Huayu: Starting from the top talent show

Chapter 465 Even the False Yearns to Approach the Real

After a harmonious night, Shen Juan returned to the Mushroom House to begin recording a new episode.

The midday sun was so intense that even the normally energetic dogs were now lying motionless under the air conditioner, resembling dead dogs that could be seen everywhere on the roadside.

After lunch, the group of people all came to the Mushroom House living room, some closing their eyes for a nap, others quietly enjoying the coolness brought by the air conditioning.

"Are you sleepy?" Shen Juan asked softly.

"A little." Sister Tian nodded gently.

Although we had a show to record today, we didn't play the full match last night and didn't completely empty the magazine.

But its strength is indeed quite high.

After all, the pace and intensity of the match between Wajuan and Xiaoye were obviously incomparable to the intensity of the match between him and Sister Tian Xiaoxiao. The former was physically weak but had a strong addiction. For the sake of her health, he certainly couldn't easily unlock the full-power Wajuan mode to launch an investigation against her.

In addition, the drowsiness that is unavoidable after eating
So even though Sister Tian had a lot of energy to spare, she felt like falling asleep as she nestled next to her boyfriend.

"Then go to sleep. I'll wake you if someone comes." Shen Juan put down his phone, which was chatting with Miao Zong on WeChat, reached out and tucked a strand of Tian Xiwei's hair behind her ear. His fingertips naturally brushed across her cheek, leaving a tingling sensation that made her squint her eyes and smile foolishly.

"Okay!" Tian Xiwei nodded obediently, a sweet smile that made the anti-fans in the fandom exclaim that it was impossible.

She leaned closer to Shen Juan, rested her head gently on his shoulder, closed her eyes happily, breathed in the familiar, pleasant scent, and felt the warmth that belonged only to him.

Seeing this sweet scene that made girls' hearts flutter, Zhang Zifeng, who was sitting to the side, couldn't help but show a maternal smile that didn't belong to someone her age.

Although Shen Juan was so stunning when she first came to the show last year that she developed feelings of longing and admiration for him, as time went by and she grew older, she realized that there was no possibility between them, especially since Sister Tian was so good to her.
So she has completely adjusted her mindset and is determined to become Juan Ge and Tian Jie's protector! To safeguard their love!
She gently nudged Pengpeng, who was staring blankly at her like a dead dog, and whispered, "Brother, look at them!"

Peng Peng followed his sister's gaze and saw the couple that the production team both loved and hated, showing off their affection again!
He wanted to tease them, so he deliberately coughed twice and said loudly, "Cough cough cough, we're still recording a show!"

Shen Juan turned to look at Peng Peng, a playful smile on his lips. "What? Are you envious?"

"Who's envious! It's not like I don't have a girlfriend! Didn't I just trend on social media the day before yesterday?" Peng Peng immediately retorted.

"Then bring it over! Show it off however you want, I promise to cut it all out cleanly in post-production."

Peng Peng blushed immediately and argued, "My girlfriend is an ordinary person outside the entertainment industry, so it's inconvenient for her to be on camera! Besides, can the affairs of ordinary people outside the industry be the same as those of people inside the industry?" He then said some incomprehensible things, such as "You are an ordinary person killer, but I am not," and "She is shy, so I have to protect her," which made everyone burst into laughter, and the air inside and outside the Mushroom House was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

He Jiong watched the group interact with such youthful energy, his eyes filled with a gratified smile. Just then, Huang Lei walked over from the kitchen, carrying a plate of freshly cut, chilled fruit. "Here, have some fruit to cool off! When the guests arrive, we must treat them well!"

Shen Juan got up, took the fruit plate from Huang Lei, placed it on the coffee table, and then picked up a piece of pineapple and fed it to Tian Xiwei.

"Taste it?"

Perhaps because she was so sweet from the Nestlé ice cream that Shen Juan brought last night, Tian Xiwei didn't say that Shen Juan was using her as a test subject this time. She just took a bite decisively and her eyes lit up instantly. "So sweet! You eat some too!" she said, picking up a piece and feeding it to Shen Juan.

