Chapter 74
In a few days, it will be the three-day New Year's Day holiday. Lin Ting plans to go back to her hometown to visit her mother. She doesn't know if Chen Zhiyi will be able to go back with her this time. The beginning of the new year is the peak season for the entertainment industry. There are events, variety shows, and ceremonies one after another, which almost fills Chen Zhiyi's time completely. He doesn't even have time to catch his breath. It's even more tiring than filming on set. He has been coming back late at night these past few days.
On the evening of the 29th, Chen Zhiyi unusually returned home a little early, and the two discussed their plans for the three-day New Year's Day holiday. Lin Ting didn't suggest that he accompany her back to her hometown, but Chen Zhiyi had other ideas.
"Don't go back to Pear Town for the three days of New Year's Day. I'll have Zhang Ke go back for us and bring some things for Auntie. You'll replace Zhang Ke and be my personal assistant for three days, experiencing the three essentials of an artist's New Year's Day."
"Which three pieces?" Lin Ting asked, intrigued.
"New Year's Eve concerts, New Year's specials on variety shows, and year-end award ceremonies," Chen Zhiyi said, sounding quite used to it.
Which New Year's Eve concert?
"Mango TV".
Lin Ting's eyes lit up. "What about a variety show special?"
"It's also one of Mango TV's flagship programs, Happy Camp."
Lin Ting's eyes lit up even more. That was her favorite variety show! She didn't like watching dramas but loved watching variety shows, and she hadn't missed an episode of this one. "Which awards ceremony?"
"The Night of Ghostly Howls".
Organized by iQiyi, a leading video website in China, the event is a star-studded, dazzling, and lively affair every year.
Lin Ting's eyes had become incredibly sharp, gleaming with intelligence.
Now I understand why people are so desperate to become an artist's assistant, even if it means doing all sorts of backbreaking work. It might not be a lucrative job, but it's definitely a coveted one.
Lin Ting didn't speak, but kept blinking her clear, pearl-like eyes. Chen Zhiyi could see the expectation in Lin Ting's eyes. Several satellite platforms had invited him to participate in concerts and variety shows this year, but he ultimately chose to cooperate with Hunan TV because of Lin Ting's preference. It was her favorite TV station, and it also had her favorite variety shows. He wanted to take her to experience it live.
But instead of saying it outright, he deliberately teased her, pretending to be disappointed, saying, "If you don't want to, then forget it."
What happened to our unspoken understanding? What happened to our tacit agreement that allowed us to know what the other was thinking with just a gesture or a glance?
Lin Ting got angry, "You did this on purpose, didn't you? You clearly knew I wanted to go, but you were just pretending."
Chen Zhiyi pulled her onto his lap and said, "I hope you can say it to my face, say what you want. I may not be able to do it completely, but I will do my best to make it happen."
"Really? Then could you be on the Spring Festival Gala this year? I think even watching from a corner of the audience would be incredibly glorious." Lin heard it very clearly, and in her opinion, it seemed like something that could be done easily.
"Hmm... I'll try my best." Chen Zhiyi rolled his eyes inwardly. This wasn't a stage he could just jump onto whenever he wanted, and suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
"I'm leaving for Changsha early tomorrow morning for a rehearsal. Can you get some time off?"
Lin Ting confidently waved an OK sign in front of him, "The spring e-commerce project was successfully approved, which is a relief. I'm taking an early vacation to relax and enjoy life."
Chen Zhiyi was gratified to hear Lin Ting say "enjoy life". During the past few months of living together, he could sense that Lin Ting had relaxed a lot, and she smiled more often than when they first met. She no longer talked about responsibility, work, and making money every day.
The balcony is filled with succulents she brought back, a whole row of them, in all sorts of colors and shapes. The fish tank, never used before, is now full of water, with pebbles and aquatic plants at the bottom, and four brightly colored goldfish swimming happily around. The originally monotonous gray curtains in the living room have been replaced with beige floral curtains, which she personally selected at a fabric store. She also buys interesting little things she finds while shopping, such as delicate vases, cute dolls, and decorative hanging crafts, transforming the once dull space, which resembled a showroom, into a warm and inviting space.
You can sense that she's starting to live life more meaningfully and enjoy it.
Lin Ting thought of something and hurriedly swung her legs at him, "I can't just follow behind you like this, or people will recognize me."
"That's true. Designer Lin is a hot new designer now, and everyone knows him."
"Trying to make a fool of yourself by bringing up your fame in front of me? You better think of something!"
Chen Zhiyi ran his hands through her hair, tucking all the strands from her ears and forehead behind her head, revealing her smooth face, where even the finest downy hairs were clearly visible. Her skin was fair and delicate, as pure as snowflakes, and her bright, clear eyes curved like crescent moons when she smiled, captivating his heart. Every feature of her was truly adored by him.
"Being so naturally beautiful is a real challenge for me."
"Um?"
...
The next day at noon, Chen Zhiyi appeared at C City International Airport wearing a camel-colored long coat and black sunglasses, exuding a cool and aloof vibe. Standing next to him was a person wrapped in a black down jacket, wearing a black hat, black-framed glasses, and a black mask. Apart from the outline revealing that she was a woman, all other identifying features were concealed in black.
