Rich Ladies’ Travel Club
Being carried over the shoulder by a slender, seemingly fragile-looking girl, Jiang Changsheng couldn’t keep up the act anymore.
Forgetting all about dignity, the young master Jiang twisted at his hips, his voice squeezed out through gritted teeth: “Damn it! Crazy woman, put me down now!”
Secretary Wang from his right shoulder had already landed smoothly on the ground.
Chu Xingxing quickly moved to lower Jiang Changsheng from her left shoulder.
“Don’t wriggle around, young master Jiang, I’m putting you down.” Chu Xingxing’s movements were very gentle.
If he actually fell and got hurt, she, being poor, definitely couldn’t afford to cover the damages.
Young Master Jiang weighed a solid 65 kilos – at least 64 kilos of pure rebelliousness. He certainly wasn’t going to obey quietly. As he squirmed and wiggled, Chu Xingxing had to reach out and steady him, helping him find his balance.
Emmm…
Her palm seemed to have touched something perky, bouncy, and soft, shaped kind of like a peach…
That wasn’t a big deal. The situation just now was sudden; she was only trying to protect Jiang Changsheng and accidentally touched him.
On missions in the apocalypse, members of the suicide squad often got injured, and Chu Xingxing had frequently had to carry her male teammates in her arms, princess-style.
Chu Xingxing naturally straightened up, patted young master Jiang on the shoulder, and said, “Next time, please don’t wriggle. You could easily hurt your back.”
“You…” Jiang Changsheng usually hated any form of physical contact with anyone.
But just now, for an instant, it felt like an electric shock went from his lower back down to his tailbone, extinguishing his frantic urge to find fault with her.
Chu Xingxing quickly put on a serious expression and said, “Then I’ll leave it to you, young master Jiang, to urge the company to come up with another candidate for the ‘porter’ as soon as possible. Time is really tight.”
Although she could manage alone, she didn’t want the trip to be jeopardized just because they were short a ‘porter’.
Nothing could stop her longing for travel!
“We’ll make the arrangements. You guys prepare for the pilot episode shoot first…”
Jiang Changsheng straightened his clothes, his jaw tight. He managed a brief nod at the four elderly ladies before quickly leaving the conference room.
Seeing Jiang Changsheng walk away, Chu Xingxing hugged the contract with both hands and said sincerely to the ladies, “Is it okay if I take the contract home to read it again? There shouldn’t be any problems, I just want to confirm a few details. After I sign it, I can bring it back when we shoot the pilot episode.”
“Sure.” Sheng Shuwen nodded approvingly.
This young lady wasn’t just brave and resourceful; she also had a strong sense of legal awareness. She was promising talent.
—
Backstage at Beijing TV, Artist Lounge.
Tian Mengtong sat gracefully on the sofa, lowering her head to take a sip of her Americano, waiting for the stylist to make last-minute alterations to her dress.
In an hour and a half, she would be appearing as an observation panel guest on the recording of a workplace reality show.
A week ago, Tian Mengtong had already confirmed with her stylist that she would wear the soft yellow outfit she wore as a brand friend.
But today, she changed her mind. She instructed the stylist to switch to the Saci brand hot pink structuralist dress that had been previously rejected.
Stylist Ken was highly emotionally intelligent. On the surface, he smiled and said, “Mengtong’s fashion sense is really great. Hot pink makes your skin look even fairer, and the slit in the dress makes your legs look longer.”
Inside, Ken was mentally rolling his eyes so hard they reached the Red Shore Base, almost wishing the Trisolarans would hurry up and take this fussy little diva away.
With only an hour and a half until recording, the perfectionist stylist Ken and his assistant would have to work at lightning speed, and even then, they couldn’t guarantee the dress would be in optimal condition.
He remembered that during the last fitting, Tian Mengtong had criticized this Saci hot pink dress mercilessly, not even willing to try it on.
As it happened, stylist Ken and Saci’s designer (also the brand’s principal and founder), Jiang Luoze, were old classmates.
