Chapter 8, Eight-Section Brocade
[mujiu: Did we overact?]
[0N: ?]
[0N: You're asking me?]
Mu Jiu's attention was drawn back from the trailer, and he gained a new understanding of the editor's skill.
If it weren't for the fact that it was actually her, Mu Jiu would definitely have highly praised the artistic merit of this trailer.
But because she looked exactly like the person in the trailer, she vaguely remembered that she didn't mean those things when she said them.
Actors of her caliber didn't have many opportunities to appear on variety shows in their early years, but they knew that editing could turn the tide.
However, with the artistic rendering reaching this level, she actually needs to carefully adjust her reactions on the show.
Before Mu Jiu could organize her reflections on the day in her memo, a soft voice suddenly called from the bed not far from her: "Are you asleep?"
Xiang Wan: "Can I talk to you?"
It's strange that the other party would still contact me even though the camera was already off at this time.
Mu Jiu hesitated for a few seconds before peeking out from under the covers: "You're not asleep yet? What's wrong?"
Even if she didn't know the other person's purpose in striking up a conversation, Mu Jiu still planned to work as an actress after the variety show ended. Xiang Wan, who had become famous at a young age, also had many hidden connections in the industry, and she had no intention of making enemies with her.
After hearing Mu Jiu's reply, Xiang Wan fell silent.
After seemingly preparing herself mentally, she spoke again: "Did your ex... ever try to win you back?"
Mu Jiu: "No."
When she initially set up the story, she and Ling Zhao broke up peacefully. Based on their own wishes, they proposed to part ways amicably, so there was no step to reconcile them.
Although the show's editing has created a sense of inexplicable tragedy between her and Ling Zhao, Mu Jiu remains confident that she can correct the audience's perception.
Xiang Wan wasn't surprised by her answer, but after considering it carefully, she spoke again as if hinting at something: "If your ex wanted to get back with you, would you agree?"
Mu Jiu raised an eyebrow slightly, leaning against the pillow as she sized up her new roommate.
The current topic is increasingly resembling relationship counseling.
The lights were off inside, and both of their phones were put away, so they could only observe each other by the moonlight coming in from the window.
Mu Jiu couldn't see Xiang Wan's expression clearly, but he could see a dark figure sitting against the headboard, curled up slightly and wrapped in the quilt.
The two women had almost no interaction, and this sudden late-night conversation left Mu Jiu somewhat unsure of the other woman's purpose.
So she threw the question back at her: "If it were you, would you agree?"
This silence lasted quite a while.
Just when Mu Jiu thought Xiang Wan wouldn't answer, a soft sigh came from the other end: "Being with him is too painful."
In the eyes of ordinary people, pain represents negativity. If you answer a question with a negative attitude, the normal thought is that Xiang Wan might not accept her ex's attempt to win her back.
But if you really decide to let go of this relationship, you wouldn't be willing to reveal your past to an artist with a terrible reputation just to ask this question...
When Mu Jiu reached a conclusion through analysis, he unexpectedly glanced in the opposite direction again.
In other words, Xiang Wan wanted her support.
But why her? The one who was closest to Xiang Wan was clearly Meng Shuning.
The thought flashed through Mu Jiu's mind, and she tentatively asked, "If my ex tries to win me back... I think I'll agree."
"Why?"
Almost the instant Mu Jiu answered, Xiang Wan immediately straightened up and looked over, but she quickly realized her lapse in composure: "I'm sorry, I was just curious whether everyone had already made up their minds when they broke up..."
"because……"
Mu Jiu: "If I had made up my mind, I wouldn't be here."
By the time they said this, both of their eyes had adjusted to the dim light.
Therefore, Mu Jiu could see Xiang Wan's eyes widen suddenly.
Xiang Wan could see Mu Jiu's bitter smile hidden in the darkness, which made her feel incredulous: "But if she still cared about him, she couldn't just stand by and watch him be with other people on the show, could she?"
"..."
The question was so pointed that Mu Jiu couldn't find a suitable reason for it for a while.
On the other hand, if Xiang Wan can say something like that, then she is perhaps the person with the purest purpose for participating in the program.
Most of the other participants were either there for the show's popularity or for the salary it offered.
Even Fang Yucheng and Meng Shuning initially took on the show with the aim of changing their career paths...
But then again...
Mu Jiu watched as Xiang Wan gradually wrapped herself tighter in the blanket and began to sense that something was wrong.
If someone asks you for answers, it's not because they're desperate and grasping at straws; perhaps they feel some of her behavior is similar to someone else's and want to deduce that person's true thoughts from her response.
Regarding someone's identity... for example, Xiang Wan's ex, Qi Youxiang.
The novel doesn't delve deeply into their relationship, but it does fully explain the reasons for their breakdown:
[Xiang Wan never imagined she would see Qi Youxiang again, even though they initially got together after Qi Youxiang relentlessly pursued her. But after supporting Qi Youxiang through his most difficult period, his sudden rise to fame brought her joy, yet also hinted at a subtle change.]
[The other party began to feel annoyed and impatient with her. Xiang Wan could no longer contact him anytime and anywhere as before. His phone was no longer open to her. Even when he answered the phone, there were other girls' teasing voices in the background. All of this accumulated in Xiang Wan's heart little by little.]
She couldn't bring herself to ask the question, nor could she convince herself otherwise; even trying to maintain their previous way of interacting wouldn't work.
Even in the end, when they broke up, it was only when she mustered the courage to question him that he coldly interrupted her.
["If you can't trust me, if you can't accept me like this, then let's break up."]
[Those were their last words. Then Xiang Wan packed her things and moved out of the apartment they shared. Qi Youxiang didn't stop her.]
