The Trash A Really Doesn't Want to Go Viral [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 29

Am I actually sensing Yu Yousheng trying to explain herself to us?

OMG OMG OMG, is she admitting that her previous publicity stunts were real? Holy sh1t!

But honestly, if she’s brave enough to admit her mistakes and peacefully coexist with our Shenshen, that actually earns some respect.

Are you guys stupid enough to believe Yu Yousheng? Haven’t we seen what kind of person she is these past years? I’m not buying it.

Our little Bamboo is so adorable! Stop arguing in the comments!

Little Bamboo, can’t you stay away from that Yu Yousheng? She’s bad news!

I’m dying of secondhand embarrassment for Yu Yousheng—I could dig a villa with my toes.

Why aren’t they showing Teacher Jiang’s reaction? She must be looking at Yu Yousheng with disdain!

Okay but… when Yu Yousheng speaks with that sincere expression, I have to admit her face is kinda mesmerizing.

I really like Wei Xi, she’s such a cutie hahaha.

While there were comments about others, most of the discussion was sparked by Yu Yousheng’s words.

Even though she remained unpopular among netizens, her presence undeniably drove engagement—after all, infamy is still fame.

Yu Yousheng clearly read Jiang Musheng’s lips, her palms sweating nervously.

She blinked rapidly, forcing herself to look away from Jiang Musheng to avoid being caught on camera again.

This misunderstanding was getting out of hand. Did Jiang Musheng think she remembered their bar encounter and now believed she had feelings for Xu Liyu?

For some reason, even though Yu Yousheng knew she should maintain boundaries with Jiang Musheng, she didn’t want her to misunderstand.

They’d be working together on this show for a while—it’d be better not to let things get too awkward.

Should she explain?

While Yu Yousheng hesitated, Wei Xi and Ji Fuzao finished their introductions.

Though somewhat shy in front of everyone, Wei Xi struck a photographer’s pose during her introduction: “I’m a photographer. If I find the right her, I’ll capture her every move through my lens.”

OMG, I love Wei Xi’s type! So cute!

A photographer saying she’ll photograph her girlfriend? That’s heart-fluttering!

Ji Fuzao said simply: “I’m tall, I can fight, and I’ll keep you safe.”

Hahahaha this sister’s hilarious!

This cool-looking alpha gives off such dorky vibes?

This alpha seems perfect for our little Bamboo.

Yet Bamboo only has eyes for Yu Yousheng—so frustrating!

I think Bamboo likes older women, but there’s no romantic chemistry with Yu Yousheng—just sibling vibes.

I’m shipping Ji Fuzao and Cheng Shunzhu for now!

After Ji Fuzao came Xu Liyu.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Xiaoyu. Who wouldn’t be happy to receive praise from such a stunning beauty?” Xu Liyu thoughtfully responded to Yu Youqing before continuing, “What’s my purpose for joining this show? Well, to film the program and fall in love, haha! Making friends works too. I prefer someone who’s my equal, and I have a particular fondness for people with well-defined abs.”

She added with a laugh, “Who doesn’t love a beautiful body?”

Xu Liyu’s striking red hair suited her perfectly. With an enigmatic smile, she simply stated she hadn’t decided who to partner with for the next task.

“I actually hope to interact with everyone,” she said, “except Jiang Musong. Am I being too greedy?”

Her words lightened the atmosphere considerably.

After her, Jiang Musong stood up.

Yu Youqing’s gaze darted nervously.

When Jiang Musong rose, it felt as if the light outside dimmed slightly.

“I’m Jiang Musong. I joined this show because my mentor is concerned about my personal life and hopes I’ll settle down soon,” Jiang Musong said in a down-to-earth manner. Her eyes swept across everyone present without lingering on anyone in particular before she continued, “The type I like would probably be someone who complements me.”

The speaker might have been casual, but the listener took it to heart.

To Yu Youqing, Jiang Musong was flawless, a goddess enshrined in her heart. If Jiang Musong wanted someone complementary, didn’t that mean perfection paired with imperfection?

Yu Youqing glanced up anxiously, stealing a quick look at Jiang Musong before averting her eyes again.

How narcissistic of me, she thought. There’s no way Jiang Musong could be referring to me.

After finishing her introduction, Jiang Musong paused before announcing her choice for the next task.

