Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapter 300, Section 301: An Old Acquaintance Comes to the Door

The night Lin Xiao and Han Xixi signed contracts with the "Longing for Married Life" program.

The production team couldn't wait to post an official announcement on Weibo, declaring that the two would be joining the recording of the fourth season.

In terms of the program's promotional pace, this news was leaked a bit too early. Under normal circumstances, the news should have been released after the first episode was recorded to maximize the pre-release hype and publicity.

However, given that the names Lin Xiao and Han Xixi don't need hype or pre-launch promotion, they can cause a huge stir online at any time.

Therefore, making an official announcement on the day of signing is the best publicity strategy.

Not only will it not prematurely deplete netizens' attention, but it will also allow it to convey to industry peers the victorious attitude: "I've won over Lin Xiao and his wife, so you can all cry in your blankets. When my show airs, everyone better be considerate, lest you get splattered with blood and don't blame me for not warning you..."

The main character is ruthless and domineering.

It's not that Lutdan is overly optimistic that he would dare to do this; rather, it's because Lin Xiao and Han Xixi truly have the influence to draw attention to them.

The promotional Weibo post was published in less than ten minutes.

This news quickly became a trending topic and reached the top of the trending list within fifteen minutes.

Of course, the comments section wasn't entirely filled with anticipation and harmony.

On the contrary, there were more negative comments.

"They're already starting to fish?"

"Wait, isn't it against the rules for civil servants to appear on variety shows?"

"Didn't you always market yourself as dedicated to your job and serving the country and its people? You've only been popular for a couple of days and you're already trying to make money in the private sector?"

"Hmph, just as I thought, no one can resist the temptation of such overwhelming popularity!"

Lin Xiao: I don't want to accept either, they're offering too much!

"Ugh, I'm so disappointed. I thought he would be different..."

"Hmph, I knew it. You were always trying to portray yourself as indifferent to fame and fortune, but now your true colors are showing, aren't you?"

"No, you're all missing the point. The issue now isn't whether Lin Xiao is after money, but rather that his marriage to Han Xixi seems to be a complete conspiracy. If the previous events weren't solid evidence, is it something a husband should do to drag his pregnant, semi-retired wife onto a couple's variety show? It's obvious he doesn't care about his wife at all and wants to squeeze every last drop of value out of her. This proves that his so-called love at first sight and whirlwind marriage with Han Xixi were all part of a scheme by a man from humble beginnings!"

"He manipulates the naive and innocent only daughter in the system, controls his powerful in-laws, and transforms himself into a top influencer, gaining favor from the higher-ups with the title of a celebrity town mayor, with a bright future ahead... This is probably the most successful scheme I've ever seen in my life, it's absolutely terrifying to think about!"

"The guy upstairs who said it was all a free lunch, did you just eat up all the popular songs Lin Xiao wrote?"

"Songwriting? I admit he's written a lot of songs, but there are plenty of talented songwriters in the music industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Let me ask you this: who has become famous faster, has more popularity, or generated more controversy than Lin Xiao? Honestly, does his songwriting talent match his current online popularity?"

"..."

The online debate is raging.

The buzz quickly spread from Weibo and across the entire internet before nightlife truly began.

This time, Lin Xiao once again single-handedly stirred up a storm across the entire internet.

At this moment.

Mashan County, State Guesthouse.

The crew of the "Rebirth" program stayed here.

Mashan County is a remote mountainous county that has only recently been removed from the list of impoverished counties. There are really no decent hotels in the town. The most upscale one is the State Guesthouse, which is built halfway up the mountain and has been in use for more than ten years.

State guesthouses are not open to just anyone, and are not even open to the public.

However, the production team of "Rebirth" is not an ordinary individual; rather, it is a top-tier variety show team that can bring huge online attention to Mashan County. County leaders cannot and dare not ignore it.

and so.

Despite being in Xingguang Town at noon, the production crew didn't even get to have a proper working meal.

However, when they stayed at the state guesthouse that night, they received the highest level of hospitality because it was arranged by county leaders.

Sometimes, it's really hard to say whether something is against the rules or not.

The suite on the far east side of the fourth floor of the State Guesthouse.

Rutdam was wearing a wine-red silk nightgown, her face still flushed. Because she was lying on her side, her shoulders were wide open, and her fair right shoulder was completely exposed, a beautiful sight to behold.

The sound of water splashing came from the bathroom.

