The CBM Entertainment building was a hive of activity from the inside out.
Today marked the first broadcast of the new year for CBM’s most promising self-produced variety show, “Let’s Travel Together” – the live recording of its preview episode.
Perhaps to save money and hassle, the preview episode for CBM’s other almost-unknown variety show, “Grandma’s Journey,” was scheduled for live recording on the very same day.
Because “Let’s Travel Together” boasted numerous high-profile celebrities, it was arranged in CBM’s largest broadcast studio, Sol. It unprecedentedly occupied two whole floors for the guests’ lounges and dressing rooms.
The recording site for the “Grandma’s Journey” preview was initially set for Luna, CBM’s second-largest studio. However, due to a lighting malfunction in Luna, it was hastily moved to a large conference room on the seventh floor.
——-
Chu Xingxing’s scheduled time for hair and makeup was 8 a.m. Never one to be late, she arrived at the company at 7:20 a.m.
She thought arriving forty minutes early was already quite dedicated.
She couldn’t have imagined…
Among the four elderly ladies, Grandma Sheng Shuwen arrived the earliest, showing up at 6:30 a.m.
Grandma Jiang Yao, the last to arrive, got there at 7 a.m., and her personal stylist, Ken, showed up at 7:10 a.m. as well.
Chu Xingxing: Trembling with fear JPG.
There was just no competing with this kind of dedication…
The ladies arrived early themselves but would never criticize guests or staff who showed up on time. Elderly people sleep less and tend to do everything early; it’s a habit formed over decades that’s hard to break.
When Chu Xingxing arrived at the shared dressing room to wait for her hair and makeup, she found that apart from Grandma Jiang Yao, who was still getting ready, the other three grandmas were already done, leisurely sipping their health teas and gossiping.
“Hello, Grandma Sheng, Grandma Wen, Grandma Ai, Grandma Jiang…” Chu Xingxing greeted them cheerfully.
Although she didn’t know Ken, she still politely nodded and smiled: “Hello, good morning.”
“Good morning.” Ken took an immediate liking to this polite young lady, whose beauty was breathtaking even without makeup.
Perhaps because Chu Xingxing arrived too early, not only was her agent Jiang Changsheng absent from the dressing room, but the company’s stylist hadn’t arrived either. The ladies weren’t using CBM Entertainment’s makeup artists or stylists; they had all brought their own.
Chu Xingxing sat obediently in the makeup chair and noticed several fixed cameras placed around the room, presumably for recording behind-the-scenes footage.
What Chu Xingxing didn’t know was that these cameras in the dressing room were supposed to be for recording only. Due to a staff member’s negligence, their live-stream function had been accidentally turned on.
Most of CBM Entertainment’s core staff were currently busy with hair and makeup for “Let’s Travel Together,” so no one noticed that the “Grandma’s Journey” live stream was already running.
However, for such an unpopular show, the number of viewers in the live stream was pitifully low. Compared to “Let’s Travel Together,” which had hundreds of thousands of fans waiting in its stream even before it started, the viewership for “Grandma’s Journey” was struggling to reach double digits. Comments would pop up only every few minutes.
[What show is this? Kinda weird… but let’s see?]
[Don’t recognize anyone, I’m outta here /doge]
[Stumbled into a senior citizen live stream (no offense to the grandmas /dog head protective gear)]
Chu Xingxing glanced at her phone: 7:30 a.m.
Just as she was thinking the wait would be boring, her eyes accidentally met those of the grandmas. In an instant, the scene changed dramatically.
Wen Xuelan, looking even more elegant and distinguished after her makeup, beamed. “Aiya, Xingbao, have you had breakfast? Worried you youngsters might wake up too early to eat, I had my chef make some fresh scallop and shrimp ball congee and steamed some not-too-sweet osmanthus yam cakes. Want some?”
Ever since Wen Xuelan saw in the group chat that Jiang Yao called Xingxing “sweetie,” she decided she didn’t want to use the same term. So, after two nights of deep thought, she came up with a new nickname – “Xingbao.”
Chu Xingxing was flattered: “Thank you, Grandma Wen, but the production team said they prepared break—”
Before she could finish, Grandma Wen Xuelan snapped her fingers. “So that means you haven’t eaten! Perfect!”
One assistant appeared beside Chu Xingxing holding an insulated lunch box.
Another assistant set up a folding table, covering it with an elegantly patterned tablecloth.
Then, like a magician, the assistant produced exquisite gold-rimmed porcelain bowls and silver carved spoons. She ladled the congee, cooked until the rice grains were indistinguishable, white as snow, and topped with cherry-sized, bouncy shrimp balls and tender scallop pieces.
