After eating dinner and finishing that day’s shoot, Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu returned to mute their mics and cameras. They washed up and went to bed early. Because organizing a barbecue the night before took a lot of energy, it wasn’t until the next morning that everyone met in the living room and collected their pay. Each person had earned ¥300, totaling ¥2,400. Adding the remaining ¥800 from before, they had ¥3,200.
Ji Chen’s eyes lit up: “Now we can finally have a good time!”
They only had two days of shooting one was working yesterday, and today was for sightseeing. With eight people and ¥3,200, they had more than enough. Likely, the production team planned this. They not only wanted a reality show but also to promote local attractions. Aside from a few famous spots, many beauty spots are overlooked. A single-day guided tour through key seaside areas left a lasting impression.
They bought a simple map, set off happily from sunrise, and returned to the villa at sunset. From a distance, they saw crowds gathered. Thanks to yesterday’s publicity, many fans found the filming location and had been waiting on the beach all day. Staff started to guide them to avoid interrupting filming.
As they got out of the car, screams rose. Jiang Yu’s lightboards formed a radiant glow, and fan groups for Ji Chen and Su Yayi were also there in large numbers.
Wei Yuanju led the group, waving to fans: “You all came to see me, right? Thanks for your hard work!”
The fans burst out laughing in excitement. Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu followed behind. As they passed fans, shouting intensified. One row held Jiang Yu’s LED signs, and behind them, another row had signs for Yu Shiqing. The two groups of fans stood respectfully, cheerfully but not chaotic an unspeakable harmony.
Ji Chen whispered: “Yu Ge and Jiang Ge are friends so even their fans get along!”
Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu exchanged glances. Suddenly, both fan groups shrieked louder Yu Shiqing hadn’t heard screams like that since at a Jiang Yu concert. He nodded politely and walked forward, entering behind Wei Yuanju.
Inside, Wei Yuanju was on the phone. Seeing Yu come in, he hung up and greeted him. After everyone arrived, Wei Yuanju smiled: “So many fans came! The director says the show wants to invite us for a seaside barbecue. What do you think?”
No one objected. A seaside BBQ with fireworks sounded perfect.
During the meal, Yu Shiqing noticed staff building a simple stage and bringing speakers by the beach. Soon, they left, and only the crew remained. He saw some instruments, most notably a cello at center stage.
Wei Yuanju understood: “Please settle tonight’s concert fees.”
The director nodded and left quickly.
Yu Shiqing was brushing sauce on skewers. Jiang Yu pointed at the cello: “Looks like you’ll play tonight.”
Yu Shiqing replied calmly, “I probably shouldn’t have agreed to be your guest.”
After Jiang Yu’s concert, everyone knew Yu Shiqing played cello and even his new scripts included cello parts.
“Are you regretting it?” Jiang Yu’s expression darkened. “Too bad, it’s too late now.”
Yu Shiqing paused, sensing the opportunity’s rarity. He nodded: “I’ll go.”
Jiang Yu’s lips quirked, then he asked: “Hungry?”
“A bit,” Yu replied.
Su Yayi arrived, saying, “You’re whispering again here, have some food.” She passed a skewer to Yu Shiqing.
Just after he took a bite, fans behind them began murmuring. Yu looked up: they were gazing skyward, but saw nothing. Then Jiang Yu offered him another skewer. A second wave of stirring among fans.
Yu Shiqing frowned, glanced again; fans exclaimed, “The sea is so beautiful!” They had just noticed the ocean after sitting all night.
Jiang Yu saw Yu’s reaction and passed the food. Yu Shiqing took it and switched places with Jiang Yu. The murmuring calmed down.
Meanwhile, livestream chat exploded:
“Fake fans! Are you here for idol worship or to disturb a couple?”
“Please stop interrupting their romance!”
“This was my spiritual food tonight and now it’s gone!”
Viewers regretted their behavior and vowed not to disturb again. After dinner, no new drama surfaced.
Wei Yuanju went onstage, explained it was a last-minute idea and won’t repeat it for safety reasons. He added that fans should not come again. Then he invited Ji Chen to sing who declined, saying Jiang Yu should perform first.
Fans cheered: “Jiang Yu! Jiang Yu!”
When Jiang Yu stood and walked onstage, they chanted, “Mo Qi! Mo Qi!” (“Tacit Understanding” – their duet song). Su Yayi asked Ji Chen if this was the duet song by Yu and Jiang Yu. Ji Chen whispered yes, and they persuaded Yu Shiqing to join.
Fans cheered again: “Yu Shiqing! Yu Shiqing!”
Yu Shiqing sat, unattached yet focused. He wore a casual outfit that Jiang Yu had given him relaxed but it didn’t hide his unique presence when he held the cello. He nodded slightly to Jiang Yu and began playing “Mo Qi.” It was an impromptu duet but perfectly in sync.
Jiang Yu held a mic and sang softly, watching Yu Shiqing’s bow. They exchanged glances; under Yu’s calm presence, Jiang Yu smiled lightly, then stopped as fans yelled. He finished with a loop around the stage.
The applause lasted long after they finished. The director was surprised by their performance, perfect for a viral moment. But he didn’t push further. He respected Jiang Yu’s mood and daylight. Once the remaining members joined and the cameras panned, filming centered on the eight, then slowly zoomed out from the beach.
Filming ended. Yu Shiqing and Jiang Yu went to a hotel arranged by Wei Yuanju. After two days’ shooting, Wei Yuanju left them alone at night. However, by morning they’d departed, landed, and Wei Yuanju spent the whole car ride beside them mumbling to himself in stress:
“Did I forget something?”
“I feel like I need to say something…”
“What did I need to say??”
Once back at the residence, he still hadn’t remembered. Meng Chen tried to help: “Is it about Yu Shiqing’s schedule?” Wei shook his head. He was overwhelmed and sighed: “Speaking of that… besides the show, you really have a full schedule ahead. The show lasts two to three months. Afterward, you can’t shoot a movie now. Don’t worry, I’ll keep a day free after filming so you can rest.”
Yu Shiqing said simply: “Do as you plan.”
They arrived in front of the building. As Wei opened the car door, he noticed a figure behind a wall and panicked, thinking it might be paparazzi. He stepped back to stop Yu Shiqing and demanded: “Who’s there? Come out!”
The figure stepped forward it was Yu Shiqing’s mother, Lin Shuang.
“Auntie?” Wei stammered. “What are you doing here?”
