Du Xiu Chapter 81

Inside the restaurant, Shanle’s staff gradually arrived, gathering around the tables to eat, chatting and laughing.

Glasses clinked beneath the bright lights. Some performers had already taken their seats, waiting for the latecomers to finish up work. Tonight, they all wished they could celebrate till dawn, making up for the regrets of the season two finale.

Chu Duxiu entered together with Xie Shenci. She was carrying flowers and a trophy, scanning the crowd for her fellow company performers, and soon found her seat.

Xie Shenci, meanwhile, had to handle some reception matters, and before long he spotted Shang Liang in the lobby.

The moment Shang Liang saw the two walk in together – Chu Duxiu holding a bouquet of white roses – he needed no explanation to guess what had happened. He couldn’t help but click his tongue, shake his head, then heaved a long sigh.

“What kind of reaction is that?” Xie Shenci walked over to him, noticing his friend’s odd behavior.

“Forget it, this might not be so bad. At least you’re still useful.” Shang Liang gave him a once-over, then, with a tone of resigned despair, sighed again. “If you manage to lock down one of the company’s rising stars, I suppose we can just count that toward your KPI.”

Xie Shenci: “?”

At the dining table, the contestants saw Chu Duxiu return and immediately rushed over excitedly to congratulate her.

The group celebrated in high spirits for quite a while before finally returning to their seats, feasting and raising their glasses at the banquet.

Several large tables nearby were left empty, reserved for Director Shang and the others from the studio. They would only come to the restaurant to join after wrapping up the aftermath.

Chu Duxiu was seated at the same table as Wang Nali and Scallion, chatting as they ate. The topic soon turned to Cheng Junhua’s unexpected appearance.

Wang Nali asked, “So, did you manage to see the big shot in the end?”

Cheng Junhua’s sudden appearance at the finals hadn’t only stunned the contestants but also set the internet ablaze with discussion. When Chu Duxiu heard the news, she hadn’t stayed on stage – instead, she immediately left to look for him.

“No, by the time I got there, Mr. Xie had already seen him off and was back from the airport,” Chu Duxiu shook her head. “But we did talk on the phone. He said he has performances abroad, and this return was just a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

Scallion exclaimed in amazement, “So he really went overseas to perform! I knew it -there was no news about him at all here.”

Ever since the season two finals, Cheng Junhua had completely vanished from sight, leaving many people worried. Now, hearing that he was still performing was, without a doubt, a stroke of good fortune.

Chu Duxiu nodded. “Mm, we even made a promise.”

Wang Nali asked curiously, “What kind of promise?”

“When I’ve built up enough material for a full solo show, we’ll have another match,” Chu Duxiu said with a smile. “This time with a complete stand-up set.”

A stand-up comedy special strings together countless sharp, polished routines to capture the full ups and downs of a performer’s life stage. It’s not just five-minute fragments, but a continuous, flowing arc. Cheng Junhua had also spent years writing before finally piecing together his first special, using it to express his reflections on life – an accumulation of experience and perspective.

Chu Duxiu’s career was still young, with innumerable new experiences waiting for her ahead. But her promise to Cheng Junhua was a vow to meet again, someday, on a higher level.

Next time, there would be no dazzling stage, no illustrious judges, no noisy audience shouting in excitement – only two sincere enthusiasts facing each other, driven purely by the passion to hone their craft.

Wang Nali sighed. “Sounds wonderful – having such a worthy rival.”

Scallion clicked his tongue. “Otherwise, why would people online go out of their way to crop screenshots, calling them the men who influence her career?”

Chu Duxiu blinked in surprise. “What?”

“You really didn’t see the trending searches? Mr. Xie and the big shot watching from the audience – netizens deliberately screenshotted it.” Scallion pulled out his phone, casually searched up the picture, and teased, “The caption was even: ‘Behind every successful Queen Chu, there are always these silent men.’”

At the season three finals, Cheng Junhua’s appearance caused a huge stir. Along with him, Xie Shenci, who had accompanied him to watch, was also captured in the same frame. Under the lights, the two sat in the audience, fully absorbed in Chu Duxiu’s performance – the image so harmonious it spread rapidly online.

Under the trending tag “Cheng Junhua makes an appearance”, this very screenshot dominated the discussion. His reappearance on the show, having reconciled with Shanle, moved many to tears.

