Chapter 19

Ji Wei’s gaze unconsciously fell on Lu Shenxing’s lips. They were slightly pursed into a straight line. His originally pale lips, now moistened with water, had a certain allure, looking particularly captivating. His idol… how could he be so handsome!

“That’s good, then.”

Ji Wei remembered that he still had to pack the instruments, so he restrained himself and looked away, his mind already composing excessive praise for after the filming ended.

[Wait! Did I see that right? The bottle Weiwei handed over was mineral water, right? Mineral water is sweet these days?]

[This is the first time in my life I’ve heard that mineral water is also sweet.]

[+1]

[Where are you putting my Nongfu Spring? We don’t produce sweetness, we are just porters of sweetness.]

The instruments were almost packed. Du Ruosong went out to rent a small cart from the supermarket, but unexpectedly, he ran into four or five young foreigners. “Hello, could you tell me how to get to the China Musical Instrument Store?” one of the young men asked in English with a thick French accent, perhaps noticing his Asian face.

“There.”

Du Ruosong pointed to the shop’s location.

“Thank you.”

The young men walked happily in the direction he pointed. Du Ruosong took a few steps forward, then suddenly stopped. He looked back at the excited young men and had a bold thought. These people… couldn’t all be here to buy instruments, could they? Thinking of this, he quickly turned back. When he returned to the instrument store, he found those foreign youths scrambling to buy instruments from Ji Wei.

“Little brother, do you usually work part-time at the instrument store? It must be hard selling so many instruments. How many do you have to sell to finish your work for today?”

“I want to buy a Chinese instrument, anything under a hundred euros is fine. Is this a Chinese stringed instrument?”

“I was clearly here first, Mike, don’t you dare compete with me.”

…

Compared to them, Ji Wei seemed more like the customer. The young man calmly introduced the instruments.

“No need to rush, one at a time. This is a banhu, also known as a qinhu. Its tone is solid and high-pitched, and it’s the main accompanying instrument in northern Chinese opera, such as Henan opera, Hebei bangzi, and Qinqiang…”

The bullet comments, however, became peculiar.

[Weiwei is so amazing, he knows about so many instruments.]

[Were these foreigners airdropped in? The production team is going too far. Since it’s a reality show, at least make it look real.]

[+1, the script is too obvious.]

[I don’t think so. Maybe they’re just tourists who came over.]

A debate instantly erupted on Weibo. What started as a small-scale discussion exploded when a top fan of Zhao Yue directly tagged Yancheng Television Station’s official Weibo account, igniting the topic.

[The Moon is Brighter in My Hometown] I’ve finally figured it out. My main subject got a sacrificial script. “National Style” is a good show, but could the capital behind it please exercise some restraint! A small-time streamer from some obscure website attracting so many foreigners to flock around him? Who are you kidding? @YanchengTelevisionStation

Many people left comments below.

[Grape Wine] The young lady is so bold. I’ve wanted to say these things for a long time. If they had just said they wanted to promote a newcomer, Brother Yue wouldn’t have come.

[Su Mu Zhe] I get angry when I see people say he’s just an ordinary little streamer. I heard someone posted his real-world information, and the post was deleted in less than two seconds.

[Sigh of a Departed Friend] Damn… how much money did they have to give Sina for that? Capital is amazing!

More and more people questioned the authenticity of National Style. From Weibo to forums, there were voices of doubt. Some even speculated whether Ji Wei had plastic surgery, wondering if this was a case of a forced promotion backfiring. Some of Ji Wei’s fans posted clarifications and explanations, but they were weak and were met with ridicule.

[How much does the water army pay? Count me in.]

[These days are truly strange. Why does a streamer have such dedicated fans? Nine out of ten game streamers are disgusting. Is being good at drawing that amazing? It’s all just a way to attract fans.]

[You could dig up his past comments. He probably ran his mouth off and slept with fans.]

[The school he graduated from probably isn’t that great either, otherwise they would have started bragging about it by now.]

It wasn’t like what was being said online at all. Qi Ke, who had been keeping an eye on the stream’s dynamics, frowned. The production team also didn’t know why so many foreigners had suddenly shown up. But they were here, so what could they do? Kick them out? Seeing the situation escalate, Qi Ke wanted to discuss it with Director Zhang, but he was stopped by Assistant Director Zheng, who said that Director Zhang was busy filming and had no time to deal with it.

