Chu Yueyi had indeed never seen Shi Guanghua interact with others. He always approached her when she was resting alone, and rarely sought her out in public.
Their casual conversations were occasionally stumbled upon by crew members. The others' reactions evolved from initial surprise to later teasing, but they never participated in Chu Yueyi and Shi Guanghua's conversations.
Because she had no point of comparison, she always thought he seemed a bit awkward when talking to anyone, and would never have moments of sarcasm or cold remarks. Now, she naturally felt a bit of shock.
Seeing her eyes widen, Shi Guanghua asked in confusion, "What two faces?"
"It's just that when you usually talk..." Chu Yueyi hesitated, "It doesn't seem to be this style?"
Shi Guanghua: "Is that so?"
Shi Guanghua's tone was now gentle, returning to his usual simple demeanor. He stared at her uncomprehendingly, still in his natural state, as if the coldness he had just shown was an illusion.
Chu Yueyi suspiciously scanned Shi Guanghua up and down, and abruptly suggested, "Can you put on a cold and aloof attitude?"
Shi Guanghua: "?"
Feeling that her understanding of him was incomplete, Chu Yueyi probed, "Let's play a game now. You pretend to be a cold and taciturn person, and do some impromptu acting?"
She used to think others were demonizing Shi Guanghua, but now she suspected she might be missing some information.
Shi Guanghua said with difficulty, "I can't act."
Chu Yueyi: "It's just a game, you don't need to be professional."
Shi Guanghua shook his head, not agreeing.
He didn't understand why she had such a request. It wasn't difficult for him, it would just mean treating her with the attitude he used for strangers.
He had never felt there was any problem with his personality, just as she had once said he didn't need to be like others. He was that certain. But others didn't agree, they always insisted his attitude was poor, and sometimes he didn't even know where the problem was.
Of course, he didn't care about others' opinions, but he didn't want to take risks. He was more concerned about whether she would think it was "not good," so he simply refused to perform.
Chu Yueyi was rarely refused by him and asked curiously, "Why? Do you dislike acting that much?"
Shi Guanghua: "No, I just don't want to leave a bad impression."
Hearing this, Chu Yueyi panicked for a moment. Why did he care about leaving a bad impression?
Chu Yueyi: "No, no, should you say such things so directly..."
Shi Guanghua asked in confusion, "But I can't lie to you, can I?"
Chu Yueyi: "..."
Chu Yueyi's head was buzzing now. Her advantage was in meticulous planning, like a chess player maneuvering behind the scenes, but she really couldn't handle Shi Guanghua. He was completely straightforward, coming in and smashing the chessboard.
She frantically told herself not to overthink and naturally changed the subject: "Have you booked your ticket?"
Thinking of the farewell, Shi Guanghua suddenly became dejected and said in a low voice, "Not yet..."
Chu Yueyi looked surprised: "Do you still have work with the crew?"
"No."
Chu Yueyi felt even stranger: "Then why haven't you booked a ticket? Where are you going after leaving the crew?"
"The studio is in the capital."
"I'm also going back to the capital. The tickets for these two days are quite suitable. Why don't I send you the flight information my manager listed?"
"...Okay."
Shi Guanghua was avoiding saying goodbye, which was why he was dragging his feet about booking a ticket. Chu Yueyi just thought he wasn't paying attention, which was why she offered to share the information with him.
Shi Guanghua was originally gloomy, but after booking the same flight as Chu Yueyi, which allowed him to forcibly extend their time together, he immediately cheered up. The crew had cars to take the staff to the airport, but they all came from different places, so their flights were all different, and they would soon be going their separate ways.
At the airport, Chu Yueyi and Shi Guanghua said goodbye to the other crew members and walked side by side towards their shared gate.
Chu Yueyi felt something wasn't quite right. Li You had originally sent quite a few flight options, intending for Shi Guanghua to pick one that suited him, but how did he end up on the exact same flight as her?
Shi Guanghua didn't chat with her frequently along the way. He methodically handled the check-in procedures and even helped her check in various boxes, proving to be quite steady and reliable.
In short, Chu Yueyi didn't need to think much, she could basically just follow his lead.
As an actress who was famous for her roles but not personally well-known, Chu Yueyi had the great advantage of freedom at the airport. Occasionally people would recognize her, but they would just greet her curiously without showing any overly enthusiastic emotions.
During the six months of filming, a mainstream film that Chu Yueyi starred in was released. Logically, such themed films usually don't make much of a splash, but this movie inexplicably received excellent reviews and even broke through in box office sales.
