Chapter 14: Offline Livestream
The first handshake desensitization training ended with Xie Shibai unable to resist washing his hands.
Aside from the agitation, the most severe reaction caused by this genuine physical contact was an itchiness in his arm.
The tactile PTSD seemed to flash back to the times he was struck by a discipline ruler; the wound felt a fine itch like new flesh sprouting, lasting until it was trimmed again, leaving behind only a numb pain.
The change in the state of his arm most intuitively reflected the severity of Xie Shibai’s condition. This time, after washing the hand that had made contact, the sensation in his arm was gradually subsiding, leaving only the residual anxiety in his emotions.
With the desensitization training temporarily paused, Xie Shibai finished his work and returned to his room. Cheng Zhe called to confirm the situation regarding the event tomorrow night.
“Can your physical condition really handle participating tomorrow?” Cheng Zhe asked. “Although there won’t be contact with people during the event, it is, after all, a major event for the brand. Most of the spokespersons participating will be there, and unavoidable social pleasantries will be required for the sake of appearances.”
Xie Shibai flipped through the event schedule Cheng Zhe had sent. “En.”
Cheng Zhe was still a bit uneasy, especially since the somatic symptoms had previously been severe enough to require hospitalization. “Moreover, the event is in a livestream format, so we might not be able to leave too early. If you’re worried about a breach of contract, I can think of another way.”
Although Cheng Zhe spoke lightly, this brand event had been confirmed long ago. Facing astronomical breach of contract fees and offending a luxury brand with a long history and massive influence abroad would be a very unwise choice.
Back when Xie Shibai’s condition hadn’t relapsed so severely, adapting to an event of this magnitude would have been easy. However, the Xie family had caused his condition to repeatedly worsen. In severe cases, just being in the same space with many people could induce symptoms, catching one off guard. Consequently, most events that could be declined had already been declined.
Xie Shibai: “No need, I can go. Let’s follow the time on the schedule. I’ll send you the new address.”
Cheng Zhe sighed, knowing that Xie Shibai rarely changed his mind once decided. He decided to confirm with the brand again to avoid segments involving physical contact. “Alright, Little Lin will go pick you up tomorrow. We’ll arrive at the hotel early to try on clothes and do hair and makeup.”
After confirming the process, Xie Shibai hung up the phone.
Lu Ciheng also had an event the next day. He mentioned it to Xie Shibai before leaving, saying they would continue today’s desensitization therapy when he returned after the event ended.
Xie Shibai didn’t think much of it. Lu Ciheng, who had just won Best Actor, should have been a busy man; it was actually strange that he hadn’t had an event for such a long time.
As if carrying out the “Perfect Husband” persona to the very end, even though Lu Ciheng left in a hurry, he had left a meal for Xie Shibai on the dining table.
A sticky note marked that it should be heated up if it got cold, including instructions on how to use the microwave. He was so meticulous he could have been a kindergarten teacher.
The food Lu Ciheng made tasted very good. Almost every dish hit the spot for Xie Shibai’s appetite. Especially with Assistant Lin’s “stomach-nourishing” cuisine as a precedent, this was simply the best food he had ever eaten by comparison.
Pity that the man talked too much.
Not long after Lu Ciheng left, Assistant Lin arrived.
Because he had been reported to the butler in advance, his entry and exit were very convenient, unimpeded all the way.
Assistant Lin observed the surrounding environment. Associating it with the housing prices here, his jaw almost dropped. “Lu the Dog really hasn’t made chump change over the years. Brother, how long do you think it will take for me to live in a house like this?”
Xie Shibai: “Sell fake news for a few more years. No middlemen to earn the price difference.”
Assistant Lin looked like he wanted to cry but had no tears. “The fool on the other side might have realized it; they haven’t bought fake news from me for a while.”
Xie Shibai picked up his jacket, his brow furrowing slightly. He asked as he walked, “How long has it been since they bought any?”
Assistant Lin calculated. “About half a month.”
Xie Shibai thought for a few seconds and roughly guessed where Xu Ruixin had gotten the news that he was going to produce a movie.
The event location wasn’t close. Driving there, plus traffic, took over an hour. They had to meet Cheng Zhe at the hotel first, change into the styling, and then walk the red carpet according to the brand’s schedule.
Once the event started, Xie Shibai sat in the nanny van waiting to enter.
Assistant Lin refreshed the brand’s official livestream on the side, tutting as he scrolled. He consumed a lot of gossip and, fearing Xie Shibai would be bored, narrated the new melons (gossip) of the entertainment industry to him.
The makeup artist listening on the side was shocked. “There’s actually such a thing?”
The two of them gathered together, chattering away while watching the livestream and eating melons.
“Fans of these two families are fighting.”
“Even if they spend real money to vote, their idols won’t receive the money; doesn’t it all go into the brand’s pocket?”
“Holy crap, Lu Ciheng is here too?” Assistant Lin looked at the bullet comments in surprise. “I didn’t see his fans mentioning this event.”
