CHAPTER 571: 389. CONVENIENT TO GO ANYWHERE

A girl who’s been through an emotional upheaval often remains calmer than others when faced with situations.

If Zhou Sinin and Guan Yongyi can be described as calm and still able to think things over, then the other side is not so lucky.

...

Let’s rewind time to Tianhe Airport, near the terminal.

Ninety-nine percent of flights coming from Liao City land on time.

Lu Jincheng smoothly picked up Bai Yueguang, and the two sat shoulder to shoulder in the back of the business car, ignoring the quiet driver in front, engaging in affectionate whispers and laughter.

"Where do you want to eat tonight?"

"Anywhere, I’m fine with anything!"

They drove slowly from the outskirts into the core area of Jiangcheng Three Towns, occasionally seeing the huge Douyu billboards on the streets.

Zhong Ruixi glanced out the car window, seeming to remember something, and then spoke.

"But I can’t stay with you too late; school starts tomorrow, so I want to go back to tidy up my dorm room tonight, and catch the latest episode of Senior Sister Mou’s variety show."

After all, they were in the same school and had performed together at the welcoming party, so Zhong Ruixi sincerely supports Mou Keyan.

Ever since the military training, she ate Xu Ya’s promotion daily, becoming a devoted fan, rooting for Mou Keyan’s career, from Jinlang Dance Troupe leader to the famous Douyu Dance Zone’s number one.

She hopes her senior sister’s career flourishes and becomes hugely successful.

People with talent always want to be seen by the world.

But reality shows are very personal yet also very public matters.

The "personal" aspect is that it pertains solely to the preferences of the audience, while the "public" aspect is that the so-called value of debut contestants mostly relies on public approval.

Mou Keyan wants to become famous, wants a stage.

Even as fans and friends, Xu Ya and Zhong Ruixi understand this principle.

Breaking down the illusory ideal, the fragments mainly read: money and opportunity.

"Hey, Rui Rui, are you also following ’Goddess 101’ during break?"

As the red light flashed, He Ying slowly stepped on the brakes, turned her head with a smile to join the conversation.

"Yeah! Isn’t the New Year all about watching the Spring Festival Gala and variety shows? I even got my whole family to vote for Sister Miao Miao. My grandpa couldn’t figure out the smartphone, and I specially taught him for a long time."

Zhong Ruixi laughed, talking about her family with a face full of happiness, eyebrows curved.

"Why not join us to watch tonight?"

Lu Jincheng casually asked a question.

"Together?"

Zhong Ruixi hesitated.

"Ah, there are other colleagues from media, Miao Miao is a standard, and during times like this, everyone gathers to learn."

The man patiently explained.

"The more, the merrier, come on, we’ll set up a projector in the company conference room."

"Hmm... Let me think, I still need to go back to the dorm to drop off my luggage first."

Zhong Ruixi still had that sincere expression, saying whatever came to mind, "I don’t know many people, is it okay if I go?"

"Of course it’s okay, you’re my girlfriend, anywhere with me you go is convenient."

Lu Jincheng smiled, reaching out gently to stroke his girlfriend’s ponytail, a curve forming at the corner of his mouth.

"I’ll introduce you when we get there."

"Alright then."

Zhong Ruixi didn’t refuse back then, straightforwardly nodded.

...

With Mr. Lu’s casual inquiry, Golden Stone Media’s evening gathering was moved from a pre-booked small bar to a proper company conference room.

Square projector, tidy and neatly arranged tables and chairs.

The big boss spoke decisively, more employees gathered this time to watch the variety show together, as the venue was more spacious, not just a few flowers.

According to seating, core employees sat in the front row, and several mid-level managers were behind.

Zhong Ruixi, walking into the room with Lu Jincheng, saw several faces she recognized.

Luo Shaoqin, Luo Lang, Zhang Gaoqiang...

They either waved or nodded, greeting her.

In the eyes of most employees, the moment Lu had a close-familiar woman beside him, their posture turned upright, gaze straight, expressions serious.

Perhaps she’s the future boss’s wife, so they should leave a good impression.

"This one is... that one is..."

Before the show aired, the conference room was basically full, everyone finding their own seat.

Lu Jincheng didn’t introduce everyone, just gave Zhong Ruixi a simple introduction to a few girls in the front row so she could match them with the photo wall downstairs.

"They’re all so pretty!"

After small talk, Lu Jincheng stood up and arranged for Luo Lang to order snacks and milk tea for colleagues volunteering to work overtime.

Zhong Ruixi found a little unnoticed gap, leaned close to He Ying’s ear, whispering.

"That’s how strict selection works."

He Ying responded in a low voice as well.

"Strict selection?"

"Mr. Lu’s strict selection."

The assistant raised her brows, displaying a meaningful expression.

"..."

Zhong Ruixi pursed her lips without saying anything, stood upright to glance around, looking at the gathering of beauties in the conference room, suddenly feeling somewhat indescribable.

"Do you think Sister Miao Miao can debut?"

Different geographic regions, yet a similar chemistry reaction arises.

Seated in Nanhu Industrial Park, Zhong Ruixi, asked the faraway in East Lake Tianyue, Zhou Sinin, the same curious question.

"I do have confidence in her, but as it seems now, variety show viewers and live streaming audiences have completely different preferences..."

He Ying began analyzing seriously.

"Personally, I feel Miao Miao joining the program isn’t genuinely wanting to be a girl group idol, she just wants fame."

"I understand, just show her face, gain popularity, not hoping to truly debut but wishing to get noticed and have her voice heard on this platform."

Zhong Ruixi nodded.

"Yes, exactly, plus, Miao Miao isn’t quite fit for a traditional idol..."

Wearing youth-enhancing makeup, acting cute, shaking head catering to male audience’s fantasies.

When music stops, fiercely winking at cameras and making hearts on stage, 100% prohibited from having a relationship.

This isn’t the Mou Keyan that He Ying has in mind.

"I understand."

Once she started talking, Zhong Ruixi followed up.

"Nowadays, the word ’idol’ is somewhat stigmatized, seemingly representing popularity over talent, idols establishing personas to meet fans’ tastes, while artists follow their hearts to be themselves, she definitely wants to be an artist."

He Ying laughed, re-evaluating Zhong Ruixi for a moment: "Rui Rui, how do you know everything? Why not come to the company for an internship?"

"I often watch variety shows, experience is there!"

Zhong Ruixi lifted her gaze, revealing a proud look.

"Impressive."

Under the same roof, people, no matter from which world they come, can always find common ground and topics.

But because they come from different worlds, their chats lack scruples, making it easier to open hearts.

"Good evening everyone, welcome to the latest episode of ’Goddess 101’~"

The host elongated her voice, a smile at the corner of her lips, announcing the official start of the show.