IBKAWB Chapter 20

**Chapter 20: Program Recording**

Re-translated by: Namizaki

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The program recording was scheduled for the afternoon. After rehearsals to ensure everything ran smoothly, the production team would begin filming.

<Meeting You> had four hosts: Huo Ting, who kept the show on track; Da Lang and Ni Qiao, who served as comedic foils; and Er Lu, who specialized in cuteness and humor.

Huo Ting, nearly 40, had debuted at fifteen. Unlike the delicate young male idols of today, he stood a full 1.8 meters tall, with handsome features and a witty, humorous personality as a host.

Netizens jokingly called him the “benchmark of the entertainment industry,” claiming that any male star’s true height could be revealed simply by standing next to him.

The immense popularity of <Meeting You> was inseparable from Huo Ting’s own fame and talent. He was even more popular than many newly famous actors and singers.

Holding his script, Huo Ting stood beside Chi Zhongqiao and said with a smile, “Kids these days are so well-nourished, they’re growing so tall.”

Chi Zhongqiao was also exactly 1.8 meters tall, but his shoes had thicker soles today, making him appear slightly taller than Huo Ting. After a moment’s thought, he replied earnestly, “Because I drink a lot of milk.” He had indeed been drinking excessive amounts of milk recently. Chi Zhongqiao didn’t want to grow too tall; as an actor, being too tall made it difficult to find suitable co-stars.

Huo Ting burst into laughter. At his age, he no longer compared himself to young men. Looking at the twenty-something Chi Zhongqiao, he instinctively adopted a paternal perspective. “Just drinking milk won’t make you grow taller.”

Xu Xingzhou glanced down at himself, feeling a pang of annoyance. I’m already tall! Why don’t they praise me too?

Yan Cheng trailed slowly behind Yan Qingbo, script in hand. As she passed Xu Xingzhou, she shot him a disdainful glare. If I were Huo Ting, I wouldn’t bother talking to this Xu Xingzhou either.

The rehearsal went smoothly. After running through the routine, the fans who had secured tickets began to enter, and the show officially started recording.

Soon, the second half of the show arrived. Huo Ting suddenly changed the topic. “Speaking of which, Yan Qingbo, you didn’t come here just to catch up with old friends, did you?”

Yan Qingbo immediately picked up the thread. “I also wanted to meet some new friends.”

Er Lu asked curiously, “Who? Who?”

Ni Qiao called out loudly, “I know! It’s—” She suddenly grinned mischievously. “Guess!”

The prepared supports planted in the audience immediately began shouting names. Huo Ting announced, “That’s right! It’s them! Let’s welcome the stars of the <Empress of the World>!”

The stage lights suddenly dimmed, and a grand cityscape appeared on the large screen as the theme song from <Empress of the World> began to play softly.

It was their turn. Chi Zhongqiao took two deep breaths and fell back two steps, following Xu Xingzhou and Yan Cheng onto the stage.

The trio would perform a short segment upon their entrance: singing the theme song from <Empress of the World>.

As the three appeared together, the fans below erupted in screams, waving their support banners wildly. Although many had come specifically to see Film Empress Yan Qingbo, a significant number were fans of <Empress of the World>. The production team had also planted shills¹shill~ an accomplice who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others. in the audience to ensure the trio’s entrance wouldn’t fall flat.

Yan Cheng, with her natural musical talent, sang the opening verse. Her clear, bright voice immediately drew a wave of cheers.

When Xu Xingzhou began to sing, the female fans’ screams briefly drowned out his voice.

Chi Zhongqiao was assigned the climax of the song, as it was the most catchy and least challenging part. Chi Zhongqiao didn’t have musical skills, and despite years of vocal training, he could only barely hold a tune. However, his naturally captivating voice drew immediate attention the moment he opened his mouth.

The screaming fans gradually quieted down. As an actor, Chi Zhongqiao possessed a rare emotional sensitivity, making every word he spoke deeply moving. While his technical skills might have been lacking, the raw emotion in his voice surpassed that of many professional singers.

Chi Zhongqiao struggled to find the melody: “With a single stroke of loyalty, I offer you mountains and rivers woven like brocade, and tailor a delicate silk skirt for you…”

The fans were gradually drawn back to the emotions they had felt while watching the drama series. The handsome young man in a simple shirt and trousers seemed to transform before their eyes into the shy, taciturn young general they had come to adore.

They swayed their support banners in time with the music, even humming along to the melody, unable to resist the pull of the song.

By the end of the theme song, the atmosphere in the venue had completely ignited. Chi Zhongqiao quickly took a few steps to stand on one side of Yan Cheng, while Xu Xingzhou positioned himself on her other side.

Huo Ting and the other hosts finally appeared. Huo Ting led the applause, “Welcome the cast of <Empress of the World>! Thank you for bringing us such a beautiful theme song.”

Da Lang: “Although everyone here surely recognizes you all, please introduce yourselves.”

Xu Xingzhou, currently the most established of the three, took the microphone first. His public persona was that of a steady and warm-hearted man, so his words were measured and dignified rather than playful. “Good evening, everyone. I’m Xu Xingzhou. You can call me Xingzhou or Xiao Zhou. I play Prince Yu in <Empress of the World>.”

After his introduction, Yan Cheng instinctively glanced at Chi Zhongqiao, who smiled and gestured for her to speak first. Yan Cheng raised the microphone. “Good evening! I’m Yan Cheng. You can call me A’ Cheng²literally meaning Orange or Chengzi³meaning Orange juice. I play Ye Yupei in <Empress of the World>. It’s an honor to be here on the <Meeting You> stage with you all. Sharing the stage with these esteemed seniors is one of the luckiest moments of my life!”

