Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Ning Xi had previously taken up part-time modelling gigs for magazines when she was overseas . Hence, she had good rapport with the photographer; by the end of the shoot, the photographer was full of praise for Ning Xi, and even went to trade name cards with her .
After the shoot, Ning Xi attended a recording for a web-casted talk show .
The talk show was filmed two days prior to broadcast, and the host was a retired professor from a renowned university . He was popular among youths because of his eloquence . Not only would his show include fun facts about science, even boring historical events could be articulated in a fun and exciting manner .
There were two reasons why Ning Xi had to participate in this talk show . First was out of respect for the host . Secondly, the talk show was hosted on one of the three largest platforms, Baihui Entertainment . Internet broadcasting licences for two of Ning Xi’s shows, Beautiful Red Clouds and Yunyue of the Han Dynasty, had been purchased by this company .
At the headquarters of Baihui Entertainment, Ning Xi had just completed her make-up when a jolly-looking young man entered, He immediately addressed her as “Goddess Xixi”, then invited Ning Xi to record her well-wishes to the audience for the Mid Autumn Festival, which would be broadcast on another Baihui's variety show .
The Chinese favoured reunions . As a result, the Mid Autumn Festival, which represented family reunions, was an important event .
Ning Xi had also previously heard of this show . They were known to uncover secrets of celebrities . There was only gossip that they hadn’t uncovered, but never anything that they were afraid of revealing . This made the show immensely popular; its viewership ranged from millions at its peak, to two to three hundred thousand views at its lowest .
The young man before her, who was also the show’s host, appeared cheerful and amicable . In reality, he was so good at uncovering celebrity secrets that the most popular celebrities had to pay him due respect .
Ning Xi smiled and chatted with the host, then recorded a short clip with her well wishes . Shortly after, she was informed by the crew that “Professor Zhang’s Stories” was about to begin recording .
“Xixi must be busy; I won’t impose any further . ” The jolly host opened the door of the changing room and saw Ning Xi out . After she had walked away, he turned to the cameraman behind him and said, “The industry had another celebrity with high EQ” .
The cameraman simply smiled, but did not say anything else .
The host also did not continue the conversation further . After all, everyone had their own means of surviving in the industry . If they were unlucky or had bad people skills, they would be eliminated .
“Alright, we’re done with our history lesson for today” . Lecturer Zhang tapped the table with his wooden block [1], his expression mysterious as he said, “Now, let us welcome our secret guest!"
He acted out a silent applause, so that the post-production team could include a comical applause sound into this segment .
“Hello, Professor Zhang . ” Ning Xi had deliberately changed into a sleek outfit . After politely greeting Professor Zhang, she sat down beside him .
The studio design was inspired by an ancient Chinese teahouse . Porcelain bowls replaced regular drinking cups for both Ning Xi and the host .
“Welcome, Ning Xi . ” Professor Zhang shook Ning Xi’s hands, then did his regular opening for guests before moving onto the main topic .
“I heard that you were an outstanding student previously?” Professor Zhang took a slip of paper from his desk . “You even competed with Zhou Zhengchuan, who lost and was made to cross-dress?”
“I was just lucky . I had done similar questions before . ” Ning Xi looked at the A4-sized paper that she received from Professor Zhang . It contained an extremely difficult mathematical question . She laughed heartily, “Professor Zhang, is it your aim today to test me?”
“I can’t help it . As an educator, I get the urge to test good students when I come across them . ” Professor Zhang waved at the crew . “Come, let’s zoom into this” .
The cameramen obligingly ran over, and their cameras zoomed in on Ning Xi .
“Ah?” Ning Xi smiled awkwardly at the camera . “I’d never thought that I’d still be unable to escape from being tested, even after graduating for some many years!” As she was speaking, her hands were reaching out to uncap a pen, and she looked at the questions and started calculating .
A few minutes later, Professor Zhang examined Ning Xi’s script, then lamented, “Our dear audiences, this is a striking example of how someone could survive with her talents, but chose to rely on her beauty instead . Take a look! The thought process for solving the question is so clear and her words are so pretty!”
He appeared to be in dismay, as if he was mourning the loss of a talent to the entertainment industry . A short while later, he said, “You have good acting skills, and directors will feel that it’s a waste if you enter other industries . However, it's also the loss of other industries that you’re not there with them . ”
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Ning Xi grinned . “I must keep a copy of this segment in my computer, so that I can boast to others in future that I have been praised by Professor Zhang!’
Professor Zhang was satisfied by Ning Xi’s flattery . The rest of the recording progressed smoothly, and the mood remained friendly as the conversation moved to other topics like Ning Xi’s fans and her life .
“Many fans are concerned about your love life . Previously there were rumours about Zhou Zhengchuan and you . Did that bother you too much?” No matter what show she was on, such questions would always be asked . Even if Professor Zhang’s talk show was more serious, the same issues would still be touched on, albeit in a more serious tone .
