The Trash A Really Doesn't Want to Go Viral [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 7

“This can’t be real.” Yu Youqing muttered to herself as she walked toward the figure at the entrance, wanting to confirm whether she was just drunk out of her mind.

Jiang Musheng watched as Yu Youqing staggered toward her. Just as she was about to reach out to steady the seemingly unsteady woman, Yu Youqing suddenly stopped two steps away and leaned in closer.

A faint scent of alcohol lingered around Jiang Musheng, but it wasn’t unpleasant. With their proximity, she could see every one of Yu Youqing’s curled lashes, so close they almost brushed against her own.

Even Jiang Musheng froze for a split second.

But the next moment, Yu Youqing’s hand reached up and lightly pinched Jiang Musheng’s cheeks.

Before Jiang Musheng could even frown, Yu Youqing sobered up halfway in a panic, hastily stepping back. “J-J-J-Jiang… Teacher Jiang?” The domineering attitude she’d had at home earlier had completely vanished.

Though she retreated, the intoxicating aroma of alcohol still hung in the air. Jiang Musheng thought regretfully that she hadn’t meant to scare her like this.

Finally stepping past the entrance, Jiang Musheng walked in while Yu Youqing’s mind was still struggling to catch up. Dazed, she followed behind Jiang Musheng, feeling as though Jiang Musheng moved through the place as if it were her own.

Wait.

Her own place?

Could Jiang Musheng be… the landlord?!

Jiang Musheng glanced at the small hot pot and liquor bottles on the table, a trace of amusement flashing in her eyes as she looked up at the guilty-looking woman. “Seems like you’ve been living well here.”

Yu Youqing couldn’t even force a smile, barely managing a weak one. “I didn’t know… my landlord was Teacher Jiang…”

Then, as if the shock was too much, she let out a tiny hiccup and immediately covered her mouth.

Stay calm. Don’t panic.

Is Teacher Jiang some kind of monster who’ll eat you? And weren’t you the one who drank? Don’t you know alcohol emboldens the timid?

Yu Youqing mentally reassured herself.

The show on TV resumed playing, making Yu Youqing even more uncomfortable. She checked the time—8:30 p.m.

Only 8:30.

And Jiang Musheng had already taken a seat on the sofa, even asking, “Weren’t you watching TV? Sit a while longer?”

Yu Youqing sat as if on pins and needles.

She blurted out, “Teacher Jiang, you’re back so early?”

“Mhm. When there’s no schedule, I can leave even earlier.”

Yu Youqing gave a vague hum before falling silent again. She’d had the volume up too loud earlier and had no idea when Jiang Musheng had returned. If Jiang Musheng had overheard any of her drunken ramblings, shouldn’t she apologize now rather than later?

What was all that nonsense about a “white moonlight”? What if Jiang Musheng got angry and kicked her out? She’d never find a better, more affordable place.

After the host finished discussing the negative comments about Yu Youqing, the next segment immediately shifted back to Jiang Musheng’s interview about her “white moonlight.”

“It’s been half a month since the whole internet started competing to be the ‘White Moonlight.’ Everyone’s curious about what kind of person could become Jiang Musheng’s White Moonlight. The only information we have so far is Jiang Musheng saying it’s just a past memory and asking everyone not to focus too much on her private life. But fans still want to know—does calling someone a White Moonlight mean they didn’t end up together? Or…”

Yu Youqing was almost drawn in by the host’s words. As long as it wasn’t about her, she could listen with great interest.

Jiang Musheng said, “The volume’s a bit loud. Where’s the remote?”

“I’ll get it, I’ll get it.” Feeling like she’d done something wrong, Yu Youqing quickly grabbed the remote and turned down the volume. It wouldn’t do to have the landlord do such things.

Jiang Musheng suddenly remarked, “Don’t pay attention to such fake news.” She had never said it was a past memory and had no idea where that rumor came from.

Yu Youqing immediately turned off the TV.

She realized—had she accidentally touched on a sensitive topic for Teacher Jiang?

That White Moonlight must be something else, to have rejected an alpha like Teacher Jiang.

As Yu Youqing stood up to clean up the mess she’d left on the coffee table, she marveled at what a saint Teacher Jiang was, willing to rent out her villa at such a low price. Given how wildly popular Jiang Musheng was now, her home was practically a hotel—she couldn’t possibly come back often.

Now fully sober, Yu Youqing was surprised to find Jiang Musheng still sitting on the couch after she finished cleaning.

Yu Youqing reverted to the awkwardness of her first day moving in. “Teacher Jiang, I’ll head upstairs now… Oh, and thank you for the dress the other day. I’ll bring it down for you right away.”

“No need.” Jiang Musheng lifted her gaze, her eyes lightly resting on Yu Youqing. “It was a gift from the organizers. Just a small favor.”

Oh, really?

Yu Youqing would have believed it if she hadn’t already contacted the organizers.

