Chapter 29: Let’s See How It Goes

Chapter 29: Let's See How It Goes

At seven in the evening, when traffic on live streaming platforms was at its peak, buoyed by the day’s trending topics, "Travel Together" maintained its top spot in popularity. The number of viewers watching live surged past the million mark.

In the villa’s ground floor dining area, everyone had gathered around the table, except for Du Yueqin, who stood alone nearby, her gaze lingering pensively over the group.

An awkward atmosphere spread among the guests, yet joy permeated the live stream:

"Who’s having a good time? Turns out it’s me!"

"With everyone bustling in the kitchen, only you, Du Yueqin, were slacking off. Now that it’s time to eat, you know how to come downstairs, but no one’s acknowledging you. Isn’t that just what you deserve?"

"Alright, alright, I declare it: I’m following this show until the end! They really treat netizens’ feelings as if they matter!"

Most netizens found the other guests’ actions satisfying, but a minority disagreed:

"After all, they’re filming together and will see each other every day after this. Is this perhaps a bit too harsh?"

To this, the majority responded: "If you think it’s wrong, why don’t you volunteer to cook and serve Du Yueqin? Go ahead and apply to the production team."

Those dissenting voices quickly faded away.

Empathetically speaking, in reality, nobody likes someone who shirks responsibility. Thus, most people found this scene quite enjoyable.

Mr. and Mrs. Huo were also watching the live stream. Seeing this comment, Mrs. Huo swiftly liked it. Then, she pulled up Gou Shi’s Weibo account and laughed heartily with Mr. Huo.

Before the monitor, the director and producer exchanged glances.

The director’s voice wavered, hesitant: "…Should we send a staff member to intervene?"

After all, they were still live!

They had another full day of shooting tomorrow!

They couldn’t just let Du Yueqin stand there while the others ate, could they?!

The producer hesitated: "But President Qin did say today…"

Their variety show didn’t have a script. Beyond essential procedures, everything else was left to the guests’ discretion. Their staff only needed to prepare for potential public relations issues.

"It’s not like they didn’t set a place for Du Yueqin to eat; they prepared her utensils. She’s the one who didn’t join them," the producer tried to convince himself.

The producer gradually persuaded himself: "And, at least there’s no fighting now, right? It’s better than the outright quarrel that happened in the live stream this afternoon. The atmosphere is harmonious and pleasant!"

Director: "…"

What a harmonious and pleasant scene indeed.

He could see it now: their hearts were bigger than their brains.

Yet the director had to admit that the producer did have a point.

Who said that once the meal was prepared, Du Yueqin had to be called to eat?

There was no such rule, and even less so, any logic behind it!

The director took a deep breath, successfully convincing himself, and decided to let things go from then on.

Inside the villa,

Ye Leyao put her phone away after laughing, then quickly glanced at Song Zhehan.

Qin Yao followed Ye Leyao's gaze, guessing that Song Zhehan must have posted something new on Weibo.

So he simply took out his phone as well, conveniently reading through all of Song Zhehan's posts from the afternoon and evening.

After finishing, the corners of Qin Yao's mouth couldn't help but curl up.

When he saw Gou Shi's latest Weibo post, Qin Yao raised an eyebrow.

No wonder Song Zhehan's secret Weibo account was exposed by netizens so quickly.

With names being directly mentioned on Weibo, this wasn't about being afraid of getting exposed; it was more like he was afraid netizens wouldn't find out.

Perhaps Song Zhehan himself was also looking forward to the day his secret account would be revealed.

Qin Yao took a slight breath, praying that the netizens would uncover Song Zhehan's secret Weibo account a bit slower, at least until their variety show finished filming entirely!

After putting her phone away, Ye Leyao's gaze swept around the dining room, taking in everyone present.

Qin Yao was still engrossed in his phone, not lifting his eyes once.

Zhou Zijian wished to have nothing more to do with Du Yueqin, sitting between Song Zhehan and Li Siyuan.

As for Song Zhehan, Du Yueqin didn't even register in his line of sight. He was someone who held grudges deeply and for a long time.

