The next morning at 9:30 AM, Chu Xingxing arrived at the company.
Jiang Changsheng immediately pulled her into the dressing room.
“Do I have some kind of event today?” Chu Xingxing was gently pushed into the makeup chair and noticed the person doing her makeup was from stylist Ken’s team.
The sound of wheels rolling came from behind.
Row after row of rolling clothing racks were pushed into the dressing room by assistants.
Hanging on each rack were several complete, pre-styled outfits.
Jiang Changsheng casually picked up a beige jacket and held it up against her. “It’s not for an event. These are sample clothes from the clothing brand sponsors I’ve been contacting these past few days. They sent them over.
Even though they’re not luxury brands, they’re still decent premium and designer labels. If the sponsorship works out well, getting you a ‘Brand Friend’ title after the first episode recording shouldn’t be a problem.
Let’s start with a basic base makeup, then we can try on some pieces and see which brand looks best?”
Chu Xingxing nodded.
Although the designs and styles of these sponsored clothes couldn’t compare to the unique, personalized, and instantly memorable Saci outfit she wore for the pilot episode, they were still popular, good-quality items.
Even if they were a bit more mainstream, they were definitely better than her own clothes.
As a girl from a humble background, Chu Xingxing’s clothes were all budget-friendly buys from an online marketplace. They looked okay at first glance.
It was only because she had a great figure and could pull off anything that she looked good in them.
The details couldn’t withstand close scrutiny, and the quality was very average.
“Please close your eyes for a moment, Miss Chu,” the makeup artist said gently.
Just as Chu Xingxing was about to close her eyes, another knock came from the dressing room door.
“Need a hand…” Jiang Changsheng opened the door and instinctively took a large, half-person-tall bag from the person. “It’s you? Did Ken ask you to bring this?”
Ken’s assistant, Xiao Rou, looked a bit disheveled, pushing a huge suitcase with one hand and carrying a bag bigger than a woven sack with the other.
Xiao Rou wiped her sweat. “Ken asked me to bring these clothes over for Miss Chu to try on. I haven’t had a chance to iron them yet. Could you find me some hangers and an iron, please?”
“Is this sponsorship? What brand is it?” Jiang Changsheng helped Xiao Rou hang the clothes one by one.
Seeing the familiar cutting style and color palette, even without ironing, the designer’s strong personal style was evident. His eyes lit up. “Saci?”
Xiao Rou nodded proudly. “Yes, they were air-freighted fresh from Country F to the studio early this morning. Ken asked me to bring them to Miss Chu first thing.
These are all new Saci samples not yet released to the market, and some are one-of-a-kind pieces designed by Mr. Jiang Luoze himself that never went into mass production. Mr. Jiang hopes to sponsor all of Miss Chu’s clothing and accessories for ‘Grandma’s Journey’.”
Chu Xingxing also came over to help.
But as soon as she got a clear look at all the clothes and accessories, she held her breath.
They were incredibly beautiful!
Saci’s brand style completely matched her personal aesthetic – unique cuts, bold colors, a sweet yet edgy vibe.
Every piece of clothing felt like a unique work of art.
Although Saci was still a niche brand with little recognition in China,
in the original book, in the near future, Saci would become a well-known luxury brand, eagerly sought after by celebrities and socialites.
“We’ll go with Saci for the sponsorship. No need for try-ons.” Jiang Changsheng could tell from the look of pure adoration on Chu Xingxing’s face how much she loved the brand.
Besides, just hanging on the rack, even un-ironed, Saci’s clothes made the other sponsored brands on the other racks look completely dull by comparison.
Making this decision came with some risk for Jiang Changsheng.
Saci really didn’t have much recognition in China yet.
Never mind that the designs of other brands on the racks were more mainstream – a simple solid color T-shirt with a small logo could easily catch people’s eyes. Their commercial brand value was clear.
But Saci just suited Chu Xingxing’s temperament so perfectly.
Clothes with this much personality, Chu Xingxing could totally pull them off. There was no risk of the outfit overpowering the wearer.
Even if choosing Saci wasn’t as safe as picking other, more well-known premium brands, Jiang Changsheng was willing to accept it.
Chu Xingxing’s phone vibrated.
She looked down – it was a WeChat message from her dear Jiang Yao.
【Jiang Yao: Sweetie, did you get the surprise? Jiang Luoze, the designer of Saci, is my most beloved nephew. The green dress you wore in the pilot was so stunning, and he really appreciates you too.】
【Jiang Yao: Saci has also become a sponsor for the show this time. Looking forward to seeing you shine on the program wearing Saci～】
So, this was all thanks to Grandma Jiang!
