The driver, being a sensible sort, raised the privacy partition in the back seat to shield his boss from Abao’s unrestrained cackling.
“What… ji?” Chu Xingxing asked instinctively.
“The ji in ‘attending to a myriad of duties’ (ri li wan ji).” Sheng Luzhi’s lips curved into a smile as he took a bottle of water from the storage compartment and handed it to Chu Xingxing. “Room temperature, not cold. Good for your throat.”
“Heh, hehe…” Chu Xingxing let out a dry, awkward laugh.
She took the small bottle of Fiji water from Sheng Luzhi in silence. She had to say, she really didn’t get the big shot’s sense of humor.
“Do you need help twisting it ope—” Sheng Luzhi started.
Before he could finish, Chu Xingxing twisted the cap off with a loud crack. She’d used so much force that the cap in her hand was now… deformed.
After taking a gulp of water, Chu Xingxing turned her head and asked, “What were you saying?”
“Never mind. I was overthinking.” Sheng Luzhi shook his head, picked up the phone Abao had tossed over, entered the password to unlock it, and said, “Is there a script for the vlog? Do you need me to help with some pre-interview work?”
“You’re really going to film it for me?” Chu Xingxing waved her hand dismissively, speaking magnanimously. “Don’t waste your time on such trivial matters, President Sheng.”
“It’s not trivial.” Sheng Luzhi glanced down at the unlocked phone, a faint smile playing on his lips.
This was Abao’s work phone. The wallpaper was a photo of Chu Xingxing walking the Saci red carpet—or rather, a screenshot?
Because Sheng Luzhi hadn’t seen this particular image on any media or marketing accounts, and Saci’s official channels hadn’t released such a casual, un-retouched photo either.
In the picture, Chu Xingxing was barefoot, hair loose, holding up the hem of her dress as she walked in the rain. The train of her gown was gradually changing color, but the young woman hadn’t noticed yet. Like a child, she was looking playfully at a small puddle nearby.
It was a very spirited photo.
“Emma…” Chu Xingxing raised her hand to cover the phone screen, forcing a smile. “It’s a pretty silly picture.”
Sheng Luzhi’s smile never wavered as he deftly steered the conversation back. “I minored in photography in university. My advantage in filming vlogs is having a steady hand.”
If she kept making excuses, it would just look bad.
Chu Xingxing nodded and clapped her hands together. “Alright, let’s make this quick. The script is simple, just a few small questions.”
“Mm, send me the script,” Sheng Luzhi said with a slight nod, then began looking for the best camera angle.
Chu Xingxing lowered her head, pulled up the script from WeChat, and marveled to herself: this big shot really was hiding some serious skills.
The atmosphere in the car instantly became much lighter.
—
However, this relaxed vibe didn’t last long.
Sheng Luzhi looked at the questions on the script, paused for a moment, then looked up and asked, “This is a very personal experience. Did Jiang Changsheng ask you to film this?”
Even though his tone was perfectly polite and restrained, the words coming from Sheng Luzhi somehow sent a chill down Chu Xingxing’s spine.
Chu Xingxing felt she needed to say something on Jiang Changsheng’s behalf.
“It’s an assignment arranged by my agent Jiang,” she confirmed first, quickly following up with an explanation. “Jiang isn’t the dictatorial type. Despite being young, he always asks for my opinion on the work he takes on.
Even if sometimes he arranges things directly without getting my input first, if there’s something I really don’t want to do, I just tell him, and he never forces me.
What I mean is, I agreed to this vlog script. I even added some of the questions myself…”
After hearing Chu Xingxing’s explanation, Sheng Luzhi’s expression became even more inscrutable.
Sheng Luzhi: “It seems you’re really satisfied with Jiang Changsheng.”
“I am, in terms of work,” Chu Xingxing answered honestly.
After saying it, she felt pretty badass—she’d become one of those women who didn’t bow to “power.”
She knew Sheng Luzhi didn’t have much fondness for the Jiang family at CBM Entertainment. According to the original story, the big shot was going to make the Jiangs pack their bags and leave pretty soon. And here she was, talking back to him.
But emotionally speaking, Jiang Changsheng was the first friend Chu Xingxing had made after transmigrating, a partner she could trust one hundred percent at work.
Even though the young Jiang heir had a short temper, Chu Xingxing had never been on the losing end with him. Instead, she loved “annoying” Jiang Changsheng every day. She particularly enjoyed watching him turn into a pufferfish—it was hilarious.
So there was no way Chu Xingxing was going to badmouth Jiang Changsheng.
“I have a different starting point than Jiang Changsheng. It’s understandable for an agent to have that kind of thinking, but I don’t want you to get hurt by public opinion.”
Sheng Luzhi stared into her clear, deer-like eyes, his gaze unreadable.
Feeling a prickling sensation on her scalp under the big shot’s stare, Chu Xingxing raised her hand and lightly scratched the back of her neck. “The main thing is, I really want to share this experience.”
Sheng Luzhi’s look softened for a moment.
