Chapter Index

    Chapter 3

    Mhm, I am already prepared! During the long makeup session, there was finally something to do, so Xia Zhou immediately responded with a smile.

    Alright, Teacher Xia, then let’s just chat casually. No need to be nervous. If you feel uncomfortable facing the camera, just look at me!

    Luo Yan found a seat and spoke in a light, lively tone. At the same time, the follow-up PD nearby set up the camera.

    Okay, I will try.

    OK! Then let’s start with the theme of the variety show. The theme of this program is Witnessing love through time, exploring the true heart on the journey. The show uses four pairs of couples as observation samples, aiming to show the true form of love at different stages through personal travel experiences. From the innocence of first love to the passion of deep love, from the friction of the adjustment period to the tacit understanding of the stable period, the production team will excavate and record in diverse ways. As the last pair to be confirmed and announced, I heard this is your first relationship experience. In this regard, may I ask if you feel pressured participating in the show?

    From the theme to the question, Luo Yan’s smooth narration led Xia Zhou into the subject.

    After a moment of reflection, Xia Zhou gave his answer. To be honest, in terms of emotions, there isn’t much pressure, because I am more concerned about… his physical health issues.

    Oh! It seems Teacher Xia is very confident about the emotional side. Luo Yan nodded at Xia Zhou’s answer and proceeded to the next question. Then, if during the upcoming journey, your partner enters an uncontrollable state, serious enough that he might be unable to participate in the recording, what would you do? Would you consider changing partners?

    Looking at the red warning text on the script, Luo Yan knew this was one of the production team’s concerns.

    Based on his understanding, Xia Zhou’s pair actually had no emotional foundation. So, besides Ling Le’s own risks, there were complex issues to consider, such as whether a civilian could withstand the scrutiny of a variety show. Therefore, the production team needed to confirm the risks in advance and arrange backup plans.

    If it really reaches that point, I would choose to withdraw with Ling Le. In my view, his priority is higher than the production team’s. I have to be responsible for him; I wouldn’t consider anyone else. After frankly stating his thoughts, Xia Zhou glanced at the camera beside him and quickly added,

    Of course, I will also actively cooperate with the production team!

    Since he had decided to help Ling Le, Xia Zhou would take it seriously, whether for public or private reasons.

    Luo Yan, who had spent years in the entertainment industry, could distinguish between sincerity and pretense. Meeting Xia Zhou’s serious gaze, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

    Alright, Ling-laoshi is very lucky to be chosen so firmly! On the surface, he continued with official pleasantries, but in reality, Luo Yan knew quite a bit of the inside story. Because of this, he began to secretly look forward to their future development.

    Taking this job was indeed the right choice. Front-row gossip—he loved it.

    As the interview deepened, Xia Zhou’s mood gradually relaxed. Luo Yan then dropped a bombshell question: Teacher Xia, what are your expectations for this relationship? There are rumors that you don’t seem to like younger partners. So why did you choose Teacher Ling?

    Xia Zhou was stunned that the production team could even find this out. He began to ponder how to answer.

    After a moment of thought, Xia Zhou chose his words carefully. I wouldn’t say I dislike it. My friends have teased me for being too rigid in relationships, like an AI or something. This makes me feel that emotions are something I still need to learn. So, from an emotional perspective, I would prefer an older partner who can mutually promote growth and facilitate better communication.

    Actually, communication with younger partners can also be simple and effective, but every couple has their own love lessons. My suggestion is to just let nature take its course. The interview was almost over, reaching the variety segment Sister Ye had introduced earlier.

    So, one last question. Teacher Xia, what was your first impression of your partner? What kind of outfit do you hope he wears today?

    I suppose Young Master is still the first impression. Xia Zhou recalled that first glance and seriously described his thoughts. In terms of styling and outfits, I would prefer something like high-end custom suits, but not worn too formally—more casual and unrestrained, free… the feeling of being surrounded by love!

