Chapter 18

In the evening after finishing her live stream, Song Anan took a shower and went to the yard with her hair half dried.

Song Linchuan was lying comfortably on a deck chair with his hands crossed under his head, staring blankly at the night sky.

"I feel like this place reminds me of our childhood home in the countryside," Song Anan said with a light nod of her head. After drying her hair, she casually draped the towel over the armrest of the chair and laid down next to Song Linchuan.

Reminiscing, she said, "There was also a grape trellis at our old house back home. The grapes it produced every year were very sweet."

"Auntie, are you missing home?" Song Linchuan turned his head and looked at Song Anan as he said, "Why don't I go back with you after we finish filming this show?"

Song Anan did miss going back and seeing their old home.

Unlike Song Linchuan, she had spent the first eight years of her life living in their countryside hometown with her parents before moving away. Naturally, she was more emotionally attached to that place.

However, she had overheard Jiang Han discussing their schedule with Song Linchuan before. She knew he was very busy.

"No need," Song Anan waved her hand and said, "I still have some things to take care of at school after filming wraps up. Let's talk about it again at the end of the year."

Song Linchuan simply responded with an "Oh," thinking she really was occupied. He didn't insist further.

The two gazed quietly at the night sky.

After a long while, Song Anan suddenly called out, "Linchuan."

"Hmm?" Song Linchuan was startled.

"I saw online that you and Jiang Kai didn't get along in the past. Is that true?" she asked.

Song Linchuan didn't expect Song Anan to bring this up, but he had nothing to hide from his auntie.

"Yes, it's true," he admitted.

"Then, did you hit him before?"

"I did."

Song Anan had guessed they didn't get along well, but she was quite surprised to hear Song Linchuan had hit Jiang Kai before.

"What happened?" she asked.

This time, Song Linchuan hesitated.

What happened?

Song Linchuan sneered inwardly as his thoughts drifted back many years.

Back then, after completing an idol talent competition, he was ranked in the top five and the organizers put those contestants together in a five-member boy group to debut.

The group included him, Pei Kuang, and Jiang Kai.

Their relationship wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either at that time.

As a newly debuted group, they naturally had to frantically appear on shows to promote and capitalize on the competition hype.

It was during that time that Song Linchuan started frequently name dropping his auntie "Baobao" on shows. Her nickname started spreading then.

People found it quite amusing. Anyway, he would get brought up every time they were on a show in that period and gained a lot of attention.

Usually it was fine, variety shows naturally highlight whatever is trending.

Perhaps Jiang Kai was annoyed that Song Linchuan was stealing his spotlight. During a break backstage, he came back with a long face.

He didn't say anything explicitly but his expression clearly showed his displeasure, making things uncomfortable for everyone else.

Considering they still had to continue filming, Song Linchuan didn't bother with him and went off with Pei Kuang to get some peace and quiet.

But when they returned, they just so happened to overhear Jiang Kai spouting nonsense inside the room.

Not only was he disparaging Song Linchuan, but he even dragged Song Anan into it too.

Naturally it wasn't anything nice, not even fit for ears.

Of course Song Linchuan couldn't stand it and charged in, beating up Jiang Kai without regard.

This was also why Song Linchuan reacted so strongly today when Jiang Kai used Song Anan to pick at him.

He had malicious intent, it definitely wasn't just joking around.

However, this wasn't something Song Linchuan would ever tell Song Anan about, afraid of tainting her ears.

"Nothing much," Song Linchuan said nonchalantly, "we just didn't get along well."

Song Anan's eyebrows quirked up.

Didn't get along well?

That was great then.

She had been thinking about how to advise Song Linchuan to stay away from Jiang Kai. That man was sly and she was worried Song Linchuan would suffer losses from interacting with him.

"If you don't get along then don't get along," Song Anan said. "Later when filming, let's keep our distance from him."

It would be best if there was no intersection between Song Linchuan and Jiang Kai whatsoever.

