RSDH CH63

The contract with Pastoral Style was signed very quickly. Before officially going on the show, Sister Yu went to Duan Xingye’s office to confirm things with him: “The production team hopes you’ll perform a talent on the show. Will you sing?”

In pastoral life-style programs, besides chatting, guests also had to showcase talents. This not only created an atmosphere of friends gathering but also enriched the show’s watchability.

Duan Xingye was browsing a webpage on his computer and said, “I’ll play a piece on the violin.”

Sister Yu noted it down and said, “One of the resident guests is named Wang Shixi. You’ve seen him too; he’s the one you exposed for plagiarism on The Singer-Songwriter last time. He signed with your former company, and they’re busy operating, insisting that the competition song was original and the strong sense of déjà vu was just a coincidence. They’ve even issued lawyer’s letters, threatening to sue anyone who mentions plagiarism again. So when you record Pastoral Style, don’t mention The Singer-Songwriter or the plagiarism matter. It’s best to avoid him a bit. This kind of person is very difficult to deal with. If you leave any handle for gossip, once he whitewashes himself, he might even make you apologize.”

Duan Xingye wouldn’t mention the plagiarism matter because that was a dispute between Wang Shixi and the original creator of the work.

“No matter how difficult to deal with, he’s just a thief.” His pleasant voice was cold as he said, “The person who should be avoiding isn’t me anyway.”

Sister Yu only thought Duan Xingye was referring to Wang Shixi stealing someone else’s lyrics and composition. She shook her head, knowing Duan Xingye wasn’t one to back down.

But Duan Xingye had never stirred up trouble. Those few artists who were dealt with by Duan Xingye were all the ones who actively provoked trouble with ill intentions, so usually, none of them ended well.

Sister Yu sat opposite Duan Xingye and flipped through the trailer for Pastoral Style again. Having finished discussing business, she couldn’t help gossiping: “Wang Shixi definitely got micro-adjustments done. When he was on The Singer-Songwriter, he still had an ordinary face. Now his facial contours are lifted significantly, and his nasolabial folds have faded. He finally looks a bit like a celebrity. The hospital his company found has some skills.”

Sister Yu had been in the entertainment industry for a long time and had sharp eyes. She could tell at a glance where an artist had adjustments. Someone like Duan Xingye and Cheng Duzhou, with natural faces from birth that could shine brilliantly in front of the camera without a single knife touch, could be said to be rare treasures.

Duan Xingye looked at the computer screen in front of him, quiet for a moment, then said, “His mother runs a plastic surgery hospital.”

“Heh! What did I say! His face was moved carefully.” Sister Yu was full of interest and asked, “Is the hospital well-known?”

Duan Xingye looked at the webpage information and said, “Meiyang.”

“I know it!” Sister Yu clapped her hands, remembering. She said, “Meiyang is very famous, mainly cooperating with entertainment companies. In our idol department downstairs, the group Tang Ning was in when he first debuted, all eleven of them were sent to Meiyang for adjustments. Tsk, looking at it this way, Wang Shixi is a genuine rich second generation. No wonder he was reincarnated from the dirty earth in less than a month.”

Duan Xingye didn’t respond to that.

He saw Wang Suqian’s name on the video bullet comments last night. Searching online today, he couldn’t find private information but saw keywords on enterprise inquiry websites, discovering that woman owned a plastic surgery hospital.

Scrolling down the page, in the enterprise equity structure chart, Duan Xingye saw a corporate name he was all too familiar with—one of the companies under Duan Qiwei’s name had participated in the investment.

Duan Xingye hadn’t paid attention to that mother and son for a long time. Looking at it now, Wang Suqian had more brains than her son. All these years, she didn’t limit herself to being a sickly canary. Taking Duan Qiwei’s money to start a business, she transformed into a female entrepreneur.

The promotional slogan of the plastic surgery hospital was “Beauty on the inside, exquisite on the outside.”

Duan Xingye sneered and closed the page.

Wang Shixi’s ability to lie with his eyes open was probably learned from this woman.

…

Meanwhile, in the conference room of Changshi Record Entertainment Company, Wang Shixi heard that Duan Xingye was among the flying guests for the first episode. His expression became silent, and he didn’t make a sound afterward.

The supervisor mentioned arranging a work assistant for Wang Shixi next.

Tao Ziyi suddenly spoke up, saying lazily, “Just transfer Ah Hui to him.”

Ah Hui was the assistant who had followed Tao Ziyi for three years. Hearing this, he froze, then said anxiously, “I still have a lot of work on your side…”

Tao Ziyi seemed not to hear him speak and continued to the supervisor, “Ah Hui works carefully and has experience as an assistant. Junior brother just entered the industry and needs someone to guide him.”

