I Turned a Competitive Variety Show into a Dating Show - Chapter 42

After the fourth public performance, the number of contestants had dwindled significantly.

This wasn’t due to lack of talent leading to elimination. Rather, the contracts each contestant had signed varied, requiring them to log off at specific times. Those in the know understood the unspoken rules.

The audience and fans remained oblivious, but the contestants themselves were well aware. Some seasoned seniors only exerted themselves when the cameras were rolling, preferring to sit idle and motionless when not being filmed. Only Jian Zhi remained consistent, pushing herself to the absolute limit regardless of whether she was on camera, determined to deliver a satisfactory performance within the week.

Shi Xu was her exact opposite. She could effortlessly achieve the results that others required repeated practice to attain. If not for Jian Zhi’s subtle influence, she would never have pushed herself this hard.

After all, my contract guarantees me a spot in the finals. I just need to focus on doing my best. Why bother exhausting myself worrying about what everyone else is doing?

Yet every time she saw Jian Zhi drenched in sweat, her eyes burning with unwavering determination, a surge of passion would ignite within her, driving her to chase after Jian Zhi’s footsteps and strive to get closer to her.

With the start of the fourth public performance, the demand for solo shots and daily footage increased.

Frequent dormitory filming assignments drastically reduced their already limited time together, leaving Shi Xu furious for days, her face perpetually drawn.

Practice was exhausting enough, but being unable to cling to her sister for comfort made her feel like she was breathing sour air every day.

That evening brought another team selection round. Shi Xu held her breath, determined to crush the other “puppies,” and dove headfirst into Jian Zhi’s arms.

But the production team, those sly foxes, saw the Jian Zhi-Xue Qing CP gaining traction and schemed to push the two together. They abruptly changed the selection rules, causing Shi Xu to lose to Xue Qing by a single vote, dropping her to the next group and, “coincidentally,” pairing her with Shu Yueyao.

Their intentions were glaringly obvious. Shi Xu couldn’t even feign enthusiasm, maintaining a dark expression throughout, only curving her lips into a brief smile when Jian Zhi glanced her way.

Finally, the ordeal ended. Shi Xu’s heart raced with longing, determined to cling to her sister for comfort that night.

“Xiao Xu, why the long face?”

Shu Yueyao blocked her path, her voice gentle and her eyes curved into a smile, standing unnervingly close. Shi Xu’s expression cooled, her brow furrowing slightly as she took a step back.

“Do you need something?”

Shu Yueyao pouted coquettishly. “Can’t I talk to you just because I feel like it? We’re on the same team, and we’ll be together for a whole week. Don’t be so cold!”

She stepped forward and looped her arm through Shi Xu’s, leaning intimately against her shoulder as if they were the best of friends.

Shi Xu tried to pry her hand off, and Shu Yueyao yelped in pain but clung tighter, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face.

“I don’t have any romantic feelings for you,” Shu Yueyao said. “I just need you to help me boost my popularity. Everyone loves shipping couples these days, and it’ll give us both a boost. It’s not like it’ll hurt you, right?”

I’m already a pariah, Shi Xu thought. Do I really need to resort to this to get noticed? She gripped Shu Yueyao’s wrist, ready to pull away forcefully, when she spotted Jian Zhi standing nearby.

Jian Zhi’s gaze lingered for a moment on their intertwined arms before she turned and walked away, her expression unreadable. Shi Xu’s heart lurched. Abandoning all pretense of composure, she violently shook off Shu Yueyao and strode after Jian Zhi.

Shu Yueyao was nearly ten centimeters shorter than Shi Xu and much weaker. Having exerted all her strength to hold onto Shi Xu, she had no energy left to brace herself. The violent shove sent her flying, and she crashed awkwardly to the ground.

Seeing this, Le Yan, a singer on the same team, rushed over to help Shu Yueyao up, hesitating before asking, “Are you okay?”

Shu Yueyao shook her head, her eyes curving into crescent moons. “I’m fine, thank you, Yan Yan.”

