TCFGBH Chapter 5

Song Xuanqi is an ordinary university student and also a loyal fan of “Heartbeat Boom Boom Boom.” Tearfully, there are also some unpleasant quarrelsome scenes, but the blemishes do not overshadow the beauty, remaining within a tolerable range.

Song Xuanqi saw a familiar name on her homepage this noon and quickly clicked over.

[Heartbeat Boom Boom Boom: A scorching summer, radiant sunshine, blue sea, and sky, to meet you. August 21, see you there.]

“Ahhhh!!! Lanlan.” She shook her roommate’s shoulder, “‘Heartbeat’ is filming its third season; my go-to variety show is back.”

Her roommate replied indifferently, “Oh, really?”

Song Xuanqi scratched her head, hesitated a bit, and then cautiously said, “Lanlan, are you still thinking about Tu Xi?”

“…”

“Let’s look on the bright side. At least Xia Yan… he’s had some work done, and when they’re together, they look pretty good.” She stammered.

Song Xuanqi’s roommate is a fangirl who has followed popular girl and boy groups and last year became a career fan of Tu Xi. Since Tu Xi’s relationship was exposed yesterday, her roommate hasn’t been in the best mood.

“There are countless idols out there; if it doesn’t work, we can find another one.”

“Sigh! Tu Xi has a soft personality and is kind-hearted and naive. He won’t be a match for Xia Yan and will eventually get hurt.” Her roommate looked worried.

“Come on, don’t think about it anymore. Watch the love show with me. The first couple has already been announced. Let me see… Oh my, it’s Bai Zhiyi and his wife! Our childhood memories.”

Her roommate also perked up, “Let me take a look.”

Bai Zhiyi is forty-two years old this year. He debuted as a child star, acted in many well-known works, won Best Actor at nineteen, and married at twenty-three, with his wife also an actress.

The two had been out of the industry for five or six years and never thought they would return.

“The second couple is the Sheep Couple, Song Xueyang and Zhong Feiyang. The little drama queen and the neurotic male god are also great to ship; they’re a fun pair.”

Her roommate leaned closer, “Let’s see the third couple.”

“The third couple is a business CP promoting their movie.” Song Xuanqi’s interest suddenly dropped. “Wei Junhao and Fang Xihua, their recent film ‘Youth Diary’ was a hit, with a more-than-friends-but-not-lovers vibe, ending tragically, and is apparently a tearjerker.”

However, she only likes happily-ever-after stories and avoids angst, so she hasn’t watched it.

“The last couple is Tu Xi and Xia—”

Her voice abruptly stopped. Song Xuanqi, like a robot with a glitch, slowly turned her head. As expected, her roommate was already emo again.

“I’m definitely following ‘Heartbeat’!”

“Sister…”

Her roommate was fired up, “I must expose Xia Yan’s true colors!!!”

“Go, go, go.”

–

Time quickly passed, and before they knew it, it was August 21.
‘Heartbeat Boom Boom Boom’ used a dual broadcast format this time, with live streaming and online variety shows. Countless netizens waited in the live broadcast room, and at ten o’clock sharp, it started.

Song Xuanqi and her roommate shared a computer and, thanks to excellent internet speed, instantly entered.

Eight guests were supposed to be present… wait, why were there only seven? Where was Xia Yan? The comments were filled with question marks.

[???]

[Even a veteran like Bai Zhiyi is here, but Xia Yan is late? He doesn’t have a high status yet has such a big attitude, making everyone wait just for him; is that appropriate?]

[Even if buried and turned to dust, I must let out a hoarse roar: Tu Xi, run! He’s not worthy of you!!!]

[Live streaming reveals true character!]

–

Thirty minutes ago.

Elsewhere, Xia Yan, who everyone was discussing, was facing a little girl clinging to his leg, looking distressed. The girl was about five or six years old, had two little pigtails, and her white, tender face was covered in tears as she cried loudly.

“Woo woo, mama… Xingxing wants mama… boo hoo woo…”

“Hey, don’t cry.” Xia Yan hurriedly squatted down and gently patted the girl’s head, “Where is your mama? I can help you find her.”

The little girl sniffled and said, “Mama… mama got lost, gone, want to find mama.”

Xia Yan: “…” Clearly, you got lost.

This morning, Xia Yan was dug out of bed by his manager, styled up, and left early to make a good impression on everyone.

Halfway there, Wang Dazhuang parked the car and went to buy breakfast.

It was rush hour, with crowds of people coming and going. Xia Yan felt too stuffy in the car, so he put on a hat and mask and stepped out.

As he looked around out of boredom, a girl in a floral dress caught his eye.