Zhang Zifeng blushed and was filled with envy as she watched, her desire for love reaching a new peak!
It's a pity that since everyone has already seen such a wonderful Shen Juan, it's obviously impossible for ordinary people to easily enter her world.

Think about it this way
I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse.

After an unknown amount of time, a soft knocking sound and the voices of a man and a woman suddenly came from the other side of the courtyard.

The members of the Mushroom House got up and pushed open the door to come out into the yard. Who else could be standing there but today's guests?

The cast of "A Little Reunion" includes Hai Qing and Ren Zhong, who are among the main actors, as well as Ju Jingyi, who was temporarily added to the cast through connections with Starlink.

The workload is not too bad.

Anyway, he doesn't have any dark history.

Haiqing was slightly embarrassed.

Because Shen Juan, who was in an equally awkward situation, was right in front of her.

To be honest, Hai Qing never expected that her kneeling down to confer a deity title upon Shen Juan at the Scream Night would spark such an explosive online discussion and cause trouble for both parties involved.

Not only did she gain the title of a follower of the weary god, but she also helped Shen Juan directly become a god.

During that period, the fan community unanimously referred to Shen Juan as a god, and many parody videos about the two were also created on Bilibili.

Even now, if someone mentions "god," netizens will immediately think of Shen Juan.

It can only be said that anything related to Shi Nan, whether it's news or memes, always becomes a focus of discussion.

Therefore, Haiqing, who later realized her mistake, asked Huang Lei to contact Shen Juan and express her apologies to him.

But what could Shen Juan say?
People are just showing their love and support for him, that's why they're acting so excited. It's a little awkward, but he can't just take their kindness for granted, can he?
That would not only violate his basic principles for treating fans, but would also disappoint some fans who see him as a source of emotional support.

As for Ju Jingyi...
They still acted so politely and distantly.

It seems there's a barrier between him and everyone else.

However, Shen Juan didn't pay much attention to it.

After all, that's how the entertainment industry is; there's too much backstabbing and scheming, and many people won't show their true selves in order to protect themselves.

So let's just keep up the act!
Although audiences may not like the concept of "idol image," its existence is justified and does not mean it is absolutely wrong.

After assigning rooms and settling luggage, he took the three new guests on a tour of the Mushroom House for about half an hour.

Actually, we just walked around and chatted for half an hour, catching up on each other's recent situations to ease the awkwardness a bit, and then returned to the pavilion where the two teachers were.

Meanwhile, on the way to the Mushroom House, the production crew's car was driving at a leisurely pace.

“Mao Mao has been to Xiangwang before, so she should be very familiar with this place!” A slightly petite man spoke up, his voice as clear and crisp as a boy’s or girl’s.

“I have been here before, but that was two years ago, and I went to Zhejiang back then. Now I’m in Xishuangbanna,” another slightly chubby man wearing glasses pushed up his glasses and replied with a shy smile.

"Is this show tiring?"

"very tired!"

"Huh? So they're not going to treat us like cattle today, are they?"

As is well known, every year, the show "Longing for Life" invites a large number of guests to help with farm work.

It's obviously today.

The three passengers sitting in the car at this moment are the other three guest stars who came to the Mushroom House: singer Zhou Shen, Mao Buyi, and host Zhang Shaogang.

"No, as the hosts of the Mushroom House, they should treat us warmly." Zhang Shaogang seemed to be praising himself, or reassuring everyone: "I was just filming with Shen Juan in Qingdao recently, and he's a very friendly young man! He wouldn't harm us!"

"Wow, Teacher Zhang is amazing!" Zhang Shaogang was quite pleased with Mao Buyi and Zhou Shen's half-hearted praise.

After all, with Shen Juan becoming the leading man in the film, it seems to make people feel particularly proud to say that he and Shen Juan acted together. Even though Shen Juan is decades younger than him and is technically his junior, Shen Juan is someone who can break through the shackles of age.

Besides the three people in the car, another lone guest had already arrived at the Mushroom House.

"Hey, Yue Yunpeng, you're here!"

