This year, Jian Jing had already published two books. She wanted to write a third book, but it would be better to wait until the first half of next year. If she wrote too fast, she would definitely be criticized by others for being an assembly line, perfunctory and shoddy. It would be good to wait, which would allow her time to slowly polish her next book.
Therefore, besides graduate school, Jian Jing didn't seem to have anything else to do in the second half of the year. She heard that the ghost house show was going to film an episode abroad this time, and she was inevitably tempted.
The production team was very sincere this time. They would film in late June but had already asked her in mid-May, giving her advance notice. They said Cai Tonger was busy filming and couldn't make the schedule, so they would likely invite another young lady. If Jian Jing felt anyone was unsuitable, she should give them advance notice.
She wouldn't have received this kind of treatment a year ago.
However, to be fair, half of this courtesy was earned by Jian Jing herself, and half was given by Golden Crow.
No one knew whether the giant ship entering the sea would sink or sail to a new world. Being friendly was definitely the right approach. But as a veteran in the publishing industry, Golden Crow also had its own pride and caution. It had not made any big moves, so everyone could only make overtures where they could.
Kang Musheng's favor towards Jian Jing was obvious to all.
Who else would they look for if not her?
But Jian Jing never relied on these things. Since she wanted to go, she readily agreed.
Before she knew it, it was June.
Rumors, both real and fake, began circulating at the beginning of the month. The news was that an old cast member couldn't participate this time, so they might bring in a new person. Under the entertainment news, netizens wildly speculated that it would be Jiang Baiyan.
He was filming in Ice City, so most people felt he wouldn't be available.
His fans were naturally very disappointed.
Earlier this year, the family drama he had filmed previously started airing. Although it faced a lot of criticism before filming, the results proved he had a good hand at choosing roles.
The everyday family drama appealed to both young and old, with young girls watching for the handsome actor while mothers and grandmothers watched for the family conflicts. It quickly expanded his fame.
Catering only to the upper class wouldn't work nowadays. There was more than one or two actors with no acting skills on the big screen. One had to be humble when necessary.
Jiang Baiyan's gamble paid off, gaining him many new fans.
Most people still looked forward to seeing him in person, so hearing that he couldn't participate was quite regretful.
In mid-month, the official trailer finally revealed the truth.
Ghost House Extreme Challenge V:
The steady and wise you - @Cao Yu, the elegant and beautiful you - @Zheng Keyan, the delicate and cute you - @Jiang Baiyan, the passionate and energetic you - @Han Bo, the quirky and interesting you - @Coco, and the smart and brave mystery guest.
Top Comment 1: Life is like wine, growing richer with age. The 30 year old you is more elegant and composed. We love you and support you @Zheng Keyan [beautiful photo]
Top Comment 2: Out of the vast sea of people, I'm fortunate to have met you. On this long night, you light up a corner. @Jiang Baiyan
Top Comment 3: Youthful energy, indulging in song and dance, baby you're the best! @Han Bo
Top Comment 4: Quirky and cute, support @Coco, go for it!
Top Comment 5: The mystery guest is probably Jian Jing. I've watched two seasons, and besides her, no one else can be called smart and brave. There's a new person this time, so the mystery guest can't also be a new face.
Reply 1: That makes sense, this lady made a deep impression on me, with her going abroad this time she can hold the scene.
Reply 2: Cao the Advisor was diligent for two seasons, did you not see?
Reply 3: Does slandering people make you happy?
...
Infighting was inevitable in the entertainment industry. Jian Jing herself didn't care about the verbal battles. After all, no one asked "Who is Jian Jing?" this time. This alone was enough to make her feel gratified.
She was itching to know if her popularity score could cross another threshold, but the system didn't make a peep. Clearly, she was still far from the next level.
Fortunately, the limited draw was only once every two months, so the wait wasn't too long.
In April, when she drew a card, she was on the shooting range practicing. She drew a [Steady Aim] card.
