Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

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

---

Chapter 16

The show’s original plan was to have the guests struggle to earn money and then struggle to borrow a dilapidated place. They wanted to bring Xia Xinran, who had just enjoyed the summer, to the party scene, expecting the contrast from luxury to a humble setting would surely ruffle the feathers of the arrogant birthday boy.

Unexpectedly, the guests pulled a big move.

Usually, celebrities are reluctant to publicly reveal their private homes. Even if their reality show contracts allow filming, only partial glimpses are aired, and certainly not a case like Lu Yiyao’s, who unexpectedly offered his place as a filming location.

In this variety show, Lu Yiyao’s home is a luxurious apartment in Chaoyang District, Beijing. He had no obligation to offer a second one, but he did.

He declared beforehand that the address and exterior of this second private residence couldn’t be revealed in the broadcast, and access was limited to the living room. Still, the director was ecstatic and hurried over with a crew and equipment.

The place was a seaside villa with a view of the sea and blooming spring flowers—a secret residence of Lu Yiyao, unknown and unphotographed by paparazzi.

It was uncertain if it was actually Lu Yiyao’s residence, as aside from his statement, “My house,” there was no personal touch in the villa. It was as if it had been left vacant after renovation, fully furnished yet devoid of any personal traces.

Regular cleaning was evident, as the bright living room was spotless. The lilies and lotus flowers in the vase on the table were fresh and elegant, giving a subtle floral fragrance in the air.

However, there were no photo frames, clothes, books, or any personal items that might reveal some gossip.

Disappointed, the director lost his initial excitement while instructing the crew to set up equipment.

Ran Lin was also surprised.

Like the crew, they only used the living room, which felt impersonal with its gray and white decor, only brightened by some colorful decorations.

Ran Lin doubted this was Lu Yiyao’s style, knowing his preference for colors other than gray in clothing.

Like his three companions, Ran Lin kept his questions to himself, respecting an unspoken agreement not to probe further.

Lu Yiyao’s willingness to offer his private home was generous, and not prying further was a courtesy among friends—if they could be called that.

“I’m very satisfied with the arrangements for this episode—really, very satisfied!” Xia Xinran, blindfolded and led into the living room, couldn’t see the route but didn’t forget to praise the crew, evidently pleased with the previous night’s luxury hotel and spa experience.

Everyone was in the living room, but apart from the four male stars, other crew members and equipment were out of camera range.

Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the gray-white living room with a touch of warmth despite its cool-toned decor.

The moment Xia Xinran’s blindfold was lifted, the birthday song began.

The cake, chosen by Ran Lin, was Black Forest.

Xia Xinran had mentioned his fondness for chocolate, and fortunately, Black Forest was the specialty of that bakery. The cake wasn’t sliced yet into individual pieces.

The bright sunlight made the candle flames less noticeable. Initially, they thought of drawing the curtains, but the director decided that letting in the sunlight made for a better shot.

Lu Yiyao’s private villa, not in the original plan of the crew, added an unexpectedly beautiful setting, which the director was keen to utilize.

The birthday party was warm, but after the initial joy, there wasn’t much content. It was just eating cake and chatting.

The conversation was limited, mainly teasing Xia Xinran.

It was no wonder the male stars joined forces in teasing. Imagine, while one enjoys a five-star hotel and spa, the others work overnight to buy a cake, only to give it back to the birthday boy. It’s hard for anyone to feel balanced in such a scenario.

Indeed, it was such a great birthday.

Xia Xinran also genuinely felt the effort his friends had put in, feeling somewhat guilty. Initially, he took the teasing in good spirits.

But being not too straightforward himself, he soon started scheming and cleverly shifted the focus of the banter.

“Let’s play Truth or Dare!”

After all, a party isn’t a formal gathering. What’s the fun in just chatting politely? If they’re going to party, they should at least make it lively.

The four male stars were startled, instinctively looking at the director.

The director was thrilled and enthusiastically approved. “Great idea!”

