Chapter 89: Dividing into Groups

At exactly seven o'clock, the show began recording. Following the staff's arrangement, Lin Qihua and Lu Zhixuan entered the stage from backstage after being introduced by the host.

"Hello, everyone. I'm the Old Boy, Lu Zhixuan."

"Hello, everyone. I'm the Young Boy, Lin Qihua."

"We are the Boy Duo." The two struck a classic pose, instantly sending the audience into cheers. As a veteran top-tier celebrity, Lu Zhixuan naturally had no shortage of fans, and together with the incredible cohesion of the "Morning Star" fan club, the effect in the studio was phenomenal.

"Welcome to our two boys," Tian Le said with a smile. "I heard your duo was just formed, is that right?"

"Yes," Lu Zhixuan replied, pursing his lips. "Originally, I thought I'd be on the show with a girl. If Yalin came, the pressure would be too much. I was hoping for Cai Yuting or Zhang Yuxin—either would be good. You know, a man and a woman together makes for an easy show. But in the end, I got a fresh-faced young guy. I can't stand these fresh faces—they're always stealing my thunder. Just look at the audience—all those heart-eyed stares are directed at him. It makes you envious and jealous."

"I also thought I'd be on the show with Sister Yalin or one of the other beauties," Lin Qihua cut in. "After all, who doesn't like beauties?"

"So when you're faced with this kind of situation, you've got no choice but to put together a duo and make your own fun," Lu Zhixuan said, spreading his hands in mock resignation. "Since we're both guys, we might as well be the Boy Duo."

The audience broke into laughter.

"It seems you two get along very well," Tian Le said, smiling. "Brother Lu, what made you decide to join the show?"

With Tian Le's excellent stage control, the interview segment went smoothly. Lü Mingjie chipped in from time to time with playful banter, making the audience laugh again and again. Of course, the main focus was Lu Zhixuan; no matter how popular Lin Qihua was, he was still a newcomer, a fifth-tier star, and couldn't possibly outshine a top-tier celebrity like Lu Zhixuan. Fortunately, Lu Zhixuan was considerate and often shifted the conversation to Lin Qihua, giving him plenty of chances to shine.

Lin Qihua made the most of every opportunity, responding with wit and humor, matching Lu Zhixuan beat for beat and keeping the atmosphere lively. The "Morning Star" fan club's synchronized cheers and gestures drew the cameras their way, giving them a chance to steal the spotlight.

"Alright, that concludes our interview with these two powerhouse vocalists. Please take a seat at the side," Tian Le announced.

Lu Zhixuan and Lin Qihua moved to the sofa at the side of the stage, waiting for the second segment to begin. This was a hallmark of the show: two segments. First, the interview, where each group of guests was introduced and talked about their latest projects before resting at the side. After the second group was interviewed, the next segment—games—would begin, with the guests divided into teams.

As expected, the next guests were Gu Yuhan and her group. The two male guests came out first, then Zhao Wanting appeared, prompting a wave of screams. But all this was mere prelude. When Gu Yuhan, smiling, waved and stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere reached its peak—the screams nearly blew the roof off. She truly lived up to her title as the "National Goddess," her charm unrivaled. In an instant, most fans switched allegiance, becoming her most devoted supporters.

"Her charm is just—tch, tch," Lu Zhixuan shook his head in awe. "She has looks, a great figure, and, on top of it, acting skills and talent. How often does the entertainment industry see such a perfect woman? She might be a bit aloof, but what can you do? She has every right to be."

"Yeah," Lin Qihua agreed, somewhat dazzled. Zhao Wanting was already stunning, but standing next to Gu Yuhan, she was almost eclipsed—a small, sad tragedy.

"Your old flame is now one of the Four Little Flowers, highly regarded," Lu Zhixuan teased, "but in front of her, it means nothing. She skips over all those ‘Little Flower’ or ‘Big Flower’ labels and is the one and only ‘National Goddess.’ Her popularity rivals that of the superstars. Given time, she’ll ascend to the throne everyone looks up to. Envy won’t get you anywhere."

"Heh, some people are just born like that. Don’t compare yourself, or you’ll start questioning your own life," Lin Qihua said with a smile, watching the ongoing interview.

Gu Yuhan and her group were there to promote their new drama, "Passing Years Like Water," with Gu Yuhan as the leading lady, Zhao Wanting as the second lead, and Xu Weifeng and Jia Peng, two handsome actors, as the male leads.

Although Tian Le did her best to keep the conversation balanced, inevitably, the focus was on Gu Yuhan. She wasn't nearly as aloof as people imagined—she smiled as she answered questions and responded to the fans’ enthusiasm with smiles and waves. Every movement was captivating.

When the interviews finally wrapped up, Lu Zhixuan and Lin Qihua were invited back to center stage.

"What do you two think of our two beautiful ladies today?" Tian Le asked with a grin.

"Well, beauties like them are really something else," Lu Zhixuan sighed. "To be honest, I’m also a loyal fan of our Yuhan. Sharing the stage with my idol today—what a blessing!"

"You flatter me, sir," Gu Yuhan replied, her elegant features showing a hint of embarrassment as she reached out to shake his hand. "It's I who should be learning from you."

"For the first time, I feel being a senior is truly worth it," Lu Zhixuan said, feigning deep emotion, making everyone burst out laughing.

"What do you think, Qihua?" Tian Le turned to Lin Qihua.

The others looked his way as well, Zhao Wanting especially nervous, uncertain what he might say.

"Well, seeing them, only one sentence comes to mind," Lin Qihua said thoughtfully. "Clearly they could rely on their looks, but they choose to stand out with their talent."

"Well said!" Lu Zhixuan applauded at once.

"Exactly!" Tian Le laughed, clapping her hands. "Our two beauties are as beautiful as they come, but they insist on showing us that it's not just about their faces—their acting and talent are just as impressive!"

Lin Qihua's quick-witted response caught the attention of both women—Zhao Wanting was struck by his composure, while Gu Yuhan exchanged a look of understanding with him, as though he had spoken her own thoughts aloud.

Next, it was time for the two groups to play games.

"We'll divide into Team Tian Le and Team Mingjie," Tian Le explained. "But right now, one team has too few people and the other too many, so we need to move someone from the 'Passing Years Like Water' group to our team. Please discuss and decide who will switch over."

Since Lü Mingjie was a team captain, she couldn't move. That left the other four—both male actors wanted to stay with the two beauties, especially Gu Yuhan, and neither wanted to switch teams. Zhao Wanting was also hesitant, feeling she wasn't suited for the move.

Sensing the stalemate, Lü Mingjie was about to step in and assign one of the men when Gu Yuhan suddenly stood up and said, "I'll switch."

With that, she walked over and sat down right next to Lin Qihua, leaving the rest of her group staring in astonishment.