Chu Xingxing immediately replied to thank her and sent photos of the clothes she received.
“There’s a small envelope here?” Xiao Rou felt a delicate, French-lace-trimmed envelope, only palm-sized, from the pocket of one of the jackets.
She carefully looked at the writing on it. “This is… for Miss Chu.”
“For me?” Chu Xingxing was a bit surprised.
She took the envelope and opened it.
A small, exquisite card fell out.
On the front of the card was a photo of Chu Xingxing in that green Saci dress, standing by a window.
The photo was taken by Ken on his phone and sent to Jiang Luoze.
On the back of the card was only a simple line of text, thanking her for being willing to wear Saci.
But the way it started made Chu Xingxing feel a little embarrassed for the first time.
【My Muse】
Below it was the signature.
Three beautifully written Chinese characters.
【Jiang Luoze】
The words on the small card were written with a fountain pen – clean and crisp.
Although she didn’t know what Jiang Luoze looked like, Chu Xingxing felt he must be a clean and refreshing person. The handwriting suited the person.
“What does it say?” Jiang Changsheng leaned in, trying to see.
“A handwritten thank-you note from the designer.” Chu Xingxing carefully put the small card away into her wallet.
“Cherishing it that much? How do you know it’s handwritten? Could be printed, maybe everyone gets one?” Jiang Changsheng’s voice carried a hint of jealousy.
“It’s handwritten, you can tell.” Chu Xingxing looked down and carefully put away the delicate little envelope too.
This should probably count as the first piece of fan support merchandise she’d ever received in her life?
Super memorable – she had to keep it safe!
—
At a high-end riverside residence in the capital.
Tian Mengtong’s parents, doting on their daughter, had bought her a sprawling 300+ square meter river-view flat in a prime area of the capital.
When the video doorbell rang,
The auntie who had come from the Tian family to look after Tian Mengtong hurried over to open the door.
The auntie called out warmly, “Tongtong, it’s your brother Kangning here!”
“Brother～” Tian Mengtong, wearing pink bubble cotton pajamas, ran barefoot from her bedroom and jumped onto Tian Kangning.
“Such a big girl, still acting like a child.” Tian Kangning affectionately ruffled his sister’s hair, pointing to the four silver suitcases behind him. “The clothes you wanted, all brought back for you in person.”
“Brother’s the best!” Tian Mengtong beamed, leaving two kisses on her brother’s cheek.
In all the time since her rebirth, today was her happiest day.
This auntie from the Tian household had looked after Tian Kangning and Tian Mengtong since they were little, sharing a deep bond with them.
“Kangning, you should have let us know you were coming. I’ll run to the supermarket, buy some of your favorites, and make you both a nice lunch.” The auntie changed clothes, hurrying out.
“Just something simple for lunch is fine, Auntie Li, no need to go to any trouble.” Tian Kangning couldn’t stop her anyway.
Tian Mengtong was too excited to care about anything else.
She called her assistant and had her iron all the Saci new season items her brother had brought back. Then, like a model on a runway,
she changed into one outfit after another, playfully asking her brother for his opinion.
Having been exhausted from two days of travel, Tian Kangning still had work to handle. He forced himself to stay alert and compliment his sister.
But being a straight guy, his compliments clearly weren’t enough for Tian Mengtong.
“Give me a break, Tongtong…” Tian Kangning pleaded.
Tian Mengtong lifted her chin. “Hmph, just because you helped me bring the clothes, I’ll let you off the hook this time.”
She had her assistant take several sets of beautiful photos of her.
That way, she’d have her OOTD posts sorted for today and tomorrow.
To get the brand’s attention, Tian Mengtong decided to tag Saci in her OOTD posts, sharing it as a favorite private brand.
The remaining few sets of Saci’s new season items, Tian Mengtong planned to take them all on the first trip for “Let’s Travel Together.”
She couldn’t wait to see the fans’ extravagant praise.
Suddenly, Tian Mengtong remembered she still had the photos of that peach-red Saci dress that stylist Ken had altered for her when she was a guest observer on that Capital TV workplace variety show.
Although she’d ended up staining that dress and couldn’t wear it on camera,
the photos had turned out great. It did seem a bit of a waste to just let them be forgotten.
That afternoon, Tian Mengtong posted a few beautiful private-style share photos on Weibo and Xiaohongshu.