In the center of a matching porcelain plate, three little cakes were neatly arranged. They wobbled slightly, these round, bottom-shaped cakes, almost cheekily yelling, “Eat me! Eat me! Eat me!”
Gold-inlaid red sandalwood chopsticks were placed on an adorable little rabbit chopstick rest.
Ah, this glorious sense of ritual!
Chu Xingxing was dumbfounded.
So this is what it feels like to be rich and happy?!
Wen Xuelan looked at her expectantly: “Don’t feel pressured, Xingbao. Just eat as much as you can, no forcing. Go on, try it!”
“Then… I’ll dig in! Thank you, Grandma Wen~” Chu Xingxing didn’t stand on ceremony, picked up the chopsticks, and tucked in.
Since it was right in front of her, refusing would be so rude to Grandma!
Most importantly, if she didn’t eat, such good food would go to waste!
Telling Chu Xingxing, a survivor from the apocalypse, to waste food would be worse than pulling out her thick hair.
Wasting was absolutely not an option. She would eat every single grain of rice. Although she had asked Jiang Changsheng beforehand if meals were provided and only skipped breakfast at home after his confirmation, she hadn’t found a single boxed meal since arriving. Normally, during variety show filming, breakfast was served at least half an hour before hair and makeup.
“Wow!” Chu Xingxing tasted the congee – it was smooth, soft, fresh, and fragrant.
She took a bite of the yam cake. It was sticky, chewy and slightly bouncy, not too sweet, not too rich, and you could still taste the original flavor of the yam. Both healthy and nutritious!
“Is it good?” Grandma Wen Xuelan was delighted to see Chu Xingxing eating so happily. None of the younger generation in her family liked traditional Chinese breakfasts anymore. Her grandchildren abroad lived on milk and cereal loops, and when she occasionally made Chinese food, no one wanted it. Wen Xuelan had worried Chu Xingxing might be like most young female entertainers, just taking a tiny bite to control her figure. She never expected her to enjoy it so much.
There was something magical about the way this young lady ate. Every single bite seemed precious, even carrying a hint of reverence for the food. Her fair, clean face was simply written with satisfaction, making everyone around her feel good just watching. Elderly people love children who eat with gusto.
Grandma Wen Xuelan felt she might have found a “cross-generational” foodie buddy! With similar tastes, they could have regular meal dates!
Meanwhile, the live stream comments, thanks to Chu Xingxing’s accidental “mukbang,” finally started to gain a little traction. Viewership finally exceeded 50.
[New mukbang streamer? Is that totally bare-faced? She’s kinda pretty, what’s going on?]
[This little sister’s visuals are kinda explosive! If this is without face-slimming, it’s truly stunning!]
[Been waiting forever for the “Let’s Travel Together” stream, stumbled into this one. Holy moly! Found a treasure mukbang streamer!]
[That sticky and chewy little cake looks so good! My jianbing suddenly seems less fragrant…]
[Is CBM Entertainment trying some new kind of mukbang? A pretty lady being fed by a rich grandma?!]
Chu Xingxing’s previous on-camera looks were always arranged by the company, featuring over-the-top, heavy makeup for variety shows. The few small supporting roles she played in dramas were always the “scheming vixen” type. This on-screen image, combined with her variety show persona, cemented her reputation as “calculating.”
But Chu Xingxing naturally has strong, defined features. Simple, light makeup best highlights her face, and she’s stunning even without it. So, appearing bare-faced now, not a single fan recognized that this beautiful “mukbang” streamer was actually Chu Xingxing, the “scheming toxic best friend” infamous across the entire internet.
—
8 a.m. sharp.
Jiang Changsheng strode into the dressing room with a stylist and breakfast.
Upon arrival, he saw that Chu Xingxing was the only one still with a bare face, surrounded by the grandmas. She wore a loose white sweatshirt, wide-leg jeans, and beat-up shoes with no visible brand. Her whole outfit probably cost less than 200 RMB total.
If it weren’t for her figure (she could make a potato sack look good) and that genetically-lottery-winning delicate face, anyone else would struggle to look good in such cheap, poorly-cut clothes. But on Chu Xingxing, it somehow created a comfortable, relaxed vibe.
Jiang Changsheng said coldly, “Chu Xingxing, you have five minutes to finish breakfast and then start hair and makeup.” Casually placing the nutritious breakfast from home on the table, he pulled Chu Xingxing away from the grandmas and sat her in the chair.