“Our media friends have truly misunderstood this situation . Senior Zhou and I have always clarified that we are only friends . I’m more familiar with Senior Zhou because we’re both under the same label, and I was cast in the same show that he acted in when I debuted . He also roped me into the filming of an ad . In actual fact, I’m also close to Senior Shi Pang, who’s also under the same agency as I am!” Ning Xi smiled, as she said, “Senior Shi Pang’s culinary skills are fantastic! The folks in our company all enjoy going to his house for a meal!”
Shi Pang’s popularity in recent times had dipped . Ning Xi deliberately brought him up to help him .
There was no harm in putting in a good word for him . After all, they were from the same agency, and they were not rivals in any way .
"The society is still quite superficial, hence they'd rather believe that you're a couple with Zhou Zhengchuan . " Professor Zhang gave her an understanding look, and pointed to himself . "If I was ever seen getting closer to any female celebrity, the media will probably say that I was preying on her . "
Ning Xi laughed "Professor Zhang, you are too modest . Appearances are superficial; your talent and knowledge are what attract people to you . Otherwise, why would you have so many fans?"
"These words are right up my alley . " Professor Zhang intentionally showed his pleased look . "I definitely appreciate eloquent young people like you!"
Ning Xi nodded in agreement . "The people around me also praised me for this!"
Looking at the shameless banter between the host and the guest, the director and post-production crew were relieved . After all, such interactions were well-received by audiences .
Modern youths would normally search for light-hearted programmes online to escape from the stresses that they faced in real life . If they wanted something serious, they did not have to rely on the Internet; they could easily find educational shows from national television .
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From the perspective of the show producers, the best guests were the ones who were candid and carried a conversation well . The problematic ones were those who were reserved, stuttered as they spoke, or could not even answer questions without a script at hand .
“Wait … There’s something wrong here … Why am I getting distracted by you? Aren’t we supposed to be speaking about your love life?” Professor Zhang pretended to be solemn as he cleared his throat . “Don’t blame me for being too curious, but your fans are truly quite enthusiastic about this, aren’t they?”
Ning Xi nodded as she smiled .
“So, let me ask you again . Are you …?” Professor Zhang coughed sheepishly, “Are you attached?”
“I have previously said this to the media and my fans . If I do get attached one day, I’ll tell everyone . ” Ning Xi smiled at the camera . “I’m here today to fulfill that promise . ”
The producer who was observing the recording was instantly overjoyed . Could it be that Ning Xi had a boyfriend, and she was going to announce the news on their show?!
“Close up, quick! Zoom in!” The producer quickly instructed the cameraman .
“Thanks for all the concern . I’m in a relationship now . ” Ning Xi rose from her seat and bowed towards the camera . “However, he’s not from the entertainment industry, so I’m not able to reveal his identity for now . I hope that everyone can understand . ”
Most rookies would choose to date in secret; few would actually fulfill their promises to reveal their relationship status .
Hence, it was understandable when she said that she did not wish to reveal his identity as he was a non-celebrity . The paparazzi were almost omnipresent . If they revealed his identity as Ning Xi’s boyfriend, he would never get a day of peace!
“I’m truly surprised at this piece of news . ” Professor Zhang said after a pause . “Why did you choose to reveal this? Aren’t you afraid that your popularity might be affected?”
“Because I’ve said this before . If I was in a relationship, I would tell my fans . Besides …” Ning Xi giggled, “There are so many untrue rumours in the industry . If I opened up about my relationship status, he would also feel more assured . ”
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Professor Zhang was silent for a while, then he smiled . “I think that the person you are with must be really blessed . ”
Ning Xi smiled and touched her chin . She then winked and said, “I’ll pass on your words to him . ”
Before the programme ended, Baihui Entertainment had already released Ning Xi’s relationship news .
Baihui Entertainment: Goddess Ning confirms relationship with non-celebrity!
Many media outlets reposted Baihui’s news . However, fans were skeptical; they announced that without photographic evidence, they would never believe the media’s nonsense again .
Chang Shi Gui had just launched Weibo when the first piece of news that caught his attention was the news of Ning Xi’s relationship . He was stunned for a moment, then dialed Ning Xi’s number .
“Goodbye, Professor Zhang . ” Ning Xi bade goodbye to the production crew and was about to leave, when her phone rang . She glanced at the caller then picked up the call immediately .
From Ning Xi’s expression, the crew guessed that the call was from her boyfriend . After all, only someone in a relationship could exude such a blossomy aura .
People who were more sensitive towards gossip intentionally observed Zhang Qingyun . However, they realised that there he did not show any unhappiness towards Ning Xi . Their thoughts started going astray …
Ning Xi had revealed her relationship when she had debuted not too long ago . This was not beneficial to Jiuji at all, why would Zhang Qingyun be so forgiving towards this?
Could it be that Ning Xi’s boyfriend was from a wealthy family, and could help advance Ning Xi’s career?
[1] 惊堂木 (jing tang mu) - wooden block used in ancient Chinese courts by the magistrates; similar to a gavel .
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