The Trash A Really Doesn't Want to Go Viral [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 26

“I—I wiped my hands clean.”

After instinctively blurting this out, Yu Yousheng belatedly held her breath: “!!!”

Wasn’t this basically admitting it outright?!

Wait a minute…

Jiang Musheng didn’t seem to be blaming her, did she?

Yu Yousheng finally snapped out of it. “Teacher Jiang, you’ve dealt with President Ye before too?”

“Mhm, his behavior isn’t exactly a secret.”

Yu Yousheng’s voice suddenly rose. “He wasn’t trying to force himself on you, was he?! Then punching him once and slapping him wasn’t enough!”

“He doesn’t have the capability for that.” Jiang Musheng couldn’t help but chuckle, the exhaustion from a long day dissipating in Yu Yousheng’s tone. “Not enough?”

“Yeah, that scumbag bullied my best friend before. I beat him up just like I did today.” Now that Jiang Musheng already knew, Yu Yousheng saw no point in hiding it.

Tonight, Ye Miaoyi was dealing with the Ye family, so there was no time for a long chat. The only other person who knew about this was Liang Yitang, and Yu Yousheng certainly wasn’t going to confide in her.

Even in the past, she had always acted within the persona her company crafted for her, never doing anything so reckless. Honestly, she felt pretty exhilarated.

Jiang Musheng’s call had come at an oddly perfect time. Her tone was gentle, and she didn’t seem in a hurry to hang up, which gave Yu Yousheng an unexpected urge to open up.

As she took out the ointment and set her phone on speaker, Yu Yousheng asked, “Teacher Jiang, you don’t seem the least bit upset that I hit someone?”

Jiang Musheng replied, “Why would I blame you? I just wanted to tell you that next time, you don’t have to act so hastily.”

“Huh?”

“If you need help, you can just tell me. Wouldn’t it be better if I sent a professional with you instead of you doing it yourself?”

The way Jiang Musheng said it sounded so indulgent.

Yu Yousheng couldn’t help but smile. “You really believe in me that much? But I saw comments saying it couldn’t possibly be me—after all, no one would believe someone who used to be so immature would suddenly do something so righteous.”

Jiang Musheng said calmly, “But I believed you.”

Yu Yousheng’s hand froze.

Jiang Musheng… seemed to be telling her that she didn’t need to dwell on the past.

Was she comforting her?

“There’s just one thing I want to ask. Since you stood up for Liang Yitang, you might make a lot of enemies. Are you really okay with that?” Jiang Musheng asked.

Yu Yousheng replied, “I didn’t do it for Liang Yitang—I did it for my best friend. It’s a bit complicated… but I definitely didn’t do it for Liang Yitang! She was just incidental.”

After a pause, Jiang Musheng laughed softly, as if relieved.

Yu Yousheng asked, “Was that why you called me just now?”

“Mhm. I won’t be back tonight, so I called to make sure you were safe getting your things alone.” Jiang Musheng’s voice was gentle. “It’s late. Get some rest. Nothing will happen.”

Ahhh, Teacher Jiang really was the most considerate landlord ever.

After hanging up, Yu Yousheng carefully applied the ointment and went to bed in high spirits.

The next morning, she was jolted awake by a barrage of calls.

“Was that you in last night’s video, sis?!!”

Yu Youqing rubbed her ears and moved her phone a few centimeters away. “You woke me up from my dream just for this?”

“Just for this?! This is huge! Why on earth would you stand up for Liang Yitang?” Tian Tian was utterly baffled.

Yu Youqing replied lazily, “You must have mistaken someone else for me.” She glanced at her phone—after a whole night, the videos and gossip accounts had already disappeared. According to her plan with Ye Miaoyi, if no news broke by the next morning, it meant Ye Miaoyi had successfully negotiated with the Ye family and secured Wind in exchange for Ye Jibai.

Tian Tian pressed, “You’re still hiding it from me? You’re the artist I manage—how could I not recognize you? Even if the video’s gone, I know it was you! Though it’s been suppressed, every entertainment company is discussing it internally. And I couldn’t possibly mistake Liang Yitang—she’s always had it out for you.”

Yu Youqing said, “As long as the matter is resolved now, that’s all that matters. Did I cause any trouble for the company?”

“Don’t say that—no trouble at all! I just wish you’d told me so I could’ve helped. This morning, people were still talking about how the person in the video must’ve been a close friend—ridiculous!” Only when Yu Youqing yawned on the other end did Tian Tian finally remember her main point. “Remember when we signed the contract and discussed building you an alpha persona? Before the video was deleted, it was trending hard. A lot of people said that punch looked totally alpha.”

Yu Youqing thought to herself: Not really. I just had experience—I’d thrown a punch once before.