Lutherdan, however, remained completely oblivious, watching the online discussions with utmost seriousness, his expression revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

She was so engrossed in watching that she didn't even notice when Xiao Fang came out of the bathroom.

"Sister Dan~~"

Xiao Fang was shirtless, brazenly displaying his youthful body and abs.

This is why he was chosen by Director Lu, and it naturally became the foundation for his success at Hunan TV.

At the station, Lutherdan always strictly requires him to use official titles.

But in private, Xiao Fang would always switch back to the nickname "Sister Dan" to show their closeness, and Lutdan never refused.

"Sister Dan, did you miscalculate this time? I see that netizens aren't buying into Lin Xiao joining the fourth season; instead, there's a barrage of criticism!"

While Xiao Fang was drying her hair, she also glanced at her phone.

In the ten or so seconds he spent scrolling through the comments section, he didn't see a single positive review.

This is no easy task.

Because of Lutdan's excessive admiration for Lin Xiao, Xiao Fang had always harbored inexplicable hostility towards him. Now, seeing him being vilified and attacked by the entire internet, Xiao Fang couldn't have been happier or more relieved.

However, while I was happy, I also felt relieved.

He dared not show it in front of Lutherdan, because Dan hated traitors the most.

Lin Xiao has now signed an agreement with the program team.

Essentially, we're all in the same boat.

Xiao Fang knew this all too well, which is why he said those words with a tone of deep sorrow and indignation.

Lutdan clearly saw through the boy's thoughts, but ignored them, instead revealing a smug smile on his sunken cheeks.

"Miscalculation?"

Lutdan gave a cold and arrogant smile. "Just one official announcement, and you've monopolized the top spots on all the major social media platforms' trending topics, instantly unifying the attention across the entire internet... With Lin Xiao's influence and the buzz he generates, do you think it was a mistake for me to invite him?"

"Ok?"

Xiao Fang frowned subconsciously, feeling that something was not right.

"But Sister Dan, although netizens are paying attention, they're giving mostly negative reviews!"

"A bad review is still a review, and negative publicity is still publicity. You've been with me for over half a year now, haven't you learned such a simple principle?"

Lutdan looked at Xiao Fang with a doting gaze.

During work hours, as the assistant, he would have been severely scolded.

But now, the young man has just put in a lot of effort, so even if he hasn't achieved anything, he has certainly put in the hard work.

Sister Dan was very satisfied with his performance, and seeing his cerebellar agenesis, she found him even more adorable.

Xiao Fang pondered for a long time before realizing what it meant.

But he was not convinced.

"But Sister Dan, our 'Rebirth' is a slow-paced variety show that relies on quality and word-of-mouth to gain popularity. We've never relied on hype or controversy."

Xiao Fang argued stubbornly, "Now that Lin Xiao has been criticized so harshly right from the start, if he really appears on the show, won't he ruin all the reputation we've built up over the first three seasons?"

Seeing that he was serious, Lutdam finally couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Little Fang, Little Fang, how can you be so innocent and adorable?"

"???"

"Why do we make variety shows? Is it for reputation?"

"Uh...isn't that right?" Xiao Fang was completely dumbfounded.

"It's for the money, you silly little thing!"

"!!!"

These words were like a wake-up call, and Xiao Fang's eyes widened instantly.

Lutdan sneered, "A good reputation is for making money, high traffic is for making money, controversy is for making money... It's all about making money. Who looks down on whom? Can you distinguish between noble and lowly between two gold bars?"

Xiao Fang was dumbfounded and speechless.

These few words struck him like a thunderbolt, waking him from a dream.

During his time in the industry, he never thought that Rutgers was anything special, and often felt proud and confident that "I could do it too."

It was only at this moment that he realized he was truly fearless in his ignorance.

He realized the gap between himself and this female demon.

To break through in a male-dominated industry, Rutgerdan is not only sensitive, but also more ruthless, hard-hearted, and cunning than the average man!
As a newcomer to the industry.

Xiao Fang only realized today that the idea that "I can also have sex" was a complete illusion; at most, she was just "being had sex".

……

The news that Lin Xiao has joined the fourth season of "Rebirth" continues to cause a stir online.

The heated discussion quickly spread to the present.

That evening, Lin Xiao's phone was ringing off the hook. Friends, classmates, and relatives all called and sent WeChat messages to ask about the situation, some of them with sarcasm and mockery.

