Chapter 70: Joyful Wedding, Mourning Cry 1 Part 1
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After the four-day journey at Wild Wolf Peak, the discussions and controversies surrounding the show settled down on the internet.
The program used the starry sky of Wild Wolf Peak, along with hiking, camping, and the genuine interactions among the guests, as its selling points, solidifying its audience base, including those who were initially drawn in due to the earlier dangerous incidents.
It didn’t quickly fade away after a sudden surge in popularity; instead, it steadily maintained its position as the second-hottest show on the video platform. It also witnessed a dramatic increase in the fan base of all the guest participants. Some even experienced a rise in their popularity.
Many companies viewed this as an incredible miracle.
Numerous industry analysts believed that this show had the potential to become a top-tier phenomenon in the entertainment industry, much like another well-established variety show from the past, eventually becoming a renowned brand in the world of entertainment.
However, the audience was not particularly concerned with the show’s metrics. Unlike data analysts and talent agents who compared the real-time popularity and viewership numbers of the program, they were amazed by the nearly one-to-one correlation between the subscription count and real-time viewership. They understood that this was an entirely unmarketed program, with all the data being genuine, and were shocked by the tremendous commercial value it possessed.
For the viewers, all they knew was that this show was highly captivating and incredibly entertaining.
Many viewers who initially subscribed to the program due to the incidents at the Gui Mountain Villa and the Mountain God Temple gradually relaxed as they watched the lively and authentic interactions among the guests on screen, along with the breathtaking and vibrant scenery of Wild Wolf Peak, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and everyday authenticity presented by the show.
Many viewers jokingly commented that the program’s description wasn’t deceiving after all, as it turned out to be a genuinely relaxing travel variety show. Some playfully remarked that they had subscribed to what was supposed to be a horror survival show, wondering how the theme had suddenly changed.
When Zhang Wubing saw the comments on the live broadcast channel, he was nearly moved to tears.
Only heaven knew how tough it had been for him. Initially, he had just wanted to create a slow-paced travel variety show, visiting lesser-known second-tier tourist destinations within China. The purpose was to provide a soothing experience for viewers who didn’t have the time to travel while also promoting intangible cultural heritage and local customs to boost the popularity of these sites.
He was just a rookie director with no grand ambitions. Making a travel variety show was a practical choice because there was no such competition in the domestic market. Without competitors, the show had a much easier environment to thrive.
Who would have thought…
Zhang Wubing choked up, then suddenly hugged Yan Shixun next to him and burst into tears.
Because Zhang Wubing suddenly lunged at him. He didn’t manage to secure the water cup in his hand, Yan Shixun was almost splashed with water: “…….”
This silly dog, what’s gotten into him all of a sudden?
Beside them, Ye Li’s previously smiling face immediately darkened as he cast a cold gaze towards Zhang Wubing, who was holding onto Yan Shixun.
Feeling the chill, Zhang Wubing shivered and quickly let go of Yan Shixun before going to get a jacket. “Is it suddenly getting cold because it’s autumn?” he muttered.
“Because we are in the mountains, and we’re at a higher elevation, so it’s windier,” Yan Shixun replied lazily, wearing a thick jacket as he sat in a fishing chair in front of the tent, basking in the sun with his long legs stretched out, squinting comfortably.
When Yan Shixun saw Zhang Wubing muttering while fetching his jacket and his retreating back, he glanced sideways at Ye Li with an emotionally indifferent look.
Ye Li replied with an unchanged expression, “Are you hungry?”
Yan Shixun clicked his tongue disapprovingly and said, “In your eyes, I’m either hungry or cold. I’m starting to doubt whether you applied to be an assistant director or my assistant.”
Ye Li, with his dark eyes, returned a nonchalant look and said, “Are you hiring an assistant? I can apply.”
Yan Shixun pretended to smile and responded, “I’m broke and can’t afford it.”
Ye Li was quick to adapt, “If it’s you, I’ll offer a low price, or even work for free.”
“No thanks,” Yan Shixun shifted his gaze away, lazily turned over, and continued to bask in the sun, as if he was a fried egg flipping itself over.
He stated firmly, “Haven’t you heard a saying? ‘Cheap is expensive.’ If you don’t ask for money, it means you have other intentions, and usually, those intentions are unsavory.”
Yan Shixun pointed towards Ye Li, who was still smiling, in his split-screen. In a languid tone, he said, “See that? If you encounter someone in real life who offers services for free, they’re either trying to scam you out of your money or something else, maybe even kidnapping you to do hard labor. Have some anti-scam awareness and stay away from con artists.”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, impressed by Yan Shixun’s sharpness.
He did indeed want to “trick” Yan Shixun, but not for Yan Shixun’s money; it was for Yan Shixun himself.
He both wanted to see Yan Shixun continue to radiate his unique brilliance in the mortal realm and wanted to “trick” Yan Shixun back to Fengdu. This treasure was so precious that he hadn’t obtained it yet, and he was already fearful of losing it.
So, he just wanted to hide it, conceal it closest to his own heart, to prevent it from being taken away by others, to prevent it from being destroyed.