Usually, Truth or Dare involves drawing straws, picking cards, or spinning a bottle, with newer versions using mobile apps.

As the guests weren’t allowed to use their phones and drawing straws lacked atmosphere, they decided to use a sponsor’s empty drink bottle, rustic and appealing.

The director deliberately focused the camera on the bottle’s label, finding Xia Xinran’s suggestion brilliant.

Half-drawing the curtains, the living room instantly gained the vibe of a chat session. The five people sat in a circle on the light gray carpet, placing the empty bottle in the middle, with Xia Xinran, the birthday boy, spinning it first.

Without hesitation, Xia Xinran looked around, chuckled, and swiftly twisted the bottle.

It spun rapidly, slightly shifting from its original position.

Ran Lin remembered playing such games with his college dormmates. Watching the spinning bottle, he felt a sense of time reversal, imagining the bottle as a green beer bottle, with the laughter of his friends echoing in his ears…

“Gu Jie!”

The bottle finally stopped, not directly pointing at Gu Jie but close enough to brush against his clothing.

Gu Jie wasn’t one to make a fuss. He immediately extended one hand, mimicking the gesture of Wong Fei-hung inviting questions. “Ask whatever you want to know.”

“Me! Me! Me!” Xia Xinran eagerly raised his hand, as if he had been holding the question in his heart for centuries, waiting for such an opportunity. Without waiting for Gu Jie to respond, Xia grinned mischievously and asked, “Did you and Su Wei ever actually date?”

Ran Lin’s jaw dropped.

Zhang Beichen and Lu Yiyao frowned. Though it was a game of Truth or Dare, asking someone directly about their romantic rumors on camera seemed inappropriate.

However, Gu Jie, as if expecting the question, calmly replied, “I’ve explained many times, we’re just friends.”

All eyes turned to Xia Xinran.

Nobody cared about whether Gu Jie and Su Wei were just friends. They were more interested in the “explained many times” part!

Xia Xinran was stunned. “What do you mean you explained many times? Wait, what does it have to do with me?” Realizing something, he threw a crumpled paper at Gu Jie. “You’re setting me up!”

Gu Jie was already laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

Xia Xinran immediately shifted his camera towards himself, righteously declaring, “My fans, I have nothing to do with that person spreading false rumors. I only love you all. Look into my pure eyes…”

The other three, realizing later, admired Gu Jie’s skill in handling Xia Xinran.

Compared to Xia Xinran’s spicy questions, the others were milder, and the round ended quickly.

Zhang Beichen was the next to spin the bottle, which, amusingly, pointed right back at him. Everyone laughed, including himself.

Until Xia Xinran asked a question that froze the atmosphere.

He inquired, “Before I came, I saw a clip from the first episode in Guilin. You said you’d let Ran Lin win. Was that intentional?”

The mood suddenly tensed.

Xia Xinran’s tone was light, but it felt like a cold breeze from the movie <The Day After Tomorrow> freezing everything in its path.

Zhang Beichen was caught off guard, while Gu Jie and Lu Yiyao had complicated expressions. Ran Lin only felt like a headache was coming.

“I don’t understand what you mean…” Zhang Beichen finally spoke up. He tried to appear natural but faced with such a direct and almost confrontational question, he was clearly unprepared.

Xia Xinran suddenly gave a narrow smile. “What I mean is, if you wanted to switch, you should’ve come to me, not Ran Lin. My accommodation that day was pitiful. You didn’t see it… Remember, next time, offer any benefits to me first. We’re that close!”

Zhang Beichen blinked blankly, slow to catch on, but then quickly nodded. “Okay, I’ll come to you next time.”

Xia Xinran reached out to pat his shoulder with a comforting expression.

Gu Jie and Lu Yiyao were baffled, unsure of Xia Xinran’s intentions. Was it just a joke, or was there a hidden message? If there was a hidden message, what was it? Was it meant for Zhang Beichen or Ran Lin?

Ran Lin, observing their puzzled looks, just wanted to facepalm.

