Chapter 25: Like a Madcap

Chapter 25: Like a Madcap

Whether Qin Yao wanted to laugh or not was unknown to Mr. and Mrs. Huo, but their lips certainly curled upwards.

Hearing Ye Le Yao's description, it indeed sounded like an intriguing variety show!

They were all fired up with enthusiasm.

"President Qin, let's sign the contract!" Ye Le Yao's eyes curved into crescents, her attitude straightforward and decisive, a stark contrast to her previous indecision.

"Gathering so many interesting people together, President Qin must have some skills."

"I'm already looking forward to the recording of the variety show!"

Qin Yao: "…"

Such praise… he really didn't need it that much!

Qin Yao's grip on the contract tightened slightly. It wasn't until Mr. and Mrs. Huo looked at him with a hint of confusion that Qin Yao's fingers trembled slightly as he took out the contract and handed it to Ye Le Yao.

Ye Le Yao glanced over the contract, then looked up to appraise Qin Yao, muttering in her heart:

"Why does President Qin seem unhappy?"

"Or is he just naturally serious, not one to smile often?"

Perhaps that was the case.

Qin Yao closed his eyes.

Still, perhaps Qin Yao should indeed smile. Looking on the bright side, the situation had merely transformed from a travel variety show into a melon field, which was better than the previous mosaic variety show, wasn't it?

Qin Yao's temples throbbed, his expression bearing a sense of heroic sacrifice in the face of death.

But even as he began to accept the transformation of the travel variety show into a melon field, Qin Yao had to make thorough preparations.

After Ye Le Yao signed the contract, Qin Yao returned to the company and immediately convened a meeting with the entire public relations team. After the meeting ended, Qin Yao instructed HR to recruit another public relations team to be on standby.

The variety show "Let's Travel Together" had already undergone a major reshuffle of its guests, and a substantial compensation fee had been paid. This time, there could absolutely be no further mishaps!

…

A week later, under the anticipation of the entire Huo family and Ye Le Yao, the recording of the variety show "Let's Travel Together" finally began.

On the day of departure, Ye Le Yao's agent, Li Li, arrived early in the morning with her assistant to pick up the group from the Huo residence.

However, upon seeing the three people ready to go, Li Li was somewhat bewildered. "Chairman… Mrs. Huo is also coming along?"

Mr. Huo smiled broadly. "Yes."

Mrs. Huo explained, "Isn't the first episode's filming location by the sea? We haven't traveled for quite some time, so we're joining Le Yao today."

Ye Le Yao nodded vigorously.

"That's right."

"But when we discussed it a few days ago, Big Brother seemed rather reluctant."

Mrs. Huo's smile deepened.

Knowing about the melon field but unable to personally come along due to being tied up with company affairs, of course, he would be reluctant.

But there was no need to tell Ye Le Yao about such trivial matters.

By the time Ye Le Yao and her entourage landed, it was already afternoon. The program's filming started right from the airport.

Although Ye Le Yao had half a day's experience in variety show recording, it was still only half a day. Therefore, before disembarking from the plane, Li Li reminded her of several precautions.

Ye Le Yao listened attentively with a humble attitude.

Seeing this, Li Li felt a slight relief in her heart.

When Assistant Feng contacted her some time ago, saying that President Huo hoped she would take charge of Ye Le Yao, Li Li had been somewhat worried.

After all, Li Li had handled wealthy heirs before, but those young masters and mistresses entered the circle merely for fun. Not only did they not listen and follow instructions, but it was considered good if they didn't cause any trouble.

Unexpectedly, Ye Le Yao in front of her was so earnest, leaving Li Li somewhat impressed. Her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, settled back into her chest.

However, what Li Li didn't know was that the reason Ye Le Yao was so serious was because—

"So the production team hasn't stipulated that we can't use our phones during filming? Great, then I can watch the melon-eating spectacle without worry!"