Tian Tian continued excitedly, “Originally, while shaping your persona, we wanted you for that dating show on Orange Platform, but your popularity wasn’t high enough, so negotiations stalled. But this morning, Orange reached out—we’ve got the deal!”

Yu Youqing asked, “The video didn’t confirm it was me, did it? Was the hype enough?”

“No, the director told me a senior recommended you, so you’re now on the guest list.”

Yu Youqing hummed. “Director Lin is really looking out for me. Must’ve been tough securing this resource.”

Tian Tian hesitated.

Truthfully, she doubted it was Director Lin who recommended Yu Youqing, but she had no clue who else it could be. From what she’d observed, Yu Youqing didn’t seem to have any friends in the industry.

If it were a respected senior, the only one that came to mind was Teacher Li Rongcheng, whom Yu Youqing had offended years ago. They’d recently worked together on a variety show, but even then, Teacher Li hadn’t been particularly warm toward her.

But the “who” didn’t matter.

“What matters is we’ve got this opportunity! Sister Youqing, you have to make the most of it!” Tian Tian’s voice brimmed with genuine excitement. “Go all in—treat it like you’re really there to fall in love.”

Yu Youqing asked, “Who else is invited?”

“It’s confidential. The guests won’t be announced until the first episode airs—apparently to preserve the purest show effects. There might even be ordinary participants,” Tian Tian chuckled. “But let’s be real, how ordinary can they be? Their backgrounds must be impressive. Orange TV isn’t kind enough to promote complete unknowns.”

“Three days from now, your first recording will be in Songcheng,” Tian Tian added. “Isn’t Songcheng your hometown, Youqing? I checked—half the filming will take place there.”

Several seconds passed with no response.

Just as Tian Tian thought Yu Youqing might have fallen asleep, she heard a soft “Mm.”

Her tone didn’t sound particularly enthusiastic.

Only then did Tian Tian belatedly realize she’d never heard Youqing mention her family.

Regretting her thoughtless remark, Tian Tian quickly changed the subject, mentioning she’d pick Yu Youqing up in three days before hanging up.

If Yu Youqing’s predictions were correct, these three days would be her last stretch of free time.

Given Orange TV’s influence, once the dating show aired—whether the reception was positive or negative—the flood of attention would skyrocket her popularity, bringing endless work opportunities.

She was returning to Songcheng, yet it didn’t feel like going home.

After all… could that place even be called home?

Yu Youqing smirked self-deprecatingly and tossed her phone aside.

For the next three days, she lazed around at home—eating, sleeping, and chatting with Ye Miaoyi in her spare time. From Miaoyi, she learned things were progressing smoothly. By next month at the latest, Wind would officially be back in Miaoyi’s hands.

As for Ye Jibai, who’d suffered a major loss, he could only swallow his anger. Rumor had it he’d even been severely reprimanded at home.

Both Ye Miaoyi and Yu Youqing found this deeply satisfying.

Miaoyi apologized profusely: “I owe you big time for this, Qingqing! You’ve been too good to me. The only way I can repay you is by offering myself!!”

Yu Youqing laughed. “Get lost.”

Pulling this off hadn’t been cheap.

Between greasing palms and hiring a top lawyer for negotiations with the Ye family to strengthen their position, expenses had piled up.

With Miaoyi’s accounts frozen by her family, Yu Youqing had footed the bill—thankfully, her recent drama earnings had already been deposited.

By the end of it, her bank account was drained.

Miaoyi, inept at expressing gratitude, insisted on drafting an IOU, but Yu Youqing waved it off.

“Just boost Wind’s market value and sign me at top-tier rates later. What’s this little money then?” Yu Youqing said.

“Absolutely! I won’t forget that,” Miaoyi joked. “If you won’t take me, at least let me set you up. It’s lonely going solo.”

Yu Youqing scoffed. “No need. You know I’m joining that dating show, right? Maybe I’ll find true love there.”

Knowing Yu Youqing was joking, Ye Miaoyi burst out laughing too. “Oh please, you say there’s no script, but at the end of the day, you’re just going on a dating show. It’s still a variety program—if you take it too seriously, you lose.”

Yu Youqing said, “Yeah. As long as I get paid, that’s all that matters.”

It was just work, after all.

Who would her co-star be this time?

–

“Ten-Second Heartbeat” was a dating reality show produced by Orange TV, featuring six guests who would live and complete missions together over three months of filming. Each episode would take place at a new location arranged by the production team.

Amid the flood of dating shows nowadays, “Ten-Second Heartbeat” stood out not just because of its major platform backing, but due to its innovative twist—two special roles among the six participants:

One was the Hunter, the other the Free Agent.

