Chapter 118: Forming Teams
Mi Hongdou, perhaps because she lived closer and woke up earlier, was the first celebrity to arrive at the filming location.
From the county town to the filming location, she estimated it was a little over an hour’s drive. Getting out of the car, she saw the crew members with their cameras, ready and waiting. It seemed they had arrived at their final destination, no more transfers.
In the distance, she could see some houses, like a small mountain village. Fortunately, Qiao Rubai hadn’t abandoned them in the wilderness as she had feared. Mi Hongdou was relieved, but also a little disappointed about the wilderness survival skills she had diligently studied. In a populated area, her knowledge of building shelters, making fire, filtering water, and setting traps would probably be useless.
Wenlong Mountain was a designated scenic area, but not very famous at this time, certainly not a popular tourist destination. Many hadn’t even heard of it. Mi Hongdou vaguely remembered that in her previous life, a few years later, a popular reality show, filmed in several lesser-known scenic areas across the country, had boosted tourism in those locations, even turning some previously unremarkable villages into tourist attractions. The local scenery, specialties, cuisine, even the rooms where the celebrities stayed, and the activities they participated in, became tourist attractions.
Wenlong Mountain had benefited greatly from that show. Firstly, because of its diverse landscape, mountains, rivers, valleys, offering a variety of activities. Secondly, the abundance of local ingredients made for excellent farmhouse cuisine. And thirdly, the beautiful scenery and spacious area allowed for the development of villa-style accommodations, generating significant rental income. Later, investors, seeing the potential, and with the government’s push for tourism development, built a wildlife park and an amusement park, further boosting tourism.
Mi Hongdou, seeing the houses in the distance, initially thought it was the village from that reality show in her previous life, that Qiao Rubai was planning to develop Wenlong Mountain ahead of time. But after looking around, she felt that it wasn’t quite the same.
Was it because it was a few years earlier, and the development hadn’t started yet? Or was her memory faulty? As she pondered, the other cars arrived.
There were eight participants in total. Five from “Imperial Secrets”: Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin, Jiang Lingling, Zhang Zijing, and Jiang Duo. And three from “Promise in Troubled Times”: Lu Changhuai, Yu Naihao, and Bao Yueqiao…
Mi Hongdou had only learned two days ago that it was a collaboration between two productions. She had thought it would only be the “Imperial Secrets” cast. And even if she had known, she wouldn’t have expected Qiao Rubai to invite the “Promise in Troubled Times” cast. After all… the relationship between the two films was… delicate.
Not to mention Director Pan’s dislike for Gu Tiansheng, the director of “Promise in Troubled Times,” they had even held their press conferences at the same venue, one day apart… And both films premiered on the same day… “Imperial Secrets” sparked a yuri frenzy online, while “Promise in Troubled Times” attracted a large BL fanbase… Filmed around the same time, released almost simultaneously, their box office numbers neck and neck, they were competitors.
Although both films were successful, they were still competing. And for Qiong Yu, “Imperial Secrets” was their major investment, the higher the box office, the greater their profit. As for “Promise in Troubled Times,” they only had Bao Yueqiao in it, its box office success didn’t benefit them much.
Mi Hongdou didn’t understand Qiao Rubai’s reasoning in bringing the two casts together for a reality show… well, a businessman’s mind was unfathomable.
But as a participant, she felt… a little strange.
And she thought Pan Xiang probably felt even stranger.
Pan Xiang had told her that the films “The Kettle and the Heart” and “Spy Game” were based on her novels. But after discovering Pan Xiang’s Jinjiang page through Jiang Lingling, and reading her novels, Mi Hongdou realized that “Promise in Troubled Times,” currently in theaters, was also based on one of Pan Xiang’s novels. The film had changed the title, and she had only realized it after reading the reviews.
Pan Xiang was the true winner here. One film adapted from her novel, another mostly written by her, both films having been in theaters for a month, their combined box office exceeding four billion yuan, what an achievement!