【Tian Mengtong VIP7: Updating some recent OOTDs, hope to give you guys some styling inspiration～ I’ve been loving this brand lately. It suits both sweet style girls and those who prefer a cool, edgy look. The only downside is there’s no counter in China yet. My brother brought these back from Country F for me. I’ve worn it on shows before too, really like it! Hope Saci opens a counter in China soon! #Saci #Sacichina】
Soon, fans dug up the info—
Saci was a brand founded by emerging Chinese designer Jiang Luoze while studying in Country F. It was already somewhat known in Euro-American fashion circles.
The fans’ expected praise arrived right on schedule—
【Tongtong is so beautiful, this sweet-but-edgy style suits you really well!】
【Hey? Whose fairy is this? Oh, mine (scoops her up)】
【I’m totally sold on this by Tongtong! I checked the prices on the Saci website and tearfully gave up. I’m just not good enough for it, sob sob sob.】
【It’s not Saci’s fault it’s expensive, it’s my fault. But they’re really super pretty 】
【Wow, our Tongtong has such great taste! Actually featuring the critically acclaimed Saci!!! I’m studying fashion design and have always loved Jiang Luoze’s designs. Even though I can’t afford the main line, I hope Saci’s diffusion line comes to China soon.】
Seeing the fans had set the mood just right,
a few burner accounts from Tian Mengtong’s studio started stirring the pot in the comments—
【Is Tian Mengtong the first person in China to wear Saci?】
【She is the first. I’ve searched all over, no other Chinese celeb has worn Saci publicly yet, not even in private posts. It’s still too niche, hahahaha 】
【Designer Jiang Luoze is called the ‘Pride of the Chinese’. Tian Mengtong’s fashion taste is really top-notch. Could she be the brand’s future ambassador?】
【Saci and Tian Mengtong’s style match perfectly. Being a good person and casually @ing the brand’s official Weibo. As fans, we recommend Tongtong to be the Saci ambassador, the first Chinese female star to wear it domestically.
This wave of stirring was perfectly timed.
Fans invested in her career were already a bit unsatisfied with Tian Mengtong’s previous fashion resources.
A niche designer brand like this, which sounded high-status and came recommended by industry insiders, obviously suited their idol.
Fans flocked to the event, praising the brand and their idol Tian Mengtong as a perfect match.
Then, a comment in the thread with an F-country IP shattered the harmony in Tian Mengtong’s comment section—
【Braggart King it’s Me: A friendly reminder, it seems Tian Mengtong might not be the first Chinese female star to wear Saci? I’m not entirely sure, but I just happened to follow the designer on IG. I vaguely remember him posting photos of an Asian woman wearing Saci, even calling her his ‘Muse’? Mainly, I’m not sure if that woman is Chinese. If she’s H-country, J-country, or T-country, then forget I said anything. Just hoping fans can be a bit more rational. It’s better to wait for an official announcement before promoting. 2-23 18:19 from F-country】
【Braggart King it’s Me】 was an international student studying fashion design in F-country. She casually left a well-intentioned comment while browsing Weibo.
But when she got back from class, she found her Weibo was being crazed @ed.
【Why is someone so nosy? If you’re not sure, get sure before coming here to hate. Obviously just a troll pretending to be abroad @Braggart King it’s Me】
【@Braggart King it’s Me People like you just can’t stand seeing others do well. Just compliment a pretty girl and move on. Instead, you have to passively-aggressively say Tongtong wasn’t the first? If you have proof, show it. Don’t just make things up out of thin air!】
【I specifically climbed over to check Saci’s official IG. There are absolutely no photos of any Asian female celebrities. Just faceless models and fashion week pics, okay! @Braggart King it’s Me】
【Lol, probably some rival’s troll sent to attack our Tongtong. Gotta attack even over such a trivial thing? Probably just jealous of Tongtong’s beauty and good resources, while you’re stuck washing dishes in F-country, right? @Braggart King it’s Me】
【@Braggart King it’s Me I specifically looked at your selfies. Yuck. Looking like that, don’t embarrass yourself all the way in F-country.】
【Braggart King it’s Me】 watched as hate comment after hate comment @ed her, and her DMs filled with personal attacks and foul language. Her hands were shaking.
Quite a few fans had also reported her account.
The young woman, barely twenty, never imagined these fanatic fans would curse so viciously, just because she’d offered a friendly reminder?
And she’d seen the picture on designer Jiang Luoze’s personal IG, not Saci’s official account.
This was insane!
【Braggart King it’s Me】 switched to IG, found the picture Jiang Luoze had posted, took a screenshot, and prepared to fight back against the trolls.
