Chapter 025: First Watch

The show "Happy Family" has two hosts. The male host, Xi Yao, is highly skilled and personable, mainly responsible for keeping the program on track. The female host, though not as experienced, is lively, unafraid of self-deprecation, and brings energy to the atmosphere. The two share a close relationship, working together with seamless rapport. Their banter and wit help guests relax, letting their unique qualities shine through, and every guest’s strengths are showcased to the fullest. They never make things difficult for their guests, and it’s rare for any celebrity to be embroiled in controversy after appearing on the show.

It’s precisely because of these two hosts that "Happy Family" remains one of the longest-running and most well-regarded variety shows in the country.

In her previous life, Song Wan had never appeared on a variety show; "Happy Family" was a name she’d only ever heard about in passing. This time, participating in "Happy Family" was not only her first variety show appearance, but also her first formal introduction to the public. It was neither a promotional photo shoot, nor a spat on social media, nor just a trending name. The significance was immense.

Yet, despite this, Song Wan wasn’t particularly nervous. By the time her special Miao-themed makeup was finished, the show was about to begin taping.

Everyone else had participated in "Happy Family" before and was already mingling with acquaintances. Even Zhou Zhou was off discussing makeup techniques with the crew’s makeup artist, leaving Song Wan alone in the dressing room. She sat, reviewing the show’s rundown in her mind, waiting for a staff member to call her.

Suddenly, quick footsteps sounded in the hallway. Song Wan turned in surprise to see Xi Yao, who she thought had already left. She hurried to greet him. "Brother Xi? Did you leave something behind?"

Xi Yao shook his head. "No, someone wanted to meet you ahead of time." With that, he pulled Lou Yao in from behind him. "Yao Yao, haven’t you always wanted to meet Song Wan? Here she is. Aren’t you going to say hello?"

Since Song Wan’s face was covered in intricate patterns for her role, it was hard to recognize her, so Xi Yao made the introduction.

Lou Yao, unrestrained and excited, threw herself onto Song Wan, bubbling over with enthusiasm. "You’re Song Wan? I’ve seen your two promo photos—absolutely adored you! Especially the one in pink, you looked stunning!"

"…Thank you?" Song Wan was caught in Lou Yao’s embrace, unable to break free, her tone hesitant.

Lou Yao’s smile was as bright as the sun. "You’re wearing the same outfit as in your promo photo—so impressive!"

Xi Yao, standing behind, could only look on in exasperation. "Of course, the promo photo was taken of Song Wan herself. Did you expect to see a different Song Wan?"

"I was just surprised," Lou Yao brushed it off, then took Song Wan’s hand, chattering away. "Your other promo photo is even more beautiful. Why didn’t you wear that costume to the show? This look is striking, but we can’t see your face clearly!"

Xi Yao shot her a look. "Did you not read the script again? Song Wan isn’t wearing this costume for the entire program."

"The script is for you. Why would I need it?" Lou Yao retorted with a dismissive wave. "If I actually stuck to the script, the director would be in tears!"

Ever since they realized that scripting restricted Lou Yao’s whimsical style, the showrunners had decided only Xi Yao needed to read it.

"You’re quite proud of that, aren’t you?" Xi Yao, helpless, dragged her out. "You’ve said hello to Song Wan. Isn’t it time to get on stage?"

Though reluctant to leave, Lou Yao could hear the director urging her through her earpiece. If she delayed any longer, the director would lose his temper.

"Don’t be nervous, Wan Wan. Your hands are sweating. This show is just chatting and playing games—it’s really easy, nothing to worry about." Lou Yao, ever the extrovert, promised, "Besides, I’ll look after you."

Song Wan nodded. "I’ll try to relax."

Lou Yao flashed her a big, reassuring smile and headed for the stage.

Xi Yao, trailing behind, patted Song Wan on the shoulder. "Don’t worry about Zhao Meng. She wouldn’t dare act out on the show."

Song Wan was taken aback, but Xi Yao had already gone.

In any case, after they left, Song Wan felt much calmer.

As usual, the show opened with a musical number. The two hosts segued onto the stage, and after a brief warm-up, they began inviting the cast members one by one.

Since the drama was a fantasy series focusing on the male lead, Chen Yi was the first to take the stage. He wore a pristine white costume, and as he walked, a breeze seemed to follow, his gauzy robe fluttering, mingling with the fog from the stage’s dry ice, lending him an almost ethereal air.

The female lead, Zhao Meng, followed. Both dressed in their roles’ costumes, they entered from opposite sides of the stage and met in the middle, walking hand in hand to center stage.

As the opening theme of "Immortal in the Clouds" played, the two gazed at each other with tender affection, creating a beautiful tableau.

Ordinarily, such a scene would set fans’ hearts racing, and the audience would be cheering enthusiastically. But today, aside from Chen Yi and Zhao Meng’s fans, the rest of the audience responded with boos. Even Chen Yi’s fans pointedly ignored Zhao Meng.

Zhao Meng instantly tensed, her grip on Chen Yi’s hand tightening, sharp nails digging into his skin. Unprepared, Chen Yi winced in pain.

The boos grew louder.

Several of Chen Yi’s fans stood up, visibly agitated.

Sensing things were amiss, Xi Yao stepped to the center of the stage, smiling broadly. "Wow, everyone is so passionate today! You must be swept away by the romance between Qin Feng and He Yu, right?"

Lou Yao joined him, skillfully separating Chen Yi and Zhao Meng, her eyes wide with exaggerated horror. "Romance? That’s way too much sugar! It’s so sweet I can’t take it!" She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Honestly, I don’t want any!"

Xi Yao shot her a look. "You’re the only one who’d believe that."

Lou Yao burst out laughing, cradling her face in her hands. "As much as I, like everyone else, want to see Qin Feng and He Yu being sweet, we also have our beloved Miao Yu to welcome, right? Let’s give it up for our cool and adorable—"

Xi Yao and Lou Yao together: "Miao Yu!"

As they exited, they practically dragged Zhao Meng and Chen Yi off the stage.

By now, Zhao Meng had realized what happened. Nervous, she tried to explain to Chen Yi, but he shot her a cold look. "Can you act a bit more professionally? We’re taping a show! There are so many fans watching, and you had to claw my hand? If the hosts hadn’t stepped in, and I’d lost face in front of my fans, I wouldn’t forgive you!"

You, who always mess up your takes, show up late, and act like a diva, have the nerve to accuse me of unprofessionalism?

Fury flared in Zhao Meng’s heart, but she could only force a smile and apologize, since the situation left her no choice.

Worried they might start arguing, both hosts looked on sternly, their gazes carrying a warning.

"Happy Family" has maintained its stellar reputation for so many years, not only because of its talented hosts, but also thanks to the uncompromising stance of Mango TV. The network never tolerates celebrities creating drama on their shows. If any star causes trouble during taping, Mango TV blacklists them from all its programs and refuses to air any dramas they appear in.

As the leading satellite network, Mango TV produces several ratings hits each year, including at least one blockbuster drama. Their audience is enormous. So even if the quality of a drama isn’t great, its viewership won’t suffer much as long as it airs on Mango TV.

If the network blacklists someone, it might not end their career, but it will deal a heavy blow.

Not wanting to offend the hosts, Chen Yi begrudgingly forgave Zhao Meng, though he rubbed his scratched hand, his gaze dark and inscrutable.