Looking at Yang Qi and Liu Yan, they seemed somewhat hesitant, but Liu Yan was still upset about Du Yueqin's harsh words earlier in the afternoon, while Yang Qi didn't want to get involved in unnecessary drama.

"So we're really not going to call her over?"

"If she continues to stand there as punishment, should we still eat?"

The term "standing as punishment" described the situation perfectly.

The corners of Qin Yao's mouth curved slightly.

Suddenly, Li Siyuan stood up abruptly.

All eyes at the dining table instantly focused on him.

The audience in the live stream suddenly perked up:

"Did I guess wrong? I thought it would be the two female guests who'd step in to mediate first!"

"Could it be that Li Siyuan realized he shouldn't have argued with Du Yueqin this afternoon, so he's preparing to make amends?"

Li Siyuan's fans found amusement in these comments:

"Do you really understand Li Siyuan?"

"No way, no way? In your netizens' eyes, my Li Siyuan has such a good temper?"

Fortunately, Ye Leyao couldn't see the comments, otherwise, he would surely echo the sentiments of Li Siyuan's fans and sincerely suggest that netizens rewatch the afternoon's live stream.

It was soon proven that Li Siyuan indeed wasn't someone with a good temper.

He didn't stand up to approach Du Yueqin but instead bypassed her directly and headed into the kitchen.

From another camera angle in the live stream, it was clear that Li Siyuan had taken a spoon from the cutlery box.

Netizens were stunned:

"Hahahaha, so he stood up at this critical moment just to get a spoon?"

"Hahahaha, I thought Li Siyuan was standing up to defuse the situation!"

"Defuse the situation? You're overestimating Li Siyuan. It would be a miracle if he doesn't escalate the conflict today!"

It must be said that fans knew Li Siyuan well, but not quite that well—at least not as well as Ye Leyao did—

Ye Leyao observed the path Li Siyuan took upon his return:

"Why is Li Siyuan walking towards Du Yueqin?"

There were several routes back to the dining table. Du Yueqin was standing near the kitchen, but not right at the entrance. Li Siyuan could easily have returned by simply avoiding Du Yueqin as he had before, but this time, he walked straight towards her.

Qin Yao followed his gaze.

A smile suddenly appeared on the corner of Ye Leyao's lips, his face filled with anticipation:

"Is Li Siyuan about to unleash a full-frontal attack?"

The other guests also turned their attention over, and the first floor of the villa became so quiet that they could hear each other's breathing.

The live stream's comments section briefly went blank.

Then, everyone saw Li Siyuan slowly stand in front of Du Yueqin.

Upon seeing Li Siyuan approach, Du Yueqin immediately grew wary, even taking a slight step back, her expression displeased: "What do you want?"

Li Siyuan raised his eyebrows.

Ye Leyao's face lit up with joy:

"Confirmed, Li Siyuan is going to get up close and personal!"

Sure enough, the moment Ye Leyao's thoughts were voiced, Qin Yao heard Li Siyuan say, "Are you standing here to do the dishes? You're a bit early, we haven't even finished eating yet."

Ye Leyao: "Pfft—"

Ye Leyao closed his eyes.

"Who would understand, I really wanted to hold back my laughter, but I just couldn't help it!"

Qin Yao slightly lowered his gaze, concealing the smile in his eyes.

After so many years as an actor, he couldn't hold back his laughter, so how could Ye Leyao?

As for Zhou Zijian, it was even more exaggerated. Upon hearing Li Siyuan's words, he choked immediately, erupting into a fit of violent coughs.

Listen closely, and there were clear sounds of laughter mixed within those coughs.

Liu Yan and Yang Qi were even more obvious; they didn't dare look at Du Yueqin, afraid she would see them laughing, and turned their heads away.

As for Song Zhehan—

He had no intention of holding back his laughter. The moment Li Siyuan finished speaking, the corner of his mouth curled up high, and he leaned back in his chair as if enjoying the show, casually pulling out his phone.

The audience in the live stream was even more exaggerated. For seven or eight seconds straight, the chat was filled with "hahaha" laughter.