From a distance, Mr. and Mrs. Huo also nodded in agreement.

If Ye Le Yao could watch the spectacle, then they could join in the fun too.

Delighted.

The production team had long been waiting at the airport exit. As soon as Ye Le Yao emerged from the exit, two cameramen rushed over with their cameras.

"Let's Travel Together" adopted a live broadcast format.

Seeing the camera lens aimed at her, Ye Le Yao smiled and waved at the lens in greeting.

She wasn't timid.

Li Li watched with satisfaction and then got into the staff car with her assistant.

A staff member approached Ye Le Yao and informed her of the next steps: All the guests needed to gather at the airport and then travel together by bus prepared by the production team to their destination.

The staff member pointed to the large bus across from them. Ye Leyao thanked him and then dragged his suitcase over.

When Ye Leyao boarded the bus with his luggage, he realized there was already someone on board.

On the plane, Li Li had already shown Ye Leyao all the information about the guests for this trip. Coupled with Ye Leyao's own anticipation for the recording, he immediately recognized the man in front of him.

He was the idolized beacon of human warmth, the moonlight in the eyes of fans, but in reality, a sharp-tongued king of insults who enjoyed both smoking and drinking—

Song Zhehan, the current pop sensation!

At the sound of movement, Song Zhehan stood up at once. Without even seeing Ye Leyao clearly, a practiced gentle smile already graced his lips. "Hello, do you need any help?"

Ye Leyao quickly shook his head. "No, no."

"Don't be fooled by Song Zhehan's seemingly polite and warm-hearted exterior; it's just an act. He can't afford to break his persona, so he has to be courteous to everyone, but I won't take it seriously."

"Pity that others aren't me. They think Song Zhehan is genuinely warm-hearted, and then they get their real names dragged into anonymous criticisms on Weibo."

Ye Leyao didn't want to get caught up in the drama and risk his career. He still had a family to support in the entertainment industry!

In the staff vehicle nearby, Li Li watched the scene unfold on the live stream screen, nodding in agreement. Unable to resist, she glanced at Huo Ba and Huo Ma beside her.

They claimed to be here for tourism, but as soon as they arrived, the two had followed Li Li onto the staff vehicle.

Unfortunately, these two were Li Li's superiors, leaving her unable to say anything or ask too many questions.

Now, finally having a topic to discuss, Li Li spoke up. "It's not a problem that Xiao Yao refused Song Zhehan's help upon meeting. However, Song Zhehan is known for being warm-hearted in the circle, so even if Xiao Yao hadn't refused, there wouldn't have been much issue."

As her words faded, Huo Ba and Huo Ma turned to look at Li Li simultaneously.

Li Li was taken aback by their gaze.

What was it?

Was what she said incorrect?

Before Li Li could ponder the reason, Huo Ba and Huo Ma retracted their gazes simultaneously.

There were things better left unsaid!

Confused, Li Li saw that the two had no intention of speaking further. She could only turn back to watch the live stream, gritting her teeth.

Although the live stream for "Travel Together" had just started, due to effective promotion, the number of online viewers had already surpassed ten thousand and continued to grow steadily.

The moment Ye Leyao appeared in the live stream, the chat was flooded with messages:

"So handsome!"

"In one minute, give me all his contact details!"

"How did you manage to dig up such a handsome guy? Impressive!"

"Ye Leyao? That name sounds familiar—"

Upon hearing Ye Leyao's self-introduction, Song Zhehan smiled and echoed the same sentiment as the chat. "Your name seems familiar."

Ye Leyao, not adept at small talk, could only force a polite smile. "Really?"

Internally, he was panicking:

"Ahhhhhhhhhh—Is there anyone here to save me? I'm really terrible at chatting, especially with the sharp-tongued king Song Zhehan. Will I accidentally offend him with a wrong word and then get dissed by him on his anonymous account?!"