Chu Xingxing met his slightly pale eyes and sighed softly, speaking a bit slowly. “Before the audition today, you heard Tian Mengtong talking about my family background. Growing up in a terrible family environment made me very insecure as a child.
I had to deal with everything that happened at school on my own. Over time, I started to think those things were normal, that they were bound to happen. That I was just that lousy, worthless person who didn’t deserve friends or to be liked by classmates. Because no one had ever taught me what to do.
Not every child grows up in a healthy family where someone teaches them how to handle unfair treatment or bullying at school, or how to protect themselves.
I have limited abilities and limited influence. But if sharing my past experiences and this vlog can help even one child—not necessarily to fight back, but at least to have the courage to seek proper help—then I think it’s worth sharing.”
Sheng Luzhi listened quietly, his eyes shifting slightly before he spoke calmly. “Would you feel uncomfortable having your story magnified and discussed by the public?”
“They’re all things of the past. Why would I overthink it? If I was afraid of being criticized, would I have taken on a villain role?”
Chu Xingxing tilted her head, a mysterious smile curling at the corner of her mouth. “Besides, I’m not exactly some paragon of virtue. I’m pretty mischievous in private.”
Mm, and she was also someone who held grudges and paid back slights.
“Then it seems I’m still not your friend,” Sheng Luzhi said, twirling his phone with his slender fingers, a hint of regret in his smile.
“Of course you’re my friend, President Sheng,” Chu Xingxing said.
“See, you always habitually call me ‘President Sheng.’ And you’ve always been so ‘upright and proper’ in front of me. I hope someday I’ll get to see the relaxed, mischievous Xingxing.”
Sheng Luzhi shook his head with a chuckle, tapped the camera app, and leaned back. “Alright, little one, is this angle okay? I’ll follow the script.”
“Ah…” Chu Xingxing was stunned for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”
—
Sheng Luzhi temporarily took on the roles of both “cinematographer” and interviewer behind the camera, posing questions according to the script.
Of course, Sheng Luzhi’s voice would be edited out later.
Replaced by subtitles.
Calmly and steadily in front of the camera, Chu Xingxing explained why she’d auditioned for Wasted Youth and spoke about the verbal abuse, rumors, and isolation she’d experienced during her school days.
Finally, Chu Xingxing shared this:
“In the past, I didn’t know how to face these horrible things. After reading the script for Wasted Youth, I also wished for a chance to travel back in time—not to tell my younger self to be strong, but to protect all victims from the source.
Some things can never be completely avoided, but they can be prevented. So that when bullies have the thought, they’re scared of the consequences. So that victims have the courage to stand up and fight back. So that bystanders no longer look the other way in silent acquiescence. This requires a more robust system for punishing school violence—a collective effort, and an effort each of us needs to make.
Today, I saw such beautiful cherry blossoms on campus. I’m sharing them with you. I hope that every student under these cherry blossoms will always wear a sunny, happy smile. See you in the next vlog, bye-bye~”
Chu Xingxing smiled at the camera, raised her hand, and pretended to cover the lens.
This was Abao’s signature vlog-ending “move.”
“Take a look. If anything’s not right, I’ll record it again,” Sheng Luzhi said, handing the phone back.
Chu Xingxing only watched the beginning. “It’s great. Very steady.”
Sheng Luzhi: “Don’t be shy. I have a bit of a perfectionist streak. If there’s a problem, I’ll definitely want to redo it.”
So, under the big shot’s watchful eye, Chu Xingxing steeled herself and watched the entire vlog, forcing a smile as she gave Sheng Luzhi a thumbs-up. “Perfect!”
—
The vlog shoot was over.
Sheng Luzhi dove back into his work, with phones ringing and emails pinging nonstop.
The only time he paused was to take a sip of water to moisten his throat before continuing.
Chu Xingxing had already silently switched her phone to silent mode. Not even vibration.
It just showed how incredibly busy the big shot was.
But that said, busy as he was, he remained serious and meticulous. His emotions, especially, were remarkably stable. His conversations with subordinates were always very calm, respectful toward everyone.
Throughout it all, Chu Xingxing never saw Sheng Luzhi lose his temper, get irritable, or fly off the handle like the “tycoons” in novels.
After chatting for a bit with the “old babies” in the group chat, Chu Xingxing started making a travel shopping list in her phone’s notes app.
Abao, sitting in the passenger seat, sent Chu Xingxing a WeChat message.
【Your Bao: Xingxing, done with the vlog? When you’re finished, could you ask President Sheng to lower the partition? I can start editing while we’re stuck in traffic.】
【Xingxing Estrella: Okay.】
She answered crisply.
But in reality, Chu Xingxing still had to psyche herself up before speaking.
When Sheng Luzhi was busy, he seemed to radiate a “do not disturb” aura—so diligent and self-disciplined it was almost like he was taking revenge on the world.
Chu Xingxing felt that compared to Sheng Luzhi, she was just a salted fish from the apocalypse who only wanted to lie flat.
Even if she was forced to flip over, she was still a salted fish.
Luckily, her ambition was just to lie flat, practice self-care, and enjoy life.
