Mr. Zhou Doesn’t Want to Work Hard Anymore!

Chapter 35

After finishing a meal at the restaurant, Lu Ji and Zhou Chenxi had separate plans. Lu Ji was busy with work, and Zhou Chenxi had arranged to meet with Zhi Qi at the company to discuss upcoming work arrangements. Lu Ji dropped Zhou Chenxi off at the entrance of Tianwang Entertainment Building and then the driver turned and left.

At the company,

Zhi Qi had gathered some market research reports and work invitations from potential sponsors for Zhou Chenxi. He said, “Lately, more sponsors have approached us, and we have some options for work. Here’s how we should arrange things: the main focus should still be on acting, but we can take on other suitable projects as well. We should provide support for those too. I’ll handle this aspect. Now, there are a few scripts for you to consider. I think they’re all good. Which one do you want to take on?”

Zhou Chenxi took the folder excitedly and flipped through it. He saw a project titled “Dream Fate.”

“Yes,” Zhi Qi confirmed, “The ad you did received a good response, and the gaming company for ‘Dream Fate’ specifically requested to collaborate with us. They want you to play the role of San Hua. I think this script is a good choice, so I’ve put it at the top.”

“Then let’s go with that one,” Zhou Chenxi closed the folder and said, “We should take things step by step. It might not be a good idea to take on too many projects all at once. It could lead to scheduling conflicts.”

“Alright,” Zhi Qi agreed.

Initially, Zhou Chenxi had considered staying on the set of the drama “Journey of Immortals” and not returning. However, Zhi Qi had managed to summon him back. Now, Zhou Chenxi was on the rise, and Zhi Qi didn’t want to interfere too much with his decisions to avoid causing any unpleasantness. After thinking it over, he decided to support Zhou Chenxi’s choices.

Returning to the set of “Journey of Immortals” by plane, Zhou Chenxi wrapped up his remaining scenes. The crew members had bought a bouquet of flowers to celebrate his completion of filming, and after taking a few photos with them, Zhou Chenxi hurriedly flew back to participate in the indoor variety show arranged by Zhi Qi.

The variety show had invited Ren Qian, Shao Yunyi, Zhuang Jingle, and other guests from “Carp”. Unfortunately, Lu Ji couldn’t attend such events, which left Zhou Chenxi feeling a bit regretful.

“I heard that President Lu joined ‘Carp’ for a vacation, but also because his mother was eager to matchmake him with Shao Yunyi. You know, they’ve known each other since childhood. However, after appearing on the show, they didn’t click, and it ended up creating a CP pairing between you and President Lu,” Zhi Qi gossiped with Zhou Chenxi on the way to the recording.

Recently, the CP (couple pairing) between Zhou Chenxi and Lu Ji had gained popularity, especially because they often teamed up in games on the show. As for the reasons behind Lu Ji’s participation in “Carp,” Zhou Chenxi had heard one reason from Lu Ji before, about the vacation not being much of a vacation and causing an injury. The other reason, Zhou Chenxi could guess vaguely, but because of it, he suddenly realized a question he had never clarified from the beginning.

—What’s the real relationship between President Lu and Shao Yunyi?

Without fully understanding, they arrived at the television station. They greeted each other in the backstage makeup room with laughter and smiles.

After recording a season’s worth of episodes, everyone had grown familiar with each other. Ren Qian and Shao Yunyi had their own makeup rooms and went in to prepare separately. Zhou Chenxi and Zhuang Jingle were left in their shared room, bantering and joking around.

“I’ve become quite popular recently. Everyone calls me a CP killer, and the ‘donkey’ joke has been overplayed by the audience,” Zhuang Jingle said, somewhat proudly. He often boasted about things that didn’t matter privately, but no one took it seriously afterward.

Zhou Chenxi wasn’t one to back down. He quickly responded, “I’ve been getting attention too. Everyone says I’m a comedian. And I’ve even formed a CP pairing with President Lu, called ‘Hope.’ Hehe, have you ever shipped a CP?”