It's no exaggeration to say that even those with direct blood ties wouldn't recognize who it is.
She kept her back hunched and her head bowed low, following closely behind Chen Zhiyi, without exchanging a single glance with anyone passing by.
"Just lift your head and walk normally. Dressed like this, no one will recognize you."
"Shut up." Lin Ting didn't even want to say a word.
They boarded a special car sent by Hunan TV and headed directly to the concert venue for rehearsals.
When Lin Ting arrived at the venue, he learned that his performance was a piano rendition of "I Like You," the theme song of his finished film "Secretly I Like You." It was also a cover of an old song, a new rendition of an old song, which caused a sensation when the film was released.
Lin Ting had almost forgotten that this young movie star was also a musical instrument expert. He was very good at playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele, especially the piano, which he could play with his eyes closed.
The rehearsal went smoothly on the first try, and then we went to the hotel to rest and prepare for the official performance that evening.
In the evening, Zhang Ke arrived at the hotel with her makeup and styling team.
She told Lin Ting that she had already visited Lin Qin, and that all the things she bought had been delivered. The aunt was in good condition and had even invited some dance friends to the square to dance in the evening to celebrate the New Year.
Lin Ting felt somewhat comforted. She had only recently learned that her mother had fallen in love with square dancing, and she thought it was a good thing that her mother was finally willing to step out of the walls that had confined her for so long.
Chen Zhiyi finished his makeup and changed into his suit in no time. Male celebrities generally have shorter makeup and styling time, but Chen Zhiyi's seems to be even shorter. In a previous interview with the crew he worked for, the director and makeup artist praised him for his good foundation and smooth skin, saying he could go on set without makeup.
At this moment, with just a simple haircut, foundation, and eyebrow shaping, he was already breathtakingly handsome. Dressed in a white suit, he was gentlemanly and dashing, just one horse away from being a "Prince Charming."
I wonder how many girls will fall for his good looks tonight.
The studio simply posted a side profile picture with the caption "See you tonight," and it immediately became the number one trending topic, with several other related terms also appearing below it.
Other celebrities struggle to get on the trending topics list; they need some juicy gossip to make it. But he does it effortlessly, dominating the trending topics list just because of his good looks.
After the makeup and styling team left, Chen Zhiyi took out a ticket and handed it to Lin Ting. It was seat number 1 in row 3 of section A, which was the best viewing area and also allowed for interaction with the performers on stage.
Lin Ting didn't answer, "I promised to be your assistant, so watching from backstage is the same."
Chen Zhiyi placed the ticket in her hand. "Didn't Zhang Ke rush over? It's not too late to experience this now, even if you didn't have it in college. Go wild and have some fun. Sit in the audience and listen to me sing for you."
Lin Ting clutched the ticket in her hand, her heart filled with sweetness, every corner exuding a sweet atmosphere.
Chen Zhiyi held out his hand. "Give me your phone."
Both of them know each other's phone lock screen passwords, but neither of them has ever checked the other's phone. They feel it's unnecessary. If you can't even trust each other in a relationship, what's the point of being in a relationship?
Chen Zhiyi fiddled with the two phones in his hands for a while, "I'll turn on location sharing so we can know where the other person is and how far away they are at any time. My performance is the eighth one, and I'm expected to go on stage around 9 o'clock. I'll also go back on stage at midnight to give New Year's greetings. After that, my performance will be over. There are too many people and things to do backstage, so I won't wait for you. I'll go straight back to the hotel."
Lin Ting listened and nodded.
"I'll send someone to pick you up when the concert is almost over."
"It's okay, I'll take a taxi home myself."
"If all the audience members leave the venue, do you think they'll be able to get a taxi?"
Lin Ting pursed her lips and didn't say anything.
Chen Zhiyi placed the phone back in Lin Ting's hand. The screen was still the same location app, with two small red dots overlapping, making it impossible to distinguish one from the other.
"When we get to the concert venue, Zhang Ke and I will go backstage to wait. You can go through the main entrance to get your ticket checked. Just walk in naturally and you don't need to pretend. There will be a lot of people at night, so please be careful. Just bring your phone and ID card. Don't bring your wallet or anything like that, as they are easy to steal. Even if you are engrossed in the concert, please be aware of your personal safety. Many men will take the opportunity to grope you, so please be vigilant."
Lin Ting just wanted to facepalm and calm down. This man was getting more and more fussy. It wasn't like a primary school field trip, where they were having a safety talk before setting off.
He immediately stopped, saying, "Okay, I know what you're saying. I'm a little excited, but not overly excited. I still have a sense of self-preservation."
"Also, I'm four years older than you. Those four years of experience weren't for nothing. I understand what you understand, but you might not understand what I understand."
"Which one don't I understand?"
Lin Ting smiled slyly, "Do you know how to change your sanitary napkins?"
Chen Zhiyi was speechless.
...
As night fell, the chill in City C seemed to melt away with the enthusiasm, and the entire city was immersed in jubilation. Outside the main gate of the Hunan TV Convention Center, a sea of people had already gathered, and the colorful lights and the laughter of the audience created a vivid picture.