Le Yan’s lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent. Having witnessed the entire incident, she felt it was best to keep her thoughts to herself.

Shu Yueyao lowered her head, the smile vanishing instantly, replaced by a flash of cold calculation in her eyes. As long as she achieved her goals, she would swallow even such humiliation without a flicker of emotion.

After years of clawing her way through the entertainment industry, she had seen every kind of filth and corruption, making her immune to such petty indignities. To survive in this world, talent was the least important factor. Unless you made a splash from the start, someone like her—without connections or backing—would spend her entire life wallowing in the mud.

Participating in this show was all about gaining fame. Whether through a breakout performance or any other means, she would seize any opportunity to rise to prominence. Mere dignity was a trivial price to pay for success.

Shi Xu ran over to Jian Zhi, asking with a smile, “Sister, are you leaving already?”

“Mm-hmm,” Jian Zhi replied flatly.

It’s over. She’s definitely angry. Jian Zhi always spoke this way, but Shi Xu noticed the subtle shift in her tone.

“She suddenly threw herself at me, hugging me and saying all sorts of nonsense. Weird, right?”

Jian Zhi glanced at her and said dismissively, “As long as you’re happy. You don’t need to tell me about it.”

Shi Xu looped her arm through Jian Zhi’s, only to be shrugged off. She tried again, and again, each time being rebuffed. Annoyed, Jian Zhi quickened her pace toward the exit, leaving Shi Xu to cling to her only after they were safely inside their dorm.

“She wanted to use me to promote the Shi-Shu CP, but I rejected her on the spot,” Shi Xu said, resting her chin on Jian Zhi’s shoulder, her voice tinged with hurt.

Jian Zhi remained silent for a long moment, neither pushing her away nor responding. After several minutes, she finally pried Shi Xu’s arms from around her waist, tossed her bag onto the sofa, and retreated to the bathroom.

Shi Xu scratched at the door like a puppy. “Sister, say something! Don’t ignore me.”

Everyone knew that puppies needed emotional feedback; cold treatment could kill them. Shi Xu couldn’t bear even a hint of indifference. To her, being ignored by Jian Zhi was worse than death.

She would rather Jian Zhi vent her anger directly, airing all her grievances. But when emotions were bottled up and silently digested, they festered into resentment.

What was acceptable before is no longer acceptable now, Shi Xu thought, scratching at the door again. Suddenly, the door swung open from the inside.

Jian Zhi looked at her and said, “Stop howling. It’s hurting my ears.”

Shi Xu immediately hugged her, nuzzling her head against Jian Zhi’s shoulder. “I barely talk to anyone on this show except Xue Qing. You know that, right?”

It was precisely because Jian Zhi knew this that she felt so disappointed. Seeing Shi Xu hugging someone else, her first reaction had been jealousy. Startled by the intensity of her own emotions, Jian Zhi had fled the scene.

Though she had prepared herself to accept Shi Xu, she hadn’t realized her feelings had already reached this depth. This unfamiliar emotion frightened her, causing her to instinctively withdraw.

Her silence wasn’t out of anger or anything like that; she simply didn’t know how to communicate with Shi Xu. After all, she had never felt this possessiveness toward anyone before.

Maybe having no romantic experience isn’t such a good thing after all, she couldn’t help but think.

“Are you still mad? What can I do to make you stop being mad?” Shi Xu asked pitifully, blinking her eyes.

Jian Zhi sighed softly and pushed Shi Xu’s head away. “I’m not mad. Just stop rubbing against me.”

Shi Xu’s eyes lit up, and it seemed like she had a tail wagging behind her. “Really? Really?”

“Yes, now get away from me,” Jian Zhi said, pushing her away, only to be hugged even tighter.

“Then Sister Lun is spoiling me!” Shi Xu immediately forgot her earlier grievances.

Jian Zhi tapped her forehead, her eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at her. Shi Xu avoided her gaze, murmuring softly, “You don’t even believe me… My heart hurts so much.”