Zhuang Jingle: “…” He had a feeling his next words wouldn’t be good.

“It’s okay, let me tell you,” Zhou Chenxi explained earnestly, “When we name a CP pairing, there’s usually an ‘attacker’ and a ‘receiver,’ and the attacker’s name comes first. Do you know what ‘attacker’ and ‘receiver’ mean?”

Zhuang Jingle: “…” Of course I know! You’re in trouble now, Zhou Chenxi.

Zhou Chenxi got more excited as he went on, losing himself in the moment, “I’m really satisfied with this name for a specific reason, but I won’t tell you. Fortunately, I still have some self-control. Just don’t mention this to President Lu. After all, he’s a big sponsor. We can talk about it privately. I’m afraid he won’t be able to save face if he knows the truth.”

Zhuang Jingle: “…”

Before Zhou Chenxi could stop himself, he had revealed that Lu Ji was a big sponsor!

After their private conversation, the makeup artist entered the room. Zhou Chenxi had attacked Zhuang Jingle with such enthusiasm that he almost gave him internal injuries. Since the makeup artist was present, Zhuang Jingle had to keep quiet during the makeup session. He decided to stop engaging with Zhou Chenxi.

After finishing their makeup, they quickly went on stage. Everyone was quite relaxed as they were accustomed to this type of indoor variety show that involved more casual interactions.

The hosts, a male and a female, were quite famous in the industry. After a brief introduction and some banter, they started the Q&A segment.

The male host first asked Ren Qian, the most experienced guest, “After participating in ‘Carp,’ what changes have you noticed in your life?”

Ren Qian replied, “I have more reaction GIFs now, especially during the paragliding segment. Chenxi was right; I should have managed my expressions better then.”

Zhou Chenxi chimed in with, “Honk honk honk…”

The screen behind them promptly displayed a GIF of Ren Qian screaming, triggering laughter from the audience.

The host then turned to Shao Yunyi, “What about you, Yunyi?”

Shao Yunyi said, “Jingle and I are both CP killers, so let’s not talk about that.”

People quickly remembered the behind-the-scenes footage from the Valentine’s Day episode and laughed again.

The host, sensing an opportunity, turned the topic to the juicy gossip about Lu Ji and Shao Yunyi, “So, what exactly is your relationship with President Lu?”

The audience erupted in excitement.

This question was unexpectedly sharp, and many had guessed that the Valentine’s Day episode was designed for Zhou Chenxi to inquire about this. The rumors about Lu Ji and Shao Yunyi’s childhood connection were already widespread. Zhou Chenxi secretly sweated for Shao Yunyi but was relieved when Shao Yunyi boldly replied, “I used to have a crush on President Lu, but he didn’t like me back, so we never had a chance.”

Zhou Chenxi was taken aback.

Applause resounded throughout the audience.

The host, taken aback by Shao Yunyi’s daring response, contemplated whether to dig deeper, but the female host intervened.

Shao Yunyi’s assistant, who had been signaling frantically from the side, conveyed the message that they shouldn’t pursue such sensitive topics further and should move on quickly.

Shao Yunyi, after all, was a rising young star, still within the marriageable age range. The less said about rumors, the better.

The host quickly regained composure and shifted the conversation away from Shao Yunyi, continuing with the next guests.

Perhaps due to Shao Yunyi’s explosive revelation, the subsequent questions for Zhuang Jingle and Zhou Chenxi were more lighthearted. Both gave witty responses, and as the atmosphere grew more relaxed, the hosts transitioned to the next segment: a game.

“Carp” included several competitive games, and the variety show had set up a play area with game props for the guests to play and accumulate points.

The hosts explained, “For this game, you can call for help from someone not on set. I won’t explain the rules just yet. Each of you should call the last person you had a phone call with and ask them to help you win a valuable five minutes. Remember, your call must be on speakerphone. The audience will decide who gets the five minutes, so protect your privacy!”

Zhuang Jingle raised his hand, “Do we have to tell them that we’re recording a show?”