Audience reactions to this scene: [???]
[Is the sunlight too bright? Why can’t I see the assistant director’s face clearly?]
[This is the assistant director? I thought the production team assigned an assistant to Brother Yan because he’s so amazing. Awkward. But since it’s the assistant director, why isn’t he with the director?]
[I got this one! If you were given a chance to get close to Brother Yan, would you or wouldn’t you?]
[OK, fine, thanks to the examples from the previous comments, I get it now! If I were the assistant director, I’d be following Brother Yan around every day too.]
[Why does this assistant director’s speech sound strange? What’s with the “If it’s you, I’ll even work for free.” part? Does it sound like a confession? Do these two have some untold story?]
?? Yan Mai is furious! Brother Yan belongs to everyone; don’t let him be kidnapped before his debut!!!]
[Uh, you guys are reading too much into it. Maybe they have a close relationship, and it’s just a casual joke.]
After the incident at the Mountain God Temple was resolved, the subscribers who watched Yan Shixun’s split screen could finally relax and enjoy the natural scenery with him. They watched as he lay in the sun after planting trees on Wild Wolf Peak every day, or contemplated what to eat, with no intention of doing any business.
Even Zhao Zhen, who was now the most laid-back in the program, would interact with the audience to satisfy their requests and pamper his fans a bit. However, Yan Shixun seemed completely unaware of this.
He was like an emotionless clock-in machine. He would only go live in the morning when the program started, and he would go to sleep in his tent before ten o’clock in the evening, punctually. This left many viewers, who were originally excited and eager to see his sleeping face, dumbfounded.
Regardless of how the audience and Yan Mai lamented, Yan Shixun remained unmoved.
There was no requirement in Zhang Wubing’s commission to keep doing business, as long as the program wasn’t shut down. Why bother?
Besides, what the audience wanted to see, could it be broadcasted? It might be banned from live streaming at any moment.
But even though Yan Mai complained vocally, they had become accustomed to it.
After all, the most popular idol among the program’s participants, An Nanyuan, had increased his fan base from 20 million to 60 million since the beginning. Even the third-rate male star who didn’t stand out much in the program had gained over a million fans.
However, Yan Shixun remained rock steady, without even opening a social media account.
His fans were getting desperate. Every time they waited for Yan Shixun to manage the program’s barrage and comments, they would go crazy and try to persuade him to open a social media account.
But Yan Shixun rejected them all.
“Why do you want to open that thing? Spend less time on your phones and read more books. You’re glued to your phones every day; can your eyes handle it?” Yan Shixun sneered. “Look at how many things you’ve misunderstood before. You even turned reflected light into ghosts. Do some eye exercises, it seems like you are blind now?”
“You guys even started a fan organization? You even have a name? I think you’re completely delusional.”
Yan Shixun watched the barrage of comments expressing affection for him with a nonchalant demeanor. He casually remarked, “What you’re feeling isn’t love for me. You’re merely infatuated with the illusion of me that you’ve constructed in your mind. Regardless of what I’m like in your imagination, the real me isn’t like that at all. In the end, you’re fond of the person you’ve envisioned.”
So, what do you think is the purpose of me having this social media account?” Yan Shixun shrugged. “I asked An Nanyuan about it, and he told me that having a social media presence is a form of ‘image management,’ aimed at creating a certain image of oneself in your minds. But I don’t really need that.”
“Whether it’s your love, admiration, or your curiosity about what I say or do, it doesn’t serve any purpose for me. You’d be better off using the time and emotions you invest in me to love the people around you.”
Yan Shixun appeared languid, like a large feline basking in the sunlight. His casual gestures and demeanor, however, made it even harder for people to look away.
“Don’t be superstitious. Trust me, I won’t bring you happiness. You’d be better off using this time to cultivate the relationships around you and love the people close to you. That’s what will bring you happiness.”
The fans stared blankly at the man on the screen who spoke with nonchalance. Even when he relaxed his beautifully toned muscles, he exuded a languid and charming aura. People knew the potential danger and explosiveness behind that strength, yet they couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.
Many Yan Mai were left dumbfounded. After years of idolizing celebrities, this was the first time they encountered someone who not only resisted their admiration but also passionately advised them not to love him. Yet, when Yan Shixun said these words, he did so with such sincerity that it was hard not to take them to heart, making them feel that he was making perfect sense.
[This is so unusual. I’ve only seen celebrities encourage their fans to love them more, and even the more laid-back ones would say thank you for their fans’ affection. Only Brother Yan, who completely resists his fans and tells them not to love him, but to love the people around them. Is this…? Are fans like a destructive force?]
[But what Brother Yan said makes so much sense. When he talked about loving the people around us to find happiness, his expression didn’t look like that of a celebrity but more like a close friend or an older brother, sincerely advising you with his life experience, hoping you’ll live well… My nose feels so stuffy, and my eyes too. How can there be such a good person? No regrets becoming a Yan Mai! It’s precisely because Brother Yan said this that he’s even more deserving of my admiration!]