Lin Xiao, on the other hand, was calm and responded to each question seriously.

These things didn't affect my mood at all.

It's not that he's naturally calm or has an innately strong mind.

Rather, he didn't care about the people who came to ask him questions.

None of the people he cared about came to ask.

For example, his own parents, his parents-in-law, and several close classmates. Among them, his father-in-law Han Haijun and mother-in-law Liu Liyun are particularly close.

It's understandable that my parents don't ask.

My mother lives with me and has known about his activities and this matter for a long time.

My dad still lives in our old rural hometown.

Having spent his entire life as a farmer and worker, Lin Jianping's only connection to the online world was playing Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game) on his mobile phone. He didn't care about or pay attention to trending topics or gossip, even though his son and daughter-in-law were both celebrities.

Lin Xiao brought his wife to participate in the variety show "Rebirth". What he was most worried about was the reaction of his parents-in-law.

After all, the elderly couple had already suffered a great loss because of his "fame" and "popularity," almost ruining their reputation in their later years.

The saying goes, "Once bitten by a snake, twice shy."

Logically speaking, even if the couple had reaffirmed their son-in-law's feelings and character after the last confession, they should still hope that he would keep a low profile and be cautious in the future.

But Lin Xiao refused.

Since it's already a hit, let's add fuel to the fire, with a "what the heck" attitude.

This approach to things is completely opposite to the style within the system.

Having served as leaders for half their lives, Han Haijun and Liu Liyun knew they couldn't possibly approve of Lin Xiao's current style of doing things.

In particular, the comments online were so nasty, every word of which was cursing Lin Xiao and trying to summarize his marriage with Han Xixi as a "phoenix man scheming against a rich girl".

Although Han Haijun and Liu Liyun are now divorced.

But the couple's care and love for their daughter remained constant.

If they had even the slightest doubt about Lin Xiao...

Given how big of a stir this time, the two of them should at least call to ask about the situation. Even if they don't question or reprimand him, hearing Lin Xiao's explanation would put their minds at ease.

However, there were none at all; neither of them had any.

The South Korean Navy is one thing.

As the top official of Yizhou City, Lin Xiao's request to participate in the program had already been reported to the city through the county, and Comrade Lao Han, who was both the mayor and his father-in-law, had already seen it.

But Liu Liyun didn't ask any questions at all.

She also video-called Xixi that night and "talked" with the chubby girl for a while, but didn't mention the trending topic at all.

After the video call ended, Lin Xiao finally felt relieved.

His in-laws' calm demeanor finally convinced him that he had completely won them over.

Now.

Neither leader had any doubts about their political methods or their genuine feelings for Han Xixi.

They might feel that Lin Xiao's high-profile approach to being a civil servant is completely contrary to the low-key and composed work style expected in this line of work.

However, the two of them still treated him with full respect.

After all, you can't find another civil servant with this style anywhere else in the whole country.

The experience and insights that Han Haijun and Liu Liyun had gained over half a lifetime were completely useless to their son-in-law.

The elderly couple could only watch helplessly, finding their son-in-law's new approach both strange and novel, while trying to understand and accept it, letting go completely and respecting and supporting it.

I understood the psychological motivations of my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Lin Xiao felt somewhat comforted, and became even more reckless about what he was going to do... no, I mean, he became even more determined in his beliefs.

However, this incident has caused quite a stir.

Among the people Lin Xiao cares about, not everyone is as unconditionally supportive as his parents-in-law.

It topped the trending searches for the second day.

The online discussion remains enthusiastic, with criticism and ridicule continuing unabated.

Lin Xiao remained calm and drove to work as usual, spending a busy but fulfilling day amidst the apprehensive and hesitant gazes of the town's officials.

I got home after get off work.

He was shocked to discover that an acquaintance had arrived and was sitting at home waiting for him.

"Old Cao?"

Lin Xiao was surprised and astonished to see Cao Yuanzhi playing with his daughter. "When did you arrive? Why didn't you say hello?"

Hearing the noise, Cao Yuanzhi glanced towards the door.

That one glance conveyed a complex mix of emotions, a deep sense of sorrow and anger.

Lin Xiao had a feeling that he was about to blurt out "you bastard" at him any second.

"What are you saying hello for? I'm not here to see you, I'm here to see my niece!"

Old Cao spoke in a sarcastic tone, and after he finished speaking, he glared at Lin Xiao.

"???"