The male host replied, “In principle, you shouldn’t reveal that information. Let’s see if they can figure it out.”

Behind the scenes,

Shao Yunyi’s assistant approached the off-stage director, “Can we change Yun jie’s contact? We can’t call President Lu; it’s too sensitive. It might end up trending for both of them.”

The director hadn’t anticipated this situation and asked, “Then who should we contact? Let the host know, and we’ll pause the process until you coordinate.”

The idea seemed good to everyone, so without Zhou Chenxi’s knowledge, the show’s crew quietly changed his contact. Zhou Chenxi had saved the contact for his makeup artist sister, who was known for her humorous and sarcastic nature. They got along well, and he thought they would have fun joking around during the show. The plan was for a humorous exchange on stage.

When it was Zhou Chenxi’s turn to make the call, he heard the familiar “beep-beep” of the call being dialed, and a voice he recognized immediately said, “Hello?”

Wait, why was it a male voice?

And why did it sound so familiar?

Zhou Chenxi was momentarily stunned but quickly tried to test the waters, “Is this Shou Yue?”

“Who’s ‘Shou Yue’?” the voice on the other end asked.

It was clear that Lu Ji was on the line, and his voice was pleasant and unmistakable. Laughter erupted from the audience even before Zhou Chenxi could respond.

“President Lu?” Zhou Chenxi was dumbfounded. It didn’t take long for him to realize what had happened. He explained, “No, it’s not that. I clearly saved my makeup artist sister’s number…”

His makeup artist’s name was Du Yue, but because she thought she was too fat, Zhou Chenxi had jokingly called her “Shou Yue,” which roughly translates to “Thin Moon.” On the other hand, Zhou Chenxi was quite skinny, and his older brother always pestered him to work out. So, he let Du Yue call him “Pang Xi,” which translates to “Chubby Chen.”

Both of them had infused their nicknames with their own aspirations and humor.

Worried that Zhou Chenxi might feel embarrassed, Lu Ji swiftly changed the subject, saying, “Didn’t we just talk on the phone last night?”

Laughter filled the room as the audience took delight in the teasing. Zhou Chenxi’s ears turned red in an instant.

To ease the potential awkwardness, Lu Ji redirected the conversation, “I remember you’re recording a show today. Why did you suddenly call me?”

Lu Ji was clever and skillfully deflected the situation, allowing Zhou Chenxi to explain the show’s recording. Lu Ji laughed and said, “Then everyone should vote more for Chenxi.”

Applause erupted, showing their appreciation for the indirect acknowledgment from President Lu. They would certainly follow his guidance.

Zhuang Jingle, listening nearby, had a sudden brainwave and stepped forward, saying, “Boss, can you help me get some votes too?”

Lu Ji replied, “Jingle, as an employee under our company, you should learn to walk on your own. I’m afraid people might have opinions if I’m too good to you.”

The audience burst into laughter at Lu Ji’s response, and Zhuang Jingle continued, “Boss, I have a secret to tell you. Zhou Chenxi told me today. Do you know what the CP name ‘Hope’ means? Uh-uh-uh…”

Zhou Chenxi rushed over and covered Zhuang Jingle’s mouth.

“‘Hope’?” Lu Ji responded nonchalantly, “I know. CP names usually have a specific order, but this one is different.”

The male host seized the opportunity to follow up, “How is it different?”

Calmly, Lu Ji explained, “It’s a reverse CP.”

Laughter erupted from the audience.

Zhou Chenxi was left stunned, wondering if Lu Ji was somehow privy to all the show’s plans. Did he have a hidden agenda, a secret booklist that Zhou Chenxi knew nothing about?!

——

Author’s Note: Lu Ji: I didn’t forget.

Thanks for the nourishment from “慕錦錦錦錦錦” (“Jin Jin Jin Jin Jin”), “想不到名字” (“Can’t Think of a Name”), “小朋友” (“Little Kid”), and ”

單眼皮” (“Single Eyelid”)!

1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ”