Chapter 194: Attending Happy Camp

At Shachang Airport, Zhou Huimin dragged her suitcase out of the terminal, a damp gust of hot wind rushing to meet her. Her assistant jogged to keep up: "Ms. Zhou, the car is already waiting. We'll head to the hotel to drop off your luggage first, then go straight to Hunan Broadcasting."

Zhou Huimin nodded, her fingertips absently rubbing the suitcase handle. This was her first time appearing on a mainland variety show. Though she had starred in countless films, standing on a variety-show stage facing improvised interactions and fast-paced games still left her feeling a little unsure.

"I hear the hosts of 'Happy Camp' are really good at taking care of their guests," the assistant noticed her nervousness and reassured her. "Teacher He is especially professional—he won't let you freeze on camera."

Zhou Huimin took a deep breath and offered a faint smile: "I hope so."

The corridor of the Hunan Broadcasting building was carpeted in deep red. Zhou Huimin followed a staff member toward the dressing room, faintly hearing music and audience laughter drifting from the studio in the distance.

A light knock came at the dressing-room door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and a man in a casual suit with a warm smile walked in: "Hello, Ms. Zhou. I'm He Jiong."

Zhou Huimin immediately stood up and politely extended her hand: "Hello, Teacher He. I've long admired you."

He Jiong gave her hand a light squeeze, his tone sincere: "I really didn't expect to be able to invite you to our show. It's a great honor."

As they were talking, the dressing-room door was suddenly flung open with a "bang," and a ponytailed, bursting-with-energy girl burst in breezily: "Teacher He! The director says rehearsal in five minutes—wow! Zhou Huimin!"

Xie Na's eyes went wide, instantly switching from professional mode to fangirl mode: "Oh my god! I really love listening to your songs! I've watched 'A Life's Love' twenty times!"

Zhou Huimin, infected by her enthusiasm, couldn't help laughing: "Thank you. You're even more lively than you look on TV."

Weijia and Haitao also came in one after another to say hello, and the dressing room instantly livened up.

"Ms. Zhou," Weijia handed her a cup of hot tea, "later for the opening you'll come up from this lift. It's very simple, no need to be nervous."

Haitao scratched his head: "Our show is just for fun. Just relax."

He Jiong glanced at his watch: "Shall we get ready to start? Ms. Zhou, if you need anything just let me know."

Zhou Huimin nodded, suddenly feeling her nervousness ease considerably.

The studio blazed with lights, and the music began.

He Jiong: "Welcome to 'Happy Camp'! Today's guest is amazing—"

Xie Na snatched the microphone: "The dream goddess of countless people!"

Weijia: "His albums are bestsellers across Asia!"

Haitao: "His lover is an internationally renowned director."

He Jiong: "Let's welcome with the warmest applause—Ms. Zhou Huimin!"

The lift at the center of the stage rose slowly. Zhou Huimin, in a simple white dress, smiled and waved to the audience. Deafening cheers erupted below, and camera flashes merged into a sea of light.

He Jiong stepped forward: "Ms. Zhou, this is your first time on our 'Happy Camp.' How does it feel?"

Zhou Huimin took the microphone, her voice gentle: "Very fresh, and also very nervous. Everyone is too enthusiastic."

Xie Na clutched her chest dramatically: "You're nervous? I'm the one who's nervous, okay! My palms are soaked!" She suddenly turned to the audience: "Tell me, is Ms. Zhou beautiful?"

"Beautiful—" the entire audience answered in unison.

The first game was "Pictionary." Zhou Huimin and He Jiong were one team, competing against Xie Na and Weijia.

He Jiong looked at the prompt card: "This one's a bit tough...... 'Farewell My Concubine'!"

Zhou Huimin immediately picked up a brush and drew a simple opera mask on the board.

He Jiong got it instantly: "'Farewell My Concubine'!"

"Correct!" the director's team announced.

Xie Na, unconvinced: "Give us a harder one!"

The next prompt was "director."

Zhou Huimin drew a director's chair, then drew a clapperboard beside it.

He Jiong frowned: "Filmmaking...... director!"

Xie Na wailed: "That chemistry is way too good!"

Weijia suddenly suggested: "Ms. Zhou, I hear you don't play games much. Want to try our 'Mystery Box Challenge'?"

A staff member wheeled out a mysterious box covered with black cloth.

Zhou Huimin walked over curiously: "What's inside?"

He Jiong smiled mysteriously: "Why don't you reach in and feel?"

Zhou Huimin hesitated, then carefully reached her hand in. Suddenly she let out an "Ah!" and yanked her hand back, startling everyone.

"Is...... is it a crab?" she asked uncertainly.

Xie Na whipped off the black cloth: "It's a toy crab! Ms. Zhou, you're too cute!"

Only then did Zhou Huimin realize she'd been pranked. She covered her mouth and laughed, her eyes curving into crescents.

"Next up is our talent segment!" He Jiong announced. "What surprise has Ms. Zhou prepared for us today?"

Zhou Huimin stood up: "I'd like to sing a song—'Love Like the Tide'—dedicated to all the audience members who support me."

The music began. She stood at the center of the stage, a spotlight falling on her. When her clear, gentle voice rang out, the entire studio fell silent.

At the chorus, Xie Na suddenly ran up onto the stage, grabbed another microphone, and improvised a duet. Zhou Huimin was startled for a moment, then caught on and played along. Their chemistry-filled duet won thunderous applause.

As recording neared its end, He Jiong said sincerely: "Thank you, Ms. Zhou, for the joy you brought us today. We hope you'll come back often!"

Zhou Huimin bowed to the audience: "Thank you, everyone. This is the warmest show I've ever been part of."

Xie Na rushed up and gave her a big hug: "Next time come to my place for hotpot!"

As she walked out of the studio, Zhou Huimin's phone buzzed. It was a message from her assistant: "Director Xiang is asking how the recording went."

She replied with a smile: "Met a few interesting new friends. Very happy."

The corridor lights fell softly on the carpet. Zhou Huimin's steps were light. For the first time, she felt that a variety show could be just like making a film—full of unexpected surprises and touching moments.