First Kiss Diary - Chapter 15

Girlfriend.

These three words, like an electric current, flowed densely through her body.

The ticket inspector smiled at Ji Ning, nodded, and his gaze carried an inexplicable charm.

Although since the first day of recording “First Kiss Diary,” they had automatically become boyfriend and girlfriend, and their relationship was indeed called love under the camera, but she hadn’t expected him to admit it so quickly and openly, without any concealment.

Soon, Ji Ning was pushed into the seat, someone fastened her seatbelt, and another person strapped a small action camera to her hand.

Glancing ahead, Ji Shiyi confirmed with her again, “Are you okay?”

“It’s okay, let’s go.”

The next few minutes were very thrilling. The photographers were too scared to come up, and the entire footage was captured by the action camera. When it stopped, Ji Ning felt as if she had survived a disaster.

She took a long breath and got off the car, leaning against the body.

Ji Shiyi quickly turned around and touched her neck, asking, “Are you uncomfortable?”

She shook her head, unscrewing the cap to drink water.

Apart from feeling a bit nauseous, there was no other reaction, and it wasn’t as repulsive as she had expected. A little pressure relieved it.

But when she tried to drink, she found there was no water in the tube.

――Calories, calories, she actually drank up this cup of calories.

Ji Ning looked up to find a store, but all the nearby stores were crowded with people. She blinked blankly, feeling her throat was about to smoke.

As she pondered what to do, someone pulled the straw out of her mouth, and Ji Shiyi took something out of his pocket and handed it to her, “You drink mine first.”

The girl paused for a second, “What about you?”

“I’ll go buy,” he said, “You sit and rest for a while.”

So Ji Ning was pressed to sit in the nearby air-conditioned area, and she only realized after taking two sips that maybe he had already drunk from this water?

But what was the big deal if he drank his own water?

She wasn’t sure if he had drunk it or not, but her thoughts did drift with subtle differences.

She just sat there, looking no different from a girl waiting for her boyfriend to buy ice cream. No one knew that the one running errands for her was the unrivaled top star of the entertainment industry, who could stay on hot searches for a day with just a random outfit.

In no time, the mobile top star came back with a big bag of water.

Ji Ning was just stunned for a moment, quickly understanding his intention, and opened the bag to distribute water to everyone.

In the scorching heat of nearly forty degrees, the staff were already sweating profusely.

The two silently distributed water, as if this tacit understanding had been rehearsed many times.

She suddenly remembered that she had been praised for being gentle and considerate when buying water for her colleagues before, but it was all influenced by him; some good things were contagious.

After resting for about ten minutes, the two got up and went to the next activity, and that watermelon cup was hung around someone’s neck again.

After playing a few more activities, it was already evening when they came out.

Passing by the castle, the golden light of the setting sun spread, casting a fine and shallow halo.

Ji Shiyi asked her, “Do you want to go in and take pictures?”

“Me?” Ji Ning pointed at herself, “Why suddenly this?”

“Don’t you like taking pictures? When we were at the zoo before, you got drunk…”

Hearing the keyword, Ji Ning’s pupils tightened, wanting to stop, but this person either couldn’t understand or pretended not to understand, and continued leisurely.

“Got drunk… and still wanted me to take pictures for you. That time, the weather was too dark.”

Ji Ning closed her eyes in despair, not wanting to admit it was herself, and walked into the castle with her head held high, the two ears hanging on her head showing a cute and listless appearance, “If you want to take pictures, just do it.”

The man smiled, “What do you mean, if I want to take pictures?”

Later, the two took individual photos and group photos, and when they were eating, they happened to encounter fireworks, blooming one by one, like a dreamy and magnificent chapter of life.

They stayed overnight at the Disney hotel nearby and would each depart for their own countries the next morning.

Ji Shiyi didn’t have much to do, and he could continue to stay here and play. His high status was there, and he didn’t need to maintain exposure, but he still had high popularity. He only needed to appear in one drama a year. But recently, there were too few high-quality scripts in the market, so most of his time was spent waiting for scripts and watching dramas.

