Chapter 53: Chapter Fifty: Want to Try Seven Mile Fragrance?

For Warner’s bundled marketing move, the newly allied Sony, BMG, and Rock Records had no choice but to accept it.

Fuck, they’ve got hacks!

Warner’s playing dirty, using fucking cheats!

With Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi, whether judged by album sales or popularity, these two were unquestionably the hottest new artists of the millennium.

Especially Zhou Yi.

By the day before the recording of “Food Junction,” Zhou Yi’s legitimate album sales across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China were fast approaching 1.4 million copies.

Distribution channels in Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian regions had also officially launched sales; a lifetime Asian legitimate sales figure of 1.8 to 2 million was no dream.

Once Warner’s “Twin Stars” title was announced, Zhou Yi’s discussion Redu , which had dipped due to his long absence from Taiwan, surged again.

Precisely because of this, Zhou Yi’s arrival received the highest-level reception from the entire “Food Junction” production team. In Wu Zongxian’s own words, even the Four Heavenly Kings wouldn’t get this treatment.

“Congratulations, congratulations on your album’s huge success, Zhou Yi. Is it okay if I call you that? From what I know, you’re still in university.”

Wu Zongxian, who had previously interacted with Zhou Yi during the gas poisoning incident and even shared a casual meal with him, warmly embraced Zhou Yi upon his arrival at the hotel—

Behind Wu Zongxian, Sun Yanzi, who had already reported to the production team, gave Zhou Yi a peace sign and smiled to welcome him.

“Of course it’s fine, Brother Wu, though this address might remind me of the fear I felt being dominated by teachers back in school.” After greeting them, Zhou Yi tossed the backpack he was carrying toward Sun Yanzi, who was sneaking up to cause trouble, making her shriek—

“Why are you throwing things?”

“That’s called striking first—I don’t want to be recorded looking foolish.”

Smug, Zhou Yi extended his hand toward the backpack Sun Yanzi hastily caught, then nodded toward the cameraman trailing behind him: “Better the other guy die than me.”

Seeing that the relationship between these two “Warner Twin Stars” genuinely seemed good—not at all like a forced corporate bundling—Wu Zongxian was thrilled.

After all, variety shows work better with familiar faces.

“Zhou, your agent must have already explained the show’s format to you before you came, right? It’s a simple word-chain game.

“The production team gives the first food name, we go eat it, then eat, chat, and play, finally using the last character of the first food to chain to the next food.

“The production team will reveal the final food name at the right moment, and we’ll have to somehow steer the conversation toward that last dish.

“It’s really more of an outdoor variety show disguised as a food-themed activity.

“And since we’re filming on location, many of your fans will gather to watch—and even interact with you.”

Wu Zongxian personally handed Zhou Yi the show’s procedure, gestured to the crew, then led Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi into the hotel:

“So, I need to confirm again—do you want any topic restrictions? Or is there anything you absolutely don’t want to talk about?”

“What’s there I can’t talk about?”

Zhou Yi shrugged: “Bring it on. I can handle it.”

After receiving Zhou Yi’s definite answer, Wu Zongxian finally relaxed.

To be honest, he was genuinely surprised when he first got the news from Warner. He’d invited mainland artists before, but there were always restrictions.

Zhou Yi was the first mainland artist who was completely unbothered by gossip—even openly embracing Taiwan variety show traditions like crude humor.

“Alright, rest well tonight. Recording starts early tomorrow.”

Knowing these two had been running nonstop, Wu Zongxian handed Zhou Yi the room key after a final reminder.

“How about it? Need me to give you a hand tomorrow?”

After Wu Zongxian left, Sun Yanzi leaned against the hotel room door, grinning teasingly: “Don’t think I’m bragging, but over the past few months, my variety show experience far exceeds yours.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, Master Sun.”

Zhou Yi spoke in an exaggerated, sarcastic tone, earning a disgusted eye-roll from Sun Yanzi, who knew better.

She’d even thought about playing the senior role.

This bastard always hit her right where it hurt, leaving her speechless.

Is this even remotely respectful to a teacher?!

Is this fair?!

“Enough of this nonsense. I’m going out to eat. You coming?”

After packing up his belongings, Zhou Yi spun the room key and grinned: “Airplane food is awful—I’m starving.”

“The production team is so stingy. Couldn’t they have booked me a flight with better meals?”

“You really dare say that? Afraid the crew will hear and give you trouble?”

“This is between heaven, earth, you, and me—unless you betray me. But would you?”

Sun Yanzi’s lips curled slightly: “Who knows? I’ve been jealous of your album sales for a long time.”

She released her album in early June, had just secured the number-one spot for a month, when Zhou Yi swept through Taiwan’s music scene and AOEd her along with everyone else.

“Then I suggest you get used to it—you’ll be crushed by me every year from now on.”

As he spoke boastfully, Zhou Yi hadn’t taken two steps before he received Sun Yanzi’s punch—soft as cotton, but aimed with spite—

“It’s this late, the hotel has nothing left to eat. The night market’s buzzing—dare you go?”

“What’s there to fear? I’ve never been to a Taiwan night market. Recommend something tasty.”

“Ever tried Seven Mile Fragrance? You probably haven’t—this snack’s pretty famous here, and you’ll find plenty at night markets.”

Remembering a snack, Sun Yanzi smirked: “I heard it’s chicken butt? Or some other part?”

Hearing this, Zhou Yi instantly perked up: “You reminded me—I’d almost forgotten. Tasting it wouldn’t hurt. I’ve only ever eaten chicken butt my mom stewed.”

Soon, the two, disguised, stepped out of the hotel and headed straight for the legendary Taiwan night market to satisfy their hunger.

Sparrows fluttered their wings on power poles beside streetlights; the summer night buzzed with cicadas, as hot as ever—the story began as smoothly as always—

But the outcome of this night wasn’t pleasant for Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi.

“Ah! Are you Zhou Yi?!”

“Sun Yanzi?! You’re Sun Yanzi, right?!”

Clearly, both Zhou Yi and Sun Yanzi had overestimated their disguises.

Just moments after buying the famous snack “Seven Mile Fragrance” and removing their masks to eat, they were recognized.

“...”

“...”

“Miss, I think you’ve misunderstood.”

Facing the excited fans, Zhou Yi maintained his composure and lied with perfect seriousness: “I just look like Zhou Yi—I’m his younger brother. If you don’t mind, call me Bagua.”

“You know my brother’s coming here to film, so I tagged along to see it.”

Beside him, silenced, Sun Yanzi imitated him: “Hi everyone, I’m Sun Yanzi’s sister. My name is Sun Yanmei. Please support my sister’s album.”

“...”

This left the excited fans utterly baffled.

Why are they so calm?

Shouldn’t they be denying it, running away, and calling their agents?

Who do they think they’re insulting with this blatant lie?

Seeing the fans still watching them intently, Sun Yanzi suddenly elbowed Zhou Yi, gritting her teeth to force out: “At least pick a normal nickname—no one’s called Bagua!”

“You’re no better—you changed your name to Sun Yanmei? Didn’t realize you were this narcissistic.”

Forced into an impromptu autograph session, Zhou Yi shot back through clenched teeth.

“Thanks—I actually have a sister. Her name really is Sun Yanmei.”

“...”

Then never mind.

Just as he was about to sign for a loud, chesty girl, Zhou Yi glanced at her sideways: “Forget I said that—your parents have great taste!”