Just as Ye Leyao finished his internal breakdown, a female voice rang out like a timely rain from outside. "Phew—I'm so tired."

At the sound, Ye Leyao and Song Zhehan looked up simultaneously.

However, after waiting silently for several seconds, no one appeared on the bus.

A hint of confusion crossed Ye Leyao's eyes.

Both he and Song Zhehan were seated towards the back of the bus, unable to see the situation below.

Song Zhehan stood up and walked forward. "Is it another guest arriving?"

"Yeah, why did it take so long to come out? Young man, come lend a hand!"

Ye Leyao's eyebrows shot up at those words.

"That's...Du Yueqin?"

If one was going to join in the fun, one must do their homework beforehand.

So when they heard that name, Huo Ba and Huo Ma made the connection—

This was the veteran artist who liked to use her seniority to boss around the younger generation in the industry!

Ye Leyao had been hesitating whether to follow and check the situation, but now he leaned back in his seat, deciding not to move at all.

The audience watching the live stream were momentarily stunned:

"Song Zhehan went to help, but Ye Leyao isn't moving at all?"

"Is this kid new to variety shows and doesn't understand the social norms?"

"No matter how unfamiliar he is with social norms, shouldn't he still go up to help?"

In the staff vehicle, Li Li also furrowed her brows in concern at the sight.

While it wasn't a problem not to offer help during their first meeting, it might be blown out of proportion later by some people.

Li Li couldn't help but glance at Mr. and Mrs. Huo again, only to see that the two of them seemed to find nothing amiss. Mr. Huo even nodded in agreement: "It's right not to go help."

Mrs. Huo smiled. "Mm."

Li Li: "…"

What?

This… you two…

Forget it.

Now that the parents had spoken, how could she dare say anything else?

Precedent.

When Du Yueqin saw Song Zhehan come out, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed across her eyes as she scolded him, "You're too slow," then without looking at his expression, she handed all the bags and luggage over to him. "Quickly, carry these in for me."

Song Zhehan looked at the sudden pile of bags in his hands, veins pulsing on his forehead. This was the first time he had encountered someone so ungracious.

But Song Zhehan always remembered that he couldn't break character. No matter how uncomfortable he felt inside, he could only endure the irritation, forcing a gentle smile as he said nothing and silently helped Du Yueqin load all her luggage onto the vehicle.

Du Yueqin had three large suitcases and four small bags. No one knew what was inside each bag, but each weighed at least thirty to forty pounds. After three trips carrying these boxes, Song Zhehan was drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

The fans watching felt a pang of sympathy.

"Zhehan, you've worked hard!"

"To carry three suitcases by himself, he's simply bursting with boyfriend power!"

"Honey, you're great! Unlike some people… who can actually sit still."

And Ye Leyao did indeed sit still. Not only did he sit still, but he was also observing Song Zhehan's facial expressions.

Ye Leyao clearly saw that several times when the camera couldn't capture him, Song Zhehan's face darkened.

"Three times, hmm, I didn't miscount. His face darkened three times." Ye Leyao even counted.

Only now did Du Yueqin leisurely get into the car, still not forgetting to comment to Song Zhehan as she walked, "Look at you, drenched in sweat…"

Song Zhehan had a gentle smile on his face, about to say it was fine and it was what he should do, when Du Yueqin suddenly changed her tone—

"Just carrying a few pieces of luggage tires you out like this? Look at your puny body, tsk tsk…" Du Yueqin shook her head. "No good! You need to exercise more! If you carry more luggage in the future, you won't be so tired!"

"You dared to say a man isn't good enough!"

Ye Leyao almost couldn't hold back his laughter, quickly reaching up to support his chin, pretending to look out the window at the scenery.

"Song Zhehan is completely stunned, hahahaha—"

Song Zhehan was indeed somewhat stunned. He had even forgotten to maintain his persona, looking at Du Yueqin in disbelief.