Seizing the gap after Sheng Luzhi finished one business call, Chu Xingxing carefully asked, “Could you lower the partition? I need to give Abao my phone.”
Sheng Luzhi pressed the intercom button, and the driver lowered the partition.
“Abao, here’s the phone.” Chu Xingxing quickly handed it over, not daring to waste a second.
“Got it, got it!” Abao, like an underground agent making contact, slyly took the phone, put on her earphones, and started editing.
Both Chu Xingxing and Abao barely dared to breathe, tensed up like piano strings.
What if their breathing was too loud and disturbed the big shot while he was making his millions?
They couldn’t afford to pay him back even if they were sold—not even close…
Chu Xingxing was searching for essential items for a European trip when she looked up and saw the privacy partition rising again.
Abao felt a slight vibration at the back of her head, sneakily took off her earphones, and pricked up her ears to listen to what was happening in the back seat…
Abao’s insatiable gossip appetite—she’d never change!
Just as the partition was about to fully close, Abao heard Sheng Luzhi’s deep, magnetic voice.
“Little one, don’t be afraid of me. You don’t need to be so cautious…”
Abao internally combusted, turning to the driver with a silent, screaming face: AHHHHHHHHH!!!!
President Sheng called Xingbao “little one”!!!!
So doting!! So sweet!!!!
The driver, a steady forty-something man who’d been driving for the Sheng family for twenty years, felt the silent “commotion” from the passenger seat and slowly formed a mental question mark?
What’s with these young girls these days?? So crazy???
Abao clutched her chest, trying to calm her wildly pounding heart: Sob sob sob, I’m fangirling!!!!!
Seriously, who doesn’t love the “cold CEO and celebrity” trope? …Not that they’re kissing yet, just the flirting stage!
What to do, why can’t there be a polycule?!
Xingxing has such great chemistry with all the guys!
The gentle two-door movie king Wen Han, the never-boring tycoon Sheng Luzhi, the beautiful fox spirit designer Jiang Luoze, and the aloof, stoic doctor Ai Puxin…
Oh, and she almost forgot the puppy-like agent little brother.
Even though Abao knew Agent Jiang had no chance, he was still the only younger one…
Abao quickly changed her WeChat name.
From 【Your Bao】 to 【Your Bao is Dead Please Burn All Her Shipped CP Cards】
—
Sheng Luzhi’s Maybach stopped at Vinta Shopping Center’s private parking level. Unauthorized regular cars couldn’t get in, and there was a separate elevator.
Security was all Shengshi Group’s own people, even stricter than Vinta’s famously tight security.
This was very friendly for celebrities, with no risk of being photographed.
“Thank you, sorry for the traffic trouble all the way,” Chu Xingxing said, getting ready to get out. Cookie had already arrived and was waiting at the restaurant.
“How are you getting back?” Sheng Luzhi asked casually.
He removed his black onyx silver cufflinks, rolled up his shirt sleeves, revealing his pale forearms with blue veins tracing their contours and prominent wrists.
“Uh…” Chu Xingxing made herself look away, swallowing. “Abao is arranging a car from the company to take me and Cookie home later.”
Other people were into hands or voices, but Chu Xingxing had just discovered she might be… a wrist-and-forearm person.
Why: Because in the fitness world, wrists and forearms are notoriously the hardest to build.
Having nice, natural forearm muscles while maintaining graceful lines, with prominent wrist bones wrapped in taut skin—it’s hard for most Asians to achieve.
And Sheng Luzhi, who didn’t seem to exercise much, had achieved it. Pretty amazing.
“You like the cufflinks?” Sheng Luzhi removed the other black onyx cufflink, held it in his palm, looked up at her, and teased, “Like them? I’ll give them to you.”
“No…” Chu Xingxing shook her head hurriedly, then nodded slightly. “It’s just… they look really unique. You don’t have to give them to me, I just like appreciating them. They’re really nice, you have great taste.”
After saying that, Chu Xingxing grabbed Abao and quickly walked away.
She couldn’t exactly tell the truth—that she wasn’t looking at the cufflinks but had fallen for his wrists and forearms!
What if the big shot, on a whim, actually gave them to her? She couldn’t possibly accept that…
Chu Xingxing’s mind had already conjured an image of holding two bloody, severed arms.
—
Chu Xingxing pulled Abao along as they hurried to the elevator lobby.
Just before they reached the elevator, they saw Cookie running toward them in a cropped camisole and a loose military green bomber jacket.
“Xingxing!!!” Cookie’s voice cracked from shouting.
Chu Xingxing was used to Cookie latching onto her like an octopus by now. After a few times, she’d gone from feeling awkward to just accepting it.
“I thought you were waiting for me at the restaurant,” Chu Xingxing said, peeling the “little cookie” off her body after enduring it for twenty seconds.
“Hi, babe!” Cookie greeted Abao with a flourish, then tightly linked her arm with Chu Xingxing’s. “It was so weird! As soon as I walked into Vinta, a manager took me through the VIP entrance straight to the lounge to wait for you. The lounge had everything, I almost got full.”
