Chapter 86: Filming the "Entertainment Talk Show"

The following afternoon, Lin Qihua appeared once more at Xiangzhou TV. This time, he was here to record the station’s flagship variety talk show, “Entertainment Talk Show,” alongside the famed Lu Zhixuan.

“I thought my partner would be the pretty young lady. She’s much easier on the eyes than you,” Lu Zhixuan said bluntly, throwing his arm around Lin Qihua’s neck in mock severity.

“That’s a real shame,” Lin Qihua rolled his eyes. “I thought I’d be recording with Sister Yalin. She’s definitely more pleasant to look at than you.”

“You two seem to get along so well,” commented Tian Le, one of the show’s hosts, smiling from the side. “Would you mind doing this bit again during the official recording?”

“No problem,” Lu Zhixuan laughed heartily. “We’re friends despite the age gap—our bond is strong. Should we form a duo?”

“What kind of duo?”

“A boy group,” Lu Zhixuan burst out laughing.

“Don’t lump me in with you,” Lin Qihua retorted. “You’re the old boy, I’m the young boy. We’re not the same, so don’t split the difference.”

“Haha, it’s settled then,” Tian Le said, delighted. “That way, your entrance will be filled with laughs—it’ll definitely be entertaining.”

“Entertainment Talk Show” is Xiangzhou TV’s flagship variety program, inviting multiple guest groups for interviews, revealing untold stories, and interspersing with one or two light-hearted games. Since their guests are always popular and well-liked, the show has consistently been a favorite, especially among young viewers. There are two hosts: one guides the conversation, the other brings the humor, complementing each other perfectly.

During rehearsal, Lin Qihua witnessed the hosting style of the other presenter, Lü Mingjie. Lü is utterly uninhibited, lacking any of the typical decorum of a host—her comedic antics know no bounds. Yet, she is immensely popular, perhaps because she brings genuine joy to the audience.

After rehearsal, Lu Zhixuan and Lin Qihua returned to rest, opting not for a lavish meal, but for the boxed lunches provided by the production crew.

“If we’re talking about decent boxed lunches, Xiangzhou TV’s are definitely honest fare,” Lu Zhixuan remarked as he ate. “People say artists live glamorous lives, but that’s only the surface. There have been plenty of days of eating boxed lunches until you’re sick.”

“Really?” Lin Qihua asked.

“Absolutely. Take concerts on the road—do you think every meal is a feast?” Lu Zhixuan smiled wryly. “Between rehearsals and performances, you wish you could split time in half. Finding a moment to grab a drink and eat a boxed lunch is happiness enough. Actors are the same—once you join a crew, it’s endless filming day and night. If conditions are better, there’s a manager to prepare food, maybe a trailer to rest in. If not, you eat whatever the crew provides, and sleep wherever you can. When the film’s done, you barely recognize yourself.”

“To succeed, you must first pay the price. The people you mention are serious about their work—they’re bound to succeed,” Lin Qihua replied.

“That’s true. Nowadays, many young performers don’t care about their actual work, always seeking comfort and better conditions. Sometimes, I really can’t stand it.”

“The entertainment world is messy; all sorts of people exist. You can’t change others,” Lin Qihua said softly. “You can only do your own part well. For some, success comes too easily—they never understand this. But they’ll also never find the true path to greatness. There are gains and losses; why bother with comparisons?”

Lu Zhixuan leaned in to study Lin Qihua carefully. “Sometimes, you really don’t seem like a young person. You see things more clearly than anyone, mature, composed, and wise. Old hands like me and Yalin admire you. I really wonder how your mind turned out this way—how did you become like this?”

Lin Qihua rolled his eyes, as if to say, “Is that my fault?” But inwardly, he thought: if you spent every day listening to classic songs and watching legendary scenes, witnessing astounding talent and performances, you’d be different, too. Perhaps the unusual nebula within his mind gave him not only endless inspiration, but also tempered and honed him, granting him far more life experience and insight than others, making him steadier. Compared to who he was a year ago, Lin Qihua felt he’d changed quite a lot.

“Well, seeing you makes me feel old,” Lu Zhixuan said with emotion. “After so many years wandering, maybe it’s time to find a harbor and settle down?”

“You’re getting married?” Lin Qihua knew Lu Zhixuan had a girlfriend—a decade-long relationship, quite remarkable.

“Yes, suddenly I feel compelled. Maybe after all this thinking lately, I’m finally ready to make the decision.” Lu Zhixuan’s eyes softened. “Ten years ago, I was down and out when I met her—she had just graduated and supported my music without hesitation. Ten years later, she’s still standing behind me, supporting me without complaint. I owe her a wedding, and I owe her time lost in youth. After this competition, it’s time I gave her an answer.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Lin Qihua said warmly. “Congratulations. If you find a wife like that, you must invite me.”

“Haha, absolutely. When the time comes, you have to sing at the wedding for us—better yet, write a song just for us.”

“Sure, I’ll do my best. Consider it a tribute to your love,” Lin Qihua agreed.

“Alright, let’s rest up a bit. Tonight’s official recording might take a while,” Lu Zhixuan patted Lin Qihua’s shoulder. “There are more guests than just us, I hear a crew’s core team will also join, promoting their show. On the program, two groups of guests are always rivals—the better performers get more airtime and support. We can’t back down.”

“After all, we don’t just represent ourselves, right?” Lin Qihua smiled. “How about we try working together, sing a duet?”

“Got any good ideas?”

“I have a song I wrote that I haven’t performed publicly yet. I always thought it would work better as a duet. Now, with the chance to sing with you, it just struck me.”

“That’s excellent. The producers will be thrilled. They were expecting us to each sing a familiar song, but if there’s a new song and we duet, it’ll be hugely popular. I’ll go talk to Tian Le now—there’s no doubt it’ll be approved,” Lu Zhixuan said, beaming.

“Of course. We’re a duo, after all,” Lin Qihua replied with a smile.