Chapter 22: To Make This Second Life Worthwhile

Lin Yu wasn’t foolish, nor was Ji Ya. She didn’t know exactly what had happened to Lin Yu, but now, she had found his weakness... Yes, this was a very good beginning!

It was nearing eight in the evening, and the guests had finished their rehearsals. The production team announced that the performances would begin in an hour. The guests each found a seat and settled in to wait for dinner.

Everyone began making small talk, exchanging polite compliments—praising someone’s variety show, lauding another’s film. While the group chatted, Lin Yu sat quietly off to one side. Occasionally, someone would direct a question his way, and he would answer politely, without affectation or self-aggrandizement.

The film king, Qiu Shishang, observed everyone’s behavior with a slight smile, then praised Lin Yu, “There are so few young people in the entertainment industry today with your humility.”

Many of the artists seated at the same table nodded their agreement, except for Si Shaozhe, whose expression soured. He didn’t care whether the film king was alluding to his earlier rudeness toward Ji Ya or not—his heart was already pierced by a thorn, and he felt nothing but resentment toward Qiu Shishang. Outwardly, however, he feigned respect, nodding in agreement. After all, Qiu Shishang was a respected figure, both in age and status.

Qiu Shishang, a veteran of the entertainment world, knew when to stop. Seeing that someone had taken offense, he smoothly changed the subject. “Has everyone prepared their acts for the nine o’clock showcase?”

The guests exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts. Some wondered if the film king was truly being considerate or simply fishing for information to gain an advantage. Others demurred, insisting their performances were nothing special, and seemed embarrassed to say more.

Qiu Shishang smiled and did not press further. He understood their reservations—after all, they had only just met and trust had yet to be built.

Soon, the conversation drifted to trivial matters. Outwardly, all seemed calm, but inwardly, everyone was considering whether they should just give a casual performance. After all, they were here for the same show, and with the film king present, it wouldn’t do to make anyone lose face.

There were distinctions among entertainers: those who sang and those who acted. Singers naturally had an advantage over actors—a matter of professional strength. Yet, making their peers look bad could stir up unnecessary trouble. They were all here for the same purpose; there was no need to go overboard.

By this time, Lin Yu had gone upstairs to the lounge, seeking out a few others who were still rehearsing.

“It’s time to eat, everyone,” he called.

They all sat down together, the earlier conversation left behind.

It was then that Si Shaozhe, prompted by a glance from his agent, began to draw attention to himself. He started talking about his upcoming performance. “I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to prepare anything new. Tonight, I’ll have to make do and sing an old song for everyone.”

He finished with a flick of his bangs.

The others: ...

The rumors had long circulated: Si Shaozhe was indeed handsome, but also terribly greasy—especially in recent years, after his breakout role in a hit drama. His manner had grown unbearably slick, as if he were possessed by someone else. In the past, perhaps he’d been unaware of his own charm and was more restrained; now, he didn’t even bother to pretend.

The atmosphere turned awkward. No one replied.

Seeing this, Qiu Shishang took it upon himself to play the good host, urging everyone to eat.

Lin Yunyu, whom he had brought into the show, promptly echoed his words. As she bent to hand bowls to each person, a flash of snowy white was revealed.

The male artists sitting across from her all noticed and instinctively turned their faces away. If not for the cameras, these young men, brimming with energy, would have been reluctant to look away.

Who would have thought that beneath her modest attire, this woman concealed such a voluptuous figure? It was truly a sight to behold.

Ji Ya saw through Lin Yunyu’s intentions—she simply wanted to draw attention. Ji Ya couldn’t be bothered to expose her; in the entertainment industry, it was commonplace to use beauty as a means of gaining presence. Others could do as they wished; she had no reason to interfere.

After dinner, the artists began to prepare for the performances. At the director’s instruction, they took their seats on the sofas.

The crew brought out a small box and explained the rules. “The order of performances will be determined by drawing lots.”

The guests took turns drawing their numbers, then followed the crew to the temporary stage set up in the courtyard.

Lin Yunyu drew the first slot. Once she received her number, she went upstairs to prepare.

When everyone was seated, she appeared in an outfit reminiscent of the idol groups from the neighboring country: a miniskirt so short that a slight bend revealed what should not be seen. She once again shattered everyone’s initial impression of her, leaving them astonished.

Her dance was almost serpentine, every movement seductive, and her gaze captivating—she had the entire audience in the palm of her hand. As the dance ended, the crowd wore expressions of amazement, applauding in near-unison, their excitement palpable.

The live stream was equally abuzz.

“Who can relate? This young lady is incredible!”

“What’s her handle? I’m following her right now!”

“It’s rare to see someone so spicy and reserved at the same time. That dance nearly made me run out of tissues at home!”

“Her waist isn’t a waist—it’s a deadly weapon!”

“That dance twisted straight into my heart! Nine out of ten! I adore her!”

...

Wang Fei took the stage, the spotlight shining down as he radiated confidence. His gaze never left the camera—he knew that was where his true audience waited.

“Everyone, this is for you: ‘When I Met Him Later.’”

Wang Fei, known as the King of Love Songs, coupled his handsome looks with genuine emotion, and as soon as he began to sing, both the live stream and the audience were swept away by happiness. The charm of the Love Song Prince was undeniable.

It was as if, in an instant, everyone had fallen in love.

“My goodness, it’s like I’m back in my student days!”

“Ahhh! His gentle tones are lethal to me!”

“Nine out of ten! Who remembers when someone proposed at one of his concerts during this song?”

“It’s too much—after three years of dating, I just found out my girlfriend was trending with a guy wearing a million-dollar watch...”