Jian Zhi was speechless for a moment, but she softened her tone. “Don’t be angry anymore. I’ll take you out for something delicious tonight.”

Shi Xu sprang up from Jian Zhi’s embrace, her eyes sparkling. “Is this a date?!”

“Xue Qing is treating. She wants to thank you for lending her your bodyguard last time,” Jian Zhi said calmly.

I thought I’d finally melted this iceberg, Shi Xu thought, disappointed but quickly recovering. She stole a quick kiss on Jian Zhi’s cheek and darted away.

“Then you take a shower first. I’ll pick out something perfect for our date!”

Not a date, Jian Zhi thought to herself. But watching Shi Xu’s excitement, her own mood gradually brightened.

Shi Xu hummed happily as she skipped away. If she really had a tail, it would have been wagging so high it would have touched the sky.

Jian Zhi lowered her head and closed the bathroom door again. Shi Xu turned to look and couldn’t help but smile.

A full-length mirror stood against the wall, allowing her to see Jian Zhi’s expression. Seeing her smile instantly eased Shi Xu’s anxiety.

Xue Qing came to hurry Shi Xu as soon as she finished showering. She was wearing a daring slip dress, a stark departure from her usual style, creating an awkward impression like a child trying on adult clothes.

“Have you finally lost it?” Shi Xu asked, stunned.

Xue Qing glared at her, then walked over to Jian Zhi, lifted her skirt, and twirled. “Senior Sister, do I look pretty?”

Jian Zhi nodded. “Very pretty.”

“And do I look sexy?” Xue Qing’s large eyes brimmed with anticipation.

Jian Zhi paused for a full ten seconds before finally answering, “Sexy.”

Xue Qing’s face crumpled. She slumped dejectedly onto the sofa, sprawled against the backrest like a salted fish with no dreams.

“Why is it so hard to become sexy? Am I doomed to be cute forever?”

Shi Xu, drying her hair, casually remarked, “Transforming your style isn’t easy. Your current look is fine, isn’t it? Why force yourself to be sexy?”

“What do you know? That jerk went and found someone with b00bs bigger than my head! I’ve got to prove myself!”

Shi Xu glanced at her. “With your current assets, proving yourself won’t be enough. You’ll need a complete makeover.”

Xue Qing flipped up like a carp, glaring furiously at her. Shi Xu pretended not to notice, focusing on her own tasks.

“Senior Sister~” Xue Qing whined, clinging to Jian Zhi. “I’m your only junior sister! Are you just going to let her bully me like this?”

Shi Xu tossed a towel at Xue Qing’s face and walked over to hug Jian Zhi from behind. “Give up. I’m the one Sister loves most now.”

“That’s not true!” Xue Qing suddenly regained her energy, rushing forward to pry Shi Xu’s hands off Jian Zhi. “Senior Sister is mine! You little brat, stay out of our relationship!”

“We share a bed every night,” Shi Xu countered sharply. “You’re the third wheel in this house.”

The two women launched into a heated debate, leaving Jian Zhi trapped in the middle, feeling both helpless and strangely exhilarated. It was as if someone had pulled her from icy waters and left her to bake under the scorching sun until every last drop of moisture had evaporated, finally revealing her heart in its true form.

“Enough bickering. We’ll miss our appointment if we keep wasting time.”

Shi Xu immediately stopped arguing with her, but Xue Qing continued to grumble. Jian Zhi had to intervene again.

“Qing’er, let Shi Xu change first.”

Xue Qing glanced at her, then dramatically collapsed onto the sofa, sobbing pitifully.

“Even Senior Sister isn’t on my side! What’s the point of living? Waaah!”

Just as Jian Zhi was about to comfort her, Shi Xu pinched her chin and kissed her. The younger woman nuzzled against Jian Zhi’s ear, whispering, “Don’t worry about her, Sister. Just focus on me.”

By the time Jian Zhi turned around, Shi Xu had already gone to change, a smug smile playing on her lips, making no attempt to hide her mischievous intentions.

At the restaurant, Shi Xu finally understood why Xue Qing had acted so out of character, wearing clothes that clashed horribly with her usual style.

At the next table sat Xia Li, facing a voluptuous, influencer-type woman. Xue Qing snorted coldly, thrust her chest forward, and deliberately dragged her chair back with a loud scrape as she sat down, her eyes stabbing Xia Li with daggers.

Previously, Shi Xu had only known that Xue Qing had been cheated on, not who the other woman was. But now, the atmosphere, combined with Xue Qing’s earlier descriptions, made everything click into place.

She turned to look at Jian Zhi, who gave a barely perceptible nod, as if she knew what Shi Xu was thinking.

Though Xue Qing maintained a composed facade, it was all a bluff. She had been visibly downcast since sitting down, lacking her usual liveliness.

“Hey, are you really upset over some blind, tasteless guy?”

Xue Qing immediately retorted, “You think she’s blind too, right? That girl isn’t even a tenth as pretty as me!”

This time, Shi Xu didn’t argue. Though she didn’t judge people by their looks and actively avoided competing with other women, she knew that Xue Qing’s ex-girlfriend didn’t fall into that category.

“Am I really prettier than her, Senior Sister?” Xue Qing slumped again.

Jian Zhi gently squeezed her hand and said softly, “Qing’er, don’t waste your tears on someone who isn’t worth it. You gave so much to this relationship. The fault lies with him, not you.”

After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “As long as your conscience is clear, that’s all that matters.”

Shi Xu felt her own mood darken, wondering if Xue Qing’s gloom was contagious. She secretly took Jian Zhi’s hand, gently scratching her palm when Jian Zhi tried to pull away.

Jian Zhi glanced at her, her gaze softening as she met Shi Xu’s crescent-moon-shaped, glass-like eyes. The chaotic thoughts in her mind immediately quieted.

Xue Qing, as if injected with adrenaline, slammed her hand on the table and stood up, grabbing her water glass and striding toward Xia Li. Jian Zhi immediately hissed, “Stop her! If she gets slapped, it’s over!”

Shi Xu verbally agreed but actually gripped Xue Qing’s hand, preventing her from rising. Only after Xue Qing had already splashed the water did Shi Xu leisurely stand up, feigning surprise. “Oh dear, too late!”

The influencer stood up, her voice shrill. “What do you think you’re doing? Do you believe I won’t expose your dirty secrets?!”

Xue Qing scoffed coldly, casually grabbing the red wine bottle in front of her and drenching the influencer’s face. “I forgot about you, you screeching chicken! One slap for the b1tch, two for you, you utter trash!”

Xia Li wiped the water from her face, her gaze fixed on Xue Qing. She seemed to relish the two women fighting over her. Under that intense stare, Xue Qing turned to meet her gaze. Xia Li’s face lit up, and she was about to call out “Qing’er” when she was suddenly drenched in red wine.

“Don’t call me by that name, it’s disgusting!”

Having been humiliated repeatedly, Xia Li finally lost her composure. She seized Xue Qing’s hand, her expression dark. “I’ve tolerated your behavior countless times. Aren’t you taking this too far?”

“What are you backing down for?” the influencer chimed in, fanning the flames. “Everyone’s practically shitting on your head, and you’re not even standing up for yourself?”

Xia Li gripped Xue Qing’s wrist tightly, her voice cold as ice. “You’ve vented your anger. Shouldn’t you apologize to us now?”

Xue Qing winced in pain, but she lacked the strength to break free. “Let go of me! You’re the one who’s done wrong! Why should I apologize?”

Xia Li showed no remorse, her gaze unwavering. “At least apologize to my companion. She has an event to attend later, and you’ve ruined her dress. How is she supposed to go on stage now?”

Jian Zhi moved to help Xue Qing, but Shi Xu pressed her back down. This was too trivial for her sister to get involved in.

With long strides, Shi Xu moved behind Xue Qing, seized Xia Li’s wrist, and squeezed hard. Xia Li cried out in pain and released her grip. Xia Li glared at her, but Shi Xu returned the look with defiant eyes.