Then she discovered that her Weibo account seemed to be restricted from posting images due to reports…
【There might be a delay in server data synchronization at the moment. Please wait patiently. Thank you very much. (100001)】
【Braggart King it’s Me】 started trying to find a way to appeal.
Then she found out the appeal process would take over 48 hours; results wouldn’t be out for two days……
Damn! Even angrier!!!
—
【Braggart King it’s Me】 had a pretty good attitude.
Remembering she had a full day of classes and a ton of assignments to finish, as an international student, she wasn’t about to neglect her studies just to fight with trolls.
Not stooping to their level was one thing; swallowing her anger was another.
Since she couldn’t post pictures, 【Braggart King it’s Me】 , on the metro to class, fired back at every troll, cursing even more viciously than they did.
Feeling better after letting off steam, she happily went to class.
Ha, she wasn’t going to let this go easily.
Just wait forty-eight hours for the appeal to succeed. See you in two days!
—
Two days later, the first official trip for “Grandma’s Journey” finally began.
As usual, the variety show would use a format combining live streaming throughout the day and edited recorded episodes released later.
For the first trip for the grandmas and the ‘porters’, the destination was Pearl Island, a luxurious resort island in Country T.
The trip would last five days and four nights.
Coincidentally, the neighboring show “Let’s Travel Together,” apart from their destination being an uninhabited island next to Pearl Island in Country T,
had an identical schedule for travel dates, departure, and return.
This was mocked by countless netizens as “how spiteful can you get.”
Chu Xingxing had packed her luggage the night before and sealed her suitcases.
That way, the next morning, she just needed to put her personal items into her small backpack.
Departure day.
Just after 5 AM, someone suddenly knocked on Chu Xingxing’s door.
Living in an older neighborhood with average security, Chu Xingxing was instantly awake.
Grabbing a baseball bat she kept by her bedside, she moved silently to the door.
Peeking through the peephole and seeing the VJ guy with his camera and a few familiar crew members, Chu Xingxing temporarily lowered the bat.
“Chu Xingxing? Is Chu Xingxing, Teacher Chu, in there?” A crew member named Xiao Mao knocked gently again.
Chu Xingxing put the security chain on and opened the door a crack. “There are still over three hours until the live stream starts? You guys are way too early, aren’t you?”
“It’s like this – the director added a last-minute task. He wants us to film everyone’s luggage. Here, listen!”
Xiao Mao looked helpless, with dark circles under his eyes, and played a voice message from his phone.
Sure enough, it was the director’s grating voice: “The other variety show ‘Let’s Travel Together’ has a luggage inspection segment. Figure out a way to make it work. Just film our guest teachers’ luggage. Going two hours earlier should do it! Anyway, the elderly wake up early, so they’ll definitely be up already…”
There was still some time until the scheduled live stream start.
Setting up cameras, lighting, etc., also took time.
Xiao Mao and the VJ guy both looked tired, and their tone was apologetic. “Isn’t this a pain? We’re really sorry, Teacher Chu. The director added it last minute. We know it’s an early disturb.”
“It’s okay, come in.” Chu Xingxing didn’t make things difficult for them. Yawning, she let Xiao Mao and the others inside.
However, she didn’t open her suitcase or travel bag.
Instead, she sent a few photos from her phone to Xiao Mao via Bluetooth.
Xiao Mao slowly typed a question mark?
Chu Xingxing asked, “The director just asked you to film what’s inside the luggage, right?”
“Right, right, right. No other requirements… he didn’t mention?” Xiao Mao nodded in agreement.
Chu Xingxing: “Easy then. When I packed yesterday, I took photos of all my items. You can see exactly which area has what, and which suitcase or bag it’s in.
Just film the outside of these two bags, and attach the photos. That should be done in five minutes, right?”
Xiao Mao confirmed, “We can film it in less than five minutes!”
The cameraman gave a thumbs up: Brilliant!
This way, they could get the job done without making the talent reopen their luggage and rummage through everything!
Only the other variety director could come up with such a torturous, damaging idea!
Chu Xingxing tidied up the small sofa, brought out four blankets, and waved at them. “Get some sleep first. My place is modest, so make do. I’m going back to catch some more sleep too. Lack of sleep and staying up late can easily cause sudden death, especially for young people. See you at 7:30.”
Recently, she’d seen a lot of news about young people dying suddenly from working late and staying up. Chu Xingxing found it quite frightening.
Looking at Xiao Mao’s dark circles and tired faces, they must have pulled quite a few all-nighters.
Xiao Mao and the others were clearly stunned.