The makeup artist said, “It seems he came as a mystery guest, a confidential segment.”
Assistant Lin looked at Xie Shibai nervously, then secretly stole a glance to see if he was wearing a ring. He breathed a sigh of relief only after discovering he wasn’t.
“Brother Xie, you absolutely must not talk to him! There are livestream cameras everywhere this time.”
Xie Shibai was speechless. “Watch your livestream and talk less.”
Assistant Lin immediately nodded to show he understood.
The makeup artist was confused on the side. “What is it?”
Assistant Lin said profoundly, “Not knowing is also a form of blessing.”
Makeup artist: “??”
When it was Xie Shibai’s turn to get out of the car and walk the red carpet, the fans watching outside let out screams. He hadn’t shown his face for a long time; this counted as his first appearance on camera since publicly announcing his break. Many fans had come to support him.
The styling for the event was chosen from a dark color palette. His slender figure exuded nobility, the cut fitting his waist perfectly. The expensive, handmade fabric was merely an insignificant foil.
His indifferent, exquisite face was exceptionally eye-catching under the cold flashes. His slightly upturned eyes filled his coolness with the scent of a “flower on the high peak”; every frame could be sculpted into a godly image.
Almost as soon as he got out of the car, he attracted waves of screams.
There was a distance between the event site and the outer area where fans were, plus security. After Xie Shibai looked over, the fans waved excitedly and shouted his name.
There was a time limit for walking the red carpet. After simply greeting them, Xie Shibai walked toward the signature board according to the instructions.
On the other side, the bullet comments in the livestream room were in full swing.
[Ahhh, finally here!]
[Why do I feel like Brother Xie has become even better looking after not seeing him for a while? Just this face alone, he’s my C-Ent wifey.]
[Looks like he rested well. What a good day today is.]
[So cold, he doesn’t even ignore the fans greeting him. Don’t know what you guys are fans of.]
[This face must have had work done, right?]
[? If you don’t want your eyes, you can donate them.]
[Hehe, my brother returns as a top star even after resting for half a year. Your idol doesn’t even have the chance to walk the red carpet.]
In the waiting area not far away, Lu Ciheng leaned against the window, his gaze fixed unblinkingly on Xie Shibai walking the red carpet.
The light in his eyes was scorching, as if it could burn through white paper.
The person on the red carpet had his slender, resilient waistline outlined by the suit. Under the spotlight, his hair hung smoothly by his neck. His cold face was so beautiful it seemed to glow; red lips, white teeth, and a detached temperament that made every inch of him addictive.
People who were emotionally detached and noble were paradoxically more likely to attract lunatics. The gaze from the shadows was viscous and intense; dark, damp desires wanted to lock the person up at all times.
Only he could look.
Wild thoughts were like a rainstorm hidden deep in his heart, uncontrollably leaking out during each contact.
The noise beside his ears made Lu Ciheng’s head ache a little.
It seemed that after living together for only a few days, he had developed separation anxiety and his patience had dropped.
Lu Ciheng’s manager, Zhou Yang, spoke earnestly on the side, “Lu, don’t forget our current persona is a man of few words. You must speak less on the red carpet later.”
Zhou Yang had to remind him specifically before every event.
Lu Ciheng’s persona turning out this way was also a misunderstanding. Aside from filming, Lu Ciheng rarely appeared on camera. On the few occasions he did, he rarely spoke. Over time, fans assumed he was the silent, cool guy type.
But helplessly, this person talked a lot to his own people, while treating outsiders purely based on his mood. Furthermore, he was sharp-tongued and cynical, making it extremely easy to draw hatred. To maintain his image, the company and Zhou Yang conspired to simply carry out the “Cool Guy” persona to the end.
This made Zhuang Bo, who had to be on high alert for every event, very tired.
Lu Ciheng’s gaze kept staring at Xie Shibai, lazy and loose. “Got it.”
On the other side, the signature board process was fast. After taking photos, Xie Shibai walked toward the inner venue.
Only after arriving at the inner venue would the formal socializing begin. He would chat briefly under the cameras with people he knew or had met once.
Then, he took his seat according to the nameplate.
Just as Xie Shibai entered the inner venue and politely responded to greetings from others, he heard a heaven-shaking scream from the outer field.
Several stars standing next to Xie Shibai looked out the window curiously. “Who is it?”
Li Xia: “Such a big commotion, it can only be Lu Ciheng.”
Xie Shibai stood by the window and looked down. Lu Ciheng, wearing a suit, utilized his height advantage to the fullest. Tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his expressionless face was exceptionally cold. His high nose bridge and deep features possessed an absolute advantage in the entertainment industry. His hair was styled, different from his usual casual laziness, filled with aggression and attack.
But few could compare to him. When he didn’t open his mouth, his fraudulence was displayed to the fullest. If one didn’t know him privately, who would imagine he talked so much?
