame?]

[Ugh, I can’t stand watching. I’m out if Yu Youqing stays.]

[I feel bad for the other guests. This show’s reputation would be so much better without her.]

[Aaaah, my sweet Shunzhu! Why are you always following Yu Youqing’s lead?]

[Wei Xi’s following her too. Maybe… just maybe… Yu Youqing isn’t as bad as we thought?]

[No way.]

[Absolutely no way.]

[Paid shills? How dare you even suggest that?]

Occasionally, a comment or two defending Yu Youqing would surface, but they were quickly drowned out by the backlash, vanishing into the sea of negativity without another word.

The fish head needed marinating to remove the fishy taste. Once everyone agreed, Yu Youqing immediately got to work in the kitchen.

Cheng Shunzhu was persuaded by everyone’s chatter and finally said loudly, “Sis, you’re not much older than us, yet you’re so good at cooking and considerate. If I were an alpha, I’d be doing myself a disservice not to pursue you.”

As an omega attracted to alphas, his relationship with Yu Youqing was purely sisterly. He knew his fans disliked seeing him interact too much with Yu Youqing, even his manager would stop him from lingering near her off-camera. But Cheng Shunzhu genuinely felt this was unfair.

Hadn’t Yu Youqing always acted thoughtfully for everyone? Why let stereotypes overshadow someone’s goodness? Even if she’d made mistakes before, how could that condemn her forever?

Just as he moved to help in the kitchen, Wei Xi beat him to it, while Ji Fuzao yanked him back: “Don’t go messing things up with your clumsy hands.”

Cheng Shunzhu bristled again, bickering with Ji Fuzao on the sofa. It felt like they were natural adversaries. He even taunted, “Ji Fuzao, what kind of alpha picks fights like this?”

Ji Fuzao retorted, “You think I want to argue? Fine then, what should a ‘real alpha’ do?”

“Pursue our Youqing-jie, that’s what!” Cheng Shunzhu grinned. “Get it?”

“Alphas have different types, okay? Someone like Xiao Yu isn’t for me. If anyone should pursue her?” It should be someone like Teacher Jiang.

Ji Fuzao barely swallowed the last part, remembering Jiang Musheng was present. But Cheng Shunzhu caught her meaning instantly, his defiance melting into bright-eyed agreement. “For once, you’ve got taste,” he muttered.

Meanwhile, Xu Liyu watched the two busy figures in the kitchen and nudged Jiang Musheng. “Why aren’t you helping?”

Jiang Musheng glanced over before replying, “She doesn’t want me there.”

“How would you know without trying? Tonight’s fish-head hotpot is the mild kind you like,” Xu Liyu pressed. “Honestly, everything this girl does seems tailored for you, yet she never mentions it on camera.”

“Bored much?” Jiang Musheng sighed at her relentless commentary. “If you’re free, go help.”

With an “Oh,” Xu Liyu actually marched over and announced bluntly, “Little Fish, Jiang Musheng sent me to assist.”

Yu Youqing spun around, bewildered both by the nickname “Little Fish” and Jiang Musheng’s alleged request. She knew none of them had kitchen experience; they’d probably wreak havoc in there.

“No, no, you go sit.” Yu Youqing had noticed that Jiang Musheng seemed a bit slow to warm up. The living room felt divided into two parts, one with Cheng Shunzhu and Ji Fuzao chattering noisily, and the other with Jiang Musheng keeping mostly to herself. If it weren’t for Xu Liyu occasionally going over to chat with her, Jiang Musheng hardly spoke at all.

Honestly, she seemed a bit like… well, an old-school cadre who didn’t quite know how to interact with younger people.

So, Yu Youqing thought it was better for Xu Liyu to stay with Jiang Musheng. Otherwise, the “old cadre” no, wait, Teacher Jiang might feel terribly bored.

“Wei Xi can help me here. That’s enough,” Yu Youqing said.

Xu Liyu sat back down.

Compared to Yu Youqing, Wei Xi was clumsy in the kitchen. She had been helping mince ginger while Yu Youqing tended to the soup, but when Yu Youqing turned back, she was horrified by Wei Xi’s knife skills and quickly stopped her, relegating her to peeling garlic instead.

Yu Youqing could handle the kitchen work alone, and Wei Xi looked embarrassed.

“Xiao Yu, do you cook often?” Wei Xi asked curiously.