[And then...that's how they ended up.]
That concludes my recollection.
Based on the snippets of conversation he overheard during dinner today, Mu Jiu realized the second reason why Xiang Wan came to find him, rather than Meng Shuning.
Meng Shuning and Qi Youxiang arranged to film a music video today, with Meng Shuning playing the female lead in the new song's music video.
Xiang Wan, Qi Youxiang's ex-girlfriend, had never appeared in his public social circle. However, on her first day at the cabin, her ex invited her friends.
According to the original plot, the trailer for the first day of the live broadcast was about Meng Shuning and Fang Yucheng. Xiang Wan, who learned about their past, fully empathized with Meng Shuning, so she had no doubt that her friend would spark some kind of romance with Qi Youxiang.
But so far, the trailer that was hailed as a god by CP fans has not been released.
Xiang Wan, who came to the show hoping that Qi Youxiang would take the initiative to interact with her, only received the news that he had made an appointment with her friend to spend time alone with her the next day.
Upon learning of the other party's intentions, Mu Jiu did not feel relieved; instead, she felt a headache coming on.
The other party doesn't really trust her. If she gives the wrong direction and makes Xiang Wan have expectations of Qi Youxiang, the other party might end up resenting her...
After a moment of contemplation, Mu Jiu slowly and solemnly spoke, as if trying to convince himself.
"Yes, that's why I came to this show to give up."
Upon hearing this answer, the person on the other end of the line suddenly held their breath.
Night flows by impartially through different people's different thoughts and dreams.
The next morning, the cottage was shrouded in a hazy mist.
The live streaming camera in the cabin was turned back on at six o'clock.
One by one, people in each room got up and washed up.
During this time, only a small group of fans were sparsely watching the live stream, eager to see their idols' daily lives. While it wasn't bustling, it was certainly not deserted.
On such a morning, Fang Yucheng and Deng Minzhou agreed to go for a run together.
Guo Zifu and Meng Shuning, after finishing their yoga practice early in the morning, were wiping away sweat with their sports towels and chatting and laughing as they prepared to make breakfast together.
Two couples of handsome men and beautiful women met in the same live broadcast room. Just as the number of comments on the screen was skyrocketing, Mu Jiu got up, washed up, and appeared in the living room.
When she saw her, Meng Shuning greeted her naturally: "Mu Mu, you're up so early too? Do you have work today?"
Mu Jiu looked at the other person's attire and blinked: "Just got up to have breakfast and do some exercise."
Meng Shuning: "What kind of exercise? We usually get up around six o'clock to do yoga, should we call you?"
"No need, I just want to stretch my muscles."
Seeing that the main characters wanted to recruit him, Mu Jiu shuddered, and his muddled mind suddenly cleared up: "You all got up so early, I can't get up."
"It's easier to persevere when everyone is together."
Guo Zifu also joined the conversation at the right time: "So you usually do aerobic warm-up exercises?"
"Ah...more or less."
Mu Jiu gave a vague reply, faintly hearing footsteps coming from the direction of the stairs.
On the other side.
Ling Zhao, with a tuft of hair sticking up on his head, walked downstairs in a daze and came into everyone's view.
Compared to yesterday, his aloof demeanor had largely dissipated, and his silver-gray hair only made him look more like some kind of furry canine.
Upon seeing Ling Zhao appear, everyone's gazes involuntarily swept towards Mu Jiu, and some even stole a glance at Fang Yucheng.
After all, the production team did not restrict the use of mobile phones and the Internet, and everyone already knew about Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu's relationship yesterday.
The comments section under last night's trailer continued to generate heated discussions. Not only were Fang Yucheng's fans unable to accept that the two were exes, but most people here also had doubts about the two of them.
But none of this will be shown on camera.
Ling Zhao initially sensed that something was off and instinctively looked around at his surroundings.
Upon seeing Fang Yucheng and Deng Minzhou, who were wearing similar sportswear, and Meng Shuning and Guo Zifu, who were wearing the same yoga outfits, his gaze fell on Mu Jiu.
"Good morning."
Meng Shuning subconsciously called out, but before she could say anything more, she heard a melodious tune that was both unfamiliar and familiar coming from behind her.
The quality of the radio music, seemingly aimed at the elderly, drew everyone's attention.
Mu Jiu expressionlessly fixed the pre-prepared phone holder next to the fitness equipment, placed the phone down, and began to stand at attention to the music.
Meng Shuning looked surprised: "Mu Mu, what is this...?"
Amidst the relaxing music, a rhythmic and powerful recitation began: "Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong - Preparatory Stance."
"..."
No one made a sound.
Ling Zhao glanced at the other stunned guests, then at Mu Jiu.
This time, she didn't give herself a glance.
...So, what comes next is just him reading the air on his own?
Ling Zhao lowered her head and pondered for a few seconds, then glanced at the pairs of men and women in front of her, all wearing the same tracksuits, and resolutely walked to Mu Jiu's side.
When Xiang Wan rubbed her temples and walked out of the room, sunlight had already streamed in. She vaguely felt that the music coming from downstairs sounded familiar, but she didn't pay much attention to it.
But when she went downstairs, she sensed that something was wrong.
Xiang Wan paused in her downward steps.
"...holding up the sky with both hands regulates the three burners."
Following the gazes of others.
Under the sunlight, Mu Jiu was in a very professional horse stance, slowly raising his hands.
Beside her, crouched a figure with silver hair, in the exact same pose.
Xiang Wan: ...?
A note from the author:
----------------------
Ling Zhao (half asleep, trying to read the air): The current atmosphere is... only Mu Jiu doesn't have a workout buddy!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com