“There’s hot water in the thermos in the kitchen, apples and vegetable salad in the fridge. Help yourselves to whatever you want. Make yourselves at home.”
Chu Xingxing yawned, dragged herself back to her room, and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The fruit and salad in the fridge were takeaways from the gym. No point in letting them go to waste if she couldn’t finish them.
She also wasn’t worried about the crew taking anything.
In this old one-bedroom apartment, the most valuable item was probably her, a living, breathing person.
For a moment, Xiao Mao, the cameraman, and the others all felt their eyes well up.
The crew members exchanged glances, their lips trembling: Sob sob sob……
Really, very few celebrities treated them like human beings.
And Chu Xingxing had thoughtfully told them to rest early!
And given them blankets!
Where could you find such a kind-hearted, beautiful young woman?
When the live stream started, they would make sure to film Chu Xingxing beautifully!!!
—
The live stream for the other variety show, “Let’s Travel Together,” had already started.
Although the artists had been informed of the 5:30 AM filming time,
even after many prior notices and discussions, when the artists were woken up by crew members with cameras in their faces, their annoyance was obvious. They looked really grumpy.
Everyone was on the verge of losing their temper, yet had to patiently unpack their already-packed luggage, then repack it after filming.
It really upset the fans—
【Damn program team, come out and take your beating!】
【Brother Chang’an already works hard enough filming dramas late into the night. How can they torment him like this!】
【Feel so sorry for Tongtong, her dark circles are so heavy. Tongbao is too thin to move the luggage herself, and the program team won’t allow anyone to help. So mad!】
【I would really hit someone if it were me. Why arrange it so early? This is so infuriating…】
Of course, there were also plenty of early-rising ordinary viewers leaving normal comments—
【I mean, your ‘gege’ earns 208 million a day, he really doesn’t deserve your pity when you’re spending your parents’ living allowance.】
【Wasn’t the filming time confirmed long ago? If the time was set and they didn’t get up beforehand, isn’t that just being unprofessional?】
【Your ‘gege’ was probably up all night playing in the canyon, you think he was studying the script? /doge】
【Waking up at 5:30 AM is already pitiful? Help! When your mom, dad, grandpa, grandma wake up early to cook for you, when do you ever feel pity for them?】
Meanwhile, over in the “Grandma’s Journey” live stream room,
although a 5 AM luggage unpacking segment was also Trailered,
still, by 7:30 AM, none of the individual live streams had started.
Luckily, the show itself was so niche that no fans went to the official page to complain.
The quiet live stream room for “Grandma’s Journey” just showed a black screen.
All was peaceful.
—
The reason the program team failed to film the luggage unpacking of the grandmas and Wen Han was simple: they didn’t notify them in advance.
Without prior notice, the program team simply couldn’t get past security into the grandmas’ upscale residential communities before the scheduled appointment time……
The unlucky crew members collectively cursed the director’s ancestry a hundred times over.
Finally, at 7:45 AM, Chu Xingxing’s live stream was the first to go live.
Chu Xingxing, well-rested, had great skin and plenty of energy.
After washing up and changing clothes, she sat barefoot at the dining table eating breakfast.
For convenience, she had casually tied her slightly wavy long hair into a low ponytail with a simple elastic band.
Chu Xingxing took a sip of oat milk, leaving a faint white mustache on her lips.
Bathed in the pale golden morning light, she looked as languid and cute as a kitten.
【Help!!! What did I do to deserve seeing such a high-quality beauty first thing in the morning!!!】
【Xingxing’s skin! Ah, I’m done for. Is this skin for real? It’s glowing white, can’t see a single pore, even with the camera right in her face!】
【I’ll just call her ‘wife’ directly!】
【Wow, am I the only one noticing how amazing this camera work, lighting, and angle is! Is this for a movie???】
【Gosh, is this a million-yuan cinematographer? The composition is absolutely stunning, but mainly the beauty herself is just too beautiful and photogenic!】
The cameraman was very pleased with this angle and even deliberately held a few more close-ups.
Having filmed countless celebrities in his ten-plus years in the industry, he had to admit that Chu Xingxing was incredibly photogenic, practically born for the camera.
—
After breakfast, Chu Xingxing brushed her teeth, rinsed her mouth, and returned to the camera to generously exhibit her luggage. “Good morning, everyone. This is all my luggage for this trip: one lightweight suitcase, and one expandable, spinner-wheel travel bag.
The suitcase is for fragile items that need protection. The travel bag is for clothes. And if I need more space for souvenirs, the travel bag can expand.”