Chu Xingxing glanced at the Shengshi Group logo on the private elevator and roughly understood who’d arranged it.
The big shot always did things so thoroughly.
And the fact that Sheng Luzhi had easily noticed her staring at his wrist for two extra seconds showed he really liked being in control.
People like that must live pretty exhausting lives, right?
“The manager is probably your fan. Who doesn’t love our sweet little Cookie?”
Chu Xingxing ruffled Cookie’s messy hair and got on the elevator with her.
—
Chu Xingxing wasn’t hungry yet, and Cookie, having snacked in the lounge, didn’t feel like a full meal either.
Chu Xingxing settled the hungry Abao at a dessert shop, ordering her some snacks and sweets so she could edit videos comfortably on the soft couch.
The 【Xingxing Cookies】 duo decided to go shopping first.
Cookie grabbed two black baseball caps—promo merch from the recording studio. They each put one on, pulling the brims low, and put on black masks.
Outsiders would just see two hot, long-legged, well-dressed young women. Only by taking off the hats and masks could they be recognized as stars.
Luckily, at this time, Vinta was busy with the dinner crowd, and fewer people were shopping.
Still, occasionally passersby or street-style photographers would snap shots from afar just seeing Chu Xingxing and Cookie.
Passersby used phones, assuming they were just gorgeous women with great style. They couldn’t see their faces, but their outfits and figures were already a feast for the eyes.
The street-style and candid photos were posted on social media and short-video platforms.
With the hashtag #VintaBeautifulStreetStyle#, paired with a trending audio clip, one short video racked up over a hundred thousand likes.
—
At Vinta Shopping Center, Cookie dragged Chu Xingxing from clothing to shoes, bags, accessories—buying quite a bit.
This time was different from their island trip. Chu Xingxing noticed Cookie seemed a bit apprehensive about going to Europe.
Most of what Chu Xingxing needed to buy was from the supermarket.
She’d already ordered the rest of the travel supplies online after comparing prices, scheduled for express delivery to her place tomorrow morning, so it wouldn’t affect their afternoon departure.
As for clothes, she didn’t need to worry. The European trip was fully sponsored by Saci. Jiang Luoze had personally put together full outfits, accessories, shoes, and socks, all packed and sent to her home.
In one bag shop, Chu Xingxing spotted a backpack she liked. It was foldable, very lightweight, and had a nice color—a Morandi-toned blue and creamy white.
She tried it on. The bag had a natural slouch—casual and effortlessly beautiful.
The shoulder straps were sturdy. For a European trip with lots of walking and things to carry, a hands-free backpack was perfect.
Chu Xingxing quite liked it.
She flipped it over to check the price tag.
Hmm, for a thrifty girl like Chu Xingxing, who usually made do with a Kuromi eco-bag, that was expensive.
Just as she was about to put it back, a sweet voice chimed in—
“Welcome (rising tone)~ You have great taste, miss! This backpack is our season’s main style. Perfect timing—we’re having a store anniversary event today with a fifty percent discount.”
“Half price?” Chu Xingxing paused, hesitating, and looked at another backpack in the same style but different color.
The color scheme was a vibrant lemon yellow with translucent mint green—perfect for the lively Cookie.
The sales associate held up two fingers and said sweetly, “And if you buy two bags, you can get an extra thirty percent off on top of that.”
“That’s pretty good value…” Chu Xingxing was almost convinced and was about to call Cookie over to try it on.
“No! Xing… babe, we can’t buy these!!!” Cookie rushed over in a flash, snatched the backpack from Chu Xingxing’s hands, and put it back.
Chu Xingxing looked at her in surprise: ???
The sales associate: ???
“Here, babe, try this.” Cookie was holding two ugly, drab grayish bags, and…
Chu Xingxing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at Cookie’s taste.
A nineteen-year-old girl, liking this style?
These looked like the ticket-seller waist bags from the period dramas Chu Xingxing had seen!!!
Even as unfussy as Chu Xingxing was, making her carry a drab gray zip-up waist bag outside was a bit of a stretch…
“Uh…” The sales associate controlled her expression, forcing a smile. “This young lady has… unique taste. Is this a Father’s Day gift for your dad? Or maybe your grandpa? This waist bag is actually very popular among older men.”
“No, no,” Cookie shook her head vigorously, pointing at herself and Chu Xingxing, speaking earnestly. “We’re going to wear them.”
“I refuse…” Chu Xingxing made a “no-no” gesture and backed away several steps. “I’m telling you now, I’m not wearing that!”
That waist bag was truly hideous.
But Cookie seemed not to care at all, grabbing two bags and turning to the sales associate. “Excuse me, do you have those… um, you know… ah, what are they called?”
The little Cookie thought for a moment, unable to express what she wanted, so she just searched on her phone and showed the associate a picture.
“Oh, those…” The sales associate had a lightbulb moment and nodded. “Yes, we have those! The metal keychains that hang on belts are over at that counter. We also have matching long metal chains in titanium alloy—very light, sturdy, and durable.”