Ken was planning to have a good rant at the next class reunion – since when did people who know nothing about clothing, materials, and tailoring get to critique professionals?
A hot pink dress makes you look fairer and good on camera. The structuralist cut and design highlight individuality and emphasize the unique feel of each garment.
Of course, Tian Mengtong didn’t understand any of this.
The reason for her change of heart was a secret she couldn’t tell anyone.
Currently, Saci was just a niche brand with a good reputation. But in a month, under Jiang Luoze’s leadership, Saci would become a massive sensation at Paris Fashion Week.
Soon enough, Saci would become Asia’s youngest and most fashion-influential haute couture brand, sweeping the globe.
By then, even major actresses would be thrilled just to be a brand friend, let alone become Saci’s ambassador.
How could Tian Mengtong know about future events?
She only realized today that she had been reborn.
In her past life, Tian Mengtong had many regrets.
Besides the many ups and downs in her relationship with Jiang Changan, her career also failed to reach the heights she desired.
For example, with the Saci brand endorsement. Just as her public popularity was rising and the Saci team was frequently in contact, the brand principal vetoed the final decision.
Promotional accounts had already started creating buzz about Tian Mengtong being Saci’s first Chinese ambassador, but then came the news of the rejected collaboration. This directly caused Tian Mengtong’s commercial value and fashion standing to plummet.
Tian Mengtong, with her sweet and cute appearance, known as the industry’s “Sweetest Girl,” wasn’t the simple, innocent, and indifferent person she appeared to be.
Who knows how much effort she put in later to slowly climb back up?
So, to prevent trouble this time, Tian Mengtong insisted that stylist Ken urgently alter that Saci dress, all to leave a good impression on the brand – a kind of “don’t forget us when you’re successful” message.
Also, for her recent airport private outfits, she planned to buy and wear more Saci clothing.
Tian Mengtong knew very well that in these first two years of entering the industry, she didn’t have any signature works. She relied on her variety show persona and fashion achievements to gain popularity, which gradually led to leading roles.
Fortunately, regarding her variety show persona, she had no worries at all.
In two weeks, Tian Mengtong would head to Country T to participate in the star-studded travel variety show, “Let’s Travel Together.”
“Let’s Travel Together” was currently the hottest and most talked-about variety show. Enthusiastic netizens had even created complex relationship mind maps for it.
They detailed who was feuding with whom, who had been photographed in ambiguous situations with whom, whose current partner was whose ex, whose sister became whose stepmother…
Netizens and fans had long established fan communities and hashtags—
【The production team is just TOO good!】
【My expectations are through the roof!!!】
【If this show isn’t good, I’ll give you my head! (metaphorically)】
Among all the guests, only three had “simple” relationships.
One was Jiang Changan, a low-key, powerful actor from a showbiz family, with zero scandals since his debut.
Another was Tian Mengtong, the sweet young actress, junior fellow apprentice to Jiang Changan, heavily promoted by the same company.
The last was Chu Xingxing, who went on a friendship variety show with Tian Mengtong and was criticized harshly by fans as a “scheming bitch.”
In her past life, Tian Mengtong was shocked and surprised by Chu Xingxing’s death.
Was Chu Xingxing’s mental fortitude really that weak?
She thought Chu Xingxing wouldn’t care about those online hate comments at all.
As a best friend, she knew Chu Xingxing’s ambitions weren’t in the entertainment industry. She’d only debuted because she accompanied Tian Mengtong to an audition and was inexplicably chosen. The only reason she stayed in the circle was to make more money.
Chu Xingxing’s family was in bad shape. She had twin younger brothers who didn’t do well in school. Their parents spent a fortune on school selection fees but still couldn’t get them into high school; they ended up in vocational school, spoiled rotten.
Tian Mengtong had accidentally overheard voice messages between Xingxing and her family. Her parents demanded she at least earn enough for her brothers’ houses and bride prices, otherwise they wouldn’t recognize her as their daughter.
