Chapter 6: Challenging the Superstar’s Live Broadcast

That night, in order to greet his son with a fresh face the next morning, Xie Yunze went to bed early. However, Kong Miao and the others were a bit restless, genuinely curious about Xie Yunze’s son—a true superstar. It was their first time meeting someone whose child was a celebrity.

The following morning, Xie Yunze woke up early and changed into a clean black T-shirt paired with matching black sweatpants. After all, carrying bricks at a construction site didn’t require dressing up. Having handed his black card to the butler, he was too lazy to fuss over his appearance. He simply tied his hair back with a small leather band, revealing a flawless, jade-like face that hardly looked like someone working at a construction site.

Kong Miao also obediently got up early, cleaned himself thoroughly, hoping to make a good impression if he met Xie’s son.

Shortly after the two at the factory had risen, a knock sounded at the door.

Two knocks—Kong Miao opened it to find Aston, who had brought their meals the night before. Aston was now the wealthy owner of Golden Jade Hall, yet still insisted on personally driving over to deliver meals to his master every time, showing utmost diligence.

“Master, your breakfast is ready.”

Xie Yunze nodded, and Aston quickly placed each carefully prepared dish from the Golden Jade Hall chefs onto the table. As a butler, it was his duty to attend meticulously to his master.

“Xiao Miao, come eat.”

Kong Miao had also joined Xie Yunze for meals the previous night, though he felt a bit embarrassed at first. Since he had given all his money to Xie and had none left to buy food, he could only be pulled along to eat. Today they had a live broadcast and had to carry bricks together, so Kong Miao wanted to prove himself by working hard, not worrying about manners as he sat down obediently.

The breakfast was rich—pastries, side dishes, and porridge—all colorful, fragrant, and delicious. Xie Yunze ate until full, leaving the rest for Kong Miao, who was still hungry.

“We have a live broadcast today. Aston, no need to come with the meals anymore. Just send restaurant staff instead. Also, send meals for ten people—lunch and dinner—just vary the dishes.”

Xie Yunze instructed his butler, thinking Aston wasn’t useless after all; his ability to acquire the restaurant showed potential.

“Yes, Master, I will arrange everything properly.”

Aston immediately agreed. Though he felt a bit sad not to personally serve the three daily meals, his master’s orders were absolute.

This earned Aston a look of approval from Xie Yunze, which quickly brightened Aston’s emerald eyes with a smile. Seeing his master pleased, he boldly said, “Master, your black card is with me now. Idle money is a loss. May I manage your remaining nine hundred million in assets? Rest assured, I will handle your wealth carefully.”

Huh? The butler was thinking that far ahead?

Xie Yunze glanced at Aston in surprise but, considering he probably wouldn’t spend much soon, nodded.

“Alright, feel free to use the money on the card. I trust you.”

Aston’s eyes sparkled even more, thinking of the enemies lurking in the shadows. He vowed to earn more for his master, helping him reclaim everything rightfully his!

“Yes, Master! Aston will not fail your expectations and is willing to go through fire and water for you!”

???

What are you saying? I only asked you to make some money, not go through fire and water!

Xie Yunze quickly withdrew his admiring gaze, once again reminded that this system-provided butler was probably cheap and problematic.

Kong Miao silently ate nearby, but hearing how casually Xie Yunze entrusted Aston with managing nine hundred million made him think his master’s identity must be even more impressive. And the butler seemed remarkable too!

[Notification: Kong Miao’s trust level +1000!]

...

Hearing the system’s alert, Xie Yunze glanced at Kong Miao, who was still focused on his meal, wondering what wild thoughts he had this time—better not say anything.

After breakfast, Aston quietly left. Shi Hongju, Li Dongfeng, and Zhang Liang came over to find them. As the five gathered, the production team’s staff arrived.

Yesterday, when the “Challenge the Superstar” crew came to install surveillance, they needed to find partners for five celebrities to work with on the construction site. They just happened to meet Xie Yunze and the others. The week-long live broadcast promised each participant ten thousand yuan, as appearing on camera was difficult for some.