The associate immediately brought out samples for Cookie to see.
Cookie hung the “ticket-seller” waist bag—which looked like it had rolled through the loess plateau—around her own waist, tried on the middle-aged-man-favorite external keychain, and spun around.
She looked… quite satisfied.
Chu Xingxing covered her face, speaking with difficulty, “Sweetie, it’s really not pretty…”
Even Cookie, a fashionista with a killer face and figure, instantly lost her exotic doll-like delicacy in this getup, transforming into the village bumpkin cousin obsessed with “social shake” dancing.
Cookie, who usually treated Chu Xingxing’s words as gospel, didn’t listen for once and paid for everything herself.
Despite Chu Xingxing’s strong objections, Cookie bought her both a waist bag and the belt keychain.
—
As they walked out of the shop, Chu Xingxing looked at the two “matching” ugly bags lying quietly in their shopping bags and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Once outside the store, Cookie seemed to let out a sigh of relief, pulling Chu Xingxing to a corner in the rest area to sit down.
“Xingxing, I didn’t want to say too much in the store in case the sales clerk suspected something. That’s why I didn’t say it.”
Cookie looked dead serious, which caught Chu Xingxing off guard.
“Alright, then tell me. Why did you have to buy those ugly things?”
Chu Xingxing crossed her arms, amused, tilting her head to look at little Cookie.
“We don’t even know which specific country we’re going to, just ‘Europe.’ I lived in Southern Europe with my parents for five years when I was little, and I’ve been to Western and Eastern Europe too. I know it way too well…”
Cookie’s face flushed with excitement, fists clenched, speaking indignantly. “Europe is really, really unsafe!!!”
“Huh?” Chu Xingxing blinked. From the “old babies'” chat, it seemed the destination was actually Northern Europe?
She’d looked it up. Northern Europe was generally quite safe.
But after Cookie’s warning, Chu Xingxing wasn’t sure about the final destination.
It seemed she’d oversimplified things. When it came to travel, little Cookie was definitely more of an expert.
Chu Xingxing: “I was too simplistic. You’re great, Cookie, for thinking so comprehensively. This trip is a real blind box, so we should be fully prepared.”
“Xingxing, I went to middle school in Andorra, a country between France and Spain. On weekends, my parents and I would go to Barcelona. At the very first tourist spot, my backpack was slashed open. My wallet, passport, phone—all gone…”
Cookie shared her “horror stories” and “painful lessons” from living in Europe. “Later, my teacher told me that in Southern Europe, if your bag is in front, it’s yours. If it’s on your back, it’s assumed to be someone else’s.”
“It’s that… chaotic?” Chu Xingxing’s eyes widened.
“It’s not just chaotic,” Cookie’s Chinese expression skills were on fire at this moment. “It’s very, very, very, very chaotic.”
Chu Xingxing: “…”
Looking at the two ugly bags in the paper bag now gave her a strong sense of security.
Cookie sighed. “When I was little, I had my phone and wallet stolen countless times in Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, and Barcelona. I had to replace my passport and residence permit multiple times. The embassy knew me by name.”
“Ah… this…” Chu Xingxing was both amused and exasperated by this little one. How could she be so careless after being robbed so many times?
Cookie smiled sheepishly. “Later, my mom gave me a proper talking-to. She told me if I lost anything again, she wouldn’t give me an allowance and wouldn’t pay for my passport or residence permit. Sob sob sob, my mom meant it. The last time I was robbed in Rome, I had to work odd jobs for three months just to save up enough money to replace my passport and permit.”
“Poor little thing.” Chu Xingxing patted Cookie’s head. “Got it. For our European trip, the main goal is theft prevention.”
“And armed robbery too…” Cookie said seriously. “Especially Asian faces. They’re easy targets.”
“Understood. Guard against theft and robbery, keep a low profile, don’t flash your wealth.”
Chu Xingxing now saw the drab gray “ticket-buying” bags in the paper bag as perfectly lovely.
These weren’t just ordinary waist bags—they were life-savers in Europe!
Cookie proudly showed off the metal keychain and chain. “And this metal keychain is for hanging your phone. That way, even if a pickpocket grabs it, the chain stays attached to you and you can snatch it back!”
Chu Xingxing: “Awesome!”
After that, while Chu Xingxing was in the restroom, Cookie popped into a punk-style “battle-worn” clothing store and bought a few outfits that were perfect for Europe—”low-key and unobtrusive” enough to blend right into a crowd.
She didn’t buy just one set. Little Cookie bought two.
She stuffed the second one into Chu Xingxing’s bag.
—
While shopping at Vinta, whenever Chu Xingxing and Cookie came out of a store laden with bags, staff would help carry their purchases back to the lounge.
Once they’d bought enough, their last stop was the large supermarket in the basement.
Cookie glanced at the shopping list Chu Xingxing had made and tapped a few items with her finger. “You don’t need to buy these. Just bring enough for a day or two.”