    You hope he is more free? Teacher Xia, don’t spoil him too much! Don’t you think he is already free enough? Haha, aren’t you worried or afraid of him being too free? Hearing Xia Zhou’s answer, Luo Yan’s eyes widened in shock, and he accidentally let his inner thoughts slip.

    Afraid? No, I don’t feel afraid. But worried… I am indeed a bit worried about his mental state… Speaking of his concerns, Xia Zhou fell back into contemplation.

    Heh.

    Not far away, Ling Le, who had just returned from getting some fresh air, stepped into the studio and heard this conversation. After all, for a Sentinel with heightened senses, there were no secrets in the studio; every movement could be easily captured.

    His mood improved~

    Returning to his seat with light steps, Ling Le opened his terminal and began looking at suits on a shopping app.

    Assistant Yan, what do you think of this deep red suit? Would it make me look more stylish?

    Yan Mu wasn’t sure whether to criticize the color of the suit first or ask why the young master, who usually hated being restricted, was suddenly looking at formal wear. In just ten seconds, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

    I remember the group has a custom suit maker we’ve always worked with. If Young Master Ling needs it, I can arrange it.

    Great, arrange it!

    Hearing Yan Mu’s reply, Ling Le nodded in satisfaction and closed the shopping page on his terminal.

    After communicating and confirming the styling concept for Ling Le with the team, Xia Zhou’s hair and makeup were also entering the final stages. He finally had some free time to breathe.

    Alright, Teacher Xia, your hair and makeup are finished. You can rest for a bit. Once the wardrobe side is ready, you can change and take photos.

    Coming out of the restroom, Xia Zhou looked at himself in the mirror, somewhat stunned.

    As the saying goes, clothes make the man. This proverb from ancient China still held weight.

    However, the moment of distraction lasted only a second before Xia Zhou returned to his usual state of mind and quietly washed his hands.

    Looking down at the messages on his terminal, Xia Zhou turned a corner and saw Yan Mu just about to hang up a call.

    He gave a slight nod and didn’t plan to linger.

    Mr. Xia, please wait a moment…

    Hearing Yan Mu’s voice, Xia Zhou stopped and cast a questioning look.

    …Though it’s a bit presumptuous, I’d like to ask, are you wearing perfume today? If so, could you share the brand name? Meeting Xia Zhou’s gaze, Yan Mu struggled for three seconds before asking.

    Perfume? Sorry, I don’t have the habit of using perfume.

    Perfume ingredients were complex and not good for Sentinels with sensitive senses, so Xia Zhou didn’t use it.

    Alright, I understand. Sorry to bother you.

    Assistant Yan, what if I treat everyone to milk tea? I just chatted with Brother Duan… A nonchalant tone sounded from behind as Ling Le walked over from the end of the hallway.

    Brother! What do you want to drink? I’ll order it now! As if suddenly noticing Xia Zhou’s presence, Ling Le tilted his head and looked at him expectantly.

    …Lemonade, I guess?

    They had only met twice, and the address had already changed to Brother. So the young master was actually… very familiar with people?

    Xia Zhou silently complained in his heart.

    However, considering the other’s earlier courtesy, Xia Zhou felt he should officially thank him. After all, the nearly three hours of hair and makeup had worn down his patience, let alone this pampered young master who had been waiting.

    Just as he was about to speak, Yan Mu’s voice rang out.

    Milk tea and coffee have already been ordered and sent by President Ling. They should be at the studio now. I’ll go coordinate. After reading the messages on his terminal at a glance, Yan Mu finished his report and walked back to the filming site first.

    Hmph, always stealing my thunder… Helplessly locking his terminal, Ling Le followed behind Xia Zhou, grumbling as they walked back.

    Looking back uneasily, Xia Zhou opened his mouth hesitantly. Um…

    Don’t worry, Brother, I’ll put the lemonade on my tab! I’ll bring it specifically for you next time we meet! Meeting Xia Zhou’s eyes, Ling Le answered generously without thinking.