The only reason they let Chu Xingxing go to university was that they knew their sons’ grades were hopeless. They figured let the sister study hard and become a “blood bag” for the boys, holding some “leverage” to ensure she’d obey.
Tian Mengtong found this “devoted sister supporting her brothers” behavior despicable.
She’d subtly asked Xingxing why she didn’t resist, why she didn’t just cut them off.
Xingxing just stayed silent, giving no answer, which made Tian Mengtong even more frustrated.
In her eyes, Xingxing, with her old-fashioned, deeply manipulated mindset, was hopeless in this life.
But since Chu Xingxing needed money, Tian Mengtong, as her friend, could help her earn it.
All of Chu Xingxing’s gigs were obtained by Tian Mengtong through her agent.
Otherwise, with Chu Xingxing’s dull, un-telegenic personality, which company would want her?
Even if Chu Xingxing’s clips from the friendship show were maliciously edited, leading to online backlash, and even if the new variety show contract required her to play a role contrary to her personality, serving as a negative contrast to Tian Mengtong…
In this life, Tian Mengtong still believed it was a fair exchange – they both got what they needed.
She still had at least another hour to wait.
Tian Mengtong stretched lazily, grabbed her phone, and habit scrolled through her own fan communities and groups.
Just then, someone in her fan group posted a promotional short video for “Let’s Travel Together.”
It immediately stirred up a lot of comments.
【Why does CXX appear in the “Let’s Travel Together”首发 (first episode/lineup)? Stay away from toxic friends! Protect our Tongtong!】
【How does cxx still have the face to come??? Our Tongtong helped her so much on “BFFs Arrive,” and she still acted cold towards Tongtong! Look at her!】
【Selfish, scheming, and not even high-class about it!】
【Tsk tsk tsk, when you’re that shameless, you’re invincible / dog emoji】
Tian Mengtong blinked innocently, bit her lip, and unnaturally tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
During college, Xingxing had indeed taken good care of her in daily life, even though Tian Mengtong was a year older.
It was one thing when she didn’t see it, but actually seeing Xingxing get attacked so harshly stirred some pity in Tian Mengtong.
She switched to her main account and dropped into the fan group—
【Tian Mengtong: Thanks, everyone, for the support and encouragement. Tongtong receives it all / flying kiss】
【Tian Mengtong: Also, please don’t talk about Xingxing like that. There must be some misunderstanding. Xingxing is my good friend and bestie from my dorm. I trust her character. I hope everyone will support our new show together.】
【Tian Mengtong: I’m about to record a show soon, so I can’t chat with you all much longer. The weather’s changing lately, everyone, please put on an extra layer and don’t catch a cold. Love you all～ / heart emoji】
Hearing Tian Mengtong say this, the fans got even more excited.
They all jumped out to praise their idol for being beautiful and kind-hearted, and criticized Chu Xingxing for not knowing what’s good for her.
“Ah…” Tian Mengtong sighed helplessly.
If the fans were so disobedient, what could she do?
Leaving the fan group, Tian Mengtong opened a shopping app.
The first destination for “Let’s Travel Together” was an island in Country T. She wanted to buy some cute, eye-catching accessories.
She spotted a cute little peach-shaped sun hat. Tian Mengtong chose one in a Morandi pink that suited her skin tone, and another in a deathly Barbie pink that would be hard for anyone to pull off and would wash anyone out.
Tian Mengtong sent the image of the deathly Barbie pink hat to Chu Xingxing on WeChat.
【Tian Mengtong: Xingxing! Let’s wear matching bestie hats on the trip～】
【Tian Mengtong: So looking forward to traveling with Xingxing! starry eyes jpg.】
Every time Tian Mengtong spent a little money buying something small for Xingxing, the other would thank her profusely, acting like she’d never seen anything like it.
Tian Mengtong would also occasionally post screenshots of their chats on her social media to show off their friendship, which, compared to her on-screen persona, further solidified her image as the sweet, cute, adorable, and pitiable girl.