He could tell that Xia Xinran didn’t like Zhang Beichen, but that was it. As for the reason behind Xia Xinran’s actions, he couldn’t figure it out and didn’t want to delve into it. He just wanted to record the show peacefully, and if it could gain a little popularity and lead to a script to act in, he would be more than grateful. There was really no need for added drama.

“It’s my turn to ask. In the youth films you’ve acted in, you’ve played a top student, a poor student, a prominent senior, and a rebellious teen. Which type were you actually closest to in school?”

This awkward moment needed a game-changer—a cue for the next step!

As expected, Zhang Beichen took up the question and talked at length.

Ran Lin wasn’t particularly interested in the answer, but since he had asked the question, he appeared to listen attentively while inwardly he was sweating.

Xia Xinran seemed unconcerned, as if he had just made a joke, and now, feeling relieved, he immersed himself in the next part of the game, listening to the answer along with Ran Lin with great interest.

Gu Jie and Lu Yiyao exchanged glances. The former felt he might be slow due to a lack of sleep, struggling to keep up with the rapid changes of the Truth or Dare game; the latter sensed something strange but not particularly relevant to him, so he didn’t delve deeper.

After Zhang Beichen’s round ended without incident, it was Gu Jie’s turn to spin the bottle, which pointed at Ran Lin.

Ran Lin, confidently narrowing his eyes, half-jokingly and half-defiantly said, “Bring it on.”

The friends prepared themselves, seemingly unreserved, but the questions asked were quite gentle.

Gu Jie asked, “What kind of role do you most want to play?”

Ran Lin wanted to cry. “A director must cast me first.”

Zhang Beichen asked, “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

The question itself was innocuous, but Zhang Beichen’s overly serious gaze and gentle tone made Ran Lin uncomfortable, prompting him to swallow his initial joke and give a serious and cautious reply. “I believe that emotions are diverse in this world. However, I haven’t experienced it. Personally, I’m more inclined towards love that grows over time.”

After answering, Ran Lin immediately looked at Lu Yiyao.

Lu Yiyao felt the previous question was a bit odd but didn’t think much of it, especially as the focus was now on him. He quickly asked his question, maintaining his momentum.

“How do you feel… about fans liking you as a person but not your origins?”

Ran Lin looked puzzledly at Lu Yiyao, feeling that the question was quite distant from his own experiences, more fitting the kind of issue Lu Yiyao might face. The tone of the question also seemed odd, as if Lu Yiyao initially wanted to ask something else but changed his mind at the last moment.

Despite the doubts, when asked, one must reply according to the rules. “Then I can only strive to offer better works, so that they will love the characters more than they love me in the future.”

Ran Lin’s answer carried a shy smile, reflecting a sentiment of, “I know I can’t bear the responsibility, but I have no choice but to talk big for now.”

Lu Yiyao picked up a sponsor’s drink and took a few sips, but his mind was pondering why he suddenly changed the question.

How do you view malicious hype?

That was what he actually wanted to ask.

But if he really asked, regardless of Ran Lin’s response, as long as the program team didn’t edit it out and broadcast this segment, Ran Lin would be criticized severely*.

*Spray. It’s an internet term that means being scolded/ridiculed ect. online.

Lu Yiyao knew all too well the combativeness of his fans, especially since they had disliked Ran Lin for a long time.

Sure enough, Lu Yiyao thought, he still disdains the behavior of those who rely on a large fanbase to recklessly create narratives.

It didn’t matter whether it was Ran Lin or not.

“It’s my turn, my turn.” Xia Xinran excitedly adjusted his sitting posture, oblivious to any subtleties or undercurrents, and eagerly made his request. “I need you to take a dare!”

Ran Lin was exasperated but also amused. “Why should I?”

Xia Xinran pitifully wrinkled his face. “It’s been so many rounds without a dare. It’s not thrilling at all!”

Ran Lin wasn’t prepared to indulge in the other’s pursuit of the game. “When it’s your turn, you can take all the dares you want. We won’t stop you.”