Xie Yunze, with his small braid and a face rivaling any entertainment star, working on a construction site, immediately caught the crew’s attention. Kong Miao and the others were considered extras. When they heard about the ten thousand yuan, they were excited but didn’t immediately agree.

They looked to Xie Yunze first. Once he nodded, they consented and, with his help, signed contracts with the crew, payment to be settled after filming.

The “Challenge the Superstar” team noticed this small group seemed led by Xie Yunze, growing curious about this worker, sensing the story would be interesting. Thus early this morning, the staff hurried over.

“Let’s head to the construction site. The stars have already gone there to wait. When you arrive, introduce yourselves, then each of you will be paired with a star to carry bricks. The crew will provide a small cart for each pair. Treat these stars like your regular coworkers.”

The staff led the five toward the site, explaining as they walked. At the third phase of the Yaojun Mansion construction site, many crew members were already filming. The area was cordoned off by the production team, with only vehicles transporting bricks and cement allowed inside to prevent accidents.

Among the five stars participating in “Challenge the Superstar” were the four members of the SK boy band and Kang Bing, a well-known and highly respected host from CCTV, who came to oversee the site and take care of these young men who had just reached adulthood.

At exactly 7 a.m., the live broadcast began, coinciding with the typical start of many workers’ days. However, today was chosen specifically because it was a Saturday, making it easier for SK’s fans to watch the entire live show.

“Hello, everyone! Welcome to ‘Challenge the Superstar.’ I’m your old friend Kang Bing! Today, we’ve invited the hottest and most youthful SK boy band members to take on this week’s challenge. Do you know their names?”

Without looking at a script, Kang Bing smoothly started the opening, the camera panning over the four SK members standing beside him.

They wore simple but stylish workout uniforms specially prepared by the crew. Though they were here to carry bricks and couldn’t be too flashy, their star aura remained.

As the camera swept over them, each introduced himself.

“Hello! I’m Chu Yiming of the SK boy band. I’m very happy to join ‘Challenge the Superstar,’ and I hope to gain more strength during this week’s challenge!”

Chu Yiming wore a steady red tracksuit. With light makeup, he resembled a beloved doll parents would admire during celebrations—his gentle smile and curved eyes utterly charming.

“Hello to everyone watching ‘Challenge the Superstar’! I’m Jin Fei of SK! I will challenge myself to the fullest!!!”

Jin Fei, clad in pink, radiated youthful energy with two adorable dimples that made him irresistibly cute.

“I’m Xiao Zhe from SK. Honored to join ‘Challenge the Superstar.’ I’ll work hard.”

Xiao Zhe’s blue tracksuit matched his quiet, cool demeanor, causing fans in the live chat to scream with excitement.

Finally, Bai Yucheng, wearing orange, smiled warmly as he greeted the audience.

“Hi everyone! I’m Bai Yucheng of SK. ‘Challenge the Superstar’ is a challenge to myself! I will succeed!!!”

The youthful passion and vigor of these boys was unmatched by anyone older. Kang Bing smiled brightly, watching them. SK boy band members excelled at singing and dancing, but most importantly, they were strikingly handsome—each could be a display doll in a shopping mall window, truly a feast for the eyes.

After their introductions, Kang Bing continued seamlessly.

“I’m sure many watching love these SK boys! They debuted two years ago among 101 contestants, and through perseverance and effort, earned their fame. They love their stage and are loyal to their dreams. For them, the entertainment stage is both dream and work.”

“Today, they will take on a completely different job—brick carrying! The crew has arranged for five workers from the site to lead us during the week. Each will become your teacher, showing you how to work on the construction site. We hope this experience will help everyone better understand the diverse jobs shaping our society today…”

Kang Bing’s hosting was always reliable, skillfully stirring the live audience’s energy. Although it was just after 7 a.m., over three hundred thousand fans were already tuned in. Since the “Challenge the Superstar” show had announced SK’s participation more than two weeks ago, fans were eager to boost the ratings.

