The Trash A Really Doesn't Want to Go Viral [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 16

The gentle slope of the beginner’s ski run made it relatively easy to learn as long as one paid attention to the proper techniques.

After being guided by Jiang Musheng three times, Yu Youqing could now manage to ski a short distance slowly on her own. Just then, Yang Yang waved her phone outside the camera frame, seemingly needing Jiang Musheng for something.

Yu Youqing quickly said, “Teacher Jiang, you should take a break first.”

Jiang Musheng nodded, took the phone handed to her by Yang Yang, and saw Lin Xuqiao’s name on the screen.

“Why did you go film that show again? Weren’t you supposed to spend this week with me?” Lin Xuqiao’s voice sounded anxious, and before Jiang Musheng could respond, she continued, “What should I do? Xu Liyu said she’s going to the bar with me tonight. What should I talk to her about?”

“…” Jiang Musheng fell silent for a moment, never expecting Lin Xuqiao to call during filming over something so trivial. “Don’t you know how to talk normally?”

Lin Xuqiao: “It’s different now! You’re usually around when I talk to her.”

“Then talk the same way you do when I’m there,” Jiang Musheng replied lazily, her attention fixed on a distant figure. “Just treat it like talking to a friend.”

“But my intentions aren’t pure—I can’t just treat her as a friend.” Lin Xuqiao sighed on the other end. “Never mind, you wouldn’t understand. You’ve never pursued anyone before. I won’t bother you anymore—go back to filming.”

Jiang Musheng suddenly said, “Wait.”

“?”

“If someone usually doesn’t act a certain way but is overly polite and formal toward… a friend of mine, what does that mean?” Jiang Musheng frowned as she spoke.

Lin Xuqiao let out an intrigued “Oh?” and asked, “She’s not usually polite? Toward you?”

“It’s my friend… That’s not what I meant. She’s usually more straightforward.” Realizing she had said too much, Jiang Musheng cut to the chase. “Just answer the question.”

Lin Xuqiao said, “Isn’t that just how you’d treat a stranger?”

Then she asked, “Who is it?”

After a long pause, Jiang Musheng replied, “Busy. Hanging up.”

“…”

–

Yu Youqing was still concerned about Jiang Musheng’s hands, so as soon as she returned, she asked, “Teacher Jiang, aren’t your hands cold? I saw you took your gloves off while on the phone.”

Jiang Musheng shook her head, then looked up at her. Yu Youqing felt a bit puzzled and touched her face to make sure nothing was on it before saying, “Teacher Jiang, don’t forget to apply that ointment until it heals.”

Remembering that Jiang Musheng had given it to her before they left, she felt guilty. “Ah, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have said I was thirsty. I’m sorry, Teacher Jiang.”

Jiang Musheng lowered her gaze slightly, as if completely unfazed. “Thank you. You’re very considerate.”

“I’m nowhere near as thoughtful as you…” Yu Youqing felt embarrassed—she hadn’t even thought to prepare something like that. She exhaled a white puff of breath and said, “It’s only natural to care about you, Teacher Jiang.”

Yu Youqing had only learned the basics and could now ski a little on her own. She insisted Jiang Musheng stay put and just watch from the side. Noticing Jiang Musheng walking a bit slowly, Yu Youqing worried she might be cold and boldly urged, “Teacher Jiang, hurry up! I’m about to ski.”

Jiang Musheng suddenly turned and glanced at her, saying, “You don’t need to take care of me like this.”

Yu Youqing: “Huh?”

She paused, realizing she’d called her “Teacher Jiang” countless times in just this short hour—probably annoying her. She quickly nodded, “Alright, I won’t say it anymore.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Jiang Musheng’s brows furrowed before relaxing, seemingly amused. She sighed, looking somewhat helpless, then bent slightly to adjust Yu Youqing’s ski poles and posture. Straightening up, she met Yu Youqing’s gaze at eye level, her expression earnest and focused.

Her voice was soft, spoken close to the ear, sending a faint electric current through Yu Youqing.

“I mean, let me be the one to look after you. Just ski ahead without fear, alright?”

Yu Youqing, dazed, followed up with, “Then… what about me?”

“You?” Jiang Musheng gently brushed aside the stray strands of hair that had fallen across Yu Youqing’s face and chuckled. “Just focus on trusting me.”

–

Back at the campsite, Yu Youqing hurried into her room.

After confirming the cameras were off, she flopped onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow for a long while, as if Jiang Musheng’s words still echoed in her ears.

Had she… done anything wrong?

She lifted her head, yanked off her hat haphazardly, and ran her fingers through her messy hair.

Which strand? Or which clump? Which part of her hair had Jiang Musheng touched?

She searched until two strands accidentally pulled loose into her palm snapped her out of it—what was she doing? Jiang Musheng had barely touched her hair for half a second, yet here she was, feeling… flustered?

After that brief contact, Jiang Musheng had gone ahead to wait at the finish line. For the first time, Yu Youqing hadn’t paid attention to her footing, her eyes fixed on Jiang Musheng ahead, and she actually made it to the end without falling.

Honestly, skiing hadn’t felt like much of an achievement.

But seeing Jiang Musheng waiting for her inexplicably filled her with energy, making her want to reach her as fast as possible.