“I won’t ask you to do anything excessive. Just try it once,” Xia Xinran said sincerely. “Or else listen to my dare first, and if you don’t like it, I’ll change it back to a question.”

Ran Lin sighed. He was a man who could be persuaded by both hard and soft tactics, especially by the coquettishness of a beauty.

“Alright, let me hear it,” Ran Lin said with resignation, feeling like he was indulging a younger brother.

Xia Xinran sat up straight, cleared his throat, and announced seriously, “The dare is to say one thing you most want to say to each person present.”

Ran Lin was momentarily stunned, then laughed.

It wasn’t a malicious dare at all. No, it was more like a beginner’s level, full of goodwill towards the adventurer.

After pretending to think deeply, Ran Lin finally agreed. “Okay.”

Xia Xinran showed a satisfied smile.

Ran Lin straightforwardly started with him. “Xia Xinran, you are the prettiest… younger brother I’ve ever seen.”

The expectant face immediately became embarrassed. “Why do you have to demote me while complimenting me…”

Gu Jie casually reminded, “Brothers are equals.”

What he got in return was a disdainful glance from the great beauty.

Ran Lin, feeling refreshed, turned to the next person. “Zhang Beichen, on the day we recorded the theme song, I wanted to say that your voice is really nice in the recording studio.”

Zhang Bei Chen was surprised and scratched his head before smiling at him. “Thanks.”

“Gu Jie…”

“Hmm?” Gu Jie perked up, ready to listen attentively.

Ran Lin said earnestly, “You are really too slow to warm up.”

Gu Jie narrowed his eyes. “Why does it become a roast when it’s my turn…”

Xia Xinran clapped his hands in amusement, enjoying seeing the other party embarrassed.

Ran Lin lowered his eyes, pondering for a moment, then turned to Lu Yiyao.

Lu Yiyao waited quietly, without particular expectation or excitement, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Why did Ran Lin speak so smoothly about the others but hesitate when it came to him? He wasn’t that difficult to summarize, was he?

Moreover, Ran Lin wasn’t Xia Xinran. Even if he pondered longer, he certainly wouldn’t say anything too outrageous. Without listening, one could guess that, whether it was praise or criticism, it would surely be a harmonious sentiment of everyone being happy.

“Lu Yiyao…” Ran Lin finally spoke.

Lu Yiyao nodded, immediately straightening up in a posture of serious listening.

“I’m sorry.”

After much contemplation, that was all he said.

Lu Yiyao froze in the sunlight.

His seat wasn’t great, right next to an uncovered window. The sunlight always shone into his eyes, forcing him to occasionally look away to avoid it.

But now, he didn’t move, letting the sunlight bathe him, as if frozen in place, motionless for a long time.

Gu Jie and Zhang Beichen were clueless.

Only Xia Xinran immediately understood and couldn’t help but complain, “It’s just that the hay got blown away and we couldn’t start a fire. We ended up eating later anyway. Lu Yiyao won’t mind.”

Gu Jie suddenly realized, then looked at Xia Xinran speechlessly.

Zhang Beichen corrected with a smile, “It was coconut palm.”

Xia Xinran frowned. “What’s the difference?”

Zhang Beichen moved his lips a few times but eventually gave up on explaining, and it seemed Xia Xinran wasn’t planning to listen anyway.

Ran Lin watched them divert the topic with their banter, just smiling and not explaining further.

What he really wanted to apologize for, only he knew.

Xia Xinran, Gu Jie, and Zhang Beichen might not know, and Lu Yiyao probably couldn’t guess it either.

Since his friends accepted that he was apologizing for sabotaging Lu Yiyao’s fire-making, then let it be so.

He just wanted to apologize, regardless of whether the other party understood or not, as a way to account for his previous actions. Otherwise, simply asking Wang Xi to tell the publicity team to stop, it always felt like he was muddling through without proper resolution.

A bottle of the sponsor’s drink was suddenly handed over in front of him.

Ran Lin looked up in confusion, following the arm to meet Lu Yiyao’s face.

Then he heard the other person say, “Forget it.”

