Chapter 44
After the concert ended, Zhao Yu’s packed schedule finally gave her a brief break—time for a vacation. She went back to Sichuan to spend some time with her parents, returning to her lazy, carefree life of being waited on hand and foot.
Xu Qianqian had returned to Chengdu to work after graduating from university. Most of their old friends had drifted out of touch over the years, but her bond with Zhao Yu, her deskmate, remained as strong as ever.
However, every time they met, Xu Qianqian couldn’t stop talking about Huo Xi. With Zhao Yu as her connection, Xu Qianqian’s fangirling had been incredibly successful—she’d gotten not only signed photos and group shots, but also a Huo Xi autographed album with a personal message.
Zhao Yu strongly suspected that the only reason Xu Qianqian had stuck with her all these years was because of Huo Xi!
Whenever Huo Xi came up, it was impossible not to mention Sheng Qiao—the actress who had been persistently linked to him in promotional gossip.
Xu Qianqian got angry just hearing her name, ranting like a worried mother: “The next time you see our Xixi, you have to tell him to stay far away from Sheng Qiao! That leech! That sticky plaster! She does it on variety shows, she does it in dramas—does she have no spine?! Can’t she stand on her own two feet?!”
Zhao Yu stabbed at the last pearl in her drink with her straw, finally sucked it up with a satisfied sigh, then leaned back on the sofa with her legs crossed, chewing as she spoke. “I heard that Huo Xi actually lets Sheng Qiao’s team put out those coupling announcements.”
Xu Qianqian’s eyes nearly bugged out. “Is my brother crazy?! Why would he allow that?! Is he being coerced?! He must be threatened by Xingyao! That garbage company doesn’t do a single decent thing—they’re going to go under sooner or later!”
Zhao Yu: “……” She rolled her eyes. “With Huo Xi’s status, who could coerce him? I heard it’s more that he pities Sheng Qiao. I just overheard a colleague mention it at a meeting once—I don’t know the details.”
Xu Qianqian got even angrier, rolling up her sleeves and cursing. “What’s there to pity about that sticky plaster?! The one who deserves pity is our brother!”
Zhao Yu rubbed her ear in exasperation.
Happy vacations were always too short. After the break ended, Zhao Yu had no choice but to plunge back into her busy work schedule.
But her major commitments for the year were mostly done. As winter set in, Love Neighboring the Throne entered its promotional phase. According to the director, the show had been completed, submitted for review, and scheduled to air on Mango TV during the Chinese New Year.
This was her first acting project, so promotion was crucial. Beyond the production’s standard promotional activities, the company had also teamed up with Wei Chi’s side to book a few variety shows, which would air around the same time as the drama.
The Chi-Yu CP had already shown promise during filming. Once the show aired and was paired with the sweet, warm CP atmosphere in the variety appearances, it should boost buzz and drive ratings.
Since it was airing on Mango TV, the variety shows naturally prioritized Mango platforms too. After wrapping up a few studio shows, they moved on to an outdoor reality program. Because Zhao Yu had been frequently spotted with Wei Chi recently, lots of candid photos had hit the internet, stirring up the Chi-Yu CP fans all over again.
Zhao Yu was amazed by the shippers’ imagination.
The car bumped along toward the small village where the pastoral variety show was being filmed. Wei Chi pulled out one earbud and leaned over. “What are you reading so intently?”
Zhao Yu: “If I weren’t one of the parties involved, I’d almost believe we’re actually dating.”
Wei Chi burst out laughing. “These netizens are using magnifying glasses to dig for sugar. You’ll get used to it. Hey, guess who else is on this episode besides us?”
They were filming a recently popular slow-paced pastoral variety show. Besides the three permanent hosts, each episode invited three to five guest stars—one group was there to promote their work, while the other was just there to relax, enjoy the countryside, and unwind.
They were in the promotion group, so the other group was naturally the guests. Based on past episodes, Zhao Yu guessed: “Probably a veteran who’s been retired for a while, like Teacher Chu.”
But when they arrived, they found the veteran was indeed a veteran—except he wasn’t retired at all. He currently held an exalted position in the industry, a double Best Actor winner renowned for both his skill and character: Ji Shucheng.
That said, Ji Shucheng had rarely appeared in public over the past couple of years, basically maintaining a pace of one drama per year. He did even fewer variety shows. He’d agreed to this one because he was close friends with the permanent host Lu Ping, and they hadn’t seen each other in a while—this was a chance to catch up.
Before getting out of the car, the assistant quietly reminded them: “Sprinkle a little more sugar in the show, but don’t make it too obvious. Keep it at a subtle, hazy flirting level—that’s the sweet spot!”
