The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 32

Although Jiang Musheng couldn’t cook, she still had basic life skills.

She cleaned meticulously, picking up every last crumb from the corners and tossing them into the trash bag before tying it up to take out.

[Wuwuwu, Musheng is really such a good person]

[So annoying, why does Yu Youqing keep appearing with Musheng so much in just the first episode?!]

[But I get it, it’s an unexpected situation]

[Wei Xi looks like she did something wrong. Poor Wei Xiao, it’s not your fault]

[Musheng is genuinely kind even when dealing with Yu Youqing, she maintains her grace. Does anyone else get that feeling of “I didn’t stan the wrong person”?]

[But I have to say, Yu Youqing handled this well too.]

[Wei Xi clearly has no experience in the kitchen, yet Yu Youqing didn’t lose her temper at all when the bowl broke.]

[This doesn’t seem like her.]

[Could she really have turned over a new leaf?]

[No way.]

[I was sure it was impossible, but after watching this, I’m not so certain anymore.]

[Ahhhh, same! I’m actually wavering!]

[This show is wild, who would’ve thought Yu Youqing would be the best cook?]

[She said she learned during her downtime when she had no gigs. Was that when she wasn’t popular?]

[Damn, this is messing with my head. I actually feel a little bad for her.]

[No need for us to pity her, she made enough when she was popular.]

The trash bag had just been replaced, and Yu Youqing only snapped out of her daze now. “It’s not full yet,” she said. Earlier, her brain had short-circuited, and she hadn’t insisted on arguing with Jiang Musheng about it. Instead, she just stood there blankly, watching as Jiang Musheng swept up the broken porcelain.

Thankfully, Jiang Musheng didn’t say another word to her otherwise, Yu Youqing might not have been able to stop her eyes from welling up on camera.

She wasn’t the type to get emotional easily. Years of obscurity had engraved resilience into her bones. Yet today, Jiang Musheng’s simple words had effortlessly broken through her defenses.

Maybe it was just Jiang Musheng’s natural grace, knowing how to comfort someone with just the right amount of care. Even though Yu Youqing knew this kindness wasn’t directed solely at her, she still felt deeply moved.

No wonder so many people adored Jiang Musheng her virtues didn’t need to be listed again.

“It’s easy to tear. Better to replace it.” Jiang Musheng lifted the bag slightly, and Yu Youqing heard the clinking of porcelain inside. Sure enough, the edge of the bag had already been nicked by a sharp fragment.

This person was truly meticulous.

Yu Youqing sniffled, giving herself half a minute to collect the overwhelming emotions that had surged up moments ago.

Only after Jiang Musheng left did the others finally step forward to check on her.

“Are you okay? Did you get cut anywhere?”

Wei Xi, especially, bit her lip guiltily. “Xiao Yu, I just made things worse for you.”

She hadn’t dared to come in until Jiang Musheng was gone. When Jiang Musheng had stepped in to help clean, Wei Xi had felt like she was about to be scolded to death just from the look on her face.

“These things happen all the time in the kitchen,” Yu Youqing said with a smile, completely unfazed. She turned her attention back to the fish soup simmering on the stove.

The broth was milky white, its aroma rich and inviting.

Yu Youqing finally got hold of the soup spoon she wanted. Scooping up a spoonful, she thought Wei Xi was still behind her, so she handed it back without turning her head. “Try this, how does it taste?”

Someone drank the soup directly from her hand.

A moment later.

“It’s sweet.”

Wait, was that Jiang Musheng’s voice???

Yu Youqing’s heart skipped a beat the instant she recognized it. She turned around to see Jiang Musheng’s familiar face right behind her, lips still glistening slightly. Clearly, that spoonful of soup had gone straight into Jiang Musheng’s stomach.

The warm broth spread through her, warming her stomach and her heart. Jiang Musheng looked unusually tender, watching Yu Youqing quietly with a natural ease, as if they’d rehearsed this moment countless times.

Yu Youqing took a step back, but her subtle retreat didn’t escape Jiang Musheng’s notice.

Her wrist was gently caught not with force, but enough to make her pause.

Though Jiang Musheng released her almost immediately, the lingering warmth of that touch lingered on Yu Youqing’s skin. She stiffly hid her arm behind her back.

“Are you surprised to see me?” Jiang Musheng didn’t leave. Sensing Yu Youqing’s discomfort, she gazed helplessly at the woman who refused to meet her eyes.

The soup bubbled noisily in the pot. Yu Youqing shook her head. “I… no. Dinner’s almost ready. You can wait over there.”

“Let me help.” Jiang Musheng reached for the bowls and chopsticks. Others soon streamed into the kitchen, their cheerful chatter about the hotpot drowning out their earlier exchange.

Yu Youqing touched her cheeks warm, but not yet flushed.

When would she ever stop tensing up around Jiang Musheng? She sighed inwardly.