Du Yueqin continued lecturing him incessantly, "Well, don't just stand there. Find a place to sit, you're all sweaty and so close to me…"

As she spoke, she reached out a hand to cover her nose in slight disgust.

At this moment, Song Zhehan's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, unable to keep up his trademark smile.

The fans in the live stream exploded:

"What? Is this Du Yueqin mentally ill?"

"Whose fault is it that Song Zhehan is drenched in sweat? It's nearly forty degrees outside, and he helped you carry three suitcases, yet you're disgusted now?"

"I'm fucking furious! How could there be such a person?"

Ye Leyao was almost laughing uncontrollably.

"That's just Du Yueqin. She not only likes to rely on her seniority but also enjoys using her elder status to pressure others, thinking that everyone's help to her is taken for granted. So—"

"I'm not going to seek trouble for myself!"

"What are you standing there for?" Seeing Song Zhehan standing motionless before her, Du Yueqin frowned.

Song Zhehan clenched his teeth, swallowing down the various curses that rose to his lips. He forced a strained smile. "It's nothing."

After saying that, he turned and walked to the back of the car, sitting heavily opposite Ye Leyao. The moment he sat down, the smile on Song Zhehan's face disappeared.

"Really hard work, having to maintain that smile for so long."

Ye Leyao glanced carefully to the side, seeing Song Zhehan take out his phone, his fingers dancing rapidly on the screen as if typing something.

"Could he be logging into his alternate account to post on Weibo?!"

Ye Leyao suddenly felt an itch of curiosity:

"I really want to know what Song Zhehan said. I remember the plot mentioned his Weibo alternate account, but I forgot the name…"

In the staff vehicle, Mr. and Mrs. Huo were getting restless.

What was the name of the alternate account?

Since you're busy recording and it's inconvenient, just tell us the name, we'll search for it ourselves!

Mrs. Huo had already taken out her phone, opened the search bar, ready to search at any moment.

Suddenly, Song Zhehan's voice came from the screen: "Why didn't you come to help earlier?"

Mrs. Huo hurriedly looked up at the screen.

At some point, Song Zhehan had taken the seat in front of Ye Leyao and turned around to speak with him.

Ye Leyao clearly hadn't expected Song Zhehan to ask him this question. His apricot eyes blinked, and he said sincerely, "You didn't ask me for help. I'm not one to meddle in other people's affairs."

"Very respectful of others' destinies!"

Song Zhehan was momentarily taken aback.

Clearly not expecting Ye Leyao to respond like that, he found himself at a loss for words to counter. He simply turned his head away and fell silent.

The viewers in the live stream were similarly surprised by this answer. The netizens who had been ready to criticize Ye Leyao for being oblivious fell silent due to Song Zhehan's predicament:

"I have to admit, I think Ye Leyao is right."

"Who could argue? After all, no one wants their kindness to go unrewarded, right?"

"Ai, we can only pity Song Zhehan."

After Song Zhehan stopped talking, the entire cabin was filled only with Du Yueqin's laughter. She seemed to be reporting her safety to her family. When she came to something amusing, she laughed out loud regardless of the others present, filling the cabin with her somewhat grating laughter.

The more Song Zhehan listened, the more he felt his headache intensify. Once again, he took out his phone.

This time, Ye Leyao, sitting closer, clearly saw him open the Weibo interface.

"He must be ranting!"

"Oh my god, I want to see it so badly!"

"What on earth is Song Zhehan's Weibo alias?"

Huoba and Huoma were equally anxious.

Yes, what was it?!

Ye Leyao glanced at the camera, ensuring his position wouldn't be captured before taking out his phone. He opened his notes app, preparing to recall carefully.

"I vaguely remember that Song Zhehan's alias wasn't exposed by chance. It was because his Weibo alias was... Yes! His Weibo alias is the name of his dog!"

"What's the dog's name?"

Ye Leyao opened Song Zhehan's Weibo homepage and searched for keywords.