This selection essentially revealed which guest each participant initially wanted to get to know better. Unsurprisingly, everyone paid special attention to Jiang Musong’s answer.

Among the previous responses, no one had dared to choose Jiang Musong.

The audience understood this hesitation—everyone wanted to pick her, but no one had the courage.

Perhaps sensing the tension, Jiang Musong chuckled lightly. “Can I choose freely?”

Xu Liyu interjected, “Just hurry up and pick whoever catches your eye the most. You’ve had a whole round to observe everyone.”

Jiang Musong’s gaze settled in Yu Youqing’s direction.

Those few seconds felt like an eternity to Yu Youqing. Cheng Shunzhu whispered beside her, “Teacher Jiang is looking our way! Oh no, she wouldn’t say I’m her type, would she? That can’t happen!”

Distracted by Cheng Shunzhu’s chatter, Yu Youqing finally looked up—just as Jiang Musong’s gaze shifted away. Instead, Jiang Musong looked directly at Ji Fuzao and said, “I choose Xiao Ji.”

Ji Fuzao appeared momentarily surprised before responding, “What an honor.”

Cheng Shunzhu muttered, “So that’s Teacher Jiang’s type? But I think Youqing-jie is the prettiest!”

“The production team never said we had to choose someone we like, don’t misrepresent things.” After saying this, Yu Youqing realized her words might be misinterpreted, so she quickly added, “Teacher Jiang isn’t the type to judge by appearances.”

Cheng Shunzhu gave an understanding “Oh.”

After everyone finished their introductions, a staff member announced, “Before officially moving in, to help everyone get acquainted quickly, we’ve prepared a little game called Love Simulation. You’ll pair up and engage in dialogues based on scenarios provided by our team. The method for choosing partners was already decided earlier.”

“When you came downstairs for water earlier, each cup had a colored dot underneath. Those with matching colors will form a team. Let’s see if your partners match who you invited earlier!”

At this, everyone immediately checked the bottom of their cups.

Cheng Shunzhu was the first to speak up: “Mine’s blue!”

“Ah, Zaozao’s is blue too,” Wei Xi said before adding, “Mine’s yellow.”

Xu Liyu shook her cup with a laugh, “The production team’s tricks run deep, huh? Mine’s yellow too, which means the remaining pair must be—”

Her words trailed off as her gaze landed on Yu Youqing and Jiang Musheng.

Yu Youqing hadn’t checked her cup yet, her heartbeat pounding so loudly it felt like it might burst from her chest. She knew perfectly well—with the other two pairs already matched, the colors under her and Jiang Musheng’s cups were practically confirmed without needing to look.

After a moment, Jiang Musheng’s voice broke the silence: “Mine’s green.”

OMG! Teacher Jiang and Yu Youqing actually got paired together ahhhhh

No way! Is the production team deliberately stirring drama for ratings in the first episode?

Someone get the producers out here to take responsibility!

Don’t tell me there’s no script—everyone knows Musheng and Yu Youqing shouldn’t be paired together, okay??

Relax, sisters… maybe there really is no script, which is exactly why these two ended up together

It’s just a variety show, why so serious? Stop bringing Jiang Musheng into your fan wars—it’s not like she’s dating you.

Chill out, what’s the big deal? Anything can happen on a dating show. If fans are already losing it, maybe they should stop watching.

Speaking as someone with rebellious tendencies—I actually think Yu Youqing seems nice? Her interaction with Wei Xi earlier showed real warmth.

If you’ve lost your mind, no need to announce you stan Yu Youqing of all people lol

Low EQ: You’re insane. High EQ: You actually like Yu Youqing?

Meanwhile, before Yu Youqing could speak, Cheng Shunzhu blurted out in astonishment: “What are the odds?!”

All eyes immediately turned toward them.

Yu Youqing felt her face burning. The only thing keeping her composed was years of professional training as a performer. Under everyone’s gaze, she forced out her answer: “I… also have green.”

At this point, the teams were set: she and Jiang Musheng in one group, Xu Liyu and Wei Xi in another, while Ji Fuzao and Cheng Shunzhu formed the last pair. After the colors were announced, the director signaled for them to rearrange themselves on the sofa according to their groupings. Yu Youqing felt as if her butt had been glued to the couch—it was Jiang Musheng who first walked over and sat down beside her.