With Jiang Musheng leading the effort, the others pitched in eagerly, leaving Yu Youqing with little to do. Cheng Shunzhu firmly planted her in a chair, refusing to let her move.

Jiang Musheng was still fetching plates and washing vegetables. Yu Youqing watched her bustling about, fighting the urge to snatch every task from her hands.

“You’ve been working all day rest!” Cheng Shunzhu had been observing Yu Youqing for a while. Though she pretended to watch the group, her eyes followed only Jiang Musheng. “With so many helping, don’t worry, Teacher Jiang won’t overwork herself.”

Yu Youqing quickly averted her gaze, feigning nonchalance at the empty bowl before her. “I just feel awkward sitting here while everyone’s busy.”

Cheng Shunzhu grinned. “You’ve got me for company.”

Once everyone was seated, Cheng Shunzhu raised his drink in a toast to Yu Youqing, thanking her for the feast.

Embarrassed, Yu Youqing lifted her glass. “It’s just a simple meal.”

[No way, she actually cooks???]
[Yeah right. Fish Yuqing’s just forcing this “domestic goddess” act. Everyone knows she used to play the delicate princess who’d never lift a finger.]
[She looked pretty legit simmering that soup earlier.]
[Probably crammed some cooking lessons before the show. All for show, bet it tastes awful.]

“I could already see the others forcing themselves to swallow it just to spare her the embarrassment.”

“My heart aches for them.”

“My heart aches too, hope they don’t end up with stomachaches later.”

Meanwhile, the guests in front of the camera had no idea the audience was roasting them in the comments.

Ji Fu had picked up her bowl of soup earlier the aroma had been irresistible. As a model with strict weight requirements, she’d been dieting for a month before coming here.

Just three sips, she told herself. Three sips would be enough.

But after the first taste, Ji Fu exclaimed, “This is incredible!!!”

Rich yet delicately sweet, without a trace of fishiness, its smooth texture evoked nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. Ji Fu completely forgot her three-sip rule and finished half the bowl in moments.

“The fish is so tender too, Xiao Yu, are you some kind of culinary genius?” Wei Xi

The director said, “Let me announce your next small task. Congratulations on completing your first day together. You need to choose today’s favorite guest and leave them a message. If you achieve mutual selection, you can unlock tomorrow’s solo mission. Gather in the living room in fifteen minutes to listen to the messages.”

Wei Xi asked, “Will these be read aloud or listened to privately?”

The director replied, “The listening process is private, but the audience watching will know all the messages. If there are mutual messages, the two of you will naturally understand. You can drop hints in your messages.”

In other words, the messages would remain confidential until revealed, allowing guests to choose whomever they liked.

After the production team finished speaking, Yu Youqing noticed at least three pairs of eyes glancing her way.

Cheng Shunzhu asked, “What if multiple people choose the same person?”

“Then it depends on the chosen person’s preference, of course,” the director said with a knowing smile, as if understanding Cheng Shunzhu’s implication. “After all, a CP can only consist of two people, not a family of three.”

Cheng Shunzhu gave Yu Youqing a pitiful look before turning back to the director. “Not even as a freeloader?”

Ji Fu sighed, “Could you at least have some dignity?”

[Hahahaha Cheng Shunzhu might as well have outright admitted he wants to leave a message for Yu Youqing!]

[Zhuzhu: I’m voting for Yu Youqing! Director: No third wheels allowed]

[Yu Youqing’s cooking demonstration today really scored points. I predict a multiple-choice situation.]

[Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Yu Youqing to become the biggest winner of the first episode.]

[What kind of surreal scene is this? Are they all planning to choose Yu Youqing?]

[I’m confused too.]

[She’s actually quite talented. If not for her past scandals, I might have become a fan.]

[Forget it! A problematic celebrity like her isn’t worth it!]

During the fifteen minutes while the guests recorded their messages, the live chat was already buzzing with heated discussions.

Yu Youqing chose to record her message on the outdoor garden swing.

Holding the recorder, the only thought in her mind was Jiang Musheng’s words: “Why care so much?”

The production team had told her to follow her heart and leave the message for the person she truly wanted.

Without a doubt, Yu Youqing wanted to leave this message for Jiang Musheng to express her gratitude.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the recorder, betraying a hint of hesitation.

She turned in a circle before finally looking up at the bright moon hanging in the sky. All traces of doubt vanished from her eyes as she pressed the record button.

Fifteen minutes later, everyone gathered in the living room again.

Yu Youqing sat on a corner sofa, away from the most camera-heavy spots. Since this was the guests’ first time recording messages, the atmosphere was tense, and no one spoke.

They glanced at each other nervously.

Jiang Musheng was the last to arrive and take her seat.

“Now that everyone’s here, who would like to listen to their messages first?” A staff member placed headphones on the table in front of an empty chair.

“I’ll go,” Ji Fu volunteered with a relaxed smile. “I doubt anyone left me a message, so I’ll take the lead.”