“Who are you…?” Chu Xingxing blinked in confusion. Looks kind of familiar… let me see?
The black-haired youth before her was tall and slim, with fair skin, unique phoenix eyes, and two small dimples at the corners of his mouth…
Wait! Apart from the different hair color, he looked exactly like some silly goose she knew.
Jiang Changsheng lowered his voice: “Idiot! You don’t even recognize me? At least call me Agent Jiang!”
Chu Xingxing caught on quickly and obediently said, “Hello, Great Agent Jiang.”
This kid, with his hair dyed black, looks much more agreeable. And Jiang Changsheng had obviously styled himself today; his slicked-back black hair made him look less childish, and his clothes and shoes were well-chosen, understated luxury. At first glance, you might think some fresh-faced young idol was about to go on a show.
“Hurry up and eat your breakfast.” Jiang Changsheng pushed the lunchbox towards her, looking away awkwardly.
Chu Xingxing told the truth: “I already ate. Grandma Wen brought breakfast.” And she was full. Eating more would make her uncomfortably stuffed. And overeating isn’t healthy.
“Have you eaten? If not, eat this quickly. Please don’t let it go to waste,” Chu Xingxing said sincerely.
Jiang Changsheng’s face froze for a second. He snatched the insulated lunchbox away. “It’s not like I brought it especially for you. I just had extra and grabbed it for you on a whim.”
“That’s good, then.” Chu Xingxing relaxed, sitting up straight, waiting for the makeup artist.
The makeup artist briskly pulled out a large box of exaggerated false eyelashes and habitually selected a palette of heavy, vibrant eyeshadows. She had done Chu Xingxing’s makeup before and planned to just slap it on quickly according to the agent’s usual instructions.
Jiang Changsheng watched from the side, feeling the makeup wasn’t very suitable for Chu Xingxing. But afraid his straight guy aesthetic might be wrong, the young master Jiang just kept frowning.
The makeup artist finished applying the foundation, then held up a palette of “Blue Enchantress” eyeshadow. She loaded her brush heavily and was about to apply it when a decisive voice interrupted.
“Stop! Using that color will ruin the shape of her eyes.”
Ken had just finished helping Jiang Yao change clothes in the dressing room. As he walked in, he saw the makeup artist casually slathering color onto Chu Xingxing’s face. Thankfully, the girl had a great base; even though her face was already a shade yellower than her neck, she still didn’t look ugly.
The makeup artist was already irritated. She had planned to do makeup for only two guests on “Let’s Travel Together” today, but at 7:30 a.m., she was suddenly reassigned to do Chu Xingxing. Apparently, the artist originally scheduled for “Grandma’s Journey” was pulled to help with “Let’s Travel Together” because the grandmas all brought their own makeup artists and didn’t need the company’s. No extra pay, more work – naturally, she was in a bad mood.
“It’s not like this is my first time doing her makeup. The camera eats makeup anyway; if I don’t go heavy, you won’t see it at all, okay…”
The makeup artist rolled her eyes, wanting to see who was spouting nonsense.
“A-Ah, Ken-sensei…” The eyeshadow brush in her hand clattered to the floor with a ” thud.”
Ken was a renowned stylist in the industry with his own independent studio. Even A-list celebrities lined up for his services. Word was that at least three big stars from “Let’s Travel Together” had requested him today, but he politely declined, saying he had more important work.
So, the more important work was… doing the styling for these unknown grandmas???
She didn’t understand, but she was deeply shocked.
Jiang Yao tugged on Ken’s sleeve and whispered, “Ah Ken, why don’t you do our sweetie’s styling? Such a pretty girl being painted like a ghost – I’d cry if I were on camera.”
Ken shook his head with a smile. “It’s a small favor, Auntie, no worries. I promised Ze I’d take good care of you while he’s abroad.”
Ken walked over to Chu Xingxing, took out two makeup remover wipes, and gently removed the foundation from her face.
“She’s suited for neutral-toned, natural makeup. Her own lashes are thick and long enough to act as eyeliner; she doesn’t need falsies. And the shade of the foundation base was too dark – it oxidizes and gets even darker. What kind of fly-by-night school did CBM hire this ‘stylist’ from?” Ken’s tone was consistently gentle but his “sharp tongue” didn’t miss a beat as he worked.
“I’m her agent. CBM will settle your styling fee.” Jiang Changsheng dismissed the company’s makeup artist on the spot, his frown deepening.
In less than twenty minutes, Ken stopped. He glanced at the clothes the previous stylist had prepared and shook his head. “No good. Not a single one is wearable.”