[Name: Status Card - Steady Aim]
[Description: Gains 100% accuracy when throwing, shooting, etc. Base time 5 sec/day, resets at midnight, can extend with courage points, 1 pt = 1 sec]
[Note: Bullseye, one shot kill. You deserve it!]
This skill was very useful, especially when she was too lazy to get up to throw out trash - 100% accuracy, saving time and effort, wonderful!
In June, right before departing, it was time for another card draw.
She was at the beauty salon then. The beautician's strength was just right and the fragrant essential oils were enchanting. In the warmth, her mind grew a bit fuzzy.
When the system asked [Draw card?], she responded "Yes" in her mind without thinking twice.
Well, the card she drew in the beauty salon...it was better left unsaid.
Later in the month, the weather already felt a bit like summer. Jian Jing boarded the plane arranged by the production team. Normally each episode took two parts, but since they were filming abroad this time, the three parts allotted by the production team included not just the content in the haunted house, but eating, drinking, and sightseeing as well.
Cameras were already set up when she boarded the plane.
Last time, Jian Jing still felt a little unused to them, but now she could almost ignore their existence. After stowing her luggage, she greeted Cao Yu, Zheng Keyan, and Han Bo.
"We meet again."
"The weather is good today."
"We're running a bit late."
Such small talk from Jian Jing could be considered friendly, but compared to the glibness of others, it was rather bland and tasteless.
Those particularly incompatible with her type, like the old fox Cao Yu who couldn't avoid comparison, immediately set a trap at their meeting: "I heard the haunted houses abroad are much more extreme than domestic ones. If Teacher Jian makes any discoveries this time, be sure to give us a heads up."
Jian Jing was taken aback, seemingly confused: "What discoveries?"
"Ah, let's not talk about that." But Zheng Keyan quickly changed the subject, warmly asking Jian Jing, "I read your book yesterday, it was so touching I cried my eyes out."
Jian Jing smiled. "It had a happy ending, seeking benevolence and getting it."
Zheng Keyan wasn't satisfied, pulling Jian Jing to sit next to her and prodding for details: "So did he love her or not in the end?"
This line of questioning showed she had truly read the book instead of just being politely superficial. Jian Jing also didn't reject her kind intentions, and the two chatted about the plot of the novel.
Soon, the new member Coco arrived.
She was on the petite side with delicate and beautiful features, still with some baby fat in her cheeks. Her clothing wasn't as exquisite as Cai Tonger's, but carried a youthful charm that easily made people adore her.
Also, she started out as a child star, acting in many classic TV shows people would find familiar, with a dazzling résumé. It was rare for her to have grown up without any issues, and her acting skills had been honed over the years, earning favor from many directors recently.
Her latest movie was released to impressive box office results, showing great momentum.
Coco first greeted the production team, calling Cao Yu "Uncle" familiarly as if they knew each other already. She then exchanged pleasantries with Zheng Keyan, Jian Jing and Han Bo, seeming clever but not losing her girlish charm, making her very hard to dislike.
"I like reading books on planes." The young lady was very friendly to Jian Jing, taking out a brand new copy of Rose Gold from her bag and asking for an autograph. She then smiled. "Let me get a signature first before reading it."
Jian Jing certainly wouldn't reject this show of goodwill.
But before she could put pen to paper, another familiar voice rang out. "Coco, you actually beat me to it."
Glancing up, she saw Jiang Baiyan also holding a copy of Rose Gold, clearly intending to cut in line.
"First come, first served," Coco bickered with him. "I was first."
Jiang Baiyan shamelessly insisted, "Teacher Jing, sign mine first."
Jian Jing couldn't help grinning. "First come first served." She quickly signed Coco's copy and gave it back to her.
The girl was extremely smug, sticking her tongue out at Jiang Baiyan.