[I feel the same way. It’s the first time I’ve been advised by the main character to leave, but instead of getting angry, I’m deeply moved. Why is this damn man so charming? He can be ruthless and fierce, but he can also say things to us like friends. This man is just too gentle, wahhh.]
[Although I’m really touched, when I think about it, my tears of gratitude retract. Does anyone remember that we came here to ask Brother Yan to open a social media account? That long speech he just gave was all about rejecting us!]
[Okay, if it weren’t for the reminder from the sister in front, I almost got fooled by Brother Yan. Why does he even make his excuses sound so reasonable? Furious table-pounding!]
Watching the comments gradually awaken to the truth, Yan Shixun remained expressionless. “Ah, I’ve been found out.”
Barrage: […………]
[Please save us! Open for business, ahhh!!! Do you not have the self-awareness that you’re already a superstar with tens of millions of fans? I’m crying. Tens of millions of Yan Mai are homeless, can only check in under the social media platform tags every day. All the activities are organized by fans themselves.]
[An Nanyuan is such a good person! Brother Yan listens to him! You don’t have to do anything, opening a social media account is very simple, really, you just need to post selfies every day, you don’t have to worry about anything else, we’ll handle it ourselves!]
[Oxygen inhalation! After becoming a Yan Mai, I’ve become much more self-disciplined. After all, one of the conditions for becoming a Yan Mai is to have good self-management skills. I comfort myself, find things to do for myself, maintain the rightful owner myself, and sign in and check in every day myself. You ask where the rightful owner is? Oh~ The rightful owner doesn’t even have a social media account, and still tells us not to love him.]
[Now the #YanMai# tag is the largest and most active tag on social media platforms, right? I saw a big fan post yesterday, and almost ten million people have received the Yan Mai fan badge. The tag’s popularity is so high, with nearly thirty million foot traffic. If you compare it to the entertainment industry, this is already at the level of an A-list celebrity. If it weren’t for Brother Yan not having an account or a company to manage, Brother Yan would have at least around thirty million fans.]
[Are you still thinking about Brother Yan’s debut? Go wash up and sleep, dreams have everything. I’m now very dedicated to Brother Yan, that’s how it is, I’m loving him whether he debuts or not, just open a social media account, ahhh!!]
Yan Shixun looked at the fans’ cries on the barrage, and for the first time realized An Nanyuan’s excellence.
“Is this the kind of life you lead every day? It’s really hard for you,” Yan Shixun looked at An Nanyuan, who was preparing to light a fire with firewood. His rare praise sounded out, “It seems being an idol is not easy for you, you are indeed excellent.”
“So I will absolutely not debut, a social media account is also impossible. Do you want me to waste my time looking at so much stuff every day? Don’t even think about it.”
Yan Shixun, in front of the split screen, coldly vetoed the fans’ suggestions without expression.
Just now he was praising An Nanyuan on the barrage, and suddenly there was a bloody storm. The fans cried and asked An Nanyuann why he appeared at this time. They wanted Brother Yan’s social media account, wuwu.
Even in An Nanyuan’s own split screen, many people expressed the same meaning while crying.
An Nanyuan: “???”
He was just innocently passing by with firewood, it’s not his business!
However, the comments and barrage from the fans also made Yan Shixun realize another thing—this time’s elimination, he might not be able to get away again.
Yan Shixun immediately calculated, his long and slender fingers dexterously using divination. Then he looked at the divination results, and his lips dropped unhappily.
The divination said, forget it, you can’t leave. Do you know about the Dinghai Divine Needle? It’s similar to that, you’re stuck here, can’t move.
Yan Shixun: “…Zhang, Da, Bing!”
He shouldn’t have agreed to Zhang Wubing’s request in the first place! He shouldn’t have said he would leave after being eliminated, he should have said he’d leave after the first episode!
However, when fans saw Yan Shixun’s gloomy expression and his divination on the spot, some of them guessed what he was doing.
Yan Shixun was unhappy, so they were happy.
“I’m betting that I’ll get something good from tomorrow’s card draw! Brother Yan was definitely just calculating whether he could get eliminated being at the bottom! Look at his gestures, it’s obvious he’s calculating something. He even lied to us before, saying it was his good luck guessing. He clearly knows divination!”
[Hahaha, Brother Yan wants to leave? Does he underestimate the fighting power of Yan Mai?]
[Indeed, the only thing that could make Brother Yan look this grumpy right now is if he can’t leave the show. While everyone else is fighting tooth and nail to get into this variety show, Brother Yan is the only one desperately trying to get out. But Brother Yan, the others might have a chance, but you can forget about it, hahaha!]
[I’m happy when Brother Yan is unhappy. My daily source of happiness now comes from watching Brother Yan.]
Yan Shixun made an annoyed “hmph.” “Until the very last second, who knows if there’s a chance or not? Maybe, right?”
There was still one day left before the end of the Wild Wolf Peak journey. The popularity vote for the guests would only take place after this trip, deciding who would be eliminated at the bottom.
Maybe there was a chance.
Yan Shixun deceived himself with this thought.
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