Unfortunately, Pan Xiang’s identity as a writer was still a secret. Mi Hongdou imagined how conflicted Pan Xiang must have felt when Director Pan criticized “Promise in Troubled Times.”
She was only half right…
One film sparked a yuri frenzy, the other a BL frenzy, Pan Xiang’s feelings were more than just “conflicted”… she felt like she would never be able to write a proper heterosexual romance again!
That morning, Mi Hongdou, the first to arrive, eagerly waited for Ji Junxin.
The second to arrive was Jiang Lingling, followed by an RV, which, according to her, was filled with things Dong Yuannan had prepared for her, so much that she didn’t even know what was in it. She felt it was a bit excessive, bringing so much luggage for a twelve-day reality show, traveling across the country. But Dong Yuannan insisted. Although the show hadn’t forbidden it, Jiang Lingling doubted she would need any of it.
Mi Hongdou agreed, thinking that Jiang Lingling’s luggage was enough for several people to live comfortably for twelve days, what was the point of the reality show then? The crew probably hadn’t stopped her earlier because they wanted to film it, to create some buzz, they would definitely confiscate some of it later. She herself had brought two suitcases of clothes and necessities, which shouldn’t be confiscated, but she had a feeling…
As they were discussing the RV and the luggage, the next group arrived.
Two cars, one after the other. Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao from “Promise in Troubled Times.”
About three years ago, they had starred in Gu Tiansheng’s “The Kettle and the Heart,” based on Pan Xiang’s novel. The story was about the son of the Wulin Alliance leader infiltrating the Demonic Sect, teaching their young leader a sinister martial art, then developing feelings for him and trying to save him, ending with his own death and the young leader’s suicide.
Lu Changhuai, then in his early twenties, played the older master, while the fifteen-year-old Yu Naihao played the young sect leader. The film was a hit, thanks to their good looks, their compelling performances, the strong chemistry between their characters, and the tragic ending.
Gu Tiansheng seemed to have a natural talent for melancholic tragedies, his films always emotionally resonant, his characters unforgettable.
Before “The Kettle and the Heart,” both Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao were unknown. But the film made them famous, and their on-screen pairing became a popular topic. When Gu Tiansheng was filming “Spy Game,” many hoped they would be in it, but they weren’t. Rumor had it that Gu Tiansheng, worried about their deep immersion in their previous roles, had kept them apart after filming and hadn’t invited them for his next project. Many were disappointed, but Gu Tiansheng didn’t change his mind.
Now, after almost three years, they were reunited in his new film, “Promise in Troubled Times,” which, initially, had been even more anticipated than “Imperial Secrets.” Even now, their fan base was much larger than the newly formed “Sweet Red Bean Soup” group.
Mi Hongdou had naturally seen “Promise in Troubled Times.” It was very different from “Imperial Secrets.”
It was a story about a corrupt dynasty, warring factions, and the rise of a new empire. Yu Naihao played the son of a rebel leader. During their uprising, he found and saved an injured stranger. The amnesiac stranger, played by Lu Changhuai, stayed with the rebel army out of gratitude. His martial arts skills made him a valuable asset, and he formed a brotherly bond with Yu Naihao. But after the dynasty’s fall, the seemingly united rebel factions turned on each other, fighting for the throne. And then, the foreign army at the border started to invade. Amidst this chaos, Lu Changhuai’s character, by chance, encountered someone from his past, his memory returned, and he discovered his true identity as a foreign prince. He was persuaded to return to his kingdom, took command of the army, and invaded, defeating several rebel factions. Then his father died, and he ascended the throne, his campaign even more aggressive.
Until… he encountered Yu Naihao’s father’s army, and Yu Naihao, the scholarly, unarmed young man, standing at the front lines. After a night of peaceful discussion, Lu Changhuai, now the emperor, agreed to support Yu Naihao’s father’s claim to the throne. The terms of their agreement, however, remained a secret.