Du Yueqin's face flushed red and then pale from anger at Li Siyuan's words, her eyes filled with fury as she glared at him angrily: "You—"

"What about me?" Li Siyuan raised his eyebrows, "You didn't come to help when I was cooking, but you rushed over when it was time to eat. Are you upset that I asked you to wash the dishes after eating?"

"If you really don't want to eat, then go sit over there and play. Don't stand here. We don't need you to wash the dishes. Standing here with a long face makes me lose my appetite." With these words, Li Siyuan turned around and returned to the dining table.

Ye Leyao turned away, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

The other guests also wore various degrees of obvious and less obvious smiles on their faces.

Yet, Li Siyuan acted as if nothing had happened after his confrontation, sitting down directly at the dining table and saying to the others, "Let's eat, the food will get cold soon."

"Hahahahahahaha—"

Ye Leyao covered his face with his hand, trying hard not to laugh too exaggeratedly.

But this scene was captured by the camera, leaving nowhere for him to hide. Netizens and fans found his reaction even funnier.

"Well, well, well, Ye Leyao, caught you munching on melons again!"

"I knew it all along! Ye Leyao is just someone who secretly enjoys being in the know and having a bit of fun!"

Indeed, a friend was right this afternoon; watching a live broadcast doesn't require our full attention. All we need to do is focus on Leyao, for wherever he is, there's bound to be an exciting spectacle!

…

Ignored by all the guests, Du Yueqin was already in a bad temper, and now, upon hearing Li Siyuan's sarcastic remarks, how could she possibly continue to eat?

So incensed was she that, in her haste to turn and go upstairs, she accidentally twisted her ankle, causing Du Yueqin to cry out in pain with an "Ah!"

Everyone raised their eyes in unison to look.

Ye Leyao saw clearly:

It seems like a sprained ankle?

Qin Yao withdrew his gaze, which meant it was not a significant issue.

"Let's have a meal," Qin Yao said to Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao looked up to meet Qin Yao's gaze.

Qin Yao looked at Ye Leyao with a puzzled expression, and then he heard Ye Leyao's internal monologue of complaints:

"Ah, just an afternoon and an evening, and our variety show has been so splendid. I wonder what the situation is like online right now."

"Mr. Qin looked at the situation and was surprisingly not in the least bit anxious!"

Qin Yao: “…”

He has gathered such a group of people into a variety show; what can his anxiety change?

Qin Yao picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and offered it to Ye Leyao, hoping to silence any complaints that might be brewing in her heart.

As everyone in the Villa began to dine, the live stream viewers burst into laughter once again:

"My family, who understands? I've been following variety shows for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen a guest get angry, while the other guests were as calm as a rock and didn't try to appease him! You guys are taking too good care of my breasts!"

"We all record the show together, we're just colleagues! Why should everyone cater to you and coddle you! Anyway, I'm comfortable now!!"

"+1! This variety show is incredibly friendly for someone like me who enjoys fun!"

The barrage of comments was filled with warmth and joy, and the guests at the villa enjoyed their dinner heartily, with the exception of Yang Qi.

Zhou Zijian is exceptionally skilled at cooking, which is reflected in his precise handling of ingredient quantities.

Even without being aware that Du Yueqin would not be eating tonight, a portion was prepared for her.

In other words, the meal that Zhou Zijian has prepared for tonight will be abundant, if not more.

Liu Yan was the first to put down her chopsticks; as a female idol, she always had great self-control.

Soon after, the other male guests at the table also gradually laid down their chopsticks, and slowly, Yang Qi was the only one left eating at the table.

As she ate, she looked at the others in surprise. "Are you all full?"

Liu Yan wasn't full, but she didn't dare to be. She looked at Yang Qi enviously. "Sis Yang Qi, do you really not gain weight from eating like this?"

Yang Qi smiled warmly. "Nope, I eat like this every day!"

Ye Leyao shifted his gaze meaningfully:

"The toilet in the villa should be newly installed, right?"

Qin Yao was puzzled for a moment.

Then he heard Ye Leyao continue:

"I hope the toilet doesn't get clogged."

Qin Yao: "..."

Wouldn't that be a bit ridiculous if it did get clogged!

