Three days after the interview, Yi Xing appeared at the Beijing airport with an oversized suitcase. The reason for the three-day delay was that he, being the lowest-ranking, was the first to be interviewed. The film crew still had to interview six other people, and one day simply wasn't enough.
As soon as he received his air-shipped luggage, he spotted the film crew's logo. Following the logo's directions, he smoothly arrived at the meeting point. There was already a person in a red jacket waiting there. From behind, he couldn't tell who it was.
Although he couldn't confirm, someone at the meeting point had to be a program guest. With a friendly smile, he walked forward and politely greeted, "Hello, I'm Yi Xing. Please take care of me during our time together."
The moment the person in front of him turned around, he knew who they were. A scene involuntarily popped into his mind.
"I, Murong Yunhai, swear to the clouds, to the wind, to the flowers and rainbows, that I will only love Chu Yuxun in this life"; this method of confession left a deep impression on his immature heart.
"Hello, I'm Zhang Han."
"It's an honor to meet you, Brother Han. I really loved your performance in 'Meteor Shower.'" Yi Xing's knowledge of him was limited to that; he hadn't watched any of Zhang Han's subsequent dramas, so he could only make polite conversation.
"Um, do you have chopsticks in your bag?"
"What?"
"Do you have chopsticks?" Zhang Han asked again.
Actually, Yi Xing had heard clearly the first time, but he just didn't want to believe his ears. Who asks someone they've just met for chopsticks right off the bat? If it were him, he wouldn't even have the nerve to say it.
"Are those the chopsticks I'm thinking of?"
"Yes, I didn't eat lunch and brought a meal, but then I realized I didn't have any chopsticks."
"..."
The atmosphere in the air was silent for a while. Yi Xing was stunned for a long time before he reacted, almost bursting out laughing. Fortunately, his facial expressions were under control, and he managed to hold it back. "Brother Han, you really should have started doing variety shows earlier."
Unlike intentionally creating program effects, the effects Zhang Han unintentionally produced were much more interesting and dramatic; even a meticulously designed script couldn't write such a scene.
"Oh, never mind that for now. Do you have chopsticks or not?"
"I really didn't bring any. Why don't you go ask others, Brother Han, and I'll stay here to greet the sisters who arrive?"
"Alright, I'll leave it to you." Zhang Han thought for a moment, then nodded. Having one person at the meeting point was enough; filling his stomach was the most important thing right now.
He placed his suitcase at the meeting point, took out his packed meal from his bag, looked at the airport map, located a restaurant, and walked towards it.
Yi Xing took over Zhang Han's job and continued to wait for the other guests to arrive. Luckily, the official recording hadn't started yet, and his phone hadn't been handed over to the film crew, so he could chat with Jingyi to pass the time.
"Yi Xing: Do you have any scenes to shoot today?"
"Jingyi: Not yet. I guess I'll have to wait until next week. But I've talked to the director, and he allowed me to stay and learn, just like when I was on your film crew."
"Yi Xing: That's really great! My variety show is about to start filming, so I'll probably be out of touch for a while. Don't miss me too much!"
"Jingyi: Don't be so narcissistic! Who would miss you!!!"
After teasing Jingyi, Yi Xing's mood gradually became more cheerful. This was his true nature; he acted like a good boy in front of unfamiliar people, but only dared to show his true self and be himself in front of acquaintances.
Just as he was engrossed in his phone, someone gently tapped him on the shoulder from behind. He turned around and saw a girl with a bun.
Yi Xing recognized this person, quickly put away his phone, extended his hand, and greeted, "Hello, Sister Tao, I'm Yi Xing, your travel companion for this trip."
"Hello, hello. You look so young! What year were you born?"
"1996, I'm 21 now."
Liu Tao knew Yi Xing's age and was so surprised her mouth hung open. He was too young; she was more than a full cycle older than him, and she was a bit worried if a child his age could take care of himself independently.
"Are you still studying?"
"I've already graduated."
And so, the two began an awkward conversation, mostly a Q&A, without delving into any topic to get to know each other better. As they chatted, another sister arrived. She had neat, short hair, and some graying strands revealed her age.
The moment Liu Tao saw her, she immediately went over to greet her, "Oh! Sister Peipei, the film crew even invited you?"
"You are?"
"I'm Liu Tao."
"Hello, and who is this?"
"Hello, Sister Peipei, my name is Yi Xing."
Yi Xing also walked over to greet her. He recognized the person in front of him; even if he didn't know her name, he had seen her in "Flirting Scholar," which was a classic among classics.
"Sister Peipei, guess how old he is?"
"Since you asked that, he must be very young, at least younger than my son. I'd guess around twenty, give or take."
The older, the wiser! Zheng Peipei guessed correctly, leaving Liu Tao full of admiration. She had been quite surprised when she first learned this information.
"Can I call you Xiao Xing?"
"Of course."
"Do you know what our next arrangements are?"
"I'm not the designated tour guide by the film crew, so I'm not very clear about the subsequent arrangements. The real tour guide went to eat and should be back soon."
"I see. No worries, let's just chat amongst ourselves."
With Zheng Peipei's addition, the conversation atmosphere improved significantly; at least it was no longer just awkward small talk. The subsequent members also arrived one after another. Zhang Kaili and Xu Qing both had similar short hairstyles to the eldest sister.
Even the youngest, Li Feier, was 9 years older than Yi Xing. He was the only person born in the 90s present and the only one under 30. He finally understood why the director agreed to let him come: to lower the average age of the entire tour group.
Somehow, the nickname Xiao Xing spread among everyone, causing every sister to call him "Xiao Xing, Xiao Xing." He, in turn, was a bit confused whether they were telling him to be careful or calling him, as people usually don't pay much attention to front and back nasal sounds in casual conversation.
After a long while, the real tour guide, Zhang Han, finally arrived late. Seeing so many people waiting for him alone, even the most thick-skinned person would feel a bit embarrassed. He said with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting. I'm Zhang Han, the tour guide designated by the film crew. I will be arranging the subsequent travel matters."
Just then, Director Liao, who had been waiting nearby for everyone to gather, came out and led everyone to sit down. He clapped his hands, and two staff members came forward, holding a tray.
"Please hand over all your communication devices, whether it's a mobile phone, iPad, or computer. Everything must be handed in. The one in my hand will be your only communication tool."