Ah Hui understood there was no room for him to speak and could only be at Tao Ziyi’s disposal, his face turning the color of liver.

He looked at Wang Shixi on the other side of the conference table, gritting his teeth secretly.

Working as an assistant in an entertainment company also required following the right artist. A singer who engaged in plagiarism upon debut would have retired long ago if not for forceful whitewashing and promotion. Whether Wang Shixi could rise was still unknown. Tao Ziyi himself wasn’t willing to admit to the public that Wang Shixi was his junior brother at this stage, yet he sent an assistant who had worked for him for many years to the other party. It was tantamount to demoting him.

Wang Shixi was still thinking about his own matters and accepted all the company’s arrangements.

The supervisor clapped his hands to end the meeting, saying, “Then it’s decided.”

Tao Ziyi got up arrogantly and left the conference room.

Ah Hui sat in his seat, staring at Tao Ziyi’s back, breathing rapidly.

He used to be Duan Xingye’s assistant. Tao Ziyi promised that as long as he got Duan Xingye’s song demos, he would apply to the company to let him be a manager. But year after year passed; not only did he not become a manager, but he also kept spinning in the position of an assistant and was gradually marginalized instead.

Only today did Ah Hui finally understand. He did the dirty work for Tao Ziyi, and Tao Ziyi only wished for him to disappear; he would never push him to a higher position.

Ah Hui’s hands gradually clenched into fists, and resentment rose in his eyes.

He picked up his phone, brought up the voice recorder, and scrolled down to the bottom of the list.

An audio file lay there. The creation time was three years ago, recording the content of his phone call with Tao Ziyi back then.

…

After the meeting, Wang Shixi couldn’t wait to return to the lounge. He found a secluded corner in the corridor and dialed a number.

“Mom, the flying guest for the show the day after tomorrow is Duan Xingye.”

His rich second-generation persona was completely based on Duan Xingye’s experiences because he was most familiar with Duan Xingye’s background. He could even ask Uncle Duan for some details. With details, his persona would appear more authentic. Moreover, Duan Xingye was the most noble-looking rich second generation he had ever seen. It wasn’t just about money; his upbringing and environment created that temperament. Such a ready-made life logic was self-consistent and wouldn’t be exposed.

But he was about to crash into the rightful owner on the show. If he were just entering the entertainment industry, even if his persona borrowed from Duan Xingye, he wouldn’t be afraid and could still be self-righteous. But after the confrontation on The Singer-Songwriter stage last time, he realized Duan Xingye was a ruthless character, and panic started in his heart.

Wang Suqian on the other end of the phone was quiet for a moment, seeming to think. When she spoke again, she smiled and said, “Shixi, haven’t we already discussed this? Duan Xingye won’t expose you. Why can’t you experience what he has experienced? Why can’t you have what he has? If he dares to say a single word of ‘fake’ on the show, Mom will immediately help you prepare proof materials here. When the time comes, we’ll confront him in court on Weibo.”

In the mother and son’s concept, those academic certificates and award certificates—as long as the money was in place, there was nothing that couldn’t be done. That was why they dared to plagiarize so openly.

Wang Shixi frowned. “What if he gets anxious and says you’re a mistress who destroyed his family…”

Wang Suqian interrupted him, her voice turning cold. “How many times do I have to say it? Your Uncle Duan and I were in a free love relationship. We only got together after your Uncle Duan divorced.”

Wang Shixi thought for a moment and gradually relaxed his brows.

Right.

It was seven or eight years ago. The internet wasn’t as developed then as it is now. People talking and chatting wouldn’t leave records everywhere. The Kan family couldn’t prove Duan Qiwei cheated or say his mother was a mistress.

Besides, in the three years since his debut, Duan Xingye hadn’t mentioned his family background because he didn’t want netizens to disturb his family. If the past of the parents’ generation exploded, even as a victim, he would face speculation and attacks from all sides. A high-status family like the Kan family valued reputation the most and couldn’t retreat unscathed from the storm of public opinion. Duan Xingye wouldn’t put family scandals on the table for people’s entertainment. That was why Duan Xingye pretended not to know him on The Singer-Songwriter stage last time.

As the saying goes, ‘he who is barefoot is not afraid of those who wear shoes’ (those with nothing to lose are not afraid of those with something to lose). It should be Duan Xingye wanting to avoid him, not him avoiding Duan Xingye.

After thinking it through, Wang Shixi breathed a sigh of relief, his heart settling.

Wang Suqian said on the other end of the phone, “Just perform well on your variety show debut. Don’t worry about anything else, and don’t be influenced by certain people. Mom has already pre-ordered the trending searches for you.”