Lin Xiao looked bewildered: No, what did I do to offend him?
I put down my bag, changed my shoes, and went inside.

Walking to the crib, I noticed a large bag full of toys on the sofa, which I guessed Cao Yuanzhi had brought.

But it's obvious that Lao Cao has never taken care of children before.

The toys he bought were not only flashy, but many of them were only suitable for children over one year old. Lin Xiaoxi, who is only four months old, couldn't even hold them properly.

However, it was still a token of goodwill.

Lin Xiao wouldn't possibly be disgusted.

Lin Xiao guessed that Cao Yuanzhi's sudden arrival was probably related to his trending topic yesterday.

But in front of his family, he doesn't bring it up himself, nor does he ask too many questions.

Old Cao stayed at home for dinner.

After dinner, he finally couldn't hold back any longer and suggested going out for a couple of drinks with me.

Lin Xiao naturally complied, and as the host, he took his senior and comrade-in-arms, Cao Yuanzhi, to the night market in the county town.

Although Xingguang Town is sparsely populated, the county seat of Mashan is quite lively.

Lin Xiao chose the busiest night market and skillfully ordered the grilled skewers.

In just a short while, quite a few people at the stall had recognized him, and some had noticed Cao Yuanzhi.

As the original singer of the two hit singles "Love Like a Tide" and "Confession Balloon", Lao Cao has retired from the entertainment industry, but he was once very popular.

Although the hype came and went quickly, the brand still gained some recognition.

It's normal for people to recognize me now.

Lin Xiao alone was already enough to attract attention, but adding Cao Yuanzhi instantly drew crowds and excitement to the already bustling night market.

The citizen closest to the two took a photo.

People further away, hearing the commotion, thought something exciting had happened and kept craning their necks to look in this direction.

The night market, filled with the smoke of cooking, added to its vibrant atmosphere.

Lin Xiao, however, was completely unaware of this.

While we were ordering the skewers, Lao Cao sat with his legs crossed, his hands clasped in front of his chest, and he glanced at him sideways.

Lin Xiao became increasingly certain that Lao Cao had come to settle scores with him.

He suddenly looked like a cheating scumbag caught red-handed, cowering and shrinking back, punishing himself with three beers first.

Three cups of foam down my throat.

"Hiccup~"

Lin Xiao, hiccuping from the alcohol, said domineeringly, "Old Cao, get to the point. Don't sound so resentful, like I cheated on you..."

"Hey!!"

Old Cao almost jumped up from his folding stool.

Lin Xiao quickly grinned, "Just kidding, just kidding, don't get angry..."

Cao Yuanzhi rolled his eyes at him, then sat back down.

"Brother Cao, what brings you all this way to see me?" Lin Xiao asked again.

"what's up?"

Cao Yuanzhi said helplessly, "Mayor Lin, have you forgotten that you were the one who spearheaded the establishment of the 'New Homeland' music company between the Nanzhou Provincial Government and Feihong Entertainment?"

Upon hearing the words "new rural landscape," Lin Xiao's eyes flickered.

Oh my god, I really forgot.

"I remember, how could I not remember!"

Lin Xiao's face was resolute, as if he were about to go up the mountain to suppress bandits. "But since I've entrusted this matter entirely to you, senior, I naturally trust you, which is why I've never asked you about the situation..."

Cao Yuanzhi's eyes nearly twitched from rolling them so much.

He knew that this guy had definitely forgotten, there was no cure!

"So, are all the formalities completed now?"

"It's done!"

Old Cao said helplessly, "The company address has been chosen, and a batch of state-of-the-art equipment has been shipped from Haicheng. Everything is in place. Now everything is ready, except for your new song, Lin, the great musician..."

As Lao Cao spoke, his tone became uncontrollably resentful again.

"I thought you, Mayor Lin, were busy with work, so I didn't want to bother you. After all, you can't rush someone to write a song; you'll definitely send it to me as soon as you have it! But I've been waiting anxiously, and then you suddenly find yourself trending on social media, telling me you're going to film some couple's variety show?"

Old Cao looked at him with a pitying expression, and said speechlessly, "Lin Xiao, junior, buddy, what are you thinking? Don't you have enough identities and professions? Recording variety shows is not that simple. If you dive in headfirst, you won't even be able to take care of your job as town mayor. How are you going to do music creation? Isn't our 'New Rural' music company about to close down as soon as it opened?"

(End of this chapter)