Xia Li knew who Shi Xu was. No matter how resentful she felt, she had to swallow her anger.

“Teacher Xia, you’re renowned in the industry, and countless people seek collaborations with you. It seems your character doesn’t quite match your professional reputation.”

Xia Li’s face paled, and she rushed to explain, but Shi Xu impatiently cut her off.

“Enough with the empty words. I hope you’ll keep a low profile from now on and stop showing up to annoy us. Otherwise…”

She trailed off, leaving the threat unspoken.

As she turned, she glanced at the influencer, whose face was contorted with anger, and sneered, “You can buy a hundred of these knockoffs for a hundred yuan. Our time is precious, and the time you’ve already wasted is more than enough to compensate for your dress.”

The influencer immediately turned to Xia Li, her voice shrill, “Is this a fake?”

Xia Li, unwilling to lie to Shi Xu, lowered her voice and said, “Stop making a scene. We’ll discuss this later.”

Shi Xu scoffed coldly, “Brainless,” and returned to her seat with Xue Qing.

From the moment they sat down, Xue Qing stared at Shi Xu, her gaze unwavering even after all the dishes had been served. As Shi Xu picked up a piece of sea cucumber to give to Jian Zhi, she met Xue Qing’s gaze.

“Stop staring. You’ll burn a hole in my face if you keep looking like that.”

Xue Qing: “How did you manage that?”

It wasn’t me. It’s the Shi and Gu conglomerates backing me that make her so wary. But there was no need to tell Xue Qing that. Once this blabbermouth found out, the whole world would know by tomorrow.

“Maybe my personality is just more intimidating,” Shi Xu mused.

Xue Qing muttered to herself, half-believing, “Is that so? Then I should work out more.”

Jian Zhi leaned in slightly and whispered, “Thank you.” Shi Xu smirked, replying in an equally low voice, “Words aren’t enough. I’ll collect my reward tonight.”

Jian Zhi’s breath hitched, her ears flushing crimson.

After venting her frustrations, Xue Qing felt refreshed and ravenously hungry. She devoured the jumbo shrimp without a shred of dignity. Just then, her friend Jiang Yang called via video. Afraid Jian Zhi might misunderstand, Shi Xu flipped the camera to introduce them properly. When the lens landed on Xue Qing, her cheeks were puffed out, her eyes slightly dazed.

Jiang Yang burst out laughing. “What did you say her name was?”

“Xue Qing,” Shi Xu replied, “Xue as in Xue Rengui, Qing as in clear. You can find her online.”

“Got it,” Jiang Yang said, her gaze lingering on the ravenous Xue Qing, her smile widening.

Shi Xu sensed trouble and quickly switched the camera back to herself, warning Jiang Yang in a low voice not to get any ideas about Xue Qing. Jiang Yang brushed it off with a joke, but behind Shi Xu’s back, she was already scheming to get Xue Qing’s contact information.

By the time they returned, it was nearly midnight. Xue Qing followed them all the way to their dorm room. Before Shi Xu could tell her to leave, she grabbed Jian Zhi and planted a fierce kiss on her lips.

“Senior Sister, thank you!”

Shi Xu immediately pulled Jian Zhi into her arms, wiping the kissed cheek. “Don’t get any crazy ideas, or I’ll fold you up like a flip phone.”

Xue Qing suddenly leaned in, asking, “Jealous? Want a kiss too?”

Shi Xu froze for a second, then dragged Jian Zhi inside, slamming the door shut and locking it.

Xue Qing pounded on the door, her voice teasing, “Really not going to let me in?”

Shi Xu hugged Jian Zhi tightly, nuzzling against her. “Sister, did you hear? She tried to force a kiss on me! It was so scary.”

Jian Zhi patted her back. “She was just joking.”

“Still scary! I’ve never been touched by anyone but you, Sister.” Shi Xu buried her face in Jian Zhi’s neck, deliberately blowing warm air against her skin.

