Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 6

Ran Lin received the contract for the reality show in November, and the filming was set to begin in January, leaving him only two months to prepare.

During these sixty days, besides taking time out to record the theme song for the show, he devoted the rest of his time to fitness training.

According to Wang Xi, he could be the National Little Brother, National Boyfriend, or even the National Husband, but first and foremost, he was a male celebrity. Even if his face was as beautiful as Daji*, his body shouldn’t be weak once the clothes come off.

*A famous figure in Chinese mythology and folklore, often portrayed as a fox spirit who takes on the form of a beautiful woman. She’s said to be the favorite concubine of King Zhou of Shang, the last ruler of the Shang dynasty. Her malevolent influence supposedly led King Zhou into a life of depravity and cruelty, which eventually contributed to the downfall of the Shang dynasty.

Ran Lin was too thin. Although he still had the grace of a young man, there was a certain slightness to his frame.

Wang Xi’s fitness plan for him was to gain some muscle appropriately. The overall image was still to maintain a bright youthful look, not needing bulging biceps or clearly defined abs, but rather a toned and healthy physique.

Ran Lin was obedient, so although it was hard work, he found a sense of achievement in seeing his body and fitness improve in the sweat.

The day he recorded the theme song happened to be Christmas Eve. Recording theme songs usually involved each person singing individually and then combining the recordings later, which saved time and effort and didn’t require coordinating the schedules of all the guests on the same day.

Lu Yiyao, Gu Jie, and Xia Xinran had already recorded separately.

Only he and Zhang Beichen were left.

Zhang Beichen’s TV drama crew had been rushing their schedule and hadn’t given him time off until the day before Christmas Eve. He came hurriedly the next day—if any later, the program’s final promotion wouldn’t be able to air as scheduled.

Ran Lin had the most flexible schedule of all the guests, so he had been waiting for the production team’s arrangement. Probably to save effort, the team didn’t want to record just for him on a separate day, so they waited until Zhang Beichen could come and informed Ran Lin to join on the same day. This way, they only had to set up the equipment once, which was cost-effective and efficient.

Ran Lin had no objections and rushed over early that morning.

The recording studio wasn’t ready yet, which displeased Wang Xi, but she still waited with Ran Lin. About two hours later, everything was prepared, and Zhang Beichen also arrived.

“I’m really sorry for being late. We just finished the drama shoot last night, and I’m quite exhausted. Sorry, sorry.”

Zhang Beichen’s agent, Wu Xuefeng, was a kindly middle-aged man in his forties, known affectionately as Wu Ge. He wasn’t tall, was slightly overweight, had a round face, and wore gold-rimmed glasses. He was often seen smiling with colleagues and the media, rarely showing a stern face.

Zhang Beichen followed behind him, bundled in a down jacket and silent, but his face bore a constant apologetic smile. Everyone could see that the face under his cap was genuinely fatigued, even affecting his handsome looks. He was clearly not well-rested.

His first act upon arrival was to apologize, and objectively speaking, they hadn’t actually delayed the production team—the recording studio had just been set up. So the staff laughed it off and moved on.

The recording engineer hurried the stars to start. Ran Lin didn’t have time to chat with Zhang Beichen and was quickly ushered into the recording booth.

Part of the recording booth footage would be used in the music video and behind-the-scenes clips. Since it was for recording a theme song, not acting or show-making, overly dramatic styling was avoided, so both of their outfits were quite casual.

“I heard you arrived two hours early. Sorry to have kept you waiting so long.”

Just as Ran Lin was about to put on his headphones, he heard a gentle, magnetic voice beside him.

Zhang Beichen’s first words to him were an apology.

Ran Lin turned in surprise, taking a serious look at his partner for the first time.

Zhang Beichen was handsome and tall—taller than Ran Lin’s 180 cm—probably at least 184 cm. He has a sunny disposition, much like the charismatic and popular basketball team captain in college, who inspires many with his youthful vigor, passionately plays, and leads his team forward with enthusiasm and brotherhood.

“No, I came early.” Ran Lin quickly shook his head, meaningfully adding, “You know, my schedule is quite… flexible.”

Zhang Beichen paused, then realized Ran Lin was self-deprecating and laughed, his attitude more relaxed. “I saw what happened at the airport on the internet. It was pretty funny.”

Ran Lin was embarrassed, wishing he could erase that part of his history with correction fluid. “Can we skip this part…”

Zhang Beichen was amused by the pitiful look in his eyes and couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

The recording engineer couldn’t stand it anymore and reminded them from the microphone. “Handsome guys, let’s get started.”

After they put on their headphones, the intro music began.

