CHAPTER 141: CHAPTER 126: JEALOUS XU QINGQIU

Yu Cheng couldn’t help but laugh when he saw her like this.

This variety show was observational by nature, designed to highlight the stars’ most genuine reactions. Consequently, he and Xu Qingqiu hadn’t officially met yet; the plan was for them to get acquainted after becoming familiar with each other on the show.

But unexpectedly, they bumped into each other here.

"Yes, it’s me. I’m very sorry that your dinner was interrupted, but the original plan was to provide dinner after recording ended at ten... just that..."

Just what? He just didn’t expect her to sneak out for food like this.

Xu Qingqiu’s face turned red upon realizing what he meant. She could only sit there and chuckle dryly, sneaking glances at the grilled fish on the table, not knowing whether to eat or not.

At this moment, her inner world was collapsing. Being caught sneaking out to eat during the show’s filming by the chief director—wasn’t that just like being caught slacking off by the boss at work?

If this had been her previous life, she would have probably muttered to herself, "My people, who even gets this?" or "I’m just completely speechless," and so on.

Just then, another figure sneaked over.

"Xu Qingqiu? HAHAHA, you’re really here! I saw you run out from upstairs just now and guessed you came here for grilled fish."

"Is this the boss? Your cooking skills are truly amazing! I could smell the grilled fish from so far away,"

As soon as Lin Xiangqun spotted Xu Qingqiu, he became excited. Free from the camera’s eye, he became much livelier, words spilling out of his mouth as if they cost him nothing.

While chatting with Xu Qingqiu, he also greeted Chu Tian, who was busy working at the grill. This put Chu Tian in a dilemma, wondering whether to continue grilling the fish or not.

The atmosphere around the barbecue stall seemed to freeze; it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Yet, Lin Xiangqun was completely oblivious to any awkwardness.

He swaggered to the last seat by the table and plopped down. Just as he was about to tease Xu Qingqiu across from him, he cocked his head and suddenly recognized someone familiar.

"Holy shit, Director Yu? What are you doing here?"

"Haha, Teacher Lin is here too. What makes you think I can’t be?"

Yu Cheng knew what was going on as soon as he saw Lin Xiangqun. He was resigned to it now. This might be the beginning, but it definitely wasn’t the end.

As for today’s show, forget it. It’s a long story full of tears, better not to mention it.

"No, no, I just didn’t expect to see you here this late."

Lin Xiangqun was cursing inwardly. Why the hell did he run into the chief director while sneaking out for food? And they were even sitting at the same table! Who could he even complain to about this?

As a director, shouldn’t you be in your room watching the monitors and organizing work right now? Or at the very least, shouldn’t you be reviewing today’s footage for any problems?

His only consolation right now was that he was genuinely out for a secret meal, and not *that* kind of secret outing. Otherwise, would he have any face left to show?

Wait, what’s going on with Xu Qingqiu? Did I accidentally stumble upon some huge secret?

If that was the case, this would be a huge problem!

At this thought, Lin Xiangqun broke out in a cold sweat. He looked up and saw Xu Qingqiu secretly signaling him with her eyes, and he instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

Looks like I was overthinking it. She must have been caught too; otherwise, she wouldn’t be acting like this. That’s good. At least this can be smoothed over.

Xu Qingqiu, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Facing the director alone in such a situation was already incredibly stressful, especially since she’d been caught sneaking out during her first time filming this kind of variety show.

What if she offended him? A single word from him could affect her entire career. But now, with Teacher Lin here to share the burden, she had nothing to worry about!

So, she secretly gave Lin Xiangqun a thumbs-up from across the table, her heart practically blooming with joy.

"Chu Tian, quick, Teacher Lin is here, grill one for Teacher Lin first."

With a third person present, Xu Qingqiu was visibly more relaxed. She pretended to call out warmly from her seat, then got up and ran over to Chu Tian.

What does she mean, ’grill one quickly’? Does she really think this is some roadside stall?

Chu Tian stared begrudgingly at the grilled fish in his hands. He was annoyed but knew he couldn’t undermine his own boss, could he?

Sigh, what a wretched fate!

As he was pondering, Xu Qingqiu had somehow made her way over.

"Chu Tian, I’m sorry, but you might have to work a bit harder tonight."

"It’s not about working hard; it’s about having a hard life! I toiled away fishing all afternoon, and you just silently took two fish—fine. But I’ve been grilling all night and haven’t had a single bite myself! It’s like you all planned this, coming one after another."

Hearing his full-throated complaints, Xu Qingqiu felt rather embarrassed. The thing was, she really hadn’t expected this situation to unfold.

They’re already here; I can’t just shoo them away, can I? That would be so offensive, right?

"Oh, thank you for your trouble! I really couldn’t help it. Please try to understand."

Chu Tian was just grumbling; he wasn’t actually angry.

"I get it, don’t worry. I definitely won’t mess things up for you. Just look at my skills!"

"Yeah, your skills are really amazing! By the way, I haven’t finished my fish yet, wait for me a second."

Wait a moment? Wait for what? Chu Tian didn’t quite get it at first. Then he saw Xu Qingqiu trot back to the table, exchange a few smiling words with the others, and quickly return, carrying the stainless steel plate with her unfinished fish.