Chapter 19 : Reunions and Reality Shows

The joyful days passed quickly.
In a blink, a week was gone, and Shen Mengke dragged her suitcase back to Jiangcheng to record the new variety show.

Now, fully made up, she sat in the interview room.
She’d heard buzz about this show online—a fresh blend of travel and dating, with some new twist.
It had been in the works for ages, but even as a guest, Shen Mengke was in the dark about key details: who else was joining, what the schedule was.
The production kept everything under wraps.
Though she hadn’t done many variety shows, she wasn’t clueless.
Hiding basics from guests showed no sincerity.
Why had they forced her into this?
Shen Mengke was annoyed, but with the contract signed, she sat there, resigned.

The moment the camera focused, her actor’s instincts kicked in.
Her listless demeanor vanished, replaced by a bright smile and sparkling eyes, radiating energy.

[Please introduce yourself.]
The questions began.
Shen Mengke composed herself, answering earnestly, “I’m Shen Mengke, actor, 27 years old.”

[As an actor, why join a dating show?]
She frowned.
“You invited me.”
Silence fell behind the camera.
Fan Shi, watching from outside, sighed.
She’d known Shen Mengke’s irritation would make her uncooperative.
“Fan, this…”
“I’ll talk to her.”

Recording paused.
Fan Shi entered, and Shen Mengke’s lips curved into a smile.
“Dreamy…”
Shen Mengke laughed.
“Just joking.
Let’s redo it.”
Cutting Fan Shi off, she fixed her appearance.
Fan Shi glanced at her and left.
Since the show was booked without her input, Shen Mengke had been subtly distancing herself from Fan Shi—or rather, the company.
From her Mingcheng week to avoiding non-essential meetings back in Jiangcheng, she’d changed.
Before, she shared everything with Fan Shi, no secrets.
Fan Shi felt the rift but was helpless—Shen Mengke’s contract was nearly up, soon free from their control.

Shen Mengke wasn’t a big name, but the crew treated her decently, speaking gently, which softened her view of the unfamiliar team.
She smiled at the camera.
“Kidding.
This won’t be edited in, right?”
“I’ve been filming a lot, pretty drained.
Heard this is a travel show too, so I thought I’d relax and meet some amazing seniors and peers.
It’s a rare chance to learn up close.”

[Any artists you want to get close to?]
“Yuan Yushan!” Shen Mengke blurted, laughing.
“You won’t tell me who’s coming, so I’ll dream big.”
Her slight frown seemed to chide the crew, or maybe flirt playfully.
Her face, undeniably striking, could carry her far without acting.
Some would fight battles just for her looks.

[If there’s a team-up segment, what’s your ideal partner like?]
“Depends on the task.
For games, someone smart—I’m not a thinker.
For physical stuff, someone strong—I don’t do sports.”
She laughed.
“Clarifying, I don’t like it, but I can do it!”
She clasped her hands, swaying slightly.
“I’ll give my all.”
Laughter erupted behind the camera.
Her survival instinct was sharp—in today’s online world, any slip could be magnified into a scandal, scaring stars off variety shows.
Shen Mengke winked, smiling.

The questions were light, centered on the show, and she answered gracefully.
Who didn’t love a win-win?

“Alright, Teacher Shen, you can head to the villa now.”
Post-interview, a crew member guided her.
The show blended travel and romance, with guests cohabitating for three days and two nights across five locations.
The first stop was the production’s base—Jiangcheng.
They’d rented a villa by Bihai Lake.
Shen Mengke had visited the day before.
The scenery was stunning—spring drew tourists, art students sketched, and summer bloomed with vibrant flowers on the hill behind.
Sunlit, they looked like wet oil paint, vivid enough to stain your hand.
From the villa’s upper floor, Bihai Lake shimmered, its clear waves breathtaking.
Working here would lift anyone’s mood.

Shen Mengke wheeled her suitcase to the villa, greeting fans along the way.
She hadn’t publicized her schedule, yet so many waited.
“Sister, have fun!”
“Sister! Little Butterflies will protect you!
Be happy!”
“Sister, don’t forget us—post on Weibo!”
“Sister! Stay happy!
Little Butterflies are always here!”

“Little Butterflies” came from her name—Mengke evoking Zhuangzi’s dream of a butterfly.
Their cheers and care stung her eyes.
She turned, bowing deeply to them.
She hadn’t been active on Weibo, surfing on a burner account, blocking anything about herself.
Praise or hate, if she didn’t see or hear it, it didn’t exist.
She was escaping, but now…

One, two, three seconds.
She straightened, holding back tears, waving to her fans.
Their screams erupted, not just hers but others’ too.
Amid the chaos, she entered the villa.
The door was open.
“Someone’s here already?” she muttered.
No answer, just cameras trained on her.
She shrugged, stepping inside.

She’d imagined reuniting with Shu Yun countless times, but never like this—so unprepared.
They met on a show, under countless lenses, in a place where words had to be guarded.
Shock outweighed joy.
It felt deeply uncomfortable.

Shen Mengke saw a figure in the courtyard—a white dress, long black hair cascading, tilting as she bent, revealing a smooth, elegant back.
Hearing footsteps, she turned, holding a freshly picked flower.
Seeing Shen Mengke, she smiled silently.
The sunlight dazzled, blurring Shen Mengke’s vision.
Her lips moved, but no words came.

Shu Yun approached, stepping from light to shadow, stopping before her.
“Long time no see.”
She tucked the yellow flower behind Shen Mengke’s ear, its petals trembling with her lashes.
“Very pretty,” she said.
Sunlight seemed to pierce Shen Mengke’s eyes.
She blinked, a tear falling.

“Sorry.”
Shen Mengke turned, carefully wiping her eyes, mindful of her fresh makeup.
Shu Yun offered a tissue, gently moving her hand to wipe the tears.
In the haze, Shen Mengke saw that familiar, gentle face—unchanged.
Mindful of the cameras, she held it together.
After a quick touch-up, she returned to the villa.
Shu Yun was gone from the courtyard, but laughter came from the living room.
Shen Mengke wheeled her suitcase in, noting four colorful suitcases by the door.
She placed hers aside, slipping into the show’s slippers.
Tiptoeing, she peeked into the living room.

Before she could see, someone spotted her.
“Who’s the little mouse?” Shu Yun teased, standing and grabbing Shen Mengke’s hand, pulling her in.
Shen Mengke, dazed, followed.

The other three stood.
“Shen Mengke!” a young girl exclaimed.
Shen Mengke looked—she didn’t know her.
The girl rushed over, eager but hesitant to touch her.
“I’m Shi Shuiying, from the Film Academy too!
I’m… such a fan…”
Shen Mengke smiled, offering her hand.
“Junior?”
“Senior!” Shi Shuiying gripped her hand, thrilled.
“I applied to the academy because of you.
I saw your promo video in high school.”
She rambled, pouring out admiration.
Shen Mengke listened, stunned—she thought her fame was all scandals.
“Can I call you Sister Shen?” Shi Shuiying asked.
“Of course.”
“Then, Sister Shen, can we add each other on WeChat?
Or… if it’s too much…”
She studied Shen Mengke’s face nervously.
“No bother at all.”
Shen Mengke let go of Shu Yun’s hand, reaching for her phone.
Shu Yun glanced at them, interrupting.
“Cameras are on.
Add later.”
Grabbing Shen Mengke’s hand again, she led her to the sofa.
“Let’s introduce.
This is Shen Mengke.
Dreamy, this is Song Yian, from the National Opera House, and Liu Xiangqi, a brilliant host.
As for me…”
Shu Yun tilted her head, smiling.
“Do I need to introduce myself?”