Being the Diva’s Rumored Girlfriend [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 8

At the city’s major airport, a group of people holding orange light signs looked around anxiously.

Most of them were young girls who, despite the sweltering summer heat, had crowded near the passageway, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of their beloved idol.

The ones at the front, armed with high-powered cameras, had arrived more than three hours early, stubbornly holding their ground in case Mu Yunshu’s schedule changed unexpectedly.

“Why hasn’t Mumu shown up yet?”

“Boarding isn’t for another half hour—she’ll probably be here soon.”

“Ugh, I dragged myself out of bed at 5 a.m., and there’s still so many people ahead of me!”

“Girl, you’re slacking—the front row got here at 4.”

“Damn, that’s dedication!”

About a hundred drowsy fans chatted idly, their arms sore from holding up the signs but unwilling to lower them, desperate to be the first their idol noticed.

Just as the crowd was relaxing into conversation, someone suddenly shouted, “Mumu’s here!”—and instantly, chaos erupted.

“Ahhhh! Mumu, look over here!”

“Born for Mu, Mu’s grace! AHHHH—wait, who’s that with her?”

Those in the front row had a clearer view, and several die-hard fans immediately lost it.

“That’s Mi Man!!!”

“What?!”

“And they’re holding hands!!!”

“Waaah, let go of our Mumu’s hand, you little—AHHHHHH!!!!”

As Mi Man stepped inside, she saw a crowd gathered near the security area—clearly a send-off group. A closer look at the signs confirmed they were all for Mu Yunshu, unmistakably her companion’s fans.

But…

The once-friendly girls had twisted into snarling, clawing figures, baring their teeth at Mi Man like a pack of provoked cats.

Mi Man instinctively shrank back, tempted to turn and flee, but Mu Yunshu pulled her close.

Their hands tightly clasped, Mu Yunshu glanced at the fans and paparazzi before whispering to Mi Man, “Wave with me in a bit.”

Mi Man shook her head fearfully. “They—they won’t hit me, will they?”

Mu Yunshu laughed softly. “No, the security’s here.”

The fans watched, heartbroken, as Mu Yunshu walked past them hand-in-hand with Mi Man, her smile radiant.

“Wuuuuh, Mumu’s smile is so sweet—she’s never smiled like that before.”

“As much as I hate to admit it… they kinda look good together???”

“Shut up, I’m starting to imagine things!!!”

“Ahhh, the images are coming—go away, go away! Mumu belongs to all of us!”

Amid the wailing, Mi Man kept glancing back as they headed toward the boarding gate.

Though most of the crowd shot her hostile glares, this was her first time experiencing a fan send-off—even if none of them were actually there for her.

Still, it was the thought that counted.

Her eyes sparkled with fascination until the crowd faded from view.

Mu Yunshu slowed her pace, recognizing the wonder in the girl’s gaze and not wanting to interrupt it.

“Fun, isn’t it?” she said casually, still holding Mi Man’s hand.

Mi Man snapped back to reality, her cheeks slightly flushed as she apologized for her momentary distraction. “Sorry, this is my first time seeing someone off at the airport. I was just curious…”

Star Girls was a relatively unknown girl group that rarely appeared in public except as a full ensemble. Aside from Cheng Jing, the main dancer, the other members’ names were practically unheard of—so obscure that even if mentioned, no one would recognize them.

Mu Yunshu glanced at her, the corners of her lips curling slightly. “It’s alright. You’ll get used to seeing this often.”

Mi Man didn’t quite understand what she meant but obediently refrained from asking further.

It wasn’t until they boarded the plane that the two finally released each other’s hands.

Mi Man looked at her slightly sweaty palm, carefully wiping it before whispering to Mu Yunshu beside her, “Will filming start right after we land?”

Mu Yunshu replied, “Not entirely. The crew will pick us up at the airport, and they’ll film some footage along the way.”

According to the script sent by the production team, the first segment would involve following Mu Yunshu and Mi Man as they disembarked, then boarding the crew’s vehicle to pick up the other two pairs of guests.

After listening, Mi Man blinked. “Everything’s planned out so thoroughly.”

She had assumed most of it would be improvised and had spent the previous night nervously overthinking it.

Mu Yunshu couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s earnest expression. “It’s usually improvised, but the general flow needs to be clear. After all, reality shows are made for the audience—certain things still need attention.”

Mi Man nodded seriously, mentally taking notes.

“Mi Man,” Mu Yunshu gazed at her, speaking slowly, “Once we start filming, there might be round-the-clock shooting. There are a few things you should know.”

Mi Man: “Go ahead.”

Mu Yunshu’s eyes flickered. “From now on, whether in public or private, you should call me ‘Yunshu,’ not ‘Teacher.’ And I’ll call you Manman or Mi Man.”

It was just a matter of addressing each other, so Mi Man nodded. “No problem.”

Mu Yunshu’s eyes flickered again. “Since the target audience for reality shows is mostly young people who enjoy sweet romance, we should interact more.”

“Interact?” Mi Man tilted her head. “How?”

When it came to interaction, Mu Yunshu was an expert.

