The popularity of the variety show livestream featuring Wen Qingyan and Jing Zejun was already high, and with the news of the 'six-member group' reunion spreading, a large number of netizens flooded into the livestream.
Director Xu looked at the backend data and nodded with satisfaction. Fortunately, he had the foresight, otherwise the livestream would have crashed by now.
Over the years, the members of the 'six-member group' had changed in various ways. Jing Zeyou had just arrived, and as Director Xu looked at the six of them, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
When he first started filming the Jing family, he never imagined that years later, there would be such an opportunity again. What's more, it was rare that they had all become better versions of themselves.
The young girl who had been slandered and needed protection back then had now transformed into a legend in the hearts of many.
Watching Jing Yi cooking in the kitchen, Director Xu felt a momentary sense of déjà vu. It was the same boiled fish dish, just like the scene from many years ago.
Jing Yi gently lifted the lid of the pot, and a cloud of steam rose as the boiled fish churned in the pot, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma.
“Second brother, are you done washing?” Jing Zeqian drained the water from the plate and handed the chopped scallions and chili segments to Jing Yi. His movements were so skillful that it was as if he had become a different person.
[Who understands this feeling? It's like nothing has changed, just like many years ago!]
[I get it! They've clearly become better people, but when they come together, it feels just like before.]
[So heartwarming, but it also makes me want to cry.]
[Yeah, I feel like crying too. It's the same boiled fish, but I still can't eat it!]
[Little Jing, have you been secretly practicing washing and chopping vegetables these past few years?!]
[I noticed that too! Look at those scallion segments, they look pretty professional!]
[Hahahaha, secretly practicing washing vegetables, that's hilarious.]
The final step was to pour the hot oil, and it was done!
Jing Yi looked at the fragrant boiled fish with satisfaction, only for Jing Zeqian to immediately take it away.
Jing Yi: "...Alright, at least he's being enthusiastic."
With more people around, dinner was prepared quickly. By the time Jing Zeyou arrived, the last dish was ready.
"Do you need any help?" Jing Yi came out of the kitchen.
"No need, big brother. Just sit and wait for dinner!" Jing Zeqian, who was passing by, quipped sarcastically, "Sit and wait for dinner~" It was truly a treatment only his brother could get. When would he ever get such treatment?
Jing Yi helped set the table. "Second brother, what are you standing there for? We still need a few more pairs of chopsticks."
Jing Zeqian: "...Waiting!" He then stomped back to the kitchen in a huff.
What's with his temper this time?
Jing Yi didn't have time to think too much about it as her attention was occupied with setting the table.
She looked at the spread of dishes with satisfaction and noticed that Director Xu was still sitting with the crew.
"Director Xu, what are you doing? Didn't we invite you to join us for dinner?"
The other crew members had already been taken care of before Jing Zeyou arrived. This was the standard 'meal provision' during the filming of the Jing family.
As for why Director Xu was invited to join their gathering, it was Jing Yi's idea.
She wasn't accustomed to the entertainment industry or filming, which was why she had turned down many invitations.
But Jing Yi was truly grateful to Director Xu. That period of road trips was a cherished memory for her.
Hearing Jing Yi's words, Director Xu felt a bit embarrassed and pretended to decline, "No, it's fine. I'll just eat with the crew."
The crew members behind him, however, could tell that he wasn't really refusing. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with mischief.
"That's right, Yi Yi, Director Xu can eat with us. I've really missed Hengjing's work meals."
"Yeah, Yi Yi, Director Xu doesn't feel comfortable. Let him eat with us."
"Exactly!"
Director Xu glared at them: Exactly nothing! After all this time, they still couldn't tell when he was just being polite?!
The comments section was also filled with laughter.
[Don't give our Director Xu a hard time, he's feeling shy.]
[Exactly! He loves work meals!]
[Jing Yi is so kind!]
[These people are all so warm-hearted.]
[If Director Xu keeps refusing, the people behind him are going to pounce!]
[Hahahaha, Director Xu looks shocked. Those kids are up to no good!]
Jing Yi watched with amusement as the crew teased Director Xu. "Alright, hurry up. Dinner is about to start."
Director Xu chuckled a few times, helped bring over the last few bowls, and then took a seat.
...
"Cheers!"
The seven of them raised their glasses and clinked them together, instantly feeling as if they had returned to the gatherings of many years ago.
At first, Director Xu felt a bit out of place. In his professional field, this kind of discomfort wouldn't exist, but it had been so long since he had eaten with the guests during filming.
Remembering that the cameras were still rolling, Director Xu felt even more uneasy, a feeling that Jing Yi quickly picked up on.
She found it amusing. "Director Xu, you've been holding a camera for so many years, and you're still afraid of being in front of the lens?"
Director Xu would never admit it, stubbornly replying, "Of course not! I'm just thinking about the shooting angles and the next steps. As a director, these are the things I need to consider."
Jing Yi saw right through him but decided not to press further. She figured she'd give the director some face.
She shifted her gaze back and reached for the small lobster in front of her.
Watching this, Director Xu recalled how Jing Yi used to praise Wen Yin's cooking skills back in the day, and his professional instincts kicked in again.
"Yi Yi, it's been a while since you've had Wen Yin's seafood, right? How does it taste?" Jing Yi gave him a puzzled look. "Director Xu, didn't you know we meet up often?"
After graduating from university, Wen Yin had stayed in North River. Jing Yi occasionally taught him how to race, and the group would get together from time to time, just like before.
Director Xu hadn't expected that. He hadn't seen any news about it online and had assumed that Jing Yi only met with her family, given that Wen Yin was farther away.
Glancing at Jing Zeyou across the table, Director Xu suddenly understood.
Of course, with the Jing family's status, dealing with a few reckless paparazzi was a simple matter.
Perhaps the Shen family was also involved. Jing Yi's status was only getting higher.
Jing Yi noticed Director Xu staring at her and asked, "What's wrong?" Director Xu sighed with emotion. "It's just that everyone seems to have changed so much."
Jing Yi looked around. "Have they?" Perhaps because she saw her family often, she didn't notice any significant changes.
Jing Zeqian casually snatched the shrimp Jing Yi was about to pick up. "Of course! It's been years. How could there be no changes? You've gone from being a single woman to a married one."
Jing Yi glared at him. "What, are you jealous? I'll tell Mom to prepare a special party for you so you can make more friends!"
Jing Zeqian paused. "...You're ruthless!" He then placed a shrimp in Jing Yi's bowl.
Jing Yi's eyes sparkled with triumph as she began to enjoy her 'spoils.'
Director Xu: "...Am I seeing things? These are clearly the same people as before. Nothing has changed."