Wang Shixi said, “Understood.”

“Shixi, you have to be confident.” Wang Suqian recovered her expression and smiled gently. “No matter what happens, you have Mom and Uncle Duan as your strongest backing. But look at Duan Xingye—no mother to love him, no father to cherish him. What does he have to compare with you?”

Wang Shixi nodded in agreement and said, “Thank you, Mom.”

Wang Suqian said, “Go for it. My son is the most outstanding.”

Just wait and see. He will be far more outstanding than that woman’s son.

Hanging up the phone, Wang Suqian finished counting the bundle of checks in her hand and secured them with a clip.

There was a knock on the office door. The assistant pushed the door open and entered, saying, “President Wang, Mrs. Fang and her husband have arrived, but Mrs. Fang didn’t make an appointment beforehand. Should we slot her in?”

Hearing this, a slightly coquettish smile appeared on Wang Suqian’s face, which still retained its charm. She stood up, straightened her skirt, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Take them to the reception room. I’ll arrange it.”

Pastoral Style adopted a livestream format. Situated amidst a scenic farm landscape was a warm-style wooden house, with cooking smoke rising from the courtyard.

At 4:00 PM this Thursday, the livestream started on time.

Four resident guests sat by the terrace under the eaves, greeting the audience in the livestream room.

Jiang Dong was a veteran variety show host, responsible for cueing the flow in the program. He glanced at the clock on the wall and said, “Our two guests should be arriving soon. I’ll take Big Yellow to welcome them.”

Big Yellow was a dog with a yellow face and black muzzle raised in the courtyard. Seeming to understand human speech, it stood up from the ground.

Bullet screen:

“Haha, the dog is so clever.”

“The trailer said the flying guests are a national CP. Who is it?”

“Hope it’s Travel at Night, Write Feelings (Cheng Duzhou & Duan Xingye).”

“Can’t be them. Duan Xingye exposed Wang Shixi for plagiarism before. Wouldn’t it be awkward meeting now?”

“Wang Shixi has a violin worth six million US dollars. He never lacks money. Entering the entertainment industry is just to pursue his dream; no need to plagiarize!”

“Wang Shixi received elite education since childhood. With his moral quality, he couldn’t possibly plagiarize!”

“No one said plagiarism; jumping up anxiously yourself. I’m convinced by some fans.”

In the Weibo preview of Pastoral Style, the program team silhouetted the flying guests, keeping the suspense, so the audience was waiting curiously at this moment.

The camera followed Jiang Dong. Under the sunny sky, a small path was cleared in the lush grass ahead, and two men walked from the end.

One figure was tall and handsome, wearing a black shirt, like a runway supermodel.

The other figure was slender and lean, wearing a sapphire blue shirt with the top two buttons undone, revealing a fair collarbone on one side, exuding an oppressive nobility.

The number of viewers in the livestream room exploded.

“Ahhh—Travel at Night, Write Feelings!!!”

“The program team has good taste. Opening guests are really important. I’ve fallen.”

“These two are so handsome!”

Jiang Dong met the husbands and exchanged pleasantries: “Welcome to the Pastoral Hut. It’s been a hard journey.”

Jiang Dong led them into the courtyard, and the other two enthusiastically greeted the guests.

“President Cheng, Teacher Duan, I really like you two!”

“First time shipping a CP up close, moved to tears.”

Only Wang Shixi, while the courtyard was lively, picked up a bamboo basket in the corner alone and said to Jiang Dong, “I’ll go feed the horses in the back first.”

The storyline the program team arranged for Wang Shixi was ‘Rich Young Master Goes to the Countryside’, so they would have him do more dirty and tiring work. Also, hearing that Wang Shixi knew equestrianism, they entrusted the horse farm behind the house to him to manage.

Wang Shixi feeding horses was written in the script; it was a pre-set highlight.

“Let’s go together,” Jiang Dong followed up on Wang Shixi’s words, saying, “Just right to take the guests to visit the back.”

Wang Shixi didn’t say anything, carrying the bamboo basket and walking in front.

Under Jiang Dong’s invitation, Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye followed behind.

The horse farm was surrounded by flat grass, with fences enclosing a wide boundary to form a circular track, and fences blocking the middle as well.

Three horses were tied to the side, standing and resting.

Passing by, Duan Xingye’s gaze swept over the three horses, asking, “Can they be ridden?”

“Sure.” Jiang Dong adopted the attitude of a hospitable host, saying, “Do you want to ride? Our Little Wang here has learned equestrianism. I’ll let him take you for a ride?”