Unaware of Song Anan's thoughts, Song Linchuan only thought she was being protective and felt extremely gratified.

But when he thought about Jiang Kai again, his expression inevitably darkened.

Jiang Han did have some dirt on Jiang Kai but it wasn't lethal for him.

If it was before, leaking it could still make him drink a potion of suffering.

But the situation was different now. Jiang Kai had backers, if they played it right, leaking it could even bring him a wave of popularity.

Song Linchuan wasn't stupid. Naturally he wouldn't cheapen Jiang Kai like that. He could only let him hop around a little longer.

But Jiang Han's side already had some clues so he wouldn't be able to hop for too long.

The night breeze shook the treetops, bringing a slight chill.

The aunt and nephew closed their eyes comfortably, the constant chirping around their ears bringing rare tranquility.

In a yard about half a village away, the Jiang siblings evidently didn't have such leisure.

Both were lowered their heads scrolling through their phones, ignoring each other.

However, their expressions were increasingly ugly.

Jiang Kai was messaging his agent to take down search trends and clear the forums. Before coming, he had anticipated there would be some mudslinging since he was intentionally trying to step on Song Linchuan's head to move up.

The more fiercely they tore at each other, the more controversy there was, the higher the topic heat would be.

Then he could ride Song Linchuan's popularity as a so-called top star to gain black fans. It wasn't a bad idea.

But he absolutely didn't expect to be nailed to the pillar of shame by netizens just because of Song Anan.

They were saying things like intentionally using distasteful jokes was shameless, making suggestive remarks about a minor was tasteless and indecent!

He wanted controversy but not unilateral condemnation.

Jiang Kai rubbed his hair in agitation, increasingly regretful.

He shouldn't have been so careless.

Song Anan was different from Song Linchuan. Although Song Linchuan was quite popular these years, he also had his fair share of controversies.

But Song Anan was different. She had too good of a reputation among viewers. Not only did netizens like her, Jiang Kai saw today that the other guests were also exceptionally caring towards her.

Especially Shi Qing.

She seemed to genuinely adore Song Anan. Otherwise she wouldn't have stood up for her against him today.

And by extension, Song Linchuan was also able to bask in her glow.

This was what angered Jiang Kai the most.

Just as he was wallowing in all kinds of dissatisfaction, Jiang Yao suddenly slammed her phone on the table with a 'bang.'

"Ah! Annoying, so annoying!"

Jiang Kai was in a bad mood himself and naturally didn't have much patience.

"What's with you now," he said impatiently looking at Jiang Yao, "We're not home, no one is going to coax you here."

In Jiang Kai's eyes, Jiang Yao was spoiled rotten by their parents at home, throwing little tantrums at the slightest thing.

Hearing this, Jiang Yao got even angrier. "Jiang Kai, what do you mean? If I didn't come with you to film this show, would I be compared online to others like this?"

"For me?" Jiang Kai laughed coldly. "Jiang Yao, do you even believe yourself saying that? If you didn't cry and make a fuss about coming, would I have brought you?"

Jiang Yao was rendered speechless.

In fact, Jiang Kai's company had originally planned to arrange for another female artist to accompany him on the show. But Jiang Yao had insisted on going herself.

Jiang Kai had only obliged her as lip service. After all, she was still his little sister. Rather than letting this rare opportunity benefit some random woman from their company, it was better to give it to her.

Anyway, Jiang Yao also had plans to enter the entertainment industry.

Though unruly, Jiang Yao also knew her brother wouldn't indulge her and didn't dare to continue throwing a fit.

"Bro, that lady we met before coming here, didn't you say she was quite capable? Why can't she get Song Linchuan kicked off this show?" Jiang Yao asked.

That way, Song Anan would be gone too and there would be no one to compare her with.

Jiang Kai glared at her fiercely. "What lady, call her big sis."

Jiang Yao reluctantly uttered an "Oh," then pouted her lips in displeasure behind Jiang Kai's back.