Zhao Yu looked despairing. “The show’s already wrapped—do I still have to act? Will the director reimburse me for after-sales service?”
Wei Chi, having been through this before, offered his seasoned advice: “You don’t have to act deliberately. Just have more interactions with me. The audience will find the sugar themselves.”
As soon as they got out of the car, Wei Chi took the initiative to carry her suitcase. They’d barely taken a few steps when they ran into Ji Shucheng.
Upon meeting the Best Actor, the two juniors quickly greeted him respectfully. Ji Shucheng had entered the industry early and carried a calm, dignified presence. His portrayal of Ji Kang back in the day was still regarded as an unsurpassed screen classic, and audiences praised him as “a gentleman like jade.”
Even though it was winter, the filming location was in Yunnan—a place with spring-like weather year-round. Under the bright sunshine, Ji Shucheng paused and looked at the two people catching up behind him. After a moment of appraisal, he smiled. “You two are here to film too?”
Wei Chi said, “Yes, yes. What an honor to run into you this episode, Teacher Ji! Here, let me carry your suitcase.”
Ji Shucheng politely declined a couple of times, but Wei Chi was insistent. Smiling and shaking his head, he handed over his suitcase.
This was Zhao Yu’s first time meeting Ji Shucheng as well. After exchanging greetings, she walked alongside him in front, chatting warmly: “My mom absolutely adores you—she’s your biggest fan. Teacher Ji, could I get an autograph for her?”
Ji Shucheng smiled gently. “Of course.” He paused, then added, “My little niece is also a huge fan of yours. She dances to your songs at home every day. Could I get an autograph for her too?”
Zhao Yu waved her hands frantically. “You’re too kind, Teacher! I’ll send her a new album when I get back!”
Ji Shucheng nodded with a smile.
The two chatted as they walked, with Wei Chi trailing behind, dragging two suitcases and carrying a backpack. Suddenly, he felt something was off. Why did it seem like they were the ones here to build a CP, while he was just a luggage-carrying prop?!
Lu Ping knew his old friend was coming and had been waiting at the door early. With three permanent hosts and three guests, the house instantly became lively. The show didn’t have many game segments—just chatting, cooking, doing some farm work, and promoting their drama.
By evening, everyone was gathered happily around a big round table for dinner. Knowing the pair was there for promotional purposes, the three permanent MCs took the initiative to steer the conversation that way.
Lu Ping said, “These two kids made a drama—about gaming. Can you believe it? You can make TV shows about gaming now. What’s it called again?”
Wei Chi said, “Love Neighboring the Throne. It airs on Mango TV on January 19th.”
Lu Ping asked Zhao Yu with a smile, “Xiao Yu, this is your first time acting, right? How does it feel?”
Zhao Yu held a cup of rice wine and thought for a moment. “It’s quite novel. It feels like living another person’s life—experiencing their joys and sorrows, their loves and hates.”
After a few stories from the set, Lu Ping remembered something and asked cheerfully, “Xiao Yu, have you ever been in love?”
Zhao Yu sighed regretfully. “No.”
Lu Ping remarked, “Well, idols can’t date anyway. At least you get to experience it through a drama. What about you, Wei Chi?”
Wei Chi had taken the actor’s route from the start and didn’t shy away from the topic. “I had two relationships in school. Work’s too busy now—no time.”
Another guest teased, “If you really wanted to date, you’d find the time. You just want to stay single and have fun.”
Wei Chi: “Ah, you caught me.”
The guest then asked Zhao Yu: “Xiao Yu, when do you plan to start dating?”
Zhao Yu thought for a moment. “At least after thirty, I’d say.”
Lu Ping said, “What’s your type? I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Another guest chimed in: “I’m curious too—what’s the national goddess’s ideal type?!”
The whole table turned with gossipy eyes. Wei Chi and another male guest both sat up straighter, blinking furiously at her to signal something. Wei Chi even said, “You can only choose from the people in this room!”
Zhao Yu took a sip of rice wine. “My ideal type…” She smiled as she looked around. “Someone like Teacher Ji, of course.”
Wei Chi slammed the table. “I’m right here and you picked someone else! Is the Wang-Ta CP not going to stay in business?!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
The show was recorded through the next afternoon. When they said goodbye, Wei Chi even used his instant camera to take a photo of Zhao Yu and Ji Shucheng together, and Ji Shucheng signed it on the back.
Zhao Yu pulled up her WeChat QR code. “Teacher Ji, could I add you on WeChat? When I get back, I’ll send your niece’s address to you so I can mail her a signed album.”
Ji Shucheng smiled gently. “Of course. Thank you, Xiao Yu.”