After finishing a bowl of rice, Yang Qi glanced around at the others and suddenly stood up, saying somewhat embarrassedly, "I want to cook a bowl of instant noodles. Do you guys want some?"

Zhou Zijian kindly asked, "Do you need any help?"

Yang Qi smiled. "No need, I know how to cook instant noodles."

Ye Leyao stood up first, smiling. "Let me help you cook?"

Yang Qi's smile froze for a moment before she quickly hid it, smiling. "No need, no need. It would be too much trouble for you."

Song Zhehan's gaze first fell on Ye Leyao. After a moment, he seemed to suddenly understand something and followed him into the kitchen. "I'll help too."

Ye Leyao glanced at him:

"What help is needed to cook instant noodles? I'm here just to watch the show. Could it be—"

Ye Leyao observed Song Zhehan's expression and commented,

"To maintain his persona, Song Zhehan is working hard, but his acting skills might still need some honing."

Qin Yao chuckled, lifting his eyes to glance at the nearby camera.

Mm, they were still live streaming.

So he slowly stood up and also followed into the kitchen.

Yang Qi returned with the instant noodles, only to find the three of them gathered in the kitchen, barely managing to keep her composure.

The water boiled quickly, and the trio showed no signs of leaving. Yang Qi couldn't even sneak half a noodle cake into the trash; she could only tearfully dump the entire block into the boiling pot.

Ye Leyao observed her expression:

"Wow, Yang Qi's hands are shaking."

Qin Yao nodded, confirming that they were indeed trembling.

Ye Leyao continued laughing:

"Look how delighted Yang Qi is, so happy her eyes are red."

Qin Yao glanced over, his lips curving upward.

Indeed, she was quite happy—happy enough for tears to well up in Yang Qi's eyes.

Just then, Song Zhehan added fuel to the fire with his considerate suggestion: "It seems like you didn't get enough to eat. Should I open another pack of instant noodles for you?"

Ye Leyao's shoulders shook as she struggled to hold back her laughter.

"You truly live up to your name, Song Zhehan!"

Even Qin Yao found it hard to suppress a chuckle, turning his head slightly.

Yang Qi felt a surge of frustration, nearly choking on her words as she shook her head. "No, no. This is enough. Any more, and I won't be able to finish it—it would be such a waste..."

Ye Leyao looked at Yang Qi:

"You're aware of waste too? I thought those characters weren't part of your vocabulary."

Song Zhehan persisted gently: "Didn't you say you weren't full yet? How about I cook another pack, so you don't go hungry later?"

Ye Leyao interjected silently:

"She'll only wake up in the middle of the night to vomit."

Yang Qi dared not ask for another pack; she couldn't even handle the one in the pot. She shook her head vigorously. "Really, no need. One more pack will fill me up!"

As if fearing Song Zhehan wouldn't believe her, she repeated herself: "Really!"

A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Song Zhehan's eyes before he withdrew his hand from the noodles, feigning resignation. "Alright then. If you're still hungry after eating this, let me know, and I'll cook another pack for you."

Yang Qi's face paled, but she couldn't reject Song Zhehan's kindness outright. She nodded stiffly. "Okay."

[I can't help but feel there's a hint of gritted teeth behind that "okay."]

Unable to contain her laughter any longer, Ye Leyao left the kitchen, plopping down on the sofa. She grabbed a cushion to cover her face and burst out laughing.

This scene did not escape the notice of the other guests, who looked over in confusion.

Qin Yao followed suit, sitting next to Ye Leyao without offering an explanation.

The viewers in the livestream picked up on the unusual atmosphere:

"I sense...the aroma of drama?"

"Weren't we just watching Yang Qi trying to cook instant noodles while everyone else offered to help? Did I miss something juicy?"

"Not really. It seemed pretty normal to me—just regular conversation. Could there be some hidden drama I missed?"

"Ye Leyao, what are you laughing at? Can you share so we can laugh together?"

"Yeah, and why does Qin Yao have that knowing look on his face? Don't keep secrets; tell us what's so funny!"

The audience was growing impatient, but Ye Leyao and Qin Yao remained silent.

Soon, Yang Qi finished cooking the instant noodles, and Song Zhehan accompanied her out of the kitchen.

