Chapter 60: Every Star Has an Actor's Dream

Xie Zhiyuan took a step back.

She had thought that Xu Yunzhu was simply desperate to ingratiate herself, but she hadn't expected Pei Qiaonian to be willing as well, and even to have married. Pei’s mother had never mentioned this to her.

Clenching her fists, Xie Zhiyuan felt a surge of shame and anger at being deceived. She looked coldly at Pei Qiaonian, "Are you pleased with yourself? Do you really think a man like that would be sincere with you? He’s only interested because you’re young — it’s just a game to him. What do you have that’s worth his attention? Just that face. I hope when you finally fall, you can still smile so happily."

With that, she left.

Pei Qiaonian: "?"

What was this?

So, to outsiders, he was just some heartless scoundrel?

Just a game? He hadn’t even played.

Pei Qiaonian had no idea that, in other people’s eyes, he was seen as this rotten and wicked person. Would uttering his name be enough to stop a child’s tears? He was speechless.

When he returned to the camera, Gu Qi was irritated with him.

Unable to hold back, Gu Qi rolled his eyes, "There’s no need to document my romance with Zhiyuan. We’re really sweet together."

For once, Xie Zhiyuan didn’t play along, but said, "I don’t think we’re right for each other."

It was only the second day, and already a guest had voiced incompatibility with their partner. Of course, Xie Zhiyuan wasn’t part of the entertainment industry, so she spoke her mind directly when uncomfortable.

The other two pairs were from show business and wouldn’t be so blunt.

And Xie Zhiyuan’s family was no less well-off than Gu Qi’s — possibly even better — so she wasn’t afraid to offend him.

Gu Qi was hurt by her words, his gaze fixed fiercely on Pei Qiaonian.

Definitely her fault.

Originally, Xie Zhiyuan had felt quite good about him. After the two disappeared for a while and returned, she had lost all patience with him.

He marked Pei Qiaonian down in his mind, then proceeded to coax Xie Zhiyuan as if nothing had happened; anyone who didn’t know better might think he truly loved her.

[Comment: Wow, Gu Qi must really be in love, right? Miss Xie clearly said she wasn’t suitable, but he still acts so nonchalant and goes to comfort her.]

[Of all three couples, this one is actually the sweetest. Gu Qi carries Xie Zhiyuan’s bag whenever they go out, wipes their seats clean with a napkin, always finds water for her when she’s thirsty, and even says goodnight outside her door every night. Plus, Gu Qi’s not bad-looking — pretty handsome, and rich. If it were me, I’d be hooked!]

[Don’t dream, upstairs. Look at Xie Zhiyuan’s background. Gu Qi’s just a second-generation demolition kid; he has to try hard to win her over. Maybe this show will really create a few couples.]

[By the way, what did Xu Yunzhu and Xie Zhiyuan do while they were gone for so long? Why is nobody asking? Xie Zhiyuan’s expression changed when she returned — first time seeing the refined Miss Xie look like that.]

The first to enjoy a free meal was Yan Feixing.

He didn’t try to get a free meal by showing off his talents like the others, but instead helped an elderly grandmother on a nearby farm. Overjoyed, she cooked for him herself.

He pulled Pei Qiaonian along, "Yunzhu, let’s eat together — don’t go hungry."

Pei Qiaonian’s face darkened, "Let go of me. Men and women should keep their distance."

Pulling and tugging like this — what was he thinking?

Yan Feixing: "???"

What era was this? He was only holding his wrist!

Seeing his strong resistance, Yan Feixing released him.

Sigh.

What was he to do, now that he liked him even more?

Other female stars would practically throw themselves at him, trying to cling to him, but Xu Yunzhu was clear-headed and independent, completely different from other women, as if untouched by the world of fame and fortune — it made him want to cry!

Then Pei Qiaonian noticed, to his surprise, that Yan Feixing was not angered by his attitude but became even more enthusiastic.

It was… absurd!

At that moment, the comments read:

[Please, production team, Yan really loves her. Bring Xu Yunzhu on as a guest and let them be together, please!]

[Hahaha, Xu Yunzhu’s reaction cracks me up. She’s terrified of men getting close. What is her style, anyway? Heartless? Loveless?]

[I suddenly think those who used to criticize Xu Yunzhu must be blind. She’s not leeching off anyone! Yan Feixing goes out of his way for her, and she doesn’t even want him.]

[This woman is so clear-headed and sharp-tongued, straight to the point. I suddenly switched from being Ning Qinghuan’s fan to neutral. She is a bit forced.]

[Are you really a fan? No one who likes Qinghuan would turn into a hater over something so trivial. She’s already explained it wasn’t intentional. What more do you want?]

Pei Qiaonian had no idea he was changing Xu Yunzhu’s reputation.

At least now, no one was calling for Xu Yunzhu to leave the industry.

Since tomorrow was the last day, Director Xu approached Pei Qiaonian ahead of time to discuss renewing his contract and becoming a regular guest.

Pei Qiaonian refused outright.

He had no desire to spend time with Pei Jin and Ning Qinghuan — it was simply unpleasant.

Director Xu hadn’t expected such a resolute refusal.

This was an opportunity for him. Didn’t he want to advance?

He was stunned, but the more obstinate Pei Qiaonian was, the more Director Xu wanted him to stay. "Xiao Xu, think about it. This is an opportunity for you. Your reputation online is changing, and participating in the next recording could get you more resources and more chances to rise."

Pei Qiaonian frowned, thinking, then looked up, "Can I act in dramas?"

Director Xu: "?"

He hesitated.

Did Pei Qiaonian not know his own status?

But in Pei Qiaonian’s eyes, he saw genuine hope.

Perhaps every celebrity dreams of being an actor.

He cleared his throat, "Of course you can. I happen to know several directors. I can recommend you — with your current standing, getting a fourth or fifth female role shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t expect to be the lead; everyone starts with minor roles."

Pei Qiaonian was tempted.

He felt that participating in variety shows was pointless; only acting was a real challenge.

With a cold face, Pei Qiaonian agreed, "Alright, I’ll stay for another episode."

Director Xu: "..."

Why did it feel like he was begging him?

"I’ll send your agent the contract soon. Keep this under wraps for now," Director Xu said.

Pei Qiaonian nodded.

He heard that the next episode would be the survival edition.

This one was the cozy edition.

The guests were to familiarize themselves with each other first.

All in all, the next episode would be even more exciting.

Pei Qiaonian took a step, then paused, "Now that I’m officially a guest, remember to raise my pay."

Director Xu: "..."

How dare he make demands! How dare he!

Seeing he was merely giving instructions, Director Xu was left fuming.

At that moment, the assistant director approached, "Director Xu, I have candidates more suitable for the show. Why did you settle on Xu Yunzhu behind my back?"

He’d just arrived, catching Director Xu’s last sentence.

Director Xu, in a foul mood, glared at him, "Who’s the director here, you or me? Everyone wants to order me around — outrageous."