Yu Youqing covered the clay pot and nodded. “I had a lot of free time the past couple of years and didn’t need to be on camera much, so I cooked for myself a lot.”

She smiled. “Ended up gaining quite a bit of weight.”

Half an hour later, the rich aroma of fish soup filled the air. Yu Youqing kept a close eye on the pot. “Xiao Xi, grab me a bowl and a ladle. I need to taste it.”

Wei Xi, who had been feeling guilty about not being much help, suddenly felt a surge of purpose at being given a task. She sprang into action only to knock her elbow against the table in her excitement, sending a porcelain bowl crashing to the floor. Flustered, she stepped back and bumped into a pot on the ground, setting off a loud clatter. Her face burned red with embarrassment.

The moment the noise erupted, Jiang Musheng stood up from the sofa.

“It’s fine, it’s fine as long as no one’s hurt,” Yu Youqing said before Wei Xi could apologize, pulling her aside. “Just stay still for now.”

She then addressed the others who had rushed over at the commotion. “Nothing serious, don’t worry. There are broken pieces everywhere, so don’t come in. I’ll sweep it up.”

Yu Youqing could tell Wei Xi was overwhelmed. The girl meant well but was hopelessly inexperienced in the kitchen. With everyone now gathered around, Wei Xi’s guilt was at its peak.

To fetch the broom, Yu Youqing would have to step over the scattered shards.

She had just lifted her foot when,

“Don’t move.”

Jiang Musheng walked over from the back of the crowd, broom in hand, and began sweeping without hesitation. Her gaze was calm but inexplicably reassuring.

Yu Youqing whispered, “Let me do it, Teacher Jiang… Just hand me the broom.”

With so many tiny fragments scattered around, what if Jiang Musheng stepped on one? That would be the real trouble.

But Jiang Musheng didn’t listen. The look she gave Yu Youqing made it clear stay put.

Cheng Shunzhu had been about to step forward, but seeing Jiang Musheng take charge, he immediately stopped in his tracks.

The kitchen wasn’t very spacious to begin with, and with two people already standing there, the arrival of Jiang Musheng immediately made the space feel cramped.

Yu Youqing watched as Jiang Musheng stepped toward her side of the kitchen, where large shards of broken porcelain lay scattered, along with smaller fragments that had likely rolled into hidden corners. Her heart tightened with worry, and she quickly called out, “Be careful, Teacher Jiang!”

Yu Youqing was genuinely concerned, but Jiang Musheng effortlessly stepped over the hazardous area without touching a single shard, coming to stand right beside her.

“……”

Fine, having long legs is truly something to boast about.

Cleaning up such a trivial matter, Yu Yousheng didn’t want Jiang Musheng to do it. She reached out to take the broom from Jiang Musheng’s hands, but the woman showed no intention of handing it over, even shifting it slightly away instead.

As they stood close, Yu Yousheng, though guilty of nothing, found herself unable to meet Jiang Musheng’s gaze. With every step Jiang Musheng took toward her, she lowered her head just a little more.

Finally, her voice softened to a whisper: “Let me do it?”

Wei Xi, sensing she was no longer needed in the kitchen, tactfully stepped out.

With her head bowed, Yu Yousheng was completely unguarded before Jiang Musheng, revealing a slender stretch of fair skin at her neck, her soft hair cascading down like a docile, well-groomed little animal. Jiang Musheng’s gaze lingered briefly on that milky-white skin before she averted her eyes and lowered her head slightly. “Why bother caring so much?”

The words caught Yu Yousheng off guard. When she looked up, she realized just how close they were so close that under the light, she could see the faint glow of Jiang Musheng’s flawless skin.

“What?” For a moment, she forgot to retreat, blinking in confusion at Jiang Musheng’s meaning.

Jiang Musheng simply guided her behind herself. “Stand here. There are shards, don’t move around.”

After a pause, she added, “I’ll sweep it up.”

Yu Yousheng froze.

It dawned on her, Jiang Musheng was echoing the words she had said to others earlier.

Why bother caring so much?

So that was what Jiang Musheng meant. She was pointing out how Yu Yousheng had neglected to care for her.

Yu Yousheng’s heart trembled faintly, an inexplicable ache spreading through her chest. At that moment, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from Jiang Musheng.

She had cared for everyone else.

But Jiang Musheng had only cared for her.

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