Chi Zhongqiao said, “Hello everyone, I’m Chi Zhongqiao, who plays Mu Yan in <Empress of the World>. I’m grateful to the show’s production team for giving me this opportunity to share the stage with these seniors. I hope you’ll continue to support <Empress of the World> in the future.”

Huo Ting glanced at Chi Zhongqiao. He could tell that Chi Zhongqiao wasn’t particularly eloquent, but he was remarkably tactful. Xu Xingzhou had simply introduced himself, while Yan Cheng had thanked the production team. Chi Zhongqiao, however, managed to be more comprehensive while speaking even less, showing no hint of trying to steal the spotlight.

Yan Qingbo also admired Chi Zhongqiao’s personality. For a newcomer, constantly trying to steal the spotlight on a variety show would only make him unpopular.

However…

As Yan Qingbo listened to Chi Zhongqiao’s fans’ sudden higher-pitched scream during his self-introduction, she chuckled inwardly. Whether you become famous or not has nothing to do with seniority.

The main reason the cast members were on the show was to promote their drama series, <Empress of the World>. After the trio finished singing the theme song, Huo Ting steered the conversation toward the series.

Despite Huo Ting’s efforts to give Chi Zhongqiao screen time, the primary focus remained on Xu Xingzhou. Although Chi Zhongqiao’s popularity was skyrocketing, he was still only a supporting actor.

Chi Zhongqiao had anticipated this scenario when he accepted the invitation. He calmly stepped to the side, and it was only then that he noticed a girl in the corner holding a small fan sign with his name on it, cradling it in her arms. The round-faced girl was staring intently at him. When Chi Zhongqiao turned his head and their eyes met, she immediately hid her face behind the sign, caught in the act of sneaking a peek.

Chi Zhongqiao smiled at her, his smile making her cheeks flush crimson.

The little girl is so cute, Chi Zhongqiao thought to himself.

Yan Qingbo had been playfully teasing Huo Ting when she noticed Chi Zhongqiao standing quietly to the side, smiling. Suddenly, that smile seemed to poke at her, and as Chi Zhongqiao reached for the light-up sign the girl was offering, she abruptly called out to him.

“Qiaoqiao, what are you doing?”

Chi Zhongqiao’s hand, which had already touched the sign, recoiled in surprise. He instinctively hid his outstretched hand behind his back.

Yan Qingbo chuckled at his reaction, pointing at the sign in the girl’s hand. “Let me demonstrate what Qiaoqiao was doing just now.”

She stepped beside Chi Zhongqiao, widened her almond-shaped eyes in exaggerated curiosity, and mimicked his earlier behavior. “While we were talking, he stood next to this girl. Then, he lowered his microphone and asked, ‘Is this for me? Can I touch it?’ When she offered the sign, he actually reached out to take it! Hahaha!”

Huo Ting burst out laughing. “Qiaoqiao, why were you trying to touch her sign?”

Chi Zhongqiao feigned innocence. “I was curious, so I just touched it.”

Huo Ting chuckled, crouching down. “Did you give it back after you were done?”

Chi Zhongqiao straightened his posture, his expression serious. “The Mu Family Army doesn’t take even a single needle or thread from the people.”

Huo Ting erupted into a fit of maniacal laughter.

The second half of the show featured three segments.

The first segment involved the four actors switching roles. Yan Cheng and Xu Xingzhou performed a scene from Yan Qingbo’s recent hit movie, while Chi Zhongqiao and Yan Qingbo reimagined a famous scene from the historical drama <Empress of the World>. Yan Qingbo played the female lead, while Chi Zhongqiao reprised his role as the Young General.

In the original scene, the female lead bids an emotional farewell to Mu Yan, a moment that moved countless viewers to tears during its broadcast.

On stage, Yan Qingbo, as the female lead, said mournfully, “Young Lord, after today, there will be no possibility for us. I have a question—”

Film Empress Yan’s acting prowess was no exaggeration. With a face ashen with despair, she professionally butchered the original lines, determined to twist them beyond recognition.

Chi Zhongqiao suppressed his laughter, his expression one of utter anguish. “I loved you.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha—”

Da Lang couldn’t contain himself, erupting into a goose-like cackle.

Yan Qingbo continued earnestly, “No, that’s not the question. I want to know: Did you truly love me?”

Chi Zhongqiao maintained his composure perfectly, both his expression and body language flawless. He stared blankly at Yan Qingbo. “I loved you far more than you loved me.”

Yan Qingbo countered, “No, I loved you more.”

Chi Zhongqiao retorted, “If you loved me a lot, then I’ll always love you just a little bit more!”

Yan Qingbo: “If you love me so much, why won’t you rebel for me?”

Chi Zhongqiao looked even more mournful. “Because the script won’t let me!”

Er Lu and Ni Qiao squatted on the ground, laughing. The two actors were so convincing, their expressions and movements textbook perfect. They conveyed such deep affection that if this were a silent scene, it would have been utterly heartbreaking. But the dialogue completely ruined the atmosphere.

Huo Ting said, “Seriously, Qiaoqiao’s acting…” He gave a thumbs-up. “It’s incredible! I definitely couldn’t have held back my laughter, hahahahaha!”

“This isn’t acting!” Chi Zhongqiao declared solemnly. “Pei’er is the love of my life. If it weren’t for the script, we’d be together already!”

Huo Ting finally lost it, clutching Da Lang and roaring with laughter.

The lines themselves weren’t too bad, but Chi Zhongqiao’s utterly serious expression made the contrast absolutely lethal.

——

**Author’s Note:**

Chi Zhongqiao: *Reaching out.jpg* → *I’ll just touch, I won’t do anything else.jpg*

Remember this brand, darlings! It’ll reappear later, hahahaha!

• 1
  shill~ an accomplice who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others.
• 2
  literally meaning Orange
• 3
  meaning Orange juice