She was too short and small, often getting lost in the crowd. She looked like a headless chicken, wandering around without an adult to look after her, making her stand out.

This was at a crossroads, and the flow of vehicles made it quite dangerous. The traffic lights changed frequently.

Xia Yan observed for three minutes. The little girl followed the crowd across the street but started running when she realized her short legs were about to miss the green light. She tripped and fell, with no one helping. He finally couldn’t hold back.

He crossed his long legs, ran swiftly over, scooped up the little girl, and ran back.

By then, the light had already turned red, and the honking of cars filled the air. An angry driver stuck his head out and cursed, “Damn it, can’t you handle your kid? Are you colorblind to red and green?”

The young man pressed his lips together and said, “Sorry.”

“Damn, if you can’t take care of your kid, then don’t. It’s just going to cause trouble if something happens.” The angry driver revved his engine and drove off, leaving a trail of exhaust.

The bustling crowd quickly returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

The little girl looked around, finally realizing what had happened, and suddenly clung to Xia Yan’s leg, bawling her eyes out.

Xia Yan: “!!!” Help, he doesn’t know how to comfort kids.

A big and a small figure, one crying sadly and the other helpless, stood out in the crowd. Some people couldn’t help but take pictures with their phones.

Xia Yan quickly picked up the child and moved to the parked car, avoiding the crowd’s gaze.

When Wang Dazhuang returned after buying breakfast and saw the extra child, he almost dropped his steamed bun, “What’s going on?”

“This child got lost.”

“?”

“So what do we do now?” Wang Dazhuang is a normal person and can’t cold-heartedly leave the kid behind, knowing that an accident would haunt him for life. “How about… you drive to the program, and I’ll take her to the police station.”

Xia Yan thought for a moment and nodded, “Okay.”

“Little girl, come to uncle, and he’ll take you to find your mom.” Wang Dazhuang rubbed his hands and squatted down.

The little girl timidly turned to look at him, then looked up at Xia Yan, curled up, avoiding the middle-aged man’s hand, and cried even harder.

Wang Dazhuang sighed and lit a cigarette, “… Kids are learning to judge by appearance now too.”

The little girl was small but clung tightly, her tears and snot smearing on the expensive suit pants, feeling slightly damp, making Xia Yan’s scalp tingle.

“Your name is Xingxing, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Xingxing, uncle—”

“It’s brother.”

“Alright, brother.” Xia Yan’s eyes softened with a smile. This cub was so cute, of course, he forgave her, “Today, brother has important work, and if he stays here, he’ll be late, which is not a good habit, right?”

The little girl pondered for a moment before nodding earnestly.

“The other brother—”

Xingxing: “He’s an uncle.”

Wang Dazhuang: “…” The disparity among humans.

“Okay, he’s an uncle. This uncle is a good friend of mine. He’s a good person. Later, he’ll take you to the police station to find a police officer, alright?”

The little girl hesitated.

Xia Yan patiently persuaded, “Police officers are very capable. They can help you find your mother.”

“Then, then, I’ll go with the uncle. Goodbye, brother.” The little girl let go of her grip and obediently clutched the agent’s trouser leg.

The suit pants were over half wet and dirty, obviously unsuitable for wear. Fortunately, the vehicle had spare clothes, so he wouldn’t have to appear messy.

Xia Yan was at peace with the situation, but Wang Dazhuang was still bothered.

“I hired someone specifically to coordinate your attire and hairstyle, and it’s all ruined. The thought of your outfit being overshadowed by Fang Xihua’s just makes me feel awful.”

“Is it really that important?”

“Anyway, I can’t stand him. He’s like a clingy plaster, sticking around no matter what.” Wang Dazhuang muttered, “This love variety show is your chance to turn things around. Make sure to seize it, and remember to stay away from Fang Xihua. Don’t let him trap you again.”

Xia Yan touched his nose, not daring to say anything.

After completing task five, task six was immediately refreshed. This time, he aimed to become an artist disliked by the entire internet, shunned by all guests, and ultimately driven out of the circle.

Wang Dazhuang was an excellent agent, diligent and wholeheartedly supportive.

Xia Yan truly felt he didn’t deserve him.

“Wang Dazhuang.”

“Hmm?”

Xia Yan looked serious, “Would you consider choosing a different artist to nurture?”

“Yan er, you’re not planning to give up, are you?”

“…”

“Remember your persona when you first debuted?” Wang Dazhuang smiled, “A cold and aloof nobleman. Now pick up that persona right away, talk less, do more, and if necessary, just be a beautiful vase. With your face, you can certainly attract fans who appreciate beauty.”