Since Zhou Zijian had prepared dinner, with Ye Leyao, Qin Yao, Song Zhehan, and Li Siyuan assisting, Liu Yan and Yang Qi had volunteered to do the dishes.

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room sofas to rest.

Yang Qi emerged with her bowl of instant noodles, expecting Song Zhehan to join the others on the couch. To her surprise, he followed her back to the dining table and sat down opposite her, taking the same seat he had occupied earlier.

Facing her was a steaming bowl of instant noodles, and across from her, a smiling Song Zhehan.

Ye Leyao felt her face contort with suppressed laughter:

"Now Yang Qi knows what it feels like to sweat bullets."

Coincidentally, Song Zhehan spoke up with a smile: "Would you like a fried egg? Eating just instant noodles isn't very nutritious."

So gentle, so considerate, so perfectly in character!

The fans watching the livestream exclaimed:

"Ahhhh, my little Song is as thoughtful as ever!"

"So warm!"

"Darn it, Little Song! You shouldn't be so tender with the female guest; I'm getting jealous!"

Ye Leyao opened the livestream comments, amused by the real-time reactions:

"Yang Qi is almost in tears, and you fans are still praising Song Zhehan's gentleness. Hahahaha—"

"If this is called gentleness, then what would cunning look like?"

Ye Leyao laughed happily, but the netizens in the live stream were particularly anxious:

"Ye Leyao! What on earth are you laughing at?"

"Am I blind? It was perfectly normal just now!"

"Yeah, I even went back and rewatched the live stream, there's nothing wrong!"

The barrage of comments was moving too fast, and Ye Leyao, who was secretly watching the live stream, didn't notice these rapidly scrolling comments. But it was different for Huo Ba and Huo Ma.

The staff lounge was right across from the guest villa, and from this distance, they could hear Ye Leyao's thoughts and watch the live broadcast on the large screen provided by the staff.

The inside story that the audience didn't know, Huo Ba and Huo Ma knew all about it.

Seeing that the viewers in the live stream were getting a bit anxious, Huo Ma couldn't help but send a comment: "Is it possible that Yang Qi can't eat anymore? Leyao is laughing because Xiao Song still fried her eggs knowing she couldn't eat them?"

In theory, in a live stream with nearly ten thousand people, the probability of any random comment being seen was low, but the comment sent by Huo Ma was directly pinned to the center of the screen and scrolled continuously.

Huo Ma was also taken aback when she saw this: "Eh, why is it pinned?"

Li Li heard this and came over, and upon seeing it, she was also taken aback before asking, "Madam, your account should be a Supreme Account, right?"

Huo Ma was puzzled: "Supreme Account?"

Li Li explained, "A Supreme Account requires a top-up of one million on the website. Once you reach this amount, it will automatically upgrade to a Supreme Account. After that, as long as you send a comment, the system will automatically recognize it and pin it, then scroll it in the live stream."

Huo Ba remembered, "Didn't you give gifts to the third son before!"

Huo Ma also remembered that there was such a thing and asked Li Li, "Then my comment shouldn't have any problems, right?"

Li Li looked down and saw that the direction of the comments in the live stream had already changed.

"What's this about being full? Yang Qi didn't want to bother others, that's why she didn't ask for help."

"Forget it, I'm too lazy to explain to those who don't understand Yang Qi. I just feel sorry for my baby, having to cook instant noodles herself when she's not full."

"Anyone who has watched Yang Qi's live streams knows she can eat a lot. As for that Ye something-remote, she seems to have some kind of illness, laughing without anyone knowing what she's laughing at."

Li Li: "…"

There was still a bit of a problem.

When Huo Ma saw this comment, she was also amused in anger and directly opened the keyboard, typing: "Wasting food isn't a problem then?"

The comment continued to scroll in bold.

Li Li opened her mouth, wanting to persuade Huo Ma, after all, Yang Qi was indeed a big eater. At this time, continuing to send comments would only bring hate to Ye Leyao.

But before she could speak, she saw Huo Ba also open the live stream, log into his Supreme Account, and join Huo Ma's team.

