Chapter 42 Rules Are Rules

Lin Jia raised her eyebrows, her tone stern as she reminded them, "Rules are rules; they cannot be changed."

Ji Ya quickly tugged at Lin Ning's sleeve, signaling him to restrain himself.

Lin Yu chuckled lightly, spreading his hands, and spoke with particular ease, "Add fifteen more Peach Blossom Cards, and we should have full service for the entire banquet, right?"

Lin Jia pretended to ponder for a moment. In truth, the instant Lin Yu challenged the rules just now, she had already made up her mind. Among the guests, those capable of cooking were already exhausted, leaving only Lin Yu still able to move. For one person to prepare lunch for eight would be miraculous—an ordinary person simply couldn't manage such a feat.

Moreover, as the champion group, if even Lin Yu couldn't secure some special treatment from the production team, the guests would lose much of their motivation for the rest of the shoot.

Variety shows rely on effect; they require a balance of tension and relaxation. If the production team keeps locking horns with the guests, the show would soon face dissolution—Lin Jia had considered this thoroughly.

Rules had to be upheld, but couldn't be wantonly broken, so she adopted a negotiating tone: "If you..."

"I can offer the highest price: eighty cards."

A broad smile spread across Lin Jia's face. "Please, everyone, take your seats and wait. In half an hour, a feast will be served."

In the end, money does make the world go round. Of course, capitalists will stop at nothing for greater gain; a little acting is nothing—there are far worse methods they've yet to employ.

Still, that doesn't mean Lin Jia is capricious. Without rules, there is no order—but with enough chips on the table, the size and shape of the order can be yours to choose.

Lin Yu handed over half his Romance Cards.

Instantly, the live-stream chat exploded.

"Damn! Dog Yu is loaded!"

"Is Dog Yu generous? We knew since day one when he wore those gray pants!"

"Girl above, aren't you a bit much?"

"Or maybe just a creepy guy pretending to be cute..."

"Damn, eighty cards, just like that? Dog Yu is so generous! Thank you, Dog Yu! My brother finally gets to eat!"

"LOL, look at Si Shaozhe now, pretending to nap on the sofa—just saw him swallow his saliva, haha!"

"Who are you all voting for in the Heartbeat Guest poll? I'm so torn, it feels like picking a consort!"

"Why fret? Just go to sleep—anything can happen in your dreams."

"Of course I'm voting for Dog Yu! One vote from you, one from me, and tomorrow Dog Yu will debut!"

"Anyone got the link to that love song? I even bought premium, but can't find it!"

"Does anyone understand? I NEED that love song, or my girlfriend won't take me back! Anyone, please, send the link—I'll pay well!"

"Why do men with money need girlfriends? Just get a boyfriend—only more money that way!"

"I asked my friend; he said Dog Yu's love song is still in production."

"Really? If it's released, I'll buy a hundred albums!"

"I'll buy a thousand!"

"Me, ten thousand!"

...

The production team kept their word. After some water and conversation, the food arrived right on time.

The table was laden with delicious dishes, vibrant in color and aroma, making all the guests drool in anticipation.

Lin Yun Yue, being a newcomer and young, was the first to help herself to some meat—acting on impulse. Qiu Shishang had no objections, nor did anyone else at the table.

It helps to have the Best Actor's protection—such luck for the young girl!

Besides, she had worked hard all morning, toiling in the fields—she was surely famished.

"Thank you, boss, for your generous support!" Qiu Shishang led the toast, and the others all stood and clinked glasses with Lin Yu, drinking soft drinks.

With cheerful spirits, they began their meal. Lin Yu glanced around the table and asked in confusion,

"Aren't we missing someone?"

The one on the sofa had heard the question but feigned sleep, unwilling to respond. The truth was, he thought he was popular enough to be waited on like a lord, but everyone had forgotten him—even his teammate Lin Yun Yue hadn't spared him a glance. The stark contrast left Si Shaozhe too embarrassed to get up.

Being mentioned unexpectedly, he felt a bit moved, but as the scene fell into silence, the small spark in his heart was extinguished.

Handsome, charming, with countless fans—how could a top star come to a variety show and end up utterly ignored, even isolated?

"I'll go call him," Qiu Shishang said. Seeing no one else move, he stood up to play the good guy again, patting Si Shaozhe on the shoulder. The latter quickly sat up, realizing he nearly broke character, and pretended to wake from a nightmare, pressing his forehead, frowning, biting his lip.

Even now, he couldn't forget his idol image.

Whether he looked like he was giving birth or had just eaten something foul, his expression still sent the live-stream’s diehard fans into frenzied screams—husband! So handsome!—but sensible viewers soon drowned them out with mockery.

"Come eat," Qiu Shishang said. As an award-winning actor, he saw through Si Shaozhe's act without surprise, well-used to such attention-seeking antics from younger stars. He didn't bother to call him out, simply inviting him to join.

But as Si Shaozhe stood, he clutched his waist, groaning in pain—he’d gotten up too fast and wrenched his back.

Qiu Shishang listened to his whispered complaint and couldn't help but laugh. As their eyes met, he turned away to avoid the younger man's questioning and irritated look, calling Lin Yu and Wang Fei over to help.

Wang Fei, always the nice guy on variety shows, and Lin Yu, a rookie eager to help, both came over. But Lin Yu soon realized something was off.

Wasn't it just a scrape on his leg? What does that have to do with his waist? The answer was clear from Si Shaozhe’s warning glance, and Qiu Shishang had no intention of explaining.

"Seriously? You can't be serious—you threw your back out just from working in the fields? Interesting."

Lin Yu mused to himself. Just yesterday, he’d tried Tai Chi for the first time, put in way more effort, only to feel a little sore, which quickly faded. It was clear who could handle what.

Maybe it was just a matter of being too accustomed to leisure; a little exertion was enough to expose one's weakness. Best not to ask—no need to let Si Shaozhe’s rabid fans tear down his hard-earned popularity.

Besides, in this industry full of all kinds, scandals about so-and-so’s romantic exploits or youthful indiscretions pop up all the time. Birds of a feather flock together—in this world, who can truly claim to be spotless?

Hearing the pained groans, Lin Yun Yue poked her head out to watch the drama, saw it was just Si Shaozhe seeking attention again, rolled her eyes, and returned to the table to keep eating.

A drama king will always be a drama king.

After the meal, the production team announced there was no one assigned to wash dishes. The women took it upon themselves to tackle the task. The sound of running water from the kitchen couldn’t drown out the wails of a certain someone in the living room.