Assistant Director Zheng adjusted his black-framed glasses, not taking it seriously. “He’s just an amateur. It can even add some buzz to the show.”

Just an amateur… Qi Ke turned to look at the smiling young man with pear dimples, who was still oblivious to everything. He suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, but he was just an intern and could do nothing. He was about to turn off his phone when he suddenly saw a notification. The Palace Museum, which he followed, had posted on Weibo.

The Palace Museum was one of Yancheng Television Station’s partners. In recent years, they had done a great job of becoming more mainstream and appealing to a younger audience, with profits from their cultural and creative products exceeding one hundred million. They probably released a new product.

Qi Ke didn’t intend to click on it, but he accidentally did while scrolling. He was extremely surprised by the content, and then a look of realization dawned on his face.

[Palace Museum] The traditional Chinese painting video of “National Style” amateur little brother Ji Wei has received a warm response overseas, promoting traditional culture.

A total of nine photos were posted. Apart from two photos of Ji Wei painting, the rest were praises for Ji Wei from foreign websites and a screenshot of him on the YouTube homepage.

[Ahhhhhhh, he paints so well! And he’s so handsome. He’s the most beautiful Chinese person I’ve ever seen. Does anyone know his Facebook or Twitter account?]

[I heard he’s working part-time at an instrument store in Nice. My friend already went, bought a dizi, and even got a photo with him!]

[Which instrument store!! I’m also in Nice, I want to go buy one too!]

…

Thanks to the popularity of the Palace Museum’s official Weibo account, it quickly trended. Seeing this post from the Palace Museum, everyone finally understood. It turned out that Ji Wei had gone viral because of the video of him painting. Those foreign visitors who came to the store weren’t actors hired by the production team; they were just Ji Wei’s casual fans.

[Strawberry Flavor] Sob sob sob, I was wrong. It turns out lookism admirers know no borders.

[Coconut Candy] The person who started the hate thread against the little brother should apologize. You didn’t even get the facts straight before making things up. I don’t know how someone seriously working on a show is getting in other people’s way.

[Yellow Braised Chicken] Sigh, I’m so ashamed. I’m going to follow the little brother now.

[Fleeting Life, Unending] Me too.

And the fan named “The Moon is Brighter in My Hometown” quietly deleted her Weibo post.

Qi Ke’s heart finally settled. However, for the Palace Museum to make a special post for him, even Qi Ke, who wasn’t a gossip, couldn’t help but wonder if Ji Wei was really, as the internet said, a young master from a wealthy family who was hiding his identity to experience life.

The guests were unaware that a storm on the internet had been quelled. Du Ruosong was still in a dilemma: should he go to the supermarket to borrow a cart, or should he help pack the instruments? But soon, he no longer had this problem, because more and more customers were pouring in from the entrance of Tinghua Street!

“What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help tie Chinese knots,” Zhao Yue said, looking up at Du Ruosong.

“Coming!”

Seeing more and more customers coming into the store, Du Ruosong was no longer listless. He rolled up his sleeves and was full of energy. In less than two hours, they had exceeded their task, selling a full ten thousand euros worth of instruments.

At this time, Su Wen and Old Sir Ma Liqing finally arrived late. Old Sir Ma Liqing took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead and said cheerfully, “You’re here to get the task too?”

Ji Wei bowed slightly. “Old Sir, we’ve already finished our task.”

Ma Liqing was speechless.

Su Wen was speechless.

[Hahahahahahahahahahaha, this is the first time I’ve seen the unflappable Teacher Ma Liqing with this expression.]

[So tragic, so tragic, the Old Sir is about to cry.]

[Can everyone please respect the model worker group? I won’t laugh unless I absolutely have to. I’ll start, you all can do as you please.]

Thanks to Ji Wei, even though the live broadcast equipment was down for over an hour, they finished filming two hours ahead of schedule. Qi Ke returned everyone’s phones and wallets. Ji Wei didn’t know if it was his imagination, but when it was his turn, Qi Ke’s attitude towards him was extremely respectful. “Mr. Ji, here are your phone and wallet.”

It was as if he were treating some important figure. Ji Wei felt a little creeped out. “You can just call me Ji Wei.”