What big sis? That woman looked nearly fifty, a whole generation older than her mom.

However, having mixed in fandom circles since she was a preteen, Jiang Yao also knew a thing or two about insider workings and unspoken rules.

Though her brother didn't explicitly say, she roughly guessed that woman must be the new moneybags her brother had cozied up to. Otherwise with his clout, how could he possibly get such hot variety show resources.

But she didn't care. Her brother having backers could only benefit her.

Jiang Kai had no time to bother with Jiang Yao. His own head was bursting with annoyance.

Humph!

He wanted to kick Song Linchuan out of the show too, but that would require the capability to do so.

*

Having slept early the night before, Song Anan and Song Linchuan got up early the next day when the sky had just brightened.

Participating in the show had basically reset Song Linchuan's schedule. Song Anan felt that was another satisfactory aspect.

Breakfast was provided by the production team but it wasn't time yet.

After washing up and getting ready, the two decided to take a walk around the village to get some fresh air and treat it as their morning exercise.

After circling the village, they came back when it was about time.

Passing by Shi Qing's home, the gate happened to be open.

Song Anan looked inside and saw Shi Qing and Qi MuShi were both in the yard.

"Sis Shi, MuShi, good morning!" she greeted them from the entrance.

Qi MuShi came bouncing over happily. "Auntie, good morning!"

Then looking towards Song Linchuan on the side, "Bro Linchuan, morning!"

Song Linchuan faintly nodded towards Shi Qing and Qi MuShi. "Morning."

Shi Qing also nodded lightly and seeing the direction they came from, asked, "Little Anan, what were you two up to?"

Song Anan obediently answered, "Linchuan and I got up early and had nothing to do, so we just walked around the village once."

Shi Qing smiled. "One whole round already. Up so early."

Then she shot a look at Qi MuShi beside her. "Look at Anan. Quickly learn from her. If I don't call you awake, you'd sleep till the sun shines on your butt every day."

Qi MuShi twisted his lips. "Mom, I'm criticizing you now. You can praise Auntie but don't drag me down too."

"This is dragging you down?" Shi Qing laughed.

Qi MuShi shrugged. "Isn't it?"

Shi Qing rolled her eyes at him. "Less lippy."

The mother and son bickered playfully while the aunt and nephew watched happily.

Having this kind of family atmosphere, it was no wonder Qi MuShi had such a cheerful personality.

"What are your plans for today?" Shi Qing asked Song Anan.

According to the show's filming arrangements, today was free activity time for the guests. They could stay home or walk around the village.

Of course, the guests could also visit each other.

Song Anan replied, "Linchuan has work today. I'm going with him."

Shi Qing uttered an "Oh," and casually asked, "Leaving right after breakfast?"

Song Anan shook her head. "No, he said we're leaving at 10:30. I plan on reviewing some books at home before then." Qi MuShi immediately chimed in, "Auntie, can I come over to study together with you in the morning then?"

This remark shocked Shi Qing the most.

This stinky brat is serious! He actually took the initiative to study!

【OMG! Qi MuShi is serious about getting into Peking University! He's actually going to study for the exam!】

【Tsk, let the kid try hard. How will he know if he doesn't put in the effort?】

【I have a bold idea - years later, Qi MuShi actually makes it onto the Peking University admissions list!】

【Wow! This is totally an underdog success story. I suddenly really want to see how it goes down!】

【What underdog success, this is clearly a little sweet romance! That summer, the unlearned loser brother met the top student sister who changed his life. To follow in her footsteps, he reflected on his ways and decided to devote himself to studying. After much blood, sweat and tears, he...】

【Pfft laughing so hard! The cheesy, cringey plot!】

【Ahhhhh keep writing, don't stop!】

【Hahaha don't stop, don't stop! I'm a sucker for cheesy stories...】

Song Anan naturally had no problem and smiled in agreement.

After breakfast, Song Linchuan helped Song Anan move the table under the eaves and took out his script to read.

The livestream audience was already used to this scene.