The items included pickled vegetables, Lao Gan Ma chili crisp, fermented olive vegetable, dried noodles, quick-cook rice, hotpot base, stir-fry seasoning packets—handy helpers for quick meals.
Worried the older ladies might not like European food, Chu Xingxing wanted to bring more staples to make congee, noodles, or a big pot of veggies and meat in hotpot broth—nutritious and convenient.
“I read that these are hard to find in Europe?” Chu Xingxing asked humbly, treating Cookie as her “little teacher.”
Cookie pushed the shopping cart and shook her head. “No, most Chinese food is available at Asian supermarkets in Europe, and it’s not that much more expensive than here. If we need it, we can just buy it there.”
“Pfft…” Chu Xingxing laughed out loud.
Cookie was confidently saying this while simultaneously piling her cart full of pickled vegetables, Lao Gan Ma, fermented olive vegetable, dried noodles, and Luosifen (river snail rice noodles)…
Cookie started venting: “Your show Grandma’s Journey should be renamed Granny Tycoons. With that kind of budget, you can be picky about what to pack. Not us. I think our show Let’s Travel Together should be renamed Let’s Travel on a Budget. We’re treated worse than backpackers!”
As she rolled up her sleeves and frantically grabbed items, little Cookie was determined to be fully prepared this time. She was NOT going to nearly starve like she did on the island!
Chu Xingxing helped Cookie tidy her messy cart, a little worried. “With that much stuff, can you even carry your luggage? I read that many places in Europe don’t have elevators, and the streets are rough. You might have to drag suitcases up stairs.”
“I can do it!” Cookie raised her arm, showing off her triceps. “While you were auditioning, I’ve been seriously weight training!”
“Awesome, little Cookie.” Chu Xingxing encouraged her with a pat on the shoulder.
—
When they returned to the dessert shop to meet up with Abao, she had already finished editing the vlog and sent it to a colleague for proofreading and subtitling.
The three girls had a wonderful hotpot meal and headed home, satisfied and laden with goods.
Once home, Chu Xingxing pulled out her suitcase to start packing.
She noticed two messages from her agent on her phone.
【Longlife: Wasted Youth has officially announced your casting. Director Fang and Screenwriter Feng both had high praise for you. Go get ’em!】
【Longlife: I heard from Director Fang that Tian Mengtong and her team are confirmed too, but they won’t be announced. No idea what ZIN Entertainment is thinking. But it’s okay, we won’t lose out and you won’t be mistreated during filming.】
Announced that quickly?!
She’d only auditioned that afternoon, and by night, the official Weibo was announcing the actress for Ji Niannian.
Despite a strong feeling she’d get the role, Chu Xingxing was still surprised by how fast the crew worked.
There was another thing she hadn’t expected.
Tian Mengtong had clearly expressed she didn’t want to be in Wasted Youth. Director Fang and Screenwriter Feng sensed it too and weren’t satisfied with her performance.
Under these “unwilling participant” circumstances, ZIN Entertainment still forced Tian Mengtong to sign and refused to promote her…
The dynamics there were very subtle.
She wondered if she was overthinking, but Chu Xingxing had a feeling someone had orchestrated it deliberately, just to let her “take it out on” Tian Mengtong in the show.
She hoped she was overthinking. Chu Xingxing logged onto Weibo to check the comments.
In just a few days, her Weibo followers had hit 250,000 and were still climbing.
She didn’t need a crystal ball to know that Wasted Youth‘s announcement had definitely upset Tian Mengtong’s fans.
Sure enough, under both the Wasted Youth official Weibo and the 【Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador】 official account, haters were stirring up trouble in the comments.
And their tactics were exactly what Jiang Changsheng had initially feared.
[Is CXX a villain specialist? Playing a big bully like Ji Niannian and still running for Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador? Is she joking?]
[Chu Xingxing’s villain roles are so iconic, doesn’t that encourage those delinquent kids to bully others? LOL, trying to whitewash herself?]
[I know actors aren’t their roles, but this on-screen image really isn’t good for teens. Either CXX plays a positive role, or she should drop the Goodwill Ambassador thing.]
[Seriously? What kind of nobody can get elected Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador? At least the candidates should have a decent body of work! What does CXX have? Variety shows? Villain roles? Nothing at all…]
[Just to be clear, this isn’t me dragging anyone down, but looking at it, TMT seems way more suitable for Goodwill Ambassador. At least her on-screen image has always been positive!]
Haters gonna hate. Chu Xingxing wasn’t going to let them ruin her excitement for the upcoming trip.
She simply closed Weibo and focused on packing.
Just as she was almost done packing and getting ready to soak her feet and do some shoulder and neck massage before washing up and getting her beauty sleep, her WeChat suddenly exploded with notifications.
Chu Xingxing: ???
What happened???
—
Abao’s voice message gave Chu Xingxing the gist of it.
“Xingxing! Today’s vlog blew up! Big accounts and positivity influencers are sharing it! Go read the comments—sob sob sob, I’m so moved, everyone is so kind.”
Chu Xingxing didn’t check Weibo first. She opened the messages from different people.