Jian Zhi stiffened, jerking her head away, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s late. Let’s wash up and go to bed.”

“Will you sleep with me, Sister?”

“Aren’t you hot?”

Shi Xu shook her head frantically, clinging tighter. “You’re so cool, Sister. It’s so comfortable to sleep with you.”

In reality, she always kicked off the covers from the heat. Jian Zhi had noticed this several times but chose to ignore it.

Jian Zhi pushed Shi Xu away to change clothes, but Shi Xu followed her, tugging at her sleeve and asking, “Can’t I?”

“Go wash up first,” Jian Zhi said calmly. “Be done in ten minutes.”

Shi Xu knew this was her compromise and scurried into the bathroom, tail wagging. Jian Zhi watched her shadow through the frosted glass door and sighed softly.

Is this the right thing to do? Shi Xu claimed she’d never been in love. Could she be confusing friendship with romance? Should I tell her that friends don’t cling to each other in bed every night, or kiss and hug so often?

Never mind. If she asks why I’m only saying this now, I wouldn’t know how to answer.

Even though Shi Xu always pestered her like a clingy child, Jian Zhi had gradually moved from initial resistance to acceptance, and now she even enjoyed it.

Shi Xu might just be acting childish, but Jian Zhi definitely wasn’t treating her like a friend.

If they were to be honest, Jian Zhi, as the older one, was the one who stood to lose more.

Jian Zhi quickly finished vaping and ambushed Shi Xu with a kiss. Then she sat obediently on Jian Zhi’s bed, saying, “Go wash up quickly. I’ll wait for you.”

She wore a silk nightgown that clung to her skin, accentuating her toned physique. Her long legs were bare, slender yet strong. Her damp, tousled hair framed her face, the overgrown bangs partially obscuring her eyes, giving her an untamed, feral look untouched by the polished artifice of the entertainment industry.

Noticing Jian Zhi staring, she shook her head, sending her thick, dark hair into even more disarray, making her head look fluffy like the fur of a Czech wolfdog.

Jian Zhi’s heart skipped a beat. Before Shi Xu could ask what was wrong, she rushed into the bathroom, slamming the door a little too hard.

“Did I do something wrong again?” Shi Xu murmured to herself.

When she emerged from the shower, a small dog was waiting for her on the bed. Jian Zhi had barely lifted the covers when she was pulled into Shi Xu’s arms. The dampness of her skin turned sticky, and the breath behind her ear seemed to quicken.

“Sister, give me my reward.”

Jian Zhi had completely forgotten. She ducked her head slightly and said, “Do you really remember that so clearly?”

“I helped Xue Qing get rid of her unwanted admirer and even offended Xia Li. Don’t I deserve some compensation?”

Even though offending Xia Li was about as consequential as a fish losing its bicycle, she still felt entitled to claim credit where it was due.

Hot breath sprayed against the back of Jian Zhi’s neck, making her flinch. Shi Xu pressed closer, leaving no space between them.

After steadying her breathing, Jian Zhi turned her head and pecked Shi Xu’s lips, a fleeting kiss that lasted barely a second.

“That’s enough. Don’t say it’s not enough.”

“Mmm~”

With her escape route blocked, Shi Xu searched for another opening. She grabbed Jian Zhi’s hand and squeezed it playfully, saying, “Sister, your hands are so small.”

Jian Zhi: “……”

Her hands were simply slender, with skin stretched taut over bone. They were anything but small.

“Sister, you smell so good,” Shi Xu added, upping the ante.

Jian Zhi: “………”

Seeing Jian Zhi’s continued lack of reaction, Shi Xu decided to turn up the charm even more. “Sister…”

“Shut up. Don’t say another word,” Jian Zhi interrupted, her voice tinged with exasperation. “Stop picking up these ridiculous things online.”

“Eh? You know about that?”

“I’m not a cavewoman, you know.”

Jian Zhi’s helpless tone was utterly endearing. Shi Xu couldn’t resist nipping her neck, startling her into a yelp.