The audience members had their tickets checked one by one.
Lin Ting was still wearing a hat and mask, but she took off her glasses. She still preferred to keep a low profile and be alone in the vast crowd.
The girl behind saw Lin Ting's ticket: "Section A, Row 3, Seat 1, oh my god, a godly seat."
The girl next to her heard the exclamation and leaned over to look. "The first five rows of Section A are the exclusive interactive area. They're basically for sponsors, station leaders, or people who arranged these things," she said. "Even scalpers can't get these tickets. Where did you buy them?"
"I stole it." Lin Ting's voice was calm, unaffected by their exaggerated envy.
"How do you steal it?" they asked curiously, assuming there was some unseen, underhanded method involved.
"Hand speed".
Talking nonsense with a straight face.
This will completely end the chat.
Lin Ting opened the chat window, "Where did you get the tickets?"
Chen Zhiyi quickly replied, "Family ticket." Three words, concise and to the point.
"Hmm, I suddenly realize that being the family member of a popular celebrity has many advantages."
"Then do it for life. There are many benefits waiting for you to discover, so don't miss out."
Lin Ting's lips curled up slightly, and the joy in her heart spread beneath her mask.
"Have you checked your tickets?"
"It's almost my turn."
"Okay, have fun."
The New Year's Eve concert will start at 8 p.m.
The convention center was bustling with noise. Lin Ting sat in her seat, holding up the glow stick that had been given to her, and counted down with the entire audience.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1----
As the countdown ended, the stage lights burst into a dazzling rainbow, shifting with the rhythm of the music to create a dreamlike yet realistic atmosphere. The opening act saw performers converge on the stage from all directions in various forms, singing and dancing in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. A giant LED screen, like a canopy, displayed meticulously designed visual effects that seamlessly integrated with the live performance, making the audience feel as if they were in a fantastical world.
Hunan TV's New Year's Eve concert has always been number one in viewership ratings, and the secret lies in its all-star lineup, featuring crossover performances, mashups, and a wide variety of singing and performing acts.
After the performance began, stars took turns performing, igniting the enthusiasm of the entire audience with their songs and dances. Pop singers performed the latest hits with their soulful voices, each note seemingly striking directly at the hearts of the audience, evoking waves of resonance; while powerful vocalists, with their unique voices and superb singing skills, reinterpreted classic old songs, evoking countless people's nostalgia and sentimentality for the past. Guests who crossed over to sing and dance used special performance styles, such as combining magic and musical theater, to perform songs while also acting, directly pushing the atmosphere to a climax and leaving the audience in awe.
Most of the songs were familiar, and almost every song was sung in unison. Lin Ting, who rarely sings in public, was also infected by the exciting atmosphere and started humming along.
No wonder many people consider attending a live concert as one of their life's dreams. It's truly wonderful; you can fully experience the boiling of passion, the unrestrained brilliance, and the fiery surge.
The stage fell silent, the helicopter platform rose, and Chen Zhiyi slowly appeared, playing the piano.
A white suit, a white piano, elegant piano music, a clear and melodious voice—everything was so pure and holy, like a ray of bright moonlight gently shining on the center of the stage, washing away the previous clamor and returning to the essence of performance: the exchange of emotions.
The image of the boy she secretly admired, who played the piano for her during her youth, became a clear picture in her mind.
The beautiful singing and familiar melody led the entire audience to sing along.
The audience waved their glow sticks and sang along as they watched the lyrics scrolling on the big screen.
"I like following you like this, wherever you take me."
"Your face slowly draws closer, and tomorrow will slowly, slowly become clearer."
"I love your love for me, the feeling of your touch on every fingertip."
"I know it speaks to your promise."
...
After the performance ended, all the accompaniment disappeared, and Chen Zhiyi walked down from his seat to the front of the stage.
At the same time, bright fireworks exploded on both sides of the stage, and colorful, glittering confetti fell from the sky above the stage.
The audience in the front row was immediately ignited, and cheers of "Ahhhhh!" erupted.
Lin Ting put her phone away and watched the romantic scene unfold before her, holding her breath.
Star-shaped confetti rained down from the sky, covering the stage and landing on Chen Zhiyi's head, shoulders, and eyelashes.
A light, casual wink, a stray eyelash falling from her eyelashes, a slight upturn of her lips revealing pearly white teeth—a touch of flirtatiousness, yet also a sunny and gentle charm. It's captivating.
He touched the microphone to his lips with his finger, looked at Lin Ting in the audience, their eyes met, and he said those words, "I like you."
This declaration of love completely ignited the entire venue, with fans holding up support signs, waving glow sticks, and screaming incessantly.
They all thought it was a response from their idol, but only Lin Ting knew that it was meant for her; he was confessing his love to her in front of the whole world.
Despite the surrounding noise, Lin could clearly hear the violent pounding of his heart, which made his chest feel hot and painful.
The new program has been brought to the stage, but Lin Ting is still immersed in the confession she just made and can't come back to her senses for a long time.
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