Wang Shixi’s body tensed imperceptibly.

Duan Xingye raised his hand to touch the pure white horse and said, “No need, I know how to ride.”

Jiang Dong didn’t know to what extent Duan Xingye knew how to ride and insisted, “I’d better let Little Wang accompany you. It’s too dangerous if you fall.”

Duan Xingye had already skillfully untied the rope on the fence, led the horse into the field, and suddenly changed his mind: “That works too.”

Then he lifted his foot to step on the stirrup, his figure light as a swallow, straddling the horse’s back to sit. The little white horse’s hooves clattered twice in place. Duan Xingye swayed gently with it, but his back remained upright as a pine.

Such a natural posture displayed under the camera caused the bullet comments to increase sharply; the audience was surprised.

“The mounting movement is so elegant!”

“Crying from Teacher Duan’s handsomeness!”

“I can watch this action a hundred times repeatedly!”

“I can understand Cheng Duzhou knowing how to ride; he acts. But isn’t Duan Xingye a singer?”

“Everyone pay attention, this man is omnipotent; he’s about to make a move.”

Duan Xingye sat high on the horse, looking down at Wang Shixi indifferently, and said, “You’ve learned equestrianism?”

Wang Shixi suddenly became guarded, looking at him. Hesitating a moment, he nodded: “Learned in elementary school.”

He had already thought it through. If Duan Xingye dared to question him, he would say he had certificates.

Duan Xingye said calmly, “Then you pick a horse too and accompany me for two laps.”

“……”

This was out of Wang Shixi’s expectations.

He was about to decline, but Duan Xingye took it as his agreement, pulled the reins, and rode away.

It just so happened that Jiang Dong wanted liveliness at this time and also to give Wang Shixi a chance to perform, saying, “Go quickly, Little Wang.”

Wang Shixi put down the bamboo basket and braced himself to pick a horse.

He had trained for a week to be on the show; it wasn’t that he didn’t know anything.

Wang Shixi walked to a brown horse.

The horse’s eyes seemed to be looking at him or not, and it forcefully snorted spittle from its nostrils.

Wang Shixi braced himself, grabbed the rope tightly, stepped one foot on the stirrup, applied force to step up, hunched his back and shoulders, and swung his other leg somewhat difficulty. He kicked the horse’s butt, and the horse irritably backed up two steps. Wang Shixi’s expression changed, and he tumbled down from mid-air, falling to the ground with a muffled grunt.

Fortunately, the lawn was soft. Jiang Dong hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.

The livestream audience was confused: ???

“Learned equestrianism since childhood?”

“Won awards?”

“If I hadn’t seen Teacher Duan’s mounting action, I would have thought humans mounting horses were all this awkward.”

Wang Shixi’s face flushed red, trying to make up for it: “Change to another one; this one has a bad temper.”

The camera quickly moved away from him, the perspective shifting to Duan Xingye, who was already trotting on the horse in the field.

They saw Duan Xingye’s sapphire blue shirt complementing the white horse. His head and neck were straight up, legs extending downward, toes in the stirrups slightly raised. His entire posture maintained tension, yet sitting on horseback, he appeared so relaxed and natural.

Bullet screen:

“So riding a horse can be this handsome!”

“Looks so expensive/noble.”

“He looks like a manor young master whose ancestors have been rich for more than ten generations!”

All the audience’s attention was attracted by Duan Xingye’s posture.

The white horse flicked its hooves, trotting easily, passing through circles of fences. Reaching the middle, Duan Xingye pulled back the reins slightly, and the white horse docilely turned around in a circle.

Next, Duan Xingye’s upper body leaned forward slightly. The horse started running again, gradually accelerating. Approaching the obstacle hurdle, its front hooves raised high, leaping up, crossing the hurdle, and landing on the ground.

The bullet screen instantly overturned.

“Duan Xingye knows equestrianism!”

Jiang Dong looked shocked and asked Cheng Duzhou beside him, “Did you know Teacher Duan is so good at riding horses?”

Cheng Duzhou stood outside the fence, his gaze following Duan Xingye all along, and said, “I know.”

Better than that horse knew.

…Because he had been ridden.

The moment the thought flashed uncontrollably, a spring breeze blew across the grass, instantly blowing Cheng Duzhou’s face ripe red.

He looked at the horse field ahead—Duan Xingye’s forward-leaning posture, the skin revealed between the swaying collar, and the straightened folds of his pants when his thighs exerted force to clamp the horse’s back…

When the camera shifted to Cheng Duzhou, the bullet screen was terrified.

“Holy crap! President Cheng, why is your face red like that?”

__

Author’s Note:

President Cheng: I can’t control my imagination.