Who would sing which part of the song was a matter for post-production. During the recording, Zhang Beichen sang the A section, Ran Lin the B section, and then they sang the chorus together.

Ran Lin was known as the singing king of his college’s external department, performing solo every year at the annual event and participating in various campus singing competitions. Although not a professional singer, he definitely had a voice that could perk up ears.

He had practiced the theme song so much that he knew it by heart, playing it on loop in the gym until even his coach begged for mercy, suggesting he use headphones with better sound insulation.

So as soon as the music started, Ran Lin was in the zone, his voice clean and warm, occasionally using subtle breath control.

This pleasantly surprised the entire recording team, who became much more positive in their attitude towards him.

In contrast, Zhang Beichen’s raw voice caused some frowns. Whether it was due to lack of rest or a natural lack of musical talent, his voice was strained, with high notes either breaking or failing to come out at all. Worse, he kept getting the lyrics wrong.

After several attempts, the recording engineer called a halt.

The plan had been to record them together in one go, but it turned out better to let Ran Lin sing solo first, then coach Zhang Beichen later.

By midday, Zhang Beichen was visibly struggling, and the recording team was disheartened.

Wang Xi sat there the whole morning without saying a word, her face growing darker and darker.

Ran Lin glanced over and prayed fervently, hoping she wouldn’t explode, even if it meant she remained as unapproachable as an ice sculpture.

The tense atmosphere persisted until the arrival of a large order of takeout—Wu Xuefeng had taken the initiative to order lunch and afternoon tea for everyone. Of course, he was paying for it.

Clay pot rice, shrimp dumplings, shumai, steamed spare ribs… All grievances seemed to vanish in the harmonious atmosphere akin to a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant.

The smell of coffee and sight of egg tarts made Zhang Beichen’s off-key singing seem more forgivable.

Before the recording team could resume, Ran Lin first approached Zhang Beichen, who was sitting dejectedly in a corner, and began to guide him empathetically.

“For the highest note in the chorus, ‘There’s light in the distance,’ you don’t have to strain your real voice to hit the pitch. The more you worry about reaching it, the more likely you are to make a mistake. Just sing it normally, even if it’s a few notes lower.”

Zhang Beichen was confused. “Wouldn’t that be off-key?”

Ran Lin glanced at the recording team, still engrossed in their meal, and then quietly said, “As long as you sing out, don’t get the lyrics wrong, don’t worry about being off-key. They can fix it, and it will sound good after mixing.”

Zhang Beichen still looked uneasy. He had never seriously recorded a song before. Even during his audition show, he performed street dance and only rapped during group performances, so he wasn’t familiar with these tricks.

“Don’t worry. I don’t hit every note perfectly either. They all need some post-processing.” Ran Lin reassured him and added, “You’re just nervous, focusing too much on that one line, and then messing up the rest. Just relax and let the lyrics flow smoothly, and it will be fine.”

Zhang Beichen seemed persuaded. “Really, it’s okay?”

“Yeah.” Ran Lin patted his shoulder, then chuckled softly. “You think when they mix our chorus with those of the other three, it will blend seamlessly? Besides pitch, there’s rhythm and enunciation. Not just that high note, even other parts won’t be perfectly in sync. It will obviously sound like a quintet.”

Zhang Beichen visualized this “harmonious” future scene and relaxed.

“Thanks,” he said, getting up to stretch and prepare to eat his neglected lunch.

Ran Lin, who had already finished eating, held his milk tea and smiled brightly. “I should thank you. It’s really good.”

After Zhang Beichen walked away, Wang Xi came and sat next to Ran Lin, half-smiling. “I didn’t realize you were such a good Samaritan.”

Ran Lin sensed that Wang Xi was in a bad mood, as if waiting for someone to set off her thunderous wrath, so he just chuckled awkwardly, not daring to add to the conversation.

Wang Xi glanced at him and didn’t pursue the matter further.

Ran Lin turned his face to the wall, silently praying for someone to take this sister away.

The afternoon recording session went very smoothly, and the recording engineer was surprised by the change in Zhang Beichen’s performance. Without any need for his coaching, Zhang Beichen seemed to have shed a great burden. His voice was no longer strained, and the lyrics were correct. Although he went off-key on the highest notes, there were no voice breaks or losses, and the issues were entirely within the scope of what could be fixed with post-production techniques. This improvement was truly heartening and brought a sense of relief.

They finished early, before four o’clock. Before leaving, Zhang Beichen proactively added Ran Lin on WeChat.

This was the first artist, other than Dream Without Limits, to actively add Ran Lin on social media.

During his previous film shoots, he had to take the initiative to add the lead actors, but even after adding them, there was little interaction, and sometimes he was even blocked from viewing their Moments, which was quite disheartening.