    No, that’s not what I wanted to say. Shaking his head with a smile, Xia Zhou continued, I mainly wanted to thank you.

    Hmm? Thank me for what? Stepping closer to Xia Zhou, Ling Le slowed his pace and asked in a low voice.

    Thank you for letting me film first. I didn’t expect this shoot to be so much work. I hope it didn’t delay your next schedule. Looking up at Ling Le, Xia Zhou spoke seriously.

    It’s nothing. Facing Xia Zhou’s exquisite face, Ling Le felt as if he’d been struck by a critical hit. He looked away shyly and rubbed his nose. Everyone is just working. I’m the only idle person here. As long as the problem is solved and the task is completed, it’s fine. At least this is much more comfortable than being imprisoned in the nursing home…

    Hearing Ling Le’s quiet complaint, Xia Zhou’s opinion of him changed slightly.

    The young master looked unreliable, but he was actually quite responsible.

    Back in the studio, seeing everyone with a cup of milk tea or coffee, Ling Le joined the fun and grabbed a cup of milk tea, then immediately handed it to Xia Zhou.

    Aren’t you drinking it?

    Um, I…

    Before Ling Le could figure out how to reply, Yan Mu handed over a cup of milk tea. Young Master Ling, this is the special 30% sugar pure milk blend.

    Thanks! Taking the milk tea, Ling Le shook the cup and gestured. I’m drinking this!

    Teacher Xia, the clothes are ready. You can go change now. At that moment, a staff member suddenly appeared to push the filming progress.

    In the dressing room, Xia Zhou was somewhat surprised by the clothes he received.

    A cream-colored round-neck loungewear set paired with a light gray long coat. Soft fabric, loose and casual design—was this the young master’s impression of him? A homebody?

    After he changed and came out, the stylist nodded in satisfaction. After discussing with the team, they brought a V-neck inner layer for Xia Zhou to change into.

    Just like that, the clothing team, bursting with creative desire, had Xia Zhou change into several outfits, tossing him back and forth several times.

    Coming out of the changing room, Xia Zhou looked helplessly at Ling Le, who was sitting on an inflatable giraffe doll he had found from somewhere, drinking milk tea and looking at him with a smile.

    You look good, Brother! It feels very comfortable!

    Meeting Xia Zhou’s gaze, Ling Le was full of praise, but at the same time, he felt a bit of regret. It was clearly the feeling he liked, but now everyone was seeing it.

    Although dressing like this was indeed natural and comfortable, especially suited to Zhouzhou’s temperament! But thinking about it carefully, it was still a loss!

    Where did you find this giraffe? Seeing the styling team still discussing, Xia Zhou approached Ling Le and poked it curiously.

    It’s a prop over there. Do you want to sit, Brother? Not expecting Xia Zhou to approach, Ling Le immediately stood up to give him the seat.

    No, no!

    Before Xia Zhou’s raised hand could touch the other’s shoulder, Ling Le’s body tensed up and he stopped moving, then obediently sat back down.

    Then should I go get you another one? Sitting back on the doll, Ling Le shifted uncomfortably and said uncertainly.

    Before Xia Zhou could respond, the staff member appeared again and led Xia Zhou to the prepared filming set.

    Teacher Xia, this is the final outfit. We can start filming.

    Beside them, moving with them, was the young master riding the giraffe.

    Young Master Ling, it’s time for your hair and makeup. Seeing Ling Le place his newly conquered mount next to the filming set, Yan Mu reminded him.

    I don’t like smearing things on my face. Just let them do whatever. I’ve waited this long; can’t I watch Zhouzhou film first? Not wanting to move, Ling Le leaned back against the giraffe, speaking lazily.

    Sighing silently, Yan Mu put on his trademark smile. Then I’ll have the team come here to do it for you.

    Hmph… Rising reluctantly, Ling Le patted the giraffe’s head and said huffily, Don’t touch my throne! Watch me finish my styling in ten minutes…

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