Chapter 79: The First Bouquet

Chapter 79: The First Bouquet

His movements were so practiced that they seemed natural, leaving others momentarily stunned as he put his phone away and walked straight ahead, ascending the skyway stairs.

The photographer was the first to react, shouldering the camera and following him up the stairs.

Good friends' words proved effective; Handsfree didn't budge from his spot, obediently waiting for them to approach.

From his vantage point, he could undoubtedly see the phone lens from earlier. A staff member in a raincoat moved forward, discreetly perking up their ears to eavesdrop on what he might say.

Chen Yibai didn't say much, remaining remarkably calm and accepting. As the two umbrellas drew closer, he turned his head and asked, "Did Comrade Old Xu take a photo just now?"

Comrade Old Xu simply affirmed with a nod, "Mm."

Chen Yibai then said, "Remember to send a copy to Sister Qian. She's been saying her stock is running low again."

Comrade Old Xu lowered his head to tap his phone twice, agreeing.

"Isn't this how normal friends would take photos?! How can Chen Yibai accept it so well!"

"Oh mother, don't blame me for straying down this path. A woman who has never indulged in shipping is about to dive into the abyss. Wish me luck."

"Chen Yibai, you really don't treat us like outsiders! Is something like stock something you can just blurt out like that! (So the previous photos were indeed from stock!}"

"So those previous photos were actually dug out from Xu Sinian's album! I have a friend... no, I'm that friend. I want to see Brother Xu's album (hesitantly)."

"Sister Agent, quickly send the photos! Please!"

Sister Agent responded promptly this time, fulfilling every request. Netizens migrated from the live stream to Weibo, fervently tagging her account demanding photos. Within minutes of the tagging, the account, which had previously been dormant since the last repost of "Life," updated. There were no words, only a single image, clean and straightforward.

In the photo, the umbrella-wielding figure stood in the light, water droplets falling from his hair as he turned his head. His white shirt fluttered in the wind.

"!!! She sent it right away! Sister Agent, you're amazing! Wife looks so good!"

"I can't believe Xu Sinian took this. In my memory, Brother Xu was always that ultra-cool guy who refused media interviews and photos (wide-eyed)."

"This angle is so subtle (in a good way). So this is how Comrade Old Xu sees Yibai! What perspective is this? It's so beautiful, help!"

"I don't know if I should say it, but there's a term called boyfriend's perspective (whispering). If you go back and look at the previous photos, it's clear which ones were taken by Brother Xu x"

Netizens followed the advice, going back to review the photos.

They initially thought that with constantly changing angles, it would be hard to discern which photos were taken by whom. But when all the photos were placed together, surprisingly, they truly recognized which ones were taken by Xu Sinian's hand.

After a rough sort, in terms of quantity, it was simply many.

So many that they occupied half the collection. Most of the photos they used as backgrounds or avatars were taken by this unnamed photographer.

"I'll speak quickly, Comrade Old Xu, you're not acting right."

"Finished. My wife's photos, it turns out, were mostly taken by my husband. I'm tearing up."

"So the photos we saw were from Brother Xu's album, then Sister Agent's stock, and finally to our hands (wide-eyed)."

"I blindly guess that Brother Xu's album contains many more private photos! Like video call screenshots we've never seen! No group photos either!"

"I did say watching the live stream could reveal something! Comrade Old Xu, you can't hide your thoughts!"

"Did anyone notice that Brother Xu has already changed his phone? Was the previous one bursting at the seams with storage? (not really)"

Under the $30 umbrella, Chen Yibai arrived at the hotel, where the director was already waiting. He watched as the staff handed over the sixty dollars they had squeezed from his wallet directly to the director.

Unjustly squeezing the people's wealth, there was indeed something amiss.

The director offered no explanation for the wealth-squeezing incident, leading them into the hotel.

Meeting the other guests again after a day, the social genius spread his charm evenly, greeting everyone equally. The atmosphere was lukewarm until he entered the fray, his words and laughter turning tepid water into boiling, instantly heating the mood.

He was akin to a portable gas stove, specialized in transforming lukewarm situations.

After equal exchanges, he sat down, once again in the same seat with the same people. Next to Chen Yibai was still the variety show master. Turning to him, the master asked, "Were you extorted today?"

Recalling his sixty dollars, Chen Moubai's eyes suddenly became clear. Leaning over, he said, "Tell me more."

The master glanced at his co-guest and then at the nearby cameraman, saying, "We were claimed a thousand in damages today because we bumped into the camera while leaving."

Strictly speaking, it wasn't a bump, just a slight brush. Barely grazing the camera, they were immediately stopped and demanded a thousand in compensation.

Chen Yibai pondered, asking, "So you angrily paid a thousand in anger?"