She easily demonstrated the smooth-rolling, expandable travel bag she’d found online for 88 yuan.
Then, Chu Xingxing showed the printed photos of her suitcase’s contents that Xiao Mao and his team had prepared. “This shows the organization and partition inside the suitcase.”
In less than five minutes, the luggage unpacking segment that had tormented the other variety show’s cast for two hours on average was over.
【I’ve actually fallen in love with expandable luggage bags?! They’re perfect for college students going back to school, practically an essential for any trip (just kidding!)!】
【Chu Xingxing is a bit of a star, isn’t she? Didn’t expect her to be so down-to-earth. Her home is small, but she keeps it nice and cozy.】
【I thought celebrities all wore famous brand, didn’t expect to easily get the star’s same style hahaha 】
【Wow! Am I the only one noticing how good Xingxing’s luggage organization is! She must be super organized. Taking photos beforehand is a great idea – learned something new!】
Chu Xingxing packed her small backpack.
Made sure she had her passport, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
Then she carefully checked that all gas valves, electrical switches, water mains, and windows in the apartment were turned off or closed properly before wheeling her luggage out.
【Gosh! This is practically textbook-level preparation for leaving home on a trip!】
—
At 8 AM sharp, the live stream rooms for the grandmas and Wen Han finally had screen.
After the “Grandma’s Journey” pilot episode aired, the grandmas had gained a small following of ‘granddaughter/grandson’ fans.
Some young people who’d stumbled upon this niche show were completely charmed by these frank, cheerful, lovely old ladies.
They almost wanted to claim them as grandmas on the spot (just kidding).
Although the viewership numbers couldn’t compare to the other variety show “Let’s Travel Together,” the atmosphere in the live stream room was very warm.
Especially the segment where the program team went to each grandma’s home to pick them up for the airport – it was quite an eye-opener. You didn’t want to miss a single second.
At Grandma Sheng Shuwen’s house, just getting from the main gate of her large community to the entrance of her European-style manor took nearly twenty minutes.
The tens of thousands of square meters of European garden and the villa, like a castle with a main building and annex, made you feel like you were in a European aristocratic manor.
Grandma Ai Minli lived in a prestigious, older high-rise in the CBD.
Her apartment was the crown jewel of the building – a private elevator-entry penthouse garden duplex on the top floor. The interior space was over 800 square meters, decorated in a refined French style.
Grandma Jiang Yao’s residence was the most unique. Located in the Jingcheng Chunqiu Yuan Villa area, it was a peaceful haven within the bustling city – a Chinese-style courtyard villa with a three-courtyard layout.
Pavilions, terraces, open halls, covered corridors, fragrant pavilions, small bridges over flowing water – this Chinese-style courtyard was enough to astound everyone, and also matched Jiang Yao’s style from when she played female lead roles in opera when she was young.
Grandma Wen Xuelan, dressed in the most dazzling jewelry, has a surprisingly charming private residence that is a minimalist and eco-friendly villa.
Unfortunately, the program team didn’t get to film it this time.
To make it convenient for getting to the airport the next morning, Wen Xuelan had stayed overnight with her luggage at her youngest son Wen Han’s place, with her bags.
So the program team only filmed Wen Han’s 500-square-meter flat in the east of the city.
【Crying wuwuwu, these are my four long-lost biological grandmas!】
【If I call you ‘Grandma’, will you answer me?】
【Grandma, look at me, aren’t I your long-lost granddaughter-in-law?】
【Thank you, thank you (palms together), thanking the program team for letting us lowly ones see the world 】
【Suddenly feels like the houses the guests on ‘Let’s Travel Together’ live in have such a tacky Internet celebrities vibe. This is the real deal, proper ‘old money’ style!!!】
【Like, it feels like a total domination hahaha, not even the same social class?】
【Oh my god, is this the ‘richer, more easygoing and low-key’ thing? Watching the show, you’d never guess the grandmas are all secretly rich!】
【I’m not even envious of the grandmas’ luxury homes anymore. Even if you gave them to me, I couldn’t afford the maintenance fees (´ཀ`」 ∠)】
Of course, there were also many netizens with unique perspectives—
【Pfft hahaha, I suddenly starting feeling a bit sorry for Chu Xingxing.】
【Me too, Chu Xingxing’s home is so down-to-earth, almost identical apartment type to my little rented place?】
【Think of it another way, girls, Chu Xingxing totally represents us ordinary people! 】
【Pfft, Chu Xingxing, the usually yet not-so-ordinary person squeezed in between the wealthy grandmas /doge】
—
Jingcheng International Airport, Terminal 3.