The main actors in the film were not well-known celebrities, but more seasoned actors known for their acting skills. Chu Yueyi was even the youngest in the cast, playing the role of a patriotic female singer of that time.
Now, when Chu Yueyi was recognized at the airport, passersby called out the name of her character in the film, not her real name.
In the waiting room, Shi Guanghua recalled how others had addressed Chu Yueyi along the way, and said thoughtfully, "I haven't had the chance to watch it yet."
This mainstream film had just been released, and they hadn't had time to watch it while on set.
Chu Yueyi said embarrassedly, "You don't need to go out of your way to watch it..."
Chu Yueyi assumed Shi Guanghua was just being polite, wanting to support her film work.
Shi Guanghua: "But I've watched all your others."
Chu Yueyi was stunned. She was about to ask more, but her phone suddenly rang. She apologetically said, "Just a moment, let me take this call..."
Shi Guanghua nodded, not minding at all.
"Hello, Sister You, I'm at the airport," Chu Yueyi said bewilderedly, "Is there something urgent?"
"Did you see the program I sent you? What do you think?"
Chu Yueyi thought of the project plan she had seen last night and replied with a shudder, "Sister You, I've seen it, but are you sure? I'm not at all qualified to be a judge, I really don't know anything about music."
"'Dream of Chinese Music' isn't inviting judges, they say it's Chinese music supporters, and your role in 'The Rise of China' happens to fit perfectly. Recording a mainstream TV show is very suitable..."
Chu Yueyi helplessly reminded her, "But I only played a female singer, it doesn't mean I'm actually a singer, right?"
Sometimes she didn't know how to correct the audience's perceptions. She had merely played the role of a patriotic female singer well, but in reality, she had no musical talent at all. However, the public directly associated her with the patriotic predecessor.
Her manager Li You's thinking wasn't wrong either. Chu Yueyi had risen to prominence through a mainstream film, and coupled with her proper conduct and lack of any scandals, continuing to engage with official mainstream media was also a viable development path.
The 'Dream of Chinese Music' program had a very positive intention and core, helping singers and musicians with dreams, promoting and spreading excellent Chinese music, and even had a certain charitable nature. It was clearly a mainstream TV station program.
The guests on such programs were often high-profile celebrities, but the program team was also very cautious in their selection, particularly wary of artists with bad reputations. If it weren't for Chu Yueyi's suitable role and resume, she probably wouldn't have been considered. Aligning with the mainstream might not necessarily make one famous, but it certainly allowed for a longer career path.
It was like the Spring Festival Gala - celebrities didn't participate for the money, but for the affirmation and value behind it.
Chu Yueyi hung up the phone and let out a soft sigh.
Shi Guanghua asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
Chu Yueyi: "My manager wants to arrange for me to be a judge on a show... oh no, to be a Chinese music supporter, but I really can't understand songs."
She couldn't just cheer and applaud for the contestants the whole time without saying anything useful, could she?
Shi Guanghua: "Is it for 'Dream of Chinese Music'?"
Chu Yueyi was surprised: "How do you know? Did you hear just now?"
"No, Zou Qian told me he was going to be a supporter on 'Dream of Chinese Music'." Shi Guanghua paused for a few seconds, pursed his lips, and added quietly, "And I'll be participating too."
Chu Yueyi asked curiously, "As a contestant?"
Shi Guanghua shook his head: "No, as the music director."
Chu Yueyi lowered her head in embarrassment: "...I'm sorry, I didn't recognize Mount Tai."
Chu Yueyi truly knew nothing about Shi Guanghua's work. She only knew that he was very good at making music for films, but she had no accurate concept of how good he was. It was like someone who doesn't play games at all not knowing whether diamond or platinum is the higher rank.
Some people in the crew had introduced Shi Guanghua as a top musician, but Chu Yueyi didn't understand what "top" meant. As far as she was concerned, anyone who was a musician was better than her.
Shi Guanghua hadn't expected the two sides could still collaborate. He suppressed the excitement in his heart, trying hard not to reveal anything, and probed, "Do you want to participate?"
"I haven't decided yet, mainly because my skill level isn't high enough," Chu Yueyi said, humbly seeking advice considering his profession. "Do you think an actor can be a support member? At least Zou Qian can sing, but I've never even been on a variety show."
Shi Guanghua patiently asked, "What's your current level of musical knowledge?"
Chu Yueyi admitted frankly, "When I listen to songs, I can only give opinions like 'good' or 'so-so'."
Shi Guanghua nodded decisively: "That's enough."