“Okay, Mr. Ji Wei.”

Qi Ke’s tone became even more respectful.

Ji Wei was speechless.

“Qi Ke, come here.”

Hearing someone call him, Qi Ke trotted away, leaving Ji Wei sitting on a small stool. He opened his phone and was surprised to find that his Weibo followers had increased from 150,000 to 1.2 million.

Ji Wei thought for a moment, then closed his phone. Someone must have bought followers and entered the wrong account number… How could an obscure streamer like him have so many followers?

Suddenly, Ji Wei heard a commotion behind him. He turned around and saw Assistant Director Zheng scolding someone. “I told you to book an eight-seater SIENA, why did you book a seven-seater?”

It sounded like it was about the car rental. Apart from him and Old Sir Ma Liqing, everyone else had schedules to keep. Renting a car in Nice required an advance booking. A mistake in the booking would delay their schedules, so it was no wonder Assistant Director Zheng was angry.

Ji Wei moved closer and was surprised to find that the person being scolded with his head down was actually Qi Ke. Qi Ke had taken good care of him during the filming. He was about to speak up and mediate when Qi Ke shot him a look, telling him not to say anything. He thought about it and held back. He was just a streamer. It didn’t matter if Assistant Director Zheng didn’t give him face, but he was afraid he would take his anger out on Qi Ke.

“You graduated from a third-rate university. Don’t you know how incompetent you are? You’re so careless. One day, when your mother dies, will you also get the medical bill wrong…”

The scolding was too harsh. Ji Wei pursed his lips and took a step forward. But he was blocked by a tall figure, which cast a deep shadow over his face, as if he were in darkness.

Lu Shenxing had arrived. His presence was so powerful that the previous clamor turned into dead silence. Assistant Director Zheng, who had just been so bossy, didn’t dare to say a word. He stood with his head down, not daring to look him in the eye.

Ji Wei couldn’t see Lu Shenxing’s face, but he could hear that the man’s voice was no longer gentle and smiling, but filled with a rare coldness. “Why don’t you continue?”

“Continue.”

Lu Shenxing was naturally aloof, but the intensity of his features usually masked this coldness. Hearing his words, Assistant Director Zheng was so scared he didn’t dare to say another word. “Film Emperor Lu, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have disturbed your rest over such a small matter.”

Ji Wei took a step forward and said, “Since it’s a small matter, let’s just let it go. If there’s not enough space, we can just squeeze in.”

Assistant Director Zheng lowered his head and said, “Yes, yes, yes,” his expression as humble as could be. Seeing that Lu Shenxing didn’t say anything further, he turned and left.

Qi Ke looked up, his eyes glistening with tears. He said sincerely to the two of them, “Thank you so much.”

Ji Wei waved his hand and pointed at Lu Shenxing. “I didn’t do much to help.”

Lu Shenxing glanced at the young man and shook his head. “There’s no need for thanks.”

But Qi Ke insisted on bowing to them.

After parting with Qi Ke, Ji Wei and Lu Shenxing walked towards the car to the airport. He slowed his pace and asked in a low voice, “Can I ask why you helped Qi Ke?”

Although he was a fan of Lu Shenxing, he had to admit that his idol wasn’t a particularly warm-hearted person. In his eyes, only acting mattered. This could perhaps be considered a form of indifference.

“He wasn’t the one who booked the car.”

Lu Shenxing’s eyes lowered slightly.

“Are you talking about Assistant Director Zheng?” Ji Wei instantly understood. “He reprimanded Qi Ke in front of so many people. It turns out he was looking for a scapegoat. Qi Ke was clearly working very hard, following the photographers and busy with everything.”

It wasn’t easy. Lu Shenxing helped him… because of pity, right? Ji Wei thought to himself.

Unexpectedly, the man nodded gently. “There are many people like that in the entertainment industry. They may be unknown for their entire lives, but the prosperity of this industry is built by them.”

It wasn’t pity, so there was no need for Qi Ke’s thanks. Ji Wei stopped. He realized that he didn’t seem to know the man in front of him at all. Not at all.

Ji Wei looked at Lu Shenxing’s back and asked, almost subconsciously, “How long… do you think it takes to get to know someone?”

“If it were me—” The man stopped and turned around, looking at him seriously, his voice laced with a smile, “it would probably take a lifetime.”