Why are you here so early today?

"We'll do as the production team says. Teacher Huang, Teacher He, it's been a long time!" Yue Yunpeng greeted the two seniors with a cheerful laugh, then looked at Shen Juan standing behind them with a fawning expression and said with a smile, "We were in Qingdao yesterday, I didn't expect the meeting place to be changed to Xishuangbanna today!"

Shen Juan smiled and stepped forward to take his suitcase from him.

"How did you two meet?" Huang Lei asked curiously.

"Juanjuan and I have been filming in Qingdao for a while!" Yue Yunpeng explained first, while winking at Shen Juan, as if the two were very close.

"Juanjuan acted so well! I was just watching from the sidelines and he drew me into the scene! He's really excellent!"

His idea was simple: to gain favor with Shen Juan's fans by praising Shen Juan in front of the camera, which is what is known as winning over the general public.

You could even say that if he can build good relationships with all the top celebrities and gain the favor of their fans, then he will be the most popular figure among the general public in the Chinese entertainment industry!

With all seven guests now present, it's time for today's main event: going out to do farm work.

I have to say, it was really hot and tiring!

Fortunately, there were many of us, otherwise, working on the farm for several hours in this 37 or 38 degree Celsius heat would have really caused heatstroke!

As evening approached, everyone headed home.

Those who want to rest, rest; those who want to take a bath, take a bath.

In the kitchen, Huang Lei began preparing dinner for everyone, while Hai Qing, Ren Zhong, and others helped out.

The group chatted about various things while chopping and washing vegetables, creating a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere.

Outside the kitchen, Shen Juan and Ju Jingyi, who had finished showering earlier, were sitting on the swing in the pavilion, leisurely enjoying the sultry evening breeze. Suddenly, a gust of wind lifted Ju Jingyi's hair, and when she looked up at the sunset sky, her slender neck formed a beautiful arc.

Having come with a purpose and needing Shen Juan's help, Ju Jingyi took the initiative to start a conversation: "Is this how you guys usually are all? I mean, eating, working, sleeping, and then when you're tired, sitting on the swing and spacing out to clear your mind."

"Isn't this what ordinary people's lives are like?" Shen Juan smiled: "Eating, sleeping, working, having fun, daydreaming, and thinking."

Ju Jingyi couldn't help but laugh along, "But what you do always feels so vivid and real."

Before she could finish speaking, Haiqing's laughter suddenly burst from the kitchen. The sound of chopping vegetables on the cutting board mingled with Huang Lei's humming tune. She looked towards the kitchen, a hint of longing in her eyes, and said with some emotion, "I haven't experienced this kind of lively, homey atmosphere in a long time."

"No one requires you to live in a place with a lively atmosphere," Shen Juan said calmly, gently swaying the swing.

"Why do you say that?" Ju Jingyi looked at Shen Juan's profile, carefully observing his expression and reaction.

"Because I think that in the present day, solitude is actually quite a luxury. Being able to travel, do what you love, and be close to nature are all a kind of luck. Finding a place to sit for half an hour, watching the shadows of trees climb over the windowsill, and listening to whether there are cicadas chirping in the wind—these are not a waste of time. Perhaps many people will never have such a life in their lifetime, but that's okay. Everyone has regrets. But no matter what, you must always maintain a love for certain things."

Ju Jingyi paused for a moment, then laughed self-deprecatingly.

She recalled how, when her alarm rang this morning, she was staring at the densely packed notes in her phone's memo app about recording the show.

Even when eating bread in front of the camera, she would silently count the number of chews in her mind to present the most perfect posture!
But now, sitting on the swing, bathed in the sultry evening breeze, perhaps because she knew Shen Juan had the right to review the film in post-production and could chat freely without worry, or perhaps because she needed his help and didn't need to be pretentious in front of him, she felt an unreal sense of relaxation, as if she had shed her heavy idol image and revealed her most authentic self. "Speaking of which," she hesitated for a moment before asking the question that had been bothering her, "I've actually always wanted to ask, why were you willing to help me?"

