Although Film Emperor Fu's voice wasn't particularly loud, the microphone and amplifier made sure his words were broadcasted clearly.

The young girl widened her eyes in astonishment, and the live chatroom went wild.

Throughout his career, Fu Jinxiao had always maintained a clean reputation, without any romantic gossip. Whenever media tried to link him with someone, his response had always been firm and clear: "Just friends."

He was someone who always kept things straight and never mixed professional and personal matters.

So, if he said he had someone special in his life, it was the truth. Fu Jinxiao never lied, and he wouldn't fabricate stories just to boost show ratings. However, this honesty only fueled his fans' excitement.

"I don't believe it. It must be a joke."

"Who could it be? The paparazzi haven't caught a single hint!"

"He must be protecting her really well."

"It's probably just something he said to deter the young girl."

"Exactly! It must be that."

Regardless of the situation, fans had their unique way of coping. When other celebrities dated, it was a reminder that stars were humans too. But when it came to their own idol, any dating news had to be fake.

Nevertheless, Fu Jinxiao's lesson proceeded smoothly.

Others didn't seem to have such luck, especially Tuya, who struggled with the wood-burning stove in the kitchen, and Shen Xingchen, who was in charge of stir-frying. Shen Xingchen's culinary skills were so limited that he couldn't even distinguish between green onions and chives.

Both An Ran and Shen Xingsui were responsible for cleaning. When they entered the kitchen to get cleaning supplies, they witnessed the chaotic scene that could only be described as a blend of fire and ice.

Tuya was trying to light the stove, but no matter what she did, the flame just wouldn't catch.

An Ran has always been an angelic figure, always understanding and considerate. "Don't worry, Ms. Tu Ya. Take your time. Lighting this stove is tricky, especially if it's your first time. Just be patient."

Tu Ya managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Ran."

In reality, despite Tu Ya's fluent Mandarin now due to her international background, she had never used a traditional Chinese stove!

While there was a gas stove in the kitchen, the producers probably wanted to add drama by not allowing its use. Making the guests use a traditional stove was likely intended to evoke nostalgia and remind everyone of past hardships.

The live audience shared their sentiments:

"Ran is truly thoughtful."

"An Ran is so sweet, comforting Ms. Tu Ya."

After a while, Shen Xing Sui came over. Seeing Tu Ya, whose makeup had smeared from smoke, he quickly approached her, "Ms. Tu Ya, are you okay?"

Choking from the smoke, Tu Ya pointed at the stove, "I tried to blow on the fire, but it just made more smoke."

Shen Xing Sui noticed that she was using paper, an inflammable material, which wasn't effective for the wood.

"It's okay." Shen Xing Sui smiled. Crouching down, he said, "Let me help you get the fire started; it'll make things easier for you."

Tu Ya, appreciating his gesture, gave up her spot, yet asked worriedly, "Would that be against the rules?"

Shen Xing Sui glanced at the camera crew.

A cameraman said, "As long as you complete your cleaning duties and it doesn't interfere, it's fine."

Shen Xing Sui grinned at Tu Ya, "See? No worries."

Relieved, Tu Ya watched Shen Xing Sui skillfully arrange the wood and leaves to start the fire. The heat and smoke caused his forehead to sweat, and his face got smeared with ash.

Once the fire was steady, he turned to Tu Ya and said, "All done."

Tu Ya, eyes shining, exclaimed, "Sui Sui, you're amazing! How did you know how to do this?"

Shen Xing Sui shyly smiled, "It's not that complicated. I haven't used one of these before, but I've seen one at Zhang's place and tried it out."

Tu Ya, moved by his effort, noticed the ash smeared on his face. She hugged him warmly, "I adore you!"

Shen Xing Sui took a step back, "Wait, I'm all sweaty..."

Tu Ya dismissed his concern, "I don't mind."

The live audience watching this amusing scene commented:

"These two are adorable."

"Easy to say, harder to do."

"While An Ran did comfort her for a while, he didn't lift a finger to help."

"Didn't he spend over a decade at the Zhangs? How could he not know?"

"Sui Sui (or Siu Siu, depending on preferred romanization) is truly wonderful. He isn’t the type to utter sweet words easily, but his actions are sincere."

"I feel like he's quite similar to me."