She got ready to take another screenshot.
But today, Tian Mengtong’s hand got tired from waiting, and she still hadn’t received a reply from Chu Xingxing.
Usually, Chu Xingxing replied to her WeChat instantly.
Tian Mengtong frowned slightly and said, dissatisfied, “She doesn’t have any other scheduled activities today, does she?”
—
Inside the CBM Entertainment conference room.
Chu Xingxing successfully joined the four ladies’ travel group. Now there were five people in the group!
The group name was 【Rich Ladies’ Travel Club】.
“Pfft!” Chu Xingxing found it hilarious.
This name was way too cute!
Well, it was fine. Basking in the good fortune of the rich ladies, rounding up, she was now part of the rich ladies’ team too.
The ladies each had their own schedules after this. The next time they’d meet would be for filming the pilot episode.
Chu Xingxing bid them farewell and returned to the old, small, one-bedroom apartment she rented.
After confirming the contract details were fine, she first sent a scanned copy of the signed contract to Grandma Sheng’s secretary. Being part of the “Wonderful Ladies” variety show was now officially confirmed.
It was already afternoon.
To maintain her fitness, Chu Xingxing had always kept up her exercise habits.
Being adept at using search tools, Chu Xingxing was proficient with various review apps. After searching around, the girl who initially wanted to go to the gym was left in poor, tearful silence upon seeing the prices.
The annual membership at the gym closest to her old neighborhood cost 5000 kuai.
Account balance: 4999 kuai and 9 cents (just under 5000).
That missing one cent seemed to be mocking her brightly.
No problem. If there’s budget travel, there’s also budget training.
If she couldn’t go to the gym, she’d find a way to train without it.
Chu Xingxing found a sun-bleached yoga mat in a corner of the balcony, probably left by a previous tenant.
A bit of cleaning, and it was still usable.
Spreading the mat in an open space in the living room, Chu Xingxing prepared to find a random fitness blogger’s livestream and do some equipment-free HIIT.
High-Intensity Interval Training was the best!
Forty minutes of HIIT could easily burn 800+ calories, maintain muscle without hurting the knees, improve cardiovascular function, and help you live easily past one hundred.
Randomly clicking into a HIIT streamer’s room, Chu Xingxing cast her phone screen to the TV.
The streamer was introducing a guest. Chu Xingxing warmed up while curiously watching the comments, waiting for them to start.
She’d never seen this type of fitness format before; it seemed interesting.
The fit female streamer screamed excitedly, her eyes crinkling with laughter: “Wow!!! Family, this is a real-life Wen Han! Welcome actor Wen Han to our streaming room!!!”
【Help! The mystery guest is actually my favorite actor, Wen Han!】
【Wow, I can’t believe Wen Han has such a build (broad shoulders)! Doesn’t look like it from his face!!!】
【Seriously broad shoulders. Truly angelic face, devilish body… slurp…】
Chu Xingxing nodded approvingly: He’s trained well, very defined, especially the chest and shoulders.
Wen Han was twenty-seven this year, with an extremely handsome, almost delicate face. Blessed with naturally broad shoulders close to 50cm, plus diligent training, his wide shoulders, narrow waist, abs, and long legs earned him the nickname “walking hormone” from fans.
He never went for a soft, effeminate image. His on-screen persona was mainly tough guys, undercover agents, and charming villains. Last year, he won a Best Actor award for a period film.
In today’s entertainment industry, variety shows reign supreme. Almost every actor, singer, and idol does them. But Wen Han was one of the rare few who had never accepted any variety show invitation, maintaining an aura of mystery and high-end appeal.
Privately, Wen Han was a fitness fanatic.
This fitness streamer’s husband was Wen Han’s childhood friend and also a workout buddy.
Wen Han showing up today to teach everyone HIIT was simply to help his buddy’s wife boost the stream’s popularity.
“Hello everyone, let’s start warming up.” Wen Han’s voice was slightly low but magnetic. He nodded slightly at the camera, smiling shyly.