These two guests’ identities would remain hidden from everyone else, known only to themselves. Naturally, as special roles, they would also have unique missions.

Like most variety shows, this one followed a live-streaming format. If there were group tasks, separate live streams would run simultaneously, allowing fans to switch between them. In the evening after filming, the official edited version would be released.

As for the guests, insiders claimed they were either complete unknowns or fading stars—Orange TV was going for the element of surprise.

Three days later, Yu Youqing landed in Songcheng.

A chauffeur-driven van was waiting outside. The driver, a chatty local, greeted her warmly. “Heading to Jingyuan World City? Oh, the new Gushan District! I know that area like the back of my hand—I’ll get you there the fastest way possible! Did you know? It was only recently renamed Gushan District. Before, it was called—”

“Wandong District,” Yu Youqing nodded calmly. “I’m from here.”

“Oh-ho, a local! Hey, you look really familiar…” The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, then scratched his nose sheepishly. “Sorry, this is my first time driving a celebrity, so I got a little excited.”

Yu Youqing replied, “No worries.”

Familiar scenery flashed by outside, but she stayed quiet.

Aside from work obligations, it had been years since she’d returned. The familiarity now carried a strange sense of distance.

She closed her eyes, no longer watching.

Forty minutes later, she arrived at the filming location arranged by the production team.

Director Zhao Yang, a middle-aged man in his forties, was waiting outside personally. Spotting Yu Youqing, he extended a hand with a smile. “Welcome, Youqing. First time working together.”

Yu Youqing shook his hand with a polite smile. “Has filming started yet?”

The guests’ first gathering was in a nearby villa secured by the crew. Zhao Yang pointed toward it. “Not yet. I’m waiting for everyone here. Once you step through that gate, we begin.”

Yu Youqing nodded.

As the director stayed behind, a woman in black-framed glasses approached. “Xiao Yu, I’m Deputy Director Wan Fang—you can call me Fang-jie. I’ll take you over now. Follow me.”

Yu Youqing nodded obediently again.

This area was already on the edge of the new district, adjacent to the expansive forest park. Naturally, the prime locations were surrounded by wealthy villa communities. Jingyuan World City was the landmark building of the new district, and reaching Jingyuan required walking a short distance further.

The unique aspect was that World City stood at the forefront—a bustling, modern hub of shopping centers. But if you turned left from the nearby driving school registration point and walked about three hundred meters, the view suddenly opened up, leading to the back of the villa area, where everything became tranquil and refined.

If not for the production team guiding the way, the other guests would surely have gotten lost.

However, Sister Fang noticed that Yu Youqing looked completely at ease, showing no signs of confusion, and couldn’t help but smile. “You seem very familiar with this place?”

Yu Youqing replied, “I’ve just been here before.” Not exactly familiar… just that the memories were vivid.

Yet, Yu Youqing seemed to know every turn and exit as if it were second nature.

Sister Fang gave her a curious look but ultimately said nothing.

“We’re here. You can go in from here—it’s Building A7.”

Yu Youqing nodded. “Thank you, Sister Fang.”

She carried her suitcase and walked toward the villa.

By this time, the livestream on Orange Video had already been running for over ten minutes.

The villa’s courtyard was spacious, clearly handpicked by the production team. The garden even had a glass greenhouse, already showing signs of meticulous care. As she pushed open the door to the living room, a camera suddenly flashed in her direction, capturing a photo with a sharp click.

Yu Youqing blinked at the unexpected burst of light.

The camera lowered, revealing the slightly surprised face of a young woman behind it. Her grip on the camera was practiced—she was clearly the first guest to arrive.

Her shot had been spontaneous, not intentional, and she immediately apologized upon realizing she’d startled Yu Youqing. “Sorry, I didn’t expect you to arrive so suddenly.”

Her demeanor was gentle, with no fluctuations of pheromones—she was a beta.

“Hello, I’m Wei Xi.”

“It’s fine.” Yu Youqing nodded. “I know you. Your work is impressive.”

This was their first meeting, but Yu Youqing had heard of Wei Xi before. She was a freelance photographer renowned for her exceptional portrait work. Last year, however, she had shifted focus, winning an award for a series of documentary-style photos that brought her into the mainstream spotlight.

With her striking appearance, she had also garnered considerable discussion.

But the moment Yu Youqing stepped inside, the barrage of comments from viewers couldn’t be contained.

Why is it her??

Ugh, I was wondering the same thing! The second Yu Youqing appears on a variety show, I automatically assume she’s here to stir drama.

I was in a good mood seeing Wei Xi, but now… it’s ruined.

Emmmmm seriously. I had high hopes for this show, but now I feel like Yu Youqing’s just going to leech off everyone else.