Chu Yueyi: "?"
Chu Yueyi glanced at him in disbelief: "Are you sure? Even though it's a Chinese music support role, there's still a commentary section, right?"
Shi Guanghua confirmed again: "It's enough. A support member is just that - support. The music part will be handled by professionals."
Shi Guanghua's confident assurance successfully convinced Chu Yueyi to accept the show offer.
She didn't really understand the process of music shows and was far less experienced than him, so naturally, she believed whatever he said.
Chu Yueyi remarked, "What a coincidence. I didn't even know your next job was this, and we even run into Zou Qian."
Shi Guanghua had always been a musician; she was the outsider who suddenly appeared. It was indeed quite fateful that they could continue working together.
Shi Guanghua: "Mm-hmm."
The two chatted a bit more about the music show on the plane. Chu Yueyi discovered that Shi Guanghua spoke knowledgeably about the profession, revealing another side of him she hadn't known.
Although they often met on set, they had never discussed work matters, and she couldn't help but feel a working-class admiration for him.
After returning to Beijing, Shi Guanghua said goodbye to Chu Yueyi and returned to his company in the cultural and creative park.
As soon as Shi Guanghua entered the studio, he found Xiao Cheng and said, "I'm going to 'Dream of Chinese Music'."
Xiao Cheng: "Huh? Don't you want to rest a bit? Although the show team mentioned you, it's okay if you feel tired and don't want to go?"
There were other musicians in the company who participated in numerous shows and album productions each year. Not every job had to be done by Shi Guanghua.
Shi Guanghua insisted: "I want to go."
Xiao Cheng: "...Since when did you become so career-driven?"
Shi Guanghua didn't have ambitious goals for fame and success, or rather, his utilitarian mindset wasn't strong enough, which was why he could maintain his production quality at a steady level.
Hearing him suddenly enthusiastic about work, Xiao Cheng naturally felt bewildered.
Manager Li You finalized the contract details with "Dream of Chinese Music", and the show team also reassured Chu Yueyi, stating that the pressure of commentary as a Chinese music support member wouldn't be on her. There were two other support members, Liu Yan and Zou Qian, to assist.
Liu Yan was a veteran singer in her fifties, while Zou Qian was a popular singer-dancer in his twenties. Their professional abilities were sufficient to cover the commentary section.
Chu Yueyi was an actress in her twenties. From the start, the directors had positioned her as the mood-maker. All she needed to do was smile, applaud enthusiastically, and say some encouraging words to the contestants. There was no need for her to make profound analyses.
Liu Yan was known for being serious and sharp-tongued, while Zou Qian was also serious about music. Chu Yueyi's role was to liven up the atmosphere.
After hearing about her task, Chu Yueyi understood the logic, but even praising required skill, right?
She couldn't just say everything sounded good; that would be too insincere!
The show team might have heard rumors about Chu Yueyi's high EQ, but ultimately, her ability to perform beyond expectations was due to her information advantage. Her so-called high EQ in dealing with people was simply understanding others, but she really didn't understand music and couldn't hear the differences.
Backstage, just before recording was about to begin, Chu Yueyi nervously paced back and forth, bumping into Shi Guanghua who was checking on the band.
The first recording session was quite hectic, and the two hadn't had a chance to talk. Shi Guanghua noticed her unease and asked, "What are you doing?"
Chu Yueyi replied numbly, "Wondering why I came to record a music show."
She suddenly remembered his persuasion at the airport and silently stared at the culprit.
Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, Shi Guanghua said softly, "...I remember they said you don't need to comment."
Chu Yueyi muttered, "They said I just need to praise people, but how do I know how to praise? And I don't know who deserves more praise?"
Shi Guanghua thought seriously for a moment and suggested, "I'll slip a note under your seat later."
Chu Yueyi looked puzzled: "What note?"
"Guanghua, come here for a moment, take a look at this!" Someone from the team called out to Shi Guanghua from a distance.
Seeing he was busy, Chu Yueyi said kindly, "You should go over there first."
Shi Guanghua couldn't linger. As he hurriedly left, he said concisely, "Just look at that."
As the music director, Shi Guanghua's workload was not light. He was involved in arranging the musical aspects for each contestant, as well as coordinating the live band and equipment. He was fully engaged from rehearsals to recording.
Soon after, the official recording began. Chu Yueyi smiled as she appeared in the introduction VCR. She greeted the Chinese music support members Liu Yan and Zou Qian in turn, then took her seat as the third support member.