“Consider this my thank-you gift. I won’t leave any marks.”

Jian Zhi’s eyelashes fluttered as she whispered, “Okay.”

After the bite, Shi Xu obediently fell asleep, deliberately keeping her breathing light. Though the two women were a bit warm pressed together, it was still bearable, and Jian Zhi felt a deep sense of security in their embrace.

Behind her, Jian Zhi heard the steady rhythm of Shi Xu’s breathing and felt the calm beat of her heart through her chest, gradually syncing with her own. Soon, Jian Zhi also drifted off to sleep.

When she woke up, trouble had already found her again. Shi Xu was so furious she rolled around on the bed in frustration.

Thanks to Shu Yueyao’s antics, the Shi-Shu CP was trending again. When Shi Xu woke up, Jian Zhi was holding her phone, playing Shi Xu’s song. Shi Xu felt a secret thrill until she saw the headline: “Shi-Shu CP: Sweetness Overload!” She immediately froze.

She tiptoed toward the edge of the bed, but sensed an intense gaze burning into her back, as if two holes had been seared through her skin.

Turning cautiously, she found Jian Zhi staring at her with a dark, unfathomable expression. Though it seemed like her usual demeanor, it radiated an indescribable sense of pressure.

Shi Xu immediately cowered, throwing herself onto Jian Zhi’s lap and vehemently declaring, “It has absolutely nothing to do with me! Is it trending? I’ll call right now and have it taken down.”

“Forget it,” Jian Zhi said, pushing her off the bed. Her slender back radiated an aura of unapproachability. “It’s the audience’s choice. The more you try to suppress it, the more they’ll rebel. Just let it run its course.”

Shi Xu didn’t try to explain further. Instead, she pulled out her phone and checked. Sure enough, it was trending again, near the top.

Just as she was about to call Shi Mu, Shi Mu called first.

“Shi Xu, if you don’t want to stay in the industry, go back to China.”

Shi Xu’s entire body stiffened. She instinctively straightened up into a proper kneeling posture and whispered, “Big Sister, why are you calling?”

“That’s none of your concern. Just tell me, can you keep out of trouble?”

The voice on the other end was flat and emotionless, and Shi Xu could practically picture her Big Sister’s perpetually expressionless face.

“It’s not that I’m causing trouble! Someone’s trying to frame me!”

“Then you’re just bad at avoiding risks. If you’re this incompetent, why are you even in the entertainment industry?”

Shi Xu: “Even though it’s the truth, it still hurts so much ╥_╥”

A rustling sound came from the other end of the line, followed by Shi Mu’s gentle voice: “Don’t be so harsh on the child. She’s still so young; it’s normal for her not to understand the wickedness of people’s hearts.”

Hearing her Second Sister’s voice immediately put Shi Xu at ease.

“Xiao Xu, I’ll handle this for you. But you need to be more careful in the future and not let yourself be taken advantage of again.”

“Okay, Second Sister. I love you!”

Shi Mu paused, then gasped sharply before hanging up.

Shi Xu looked up and saw Jian Zhi standing by the wardrobe, her expression unreadable.

“Sister~~~”

Shi Xu clung to her like an octopus, wrapping her arms and legs around Jian Zhi.

“Let go. I can’t change my clothes like this.”

“Then have you forgiven me?”

“You haven’t done anything wrong. There’s nothing to forgive.”

Shi Xu blinked, her glass-like eyes clear and pure, reflecting her sincere heart. Jian Zhi saw herself reflected in those eyes—distant and cold, clearly not alright. Only then did she realize how poorly she was managing her expressions.

Shi Xu hugged her tightly and pecked her lips. “Then let me hug you, Sister, to heal my wounded heart. Being taken advantage of is so annoying! And we still have a whole week left together… just thinking about it makes me feel suffocated.”

Her voice was full of grievance, her expression equally pitiful, like a puppy scolded by its owner. Jian Zhi’s eyes flickered, but she ultimately yielded to her instincts and wrapped her arms around Shi Xu.