【Sheng Shuwen: Xingxing, beautiful flowers always bloom after hardship. Grandma is so proud you’re such a strong, brave child, and one with empathy who wants to contribute to society. Grandma will always be by your side. Xingxing’s future will be as bright and dazzling as your name.】
【Jiang Yao: Hugs to our sweetie! You’re the prettiest, most adorable baby! Let Aze make you the most beautiful clothes in the world and make you the happiest girl!】
【Ai Minli: Xingxing is the sweetest girl I know. If you ever feel down and need someone to talk to, Grandma Ai is always here for you.】
Chu Xingxing’s eyes grew warm as she smiled.
So the grannies had all watched her vlog, and they all felt for her.
The first three grannies’ messages were perfectly normal. Then came Wen Xuelan’s.
【Wen Xuelan: Xingbao, which scumbag motherf*cker started those nasty rumors? I’m going to run them over tonight!】
Chu Xingxing quickly replied to “Little Hothead” Grandma Wen to calm her down.
If she didn’t, she genuinely believed Grandma Wen would hit the road tonight…
Chu Xingxing replied to the other grannies too.
Later, Wen Han, Jiang Luoze, and Sheng Luzhi all sent brief messages of concern.
Among them, Sheng Luzhi’s message was a bit special.
【Sheng Luzhi: A friend who just got out of surgery and wishes to remain anonymous asked me to send this. He can get you a consultation with Beijing’s most renowned psychologist.】
【Sheng Luzhi: Though I don’t think you need it, if you do, I can provide better options—not necessarily relying on Ai Puxin’s minor advisor.】
Chu Xingxing laughed out loud reading the message.
These four guys were hilarious!
—
Chu Xingxing’s somewhat “serious” interview-style vlog, shared by countless major accounts and positive influencers, quickly went viral across the internet.
The comment section was flooded with people sharing their own past experiences.
And countless others offering virtual hugs.
[Sob sob sob, Xingxing’s vlog made me cry. It reminded me of being bullied in school.]
[Thank you, Xingxing, for speaking up for kids who’ve been bullied. I hope one day I can tell my story as calmly as you did—not because I forgive them, but because I want to make peace with my past self.]
[It’s not just physical bullying. Mental bullying is terrifying too. I’m so glad I made it through.]
[Words can really destroy a person. Thank you, Xingxing, for speaking up about these “small things” that parents, teachers, and schools often ignore.]
[I got nicknamed for my high cheekbones. The whole class would jeer and guys would hit me whenever I took off my mask. I told my parents, they said I was just making excuses to skip school. Eventually, I dropped out. I regret not finishing high school. Now I’m a mother with a daughter, and one foot is already in prison—I won’t let my daughter go through what I did.]
[I used to be a bystander who watched bullying happen. If I could go back, I would stand up, even just to tell a teacher.]
[Hugs to all you babies out there. You are all beautiful and confident!]
—
Because of this vlog, countless people stepped up to publicly shut down the “haters” trolling the 【Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador】 and Wasted Youth official accounts.
That night at midnight, voting for the 【Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador】 was set to close.
Thanks to the afternoon’s Wasted Youth announcement, Director Fang and Screenwriter Feng both tagged Chu Xingxing on Weibo, congratulating her on the role and voting for her as Goodwill Ambassador.
Many fans of the original novel also went to vote for Chu Xingxing.
Not to mention the four “old babies” mobilizing their entire families to vote, plus the loyal viewers of Grandma’s Journey.
Xiao Xiang’s claim that “Chu Xingxing has no fanbase” was thoroughly debunked.
Three hours to go until midnight, and Chu Xingxing’s votes had already gone from trailing Tian Mengtong during the day to almost tying with her.
They were the top two candidates.
—
At a high-end riverside apartment in the capital.
Tian Mengtong nervously bit her thumbnail, curled up under a blanket in the bathtub.
These two stress responses—nail-biting and hiding in the tub—hadn’t flared up much since high school.
But now, watching the narrative in Chu Xingxing’s comments section completely turn around, she was spiraling.
Being forced into Wasted Youth was already devastating enough. And now, on the Goodwill Ambassador page, her votes were about to be overtaken by Chu Xingxing. She felt humiliated and anguished.
The only way left to save face was to abruptly withdraw from the 【Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador】 race.
Getting the page to remove her voting entry was her last chance not to lose to Chu Xingxing.
Tian Mengtong couldn’t bear that Chu Xingxing had become this famous in such a short time, with such good opportunities.
“Why won’t he answer his phone!”
Tian Mengtong repeatedly called Xiao Xiang’s work phone and WeChat voice calls. No answer.
Xiao Xiang had no family, wife, or kids, so Tian Mengtong reluctantly called his assistant.
“Tian Laoshi?” Xiao Xiang’s assistant sounded surprised to hear from her so late.
Tian Mengtong: “Where’s Xiang Ge? I have something urgent.”
“He should be on a plane now. Let me check the time—his flight to Pearl Island is about to take off, right?”