Remembering Shi Guanghua's words, Chu Yueyi discreetly moved the items on her desk and indeed found a thin piece of paper underneath with neat handwriting.
Chu Yueyi looked around, trying to suppress her surprise. She couldn't see Shi Guanghua, and clearly, Liu Yan and Zou Qian didn't have any notes.
Zou Qian, sitting next to Chu Yueyi, noticed her unusual behavior but assumed she was still nervous. He reassured her, "It's okay, recording a music show isn't difficult. It's just like acting for you!"
Zou Qian had received guidance from Chu Yueyi on set before and was considering whether to help her during the show.
The first contestant appeared under the lights, demonstrating a high level of singing ability.
After the performance, Liu Yan and Zou Qian both gave professional comments. Finally, it was the turn of the true outsider, Chu Yueyi.
Zou Qian glanced secretly at Chu Yueyi, planning to step in if she struggled to respond.
Chu Yueyi, with her exquisite makeup, appeared not nervous at all. She smiled brightly and praised, "Your singing is really beautiful. The way you handle the ending notes is especially great, and your breath control is stable. If you exhale too quickly without control, the voice can easily become thin, but your voice is particularly full..."
The male contestant on stage, faced with such sincere compliments, bowed excitedly and somewhat at a loss for words: "Thank you, really, thank you..."
Zou Qian looked at Chu Yueyi in disbelief: "???" Are you actually a hidden expert?
The show team had planned for Chu Yueyi to be a mascot, but who would have thought she could praise contestants so eloquently? This was truly unexpected.
They were all confused backstage, whispering cautiously, "Why do I feel like she understands music even better than Zou Qian?"
Having gone through rehearsals with the contestants, Shi Guanghua was very clear about each person's strengths. He had written a note for Chu Yueyi, briefly listing the key points.
Shi Guanghua's writing was concise and to the point. Chu Yueyi added embellishing words, making it sound even more flowery.
With Shi Guanghua's cheat sheet, Chu Yueyi successfully got through several contestants. Only for one contestant whom Shi Guanghua had defined as "really not good in any aspect" did she resort to the universal praising technique, complimenting the contestant's priceless musical spirit!
The veteran singer Liu Yan, known for her sharp tongue, remarked, "Yueyi has quite a musical perspective. She's praising everyone, but she's hitting the right points."
Zou Qian, sitting between the two, hadn't received such praise from the veteran.
Zou Qian was now completely bewildered, doubting his own musical abilities. Why did even the pure actress Chu Yueyi seem stronger than him? Had he become too complacent?
That couldn't be possible.
He felt he wasn't bad among singers, but Chu Yueyi was so spot-on. Could she even go into music?
Halfway through the recording, Zou Qian finally discovered the inside story during a break. He caught a glimpse of the note on Chu Yueyi's desk and immediately became upset: "This is cheating! It's absolutely cheating. How come she gets someone to write notes for her?"
Director: "No, we didn't write notes for any of the judges..."
Chu Yueyi calmly pulled back the note and said impassively, "You heard that? The director didn't write any notes."
Zou Qian had long recognized the handwriting. How could he not know the truth? He felt both annoyed and amused: "Music Director Shi, Music Director Shi, how can you be so biased? Is this how you play the game!?"
Hearing Zou Qian call out to Shi Guanghua, Chu Yueyi finally looked away guiltily. She really couldn't fool Zou Qian.
Logically, the music director shouldn't be writing notes for the guests, and veterans like Liu Yan didn't need them either.
Zou Qian was simply upset about being ignored. He and Shi Guanghua had known each other for many years, yet the latter helped another person from the same program cheat, without even telling poor Zou Qian.
Liu Yan watched the scene unfold, amused: "My, my, young people are so lively."
This wasn't about seriously arguing over something, but more like a joke during a break. Everyone was curious about how Director Shi would respond, and they eagerly watched the scene unfold.
Zou Qian confronted him, demanding an explanation: "Why does she get preferential treatment? As the music director, shouldn't you treat everyone equally!?"
Chu Yueyi glared at Zou Qian, thinking he was really meddling and wishing she could assassinate him.
Shi Guanghua was called over by Zou Qian, appearing calm and collected, without a hint of guilt. His patience with Zou Qian was visibly wearing thin as he responded coolly and briefly: "She made a top-up payment."
This was knowledge Shi Guanghua had gained from gaming, where cheating in games meant making sufficient payments.
Faced with this blatant double standard, Zou Qian was speechless: "..."
Zou Qian thought to himself: Well, well, even in a TV show recording, there's a VIP10 recharge service for the nobility?!