Zhao Yu waved her hands. “Don’t mention it, don’t mention it—it’s the least I can do! If I ever run into any acting difficulties, I hope Teacher Ji will be willing to guide me!”
Ji Shucheng nodded with a smile.
After the pastoral variety show, the only things left were one talk show and the drama’s press conference. At the end of the year, when Zhao Yu went to Mango TV for the New Year’s Eve gala, the host even seized the moment after her performance to plug the show.
After the New Year’s countdown, viewers could see the trailer for Love Neighboring the Throne on Mango TV.
The final cut was far sweeter than the BTS clips.
Wei Chi’s rebellious, carefree attitude in the show perfectly complemented Zhao Yu’s aloof, icy elegance. The female lead who always led her team to the throne with a poker face would reveal awkward yet soft sides when teased by the person she liked—a perfect hit to the audience’s romantic heartstrings.
With all this promotion, Love Neighboring the Throne scored a 2.1% viewership rating on its premiere night. Netizens who’d previously worried about Zhao Yu’s acting were completely at ease after the first two episodes:
– Su Ta incarnate! Zhao Yu is perfect for this kind of role—she was meant to be a blue lotus blooming atop the icy peak!
– Even if playing expressionless is easy, Zhao Yu’s expressionless face is just too gorgeous (from a face-focused Weibo account).
– Zhao Yu’s team really knows how to pick scripts. Look at what other idol-turned-actors have been doing…
– Zhao Yu suits any goddess-type role. I hope she takes more roles like this in the future—I need my eye candy fix!
……
With such positive reception, the viewership of Love Neighboring the Throne continued to climb. The director and leads all sent out generous red packets in the group chat, celebrating the joy.
The haters who’d tried and failed to attack Zhao Yu’s concert attendance were dealt another heavy blow by the 2%+ ratings. There was simply nothing to criticize—their momentum weakened, and lately, the anti-fan report volume had dropped significantly.
Her first drama proved Zhao Yu’s ability to carry a show, and quality scripts began pouring in like snowflakes. However, Zhao Yu stuck to her principle of prioritizing stage work over acting, promising fans an album and a concert every year, while summer music festivals remained her passion.
After that, time flowed past her like water—quiet and unremarkable.
Mango TV invited her to the New Year’s Eve gala every year, and Zhao Yu held three tour concerts the following year, giving fans more than their fill. The “three top idols” status was now firmly cemented. This year, she even received an invitation to the Spring Festival Gala.
For the past two New Years since returning to China, Zhao Yu had gone back to Sichuan to spend them with her parents. This year, because of the gala, Jiang Lei and Zhao Kangning came to Beijing instead to be with her.
Jiang Yu had also finished work. After watching Zhao Yu’s Spring Festival Gala performance, the family had a bowl of dumplings she made when she got home.
Once the New Year passed, the top idol’s schedule kicked off again.
Lin Zhinan had been negotiating on her behalf for a big-budget historical political drama called Nine Heavens, scripted by the industry’s gold-medal screenwriter Wang Duo. Wang Duo specialized in grand-scale political intrigue and excelled at crafting ensemble casts—every character in her works had their own distinct charm, even those with only a few minutes of screen time could leave a lasting impression.
This was Wang Duo’s return to political drama after four years, and the announcement had already triggered fierce competition. However, the perspective this time was centered on the male lead, with the script favoring male characters, so the competition among male actors was even more intense.
Actresses like Zheng Wanyi, solidly in the top tier, were generally reluctant to take on a role supporting a male lead in this kind of show.
But for Zhao Yu, it was an opportunity.
Over the past two years, she’d mostly done idol dramas with a younger demographic. Han Shuang had been planning to help her transition into more serious, mainstream dramas—after all, you can’t dance forever, but you can act for a long time. Securing her position in the film and TV industry early on was the best move.
Wang Duo’s dramas had never failed to win awards. Two Best Actors and one Best Actress in the industry had all earned their accolades through her works. If Zhao Yu could land the female lead role, even if she was supporting a male lead with her popularity, the benefits would far outweigh the drawbacks.
Originally, securing the female lead shouldn’t have been difficult—actresses like Zheng Wanyi had already passed on Nine Heavens, and Han Shuang’s negotiations with the production team had been going smoothly. They were just one step away from finalizing the deal when news broke that the male lead for Nine Heavens had been set as Ji Shucheng.
Suddenly, the actresses who’d previously dismissed the idea of supporting a male lead came flocking to auditions, keeping Lin Zhinan busy.
Fortunately, Zhao Yu’s team had maintained a sincere and consistent engagement throughout, and the production team was also satisfied with her popularity and appearance. After consulting with Ji Shucheng’s side and receiving positive feedback, the contract was signed quickly.