"I'm also a bit tongue-tied most of the time. Seeing him really resonates with me."

"Sui Sui mirrors many of us. But he's always optimistic and hardworking. I've genuinely become a fan!"

Shen Xingchen quickly intervened, saying, "You should keep your distance from my younger brother. He's still young. It's not appropriate!"

"How is he young?" Tu Ya joked, playfully tugging on Shen Xing Sui's shirt. "He’s in his twenties, about time to consider marriage!"

Shen Xing Sui was both amused and exasperated.

Still teasing, Tu Ya asked, "Sui Sui, do you have someone you like?"

Caught off guard by the question, Shen Xing Sui's face reddened. The warm atmosphere coupled with his embarrassment made it evident to onlookers. Seeing his adorable reaction, Tu Ya burst out laughing, "Our Sui Sui has a little crush, huh? Tell me, who in the entertainment circle has caught your eye? I can set you up!"

Flustered, Shen Xing Sui exclaimed, "Sister Tu Ya!"

A reminder from the staff about their pending tasks interrupted their banter. Interestingly, though there were four people in the kitchen, An Ran was completely overlooked.

Not too long ago, Shen Xing Sui, with his reserved and stoic nature, was a relatively unnoticed presence in the crew. However, over time, he began to shine, drawing more attention to himself and dimming the presence of others. This feeling was quite distressing for some.

An Ran took a deep breath, looking towards Shen Xing Sui who was cleaning a shaded path in the distance, and decided to take the initiative to find Fu Jin Xie on the third floor.

The live audience expressed their confusion:

"They both have cleaning duties. Why isn’t An Ran sweeping?"

"Seems like he's headed to the teaching building."

"Why can't he just focus on his tasks?"

By then, An Ran had already reached the teaching building. Pretending to bump into Fu Jin Xie after the students' class was over, he approached him in the hallway.

An Ran greeted warmly, "Brother Fu!"

Seeing An Ran, Fu Jin Xie raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why is it you?"

"..."

Who else were you expecting?

An Ran muttered to himself but maintained a sweet smile, "It's me. I was cleaning nearby and happened to run into you."

Fu Jin Xie nonchalantly nodded, casually asking, "You're all on cleaning duties, right? Where's Shen Xing Sui?"

...

"Every time it's 'Shen Xingsui, Shen Xingsui.' Don't you know anyone else?"

"Standing right in front of you, and all you can say is 'Shen Xingsui.' Are you trying to annoy someone to death?"

After a brief silence, An Ran finally spoke, "I don't know. The last time I saw him, he was outside the teaching building. It's been a while now, and I have no idea where Xingsui might be."

Fu Jinxiao responded indifferently, "Understood."

Just as the acclaimed actor Fu was about to leave, An Ran, slightly panicked, hurried after him, "Brother Fu!"

Fu Jinxiao stopped and looked back at him, "What is it?"

"Actually, I wanted to ask if you've found any clues lately?" An Ran tried to find an excuse to strike a conversation, smiling and saying, "Perhaps we could share some hints? I'm eager to find the murderer as well because there's a chance he might strike soon, and we'll all be in danger."

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "Why should I trust you?"

Quickly, An Ran offered, "I can share my clue first, and after hearing it, you can decide whether or not to share yours."

Fu Jinxiao simply said, "Proceed."

Seeing his agreement, An Ran smiled and began, "I have a task card. The clue on it reads: 'A beautiful evening tonight.'"

This clue is quite straightforward and specific. To someone unaware of the truth, it would certainly point suspicion at Fu Jinxiao. And typically, a person subjected to such suspicion would be quite anxious.

However, Fu Jinxiao simply raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Do you suspect me?"

"Not at all," An Ran answered coyly, "It's just the hint on the card, so I thought I'd share it with you and see if you had any clues of your own."

Fu Jinxiao nodded slightly, "I have a task hint card too. It reads: 'The past events were documented daily by the old servant and kept in the mansion's old attic study.'"

An Ran's eyes widened slightly.

Fu Jinxiao continued calmly, "Shen Xingsui and I looked for it, but we couldn't find that diary. Shen Xingchen's group also searched, but to no avail. Thus, this clue remains the most challenging to decode."

An Ran, sounding relieved, smiled and asked, "Really?"