Ji Ning, who was in the rising period, was different. A large amount of work was essential for artists in the rising period.

During the time she was being criticized online, she lost a lot of resources, but some had slowly returned recently.

After returning to the hotel, she sent a message to her screenwriter sister: [I had a great time at Disney today, thank you, sister, for arranging everything!]

Today was indeed the most satisfying day she had felt since recording.

Screenwriter sister: [As long as you’re happy. But why thank me?]

Ji Ning was puzzled: [Huh? Didn’t you arrange the trip to Disney?]

Screenwriter sister: [No, how could it be? It was Ji Shiyi who suggested it.]

Ji Ning: [Then… did you write the script?]

[We did write the script.]

Her inner emotions were complex for a moment, and she slowly typed on the keyboard: [Was it the scene where we held hands?]

The screenwriter was confused by her question――

[We wrote about the encounter and conversation between you and the children in the castle, highlighting the kindness of strangers and the warmth of meeting compatriots in a foreign land.]

[Huh? Holding hands? We didn’t write a hand-holding scene.]

[In addition to the dialogue with the children in the castle, there was also a scene where the toy seller said you and him were very compatible, but we didn’t write anything else.]

Ji Ning looked at her palm for a long time before gently blinking.

So… it wasn’t in the script?

Sure, here’s the text with space between paragraphs:

—

The next morning at six, she got up and took a plane back to the country because she had another variety show to be a guest on. After finishing the variety show, “Here Comes the Stars” was also about to start filming. The next variety show she was going to be a guest on is called “Warm Inn”. In addition to three regular guests responsible for cooking, making beds, and accounting, there are several flight guests who come here to help each episode.

As the name suggests, “Warm Inn” focuses on creating a different kind of warmth and tolerance among the various “no fight, no variety” glamorous goods. Instead of the heat brought by fights, the producers hope the show conveys warmth and inclusivity. The inn is located in the picturesque countryside, where everything slows down. This slow-paced lifestyle is especially popular in fast-paced societies. Viewers, tired of endless quarrels and calculations, prefer to watch something light and comfortable. So, the viewership of “Warm Inn” is steadily increasing.

“Warm Inn” is an online variety show that follows a live broadcast format. Every three days, a two-and-a-half-hour highlight version is made available for VIP viewers. However, because it’s still summer vacation, there are still many people watching the live broadcast. Most people multitask while watching, with the TV on and doing their own things, stopping to watch or discuss when they find something they like. The support group has established a certain order, the anti-black groups are on the right track, and all infringements have been documented. After this period of effort, Jining’s casual passersby and black fans have finally been restrained from growing further. The focus now is to, through her efforts, make most of the casual passersby have a favorable impression, no longer dislike her, and become passersby or fans. So, debunking rumors is essential, and participating in variety shows is necessary. Soon, a new drama will be aired, which can further improve everyone’s perception through acting skills.

Today, all the flight guests on the inn’s show are rising young actresses like Jining. Everyone who just arrived at the inn was very polite and proactive because everyone wants to show the audience their good side. They eagerly volunteered for simple tasks like sweeping and mopping. The small area underfoot was mopped fifteen times in ten minutes. Just as Jining was watching a certain young actress pick up the mop for the thousandth and first time, perhaps the director couldn’t bear it anymore and announced a new task: “For tonight’s dinner, two guests need to be selected, one to harvest rice and one to pick corn.” The actresses who were just eager to work were all silent for a moment. After all, who wouldn’t want to stay comfortably at home and attract fans with a few casual greetings? Who would want to go out in the hot summer sun and do farm work? Moreover, neither of these tasks sounded easy.

