Live reality show?
Jing Li had some understanding of this previously.
It was similar to other variety show formats, except that it was presented to the audience live instead of pre-recorded.
Throughout the entire program, all the celebrities were under the eyes of the audience. Anything they said or did would be reported in a timely manner, showcasing the most authentic side of the celebrities.
Therefore, in recent years, it has been deeply loved and pursued by fans, and the viewership has always been high.
However, precisely because of this, without post-editing and touch-ups, this type of program also tests the improvisation abilities of the participating celebrities and is a judgment of their personal qualities.
Jing Li estimated that Sister Wang asked about it due to this concern.
However, Jing Li didn’t think it was a big deal. After all, both on and off stage, he had always presented his most authentic self, with no pretense or persona. So he wasn’t afraid of people seeing his everyday state.
“I’m fine with it,” Jing Li said immediately. “But we still need to clarify the filming schedule and itinerary, preferably without any time conflicts with the current production team.”
“Okay, I’ll relay the message to her.” The little assistant nodded and was about to leave.
“Which live reality show are you talking about?” Hu Li suddenly interjected. “Is it ‘Ultimate Survival Challenge’ or a dating reality show?”
The little assistant paused, glancing at him and then at Jing Li beside him. Seeing that the second young master remained composed and indifferent, he said, “It’s ‘Ultimate Survival Challenge.’ Although the dating reality show is also popular, Er Shao dislikes being shipped with others, so…”
The assistant left it unsaid, but everyone present understood his implication.
Due to the previous incident with the scumbag ex, Jing Li had become more cautious in matters of love. It was evident he would never use such things for self-promotion.
Moreover, that incident left a deep impression on fans. No matter who it was, any new rumors would also negatively impact their image.
“If it’s ‘Ultimate Survival Challenge,’ that’s fantastic!” Hu Li’s focus was elsewhere. Upon hearing this, he exclaimed happily, “I received an invitation from them too. I was just about to ask if you wanted to join me!”
“You also accepted this variety show?” Jing Li gave him a surprised look. He knew of Hu Li’s lazy nature; aside from maintaining popularity when necessary, he never forced himself to take on too much work, let alone participate in variety shows.
“Yes,” Hu Li said with a delighted expression. “When I received the invitation previously and heard from the production team that this time they were filming on Gu Tingshen’s private island, I agreed immediately. Not just anyone can go there, so this was the perfect opportunity to take a look.”
“Of course, having you join me makes it even better.”
Who knows, maybe the island’s owner might even allow them to tour the luxurious castle inside!
Jing Li was unaware of Hu Li’s ulterior motives. Upon noticing his expression when mentioning Gu Tingshen, he suddenly recalled Hu Li’s peculiar attitude towards Gu Tingshen and paused.
“It’s getting late. You should go back to your room and rest.” He turned to dismiss the little assistant first.
The assistant didn’t linger, responding with a nod before returning to his own room.
After watching the assistant close the door, Jing Li withdrew his gaze and locked the door again. Turning towards Hu Li, he asked, “Why do I get the feeling you have a special interest in Gu Tingshen?”
“Ah? Do I?” Hu Li blinked in surprise initially, meeting Jing Li’s gaze. After a moment’s contemplation, he tilted his head and asked, “Am I that obvious?”
Jing Li silently observed him for a few seconds before nodding, “Yes, very obvious.”
As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Hu Li, his expression utterly serious, as if this matter was of great importance to him.
“Hey, don’t stare at me like I’m a thief.” Hu Li couldn’t help but laugh at his demeanor, no longer teasing him. “Don’t you know why I’m interested in him? I don’t believe you’re not drawn to the aura surrounding him! With such an intense aura, who wouldn’t be tempted? Am I right?”
Of course, Jing Li’s interest wasn’t in Gu Tingshen’s aura, but he didn’t intend to disclose that to Hu Li. He remained silent, continuing to stare at him.
“Alright, alright, I was wrong. I shouldn’t be greedy,” Hu Li said with an exasperated ‘I can’t do anything with you’ expression, conceding, “I’ll try to keep my distance from him from now on, okay?”
Only then did Jing Li’s expression soften slightly, begrudgingly satisfied with his explanation.
Hu Li’s exasperated look intensified, as if he had concluded that Jing Li regarded Gu Tingshen as his personal reserve, finally witnessing his possessiveness.
