Chapter 32 Initial Success
Lin Xiao's gaze had shifted from her phone to the television without her noticing.
When guests with vastly different styles are perfectly framed in the same shot, each person's distinct characteristics not only do not clash, but instead weave together to create a wonderful harmony, making the whole scene like a flowing visual feast.
Until Shen Yicheng stopped in front of the combination lock box.
The camera captures a close-up of his hand, his slender fingers steadily brushing across the dial of the combination lock, his fingertips gently caressing it, the pale blue veins on the back of his hand faintly visible in the light and shadow.
His focused movements, coupled with his deep voice, inexplicably made one's heart itch.
Lin Xiao subconsciously pursed her lips, forcefully suppressing the urge to smile.
It's really outrageous for a woman to blush in front of her own mother because of a middle-aged man's hand.
However, the thought had barely crossed his mind when a low, suppressed laugh, yet strangely alluring, came from beside him:
"Hehehehe..."
She turned her head and saw her mother holding half her face, her eyes crinkling into slits, staring at the hands on the screen, smiling knowingly.
Lin Xiao: "..."
Well, it seems she's not the only one who's not calm.
As soon as the show ended, Lin Xiao's mother happily took a picture of Shen Yicheng's profile in front of the TV screen, carefully selected a filter, and posted it on her WeChat Moments with the caption: "The most charming men are those who work hard~ [rose]"
With a complex mix of emotions, Lin Xiao rapidly scrolled through social media and program discussion forums.
Sure enough, like-minded "internet mouth doubles" arrived at the scene quickly.
"Help! Uncle Shen is way too handsome today! That hand! That lighting! I'm totally hooked!"
"I used to think he was just the show's mascot, but this episode has completely elevated him to god-like status! Did the cameraman go for further training?!"
"Who would understand! While he was analyzing the clues in a low voice, my ears and eyes were both being held hostage!"
Some people go astray:
"That close-up of Teacher Shen's hand... I just screamed! I want to touch it, I want to give him an IV drip!"
"Hey lady in front, could you wear some pants? But... I want him to give me a shot..."
"??? What are people upstairs talking about? I don't understand at all. (Silently saving the GIF)"
Netizens also praised the production team in the process:
"Did they change the filming team for this episode? The visuals are so pleasing to the eye!"
"Give the cameraman a bonus! Every guest tonight reached new heights of handsomeness and beauty! Ah, except for Brother Feng, he was even funnier..."
"A ten-year fan is very pleased. Director Zhou is awesome! This episode was very enjoyable to watch."
Some netizens praised the photographer to the skies.
This is normal. Outsiders don't understand the production process, so they naturally attribute the credit to the people who are most directly involved in the execution.
Ling Wei didn't care about these empty titles. Besides, Shen Yicheng had just sent a message of thanks. The topic had just gone viral and he immediately expressed his gratitude.
Ling Wei smiled and put away her phone. It seems that this composed teacher Shen also has a heart that's eager to surf the internet.
She watched the replay of the program again.
Admittedly, the broadcast received a good response, but upon closer examination, the popularity largely stemmed from the gratified praise of longtime fans of the show, as well as some casual viewers attracted by keywords such as "hands" and "appearance".
These voices, like pebbles thrown into a lake, create limited ripples and fail to achieve a true breakthrough effect.
Where exactly is the problem?
The game design is absolutely top-notch; Zhou Han's ability to construct scenarios is unmatched, otherwise his peers wouldn't be so eager to imitate him.
The guests' performances were also above average.
Is it really just because the guests don't have enough viewership?
Just as she was lost in thought, her phone pinged and the screen lit up, displaying a message from [Yan].
Ling Wei picked up her phone and saw a message from Lu Yan containing a screenshot from the TV show "City Chase".
Ling Wei: [Does President Lu watch variety shows too?]
For the past three years, Ling Wei and Lu Yan have maintained a subtle and restrained distance.
Initially, Ling Wei would occasionally transfer money to him, adding notes about daily life, and he would reply that he had received it, and they would chat occasionally.
The turning point came on the eve of Lu Yan's graduation.
Ling Wei transferred the money as usual, writing in the remarks: 【Happy graduation! How about treating our generous benefactor to dinner to celebrate?】
At that time, he replied: "No need. I need to report to the Northwest branch tomorrow; my schedule is very tight."
As Lu Zhao began to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, the burden of succession fell on Lu Yan's shoulders. To help him grow quickly, the Lu family handed over the Northwest branch to him, and the latest project was imminent.
Ling Wei's reply was still cheerful: 【Okay, take care of yourself, bye-bye, Mr. Lu~】
He thought this was just one of countless ordinary conversations.
The following month, that familiar dialog box didn't pop up on my phone again; instead, I received a cold text message from my bank confirming the deposit had been credited to my account.
At that moment, Lu Yan stared at his phone screen, feeling a strange emptiness in his heart.
Three days later, during a break from reviewing a merger and acquisition case, he still sent a message: "Why aren't you transferring via WeChat anymore?"
Her reply came quickly, her tone still bright:
[Now that I'm President Lu, it's not good to keep bothering you with WeChat! From now on, we'll use bank cards~]
Lu Yan's slender fingers paused on the screen for a moment before he finally replied with only two words: "No."
There was no further sound from that side.
Later, it was Lu Yan who took that first step.
Late one night in Northwest China, after a social engagement, slightly tipsy, he gazed at the unfamiliar lights outside his window and, almost without thinking, sent a message: "It's so quiet here. There's not even anyone to talk to."
He regretted it the moment he sent the message; it was so unlike him.
Unexpectedly, Ling Wei's video call invitation popped up immediately.
She had just finished showering, her skin had a faint pinkish hue, and glistening water droplets still clung to the ends of her hair, making her look as if she were enveloped in a soft halo.
"Lu Yan," she said, dressed in simple pajamas, with the dormitory balcony door in the background, "do you want me to talk to you?"
Before he could organize his thoughts in response, she tilted her head slightly and continued speaking, her tone serious and leaving no room for evasion:
"Because I can't tell if you're just being polite or if you genuinely want to talk to me. If it's the latter..."
Her gaze was focused, as if she wanted to see through the screen into his heart: "You have to tell me clearly. Otherwise, I'll guess wrong."
The alcohol was still flowing in his veins, but Lu Yan's rationality remained intact.
He knew perfectly well that any decision he made at this moment could alter the balance that the two of them had carefully maintained for three years.
Ultimately, reason gave way to a deeper desire; his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he responded softly, "Mmm."
The syllable was so soft it was almost drowned out by the static, yet it made Ling Wei, thousands of miles away, slightly curl the corners of her mouth.
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