Seeing the situation deadlocked, Jining said, “I’ll do it.” Everyone present was eighteen or nineteen-year-old sisters, and she was one year older, so she should have a bit of an older sister’s demeanor. Besides, she had shot scenes in towns before, and had filmed some scenes of harvesting rice. Combined with her own experience, she felt that her endurance for hardship should be stronger than theirs. Originally, she had thought that if no one volunteered, she would do it all herself. But as they were about to leave, Yuanchun, another actress, was persuaded by everyone to choose the job of picking corn. The weather was hot, and Jining put on a hat, sleeves, and gloves to start working. Initially, Yuanchun probably wanted to attract more audience favor by being in front of the camera, but she didn’t expect it to be so tiring. After picking ten ears of corn, she began to complain incessantly. “I’m so tired… I really can’t do it anymore… help me, I can’t get up—” Jining didn’t intend to say anything to gain camera time. The heat and the ache in her waist were one reason, but the main reason was that she was a bit of a clean freak and wanted to finish quickly and go home. Besides, the hardships she endured while filming sonnets were much greater than this, so there was nothing worth complaining about. Suddenly, the barrage of comments increased:

[What’s the name of the one wearing the red clothes? She seems pretty good.]

[I thought Jining was just trying to show off by saying that, after all, very few girls can persevere in such a tiring task. I didn’t expect her to be different from Yuanchun.]

【Is this Ji Ning? She looks different from what I saw in online comments. So far, she’s the most likable one to me, not overdoing it or being too opaque. Why do so many people criticize her?】

【This girl has no solid evidence against her, all criticism is brainless marketing.】

【Doing farm work is really tiring. I once worked in my hometown for half an hour and came out paralyzed.】

After finally finishing cutting the rice, Ji Ning felt sore, her back hurting and her hands cramping. She even helped Yuan Chun finish her corn. After everything was done, she was exhausted. Without a word, she went straight to the bathroom to take a shower. Just as she finished, she noticed the familiar figure of Zhuo Gong outside.

The fixed MC introduced him to her: “This is also a flying guest, Zhuo Gong, who just arrived.”

“I know Ning Ning,” Zhuo Gong said familiarly, “we’ll be collaborating soon.”

With the appearance of a popular figure, the barrage naturally became restless.

【Gong Gong finally came! Sister has been waiting for you for a long time!】

【Collaboration? The official is forcing me to create a CP.】

【The man is handsome and the woman is beautiful, I think it’s possible.】

【Where do you put the officially announced couple?】

【Damn, is Ji Ning wearing no makeup? …Wow, her skin is amazing. How can she look so radiant without makeup?】

【Let’s learn about hyaluronic acid injections and waterproof foundation.】

【Some people really have no common sense. Ji Ning is recognized in the industry as a natural beauty. Watch episode nine of “Orders Received” and see how stunning her ears are. Haters can shut up.】

After riding on the wave of Ji Ning’s popularity in the following episodes of “Orders Received,” it became increasingly chaotic. It’s unclear why, but perhaps it was because the episode criticizing Ji Ning drained all the hype. The subsequent episodes became boring, unable to produce any interesting points.

Shortly after the confrontation, Ji Ning received a 6,000-word apology from the production team, which she skimmed through and considered it over. What she didn’t know was that a copy of the apology was also sent to Ji Shiyan, accompanied by a heartfelt plea not to fire him. Ji Shiyan was deeply touched and instructed the production team to dismiss her.

Ji Ning naturally didn’t have time to read the barrage. She dried her hair, took out a cushion, lightly touched it, applied some makeup, and went to greet the guests.

【Oh, is this how beautiful women put on makeup? Sorry to disturb (slowly leave)】

【If I could look like this, I wouldn’t bother with makeup】

Unaware that while she was doing her makeup, Zhuo Gong accidentally touched her phone and dialed a number, unfortunately reaching Ji Shiyan.

On the other end, Ji Shiyan saw that Ji Ning had called, and couldn’t help but smirk before answering, “Hello?”

Zhuo Gong only realized whose phone he had dialed after hearing the voice and hurriedly said, “Hello, who are you?”