Shen Juan said frankly, "Because the company believes you still have potential to be tapped and are very valuable to cultivate. Siba saw your value, so they were afraid you would leave. We saw even more value in you, so we were willing to provide you with opportunities."

"You're too honest."

"I love telling the truth."

After a moment of silence, Ju Jingyi continued in a low voice, "Thinking about it this way, it feels so difficult to be a good artist. Coming from a small company, you won't get the results you want if you don't work hard, but if you try, people will criticize you for being too scheming. It feels like whatever I do is wrong."

Shen Juan raised an eyebrow: "I didn't expect you to be so sensitive. I always thought you were very strong? At least you didn't care so much about those online comments."

"How could I not care at all? My strength is all an act." Ju Jingyi sighed, her tone helpless.

Also.

If you're not strong, you'll only get criticized even more harshly.

Just as comedians are often quiet in private, artists known for their ambition and projecting an image of being driven are actually far more prone to self-doubt than so-called "Buddhist" artists.

Because they set too high a standard for themselves.

Therefore, if you don't achieve your goals, it's easy to get stuck in a rut, fall into a misunderstanding, and get into negative emotions.

In fact, Shen Juan sometimes reflects on his journey over the years before going to sleep.

Without those memories from the future, he would most likely just be a stunningly handsome but ultimately unattractive top star.

It would have been impossible to reach the current level.

But that is his unique advantage.

So there's absolutely no need to doubt yourself here.

"Are the outside world's opinions about you—that you're too goal-oriented and have too much of an idol image to maintain—really important?" Shen Juan turned to Ju Jingyi, his gaze unusually serious.

“I’ve actually been criticized a lot before. Even now, there are still a lot of people who dislike me. They think I’m too scheming, too shrewd, and too hypocritical. But I still eat and sleep as usual. After persisting like this for a few years, I suddenly found that they gradually changed their views on me.”

"It's quite emotional to say that in the past few years, as I have gradually risen and progressed in my career, these former points of ridicule and criticism have become the strengths that people praise now. In fact, many people have even used my story over the past few years as a bonus in their college entrance examination essays."

"Then I was surprised to find that they all wanted to be like me. Besides the simple hatred and dislike, what they looked at me was more of a longing and envy. Thinking about it, it's quite strange." Shen Juan silently curled the corners of his lips. "In their eyes, I have clearly experienced so many ups and downs over the years, but I still have my original intention. So even if they don't like my personality and character, it's hard for them not to admire my persistence and hard work."

"Why are you so proud when we're talking about such a serious topic?" Ju Jingyi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"It's simple, because I succeeded."

"After achieving success, can you so calmly face all those unpleasant comments from the past?" Ju Jingyi was envious.

"Otherwise what?" Shen Juan retorted.

"To be honest, you are really enviable." Ju Jingyi's eyes revealed longing and yearning as she looked at the sunset. It was rare for her, who had been in the industry for many years, to express her feelings so frankly in front of others.

"Many people envy you too." Shen Juan casually forced a faint smile, which could probably be used as a form of comfort.

Over the years, he has made so many friends and heard far too many similar comments.

Unfortunately, things often don't go as planned.

In this line of work, talent and luck are really important.

The real world is cold; some things cannot be achieved simply through sweat, effort, and passion.

"Can you succeed just by putting in the effort?" Ju Jingyi herself couldn't believe the silly question she asked.

“Maybe!” Shen Juan didn’t give a definitive answer, but looked seriously into Ju Jingyi’s eyes. “It mainly depends on your definition of success, but what I can guarantee is that it will be better than your current situation.”

"Mmm," Ju Jingyi replied, her face still showing little emotion thanks to her excellent expression management. But only she knew how happy and excited she was inside after receiving Shen Juan's serious reply, or rather, invitation.

"However, this is a major life event for you. I suggest you think it over carefully for a while. Don't make a decision on a whim and then regret it later."

"I won't regret it."

"You are no different from the vast majority of people."

"What do you mean?" Ju Jingyi asked, puzzled.

"They all like to say they won't regret it."