Fu Jinxiao nodded, "Yes, but I believe it's the key clue."

"I remember the attic door being locked. How did you get in?" An Ran inquired.

Fu Jinxiao replied, "We got the key from the show's crew. But since we haven't found the crucial diary yet, I've hidden the key under the carpet next to the attic."

An Ran nodded thoughtfully.

Fu Jinxiao, lifting an eyelid, stared at him, his deep eyes reflecting a profound darkness. Wearing his usual harmless smile, he casually asked, "The key clue you provided is valuable. Could I see that card of yours?"

An Ran was taken aback, "What?"

"The clue card you mentioned." Leaning against the staircase railing, the tall and handsome man looked down at him, "Otherwise, how can I verify its authenticity?"

An Ran hadn't expected this turn of events.

The live-stream viewers were ecstatic:

"This man is incredibly astute."

"Hahaha, trying to outwit Fu Jinxiao? You're way out of your league."

"Damn, just when you think you're on the third level, he's already on the fifth."

"No, girl, you'll soon realize he's actually in the stratosphere!"

An Ran, looking somewhat stiff, explained, "I don't have that clue card on me. I hid it somewhere safe, fearing the killer might snatch it. But rest assured, Fu Jinxiao, I'm not deceiving you. I can bring it to your room tonight for you to see, okay?"

"No need," Fu Jinxiao replied with a languid demeanor. Standing up and glancing downstairs at the figure of Shen Xingsui, he quipped with a smirk, "Wouldn't want people to get the wrong impression."

An Ran: "…?"

I'm offering to come to your room, not worried about gossip, and you're concerned about misunderstandings?

The insult might not be damaging, but it sure is stinging.

The live-stream viewers were entertained:

"Hahaha, Fu Jinxiao, the epitome of propriety."

"Scandalous rumors? Impossible!"

"The kind of man who'd nip any gossip in the bud himself."

By noon, most had completed their morning tasks. The morning had been quite tumultuous for everyone, particularly for Shen Xingchen. Thankfully, Li Xu'an, who was on security duty, managed to salvage lunchtime by providing temporary assistance in the kitchen.

The children stayed to have lunch, lining up for their meal.

Shen Xingsui also helped out, primarily serving food. However, when a young boy came up, he refused the dishes, whispering, "Sir, I'd just like some rice."

Shen Xingsui paused, "Why?"

"I've brought my own side dishes," the boy replied. "Just the rice will do."

Although perplexed, Shen Xingsui honored the child's request. But he couldn't shake off his concern, so after the boy left, he inquired to the next student, "Is he in your class?"

The student nodded.

Shen Xingsui: "So he really brings his own food?"

The child answered, "He's always eaten the pickled vegetables he brings from home. It's been this way for weeks."

"Why?" Shen Xingsui frowned, "Are the school's meals too expensive? From what I see, it's quite affordable, with several dishes."

The child shook his head, "No, he's choosing not to pay for the school meals. He says he's saving up to buy a harmonica."

Shen Xingsui asked with puzzlement, "Why would he want that?"

"He loves to sing," the child behind chuckled. "He even dreams of becoming a musician, though he can't sing at all. It's quite off-key."

"..."

Shen Xingsui remained silent.

Perhaps taking the child's dream to heart, Shen Xingsui, after ensuring the other students were served, stepped out of the cafeteria. Not far away, by a flower bed, he spotted the boy.

"There you are," Shen Xingsui approached with soft steps, noticing the boy's lunch box containing a few pieces of dried radish and chili. He frowned, "Is this all you're eating?"

The boy glanced nervously at Shen Xingsui.

"I brought you a roasted pancake," Shen Xingsui presented it. "It's freshly made by Teacher YaYa, very delicious. Give it a try."

The boy hesitated.

Shen Xingsui gently laughed, "It's on me."

Upon hearing that, the boy's hesitation melted away. The pancake smelled irresistibly of meat, something he hadn't savored in ages. He began devouring it eagerly.

Concerned, Shen Xingsui patted his back, "Take your time, if you want more, I can get you another."

The boy shook his head, softly murmuring, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Shen Xingsui continued, "I heard you want to buy a harmonica. Do you have a passion for singing and music?"

The boy hesitated momentarily before nodding.

