Chapter 115: The Girl from the South

Wu Guang fell silent, and Li He was happy to enjoy the peace.

He could roughly guess what was on Wu Guang’s mind—likely the same as the comments on the internet, cursing Ding Zhong. Of course, Li He had been keeping an eye on those comments, even using a burner account to like quite a few of them. Some comments resonated deeply with him: the full version of *The Ordinary Road* was entirely Ding Zhong’s fault and had absolutely nothing to do with Jia Bei. No matter how much Ding Zhong tried to explain, it couldn't offset the netizens' irritation. Li He had originally been among those venting their anger, but once he mentioned that there would be a "gift" in the second episode, the netizens' frustration toward him diminished, even shifting toward Ding Zhong.

Li He had already selected the song for this episode.

He arrived at the Mushroom House around 7:00 AM. As he stepped out of the car, he could clearly feel the change in the production crew's gazes—shifting from initial awe to current worship. He was no longer just the show’s chief planner; he was now the songwriter Jia Bei. Li He greeted the filming staff with a smile, showing no airs at all. Truth be told, he never felt superior or particularly remarkable. Although he possessed a system, everything he did was simply to make life a little better. He had never even considered dominating the entertainment industry; copying songs and releasing them was fine as it was. Perhaps one day, when he had earned enough money, he might just retire.

Li He walked ahead with a cheerful smile. Wu Guang watched him, his eyes filled with involuntary worry. He felt that Li He was unusually excited today; unlike the first episode, the worry was gone, replaced entirely by exhilaration. Even though the premiere’s reputation and ratings were excellent, crushing the competition next door, there was no need to be that excited. Wu Guang clearly saw Li He greeting everyone he met with enthusiasm. It was strange. He waved his arm dismissively, as if to brush away that lingering sense of concern.

Li He arrived at the area set up for the directors, sat on a small stool, and started cracking melon seeds. Meanwhile, Wu Guang rushed around, checking camera angles and framing. The three resident guests weren't due until around 8:00 AM; the morning wake-up shots had already been filmed at the end of the first episode, and they would just be edited together after the second episode was finished.

Li He cracked seeds. Wu Guang directed the work. From the moment he arrived, Li He never left the directors' area. He knew his own limits; he didn't know the first thing about directing, so he might as well crack seeds and watch the director perform.

In the blink of an eye, the three resident guests arrived. Then, a strange scene unfolded. Among the three, Jiang You was the first to arrive. Instead of going straight to the Mushroom House to prepare for filming, he detoured to the directors' area to visit Jia Bei. The second guest, Teacher He, also swung by, grabbing a handful of seeds on his way. When Xie Shun arrived, Li He hopped over to greet him—he had always been very polite to veterans in the industry.

"Teacher Xie Shun," Li He greeted politely.

Xie Shun laughed, "Old Yang really likes that song of yours. If you need any help with next month’s song battle, just say the word."

This was the benefit of participating in a lifestyle variety show; building relationships was essentially building connections. Without this show, Li He probably wouldn't have met Xie Shun for quite some time.

"Since you’ve said so, Teacher Xie, I won't stand on ceremony when the time comes," Li He replied directly. He already had a rough idea of how to arrange the song battle, though whether it would go according to his plan depended on whether the system decided to act up and give him random skills.

The two chatted for a while. As he was leaving, Xie Shun leaned in and whispered, "What’s this gift you mentioned on social media? You aren't actually going to sing the full version of *The Ordinary Road*, are you?"

Li He gave a mysterious smile, "It’s a big gift. I promise it won't disappoint you, Teacher Xie."

For some reason, Xie Shun suddenly had a bad premonition, as if something unpleasant was about to happen to him. What could it be? Instead of questioning if he was overthinking, his first instinct was to guess what that bad thing might be. The thought gave him a start. What was going on? Why did his thoughts become so strange whenever he was around this kid, Jia Bei?

Xie Shun shuddered. "Alright, I'm heading in."

"Goodbye, Teacher Xie," Li He waved. Just as Xie Shun was about to step into the Mushroom House, he added, "Teacher Xie, what are we eating tonight? I want braised sea bass."

Xie Shun stumbled at the doorway, nearly tripping. At that moment, he felt that perhaps the dishes ordered by those two girls, Jiang Qi and He Xi’er, in the last episode had been orchestrated by Jia Bei all along! Although he didn't know them well, after three days of filming, he felt they weren't the type to intentionally make things difficult. Jia Bei, on the other hand... he had heard back that the pots, pans, and even the chicken coop in the kitchen had been perfectly fine and hadn't gone missing—it was Jia Bei who had them hidden by staff as soon as he arrived. That guy, Jia Bei, was wicked.