“If you can’t do that…” He pulled out his phone, “I’ll chat with you about life and ideals every night.”

“Wang Dazhuang.”

“Don’t talk to me. I’m already upset.” Wang Dazhuang picked up the little girl and quickly left… After walking about ten steps, he came running back, breaking his rule. His usually gentle face turned unusually stern, “Xia Yan, we’ve known each other for almost three years. I’ve always considered you a friend. Please think carefully about your future.”

After saying that, he turned and left.

The system sighed: [Wang Dazhuang is truly a good person. It’s a pity we have to complete the tasks. Don’t soften your heart.]

[I know.] Xia Yan thought of someone’s gradually receding hairline and sincerely said, [Let’s keep a low profile for now, let Wang Dazhuang be happy for a few days, and then during a live broadcast ‘cheat,’ that way we can complete both tasks three and six.]

999 exclaimed: [Host, you’ll engage in live-streamed drama!]

[… What are you thinking?]  Xia Yan, the socially anxious, was speechless, [I will just chat with someone on the phone in a flirtatious manner]

–

The spare clothes in the car were a simple white T-shirt and jeans from a niche brand. They were priced at five or six hundred yuan, which was relatively modest given an artist’s status.

It was the rush hour, coupled with the delayed time, and even though Xia Yan hurried, he was still three minutes late.

Xia Yan: “…” I’m sorry, Dazhuang’s hairline.

The place where the show reunion was being live-streamed was a large conference room. The original items inside were cleared out and rearranged into a pink-and-sweet stage.

There were eight chairs, with only the one next to Tu Xi left empty.

As Xia Yan pushed open the door and entered, everyone’s gaze turned towards him. The director gave a signal, and the assistant director swiftly focused the camera on the young man, zooming in close-up.

A flawless and beautiful face was instantly presented to everyone.

Gasp!

The more people watched, the more nervous they became. Xia Yan’s calmer expression became, “Sorry, I got caught in traffic and was late.”
His demeanor was cold and expressionless, appearing quite aloof; yet, his peach blossom eyes held a hint of a smile, with eyes that were captivating and dangerous. These seemingly contradictory words blended perfectly with him.

The bullet screen went blank for a second, then quickly started scrolling.

【Mom, I suspect he’s trying to seduce me.】

【Shashasha, husband is so handsome, so handsome that my legs are weak, my butt is perky, let me do it.】

【He tripped over everyone’s panties as soon as he walked in.】

【Xia Yan has a plastic face, Xia Yan has a plastic face, Xia Yan has a plastic face…】

【To be able to look like this is also a skill.】

【Having a good face now allows you to do whatever you want, right? Did you all forget about him being late? A bunch of people whose three views align with their facial features.】

……

If netizens were five parts amazed, then the people on-site were ten parts amazed.

As everyone knows, today’s live broadcast cameras have beauty filters that make people look fair and rosy while also distorting facial features to some extent.

As the saying goes, a slight error leads to a huge discrepancy.

Just a slight difference, and the feeling is completely different.

Even the usually strict director couldn’t help but softly sigh, “Not photogenic at all!”

The assistant director nodded in agreement. Coming back to his senses, he didn’t feel right being harsh on Xia Yan. People tend to be more tolerant of beautiful things. “It’s just a few minutes, no big deal. The empty seat next to Tu Xi is yours.”

Xia Yan nodded politely, “Thank you, Director Zhang.”

Eight people sat in a straight line. From left to right, they were Wei Junhao, Fang Xihua, Xia Yan, Tu Xi, Bai Zhi Yi couple, and lastly, the Sheep couple.

From the moment Xia Yan appeared, Tu Xi’s eyes hadn’t left him. After sitting down, he eagerly held his lover’s hand, interlocking fingers, with palms touching, showing intimacy.

He knew that facing the camera, Xia Yan wouldn’t refuse him.
Sure enough, the young man’s body stiffened, his eyebrows furrowing imperceptibly, and then quickly relaxing. He appeared at ease, but his aura grew colder.

Tu Xi smiled, gentle and sweet.

【Tu Xi eagerly held his husband’s hand, so sweet, so sweet… I can ship this!】

【Shut up, you can’t.】

……

“I’ve been abroad and didn’t realize there are such handsome people in the industry now.” Bai Zhiyi’s wife, Ruan Meixian, playfully remarked.
Bai Zhiyi smiled, nodding, “Indeed, just a bit below me.”

“You’re forty-two, how can you compare with young hunks? Shameless.” Ruan Meixian’s tone was gentle, with a hint of laughter, obviously joking.
Her husband was very supportive, and the two exchanged banter, heating the atmosphere.