“…”

He thought it was Ji Ning, but a man’s voice came out, sounding like the master of the house, asking who he was. Ji the actor was instantly annoyed, very annoyed.

Zhuo Gong recognized Ji Shiyan from the phone and was about to greet him as brother, but the call was abruptly ended.

… What a ruthless man.

As Ji Ning prepared the room for the guests, her phone kept ringing incessantly.

Seeing no one around, she hid in a place without a camera and answered. She was surprised that Ji Shiyan would call her, “Is there something wrong?”

The man on the other end asked directly, “Are you with Zhuo Gong?”

Although she didn’t quite understand the significance of this call, she answered truthfully, “Yes, recording a variety show.”

“When will it end?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

Ji Shiyan’s voice lowered even more, “Will you be staying overnight?”

“Guests here usually stay overnight. The rooms are different.”

Just as Ji Ning finished speaking, she heard a sudden cold laugh from the other end.

Ji Ning: ?

What’s going on?

Ji Shiyan advised, “Don’t leave with him when you leave, he’s a bit weird.”

“…Oh, is that why you called me?” Ji Ning was still puzzled, “How did you know we’re together?”

“He just called me with your phone. I thought you had something to tell me.”

Ji Ning originally wanted to continue communicating with her idol, but as soon as she looked up, she saw a guest had arrived, so she quickly whispered, “It’s okay, I’ll hang up first. Bye.”

Then she gritted her teeth and hung up, feeling a bit melancholic and reluctant—but she had a task to complete.

Meanwhile, Ji Shiyan looked at his phone, which quickly returned to the wallpaper page after the call was abruptly ended, and remained silent for a long time.

—

“The Warm Inn” finished filming quickly. After Ji Ning and the cast of “Starry Sky” gathered to read the script together, the web series began filming promptly.

She arrived on set and unexpectedly heard a commotion. People were gathered around, saying Ji Shiyun had arrived.

“He’s the producer of our show!” someone told Ji Ning.

She knew Ji Shiyun was the producer of “Starry Sky,” but…

“Aren’t many producers just figureheads who don’t come to the set?”

Besides the director and producer, there are often several producers behind the scenes, some just lending their name for publicity.

She thought Ji Shiyun might be one of those.

People nearby were also surprised, “Yeah, I wonder why he’s here. The leading actor, coming to supervise our set, it’s surreal.”

Later, filming began. The first scene was before the protagonists fell in love, where they were on a bus together, and the female lead accidentally fell asleep, and the male lead kissed her forehead.

The director called for a cut after the first take, “The mood isn’t right, let’s do it again.”

Since Ji Shiyun had a good relationship with the director and held influence, the director suggested he share some insights as a senior, hoping the actors could accept it faster.

Ji Shiyun first pointed out the awkwardness of the first scene, then suggested changes for the second scene, “In the upcoming scene, I don’t think you need to kiss her forehead. Reunion scenes don’t require excessive intimacy, especially since your character is supposed to be aloof. Being too proactive before falling in love isn’t suitable. It could be changed to a head pat instead.”

Zhu Gong nodded in understanding, finding it reasonable.

Ji Ning also agreed, “That works.”

After observing Ji Ning for a while, Zhu Gong hesitated, “Well, maybe not a head pat. How about reaching out but then pulling back, fitting the character better.”

Zhu Gong blinked, feeling like something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it. Was he being deceived…?

The director also liked Ji Shiyun’s suggestion and decided to film it that way.

Before the assistant director called for action, Zhu Gong felt an overwhelming pressure that immobilized him. Ji Shiyun, with a cold expression, showed no emotion on his face but his eyes made Zhu Gong uneasy, as if one wrong move could get him thrown out of the window.

Ji Shiyun walked slowly towards Zhu Gong and even pulled a chair over, sitting directly in front of him. His chilly eyes locked onto Zhu Gong, devoid of any emotion as he calmly uttered, “Ready.”

Zhu Gong shrank his neck: …I dare not speak.