[CrazyDanceElf: Ahhh! My Yiming is so handsome today! Little brother, you’re so cute! Let me kiss you!!!]

[Junny: Boohoo! My Jin Fei looks like a pink little cake today! So delicious! Let me kiss you!]

[Fanyu: Xiao Zhe is the most handsome! Hubby is the most handsome! Honey, that blue tracksuit looks amazing on you! Go hubby!!!]

[Luoluo: Ahhh Bai Yucheng! Mommy loves you! Mommy doesn’t want you to carry bricks. If I could, I’d carry them for you!!!]

The fans of these four were already screaming wildly in the live chat. Since it was Saturday, many were free from work or school, happily watching these clean-cut, handsome boys on their phones.

After Kang Bing finished outlining the show’s purpose, the staff brought Xie Yunze and the others on stage. Compared to Li Dongfeng, Shi Hongju, and the others, who fit the common image of brick carriers, Xie Yunze stood out. Even in simple black clothes, his face instantly drew all eyes.

At a construction site, his long hair loosely tied back revealed an immaculate, pale face with sharp brows and starry eyes—handsome to the point of disbelief. He looked less like a laborer and more like a royal figure deliberately placed by the production team.

The SK boys immediately fixed their gaze on Xie Yunze, stunned by the ‘brick carrier’s’ looks. They quickly realized he might be a planted ‘royal’ member, so their expressions remained neutral. Only Kang Bing was surprised that such a handsome man would be found carrying bricks on a construction site.

With looks like that, he could debut as a star. How did he end up here?

Only Kang Bing knew “Challenge the Superstar” had no royal plants.

“These five brick carriers will be your guides and teachers for the tasks ahead. Could this teacher introduce himself?”

Kang Bing’s emotional intelligence was exceptional. Even though they were laborers, these men would be called ‘teachers’ by their apprentices. Li Dongfeng was momentarily stunned, blushing before waving his hands.

“No need to call me teacher. I’m Li Dongfeng. I know you, Host Kang Bing. I love watching your ‘Extreme Challenge’ show. I’m older than you—forty-two this year—so just call me Old Li.”

Not daring to let a famous host call him ‘Brother Li,’ Li Dongfeng felt a bit awkward after his introduction.

“Thanks, Brother Li, for liking my show. How about the gentleman next to you?”

Kang Bing’s easy manner made Li Dongfeng smile sheepishly.

“I’m Shi Hongju, forty-three years old, and I have a sixteen-year-old daughter.”

Shi Hongju smiled foolishly at the camera, hoping his daughter would see him on TV.

“I’m Zhang Liang, thirty-nine.” Zhang Liang looked timid before falling silent as the camera shifted.

This time it focused on Kong Miao. Though nervous, he felt less so thinking of Xie Yunze nearby and dryly introduced himself.

“My name is Kong Miao, eighteen years old. I—I will teach you how to carry bricks well.”

He glanced covertly at the SK boys, thinking all four were very handsome but couldn’t tell which one was Xie Yunze’s son.

Finally, the camera settled on Xie Yunze’s face. Already handsome, his mature, rugged features appeared even more striking under the lens. The gentleness shaped by years was evident, stunning many SK fans.

Host, what did you say? This person is a brick carrier?? Are all brick carriers that good-looking?

Facing the camera, Xie Yunze smiled softly, gentle as water.

“I’m Xie Yunze, thirty-nine years old, a brick carrier. I’m happy to teach you all how to carry bricks.”

???

Brother, are you joking? With a name like that and a face like yours, you tell me you’re a brick carrier?

The live chat exploded! People immediately suspected the show’s authenticity. Which brick carrier looks like this? Do you think we’re fools to be fooled by some planted royal? We see right through it!

Kang Bing also grew suspicious, glancing at the production staff with mixed feelings.

Could Xie Yunze be some relative secretly placed by the crew?