Chapter 30: The Allure of Talent and Unexpected Revelations

“Since Director Chen is willing to direct the music video, I feel quite at ease.”

Before agreeing to film the variety show, Qin Yu had already researched Director Chen.

In his earlier years, Director Chen had debuted as a music video director. Many of the top-tier singers currently dominating the hot charts had collaborated with him and maintained excellent relationships.

However, after transitioning to a variety show director in recent years, his willingness to direct music videos became exceedingly rare. Even now, numerous A-list singers frequently extended invitations, only to be politely declined when they sought his collaboration.

“The truth is, ultimately, it was Ziyao’s song that truly moved me.”

Director Chen reached for a cigarette, intending to light it, but then noticed Qin Yu’s presence. He sheepishly put the cigarette away, abandoning the idea.

“It’s rare to see truly promising singers emerge from the new generation in our country these days,” Director Chen remarked, glancing at Qin Yu. “You are one, and she is another.”

He had drawn this conclusion after listening to both of them perform. As for Yang Tian, Director Chen assessed him as having potential, but still needing refinement.

In recent years, the domestic music scene had visibly stagnated. Many audience members lamented the lack of fresh talent, feeling that local artists were being overshadowed by younger foreign singers.

Even with Qin Yu’s sudden emergence, dominating the new song charts for a month and temporarily disrupting this trend, the underlying issue remained: the music industry lacked the crucial pressure for new artists to diligently hone their craft.

And that pressure, Qin Yu alone could not provide!

“So, that’s the reason?” Qin Yu’s gaze was complex, surprised by such high praise directed at her.

“Of course, it’s not just that reason,” Director Chen explained with a smile. “When I first met Ziyao, I learned about her family’s situation and wanted to help her. Since she possesses such outstanding talent, I simply lent a hand.”

Director Chen’s words piqued Qin Yu’s interest. “Her family’s situation?”

“You don’t know?” Director Chen paused, taken aback. He had assumed that Qin Yu, as her roommate, would be aware of Lin Ziyao’s circumstances and would be collaborating with her out of similar concern.

“I only know she said she needed money.” Qin Yu still recalled their first meeting, the way Lin Ziyao had approached her, whispering her proposal.

Reflecting on it now, those sparkling eyes seemed to have, by some strange influence, utterly captivated her.

“If you’re unaware, then I shouldn’t say too much. After all, it’s her personal privacy,” Director Chen concluded, ending the topic at an opportune moment.

Qin Yu found herself helpless against Director Chen’s knack for piquing curiosity only to then keep secrets. She resolved to uncover the reasons directly from Lin Ziyao.

After leaving Director Chen’s makeshift office, Qin Yu suddenly had an idea.

Perhaps the reporters, who were returning for follow-up interviews, would be an excellent starting point.

She decided to find an opportunity to participate in an interview with Lin Ziyao, hoping to learn more about what had transpired with her.

During the morning’s free activity period, each guest spent their time in their own way. This was also part of the show’s filming, designed to showcase not only activities but also the celebrities’ daily lives, making it appear more authentic and revealing their true selves off-camera.

Thus, Tang Wenjie was engrossed in the script for his next drama, specifically seeking out the more experienced Xu Li for guidance on any unclear passages.

Yang Tian, clutching his guitar and a pen, busied himself scribbling notes on sheet music. Inspired by Lin Ziyao, he too desired to compose a song, occasionally strumming his guitar to experiment when inspiration faltered.

Meanwhile, Dai Wen had changed into a form-fitting yoga outfit. She retrieved a yoga mat from her room, spread it out in an empty space, and began her stretches. Beside her, another new yoga mat lay unfurled.

Next to Dai Wen, Feng Qiqi remained perched on the sofa, snacks in hand, watching television. For her, this was the most delightful way to pass the time.

“Dai Wen-jie, why did you drag me into doing yoga?”

Lin Ziyao descended the stairs, clad in a yoga outfit. Her slender, shapely figure was fully revealed, accentuated by the snug fit of her crop top. Her long, powerful legs were encased in white pants; there was not an ounce of superfluous flesh on her entire body.

Despite her verbal complaint, Lin Ziyao dutifully returned to her room at Dai Wen’s persistent invitation. She changed into Dai Wen’s spare clothes and prepared to attempt yoga.

“Weren’t you watching so intently just now? I happened to have a spare outfit, so I thought you might want to try it out with me.”

Lin Ziyao, who had just been watching TV with Feng Qiqi, had been captivated by Dai Wen after she changed. Although Lin Ziyao had grown accustomed to her own body, she still found herself unconsciously shy and distracted when faced with physical contact from others or when someone like Dai Wen wore tight-fitting clothes.

Thus, Dai Wen mistakenly believed she was interested in yoga.

“Come on, let’s start with some basic stretches.”

Dai Wen began by guiding her through simple stretching exercises, explaining that yoga could relax both mind and body while also strengthening the physique.

Lin Ziyao found she could easily mimic Dai Wen’s poses. The flexibility of this body far surpassed her expectations; even when Dai Wen increased the difficulty, Lin Ziyao effortlessly kept pace.

“Inhale, exhale!”

Following the rhythm, Lin Ziyao gradually immersed her consciousness, relaxing into her body until mind and form slowly merged.

When she opened her eyes again, the exhaustion from yesterday’s travels and the drowsiness from waking early had completely vanished.

“Well, how was it? Pretty good, right?” Dai Wen asked, observing Lin Ziyao’s newfound vitality.

Lin Ziyao stretched luxuriously. “It feels so comfortable, like a long time has passed.”

“Quite a bit of time has passed, actually. It’s almost time to prepare lunch.”

Qin Yu’s voice drifted from behind her. She was seated on the sofa, watching Lin Ziyao, and had clearly been there for a while.

“Oh no!”

Lin Ziyao glanced at the time, then hurried back to her room to tidy up, leaving Dai Wen alone.

Soon after, she joined Qin Yu in the kitchen to prepare lunch.

If she, the designated chef, had forgotten to cook, then only Qin Yu would have been left to prepare the meal, and everyone would have been forced to eat vegetarian.

Fortunately, she hadn’t woken up too late. With her frantic efforts, she just managed to have lunch ready on time.

However, the main event was yet to come, right after lunch!

After a brief rest, the afternoon finally arrived, and Director Chen reappeared before the assembled group.

Each guest now wore a microphone, and a cameraman, along with a staff member, tracked their every move.

“Is everyone ready?” he called out loudly, posing the question to all.

‘It always feels like Director Chen’s lines are the same every time,’ Lin Ziyao silently grumbled, yet she still responded aloud, “Ready!”

“Oh, and by the way, there’s an additional rule.”

‘Just as expected!’

The guests sighed inwardly. They had long since figured out Director Chen’s modus operandi: a single trick, endlessly repurposed.

“This game will feature a shrinking zone. Your accompanying staff will notify you when the time comes. Additionally, once a ‘mouse’ is caught, they will have one chance to perform a talent to escape.”