Chapter 194: The Female Simp in the Farming Variety Show (2)

Chapter 194: The Doormat Woman in the Farming Variety Show (2)

"Evening, Miss Tang."

Upon opening the door, she was met with the show's production team, led by a male assistant whose eyes were full of arrogance. Though his greeting was polite on the surface, there wasn’t a trace of respect in his gaze.

"Hello."

As soon as Tang Qing spoke, the staff members present noticed something was off...

In the past, Tang Qing had always been the type to grovel, her demeanor dripping with insecurity. Every interaction with the crew was cautious, as if she feared saying or doing the wrong thing.

But just now...

Tang Qing sounded relaxed.

The tension that once clung to her had vanished.

"Miss Tang, we’re here today about the show’s ratings."

The male assistant handed Tang Qing a hefty pile of printouts, packed with screenshots of viewer comments from the livestream:

"I can’t stand this country bumpkin—quit shoving yourself into every shot!"

"Ugh, why is this backwater girl everywhere? Just seeing her face makes me sick."

"The show’s great, but some people really need to learn boundaries..."

...

Page after page, all conveying the same message: viewers wanted Tang Qing gone, erased from the show entirely.

Some extreme netizens even swore they’d trash the show’s ratings solely because of her presence.

Tang Qing took her time going through the papers. Only when she reached the last one did the assistant drop a snide comment, "You’ve been reading for a while, Miss Tang. Do you understand it all?"

"Miss Tang, you *can* read, right?"

The question was outright rude, insinuating that a "country bumpkin" like her might not have even attended school.

As if completely oblivious to the malice in his words, Tang Qing replied, "Of course I can."

"Sir, ever heard of mandatory schooling, pal?"

"Nine years of compulsory schooling—did you skip it?"

The moment she finished speaking, the crew shared a look.

Their initial impression had been correct.

This wasn’t the same pushover they knew!

No more doormat behavior... Though her face remained the same, she’d grown a spine, like she’d grown claws, sharp and unyielding.

Qi Ming, the show’s assistant director, caught on fast to the shift in Tang Qing. He swiftly snapped at the staff member, "What nonsense are you spouting? Apologize to Miss Tang at once!"

The man, knowing better, quickly ducked his head. "Miss Tang, sorry, that was out of line. I spoke without thinking and stepped out of line..."

Tang Qing gave a noncommittal hum.

"You can apologize, but I won't accept it."

"Huh..." The assistant was stunned, never expecting his apology to be rejected. His face flushed red instantly.

He never imagined this village girl would suddenly become so formidable!

The atmosphere grew tense until Qi Ming was the first to react, glaring fiercely at the assistant and pulling him back.

Better to keep this idiot from causing more trouble in front of Tang Qing.

What a fool. They came here to negotiate, yet before even stating their purpose, he managed to offend her.

"Miss Tang, this guy has a loose tongue. I’ll make sure to deal with him properly when we get back."

"You’ve already carefully reviewed the materials we brought..."

Qi Ming hadn’t forgotten the purpose of this visit and deliberately emphasized his next words, "Miss Tang, you know—a show’s reputation is everything."

"And... Miss Tang, you’re not actually one of our invited guests."

"Your frequent appearances on camera have been ruining the viewers’ experience..."

If this were the old Tang Qing, she would’ve apologized immediately.

But the woman before him now seemed completely indifferent, as if this had nothing to do with her. Qi Ming observed her several times, yet her expression remained unchanged.

Something was off. Very off.

Had this country girl taken some wonder pill? How could she stay so composed...

"Director Qi, I get what you’re saying."

"You’re just reminding me to mind my manners, not harass your guests, and not hog the spotlight."

"That’s all you came here to say, right?"

The euphemistic phrasing was laid bare by Tang Qing's directness, and Qi Ming couldn’t help but feel a rare twinge of embarrassment.

He said, "Miss Tang, there’s no need to be so blunt..."

"Then you shouldn’t have acted so shamelessly."

"If you find these words unpleasant, why deliberately collect and show these carefully selected comments to me?"

"What, did you think I’d enjoy reading them?"

Her gaze locked steadily on Qi Ming, her face expressionless.

There was a strange intensity radiating from her eyes. Qi Ming found it strange—how could a mere country girl’s stare feel so scorching?

Forcing an awkward smile, Qi Ming apologized again, "Sorry, Miss Tang. We weren't considerate enough."

"We shouldn’t have collected those nasty comments without considering your feelings..."

Tang Qing cut him off, "Enough with the empty words."

"Fine, I'll comply with your request," she said coldly.

What?

She agreed just like that? No fuss?

I thought I’d have to negotiate with Tang Qing for a while, never expected her to agree so quickly.

Hearing the answer he wanted, Qi Ming couldn’t hide his delight. "That’s great! I knew Ms. Tang would be a straight shooter—"

Before he could finish, Tang Qing cut him off. "According to the contract, your production team initially agreed to rent only part of my house, right?"

"I can stay out of your shots, but I also expect your team to abide by the contract and keep your guests under control. From now on, their activities are limited to the front house. The back area is off-limits..."

Qi Ming, who had been elated just moments ago, was now stunned!

Tang Qing continued listing her conditions. "Moreover, under our original contract, these guests were supposed to help me with work. So far, none of them have done much..."

The tasks assigned were barely any real work, and the guests treated it like a relaxing getaway at a homestay, laughing and chatting.

The few dirty or laborious chores? Those were left to the original female lead, the poor sap who did them all...

"Director Qi, please inform your guests that starting tomorrow, they'll be getting their chore lists~"

This came completely out of left field. Qi Ming never imagined Tang Qing would make such demands...

For so many days, they had been mooching off everything Tang Qing provided.

They’d almost forgotten—every single thing featured on the show, from the house and courtyard to the rice fields... every plant and tree—was the personal property of this plain-looking village girl standing before them.

~~~

"Yesterday, I saw a lot of feedback on the ending of the xianxia world arc in the backstage. Many felt Si Yin’s ending was unsatisfying and wanted me to write a separate HE (happy ending) for him. Sure thing!

Your wish is my command!

But since I’ve already written the drafts in advance according to the schedule, and today’s the first day of the Qingming Festival holiday, I don’t have time to write Si Yin’s extra chapter now—can't whip it up tonight.

Considering the story’s completeness, Si Yin’s extra chapter will be posted after this farming variety show~"