Soon, the courtyard gate was pushed open from outside.

"I'm here!" Qi MuShi bounced in happily carrying his homework.

Shi Qing walked behind, looking at her unfortunate son with slight disdain.

This kid is too uninhibited, when will he become more steady?

Qi MuShi very consciously sat in the empty seat on Song Anan's other side, "Auntie, can I ask you about questions I don't understand later?"

Song Anan nodded, "Of course."

At this time, Shi Qing also walked over and instructed Qi MuShi, "You do it yourself first, save up the questions you don't understand and ask them all together. Don't interrupt every minute, that would disturb Anan."

He struggles to study well enough as it is, let alone disturbing Song Anan.

Qi MuShi scratched his head, lacking confidence, "I'll try my best."

【Haha Qi MuShi's so awkward】

【I totally relate as a bad student, I'm the fidgety type with no concentration】

【Speaking of concentration, I really admire Auntie. I noticed from the livestream she's always very focused when studying. No wonder she's a top student!】

【Let me share something magical. That time I was 'cloud learning' with Auntie, I was totally focused the whole time, oddly enough】

【Me too! 'Cloud learning' with Auntie is really efficient. To be honest with you all, I'm almost done with my summer homework already】

【Why else could it be? The atmosphere! Can't deny, study atmosphere really matters】

【Let's cut to the chase, I've taken out my summer homework and am ready to study with Auntie】

【+1 upstairs, I'm ready too. My mom just walked by and asked if this was a study livestream】

...

Since Shi Qing came along, Song Linchuan didn't feel right continuing with the script on his end.

The two of them walked off to the side to give the students space.

Shi Qing glanced at the script in Song Linchuan's hand, "Next production?"

Song Linchuan nodded, "Good timing to go over lines."

Shi Qing thought for a moment, "If you don't mind, could I run lines with you?"

Song Linchuan was clearly surprised.

Rehearsing with the three-time Best Actress winner, who wouldn't want that chance?

How could he possibly mind!

【OMG Shi Qing offered to run lines with Song Linchuan, she wants to coach him personally right?】

【Should be, why else suggest a run through? They aren't co-stars】

【Haha Shi Qing understands reciprocity. Auntie is tutoring Qi MuShi, so she returns the favor by coaching Song Linchuan's acting】

【Regardless, Shi Qing's skills are plain to see. Rehearsing with such an exceptional performer, even without specific teaching, as long as the other actor isn't totally wooden, there are bound to be benefits】

【Right, why else would young actors on sets like to follow veteran talents to learn?】

The livestream audience understood something Song Linchuan also clearly grasped.

"Of course, thank you. But won't this take up your time?" he asked.

Shi Qing waved her hand, "No schedule this morning."

Joining this show, her main job was Qi MuShi. With someone looking after the brat, she was completely free.

Song Linchuan didn't hesitate further and handed over his script.

Shi Qing took it and first read the plot summary to roughly grasp the storyline.

Since this drama hadn't started filming yet, they couldn't reveal specific details and content.

After clearing with the producers, Song Linchuan and Shi Qing's mics were removed.

To avoid disturbing Song Anan and Qi MuShi later, they walked over to the other end of the yard.

When Shi Qing first came in with Qi MuShi earlier, the production team had already merged both livestreams into one big stream.

Then this side presented quite an odd scene - the cameraman panned between the study group on one side and the acting group on the other.

Neither spoke, so the whole livestream was like a silent film.

Strangely, the viewer count barely dropped at all, no mass exodus.

But the bullet chat interaction clearly decreased, perhaps they really were 'cloud learning' as speculated earlier.

Time always flies when focused on a task.

At 11am when Jiang Han came to pick them up and pushed open the courtyard gate, she saw this harmonious academic atmosphere.

Song Anan tutoring Qi MuShi, Shi Qing coaching Song Linchuan.

The two teachers instructed earnestly, and the students listened attentively.

Jiang Han: ???

Felt a bit out of place here!