She reached out, took Mi Man’s hand from the armrest, and brought it to her lips.

Her amber-like eyes, deep and luminous, locked onto Mi Man, making her heart skip a beat.

Mu Yunshu’s lips brushed against the back of her fingers, sending a tingling sensation through her.

Especially when she spoke, the warm, damp touch made Mi Man’s skin prickle all over…

“There’ll be a lot of little gestures like this later,” Mu Yunshu said, releasing her hand and tilting her head. “Just go with the flow.”

Mi Man froze, belatedly flushing red. “O-okay…”

The assistants sitting nearby couldn’t help but roll their eyes—their boss really had no regard for public displays of affection, even with so many people around!

Having gotten her fill, Mu Yunshu leaned back in her seat, satisfied.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Mi Man, still flustered, and couldn’t help but feel delighted. But as a top-tier celebrity, she couldn’t let her emotions show so easily.

The smile must be natural, absolutely natural.

Mu Yunshu adjusted her hat, covering the corners of her lips that she couldn’t suppress from curling upward.

————————

Stepping off the plane, Mi Man was once again met with the chaotic airport scene—cheers turning into sobs—leaving her both awkward and flustered.

She didn’t quite understand why these fans were so emotionally charged, but as long as no one threw rotten eggs at her, she was satisfied.

At the entrance, she encountered the crew from The Most Authentic You reality show. The moment two or three cameras suddenly swung toward her, Mi Man’s heart leaped into her throat.

Fortunately, Mu Yunshu was used to this. She exchanged a few casual words with the director, easing Mi Man’s nerves before the two boarded a double-decker luxury van together.

Filming continued inside the vehicle, but thanks to Mu Yunshu deliberately engaging her in conversation, Mi Man didn’t feel too tense.

Her gaze wandered to the various photos plastered along the van’s interior, sparking her curiosity.

Noticing her interest, the director in a sunhat smiled and explained, “These are group photos from the first two seasons’ guests.”

Mu Yunshu glanced at them casually and chuckled. “I recognize quite a few familiar faces.”

“That’s right. This is your first time joining our show, isn’t it, Yunshu?”

“Only because I never had the chance before.”

After all, the show exclusively featured couples—how could Mu Yunshu, who had always been single, participate?

“But now that you’ve brought your girlfriend, we’re thrilled. I bet the other guests are just as curious.”

The director’s words sent a fresh wave of tension through Mi Man. She could already feel her palms growing clammy again.

Just then, Mu Yunshu reached over and clasped her sweaty hand.

The warmth instantly dissolved much of Mi Man’s fear. She looked up at the woman before her, unsure how to react.

“It’s Manman’s first time on a variety show, so she might be a little nervous,” Mu Yunshu said gently. “Relax—everyone here is very kind.”

Mi Man tightened her grip on Mu Yunshu’s hand and nodded.

After a brief Q&A with the director, the van arrived at the hotel where the other guests were staying. Once they were picked up, the vehicle headed toward the scenic outskirts of the city.

For the next month of filming, everyone would be living and interacting together, so introductions were lively once they boarded.

Of the other two couples, one was a pair of A-list celebrities who had just tied the knot earlier that year. Both women were household names, and after a decade-long relationship, they had finally found happiness together. This show marked their first project post-honeymoon.

The other couple was a middle-aged pair hailed as the epitome of marital goals. The husband, a former megastar, had retired from the spotlight years ago, so his sudden appearance with his wife on the show had caused quite a stir.

Seeing these familiar faces up close—whether the newlyweds or the veteran couple—only amplified Mi Man’s sense of pressure. Their fame far eclipsed hers.

By the time they reached the countryside villa, everyone disembarked.

“That’s all for today,” the director announced to the six of them. “Yunshu and her girlfriend just got off a flight and must be exhausted. We’ll start filming tomorrow—rest up tonight.”

While the other two couples were assigned suites, only Mi Man and Mu Yunshu got separate rooms.

“After all, premarital cohabitation isn’t encouraged these days. To avoid the show getting reported, you’ll be staying in adjacent rooms,” the production staff member arranging accommodations said to Mu Yunshu. “If you need anything, just call us.”

After seeing off the staff, Mu Yunshu turned to Mi Man and said, “Get some proper rest.”

Mi Man nodded and carried her luggage into the room.

Looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings, Mi Man slowly exhaled in relief. Though small, the room was tastefully decorated with particular style—something she found quite appealing.

‘Ding—’

Her phone chimed with a notification at that moment.

Mu Xiaoxiao: Settled in yet?

Mi Man replied: Just got assigned my room

Mu Xiaoxiao: Give it your all during filming! I think Mu Yunshu treats you really well—the way she doted on you at the airport was so convincing I’d have believed it if I didn’t know the truth

Mi Man: What? You were at the airport too?

Mu Xiaoxiao: No, but it’s all over the internet. Honestly though, even if you and Mu Yunshu develop real feelings, that’s fine. No need to keep chasing after someone unattainable

Mi Man knew exactly who she meant. After a long pause, she typed back: Thank you

As for Mu Yunshu… someone that extraordinary had never even crossed her mind.