Downstairs, Lu Ciheng, who had finished the red carpet and was preparing to enter the inner venue, seemed to notice his gaze. He looked up, his eyes locking precisely with Xie Shibai by the window.
Lu Ciheng, who was just expressionless and cool like a different person, hooked the corner of his lips and raised his hand to greet Xie Shibai, as if the cold silence in front of the camera just now was all an illusion.
The cameras following Lu Ciheng immediately noticed his action, freezing the frame one after another as flashes began to flicker. Even the fans who noticed started screaming. Although they couldn’t see who Lu Ciheng was greeting, they could note from the side that he was smiling.
The bullet comments frantically scrolled along.
[WOK WOK! Who is this brother smiling at?]
[Ahhh, move the camera forward a bit, let me see who it is!]
[Cameraman be smart, quickly show us who it is!]
[Must be an acquaintance, no need to make such a fuss.]
[Mainly because this brother shows too little emotion. Attending events, we really haven’t seen him have any extra expressions. What day is it today!]
[ The camera moved!]
[Eh, no one?]
[Ahhhh, could it be the camera was too slow?]
[Normally there should be a returned greeting, right? It didn’t take long to turn the camera, how come the window is empty?]
[Who on earth was it? Did any sisters at the scene see?]
[There should be returned photos later, the fansites definitely caught it.]
[Camping for it.]
[+1]
The moment Lu Ciheng looked at him, Xie Shibai’s heart skipped a beat. After seeing him raise his hand to greet, he subconsciously took a step back, moving his entire person away from the window.
Li Xia looked at Xie Shibai strangely. “Teacher Xie, are you okay?”
Xie Shibai shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Li Xia kept a suspicion in his heart. After the group said their goodbyes, they entered the inner venue toward their own seats.
Just as Xie Shibai was preparing to leave, he ran into Lu Ciheng entering the venue.
After Lu Ciheng noticed Xie Shibai, his eyes lit up instantly. The cool guy image in front of the camera vanished, his deep voice containing a smile: “Teacher Xie, what a coincidence.”
“Did you eat lunch? You didn’t eat it cold, did you?” He said slowly, “Why didn’t you ignore me when I greeted you just now?”
Xie Shibai swept a glance over the inner venue. They were in a corner where no one noticed. Just as he was prepared to say something, he noticed the ring on Lu Ciheng’s hand. His eyelashes trembled slightly, his expression confused. “You didn’t take off the ring?”
Lu Ciheng waved the ring on his hand. “It matches the clothes, no need to take it off.”
He observed and found that Xie Shibai’s hand was empty. A look of ‘as expected’ flashed through his eyes; disappointed, but he adjusted his state quickly. “Teacher Xie, you’re not wearing yours.”
Xie Shibai looked at him strangely. “Of course. Did you forget?”
Try to ensure not being photographed, to avoid trouble during the separation after the agreement ends.
Lu Ciheng chuckled lightly. “How could I? I remember it all, strictly following the contract.”
Xie Shibai thought of their relationship online. If only one person wore a ring, the impact wouldn’t be big. He reminded, “Don’t wear it next time. And about the greeting, let’s just follow the old way.”
During events, it was best if they ignored each other.
Lu Ciheng understood the implication of Xie Shibai’s words. His eyes darkened. After a few seconds, he chuckled lightly, “I’ll listen to Teacher Xie.”
Considering there were livestream cameras in the venue, Xie Shibai said, “Let’s enter separately.”
Lu Ciheng stared at Xie Shibai’s back for a few seconds, turning the ring helplessly.
There was plenty of time.
The livestream cameras were divided into two groups: one outside and one inside. After the red carpet entries were finished, it switched to the interior.
Because of Lu Ciheng’s scene just now, the livestream room was very lively, discussing who he greeted.
They tried to find the person inside who might communicate with Lu Ciheng.
[Didn’t see anyone, probably went in already.]
[Guess they were chatting at the door. Looks like they really are friends.]
[Where is my brother? Why is his seat empty? Where did he go?]
[Brother Xie came in! Saw him, saw him!]
[Why did Lu Ciheng and Xie Shibai come in together? Could it be he was greeting Xie Shibai?]
[How is that possible? Coincidence, right? Who has a friend they don’t even look at when entering?]
[Their relationship isn’t good enough to greet each other, right? Should be a coincidence meeting.]
[One after another, how is that entering together?]
[Taking away my brother. Starting to leech again.]
[Fed up. Here we go again. Why is the leeching endless?]
[The ones above are starting conspiracy theories again.]
[How could they be friends? Everyone knows their bad relationship is famous in the industry.]
[You guys are saying C-Ent’s famous rivals have a good relationship?? Ah? I can’t understand anymore.]
[I’d believe the Yellow River has run dry before I believe their relationship is good!]
Just as the livestream discussed C-Ent’s Number One Rivals, Lu Ciheng and Xie Shibai, a fansite on Weibo posted the first batch of unedited photos.
Soon, someone noticed the ring on Lu Ciheng’s hand.
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