Chapter 167: Dueling with Oneself

Chapter 167: Dueling with Oneself

Where has Tang Fei gone? "Si Cui's Chronicles" had been explosively popular for several months, overpowering the hype of all other TV dramas since the beginning of the New Year. No one in the entertainment industry could match her popularity.

With such a golden opportunity, she had vanished without a trace, leaving no news behind?

Her secrecy game was top-notch; entertainment journalists had camped outside her apartment building for months with nothing to show for it.

Without any updates from her, fans were clueless, and the media remained silent. Time Culture was as stagnant as a pond!

Could it be that she was secretly negotiating a major project? They were keeping it under wraps so tightly!

Something unusual must be afoot!

I miss Fei!

I want to know what Fei is up to.

I wonder if she's joined a new production to grace us with her acting.

As the topic gained traction among fans, someone seized the opportunity and promptly jumped in to keep the buzz going.

Jiangzhou Showbiz: "Where's Tang Fei? Take a guess, and there might be a prize for you!"

Qin Xi's facade: "Where's Tang Fei? What's she up to? Who wants to know? I'll randomly pick a lucky fan to answer this."

"I actually know, but I'm not telling now, hehe."

Honest Man's Main Account: "Our village's non-disclosure agreement is about to end. I've got plenty of photos! #Where'sTangFei#"

Wow!

Seems like there's a major revelation coming!

Indeed, when a top celebrity suddenly goes MIA, it's likely they're working on a project.

Entertainment Big Reveal: "Got the inside scoop! Friends, let's wait for the official announcement! #Where'sTangFei#"

The fans were all abuzz! Commenting, retweeting, cheering – they were like a group of starving people who had finally found a feast.

"Si Cuichuan has just concluded, and our Feifei is already preparing a surprise for us?"

"The elusive female lead, Tang Fei, who vanished during the broadcast of Si Cuichuan, what wonders will she bring to the audience?"

"Ahh! When it comes to teasing in the entertainment industry, no one beats me, Feifei! Fans' curiosity dangles like jerky for three long days and nights!"

"Rolling on the floor, begging for gossip! Mr. Big Secret, the embargo is over, spill the beans now! I'm dying here!"

"Cui Cui, my darling, is temporarily pushed aside in my mind; Feifei's darling takes precedence! Magic mirror, magic mirror, tell me where my darling lies?"

"No mystique, please! Fans love straightforwardness, this suspense is killing us softly!"

The fans were restless. Under the posts from these gossip accounts, Tang Fei herself, and Time Culture, comments flooded with eager fans, all emotionally charged, penning essays that ran into hundreds of words.

These students usually struggled to write 800-word essays, but when it came to their idols, their literary skills soared to new heights.

Bronze players transformed into kings in an instant.

Turned out, Tang Fei served as a study catalyst, helping many improve their skills, unleashing their emotions, and triggering a flurry of lengthy and articulate comments.

At this precise moment, the well-timed promotional efforts have shifted the blazing buzz surrounding the finale of "Si Cuichuan" to the question of where Tang Fei has gone.

Jiangzhou Film & TV Group, Qin Xi Film & TV Group, Chang'an Chronicles, Entertainment Daily Watch, and other prominent Weibo platforms jointly unveiled Tang Fei's individual promotional video for the variety show "Rural Goddess"!

A solo promotional feature for Tang Fei! They're really pulling out all the stops for her!

Tang Fei's breathtaking performance in "Si Cui's Legend" significantly elevated her status within the industry, securely positioning her on the cusp of stardom. With two more successful productions and an award under her belt, she could effortlessly ascend to the top tier.

In the promotional video, scenes of Tang Fei sprinting with a limp were playfully accompanied by a mischievous soundtrack, a gust of wind, and moments where she rescues the lost Jiang Xiaoying. Tang Fei, bathed in an aura of heroism, is portrayed as a savior, her memorable quotes compiled for effect. It showcases Tang Fei's hand-drawn 'standard map', her attempts at mastering Qin Xi's dialect, donning a straw hat to work in the fields, astonishing an old master with her rendition of Qin opera, and joining forces with Little Ying to create unconventional culinary concoctions in their pastry-making endeavors.