If someone said that "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" and "Boiled Cabbage" were dishes Jiang Qi and He Xi’er wanted to order, Xie Shun wouldn't believe it. But if it was Jia Bei’s doing, he found himself believing it. And today... Xie Shun didn't dare to think further; he had just heard Jia Bei say he wanted braised sea bass. How could this brat have so many devious ideas? Xie Shun began to doubt his life. Many famous singers fought to eat the food he cooked, and they never had a single complaint. Why, after coming to the Mushroom House, did he have to accept orders from others and endure the torment of this brat, Jia Bei? The key was, Xie Shun wasn't even angry.

"Although we have to go to the fields to pick corn, feed the chickens, and harvest beans, and we’re busy all day, when it comes time to eat, sitting together and chatting—that feeling is so comfortable. If it weren't for the hard work during the day, the meal at night might not taste this good," Teacher He explained.

Jiang You wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, "Perhaps this is the 'Yearning Life'!"

This was the Yearning Life. When it came time for the guests to order, the "braised sea bass" appeared, just as expected. Xie Shun was furious; sure enough, it was that brat Jia Bei playing tricks behind his back. When he went to settle the score, Wu Guang told him Jia Bei wasn't there—he had gone for a stroll in the village.

Gone for a stroll...

This statement was salt in the wound for Xie Shun. The camera captured the entire scene. Back at the simple stove in the Mushroom House, Xie Shun reluctantly traded five hundred ears of corn for a sea bass. It was a large one—as if the production crew was worried they wouldn't have enough to eat. Xie Shun’s face darkened; it looked like Jia Bei intended to come over for a free meal again tonight. He was getting addicted! You’re the show’s planner, not a guest; what are you doing constantly appearing on camera?

Teacher He patted Xie Shun’s shoulder sympathetically, "One of the guests coming today should be He Luoluo."

"He Luoluo? The one who sang *Melancholy*?" Xie Shun asked, confused. "How do you know? Wu Guang and Jia Bei kept the list of guest stars so well hidden; I asked several times and they wouldn't tell me." It was so annoying.

Teacher He kept washing the vegetables, his hands never stopping. "If your guess is correct, then the person instructed by Jia Bei must be someone close to him. Jiang Qi and He Xi’er from the last episode both shot to fame singing Jia Bei’s songs, and He Luoluo is also well-known for singing *Melancholy*, which Jia Bei wrote."

It had to be said, Teacher He’s analysis was spot on, as if he had stolen the script. There were two guest stars this episode: He Luoluo, as guessed by Teacher He, and a female actress named Xiang Li from Bai Lu Entertainment in the film industry. Just like the guests from the last episode, they didn't idle away after arriving; they kept helping with the chores.

"I love the *Melancholy* you sang. When is your new song coming out? The fans have been waiting for so long, and I’m your fan too!" Xiang Li said with a playful smile.

A real-time request for new music. Even if it was just polite talk, He Luoluo was thrilled. To have a popular star like his song and even be a fan—it made his day.

"The new song comes out in September."

Regarding the new song, He Luoluo had asked Li He before coming to the Mushroom House if he could talk about it on the show, including the release date. Li He’s answer was "yes." This would create the illusion that He Luoluo would be the one to sing *The Ordinary Road* in September, representing Jia Bei in the song battle. Li He didn't mind letting Brilliant Entertainment prepare for the battle based on this false intelligence. When it came to trapping opponents, Li He was a professional.

Mentioning September, Xiang Li didn't ask further; she clearly realized some possibilities. Regarding the September song battle, aside from the artists from the two companies, artists from other firms avoided the topic in public. It concerned the rivalry between two giants in the music industry.

Night gradually descended. In the small courtyard, the fragrance of the braised sea bass drifted out, making the filming crew swallow their saliva. They suddenly envied their colleagues filming outside the courtyard, who didn't have to suffer the torture of the food's aroma. Smelling delicious food but not being able to eat it was a truly agonizing experience.

"It smells so good!" Teacher He walked out of the house after a shower, sniffing as he headed toward the stove. "Teacher Xie’s cooking is truly amazing. I feel so happy to be able to eat his food every day."

Jiang You felt the same. The food cooked by Master Xie was something even singers fought over but couldn't get, yet because of this show, he got to eat it several times a week. After the first episode aired, many friends in the industry called him, their envy and jealousy undisguised. Being able to film a show with a legendary master was a huge opportunity for Jiang You.

He Luoluo had moved a small stool over early, his stomach already growling. Two days ago, He Xi’er had shown off to him about how delicious the "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" made by Teacher Xie was. *Heh!* When he went back this time, he would make sure she knew how delicious the braised sea bass was... the highly vengeful He Luoluo thought to himself.