[After hiding his name for a year, he actually showed up at the finals to watch her win the championship. He’s really – ugh, I’m crying to death.]

[As a Cheng fan, I’m shocked. For him to appear at the finals… it overturns everything I thought I knew about him.]

[Not giving Lu any clout – he refused to perform for a whole year, but the moment Lu flopped, he rushed to show support? Help the show trend online?]

[Big shot, please return to the stage! Let’s have another peak showdown in season four!]

[Sorry, I’m a face-fan so let me rant first, but who’s that guy next to the boss? He’s way too handsome to be a comedian.]

[He really isn’t a comedian. That’s the boss of the comedians.]

[You don’t recognize him? He owns the 51% of Shanle shares that Queen Chu wants most!]

[That caption doesn’t really fit Cheng Junhua. The man behind her is obviously Xie Shenci – she didn’t even want to do stand-up, but he forced her into it. I bet all the offline Yancheng audience members know this story.]

[Wait, am I a fake Chu fan? How did I not know??]

[It’s true, Mr. Nie even talked about it at a live show! Xiu’er thought they were scammers and even ran away from the club. Mr. Xie had to chase all over the place to find her!]

[…Okay, now I get why she signed with Shanle. No wonder she was still willing to be head writer in season three, despite everything. With that face in front of her, who could stay mad?]

[Especially compared with the other male performers.]

[Such a scheming man – he started a stand-up comedy company just to set off his own good looks (dog-head emoji).]

[No helping it – if the boss weren’t this good-looking, the female performers really would’ve been scared off…]

Seeing how netizens had taken Xie Shenci’s looks as a springboard to start criticizing the state of male comedians, Scallion groaned, “That’s way too harsh! Why drag us innocent male performers into this!?”

In the past, audiences had no expectations for the appearance of male comedians. But now that they’d seen Shanle’s boss, they started thinking maybe the bar could be raised a little – for the sake of everyone’s eyes.

Wasn’t Queen Chu herself tricked into the industry before she knew what was happening? That alone was enough to prove how crucial good looks could be for the long-term growth of stand-up comedy (?).

As the online debate raged on about who had the biggest influence on Chu Duxiu – one side arguing that Cheng Junhua, as a rival, had forced her to improve quickly, the other saying that Xie Shenci, as her talent scout, had brought her into the circle – Wang Nali, amused, said, “This is the kind of question where you have to ask the person herself. Which man has been more important to your career?”

“Don’t ask that in front of two honorary women,” Chu Duxiu glanced at the screenshot, blinked playfully, and said, “Men don’t matter – what matters is my little kitty.”

“?”

Not long after, the entire production team arrived. Shang Xiaomei and the others came in late, finally taking their seats, and the season three wrap-up banquet reached its peak.

Xie Shenci, Shang Liang, and Shang Xiaomei exchanged a glance, then the three founders walked onto the stage together, delivering speeches amid thunderous applause.

Facing the crowd, Shang Xiaomei raised her voice: “Thank you to every contestant who poured their heart and soul into this, to every staff member who worked overnight, and to every comrade-in-arms who has supported us all the way. It’s because of you that The Stand-Up King has made it this far!”

The whole room erupted in cheers, and Chu Duxiu and the others clapped with all their might.

Xie Shenci exchanged glances with Shang Liang and Shang Xiaomei. Once the other two nodded, he stepped forward with calm composure and said evenly, “All along, both the company and other stand-up comedy enthusiasts have hoped to draw more attention to our industry. That’s why we created The Stand-Up King, using the format of a competition show to capture outside interest.”

“Now that we’ve completed three seasons and achieved our initial goal, it’s time to step into the next stage.”

He swept his gaze around the room, speaking with measured clarity, “Therefore, after discussion, the company has decided to make The Stand-Up King a biennial program. This way, the performers will have more time to refine their craft and prepare higher-quality material for season four.”

The unexpected announcement threw the room into an uproar.

Bei He exclaimed, “Wow – so they’ve really made up their minds!”

“Though I’d long suspected it…” Lu Fan said thoughtfully, “still, it’s something to finally see this day arrive.”

As veterans who had gone through three seasons of the show, the two of them undoubtedly felt it the most deeply.

From the very beginning, Shanle Culture had understood that a high-intensity competition program was never a long-term plan, only an effective way to draw attention. Now, after two full seasons, stand-up comedy had truly broken into the mainstream, with rising stars like Chu Duxiu gaining huge popularity.