Yu Youqing forced a smile. “Teacher Jiang.”

At least in front of the cameras, they had to maintain a cordial relationship.

“Mhm.”

But after Jiang Musheng’s brief acknowledgment, Yu Youqing couldn’t think of anything else to say. The silence between them grew subtly awkward.

Though Cheng Shunzhu had changed positions, his gaze remained fixed on Yu Youqing.

Once seated across from them, Cheng Shunzhu became even more aware of the unusual tension between Yu Youqing and Jiang Musheng.

While Yu Youqing seemed visibly uncomfortable, Jiang Musheng appeared completely at ease.

Recalling Yu Youqing’s odd behavior from the moment they had entered the show, a bold suspicion formed in Cheng Shunzhu’s mind.

—Could it be that his sister had a crush on Teacher Jiang?

“You really like Yu Youqing that much?” Ji Fuzao, sitting beside him, noticed his staring and curled her lips in disdain.

“No, no, she’s like a sister to me. Don’t jump to conclusions,” Cheng Shunzhu muttered, keeping his voice low. He and Ji Fuzao had never gotten along.

Ji Fuzao scoffed and ignored him.

Yu Youqing and Jiang Musheng sat on the same sofa, but a careful distance remained between them. Yu Youqing certainly didn’t dare inch closer.

Suddenly, Jiang Musheng spoke. “You don’t have to be so afraid of me.”

Yu Youqing thought to herself, I wish I weren’t, but Teacher Jiang, do you realize just our mere presence together could set the internet on fire?

Moreover, Yu Youqing was here to boost her KPI. Though she had already been dragged through the mud in the past, she wasn’t the same reckless person anymore. She genuinely hoped to meet the company’s expectations for her participation in this show—to turn public opinion around and rebuild her reputation.

No matter how difficult that might be.

“Understood, Teacher Jiang,” she replied.

Jiang Musheng turned to look at her.

From this angle, she could just make out the faint redness at the tips of Yu Youqing’s ears, hidden beneath her hair. Even if the cameras wouldn’t catch it, she noticed.

When speaking to her, Yu Youqing’s tone was soft and obedient—a stark contrast to how she interacted with others.

With Cheng Shunzhu, Yu Youqing sounded lively and at ease. Compared to that, the version of Yu Youqing in front of her seemed almost stiff.

Was it because she wasn’t being warm enough?

Back when she used to hang out with friends, Lin Xuqiao had once told her that her resting expression made her look cold and distant, like an unapproachable iceberg.

Thinking of this, Jiang Musheng made an effort to soften her tone and even allowed a faint smile to touch her lips. To reinforce the change, she closed the distance between them slightly, shifting closer to Yu Youqing.

Only to realize—

Yu Youqing seemed even more tense now. Her shoulders stiffened the moment Jiang Musheng moved, her entire posture resembling a startled kitten with its fur standing on end.

Jiang Musheng: “…”

When it came to figuring out how to interact with Yu Youqing, she felt utterly clueless.

“The mission for the Green Team is—”

The production team announced the bombshell news: “Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing’s simulated dating task is to act as a newly confessed couple who want to drink coffee together. You’ll head to the kitchen, and the rest is improvisation. Three minutes.”

“Yellow Team, you’re a couple on the verge of confessing your feelings. Now is the time for your love confession.”

“Blue Team, you’re a bickering pair who haven’t confessed yet. The scenario is the girlfriend getting jealous.”

“After choosing your appropriate scenes, you can begin the tasks. Once completed, you’ll officially start your three-day cohabitation period. New missions will be announced later, but otherwise, you’re free to move around or team up as you wish.”

Initially, Yu Youqing had thought her task with Jiang Musheng was difficult. But after hearing the other two teams’ assignments, she felt slightly better.

Since the task explicitly mentioned the kitchen, Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing headed there together.

However, the kitchen only had a bag of coffee beans and a manual coffee grinder.

There was no way Yu Youqing would let Jiang Musheng grind the beans—such a laborious task was unfit for the beloved “Teacher Jiang.” She swiftly grabbed the coffee canister. “I’ll do it!”

Though Yu Youqing usually only bought ready-made coffee, pouring beans into a grinder and turning the handle required no skill—even a fool could manage it. With one hand, she slid two coffee cups toward Jiang Musheng. “Teacher Jiang, you can wash these.”