"Pfft—why would someone name their dog 'Goushi'! No wonder his alias was exposed; it's too memorable!"

Huoma's eyes lit up, quickly typing 'Goushi' into the search bar. But before she could open the Weibo page, she heard Ye Leyao's exaggerated laughter—

"Hahahaha—oh my god! How does Song Zhehan come up with these insults!"

Huoba hurriedly poked Huoma's arm, urging her with his eyes: Quickly!

Huoma opened the Weibo page, and a post sent a minute ago immediately caught her eye:

"Goushi: Du Yueqin is like a crazy woman."

Scrolling down, there were two more:

"Goushi: Yes, yes, I need to exercise more. I'll work on building my biceps so I can punch you, old man!"

"Goushi: I'm here to record a show, not to watch some people act crazy."

Huoma: "Pfft—"

Huoba: "Cough cough cough..."

Objectively speaking, the insults were quite vivid?

Ye Leyao held back his laughter for a full minute before wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes.

It was then that a strong male voice rang out: "I'm not the first one here, am I?"

Ye Leyao looked at Song Zhehan in the front seat.

This time, he unusually remained seated.

Soon, a tall, muscular man carrying a mini pink suitcase appeared in everyone's field of view.

Ye Leyao's eyes widened, his tone excited:

"Mu—scle—man—"

The muscle man was somewhat surprised to find three people already on the bus. He flashed them a healthy smile and greeted them, "Hello, my name is Zhou Zijian. I thought I was the first one here!"

Ye Leyao sat up straight and politely greeted him, "Hello, my name is Ye Leyao."

Song Zhehan wore his trademark smile, "Song Zhehan."

Du Yueqin had still been on the phone but glanced over upon hearing the voice. With just one look, she paused, covering the receiver and smiling at Zhou Zijian, "Hello, Xiao Zhou."

"This attitude... why was she so cold towards me and Song Zhehan earlier?"

Ye Leyao quickly looked at Song Zhehan, not missing the discreet eye roll he gave.

Zhou Zijian smiled at everyone, placed his suitcase properly, and found a seat in the middle of the bus.

Du Yueqin had already hung up her call. She stood up, her gaze sweeping over the three men in the back of the bus. Then, feigning nonchalance, she walked over to Zhou Zijian's side and exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao Zhou, what happened under your eyes?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zijian's expression became somewhat awkward. He hesitated before saying, "Well, it's just... I was stung by a bee a few days ago, so I tried to cover it up with concealer. Didn't it work?"

"Is that so?" Du Yueqin sat down opposite Zhou Zijian. "Did you see a doctor?"

"But I just saw that there's a bluish tinge under Zhou Zijian's eyes, shouldn't a bee sting cause redness and swelling?"

Ye Leyao's keen radar told him something was off!

"And also, isn't Du Yueqin being a bit too nice to Zhou Zijian? When I greeted her earlier, she merely nodded at me, but why does she have to sit next to him?"

"Could it be that I missed some crucial information?"

Ye Leyao hastily opened his notes and quickly scanned through the key plot points.

Soon, he let out a small exclamation:

"So that's how it is!"

Du Yueqin's voice could also be heard from ahead: "But it doesn't quite look like a bee sting to me, more like..."

"That's because he got punched by his good buddy! Just a few days ago, Zhou Zijian took his buddy's mom shopping and was caught in the act, how could he escape a beating?"

Mr. and Mrs. Huo looked on in surprise, then with sudden realization.

Is Zhou Zijian moving that fast?

But Ye Leyao wasn't done yet:

"As for Du Yueqin... Hiss, she seems to have a thing for Zhou Zijian's type, and she even made a bold confession to him on some variety show..."

"Hold on, no way? It can't be that our show is the one she's referring to?!"

Qin Yao, who had just reached the car: "?"

As far as he remembered, their program was a travel show, not a dating one, right?