The master confirmed it.

Chen Yibai suddenly felt his sixty dollars were worth it.

At least he got an umbrella, which he could use in the future. It wasn't money wasted.

The A-list actress joined the conversation, her gaze landing on the director. Letting out a laugh, she said, "Today, the director called me over to discuss something. When I went over, I brushed against his shoulder, and he fell to the ground, demanding two thousand."

A bigger victim appeared.

Hearing this, Chen Yibai glanced at the director, leaning back and telling his good neighbor, "Look at this director, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, actually claiming to fall to the ground." He had strayed onto the path of extortion.

The only group not extorted was the celebrity team resembling the previous version of Zhou Jing.

They weren't extorted; their money was directly seized because their left foot stepped out of the door first, resulting in a confiscation of 1500.

This was no longer a case of victims; they were plaintiffs.

Chen Yibai originally thought that compared to four-digit sums, his sixty dollars was somewhat acceptable. But upon further reflection, he remembered he didn't even have four-digit sums to be fleeced, thus falling silent.

The director, who had been at risk of being sued and had finally finished his business, came over to chat with them.

He didn't mention the extortion for money yet; instead, he seriously discussed the arrangements for the next few days.

The shooting was scheduled for a week, originally planned to work for four days including the allocation of professions, leaving three days to experience a peaceful life. They were supposed to boost the local economy and contribute to the tourism and culture sector, but the rain disrupted the plan, leading to Plan B's activation.

The contribution to tourism and culture still needed to be made, starting tomorrow. Today's main task was to settle the remaining money in each team's hands. From today onwards, there would be a daily settlement, and the team at the bottom of the rankings would randomly draw a mission card. The missions weren't limited to answering questions or performing specific tasks.

Chen Yibai understood and said to his good neighbor, "Bad news, it's targeting us."

They were the only group present that couldn't come up with a four-digit amount.

Even if the other groups were extorted for four digits, based on the living funds they previously drew, they still had four-digit amounts left in their hands, plus their wages, making them undoubtedly richer than Chen Yibai's group.

From the perspective of the show's ratings, the production team did indeed want to target them, but they maintained fairness. After the intense extortion, the fact was that several teams' money had dropped to an unimpressive three-digit number, with the hundreds digit surprisingly consistent.

Glancing at the funds of the other teams, which were roughly the same as the amount of cash in his hand, Chen Yibai slightly raised his head, "You guys...?"

If he remembered correctly, one team even drew the highest five-thousand living fund during the initial lottery.

The team that drew five thousand was sitting next to him, the master of variety shows. He scratched his head and laughed, saying, "It's a long story, I lost it all in the store."

He worked as a cashier in a bakery, miscalculating two thousand yuan in accounts per day, resulting in a discrepancy of four thousand yuan in two days. He had to compensate for how much he miscalculated.

The other two teams worked in restaurants, knocking over bottles and breaking them, misreading decimal points while calculating bills, and directly toppling an entire shelf while restocking at a convenience store.

Working with a salary meant having your own salary ready to replenish the store's losses at any time.

"..."

It turned out that these seemingly ordinary two days had been incredibly eventful for others. Chen Yibai finally understood why the production team provided meals and accommodation while also giving living funds.

It wasn't for their sake but mainly considering the blood pressure of the store owners.

After the intense money-counting session, Chen Yibai and his good friend narrowly won by a two-yuan advantage, surpassing the actress group and bravely securing the second-to-last place.

The staff quickly brought out the lottery box and considerately pushed it forward, allowing them to easily draw lots.

This time, the production team indeed had no script; most of the lotteries were without manipulation. Before drawing, the guests didn't know what they would get, creating a genuinely tense atmosphere.

Sitting on the side watching, Chen Yibai casually reached for the water cup on the table. Before drinking, he remembered something and looked up at the staff behind the camera, cautiously asking, "This water isn't charged, right?"

"..."

The staff member said it wasn't charged.

With the camera recording the sound as proof, Chen Yibai then drank the water in relief, holding the cup in his hand. He saw the actress sister draw a card first.

The folded card opened, and others leaned over to see, with the photographer also moving closer to take a picture.

"Do you still have contact with your ex?"

It was a question card, and the actress sister's partner read it aloud, helping those who couldn't see the card.

A very bold question, turning the life variety show into an urban emotional scene instantly. Someone couldn't help but let out a sharp intake of breath.

It was a very sharp question, but it had no impact on Chen Yibai, who had no exes on the internet. He couldn't sense any attack, looking at the shocked yet understanding expressions around him. He took a few more glances, feeling like he was somehow excluded from the situation.