The war resumed, then quickly ended. Yu Naihao’s father became emperor, then abdicated three days later, making Yu Naihao the new ruler. Lu Changhuai, having formed a peace treaty with Yu Naihao, retreated to the border, his army not harming a single person or taking a single thing.
He was praised for his honor and righteousness.
But the audience, seeing him standing at the border, gazing longingly towards the new kingdom, were heartbroken. Such a tragic separation!
Mi Hongdou also felt the same. Gu Tiansheng, even without killing off any of the main characters, still managed to create such a heartbreaking story, it was a new level of emotional torture. No wonder the box office numbers were so high.
As a fellow member of a currently popular film’s CP fandom, Mi Hongdou naturally paid more attention to Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao.
Lu Changhuai seemed much the same as during “The Kettle and the Heart.” Yu Naihao, however, had changed drastically. He was only fifteen then, now eighteen, transformed from a cute teenager to a handsome young man. One strong and resolute, the other refined and gentle, standing together, they did have chemistry… Mi Hongdou thought, looking at the two.
Compared to her and Jiang Lingling, newcomers with just one film, Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao were already quite famous. But they still politely greeted Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling. However, not being close, they stood apart, chatting separately.
Then Zhang Zijing arrived, greeting Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling with a smile. They responded politely, just like during “Imperial Secrets,” and then the conversation died. Zhang Zijing’s smile stiffened, but he maintained his composure and went to talk to Lu Changhuai.
“So that’s what a third wheel looks like,” Jiang Lingling said to Mi Hongdou, glancing at the three men exchanging pleasantries.
Hey! This is a 24/7 live stream!
Mi Hongdou was both amused and exasperated. Although she knew that everything they said would be broadcast, she still had to stop Jiang Lingling before she said anything more.
“Ahem, we’re being recorded, you know…” she whispered.
But Jiang Lingling didn’t care.
“It’s okay, I think the audience agrees with me!” she said, looking at the nearest camera and smiling. “What do you think, everyone?”
Jiang Lingling’s live stream page was flooded with the number “1,” a sign of agreement.
Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao’s pages were filled with comments criticizing Zhang Zijing for interrupting their “pink atmosphere.”
And Ji Junxin’s page… although she was just sitting in the car, looking out the window, the comments were full of encouragement: “Xinxin, fighting! Hurry up!” “Don’t be overshadowed by the lovebirds next door!” “The young Empress is waiting for you!”
If Mi Hongdou wasn’t being filmed, but watching the live stream, she would have understood Qiao Rubai’s intentions. Two productions, one yuri, one BL, with both in her hands, she had the world…
With most of the cast having arrived, Mi Hongdou was getting anxious. It had been over a day since their last contact, had something happened to Ji Junxin? … Had she cancelled at the last minute?
Jiang Duo’s arrival rescued Zhang Zijing from the awkward small talk. The six of them, having exchanged greetings, naturally formed three groups of two, their relationships evident.
Just as Mi Hongdou’s anxiety intensified, Jiang Lingling asked about a “three highs” diet. Mi Hongdou, remembering Dong Yuannan’s health problems in her previous life, put aside her worries and patiently explained.
Just then, Bao Yueqiao and Ji Junxin arrived, one after the other. And Mi Hongdou, engrossed in her explanation, didn’t notice until the director’s voice boomed through the loudspeaker.
“Everyone’s here! Line up, line up, yes, by the small yellow flag, line up. We’re about to start filming!”
Everyone’s here? Ji Junxin is here too? What yellow flag? Mi Hongdou looked around, confused, then realized that they were all… standing in pairs, by a flagpole. The small yellow flag was right there. She was about to look for Ji Junxin when the director spoke again. “Okay, everyone’s here, let’s begin!”
She saw Ji Junxin, separated from her by Zhang Zijing and Jiang Duo.
Annoying! Those two are the worst!