Was it the cold? Whenever Jiang Musheng looked at her, Yu Youqing had the illusion that this person was exceptionally tender and affectionate, stirring an impulse in her to draw closer and soak in that warmth.

Finally, she murmured to herself, “No wonder she was voted the most desirable alpha to marry.”

Even she had nearly faltered, losing her usual composure.

–

By the time the show wrapped up, heavy snow had started falling again. When they were leaving, Li Rongcheng’s attitude toward Yu Youqing had completely changed from when she first arrived.

During farewells, seeing Li Rongcheng speaking with Jiang Musheng, Yu Youqing went inside alone to pack her suitcase. The others’ cars had already arrived, but hers was delayed. Tiantian said she’d called, and they’d have to wait a bit longer.

At that moment.

Jiang Musheng glanced inside through the car door and was about to leave when a voice called out, “Teacher Jiang.”

She looked up to see Liang Yitang standing before her, her face flushed with obvious shyness. After hesitating for half a second, she mustered the courage to speak. “Could I have your contact info? I don’t mean anything by it—I’m just really grateful for your guidance during the show. Once we’re back, there might be chances to collaborate, so it’d be nice to stay in touch.”

Jiang Musheng held a small vial in her hand—the special stabilizer Li Rongcheng had given her before leaving.

“Are you really not planning to go back home? I heard your grandmother’s health has declined quite a bit.” Li Rongcheng was aware of Jiang Musheng’s family situation. Seeing that she remained silent, he sighed and said, “Well, never mind. What’s done is done. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you meet someone suitable, you should give it a try. Don’t let past disappointments close you off from love forever.”

“Professor Jiang? Are you listening to me?”

A faint, distant smile appeared on Jiang Musheng’s face. “No need for gratitude.” She didn’t take out her phone, making her refusal clear.

“Is that a no, Professor Jiang…?” Liang Yitang sounded dejected. Remembering what Li Rongcheng had said yesterday about compatibility scores, she hesitated for a moment before tugging lightly at Jiang Musheng’s sleeve.

In the past, compatibility scores had been the ultimate deciding factor in partnerships—after all, it was an attraction rooted in genetics. But now, more and more people prioritized social status and personal choice. Couples with low compatibility could still spend their lives together out of love.

Liang Yitang believed her family background was decent, and her reputation in their circles wasn’t bad either. Couldn’t she at least try to win Jiang Musheng’s favor?

Tentatively, she said, “Actually… I don’t really care about compatibility scores.”

“Oh?” Jiang Musheng’s voice turned icy as she subtly pulled her sleeve back. “But I do.”

Liang Yitang had been outright rejected, her pride stung. She quickly retreated to her car.

But I do.

Yu Youqing had been moving slowly toward the exit, but she still heard those words.

She had already packed up, but when she saw Jiang Musheng and Liang Yitang talking outside through the glass—and Liang Yitang actually touching Jiang Musheng’s sleeve—she knew she shouldn’t step out just yet.

Liang Yitang had approached with her phone out, likely asking for Jiang Musheng’s number.

And she had been turned down.

Yu Youqing looked down at her left hand. Yes, she had been about to do the same foolish thing—go up to Jiang Musheng and ask for her number.

Ugh.

The next second, she swiftly stuffed her phone back into her pocket, pretending nothing had happened.

She wasn’t about to overestimate herself.

Compatibility scores were practically mystical these days. Finding someone with a score above sixty was already considered a match made in heaven. With Jiang Musheng’s status and looks, Yu Youqing doubted anyone could measure up.

And if Jiang Musheng cared so much about compatibility… wasn’t she doomed to be alone forever?

Sigh.

Why was she even worrying about this?

Yu Youqing walked up to Jiang Musheng, but before she could say goodbye, she noticed Jiang Musheng was now holding her phone.

They stared at each other—Yu Youqing at Jiang Musheng, Jiang Musheng at Yu Youqing.

Yu Youqing’s gaze dropped to Jiang Musheng’s hand, still gripping the phone. Jiang Musheng gave a slight nod, about to open her WeChat—

“Professor Jiang, aren’t your hands cold?” Yu Youqing suddenly realized what felt off and promptly shoved both Jiang Musheng’s phone and hand back into her coat pocket. “You should be careful.”

“……”

Yu Youqing flashed an innocent smile. “Professor Jiang, I’m heading out now. See you later.”

“Wait.” Jiang Musheng stopped her, her lips pressed into a tight line. Still, she opened the car door for her. “I’ll drive you. Come with me.”

“Ah?” Yu Youqing felt too embarrassed and quickly said, “No need, my car will be here soon.”

“It won’t come.” Jiang Musheng stared at her, her eyes filled with unfathomable emotions.

Yu Youqing didn’t understand, but Tiantian hurried over with her phone and said, “What do we do now, Youqing? The driver said someone rented his car, so he’s not coming to pick us up!”

Yu Youqing immediately looked at Jiang Musheng suspiciously: “?”

Can you predict the future?

Jiang Musheng hadn’t expected Tiantian to still be keeping Yu Youqing in the dark. Her throat tightened, and she turned her gaze toward Yangyang.

Yangyang immediately straightened up: “Oh, I heard… heard from another driver. They’re from the same fleet, right? Said the other side offered triple the price, so they canceled on us. So unprofessional.”

Only then did Jiang Musheng smile again: “Yes, so unprofessional. So, let me take you to the airport, okay?”