Having established a good relationship with one-fourth of his future collaborators, Ran Lin saw this as a positive start.

Leaving the recording studio, Wang Xi’s tense demeanor finally showed urgency, urging the driver to hurry to the company.

Ran Lin couldn’t recall any other tasks that needed to be completed at the company today, but he didn’t ask and just quietly followed along.

Upon returning to the company, they learned that Han Ze had been waiting in Wang Xi’s office for most of the day, and his mood wasn’t good.

Ran Lin then understood that Wang Xi’s low spirits all day had nothing to do with his recording efficiency. In fact, her mind might not have been in the recording studio at all. From the moment she was informed that Han Ze was waiting, she had already mentally returned to Dream Without Limits.

One star was at the peak of his popularity, the other’s future uncertain, both sharing the same agent. It was clear who needed more immediate attention.

Ran Lin understood this.

But human emotions were complex, and it was hard not to feel let down.

Wang Xi entered her office and first closed the blinds. What happened inside remained unknown to outsiders.

Ran Lin took out a packet of instant soymilk powder from his bag, found a paper cup in the pantry, and mixed it with hot water.

The aroma of soy milk was limited, but enough to relax Ran Lin.

The door to the pantry was gently pushed open, and a young girl tiptoed in.

Ran Lin thought she wanted to make coffee and moved aside for her.

Unexpectedly, the girl closed the door and walked straight up to him, her cheeks reddening as she approached, eventually turning as red as a bright apple.

“Um… I really love your portrayal of Linghu Xiaodao. Could you give me an autograph?” She blurted out, too shy to lift her head, extending a pen and a blank postcard.

Ran Lin took it, curious, and flipped it over to see Linghu Xiaodao’s photo from the drama.

When did his character get merchandise?

“I-I really like it, so I had it custom-made online!” she explained immediately, seeing his hesitation.

Ran Lin felt the girl looked familiar—certainly not a new employee. If she worked here daily, she wouldn’t have waited so long for an autograph.

The only explanation was that she was a new fan, not a new employee.

Meeting a new fan in person was a different experience from gaining followers online. The former was much more impactful and real.

Ran Lin knew it was silly, but he was thrilled, almost wanting to spin around in joy. Of course, he had to maintain his image in front of a fan, so he picked up the pen, trying hard not to smile too broadly. “Just an autograph, no blessings?”

The girl, eagerly awaiting, was taken aback by his question. “Ah?”

Ran Lin’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Besides the autograph, don’t you want me to write something else?”

The girl lit up in disbelief. “Really?”

Ran Lin nodded. “Of course.”

She continued, “Anything?”

Ran Lin joked, “Except curses.”

The girl was amused and finally mustered the courage to say, “I want you to write ‘I love Lu Yiyao’!”

Ran Lin: “…”

Girl: “Aren’t you his die-hard fan?”

Ran Lin: “Yeah!”

Once a public image was established, it was like water poured out—it couldn’t be taken back.

In the evening, Wang Xi and Han Ze finally came out of the office. It was evident that they had reached some sort of agreement, as both seemed in a much better mood.

Seeing Ran Lin still waiting, Wang Xi was initially surprised, then apologized unusually. “Sorry for forgetting about you. There’s nothing else here. You can go back. Remember to work out on time tomorrow.”

Ran Lin felt a mix of frustration and resignation.

That night, the girl posted on Weibo. Although it was from an anonymous account, it still attracted over three thousand comments.

Initially, it was the fans of the CP who were excited. But gradually, a large number of Lu Yiyao’s fans joined in.

Compared to the restraint shown during the initial airport misunderstanding and the video of Yun Zhang and Linghu Xiaodao, Lu Yiyao’s fans seemed to have lost all their composure with this real-life CP, unleashing various complaints and insults. The girl was so frightened that she soon deleted the Weibo post, and the minor controversy subsided.

However, Ran Lin, who had witnessed everything, felt a growing unease.

Finally, on January 10, just before the recording, the reality show’s production team dropped a bombshell—they released the theme song and unveiled the mysterious fifth guest!

All five male celebrities retweeted the show’s Weibo post, but they hadn’t started any interactions with each other yet.

That night, Ran Lin’s Weibo followers increased by tens of thousands. However, among the thousands of new comments, about 70% were from Lu Yiyao’s fans, criticizing him for riding on the coattails of popularity and others mocking him for not deserving the title of National First Love. The remaining 30% were divided between those taking a wait-and-see approach and those staunchly supporting the CP, passionately defending it.

On January 15^th, amid high expectations and mixed reviews, the first episode of the show was recorded in Guilin, amidst a whirlwind of discussion.

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