With the cameras rolling, she couldn’t stare at Ji Junxin. After confirming her location, Mi Hongdou looked away, missing Ji Junxin’s resentful glance.
Hmph! She didn’t even look at me! Ji Junxin, also having missed Mi Hongdou’s glance, was unhappy.
Always playing with Jiang Lingling! No loyalty at all! Her inner complaints were endless.
The eight celebrities lined up. From left to right: Lu Changhuai, Yu Naihao, Jiang Lingling, Mi Hongdou, Zhang Zijing, Jiang Duo, Ji Junxin, and Bao Yueqiao.
“So, before we enter the world of , let’s form teams. Two people per team, free choice.”
As soon as he finished, Mi Hongdou instinctively took a step forward, then stopped as the director continued, “Okay, let’s start from the right. Bao Yueqiao, who do you want to team up with?”
Bao Yueqiao, petite and delicate, looked around nervously. The space to her right was empty, so her gaze landed on Ji Junxin.
Ji Junxin had a bad feeling.
Bao Yueqiao smiled sweetly. “Sister Junxin.”
No… Ji Junxin’s carefully maintained smile almost cracked. Yueqiao, you are making it difficult to be friends!
“Haha, Ji Junxin, I knew you didn’t want to be with Bao Yueqiao!” the director said, his voice full of amusement.
We’re from the same company, why are you doing this to me?
The director’s words were too much, was he even from Qiong Yu? Ji Junxin couldn’t agree with him, especially seeing Bao Yueqiao’s crestfallen expression. She said weakly, “That’s not…”
“Okay! Based on both your choices, Bao Yueqiao and Ji Junxin, Team One! The contract is now in effect!” The director’s voice cut her off.
Wait! Ji Junxin was stunned. She had just been trying to be polite, and he had just assigned them like that!
Mi Hongdou felt a blow. What was this! Where was the “free choice”? No time for discussion, just randomly assigned! Qiao Rubai, where are you, is this director crazy!
Jiang Lingling clicked her tongue. “That girl, Bao Yueqiao, not only did she steal Zhang Zijing’s attention, but she also broke up a CP, she’s going to lose fans.” What a hero among single dogs, I salute you! Or perhaps she’s not single? Doesn’t matter, I salute you on behalf of all single dogs! And I got the little chef, even if they confiscate my luggage, it will be worth it. Jiang Lingling’s barely concealed excitement didn’t escape Mi Hongdou’s notice. “So, who are you teaming up with?” she asked, her tone dark.
“You, of course,” Jiang Lingling said, as if it were obvious.
“Heh.” Mi Hongdou chuckled meaningfully and looked away.
Jiang Lingling, after a moment, realized what Mi Hongdou was laughing about.
“No, I didn’t break up the CP! I just… took advantage of the situation. No, I’m planning to take advantage!” she quickly clarified, looking at the camera.
The viewers agreed, they needed several screens just for their favorites, but Jiang Lingling seemed interesting, she deserved her own dedicated camera. Four camera angles per screen weren’t enough! Time to buy more computers!
“Okay, Jiang Duo, who do you choose?” The director continued.
Jiang Duo knew her own unpopularity in the “Imperial Secrets” crew. She had initially wanted to team up with Bao Yueqiao, since she didn’t know the two male leads from “Promise in Troubled Times,” and breaking up a CP was taboo. But Bao Yueqiao had been chosen first, and she had even broken up the currently popular Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou CP… Now, Jiang Duo’s options were limited… Jiang Lingling and Mi Hongdou were both hostile towards her…
“I choose… the Emperor, of course.” She thought that since two crews were invited, it must be for cross-promotion, so she would play along.
“The Emperor? We have three emperors here, which one? Only two people per team, you can’t have all three.” The director’s voice boomed.
Everyone, including the online viewers, heard the virtual slap in the face.