“Wow! Brother Xia Yan is so handsome.” The young actress Song Xueyang exaggeratedly held her face with both hands, feigning infatuation. “It makes my heart go thump thump.”

“Yangyang, you can’t forget about me.”

“In my heart, you’re the most important, of course. I’m just admiring the beauty.” She formed a heart with her hands and made a shooting gesture.
Zhong Feiyang played along, clutching his chest, “Ah! I’ve been struck by Cupid’s arrow.”

“Hahaha.”

This lively couple amused the live audience. Amid such a good atmosphere, someone abruptly spoke, “Xueyang, you’re mistaken. Xia Yan should be calling you big sister, he’s a year younger than you.”
Everyone knew that Song Xueyang was twenty-one and currently a senior in college.

Xia Yan was a year younger than Song Xueyang, which meant he was only twenty years old, but so far… there hadn’t been any news of Xia Yan being in school!

The atmosphere cooled down instantly.

Fang Xihua, who spoke up, showed a trace of smugness in his eyes. He put on an innocent expression and said apologetically, “Sorry, did I say something wrong?”

【So… Xia Yan hasn’t attended university?】

【Many idols in the industry haven’t attended school due to training. Although it’s not normal, it’s quite common in the industry.】

【Common my foot. Is Xia Yan even an idol? Has he undergone training? Can he sing and dance?】

【Just a note from a passerby: I remember Tu Xi was the top scorer in the college entrance exam and attended a top-tier university. While balancing academics, he can sing and dance and debuted as the center. His acting is also outstanding. Can Xia Yan, who is so different, talk with Tu Xi? Fans don’t need to worry too much; the gap is too big, and they’ll probably break up eventually.】

【The analysis upstairs is quite reasonable.】

……
From the moment Xia Yan entered, Fang Xihua had a bad premonition. When the director easily overlooked him, he realized it was another group of people enchanted by Xia Yan.

He gritted his teeth in frustration, feeling deeply resentful.

Fang Xihua and Xia Yan debuted around the same time. After his debut, Fang Xihua could only play minor roles with few lines, and his agent didn’t care for him. After a year, he didn’t make a name for himself.

Meanwhile, Xia Yan was carefully nurtured by Wang Dazhuang and, right after his debut, played a supporting role that made him moderately famous.

If he hadn’t been so lazy, lacked emotional intelligence, and frequently offended people, he might have become a top star by now.

No! With the current level of discussion, he’s already considered a top star.

After all, who doesn’t know Tu Xi’s partner online?

Fang Xihua initially approached Xia Yan because he was generous and liked to show off, treating him to drinks. Later, he got close to Xia Yan to ride his coattails.

Relying on a bit of brotherly hype, he made himself familiar.

Moreover, every time he went to bars with Xia Yan, people, including rich second-generation individuals, sent him gifts to try to learn Xia Yan’s preferences.

He sold the gifts, used the money to get plastic surgery, and hooked up with a high-ranking company executive.

When Director Xia wanted to cast Xia Yan in a movie, Fang Xihua’s jealousy surged. Even though he could have gotten better resources, he tried to snatch Xia Yan’s opportunities.

The movie’s unexpected success propelled him to stardom purely by chance.

It could only be said… even Heaven was helping him.

He eagerly targeted Xia Yan, trying to tear off his façade and make everyone hate him. But his haste made him appear petty.

Song Xueyang secretly rolled her eyes and pretended to cry, “So I look like Xia Yan’s big sister? I’m so young and already looking old, boohoo.”

Song Xueyang was beautiful, with delicate features like a doll. She acted in a cute and exaggerated manner, gaining many motherly fans through variety shows.

Even though everyone knew it was an act, fans couldn’t help but feel heartache.

【Does Fang Xihua not know how to speak?】

【 It’s just a year difference. Yangyang is willing to call him his older brother, and Xia Yan accepts it. Why make a fuss? Are you okay?】

【I feel like Fang Xihua is so petty.】

Fang Xihua’s movie was still in theatres, and his fans fiercely defended him, leading to a heated debate.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.” Fang Xihua cursed inwardly but maintained a sincere expression, “Xia Yan, you know I’m just straightforward, right?”

Even then, he didn’t forget to drag Xia Yan into it.

Xia Yan thought, “?” He had considered Fang Xihua to be decent. Why was he so persistent, just like Wang Dazhuang said?

He blinked, his long, curly eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, and said casually, “I don’t know. We’re not familiar.”

As for Wang Dazhuang’s hairline, he might as well keep it.

Netizens: ???

The first day and already tearing each other apart, how thrilling!!!