Just as he was about to turn to ask his good neighbor, the variety master next to him noticed his exclusion and covered his small microphone, leaning over to explain quietly. The actress sister had previously been in a passionate relationship known to the whole internet, but the breakup was swift. Less than three months after the completion of the movie they co-starred in, the two announced their split.

Although the internet has no memory, the quick and brief romance between the actor and actress still left a deep impression, easily recalled upon mention.

Chen Yibai had no impression of this, but he indicated his understanding. Feeling that he seemed to understand but was still somewhat out of the loop, the kind master added that the man was Chu Mingyuan.

Chu Mingyuan, a name he hadn't heard in a while, unfamiliar yet familiar.

"..."

Chen Bai remembered seeing the actress sister's face when he watched Chu Mingyuan's previous movies. With a different makeup and transformation, she seemed like a different person, so he only found her vaguely familiar and didn't recognize her.

Hearing an unexpected name in an unexpected place, he chose to lower his head and slowly drink some water.

He chose to remain silent for now. The variety master turned back, thinking simply, and asked him, "I remember you worked with him before?"

Chu Mingyuan's affairs were known even outside the circle; people inside should know, especially those who had worked together.

The master said, "Fortunately, he didn't date anyone in your crew this time."

During the promotional activities before the film's release, the premiere, and possible award ceremonies afterward, they would inevitably meet. It would be awkward if they dated and broke up.

"Ah," Chen Yibai slowly closed his eyes and nodded, "Mm-hmm."

Thanks to the master's reminder, it had been quite a while since the movie was filmed, and he had taken another role since then, almost forgetting about it. Now, he finally remembered that incident.

The only good news was that according to his assistant's previous description of Chu Mingyuan's dating frequency and girlfriend changes, the other party should already have a new girlfriend...or boyfriend.

With a new partner, the previous garden incident had become history. When they met again, things should return to normal.

After finishing his thoughts, Chen Yibai slowly drank some water again.

The person sitting next to him quietly glanced at him before retracting his gaze.

On the other side, the actress sister who drew the card answered decisively without much thought, saying, "No."

A lot of time had passed, and she no longer cared about it, her expression showing no change.

With this question settled, it was the actress sister's partner's turn to draw a card. He had been laughing just now but stopped, tremblingly extending his hand.

He didn't draw anything strange; he drew the mission of spinning in place twenty times, spinning until his eyes were dizzy but successfully completing it without any mishaps.

The first three days were dedicated to experiencing work, while the following four days involved filming at various scenic spots around the city. The applications for using the shooting locations had been approved, and even if it rained, they would proceed.

Continuing to have the guests work at the attractions would only exacerbate their financial strain, so the production team wisely refrained from doing so. Instead, the guests played entertaining mini-games and quizzes at different sites, earning corresponding gold coins based on their ranking for the day.

The vastness of the attractions provided ample space for Chen Moubai to frolic, finally giving the show's guests and audience a glimpse of what it meant to be utterly unrestrained. They now understood why a certain Xu surnamed actor, who was either watching over someone or searching for them, had honed his lightning-fast reflexes capable of repeatedly restraining people.

Being a good friend to Chen Yibai wasn't something just anyone could manage; at least, they couldn't predict his actions in advance and hold him back in time.

Over the course of several days, the other groups took turns finishing last, enjoying themselves during the day but facing the lottery punishment each night.

Bad luck was an unchangeable wound, but Chen Yibai excelled at games, with a quick mind that made him adept at guessing. He led his guest from a disastrous start to becoming the undisputed first place, creating an insurmountable gap with the second-place team. Each evening, the fixed program was to watch the other teams nervously draw their lots.

Until the final day when the entertainment games concluded, the two remained the undisputed champions. The two individuals most eager to uncover secrets had perfectly evaded the lottery punishments. After the final tally of their gold coins, the production team and live-stream viewers finally gave up hope.

The filming schedule ended on the afternoon of the last day.

The weather had been overcast for the past few days, but today it finally cleared up. Clouds spread across the sky like layers, and as they sat in the car heading back, lifting their heads revealed an endless expanse.

On the way there, each group had traveled in separate vehicles, but on the return journey, they shared a single minibus. Having become thoroughly acquainted over the past few days, the guests stretched their heads across seats to chat.

After bouncing around outdoors all day, Chen Shifu, who had worked hard despite not actually doing much, leaned against the seatback with half-open eyes. Though clearly sleepy, he still made an effort to join the conversation, ensuring his presence was known.

As the topic turned to the fact that they would part ways after the shoot tomorrow, someone suggested a small gathering tonight at the hotel, in the spacious suite won by the Master of Variety group.

Chen Shifu, who had lost his hotel accommodation due to his luck, didn't expect to return to a hotel room one day. He slightly opened his eyes, perking up, and deemed the idea excellent.

As long as he wanted to go, Old Xu had no objections.