Shen Xingsui smiled, "What songs do you like?"

After swallowing his food, the boy whispered, "Glimmer."

Shen Xingsui blinked, "Glimmer? The one that goes..."

"Yes, that one," the boy began to hum a few lines, "Look up and see, the shimmering light I offer thee~"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback. It was the first time someone sang his own song to him, and rather off-key at that.

Suppressing a smile, Shen Xingsui probed, "Do you know who sings that song?"

"Many singers have sung it," the boy mumbled, head lowered. "I don't remember clearly, but my grandmother loves it. When she's in pain from her illness and can't sleep, I sing it to her, and she always smiles."

The light-heartedness Shen Xingsui felt earlier dampened. He asked gently, "Is your grandmother's condition serious?"

The boy nodded, "She calls it an old ailment."

Shen Xingsui inquired, "What about your parents? Do they take care of her?"

"They work in other cities. It's just grandma and me at home," the sun had tanned the boy's face and, despite his young age, his hands were rough, even calloused. "I've always been with grandma. My parents send some money every month, but sometimes they forget. Then grandma and I farm, selling some vegetables."

Perhaps because he seldom had someone to chat with, the boy spoke freely and voluminously now that he had a listening ear.

He mentioned how his grandmother loved to listen to people sing on the television.

He said that due to poor internet connection at home, he often ended up singing to her.

He loved singing and dreamt of becoming a singer one day.

He even shared that he had penned a song, though his classmates ridiculed it, saying it was awful.

Shen Xingsui asked, “May I see the song you wrote?”

The boy hesitated briefly, then pulled a neatly folded yet somewhat worn sheet of paper from his pocket. Upon it were meticulously penned lyrics which, to a discerning eye, might seem a bit juvenile and lacking polish.

Shen Xingsui inquired, “Did you write this yourself?”

The boy nodded.

Seeing Shen Xingsui's expression, he grew a bit insecure, hesitating before continuing, “My grandmother always said if I loved singing, I should pursue it. She told me she'd listen to me sing every day if I became a singer. But with her declining health, I fear she might never hear me. So, I tried writing this song, though it doesn’t seem to have turned out well…”

“Nonsense,” Shen Xingsui said with a smile. “I think it’s wonderfully written.”

The boy responded uncertainly, “But they all say my lyrics are bad, and even with music, it won't sound good.”

“They don’t know what they're talking about,” Shen Xingsui said, ruffling the boy's hair. “Music is boundless. Your lyrics are beautiful, and I'm sure the music will be just as lovely.”

A genuine smile lit up the boy's dark face, his eyes sparkling, “Really?”

Shen Xingsui gave a reassuring smile, “Trust me.”

Viewers in the live chat started to chime in:

“Little guy, you're talking to the top composer of ‘Starlight’!”

“Haha, you can always trust Shen Xingsui!”

“If it were someone else, maybe not, but if he says it'll sound good, then it surely will!”

A passerby commented, “Is he really that talented?”

Another replied, “No exaggeration, every team in the training camp has asked Shen Xingsui to tweak their songs at some point!”

It was lunchtime. Most of the guests were resting. Some who noticed Shen Xingsui's absence found him on the playground with the boy, engrossed in the song's lyrics. The afternoon sun filtering through the trees cast a gentle glow on them, making the scene particularly heartwarming.

Tu Ya, munching on a pastry, remarked, “Xingsui really has such a charming presence, and he's so handsome. Once he gets more recognition, he's bound to be adored by even more people.”

Shen Xingchen strongly agreed, giving her a sideways glance, “Isn't that obvious?”

Fu Jinxiao, leaning by the door and observing the scene on the playground, returned his gaze and, with a mysterious smile, slowly said, “I heard you're planning to play matchmaker for him in the entertainment industry?”

Tuya was munching on a biscuit when she suddenly felt a chilling presence behind her, a sensation akin to being targeted by a venomous snake, making her almost choke. She coughed, "What's happening?"

"Nothing. I just noticed your generous nature." Fu Jinxiao, the towering man, shifted his posture to directly face a slightly frightened Tuya. His smile grew ever more amicable. Leaning in close, his deep and magnetic voice lowered to a whisper only they could hear: "Would you match-make for me as well?"

Tuya: ...?