Come on, it’s not that bad. Did you see that video from a few days ago? Some people thought it might be Yu Youqing—maybe there’s some misunderstanding.

Ugh, now that you mention it, I bet it was all staged by her team just to hype up her appearance here.

I was actually starting to think it might be her, but now that tiny bit of goodwill is gone lol.

This is just disgusting. What’s she even doing here? Feel bad for the other guests.

“Beauty is one of a kind, and so is the scandalous reputation.”

“No way, no way, do people actually believe Yu Youqing has changed? Where are your brains, entertainment fans? dog head”

“LOL, I heard Yu Youqing was in talks for a Wind endorsement, but guess what? It went to Cheng Shunzhu instead.”

“I watched Cheng Shunzhu and Yu Youqing’s livestream. They seemed to get along well, and Yu Youqing even called Jiang Musheng during the stream—picked up instantly!!”

“Please, casual fans, use your brains before speaking. Don’t drag our Sheng Sheng’s name into the same sentence as Yu Youqing, okay?? Don’t mistake Jiang’s politeness for an opportunity to stir up drama.”

Yu Youqing had no idea the fans were tearing each other apart in the comments.

After greeting Wei Xi, she sat on the living room sofa, waiting for the other guests. Wei Xi was busy reviewing photos on her camera, and since neither was particularly familiar with the other, they avoided forced small talk, leaving the room in silence.

Until the next person walked in.

Yu Youqing heard a slightly surprised voice say, “Oh, it’s you.”

She looked up and was met with an eye-catching head of fiery red curls, setting off the owner’s snow-white skin.

“Hello, I’m Xu Liyu,” Xu Liyu said with a smile, revealing a playful pair of fang-like canines.

Yu Youqing caught a hint of teasing in Xu Liyu’s eyes, reminding her of that awkward moment at the bar. But she knew cameras were rolling, and she couldn’t afford to lose her composure. She nodded. “Hello, I’m Yu Youqing.”

Was Xu Liyu the civilian participant in this show?

Xu Liyu then greeted Wei Xi before two more figures—a man and a woman—appeared at the door.

Both were carrying luggage. The woman had her hair in a high ponytail and stood at least 176 cm tall, seemingly unfazed by the winter chill in a retro-style dress and bold lipstick. She introduced herself confidently as Ji Fuzao, a former professional skier now transitioning into entertainment.

Yu Youqing wasn’t familiar with Ji Fuzao, but she recognized the male omega beside her.

The moment Cheng Shunzhu entered, his eyes locked onto Yu Youqing. Abandoning his suitcase, he rushed over excitedly. “Sis! You’re on this show too? Awesome!”

After the livestream incident and their subsequent dinner, Cheng Shunzhu had grown to admire Yu Youqing’s maturity and steadiness. He knew most people would’ve labeled him a clout-chaser who stole endorsements, but Yu Youqing hadn’t—she’d even befriended him.

Though new to the industry, Cheng Shunzhu had seen enough to value her sincerity. Far from the rumors of being difficult, she was actually the easiest to get along with.

With five people now in the living room, the atmosphere grew livelier—until the introductions ended, leaving an awkward silence among strangers.

Cheng Shunzhu rubbed his nose and glanced around. “Huh… we’re still missing one. Am I really the only guy here?”

“You’ve got it wrong. You’re the only male omega here,” Xu Liyu chimed in, pointing at herself and Ji Fuzao. “Apart from us two alphas, only you and Yu Youqing are omegas.”

Wei Xi was a beta.

This was a dating show, where the default pairing was usually alpha-omega. Without considering other factors, two potential couples could already be formed here.

Betas, on the other hand, could pair with anyone.

The sole male omega scratched his head with a mix of embarrassment and hesitation, saying, “Actually, I prefer gentle omega girls myself.”

Yu Youqing added, “Don’t worry. Maybe the next person to arrive will also be an omega.”

No sooner had she spoken than someone walked through the door, carrying a suitcase.

Yu Youqing happened to have her back to the door. She hadn’t seen who had arrived yet, but she noticed the stunned and astonished expressions on everyone’s faces who could see the entrance.

Especially Cheng Shunzhu—his lips trembled slightly as he barely managed to find his voice, “Jiang… Teacher Jiang?!”

Yu Youqing’s heart skipped a beat, and she whipped her head around.

Ji Fu and Wei Xi were also frozen in place, unable to contain their excitement at seeing the superstar. “Oh my god, it’s really Teacher Jiang!”

The sunlight outside cast a golden, warm glow on the figure at the doorway, illuminating the ends of their hair.

Jiang Musong walked in and stopped right beside her, asking, “Am I late?”