Before Going on a Variety Show, the Actress Lost Her Memory - Chapter 28

Yun City, often called the “Southern Paradise,” lies in the southwestern frontier, blessed with exceptional natural conditions, a pleasant climate, and stunning scenery.

Its cuisine is equally unique. Though initially perplexing, those who taste it are often captivated by its rich and complex flavors.

Each group of guests returned to their rooms to rest, with the livestream continuing. Viewers watching Yu Wenyu and Xi Xiuyun’s stream soon realized the production team was up to something again.

A staff member approached the pair with an envelope labeled “Mission,” explaining nervously:

“This isn’t a mission, per se. Our show focuses on relaxation, so it won’t be anything too challenging.”

Yu Wenyu remained skeptical. Under her suspicious gaze, the staff member handed the envelope to Xi Xiuyun, saying:

“This is the theme for this episode. You two can plan your three-day itinerary however you like, as long as it incorporates the theme at some point. Enjoy your trip!”

With that, the staff member quickly retreated.

Xi Xiuyun tore open the envelope and walked over to read the mission with Yu Wenyu. A few lines were written on the stationery:

“I never truly understood what love meant. The dramatic separations in movies, the perfect family reunions in novels, the quiet ordinariness of everyday life—they say love comes in countless forms.

I used to think the word ‘love’ was nothing more than ink on paper, a mere record in books. But the moment I met you, the mountains and rivers surged, fireflies whispered, and every living thing in the world seemed to possess emotion in my eyes.

Perhaps it was a single glance in a sea of faces, or a chance encounter, that planted the seed of ‘heartbeat’ in my heart. From then on, every time you looked at me, my heart pounded like a drum.”

“‘First Encounter’ is this season’s theme. We believe you both have vivid memories of your first meeting.

Over the next three days, please choose a time to create something together—a craft, a dish, a dessert, or any item that symbolizes the feelings you shared during your first encounter.”

Accompanying the Rest of Our Lives is both a travel show and a couples reality program. While showcasing scenic beauty through the camera lens, it also uses missions to help couples deepen their understanding of each other.

The earlier missions and activities were primarily designed to enhance the show’s entertainment value or serve as “fan service.” However, as the actual travel began, the show’s main purpose became clearer.

“The production team actually has some skills. At least they’re providing some real value, not just riding the coattails of a few top-tier celebrities.”

“To be honest, Accompanying the Rest of Our Lives is quite popular, being the first domestic variety show featuring a same-s3x couple.”

“The show started too strong by immediately inviting Yu Wenyu and Xi Xiuyun. Whoever secured them both was guaranteed a hit.”

“What I’m really curious about is why they agreed to join the show. They’re not short on money or exposure. And if Xi Xiuyun invested, wouldn’t that be their own money? Paying to travel? What’s their angle?”

“Honestly, I was puzzled at first too. Given their status, they really shouldn’t need to be on a variety show. Plus, they’ve been rejecting variety show offers for years. Suddenly accepting this one is definitely worth pondering.”

“As a longtime fan of Yu Wenyu, I think everyone’s overthinking it. There’s no need for conspiracy theories. They’ve been married for three years, and during that time, they’ve barely released any new work.”

The film being released was one they had shot before getting married, but it had been shelved. Due to constant cuts, it was almost impossible for it to compete for major awards.

Best Actress Xi had already reached a peak. In China, there were few actresses under 30 who could compare to her. The only one who came close was her wife.

The gist of the previous comment is correct, but I’ll add some details. Yu Wenyu isn’t someone who gives up easily. When she first debuted, she was incredibly ambitious, juggling so many projects that her assistant couldn’t keep up.

A friend of mine who used to be Yu Wenyu’s assistant told me that Yu Wenyu had health issues and pushed herself while taking medication.

She only stopped working after a medical checkup when the hospital warned her she needed to be hospitalized.

She’s probably preparing to take on new roles now, so she’s testing her physical limits by appearing on variety shows first.

Yu Zai has health issues??? Holy crap, I’m such a fake fan—I had no idea! I always thought she was in perfect health.

An industry insider here: her health is genuinely poor. She can’t even stay up late. You can imagine how damaging those years of filming must have been for her body.

……

After reading the letter, Yu Wenyu pondered for a moment before taking the envelope and tucking it away. She said, “Hmm… this might be a bit tricky. When we first met, I was five and you were seven. What kind of romantic feelings could there have been then?”

Xi Xiuyun didn’t reply. Although she hadn’t consciously considered romantic feelings at the time, she had indeed realized from a very young age that her feelings for Yu Wenyu were different from those she had for others.

“Sister Xi, I’m starving! Let’s go eat first. I remember Yun City’s ethnic cuisine is supposed to be famous. Let’s try some!” Yu Wenyu recalled a time when she had filmed a scene in Yun City and tasted the local dishes, which had left a lasting impression on her.

Xi Xiuyun raised her eyebrows slightly, noticing Yu Wenyu’s bright, sparkling eyes and radiant smile, filled with anticipation. Perhaps carried away by her earlier excitement, Yu Wenyu had unconsciously tugged at the corner of Xi Xiuyun’s sleeve and now shook it gently, awaiting her response.

Xi Xiuyun had never been able to resist Yu Wenyu’s smile. Whenever Yu Wenyu smiled, Xi Xiuyun couldn’t help but smile back, completely abandoning her usual aloof demeanor.

Xi Xiuyun took Yu Wenyu’s hand, which had been tugging at her sleeve, and pulled out her phone to search for nearby restaurants. “Alright, alright, I’ll take you,” she replied. “Make sure you eat plenty later. Otherwise, when we go back in a few days, Mom and Dad will scold me for not taking good care of you.”