When Ji Fu said those words, Cheng Shunzhu looked up at her, unusually quiet.

[Frowning]

[Zaozao is so brave to go first. If it were me, I’d definitely vote for her.]

[Will Zaozao get a heart-fluttering message?]

[But during dinner, I got the feeling everyone wanted to vote for Yu Youqing.]

[Quick analysis: If Zaozao gets a message, it might be from Zhuzhu? They spent a lot of time together this episode, and they’re an AO pair.]

[Unlikely. Zhuzhu would rather go on a date with Yu Youqing tomorrow.]

Ji Fu sat casually in her seat, casually putting on her headphones. She hadn’t come expecting to receive any messages, so she wasn’t even sitting properly.

The next second, everyone saw the stunned expression on her face.

Her gaze immediately landed on Cheng Shunzhu.

But the surprise only lasted a few seconds. Whatever she heard in the headphones made her expression shift to resignation, and she looked away from Cheng Shunzhu.

After listening, Ji Fu took off the headphones, lowered her eyes in thought for a moment, then stood up and clapped twice before returning to her seat, leaving everyone utterly confused.

Cheng Shunzhu smiled.

Though the guests couldn’t hear who had left the message for Ji Fu, the live-stream audience heard it loud and clear.

The moment Ji Fu played the message, Cheng Shunzhu’s voice rang out.

“Hello, this is Cheng Shunzhu. I bet you didn’t expect me to leave you a message, huh? Honestly, even though we argued all day, I think you’re pretty easy to get along with. My question is do you really think my sister and that person are a good match, just like I do? If so, stand up and clap twice.”

So Ji Fu had clapped out of sheer exasperation.

The barrage was flooded with question marks.

[We guessed right, but what the hell was that message???]

[Who’s that person? Are we VIP subscribers not part of the inner circle now? Who else could Yu Youqing possibly be paired with?]

[Cheng Shunzhu, oh Cheng Shunzhu, you absolute legend. Everyone else leaves heart-fluttering messages, but you leave a fangirl’s shipping note.]

[Single-handedly scaring off his potential girlfriend.]

[Zaozao actually played along!!!! I officially declare I ship them.]

[Wait! Could this be the first real pairing?]

[Huh? Wait, Zaozao got another message? She’s not leaving yet.]

But Ji Fu didn’t leave. She looked just as puzzled, clearly not expecting to receive a second message.

Then, a shy, hesitant voice came through: “H-Hello, this is Wei Xi.”

Ji Fu was so shocked she almost looked up, but remembering Wei Xi’s reserved nature, she stopped herself mid-motion, knowing a direct stare would make the other uncomfortable and lowered her head again.

“Even though I spent most of today following Xiaoyu, if I had to leave a heart-fluttering message. I’d leave it for you. I think you’re really lively. You seem aloof, but you’re also very considerate. I’d love to get to know you better.”

The recording paused briefly as the speaker steadied their breathing, trying to keep their voice from trembling.

“I’d like to know, among everyone here today, is there a girl you’d actively want to approach? You just need to answer yes or no.”

The message ended.

Ji Fu stared at the screen for a long moment. When she finally looked up, she deliberately avoided glancing in Wei Xi’s direction and even cleared her throat before answering, “Yes.”

She had passed by Wei Xi when returning to her seat.

However, because of the earlier message, Ji Fu made a conscious effort not to look around, walking stiffly back to her spot with slightly hurried steps.

Next was Yu Youqing.

Originally, Yu Youqing thought it unlikely anyone would leave her a message. But when she clicked to start, it was Xu Yuyu’s voice that came through.

“Little Fish, it’s me. You recognize my voice, right? Thank you for cooking dinner for us tonight. I really didn’t expect your cooking to be so good. As someone with zero life skills, I’m particularly drawn to girls like you,” Xu Yuyu’s tone was light and casual, as if chatting with a friend. “I didn’t get many chances to show myself today, but it’s only the first episode. What I want to say is, if you have any interest in me, just give me a pat on the shoulder.”

“If not then offer the next guest who left you a message a sip of water. That is, if you receive multiple messages. If not, then no need.”

Hearing this, Yu Youqing breathed a sigh of relief.

That meant she wouldn’t have to do the punishment.

She had been observing earlier, and if she wasn’t mistaken, Cheng Shunzhu must have left a message for Ji Fu.

But Ji Fu had two messages, and Xu Yuyu had left one for her. So if she had two messages, it could only be from either Cheng Shunzhu or Wei Xi.

Yu Youqing hadn’t even considered the possibility of Jiang Musheng leaving her a message.

Feeding water to Cheng Shunzhu or Wei Xi wouldn’t be a problem for her.

And there was still a chance she might not receive another message at all.

So when Yu Youqing was about to take off her headphones with ease, the sudden sound made her smile freeze on her face.

Because she heard,

“It’s me.”

Jiang Musheng’s voice.

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