Suddenly, the world became quiet, with no other sounds.

The only thing echoing in his ears were these two words.

Lu Yiyao, watching Ran Lin’s wide-eyed, stunned expression, found it amusing and decided to enjoy the sight a bit longer. After having his fill, he weighed the drink in his hand and recited the advertisement, “Replenish trace elements and restore your energy for the day. Won’t you drink it?”

Ran Lin blinked, finally regaining his composure, and snatched the drink from Lu Yiyao, unscrewing the cap and gulping it down.

What Lu Yiyao said wasn’t “it’s okay,” but “forget it.”

Li Yiyao understood what he meant!

Lu Yiyao slightly regretted handing over the drink, debating whether to advise Ran Lin to drink slower. Even if guests were obliged to promote for sponsors, there was no need to go this far.

After all, what he said wasn’t “it’s fine,” but just “forget it.”

“It’s fine” would mean he didn’t care about those things at all.

“Forget it” meant he cared but didn’t want to dwell on it anymore.

Just a “forget it” made the other so happy. Lu Yiyao suddenly wanted to ask where Ran Lin got the courage to ride on the coattails of popularity in the first place. With such a mentality, he should have just stuck to regular releases of edited street snaps and selfies to maintain his original popularity.

Xia Xinran, for no apparent reason, looked at Ran Lin blowing on the bottle and then at Lu Yiyao, who seemed to be muttering to himself, not understanding how his creativity turned into advertisement time.

After some thought, he picked up three other bottles of the drink, one for himself and the other two for Zhang Beichen and Gu Jie, saying helplessly, “Don’t just sit there. Join in.”

The third episode’s filming in the villa concluded. Lu Yiyao, with his outstanding wilderness survival skills and the ability to produce a set of villa keys at any time, was unanimously voted as the episode’s “Tropical Breeze First Love”.

Normally, the guests would leave first, and the crew would wrap up, but today’s location was different—a private place. As the host, Lu Yiyao had to patiently wait for the crew to finish.

His four companions simply joined him in waiting. Since the filming ended early today, there was plenty of time before the evening flight back, and they could leave early thanks to Lu Yiyao’s help.

The crew had a lot of equipment, and packing up was quite troublesome. While waiting boredly, Xia Xinran suddenly suggested, “Hey, let’s add each other on WeChat.”

Everyone agreed to the idea, but they weren’t allowed to bring mobile phones during the shoot, and their phones were currently with their agents or assistants at the hotel.

Their attempt to add WeChat was unsuccessful, so Xia Xinran set his sights on the golden paper crowns that came with the cake. After much deliberation, he couldn’t resist asking the staff to take a group photo of the five of them with their phones.

Naturally, he stood in the middle with the crown, flanked by two male gods on each side.

The four cooperated fully, smiling willingly for the camera.

The crew finally finished packing up before Xia Xinran could come up with a third mischievous idea, and everyone returned to the hotel together.

Xia Xinran was still thinking about adding WeChat. Now that everyone had their phones, they indulged his wish and added each other. After adding, Xia Xinran immediately pulled everyone into a group and shared the group photo taken by the staff.

Seeing this, Gu Jie joined in the fun, saved the photo, and then changed the group name to “Chen Sheng Wu Guang*.”

*Referencing two historical figures from ancient China, best known for their roles in the early stages of the Chinese rebellion against the Qin Dynasty around 209 BC. This rebellion eventually led to the fall of the Qin Dynasty and the rise of the Han Dynasty. Due to this, their story is usually a symbol of resistance against tyranny and the fight for justice.

For the next two days after returning, the group was quiet, probably because everyone was busy or, even if they had time, they couldn’t find anything to talk about. But Ran Lin would still check the group, which he had pinned, every time he opened WeChat. Just glancing at the group name seemed to ignite a passion to stand up against the program crew to the end.

On February 14^th, Valentine’s Day evening, three days before the filming of the fourth episode, the first episode of <National First Love Drifting Story> aired as scheduled!

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>