Chu Xingxing tilted her head, pausing for a few seconds as she stretched her neck muscles.
Why did Wen Han look a bit familiar, like she’d seen him somewhere?
The streamer obviously had more to do. As a gift to the fans, she connected with a viewer who could ask Wen Han one question.
“Hello? Hello? Is it me? Hello, it’s really me!” The fan was ecstatic, almost incoherent.
Wen Han: “Hello, I’m Wen Han.”
Fan: “Mr. Wen, would you ever consider participating in a variety show like ‘Let’s Travel Together’? We hope to see you on screen more!!!”
“Everyone knows I don’t do variety shows, but…” Wen Han smiled faintly, paused, then continued, “If there was a fitness variety show, I might consider it.”
“Thank you to this lucky fan. A staff member will contact you soon to send you a pair of fitness gloves and a fitness ring.” After the streamer spoke, incredibly energetic music started playing: “Is everyone ready? Let’s go!”
The forty-five minute HIIT session ended quickly. Chu Xingxing’s cheeks were flushed; she pushed herself to the limit on every move, her back soaked with sweat.
Indeed, exercise made one happy.
The endorphins and dopamine her brain released made her feel wonderful all over. While wiping off sweat with a towel, she noticed two unread WeChat messages on her phone.
Opening them.
Looking at the messages from Tian Mengtong, Chu Xingxing let out a “pfft” of exasperated laughter.
【Tian Mengtong: Xingxing! Let’s wear matching bestie hats on the trip～】
【Tian Mengtong: So looking forward to traveling with Xingxing! starry eyes jpg.】
What’s this? Had Chen Dong not told Tian Mengtong yet that she wouldn’t be part of the “Let’s Travel Together” recording?
Chu Xingxing thought for a moment, then typed back a reply “click clack” on her phone…
—
Beijing TV Studio 4.
Recording was delayed another thirty minutes due to sound issues.
The several guests had already been sitting there making awkward small talk for fifteen minutes.
The only genuine compliment was that all the guests praised Tian Mengtong’s Saci hot pink dress for being very tasteful, pretty, and unique.
It was rare to see clothing design that combined sweetness with coolness and individuality so well.
But you couldn’t praise a dress forever.
Unable to keep the conversation going, assistants had now brought out their phones. The guests tacitly spaced themselves out, not saying a word, each playing on their own devices.
Tian Mengtong took her phone and saw a row of unread WeChat notifications. The smile at the corners of her mouth was undeniable.
She casually took the Americano her assistant handed her, took a big slurp of iced coffee through the straw, and unlocked her phone.
【Xingxing: Wow! Thanks, Tongtong! Wearing this deathly Barbie pink will definitely make my face look sallow and dull～】
【Xingxing: My good bestie, if we’re gonna be ugly, let’s be ugly together. Don’t you dare be special, okay? When the time comes, I want to see two identical hats / hehe】
【Xingxing: Also, thanks for your anticipation, but I’m not looking forward to traveling with you at all bye～】
【Xingxing: Official notice for my good bestie: I’m not signing that stupid scam contract you had Chen Dong trick me into signing. / dog head】
Chu Xingxing, who had just learned how to use emojis in the “Rich Ladies’ Travel Club” group and was obsessed, searched for an emoji that suited her current mood and sent it to Tian Mengtong.
【Xingxing: nyeah nyeah nyeah nyeah nyeah gif.】
………
Tian Mengtong’s eyes widened like bells.
She could no longer control her facial expression management and sprayed out a mouthful of coffee.
Not only did it dirty the white sofa, but the dress she was wearing was ruined too.
The scene descended into chaos—
“How did you choke? Oh my! Miss Tian, are you okay? Xiao Wang, come clean up the sofa!”
“Oh dear! The dress is ruined, what should we do? Miss Tian, do you have a backup outfit?”
“Yes, yes! Bring that altered soft yellow suit quickly and take Miss Tian to the lounge to change!”