Accompanied by music and captions, these scenes evoke both knowing smiles and uncontrollable laughter.

"The Goddess of Rural Charm, to your liking? This is Tang Fei, the blooming flower of Wangzhuang Village!"

The voice-over artist delivers his lines with deadpan humor.

The screen freezes on a contrast: Tang Fei in high-end fashion attire versus her wearing a straw hat, rubber shoes, and cloth arm protectors.

Pfft—

"April 16th, 2021, Jiangzhou TV brings you relaxation every week with 'Diary of a Rural Goddess.'"

This stark contrast was too much for many viewers, causing them to burst into laughter at the final freeze frame.

"Whew, lucky I reacted quickly and spat into the trash can! Otherwise, my computer would be toast."

"I was laughing like an idiot at work. People must have thought I was losing it."

"Where's Feifei? Feifei's farming now. What kind of show is this? Could it be a promo for an agricultural channel?"

"Huh, I thought they were going to air 'Psychic Frenzy.' My bad. Every day I long for Xiuyun, but she doesn't come."

Creating the spectacular special effects for 'Psychic Frenzy' takes time.

Wanting to air 'Psychic Frenzy,' huh?

What's actually airing is 'Happiness Hotel'!

The official Weibo account of Happiness Hotel, along with Huadong TV, seized the moment and simultaneously announced the premiere date of 'Happiness Hotel'!

Despite being an ensemble cast, Tang Fei's portrayal, with her innocent yet enchanting allure as Xu Wan, captivated viewers' attention in mere seconds.

"Happiness Hotel" premieres on April 25th on Huadong Satellite TV, bringing laughter to all!

"Woah, is Fei going to battle herself? A variety show versus modern comedy! This is exciting!"

"I'm so content with 'Happiness Hotel'; my yearly dose of entertainment is sorted. Ah, what satisfaction!"

"Let's get it started! First Si Cui, then Feifei, Feifei down, and now it's Xu Wan's turn."

Tang Fei's diverse repertoire flooded the scene, showcasing distinct personas as the rural goddess, Xu Wan, and Si Cui. Fans relished the novelty, while industry insiders eagerly awaited to witness Tang Fei's acting prowess through these contrasting roles.

What was Tang Fei up to at this moment?

She was brainstorming with Jiang Xiaoying on how to transform waste into treasure. Could their experimental dishes serve as chicken feed?

Currently, despite her extensive suggestions and taste comparisons, she had yet to outmatch Xiao Yuan, who had been cooking since childhood.

Director: "Professor Tang, I didn't expect that you excel in everything except cooking."

Tang Fei felt embarrassed. She had used up her learning cards to learn dialects, so now she had to rely on herself for culinary skills.

Tang Fei: "I'm trying my best to improve. Hopefully, the food will taste better tomorrow."

Studying the dozen or so bowls of differently colored liangpi, she asked, "Little Ying, how much vinegar should we add for the best flavor?"

Jiang Xiaoying pointed at one bowl. "This one."

Tang Fei quickly noted it down.

Tang Fei prodded the liangpi with chopsticks. It was loose and mushy, lacking any elasticity.

"Tang Fei, I think we didn't steam the liangpi properly. Maybe our method of washing the dough is incorrect."

Jiang Xiaoying flipped through the recipe booklet. "I followed the book's instructions."

Tang Fei suggested, "Why don't we ask Xiao Yuan? Her liangpi tasted great today. Consuming high-quality food can help us gain insights and inspire creativity."

"I'd love to have another bowl too." Feeling her stomach, Jiang Xiaoying realized she was indeed hungry. To her surprise, Xiao Yuan's culinary skills were genuinely impressive. "Let's finish eating first and discuss later!"

Tang Fei: "Let's go!"