Ken had Chu Xingxing stand up and let her slightly wavy long hair fall down her back. He thought for a moment and nodded. “Xiao Rou, go to the car and get that Saci green patchwork shirt dress that A Ze just sent over. Iron it with the steamer. No time for alterations, but she’s tall enough to carry it off.”
“Okay!” Assistant Xiao Rou rushed downstairs, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
It wasn’t just Xiao Rou whose eyes were filled with pleasant surprise when looking at Chu Xingxing. Almost everyone present was stunned.
Jiang Changsheng gasped, unable to take his eyes off her.
Unfortunately, the fixed cameras placed by the production team couldn’t capture Chu Xingxing’s face from the front. This drove the live stream viewers crazy—
[Ahhh! What kind of amazing variety show is this! Pretty mukbang girl + magician Ken-sensei doing on-the-spot makeover!]
[Help! I’m begging, please let the pretty girl turn around! Not seeing her face is driving me crazy!]
[Everyone! I searched for Ken-sensei’s makeover videos. Holy crap, he IS a magician! It’s basically a head transplant technique!]
[This little sister is already this beautiful without makeup. After Ken-sensei finishes, will she turn into a fairy?]
[The production team really knows how to tease us, boohoo]
—
Chu Xingxing changed into the dress and returned to the dressing room from the changing area.
The various shades of green made her skin look snow-white. Saci’s unique structuralist tailoring made the slightly loose shirt dress “hang” on Chu Xingxing in a very sophisticated way. Because she was tall enough, it was comfortable and loose without looking bulky. The dress length was just right, ending above the knees, showing off legs like ivory chopsticks. Her long, wavy black hair fell down her back, and she wore a simple green georgette headband adorned with a few playful little flowers.
Combined with Ken’s exquisite makeup, Chu Xingxing’s face looked almost makeup-free, yet lacked the childishness of a bare face, replaced by the sweet yet cool delicate and glamorous look of a trendy girl. She was like a mischievous elf princess who had wandered into the human world from a forest.
Ken smiled with satisfaction – this was his most satisfying recent work. Seeking her permission, he had just taken a few photos of her in the hallway. Even casually snapped with a phone, they looked like high-fashion shots. This was the true screen debut for Saci.
Ken sent the photos to Jiang Luozhe and happily sent a few voice messages.
—
The grandmas burst into applause almost instantly.
Wen Xuelan: “Aima! Our Xingbao is way too handsome!”
Jiang Yao: “Let Grandma see, whose sweetie is this? How can she be so beautiful!”
Sheng Shuwen: “See, I told you all, Xingxing looks great in anything!”
Ai Minli: “This green really suits her skin, very appropriate for spring. Good, very youthful.”
The comment section also reached its peak popularity since the stream started—
[So beautiful it hit my heart!]
[Where did this goddess-visual beauty come from! I need all of this beauty sister’s info within three seconds!]
[I’ll just go ahead and say hi, wife! Wife, I can!!!]
Jiang Changsheng finally tore his reluctant gaze away, stepped to the door, and made a phone call: “Besides transferring the styling fee to Ken-sensei’s studio, prepare a big red envelope for him too. Contact him privately. Try to arrange for Ken to do Chu Xingxing’s styling for all future events. And… find a way to contact the Saci brand, try to secure a brand friend title.”
Unbeknownst to him, the camera near the dressing room door had clearly broadcast his words to the live stream. Instantly, the chat room, which had finally surpassed 200 viewers, exploded like cold water hitting hot oil—
[Chu Xingxing? Did I hear that right? You mean that scheming, fussy Chu Xingxing?]
[Crap, it really does seem like her, but why does she look kinda different…]
[Even though… sob sob sob, my heart hurts, baby. I just became a fan and found out the house collapsed (:з」∠)]
In the live stream, most viewers were fans of the “Let’s Travel Together” guests. They were just hanging around out of boredom, waiting for their show to start. Among them were many die-hard fans of Tian Mengtong.
[Slowly typing out a question mark… Isn’t this chick supposed to be accompanying Tongtong on “Let’s Travel Together”?]
[Are my eyes deceiving me, is it really CXX! Is she trying to film two shows at once??? This scheming bitch is indeed bold!]
[Our Tongbao is so pitiful. She treats her bestie with such sincerity and gets hurt again. Even though she’ll probably be mocked as the ‘sucker bestie’ again, I still feel so bad for her.]
[F***, I hate being betrayed by a bestie the most! CXX, crawl away!]