"Don't worry, it’ll be ready soon," Xie Shun said, while constantly looking at the gate. *That brat Jia Bei should be here soon!*

Sure enough, as soon as Xie Shun finished his sentence, Li He’s figure appeared at the gate.

"Old Li!" Being his best friend, He Luoluo was the first to notice him. Teacher He silently gave Xie Shun a thumbs up—he had guessed correctly; Jia Bei really had come for a free meal.

"Teacher Jia Bei." Jiang You acted like a fan meeting his idol, a bit flustered. Jia Bei was indeed his idol.

Xiang Li also stood up, "Teacher Jia Bei." Although she was a few years older than Li He, she still had to stand up and call him "Teacher" because her status in the industry was far below his.

Xie Shun curled his lip but didn't say anything, though he thought to himself, *Acting like you’re a resident guest, treating this place like your own home.*

The filming crew shouted, "Holy crap, Teacher Jia Bei is here to mooch a meal again." Teacher Jia Bei was worthy of being Teacher Jia Bei; even as part of the production team, he could eat the food made by the guests. The crew was impressed beyond words.

"Good afternoon, everyone! How’s the filming going today?" Li He walked in with a smile. Everyone thought, *You know how the filming is going; aren't the tasks all arranged by you?*

Li He strolled to the side of the stove and sniffed, "Teacher Xie’s cooking is truly incredible. Ever since I had your 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,' I find everyone else’s version lacks flavor."

Xie Shun’s hand, which was chopping green onions, suddenly froze. *What does that mean? Are we making 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' again next episode? I came here specifically to cook for you...* Xie Shun wanted to kick Li He out. This kid was just too infuriating. Li He understood Xie Shun’s mood; he had just seen the negative emotion points from Xie Shun credited to his system account.

He Luoluo pretended not to know, "Old Li, why are you here?"

Teacher He and Xie Shun thought, *Keep acting, keep acting. If you didn't know Jia Bei was coming, I'll eat this pot.*

Jiang You didn't think about it that way; his attention was entirely on how He Luoluo addressed Jia Bei. *Old Li...* This was enough to prove how close their relationship was; they were likely playmates since childhood. Xiang Li felt the same, amazed that He Luoluo and Teacher Jia Bei were so close.

Wu Guang had been worried about Jia Bei barging in again, but upon hearing the address "Old Li," he immediately felt relieved. This one form of address could absolutely become a highlight for the second episode. Jia Bei was truly great at manufacturing highlights!

Li He sat down naturally, "Teacher Xie’s cooking is just too good. I couldn't resist when I smelled that aroma."

He Luoluo played along, "Exactly! If it were me, I couldn't have resisted either!"

Xie Shun curled his lip, not responding; he was already worrying about making "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" for the next episode.

"I heard Xiang Li is from Fujian," Li He turned the topic to the only female guest. "Are you getting used to Qingcheng?" Shandong was a standard northern province, while Fujian was a standard southern one.

"I’ve always liked Qingcheng," Xiang Li said with a smile. "Last year, part of a drama I was in was filmed here, so I’m quite used to it." She smiled brightly, "If you have the chance, Teacher Jia Bei, come to Fujian; I’ll treat you to a meal!"

"I’ve always wanted to go to the south, but never had the chance," Li He sighed. "The differences between the north and south are actually quite significant, whether it’s customs or people."

Teacher He chimed in, "That’s true. The differences are indeed huge. Take people’s personalities, for example: He Xi’er is a typical Shandong girl—beautiful, ethereal, and stylish. Xiang Li is a standard southern girl—beautiful, gentle, and cute."

Jiang You exclaimed, "Teacher He is rhyming!"

"Teacher He, that sentence suddenly gave me some inspiration," Li He said, his eyes lighting up as he realized the timing was perfect.

With that, he sprinted out. At that moment, everyone in the courtyard suddenly had a bad feeling. Soon, Li He returned, carrying his guitar.

Xie Shun couldn't help but ask, "Are you going to sing again?"

Teacher He added, "Is it another new song?"

Jiang You was filled with anticipation—Teacher Jia Bei wrote another new song? The speed was just too fast. He Luoluo also felt a bit uneasy; he knew his best friend too well. Looking at his smile, he could tell it was a mischievous one. *Could it be...*

In the directors' area, Wu Guang stood up from his small stool. *Could this be the 'gift' he mentioned?* A gift that was a new song. The naive Wu Guang didn't think much of it; he just thought, *Jia Bei is singing another new song; it’s going to blow up after this episode airs. The ratings and reputation are definitely going to explode! Jia Bei’s efficiency in writing songs is too high; writing one a week—he really doesn't treat inspiration as inspiration.*

Everyone in the yard had different thoughts—some uneasy, some expectant. Li He had already tuned his guitar and smiled shyly, "I call this song *Southern Girl*."