It was time for the company to adjust its pace – no longer squeezing every drop of energy from the performers year after year, but giving them the time they needed to grow.

Xie Shenci said, “Of course, Shanle will also be launching new variety shows, still centered on stand-up comedy, but no longer relying on competition formats or celebrity appearances. At the same time, we’ll continue expanding live theaters so audiences can enjoy performances in person, and we’ll build stronger connections with clubs across the country.”

“We sincerely hope that in the future, we won’t be a lone boat adrift – that more peers will join us to help develop the industry together.”

“‘Shanle’ means joy for all. The name doesn’t stand for stand-up comedy thriving in isolation, but for stand-up comedy as a way to give joy broadly to everyone.”

His calm demeanor, his brief yet powerful words, and the candid sincerity in his tone made his speech all the more heartfelt.

At the banquet, it wasn’t just Shanle staff in attendance – there were also contestants from all over the country, as well as managers from other clubs. Hearing Xie Shenci’s words, they all broke into applause at the same time, the thunderous sound rolling through the hall and lingering without end.

Once, a group of idealistic youths had gathered two or three like-minded friends, sowing the seeds of laughter in barren soil.

Now, with spring approaching, fresh shoots were sprouting everywhere. Great swaths of dandelions bloomed, their seeds carried off by the breeze to spread far and wide, filling the land with richer greenery.

Tonight was a lively, sleepless night – the conversations inside never once came to an end.

Midway through the banquet, after chatting and taking photos with many people, Chu Duxiu began to feel lightheaded from the stuffy air indoors and decided to step outside the restaurant for some fresh air. There hadn’t been any celebration after season two, so this was her first time attending a wrap-up party – and by now, she was already a little worn out.

After rounds of laughter, the crowd had moved on to playing cards, and some were even discussing heading to karaoke.

Chu Duxiu told Wang Nali and Scallion – who were busy playing games – a quick word, then went alone to the airy lobby, breathing in the cool night breeze with relief.

Away from the indoor clamor, it was much quieter here.

“Thinking of leaving already?”

She turned at the sound of the voice – and to her surprise, it was Xie Shenci.

Noticing that she had slipped away, he had simply followed her out and suggested, “We can head back first. They’ll probably go all night – they weren’t planning on leaving tonight anyway.”

Judging by how things had gone after the first season, Bei He and the others could easily party until sunrise.

Hearing this, Chu Duxiu leaned in close, sniffed lightly two or three times, but caught no trace of alcohol. “You didn’t drink? You can still drive?”

From what she knew, one drink was usually enough to knock him out. But now his speech was crisp, his movements steady – he really seemed sober.

“Just a tiny bit,” Xie Shenci said, holding up his fingers to show. “Basically nothing.”

What he didn’t mention was that the last wrap-up banquet had left Shang Liang traumatized, so this time he had been put under a no-alcohol order. Other than toasting a few brand representatives, he had barely touched his glass all night.

Chu Duxiu hesitated. “But even so, you still can’t drive, right?”

Xie Shenci reached out his hand to her and said leisurely, “We can walk back.”

Chu Duxiu: “?”

So he really hadn’t given up on that idea.

She couldn’t understand why he was so obsessed with walking, and asked in surprise, “But what if I get too tired halfway and can’t go on?”

“There are ways to solve that, actually,” Xie Shenci replied calmly. “It mainly depends on you.”

“What way?”

“If you think of me as your boyfriend, then I can carry you on my back,” he raised an eyebrow. “But if you only see me as a cat, then that function doesn’t exist. Sounds too much like animal abuse.”

“…”

In the end, the two of them struck a deal and prepared to slip away quietly, each going back to fetch their things.

Chu Duxiu returned the trophy to the car but, after a moment’s hesitation, picked up the bouquet of roses instead. Hand in hand with Xie Shenci, she slipped into the night, leaving the noisy banquet far behind them.

The clear night sky was filled with stars, the moon a hazy shadow veiled like gauze.

In the suburbs, the scenery was serene, long since emptied of people. Only the streetlights along the roadside glowed, stretching forward beside the murmuring stream.

Above the bank, the lamps formed a river of light; below, the water rippled in darkness like a river of shadows. Side by side they resembled two soft ribbons, shimmering with starlight that spread all around them.