Jiang Baiyan huffed grumpily, for once abandoning his usual friendly demeanor. He reached out to grab her book. Naturally, Coco dodged, hiding the book behind her back and ducking down, slipping away neatly. "You can't get it."
Cao Yu laughed. "You two are such a lively couple, able to start bickering even on a plane."
Jian Jing glanced at him.
"Stop messing around, we're about to take off." Zheng Keyan said.
Han Bo smilingly picked up Coco's luggage. "Let me put this overhead for you."
"Thanks Brother Han Bo," Coco turned back and stuck out her tongue at Jiang Baiyan again. "Unlike someone."
Jiang BaiYan ignored her and plopped down next to Jian Jing: "Teacher Jing, how could you not show favoritism? She's new here, but I've known you for a long time."
Jian Jing said, "It's because you came late."
"I just got home yesterday and overslept," he rubbed his belly. "I haven't even had breakfast yet."
Before Jian Jing could say anything, Zheng Keyan was already speaking over there: "I brought some snacks, let me grab some for you." While speaking, she was already taking out food.
Jiang BaiYan thanked her and wolfed down a couple bites. The plane was about to take off.
--
After the broadcast.
Comment 1: Team assemble! Let's set off again! Ah ah ah
Comment 2: Little brother has gotten thinner, filming must be so tiring.
Comment 3: Keyan is so thoughtful.
Comment 4: Is this an enemies-to-lovers couple this time? Why does our little brother always have to do this, so annoying!
Comment 5: How can the military advisor be so petty?
Comment 6: Picking fights is fun?
Comment 7: Looking forward to Teacher Jing, finally get to see her again!
...
--
After about half an hour, the air flow stabilized and the passengers started moving again.
The production team had booked half the plane's seats, leaving it up to the guests where to sit. Jian Jing didn't have the patience for small talk and chose a window seat to watch a movie.
The footage on the plane, the previous joking around was enough. The cameras were quickly taken away, the guests didn't need to perform, no one would come bother her for no reason.
Except for Jiang BaiYan.
He wandered around and sat down familiarly next to her, "Our pudding..."
As soon as Jian Jing heard this, she showed a pained expression: "Got fatter."
Jiang BaiYan gasped, "Got fatter again?"
"I've already tried my best," she explained, "but pudding is so cute, what can I do."
Jiang BaiYan shook his head vigorously: "A mother who spoils her child ruins him."
Jian Jing glared at him: "As if you can do anything about it."
His face wrinkled like a bitter melon, obviously also helpless against the orange cat.
"I bought an automatic cat feeder, it can eat a little less these past two days," Jian Jing was also very concerned, "President Kang said he'll help me take care of it, hopefully it can lose a little weight, even just a few ounces would be good."
"That's good then," Jiang BaiYan hastily ended this topic, then abruptly changed the subject, lowering his voice, "Be more careful after official filming starts."
Jian Jing smiled and asked curiously: "What can he do to me?"
Jiang BaiYan's gaze swiftly glanced around, vigilant and prudent, but his voice was as faint as a mosquito: "Malicious editing has happened before, you've seen it."
"It's not that easy, even if it really happens, it's not a big deal," Jian Jing rested her cheek in her hand, gazing out the window. The cities and mountains below were continuous, miniscule and blurred, "He's quite petty."
Jiang BaiYan said: "There's a military advisor role in a historical drama that's very competitive. Because of his previous image, he's being considered, but if his character collapses, he probably won't get the part."
She curled her lips slightly: "Whether the performance is good or not, depends on how scary the Haunted Hospital turns out to be."
Jiang BaiYan laughed drily: "It probably won't be that scary."
"The scale of foreign haunted houses will definitely be bigger," Jian Jing winked at him, "If it's very scary, you have to endure it. You're not the youngest this time, don't embarrass yourself too much."
Jiang BaiYan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Don't worry Teacher Jing, I will..." His bright and sharp gaze fell on Coco in the front seat, "Heh."