The assistant’s end was noisy, his voice cutting in and out. “I just got to the parking lot, the signal’s bad. Xiang Ge won’t have signal for another six and a half hours.”
Tian Mengtong hung up in despair.
She couldn’t wait six hours. Voting closed in under three!
There was one last hope—she could call Jiang Chang’an.
If she cried hard enough and acted soft enough, she was sure Jiang Chang’an wouldn’t abandon her.
And sure enough, Jiang Chang’an, who’d just finished a night shoot, promised to find someone to get her removed from the ballot.
—
On set, Jiang Chang’an returned to his trailer and habitually called Xiao Xiang.
Both his work and personal lines were off.
Calling Xiao Xiang’s assistant, Jiang Chang’an was shocked to learn that Xiao Xiang had chosen this critical moment to go abroad for a week’s vacation?
No one else in the company had the right connections. Having his father intervene directly for this didn’t feel right to Jiang Chang’an just yet.
Perhaps his brother, who’d recently started taking over parts of the company, had the resources?
Changsheng was a bit rebellious lately, but he still listened to his elder brother.
Jiang Chang’an dialed his younger brother.
“Bro, are you done filming? It’s getting chilly at night, you can’t wear too little…”
Before Jiang Changsheng could finish his concerned greeting, his brother cut him off.
The young Jiang heir, exhausted and hungry after a long day, felt his temper rising. But because it was his brother, he held back.
Jiang Chang’an’s tone was cold and commanding: “You know people at the Goodwill Ambassador committee, right? Figure out a way to get Tian Mengtong removed from the ballot.”
Jiang Changsheng froze.
His brother wanted him to do a favor for Tian Mengtong?
Jiang Changsheng: “Bro, I can’t do that.”
“What did you say?” Jiang Chang’an almost couldn’t believe his ears.
“I really can’t do it,” Jiang Changsheng repeated.
“Reason.” Jiang Chang’an’s voice was cold enough to drip ice.
Jiang Changsheng paused, then shifted the “blame” to Xiao Xiang. “This is a bet between Uncle Xiang and me. He specifically said to let Tian Mengtong and Chu Xingxing ‘face off’—let the market decide the votes. We don’t interfere. We’ll see who has the stronger fanbase.”
Jiang Chang’an: “Uncle Xiang wouldn’t mess around like you do. Changsheng, running a company is different from business school. You lack experience. You need to be more considerate. Understand that Tian Mengtong is still making money for the company.”
The word “mess around” pricked Jiang Changsheng.
No, more accurately, every word from his brother stung.
Jiang Changsheng replied coolly, “Bro, you need to consider your position. You’re CBM Entertainment’s biggest star. Your energy should be one hundred percent on your acting.
Company management doesn’t need your worry, and you have no management experience either. No matter how inexperienced I am, I’m a formal business major. Have you considered why Father gave the company’s most important current project to me, and not to you?
And about ‘being more considerate’—I should be telling you that. Tian Mengtong’s current value to the company probably can’t match Chu Xingxing’s. If you’re so familiar with the company, how could you not know? Oh, of course you wouldn’t—you’re busy filming every day.”
When the young Jiang heir wanted to be sarcastic, he was sharper than anyone.
This was the first time in his life Jiang Chang’an had been talked back to by his brother. He was stunned and enraged. “Jiang Changsheng, you won’t even listen to me now?”
“I’m listening. If I didn’t respect you, I’d have hung up already.”
Jiang Changsheng kept his voice calm, pretending to be in a difficult position as he continued. “Bro, I don’t have magic powers either. The committee is off work now, and the voting is all automated. Where am I supposed to find someone? I can’t hack their system, can I? Maybe you could ask Dad if he has connections? I’m still too inexperienced after all.”
Before he finished, Jiang Chang’an hung up.
Listening to the urgent “beep beep beep” in his ear, Jiang Changsheng’s face darkened.
This was the first time in his life he’d openly clashed with his brother. He couldn’t say it didn’t hurt.
But Jiang Changsheng felt he hadn’t done anything wrong.
—
At midnight.
The 【Anti-School Violence Goodwill Ambassador】 official Weibo announced this year’s Goodwill Ambassador—
Young actress Chu Xingxing.
This was the first time Chu Xingxing had beaten the rising star Tian Mengtong in “fan popularity.”
Chu Xingxing’s Weibo inbox was flooded with congratulations and well-wishes from her fans.
Her follower count was still climbing.
Chu Xingxing’s friends all sent congratulatory messages.
However, the health-conscious Chu Xingxing, determined to protect her hair and avoid becoming a “bald little baby,” and to help her liver detox, had fallen asleep early under the quilt Cookie’s mom had made.
She had no idea what surprises awaited her when she woke up.
Before falling asleep, one thing kept bothering her—
Wen Han couldn’t make it for the second trip. Who would be the other “porter”?
Ah! They were leaving tomorrow, and Chu Xingxing still had no clue.
The “old babies” were all being coy in the group chat, refusing to tell the curious Xingxing who the new “porter” would be!
They were all tight-lipped, saying she’d find out on the day of departure.