But then again, Teacher Jiang had her pride. She probably didn’t want to admit that she’d tried to give the dress to her White Moonlight and been rejected.

Yu Youqing said, “I still want to thank you, Teacher Jiang. Now that I’m your tenant, I promise to pay the rent on time and won’t disturb you or your life.”

She emphasized, “I won’t tell anyone we’re living together!”

That was only right. The more Jiang Musheng’s fans adored her, the more they’d dislike Yu Youqing. With so many anti-fans already, there was no need to drag Jiang Musheng down.

As a small fry who’d accidentally stumbled upon a big shot’s secret, the least she could do was keep her mouth shut—especially after receiving so many favors.

Yu Youqing pressed her lips together and darted upstairs before Jiang Musheng could stop her.

The next day, Yu Youqing listened carefully for any sounds downstairs before heading down. She felt too awkward being alone with Jiang Musheng in the house.

Fortunately, no one was there.

Yu Youqing had a meeting at her company today to discuss her future plans. When she arrived, Tiantian excitedly asked, “Remember how Actress Jiang mentioned having a White Moonlight in that interview?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“You and Teacher Jiang both came from Songcheng,” Tiantian analyzed while holding her tablet. “So our marketing strategy will focus on this angle—positioning you as Teacher Jiang’s first love.”

“…I thought we were just doing some light riding coattails, not this extreme level of reach,” Yu Youqing said.

Tiantian replied, “Not at all. This is just a draft plan. Do you think we’re the only ones doing this? Ever since Teacher Jiang’s interview came out, marketing teams from various rising stars have already started similar campaigns. All those sudden CP materials popping up online—you think fans made those? No way, they were deliberately released by teams. We’re actually late to the game.”

Yu Youqing felt Jiang Musheng was like a flower being ruthlessly plucked, petals falling one by one.

The only connection she had with Jiang Musheng was their shared hometown of Songcheng—nothing more.

“The company plans to get you a dating show next, but first, you’ll be a guest on the slow-paced variety show ‘Where to Go on Saturday’ in a week,” Tiantian added. “This is your first step in establishing your persona. The company assigned a new artist to assist you, but the director loves tormenting guests with unexpected twists. If you’re mentally prepared, you should go.”

Yu Youqing asked, “How much are they paying?”

“For this episode, you’ll get this much.” Tiantian held up five fingers, and Yu Youqing immediately agreed, “Deal.”

Tiantian: “??” Girl, are you that desperate for money?

–

Despite its cozy-sounding name, “Where to Go on Saturday” was actually an outdoor show where guests constantly outwitted the production team. The regular cast were seasoned veterans, but new guest stars often struggled with the intense physical challenges and unpredictable twists, testing their improvisational skills and revealing their true personalities.

A strong performance could win over many viewers.

The show filmed weekly for three days and two nights, taking guests to different locations for unique experiences and assigned tasks.

In the dressing room, Jiang Musheng checked her phone as a message from Lin Xuqiao popped up:

Lin Xuqiao: I arranged for that girl to join ‘Saturday.’

Lin Xuqiao: Don’t blame me for sending her into the trenches. Starting from scratch means some hardship, but nailing the show’s challenges can really boost her appeal.

Lin Xuqiao: Free next week? Let’s meet at Li Yu’s place. If you don’t come with me, I have no excuse to see her.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Musheng replied: Your artist, your call.

She knew Yu Youqing wasn’t one to shy away from hardship. Jiang Musheng wouldn’t interfere with Lin Xuqiao’s management decisions—nor would she meddle in Yu Youqing’s choices unless… Yu Youqing personally asked for her help.

Yangyang entered with a stack of schedules, muttering, “This production team is something else. They’re pulling out all the stops to get you as a guest—even sent us next episode’s plans in advance. They’re taking everyone to North City’s snow mountains. Harsh conditions aside, skiing is child’s play compared to their ‘snow surfing’ idea. That’s just asking for injuries. Should we decline as usual?”

After waiting for a long time without hearing Jiang Musheng speak, Yangyang looked closely and realized she seemed lost in thought.

Yangyang said, “Sheng Sheng? Sheng Sheng! You’re joining the filming next week, but the snow mountain area is freezing. If you catch a cold, your fans will curse me to death! My dear Teacher Jiang, don’t even think about it. You declined the previous invitations—why are you considering going now for the toughest one?”

Director Wang of “Where to Go on Saturday” had invited Jiang Musheng several times before, but her schedule never aligned. Flipping through the show’s game arrangements, she slightly furrowed her brows.

The cold weather, especially in the mountains, was harsh. As an alpha, she wasn’t worried about herself, but she feared a certain delicate omega might freeze.

Jiang Musheng closed the document and placed it on the table, seemingly thinking of someone. When she spoke again, her voice carried a hint of indulgent ease.

“Tell Director Wang I’ll take part in this recording.”