Although those who had seen “Imperial Secrets” knew which emperor she was referring to, her “of course” sounded incredibly arrogant, the director’s retort well-deserved.
Even Mi Hongdou, who was annoyed with the director, had to give him credit.
“Aiya, I’m getting second-hand embarrassment…” Jiang Lingling leaned forward, glanced at Jiang Duo, then quickly retreated, shuddering.
The viewers agreed, they needed two dedicated cameras just for Jiang Lingling’s reactions!
“Of… of course, it’s the Emperor from our film, Zhang Zijing,” Jiang Duo replied, forcing a smile.
Zhang Zijing’s face burned. He hated being called “Emperor,” especially since his role in “Imperial Secrets” was a minor one, mostly confined to the harem, with few battle scenes, and his character was even a bit of a scumbag. And being called “Emperor” in “Imperial Secrets” was one thing, but being compared to the two emperors in “Promise in Troubled Times”… he had some self-awareness, unlike Jiang Duo.
The director, letting Jiang Duo go, now targeted Zhang Zijing. “Look, our Jiang Duo’s Emperor is blushing, must be the thrill of being chosen. Zhang Zijing, you wouldn’t reject your Noble Consort, would you?”
I would, in a heartbeat!
But remembering Dajin Entertainment’s instructions to maintain a good relationship with Jiang Duo during this reality show, Zhang Zijing, his face burning, reluctantly agreed to this disastrous pairing.
The next two pairings, Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling, Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao, were formed without any drama, well, they didn’t really have any other options.
Yu Naihao, the youngest, couldn’t help but complain after the teams were finalized, “Choosing in order, where’s the ‘free choice’? The later ones had no options at all.”
“Oh, Yu Naihao, are you unhappy with your team? Want a chance to switch?” The director’s voice boomed.
Yu Naihao jumped, grabbed Lu Changhuai’s arm, and shook his head vigorously. “No! I’m not switching!”
Lu Changhuai, amused and exasperated, patted his head.
“They’re flirting next door,” Jiang Lingling said, glancing at Mi Hongdou. “Although I just got the leftovers, I think I’m going to lose some fans.”
“Ask your godfather to buy them back!” Mi Hongdou, also frustrated at not being chosen by Ji Junxin, retorted.
Jiang Lingling seriously considered it, then looked at the camera. “Don’t lose too many, my godfather might actually do it…”
Mi Hongdou: “…”
“Okay, the teams are finalized. Now it’s time for team uniforms.”
Four covered trays were brought in.
“Choose freely, it’s all luck,” the director announced generously.
The four teams each chose a tray. After removing the covers, they didn’t see any uniforms, just small pieces of colored cloth.
“Okay, you’ve all made your choices. These are the colors of your team uniforms for the next twelve days.”
Four more people arrived, each carrying a large bundle of cloth, which they handed to the teams.
Everyone had a bad feeling.
Inside the bundles, it wasn’t exactly uniforms, but… strange clothing. Ancient-style tunics and pants, made of plain cotton, no buttons, just tied with a sash, the tunic long enough to cover their buttocks, the pants also tied with a drawstring… although single-layered, the fabric was thick, it should be warm enough in this late September, early October weather.
Ji Junxin and Bao Yueqiao, who had chosen light yellow, examined their clothes. It seemed… acceptable, they just didn’t know how they would look when worn.
Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling’s luck was also good. They got light green, a very pale green that strangely suited the scenery.
The luckiest ones were Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao. Two handsome men in flowing white robes, they looked like immortals.
“Okay, you’ve all seen your uniforms. Now, I have to emphasize one point. You can only bring the clothes you’re wearing underneath, everything else will be confiscated. You have to wear your team uniforms during the day, and we’ll provide matching pajamas for the night.” The director paused. “Now, I’m going to introduce something very, very, very useful! Important things must be said three times.”
Four more people came forward, their hands open.
Mi Hongdou, seeing what they held, thought, Qiao Rubai, you’ve gone crazy.
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