"Would they also do what I did, actively go on TV to find you and have a heart-to-heart talk with you in front of so many cameras, just to step out of their comfort zone that makes them feel disgusted and bored?"

Shen Juan raised his eyes, almost laughing: "So you've already made your decision?"

Coincidentally, Ju Jingyi was also looking at Shen Juan at that moment. The two made eye contact for a moment, and Ju Jingyi couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

Those eyes, whether curious, doubtful, serious, or gentle, are all so adorable!

They could have easily stayed out of it, but they still racked their brains to come up with words of comfort and encouragement for me.

No wonder he didn't get any long posts about cheating on so many girls at the same time; he's really good at understanding women's psychology.

"Actually, it wasn't until we talked for so long that I really made up my mind!" she replied with a serious smile.

Shen Juan remained silent for a moment, as if he had thought of and confirmed something. His eyes softened considerably, and he even joked, "I hope it's not because of my face."

"I don't know about that. All I know is that life is like a kaleidoscope, and everyone's life experiences are different. But when I met you, all I saw was splendor and beauty." Ju Jingyi couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. "But do you feel a bit hot here?"

"Absolutely not."

"Then why do I feel like I'm about to sweat?"

"It's probably because you're too excited."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Shen Juan took out his phone and typed some text on the keyboard. At the same time, Ju Jingyi's phone in her coat pocket vibrated.

Meeting Ju Jingyi's questioning gaze, Shen Juan smiled and explained, "I sent it."

"You guys allow people to use their phones on this show?"

"You can even order takeout."

"All right."

She solemnly took out her phone and opened WeChat.

Then I saw this message from Shen Juan.
From this moment forward, I will choose my life more carefully. I will no longer easily let myself get lost in various temptations. I have heard the call from afar in my heart, and I no longer need to look back and care about the rights and wrongs and gossip behind me. I have no time to dwell on the past; I must move forward.

“It’s from Milan Kundera’s ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’,” Shen Juan answered at the right moment, a faint smile on his face. “Some things would be a little awkward if you said them yourself, but they would make sense if you quoted a famous saying.”

Ju Jingyi's breath hitched, and she was somewhat at a loss.

Throughout her years in the industry, the people around her have always talked about resources or popularity, and few have been able to release their genuine goodwill so unreservedly and without any reservations.

That's right, it's goodwill.

She didn't think she had anything that could attract Shen Juan.

Suddenly, the sound of steam rising from a pot lid being lifted came from the kitchen not far away, mixed with Huang Lei's triumphant shouts and the cheers of others. She took a deep breath and felt her chest fill with something warm and comforting.

The outside world thinks Ju Jingyi's clothes are fake.

She also knew that the image she presented was fake.

Perhaps the more fake a person is, the more they crave authenticity.

Shen Juan, who has always been very real since his debut, is undoubtedly her opposite, making her admire, envy, and yearn for him.

"Shen Juan."

"Ok?"

Ju Jingyi gripped the swing ropes tightly, her voice much softer than usual, "If one day—and I mean if one day—I really leave SIBOR and join Starlink, how would you plan my future? What kind of things would you assign me?"

"It's simple, just do what you like."

"Just because you like something doesn't mean it's right."

"It's ok."

Shen Juan smiled slightly, his eyes so gentle that Ju Jingyi couldn't help but be slightly stunned. "I will make them correct."

Shen Juan has already gone to the kitchen to help.

Tian Xiwei, who had just finished showering, was playfully teasing him.

Ju Jingyi sat on the swing for a long time, stunned. Suddenly, a sultry night breeze blew by, and she smiled silently. She raised her head and gazed at the red sky in the distance. The orange-red sunset was sinking into the sea of ​​clouds, dyeing the layers of clouds into a splendid color and creating a beautiful scene.

She suddenly felt a sense of ease she had never felt before.

Although the worst storm after the contract termination has not yet arrived, she feels that she has nothing to worry about or be afraid of anymore.

Because someone told her it was okay.

After thinking about it, she decided to trust this person.

(End of this chapter)