Chu Duxiu held the bouquet in one hand and Xie Shenci’s hand in the other. She deliberately swung his arm and said lightly, “Other people walk their dogs – I walk my cat. Relaxed, cozy, and oh so stylish.”

Her singsong, childlike tone was once again teasing him with this “cat persona.”

She even lifted his hand, scrutinizing it with mock seriousness, and declared triumphantly, “Look, Inspector Black Cat’s white gloves.” [1]

Xie Shenci gave her a sidelong glance. He didn’t bother to argue – he just gently squeezed her fingers.

The two of them didn’t know how far they had walked. They admired the beauty of the night as they went, but with the stroll came a touch of weariness.

Spotting a flight of steps not far ahead, Chu Duxiu stepped onto them to gain a little height. She spread her arms toward him and surrendered with a soft plea: “Boyfriend.”

She really was tired – unlike him, who seemed completely unaffected. From the restaurant to here, he hadn’t even broken a sweat. Who would’ve thought he exercised this much in private?

Seeing her obedient expression and gentle tone, Xie Shenci felt as though her words had struck him straight in the heart, blooming into ripples of light across a lake. Without a word, he turned his back to her, letting her climb onto his shoulders – just as he had promised at the start.

He felt her arms wrap around him, the fragrance of white roses pressing down along with her, as he murmured quietly, “Now do you understand why a cat can’t carry you?”

His body stood tall and steady, his back strong; even with her on his shoulders, he did not waver, standing firmly in place.

With her arms around his warm neck, Chu Duxiu realized for the first time that he must work out – there were muscles hidden beneath his clothes. He really was like some wild animal, concealing a strength that hadn’t yet been unleashed. She mumbled vaguely, “It’s not impossible… just that the verb’s changed…”

Xie Shenci: “?”

She stammered, “Cats can’t carry people… they can only be ridden. Feels kind of embarrassing…”

“???”

Carrying her on his back, Xie Shenci kept walking at the same steady pace, as if he were only holding up a feather. Neither hurried nor slowed, he moved forward with the same composure – no wonder he was known for being the madman who once walked all the way back to the company drunk.

With her new “mount,” Chu Duxiu finally let out a long sigh of relief, free now to tilt her head back and gaze at the stars above.

The night breeze brushed past her ears, mingled with the faint chirping of insects. The temperature was neither cold nor hot. The two of them strolled along as if inside a Miyazaki film – far from the bustle of the city, sharing a rare moment of tranquility.

“So magical.” Chu Duxiu gazed at the scenery in delight, then suddenly thought of something. “If they notice we’ve gone missing, won’t they panic?”

The two of them had slipped away from everyone else and escaped the banquet, which meant they wouldn’t be able to regroup later.

Xie Shenci said, “I told Shang Liang we’d be leaving first.”

“Ah?” Her expression shifted. “And what did Mr. Shang say?”

She hadn’t intended to hide their relationship within the company, but she also wasn’t sure how the others would take it – especially Shang Liang, who was always professional and strict about workplace conduct.

Xie Shenci paused for a moment before replying, “He said, ‘What is this, grade-school romance? Walking home together after class?’”

“…”

Of course, Xie Shenci left out the second half. When Shang Liang heard about their crazy idea of going on a long walk, he had even said harshly, “If she really walks the entire route with you and you two don’t break up, then I’ll do a handstand on the spot.”

Well, carrying her on his back still counted as walking the entire route – so this was one bet he was bound to win.

Chu Duxiu widened her eyes. “Who is he calling grade-schooler?”

Who was he looking down on here? Forget about the other person – at the very least, she was a middle-schooler. Even without direct experience, she still knows what dating is like. There was no questioning the strength she’d built up through years of being a proud, AI-certified single!

Hearing her protest, Xie Shenci countered, “And what’s so bad about a grade-school romance?”

“What’s good about it?”

“Well, there’s plenty of time. Grade-school romance, middle-school romance, high-school romance – we can have them all, no need to rush like everyone else.” He winked. “Every day brings something new, and in the end, we’ll just grow old together.”

Translator’s Notes:

[1]《黑猫警长》 (Inspector Black Cat) is a hugely popular Chinese animated TV series from the 1980s. The main character is a black cat who works as a police inspector, protecting the forest and its animals. He is instantly recognizable by his white gloves, police cap, and stern demeanor.