Chapter 53

Time spent having fun always passes quickly.

Besides going to bars, Young Master Wang, this wealthy second-generation, really loved playing video games.

So he had no intention of treating them to yacht models, internet celebrities, or other clichéd activities.

To be fair, he had principles—he'd hug pretty girls when drinking, but if they leaned close while he was gaming, they'd likely get scolded.

When Bai Liang and Lin Gengxin remembered they still had a show to record, they stepped back into the sunlight and felt as if they'd crossed into another lifetime.

It felt like returning to their teenage years, sneaking online to bully others all night.

Boys who find satisfaction in games truly have simple ways of gaining happiness.

But Lin Gengxin couldn't help complaining, "Why do I have these massive dark circles while you're still so energetic? We both slept past dawn yesterday."

"How many hours do you usually need to feel fully rested?"

"At least seven or eight hours."

"I only need four or five hours at most; sometimes I don't get up just because lying in bed feels more comfortable."

Lin Gengxin was speechless, but he was no longer surprised.

The Immortal is the Immortal—what could he possibly say?

"Any secrets?"

"Master Qingshui Jian actually taught me..." Bai Liang had originally wanted to say fitness, but he sensed Lin Gengxin might not mean that direction.

As expected, the moment he said the name, the other's expression changed instantly.

Like a Husky suddenly acting silly.

"Send it to me later!"

"Just search online yourself, idiot..." Bai Liang couldn't help cursing.

He hitched a ride with the car picking up Lin Gengxin, and they arrived at the location for this variety show recording.

It was the famous Mango TV.

Just by its exterior, it was hard to imagine this was a top-tier national broadcasting giant—the building's design was unusual.

It resembled a slightly outdated sci-fi aesthetic.

People say if Mango TV went public, its market value might break a hundred billion yuan—this explains why it dominates the industry so utterly.

Bai Liang, a first-time visitor, walked in curiously, glancing around, yet saw little sense of "grandeur."

At this point, Lin Gengxin could no longer hold back.

To hide his dark circles, he wore sunglasses, trailing behind Bai Liang, feeling exactly like a bodyguard.

"Immortal, do you know which way to go?"

"I can read the signs—they show where the studio is." Bai Liang pointed to the floor map on the wall.

Even if he didn't know, it wouldn't matter.

The crisp clacking of high heels on ceramic tiles was unmistakable—Bai Liang recognized the rhythm immediately.

Especially when the sound neared and suddenly accelerated!

It meant the person had quickened from a stroll to a brisk walk—too bad the distance didn't let them "evolve" into a jog.

He turned—and there she was.

Today she wore a short leather skirt with a beige chiffon blouse and white high heels, radiating gentle charm.

She had more femininity than before.

Lin Gengxin turned too, smiled to greet her—but she passed him by without a glance.

"Why are you here so early?"

Bai Liang, ever considerate, immediately shifted his gaze to Lin Gengxin, subtly reminding Zha: treat your old colleague like a person.

Zha then realized her oversight, embarrassedly covered her mouth, "Long time no see~ Why are you still wearing sunglasses indoors?"

Lin Gengxin: "Uh... my eyes are a bit uncomfortable."

Taking off the sunglasses revealed those dark circles too clearly—he'd need makeup to cover them later.

Looking again at Bai Liang's clean, freshly pampered face, Lin Gengxin once more felt the cruel gap between people—and the injustice of the world.

Seriously, why? We both stayed up the same night—why am I as ugly as a ghost while Bai Liang looks unchanged?

Zha sensed Lin Gengxin's resentment and didn't press further.

Lin Gengxin, ever sensible, stepped ahead quickly to the backstage lounge to get his makeup done—those dark circles made him look like he'd indulged too much.

As for Zha and Bai Liang, they weren't in a hurry, strolling side by side slowly.

"You played video games for two full days?!" Zha exclaimed.

"Not that extreme—we did go to a bar in between."

"A bar? That place is chaotic, packed with people..." After saying two sentences, Zha realized she was overstepping, so she changed tack, "You've never recorded a variety show before, right? I'll be your teacher today—I'll tell you what to watch out for."

"Sure~"

Compared to acting "guidance," Zha genuinely had plenty of useful experience in variety shows.

For example, cameras.

Actors often pretend not to see the camera—even when the lens is practically pressed against their face.

But on variety shows, you must actively look for the camera.

One way is to stay in character so the audience doesn't break immersion; the other is to directly "talk" to the viewers.

Bai Liang found this reasonable, but it was also a habit—if an actor had done too much drama and little variety, they'd likely struggle to adjust at first.

The more experienced "acting veterans" would probably find it even harder.

Zha: No, it's actually quite simple~

No matter how slowly they walked, they couldn't spend all day touring Mango TV—they soon neared the lounge.

At this moment, Bai Liang's phone vibrated slightly.

But he ignored it.

He didn't like pulling out his phone to check it while chatting with someone or walking.

Yet a few seconds later.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming early! I was just thinking of inviting you..."

Mencius's cheerful words cut off mid-sentence.

Because she saw Na Zha, standing half a step behind Bai Liang; the joy on her face instantly faded.

Clearly, as an artist, she still needed more practice in facial expression control.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve isn't a good thing—it invites media attacks.

Similarly, Na Zha wasn't faring any better.

Her face had been glowing with a bright smile, but upon seeing Mencius, it instantly turned cold.

In an instant, she shifted from a slightly silly, sweet look to a cold, stunning beauty.

These two beautiful girls, with similar styles, had clashing auras!

Originally, it wasn't like this—they didn't socialize much on set, but they had no conflicts either, just nodding acquaintances.

But with Bai Liang in the picture, things were naturally different.

Still, Mencius was certainly no match for Na Zha in terms of aura—but she was stubborn, so she refused to budge an inch.

"Inviting me to dinner? Sister Qian Jie isn't here..."

Bai Liang was a responsible man—he couldn't let the atmosphere stay so awkward.

Mencius seized this like a lifeline: "Don't keep thinking about Sister Qian Jie—she's in Changchun. If you're so eager, go there and have dinner with her."

"Fine, I'll go in a few days."

After a brief retort, Mencius darted off.

But she insisted she wasn't retreating—just executing a tactical withdrawal.

Why the rush?

Once she joined the "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" set, she'd be with Bai Liang every day! Then she'd take tons of photos and flood Weibo.

Of course, these were just childish self-reassurances.

Back in the dressing room not long after, she kept thinking about it, growing more and more miserable...

At this moment, Bai Liang finally glanced at his phone.

It was a message from Lin Genxin: "Bro, be careful!"

After arriving at the dressing room ahead of him, Lin Genxin had seen Mencius; he grabbed Bai Liang and asked where he was.

Lin Genxin silently cursed, then quickly warned his brother.

Too bad...

After putting down his phone, Bai Liang heard a question.

Na Zha smiled at him. "Who is Sister Qian Jie?"