Jing Li didn’t offer further explanations. After a glance at Hu Li, he suddenly asked, “Can you see Gu Tingshen’s aura?”
“How is that possible?” Hu Li paused before giving Jing Li an amused look. “I’m not some gifted demonic cultivator able to sense his intense aura. I can only rely on this nose of mine.”
“And during our encounter today, I clearly felt his aura fluctuating more noticeably. Even though we were seated several seats apart, I felt exceptionally invigorated, and even the spiritual energy circulating within me seemed to accelerate.” Hu Li’s face showed traces of reminiscence, his tone becoming increasingly excited. “Let me tell you, if I hadn’t verified that he’s indeed human, I would have suspected him to be a powerful demon in disguise!”
Seeming to have a thought, he looked at Jing Li with newfound curiosity. ” Your cultivation has grown so fast, could it be because you often practice around him?”
Jing Li was taken aback, clearly not expecting him to say that.
Previously, he had only thought that Gu Tingshen’s intense purple-golden aura was due to being heaven’s favored child. However, after his experiences in the Spiritual Realm for those few hundred years, he hadn’t given it much thought.
But now, considering Hu Li’s words, aside from other factors, he did seem to feel his spiritual energy becoming more active when together with Gu Tingshen. This revelation instantly raised some doubts in his mind.
The ability to accelerate one’s spiritual energy circulation could only come from being in proximity to an even more concentrated and pure spiritual aura. Apart from being near exquisite spirit artifacts or elixirs refined by top-tier alchemists, Jing Li couldn’t think of any other explanation at the moment.
Coupled with the mysterious aura surrounding Gu Tingshen.
Jing Li found himself once again doubting Gu Tingshen’s true identity.
So just who was Gu Tingshen?
Perhaps noticing Jing Li’s prolonged silence, Hu Li assumed he was hesitating to reveal his secrets, so he waved dismissively, “It’s fine if you don’t want to share. I was just curious.”
What demon didn’t have their little secrets? Even among friends, not everything had to be disclosed.
“It’s getting late. I should head back too.” Hu Li took a few steps forward, opening the door to leave. Before exiting, he added, “Don’t forget to introduce me to your demon friend after we wrap up filming!”
With that, he waved at Jing Li before leaving without another glance.
Jing Li stood in silence, eventually suppressing his doubts deep within. He responded to Hu Li’s departing figure before returning to his room to rest.
The next morning, Jing Li arrived at the set early as usual. Due to the sudden rain the previous night, the air outside was noticeably chillier, with wet patches on the ground mixed with fallen leaves and branches scattered by the cold wind. Several crew members were busy cleaning the set in preparation for filming.
Jing Li gave it a cursory glance before heading to the dressing room to get ready.
As he arrived early, the dressing room was still quite empty and quiet. When Jing Li entered, everyone turned to greet him before refocusing, as if not fully awake from the chilly air.
Jing Li didn’t say much, keeping his movements light. He went to the changing room first to get into his costume for the day, then took his seat and waited for the makeup artist.
Zhang Guolin, seated one chair away, noticed the movement and glanced at Jing Li. He then scanned the surrounding humans before closing his eyes again, feigning meditation.
However, it wasn’t long before he would sneak another glance at Jing Li, not just a quick look but a lingering stare as if scrutinizing something, his gaze fixed for several seconds before shifting away.
Jing Li was aware of Zhang Guolin’s observations from the moment he entered, but he saw no reason to address him since the other didn’t speak up. So he ignored him.
However, no one enjoys being stared at repeatedly. After Zhang Guolin looked over again, Jing Li finally turned to him and asked directly, “What are you looking at?”
Clearly not expecting to be called out, Zhang froze initially before instinctively replying, “Nothing.”
After gauging Jing Li’s expression, he smiled awkwardly, the apprehension evident as he clearly still felt impacted by Jing Li’s previous lesson.
Seeing no major reaction from Jing Li, he continued smiling ingratiatingly, hurriedly changing the subject before Jing Li lost patience. “The rain last night was quite sudden.”
Jing Li observed him silently, his face expressionless.
Zhang Guolin smiled again before scanning their surroundings. Seeing no one paying attention, he leaned closer to Jing Li and lowered his voice. “Although I don’t know if it was caused by you, I received messages from several of my kind last night. They’ve already sensed something and are searching for traces left behind.”
“You and your friend should be careful. Those things aren’t to be trifled with.” And their abilities far exceeded his own.
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