The time was set for the evening. After returning to the hotel and tidying up, for convenience in communication, Chen Yibai shared his contact information—a QR code—simply by scanning it.

In theory, it was enough for one person to scan it, but everyone on the bus silently extended their phones. A series of sounds followed as each guest successfully scanned the code.

A staff member responsible for their affairs, who had become familiar over the past few days, quietly asked if they could also add him as a friend.

The social butterfly was agreeable, turning his phone slightly to allow the staff member, the cameraman, and even the director behind to scan it as well.

More sounds followed. Pulling out their phones and putting them away, each person gained a few freshly minted friends.

The live stream continued, but the netizens lurking in the live stream room couldn't see the QR code; they could only hear the continuous sound of scanning within the space.

"The cameraman's chicken legs are gone! Why won't you let us see the code! You used to treat us like family, but now you're keeping secrets. It's truly heartbreaking (in Chen Yibai's tone)."

"Wife's contact info! So close yet so far. I equally resent every person who managed to add her."

"Hahaha, a bunch added, even Xu Ge next to him is silent."

"Sobbing, I don't want to accept reality. How did time pass so quickly? Can't we just stay permanently? Sobbing."

The vehicles returned to the hotel, and the two non-hotel residents crossed the skyway back to the hotel. It was shift change time, so the live stream paused, and the cameraman didn't follow them. They were unusually alone.

Given the level of excitement others had shown about the evening's activities during the discussion on the bus, it seemed tonight would be a late night. Chen Moubai had already nodded off on the bus, and upon returning to the hotel, he intended to pack his luggage first. However, Old Xu directly placed him on the bed.

His passive skill of falling asleep immediately activated, without any resistance. He closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, shutting down faster than 99% of global players.

The recent weather didn't require air conditioning, and the room was quiet, save for the sound of steady breathing. Amidst the silence, Xu Sinian packed his luggage, picking up headphones that were usually left lying around and wrist guards rarely used since wearing long sleeves. He retrieved the new pajamas his companion would wear that night.

The bed was already occupied by the sprawled-out figure, occasionally kicking and thrashing, so he placed the pajamas on his own bed. Just as he straightened up, a knock came from the door.

He went to open it.

The knocker wasn't the usual cameraman returning from a shift change, but the director, accompanied by a cameraman carrying a camera, holding a neatly packaged box. The box was exquisite, adorned with a white ribbon and two light pink roses.

Stepping forward into the corridor, he closed the door, leaving only a crack, and looked down to ask what was the matter.

His voice sounded softer than usual, but it wasn't because of himself. The director realized something and similarly lowered his voice, asking, "Is he asleep?"

Xu Sinian acknowledged it.

Without the other person around, he appeared as he usually did, with the same expression, but his overall demeanor subtly changed, leaning colder, more polite, yet with an indelible sense of distance.

He was tall, but when talking to Chen Yibai, he would slightly bend over, habitually lowering his head. Now, facing him directly, the director and cameraman felt the imposing presence his height naturally carried.

They weren't unaware that this was how he should be, but having seen him so approachable when around Chen Yibai, the director hadn't adjusted to this side of him yet. After a moment of reaction, he said, "This is a farewell gift for the guest stars."

The production team had previously given gifts to other guest stars, a longstanding tradition. Previously, they sent two gifts, but this time, it was special, so they combined them into one.

Xu Sinian accepted the gift box, thanked them, and said he would relay it.

There was nothing to be done about catching someone sleeping, but at least the gift had been delivered. The director didn't wish to disturb them further and left with the cameraman.

The corridor fell silent again. Xu Sinian looked down, his gaze falling on the light pink roses pinned to the ribbon.

"..."

When Chen Yibai woke up again, it was already evening.

Opening his eyes, the room that should have been lit was now dark, with only a warm, reddish-orange glow slanting in through the window, casting its light on the windowsill and floor.

Still groggy and unable to fully sit up, he habitually called out to Old Xu, receiving no response. Lying in bed for a while longer, he tentatively called out to Little Xu.

No answer.

Chen Yibai sat up in bed, the blanket that had barely covered his stomach sliding down. With no one in the room, he half-opened his eyes and fumbled around the bedside table until he finally found his phone, waking the screen.

He had slept for two hours. The time didn't matter; he struggled to open his heavy eyelids, barely able to read the words on the screen. Relying solely on muscle memory, he dialed a number.

The call was answered quickly, the waiting tone ringing only twice before being picked up. Rubbing his messy hair, he was dazed, opening his mouth with a hoarse voice to start ranting, "Did you abandon me and run away?"

The person on the other end laughed lightly, a soft chuckle, accompanied by footsteps outside the corridor. He heard the person on the phone say, "Open the door."