Well-rested, radiant ‘old babies’ and the two ‘porters’ successfully gathered in the departure hall.
Not far away, the entire cast of “Let’s Travel Together” looked like they had personal storm clouds over their heads, faces etched with exhaustion, yawning continuously.
Chu Xingxing had done her homework. She took out a telescopic guide flagpole with a red string from her backpack.
Tied to the top of the pole was a stress toy Jiang Changsheng had given her – a googly-eyed cabbage caterpillar.
Extending the pole and giving it a wave to ensure the caterpillar wouldn’t fall off,
Chu Xingxing smiled sweetly at the old babies, her tone like coaxing little kids. “My darlings, first we’ll go check in and get our luggage check-in, then go through security, okay? Everyone check if you have your documents. We’ll need to go through border control soon. To make sure no one gets lost, my darlings need to follow the cabbage caterpillar, okay?”
The grandmas’ hearts almost melted.
Looking at Chu Xingxing, they felt like their own grandchild had finally grown up and learned to care for them.
And Xingbao sweetly called them ‘darlings’～
Chu Xingxing stuck the guidepole into a luggage cart and said to Wen Han, who was watching her with a smile, “The ‘porters’ can handle the luggage carts. They’re pretty heavy.”
“Um, Xingbao…” Wen Xuelan suddenly looked troubled, her brows furrowed, her chubby hand adorned with a pigeon-egg-sized emerald ring pointing towards the restroom sign over a hundred meters away.
Chu Xingxing: “Ah, you go ahead, no problem! I’ll watch the luggage here!”
Without needing any explanation, Chu Xingxing understood Wen Xuelan needed the restroom.
Like young children, the elderly need to use the restroom more frequently than younger people.
“Oh dear, I feel it too…” Jiang Yao clenched her fists.
Sheng Shuwen smiled sheepishly. “Didn’t think about it until you mentioned it, but now I need to go too…”
“I don’t feel it yet, but just in case, I’ll go too.” Ai Minli had already picked up her bag.
【Hahaha, how come it feels like Chu Xingxing is a kindergarten teacher with a bunch of little kids?】
【The old babies are just like little babies – one wants to go, they all want to go. So cute hahaha】
【You can really see the inconveniences of travel for the elderly. Sigh, a bit bittersweet.】
【Actually, it’s nothing. Besides the elderly, postpartum women also face frequent urination issues. We need to understand and be considerate.】
Chu Xingxing paused briefly, then said gently, “Okay, darlings, off you go quickly. How about this: leave your passports with us first. Wen Han and I will queue up for check-in and baggage drop. When you come out of the restroom, meet us at check-in counter D16.”
To prevent the old babies from forgetting the counter number, Chu Xingxing took out carry with you sticky notes from her backpack, wrote D16 in large letters, and gave one to each of them.
Chu Xingxing looked around. There were a lot of people checking in today, with queues for both business and economy class.
It wasn’t yet warm enough for spring flowers in the capital, with the chilly late-spring wind still biting.
Looks like everyone wanted to escape to a warm, exotic island for fun.
Chu Xingxing’s arrangement saved time and was efficient.
The grandmas all nodded in agreement, handing her their passports.
Then, the four old babies held hands and trotted off towards the restroom.
Looking at their backs, they resembled four little penguins wrapped in colorful silk scarves – strangely cute.
“Teacher Wen…” Chu Xingxing, holding a stack of passports, looked up and met Wen Han’s gentle gaze. She instantly remembered her mistake.
She corrected herself immediately: “Wen Han, sorry to trouble you to watch the luggage here. I’ll make a couple of trips, move both carts over to the baggage area first, then come back for you.”
Wen Han smiled and shook his head, his tone unquestionable. “You stay here and watch the luggage properly. I’ll make the trips. I’ll come back for you on the last one.”
He didn’t give Chu Xingxing a chance to argue, stuffed his own passport into her hand, and pushed a luggage cart towards check-in counter D16.
Leaving Chu Xingxing only with the perfect view of his inverted-triangle, long-legged back.
【Han Ge is so handsome and gentlemanly!!!】
【Ah, Han Ge is such a good person. So glad I became a fan!】
【Raises hand timidly, am I the only one seeing affection in Wen Han’s eyes?】
【Hahaha, I saw it too, but didn’t dare say anything.】
【No no no! Our beautiful Xingxing is perfect on her own, okay!】
【Please, please, CP fans, don’t go shipping everything you see. It’s obvious Wen Han is just a nice guy, nice to everyone. Plus, Xingxing is also very straightforward. They just met and clearly aren’t close. I don’t see any sparks between them anyway.】
【Right! Get lost, messy CP fans!】
—
Terminal 3 was in the middle of morning rush hour.