Huo Ba: "What's wrong with liking to laugh? I just like to laugh at those who waste food, so what?"

Li Li: "…"

What could she do, she could only watch.

Inside the villa, Ye Leyao couldn't keep sneaking peeks at the live stream comments forever; she put her phone away after a short while.

Half an hour later, Yang Qi finally finished eating her bowl of instant noodles with difficulty.

Ye Leyao secretly glanced over and found that Yang Qi's face looked terrible.

"It looks like she's overeaten."

Qin Yao couldn't help but agree; she had indeed overeaten.

After Liu Yan and Yang Qi washed the dishes, the day's shooting was almost over.

Although they had only shot for half a day, everyone was a bit tired. They didn't chat for long in the living room before they each prepared to return to their rooms.

Before leaving, Song Zhehan didn't forget to pat Zhou Zijian's shoulder and say, "Remember to lock the door tonight."

Zhou Zijian's face instantly turned red.

None of the group could hold back, their faces all showing some suppressed laughter.

Zhou Zijian's expression was awkward, but he still said, "Thanks, I'll remember."

Ye Leyao laughed even louder in her heart.

Qin Yao rubbed his slightly sore ears and patted Ye Leyao's shoulder. "Let's go, back."

Ye Leyao hurriedly nodded and followed Qin Yao upstairs first.

The others also went upstairs one after another and returned to their rooms.

The guests left, but the live stream never stopped.

The production team needed to record footage, and some night owl netizens would occasionally come and take a look when they had nothing to do at midnight.

Back in her room, Ye Leyao lay on the bed for a while before preparing to take a shower.

Just as she pushed open the door, she saw Qin Yao walking out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Ye Leyao's gaze couldn't help but wander uncontrollably over Qin Yao's body, admiring more and more with every look.

"Woah, President Qin's abs, this V-cut, this chest muscles—"

Qin Yao felt as if something was burning in his ears and quickly pulled open the door to the bedroom next door.

As soon as the door closed, he could still hear Ye Leyao's exclamations of admiration:

"Why is the line of his back so captivating as well! Truly deserving of his title as an actor par excellence, his physique management is simply... remarkable."

"Huh? What's that noise outside?"

Ye Leyao tossed her clothes onto the living room sofa and promptly pulled open the suite's door, following the sounds up the stairs.

Netizens about to leave the livestream paused upon seeing Ye Leyao.

"What's Ye Leyao doing not sleeping this late?"

"Just now, wasn't she still admiring Qin Yao's abs? How could she have left so quickly?!"

"It's not that Ye Leyao left! Clearly, it's Qin Yao being stingy and not letting her see him anymore as he returned to his room!" Fans grumbled in frustration.

"So what's Ye Leyao going upstairs for?"

By then, Ye Leyao had already reached the third floor, where both suite doors were wide open. Song Zhehan stood by the communal bathroom, knocking on the door. Li Siyuan and Liu Yan stood at their respective suite entrances.

Upon seeing the trio, Song Zhehan was puzzled. "Was my knocking that loud?"

Ye Leyao nodded.

Indeed, exceptionally loud, one couldn't help but suspect it was intentional.

Song Zhehan explained, "Just now, Li Siyuan was in the bathroom, so I thought I'd come over to use the restroom, but there was strange noise coming from inside—"

Before he could finish, the bathroom door was pulled open.

Yang Qi appeared, her face pale, one hand clutching her stomach, her expression somewhat pained. "I... I was in the bathroom."

"Then why didn't you make a sound?" Liu Yan, noticing her odd complexion, asked with concern.

Yang Qi's expression turned even more grim.

Watching this scene, Ye Leyao instantly understood:

"So Yang Qi was vomiting in the bathroom just now?"

"Leaving the door closed for so long, surely she didn't actually clog the toilet, did she?"

Qin Yao, who had followed her upstairs, paused.

Then, Song Zhehan spoke up, "It's alright, as long as you're out. Earlier, when no one responded to me and I heard retching...," he furrowed his brows, looking earnestly and worriedly at Yang Qi, as if making a casual joke, "it gave me quite a fright. I thought one of the guests might be pregnant."

Yang Qi's expression became unexpectedly vivid.