Jiang Musheng watched as Yu Youqing handled the grinder. It was clear she wasn’t familiar with it—she had overfilled it with beans, nearly spilling them.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to do it?”

“No need! How could we trouble Teacher Jiang with this? You take care of the delicate task of washing cups—I’ll handle the rough work.” Confident, Yu Youqing gripped the grinder’s handle and pushed.

It didn’t budge.

Yu Youqing: “?”

The director interjected, “Remember, you’re a newly confessed couple. Isn’t this a bit too distant?”

The implication was obvious. Newly confessed couples should be all over each other, not acting like buddies doing separate chores.

Jiang Musheng set down what she was doing, carefully turning off the faucet before approaching.

She stood behind Yu Youqing, reaching over to take the grinder. Her warm, pleasant voice brushed against Yu Youqing’s ear: “Let me show you.”

“The grinder’s capacity is limited—too many beans and it won’t turn.” Following the director’s cue, Jiang Musheng stood unusually close. From the side camera angle, she appeared almost pressed against Yu Youqing. Being slightly taller, she had to lean down slightly to demonstrate, her jawline softening with tenderness.

Yu Youqing, focused on learning the grinder, didn’t notice how close they’d gotten—especially since Jiang Musheng wasn’t actually touching her back.

After Jiang Musheng took out the coffee beans, Yu Youqing watched in amazement as the task that seemed impossible in her hands was effortlessly and smoothly handled by Jiang Musheng.

Moreover, Jiang Musheng’s movements were incredibly skilled.

By the time Yu Youqing snapped out of her daze, she turned her head and nearly brushed against Jiang Musheng’s ear. Startled, she instinctively moved to step aside, but Jiang Musheng said, “Have you forgotten the scenario the production team set for us? Right now, we’re a couple who just confessed and got together.”

Yu Youqing froze in place.

She couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly Jiang Musheng handled these situations—truly, a great actor was a great actor.

Jiang Musheng finished grinding the coffee beans and only turned around when she went to brew them in the Moka pot. Yu Youqing had just let out a sigh of relief when Jiang Musheng took milk from the fridge and made her a latte.

Yu Youqing’s personal preference was lattes. As she accepted the cup, she noticed Jiang Musheng brewing an Americano for herself, filling half the cup with ice.

So, Jiang Musheng liked iced Americanos? Then how had she known Yu Youqing wanted a latte without even asking?

Maybe it was just a coincidence, Yu Youqing thought as she cradled her coffee cup.

“I think I know why you’ve been staring at them.”

In the distance, Ji Fuzao and Cheng Shunzhu were both watching the kitchen.

Cheng Shunzhu teased, “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for my sister? No way—haven’t you seen that Youqing-jie is already paired up with Teacher Jiang?”

“No, it’s just that the two of them look so harmonious together. It’s mesmerizing,” Ji Fuzao admitted honestly.

Cheng Shunzhu was stunned for a second before nodding. “Well, you’ve got taste… Now I want coffee too.”

His feet carried him toward the kitchen almost involuntarily, with Ji Fuzao following behind.

“I want some too!” Cheng Shunzhu stood eagerly at the edge of the kitchen. Seeing that Jiang Musheng’s grinder still had enough beans for two more cups, and noticing the satisfied look on Yu Youqing’s face, he guessed Jiang Musheng’s coffee must be excellent. He grinned at Jiang Musheng. “Teacher Jiang, would you grace us with two cups as well?”

But making two more cups would mean washing more mugs—how could they trouble Teacher Jiang with that? And washing mugs meant touching cold water!

A surge of protective instinct for her idol rose in Yu Youqing’s heart. “No,” she said firmly.

After a moment’s thought, she came up with what she believed was a flawless excuse: “This coffee was brewed for my girlfriend. If you want some, have your girlfriend make it for you.”

Since they were still role-playing, Yu Youqing naturally used the “girlfriend” label as her shield.

Jiang Musheng’s sharp eyes caught those three words. Her gaze lingered briefly on Yu Youqing’s lips, a hint of amusement flickering in her dark eyes.

She stepped closer to Yu Youqing, her voice soft. “Alright. I’ll listen to you.”