They had already put away their luggage. Technically, they should have eaten on the plane, but Yu Wenyu had been craving the local food so much that they had only grabbed a quick bite to tide them over. Now, with the clock approaching one o’clock, it wasn’t too late for a proper meal.

“That’s an exaggeration,” Yu Wenyu said, walking beside her. “Mom and Dad will only praise you, never scold you. It’s my parents who should be scolding me—not only am I not working after getting married, but I’m not even cooking for you.” As she spoke, she leaned closer to the camera and whispered conspiratorially, “Actually, it’s because she won’t let me cook. I feel like she’s spoiling me rotten.”

Xi Xiuyun couldn’t help but chuckle at Yu Wenyu’s “secret” to the camera. She gently tugged her back, both to avoid blocking the camera’s view and to keep her from walking into things. “I work hard precisely so you don’t have to do housework,” she said. “You’re not suited for it, and you shouldn’t have to.”

“But cooking isn’t housework to me,” Yu Wenyu said. “To me, cooking for you is one of life’s joys.”

A suspicious blush crept across Yu Wenyu’s face, but admitting shyness wasn’t her style. She merely turned her head to the side, tilted her chin slightly, and huffed with mock arrogance, “Hmph, I’ll grudgingly let you pass this time. The audience is watching, after all. It’s not like I asked you to cook.”

Xi Xiuyun had anticipated this response, but Yu Wenyu’s cuteness still made her chuckle softly. She discreetly squeezed Yu Wenyu’s hand.

Yu Wenyu pursed her lips, flustered again, and “threatened,” “What are you laughing at? Didn’t you volunteer?”

Xi Xiuyun’s smile widened. “No, I’m just charmed by this adorable little ghost.”

Yu Wenyu: “Hmph~”

“You two are going to give me diabetes! Just kill me now to spice things up for you.”

“Best Actress Xi deserves her wife. Who wouldn’t swoon at those sweet words?”

“Romance is always better when you’re watching someone else’s. Waaah, these two are masters of romance!”

“Who keeps saying Best Actress Xi is aloof? Look at her now, acting so cheap! The moment Yu Wenyu asks her anything, she turns the answer into a love confession.”

“‘Cute ghost’? Who gets my reference? Best Actress Xi actually said that! And calling your wife ‘cute ghost’? Only you could pull that off, Xi Xiuyun.”

“Youth has no price, just a little praise for my wife.”

“……”

The show’s original intention was to ensure the guests had no material worries. With the added sponsorship from a car company, each pair was provided with a vehicle, though the producers didn’t expect them to recite promotional slogans.

Instead, the show aimed for subtle product placement, integrating the cars into the guests’ daily lives without intrusive advertising—a method both the guests and viewers appreciated most.

Yu Wenyu sat in the car, staring at Xi Xiuyun, who was staring back without starting the engine. She didn’t immediately react until she saw Xi Xiuyun’s reproachful gaze, and then it clicked.

“No, we’re filming right now. You need to set a good example.” It wasn’t that she truly objected, but Yu Wenyu felt awkward about being seen holding hands while driving on camera.

“It’s one thing on a normal day, but this is a bit risky. We don’t want to give anyone a reason to criticize Xi Xiuyun later.”

Xi Xiuyun pursed her lips and remained silent, her gaze fixed on Yu Wenyu. She even blinked her eyes in a way that seemed to ask, “Are you really sure?”

Yu Wenyu nearly relented under that gaze, quickly averting her eyes. Xi Xiuyun is getting better and better at manipulating me, she thought.

“Aww, if I said no, I meant no. Just focus on driving. I’ll give you a reward after the show today, okay?”

In the end, Yu Wenyu couldn’t resist Xi Xiuyun’s pleading look and gave in.

A triumphant glint flashed in Xi Xiuyun’s eyes as she curled her lips into a sly smile, abandoning her earlier pitiful expression. “The audience is watching, you know. Don’t try to weasel out of it later.”

Yu Wenyu: …Why does that sound so familiar? Damn it, I fell for it again! QAQ

Despite the tight schedule, the restaurant was conveniently located nearby. Less than half an hour later, they arrived. As Yu Wenyu stepped out of the car, the restaurant’s architecture struck her as oddly familiar.

After a moment’s thought, Yu Wenyu realized this was the same restaurant she had eaten at years ago. But back then, time had been tight, and Yu Wenyu had been filming a drama.

Strictly managing her figure, she had only dared to taste a small bite. How could Xi Xiuyun possibly know the name of a restaurant even Yu Wenyu herself hadn’t remembered?

Yu Wenyu looked at Xi Xiuyun and asked, “How did you know about this place? I was wondering why you decided so quickly.”

Xi Xiuyun replied as they walked, “When you got home that day, you told me you’d eaten at an incredibly delicious restaurant.

Unfortunately, you only dared to taste a little, but you said you wanted to come back with me when we had time to visit Yun City again. The only problem was, you couldn’t remember the name.

Later, I had my assistant contact the director of your drama and ask for the address of the group dinner that day.

So, when I found out this show was bringing us back to Yun City, I thought about bringing you here. I didn’t expect you to mention wanting ethnic cuisine before I even had the chance.”

Xi Xiuyun spoke calmly, as if she weren’t the one who had remembered every word Yu Wenyu had said. But Yu Wenyu’s heart was stirred by a wave of complex emotions.

A casual remark she had made years ago had been remembered and acted upon by Xi Xiuyun. Yu Wenyu was overwhelmed by the weight of this realization.