There were queues everywhere, even for the restrooms.
The grandmas had been gone for a while and still hadn’t returned.
The spot where Chu Xingxing was watching the luggage was quite far from check-in counter D16.
Plus the airport was crowded, and Wen Han had a cameraman following him,
a walk that normally took five minutes with a luggage cart took over ten minutes today.
Chu Xingxing carefully stored everyone’s passports in her backpack, zipped it up, and wore it on her front.
Important documents must be kept safe.
Getting a bit bored waiting, she arranged the remaining luggage in a circle and absentmindedly squeezed the stress toy caterpillar.
She didn’t notice the shadow falling in front of her.
“Excuse me,” a man’s voice was clear, cool, and thin, but polite: “Is this the ‘Grandma’s Journey’ program team?”
“Hmm…” Chu Xingxing replied instinctively, looking up.
The caterpillar in her hand was just being squeezed flat, looking foolish and half-dead in a funny way.
The tall man had a handsome but stern face, and even his charcoal grey cashmere coat didn’t seem to radiate warmth.
He looked down at her and let out a soft laugh.
Removing his black suede gloves revealed long, slender, pale fingers.
The man pointed to a suitcase engraved with the letter “Sheng” and asked, “Is this Elder Sheng’s luggage?”
Sensing strong pressure, Chu Xingxing straightened her back. “Yes, Grandma Sheng went to the restroom. Is there something you need with her?”
Putting his gloves away, the man took out two clear zip-lock bags from his bag, speaking at a measured pace. “These are the daily medications and supplements Elder Sheng needs. They’re pre-portioned. Each bag has the medicine name and dosage written on it.
The other bag has bilingual instructions for use and Elder Sheng’s medical records. In case the medicine is accidentally lost and the backup can’t be found, it’ll be easier to get a prescription from a local hospital.
Maybe she was a bit too excited about traveling after so long, but the old lady forgot her medicine in the side hall this morning.”
“I see? No problem, I can take them. I’ll make sure Grandma Sheng gets them.” Chu Xingxing put the medicine bags away safely.
Chu Xingxing thoughtfully took photos of the medicine names and instructions, and carefully checked to confirm there was enough for eight days.
Their trip was only five days total, so this was a three-day buffer.
The man spoke again, “I hope you won’t show the instructions and medicine names to the old lady’s friends. This is private. If they ask, just say they’re supplements, okay?”
Chu Xingxing gave an “OK” hand sign. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. I’ll set a daily reminder on my phone and remind Grandma Sheng to take her ‘supplements’ on time. I’ll take good care of the darlings.”
She knew many elderly people had chronic conditions.
Taking daily medication was normal. Some people just don’t want their friends to worry. She understood.
“Thank you.” The man’s expression softened considerably. He was unusually talkative. “‘Darling’ is a cute term. Are you part of the program crew?”
“Ah… yes, I am.” Chu Xingxing nodded.
Technically, as a ‘porter’, she was part of the crew.
Chu Xingxing continued, “Because they are the real treasures, they deserve to be doted on. They worked hard for decades, spending the first half of their lives caring for others. Now it’s only right that they get to enjoy being cared for by the younger generation.”
“Sorry, could I get your contact information?”
The man opened his phone and nodded slightly. “This might be a bit presumptuous, but I’m worried that if the old lady can’t reach me during the trip, I might get concerned.”
“Sure. If there’s anything special care Grandma Sheng needs, just tell me. I’ll be with them the whole time.”
Chu Xingxing readily exchanged WeChat contacts with him.
The man’s nice-looking fingers paused. He looked down at her. “What should I call you?”
“Chu Xingxing. Chu as in the ancient state, Xingxing meaning ‘stars’ in the sky.” Finished, Chu Xingxing opened the WeChat remark field. “And you?”
“Sheng Luzhi.”
His clean-nailed, pale fingers typed three characters in his memorandum and showed them to Chu Xingxing.
“Sheng… Luzhi.” Chu Xingxing looked at the three characters, and suddenly her mind went “buzz.”
This name… sounded familiar???
Could it be a coincidence?
“Are you Grandma Sheng’s…” Chu Xingxing ventured.
“Eldest grandson,” Sheng Luzhi said.
Chu Xingxing’s face paled, her pupils shaking.
Help!
She just met a major boss from the book in the flesh!!!
