Chen Yuxi had a long, peaceful sleep, waking up to find a reply message from Qi Xun sent around midnight: I still want to live a few more years.
Chen Yuxi: .
Though his tongue was sharp, he replied to the message at least.
He sent a silent crow emoji and put down his phone.
The two-day variety show recording had been just an interlude; with it over, life returned to its usual track.
Making music, handling work, and occasionally heading out to recording studios to help others tune vocals and mix tracks.
The group chat created when the show wrapped up stayed active for a few days before settling down, with no one speaking in it recently.
Chen Yuxi was all too familiar with this pattern.
He had taken on quite a few commercial gigs and attended several concerts over the past few years, with every event birthing a new group chat.
At the beginning, everyone was full of enthusiasm and laughter.
As time went on and work intersections faded, the chat would naturally grow quiet—drifting from a few messages every few days to months without a single text, before sinking to the bottom and dying off completely.
He had occasionally seen former group members chatting and laughing on screen… though none of it had anything to do with him.
In the entertainment industry, you only had friends once you were famous.
Of course, he did have friends—
“You’re saying Qi Xun is good at taking care of people?” Through the voice call, his close friend Bai Shuyang’s voice was filled with sheer disbelief. “Qi Xun? Isn’t he famous for his terrible temper?”
“His temper is actually pretty good,” Chen Yuxi put down his pen and explained. “When he’s in a bad mood, he’ll just drop a couple of sharp remarks at most, but he doesn’t shirk a single task—he’s way better than those people who only know how to whine.”
He then went on to list everything Qi Xun had done over those two days.
Bai Shuyang: “Ah, he really does sound pretty dependable. That doesn’t align with his rumors or screen image at all…”
“Right?” Chen Yuxi sighed with emotion. “Who would have thought that the high-and-mighty Film King Qi could be so thoughtful?”
Bai Shuyang fell silent for a brief moment, then spoke up cautiously: “Xiao Yu…”
Chen Yuxi: “What?”
Bai Shuyang: “Well… that’s Film King Qi! A Grand Slam Film King! And he’s also the controlling director and CEO of the LEM Group…”
Chen Yuxi: “Don’t lecture me on his bio, I know. What are you trying to say?”
Bai Shuyang put it tactfully: “Let’s just say… don’t set your sights too high. People like him have no real intersection with us.”
Chen Yuxi froze for a second, then scoffed: “What are you thinking? I was just sharing gossip with you.”
Bai Shuyang: “How many years have we been brothers? When have you ever shared gossip while making excuses for the person?”
Chen Yuxi: “…Can’t I explain on behalf of someone who’s good?”
Bai Shuyang: “Brother Qinghe is good too, why don’t you explain for him?”
Chen Yuxi: “Everyone knows whether Brother Qinghe is good or not. Does he need me to explain?”
Bai Shuyang: “Fine, fine, fine, you’re right. Just make sure you think things through clearly yourself.”
Chen Yuxi chuckled softly and said, “I know what you mean. Appreciation isn’t a crime; I know where to draw the line.”
Bai Shuyang let out a sigh of relief: “That’s good then.”
Chen Yuxi changed the subject: “Stop talking about all this nonsense, hurry and help me brainstorm.”
Bai Shuyang: “I don’t know either. I don’t have money or power, how am I supposed to know what a big shot likes? —But I do know that sending luxury goods definitely won’t work.”
Chen Yuxi: “…What good are you!”
Given his level of fame and status, he never would have landed a spot on Long Vacation on his own. Xu Qinghe was the one who recommended him, so he wanted to send a gift to express his gratitude.
Yet he was stuck.
Setting aside Xu Qinghe’s triple-threat Film King status and income, even his spouse wouldn’t let him use anything sub-par.
The man wore custom high fashion, so what could he possibly send him?
Bai Shuyang: “If you’re really out of options, why don’t you ask Film King Qi? Didn’t you say the two of them seem close privately?”
He cleared his throat softly, “It’s also a good excuse to strike up a chat.”
Chen Yuxi: “…Didn’t you just tell me to watch myself?”
Bai Shuyang replied righteously: “Since you can’t have him anyway, chatting a few words isn’t a loss! What if you actually get a solution out of it?”
Chen Yuxi: “…That makes sense. I’m on it.”
Hanging up the voice call, Bai Shuyang immediately sent over his favorite wall-leaning hips-twisting emoji.
Feeling speechless, Chen Yuxi switched out to send a message to Qi Xun.
The dialogue between the two was still stuck on that silent crow emoji.
Chen Yuxi curled his lips slightly and began typing:
Good morning, Teacher Qi.
May I ask if you know what Brother Qinghe likes? I’d like to send him a gift to thank him for recommending me to ‘Long Vacation’. I remembered you two are pretty familiar, so I took the liberty of asking you. Please forgive me if I’m interrupting your work.
Reading through it again to ensure there were no issues, he hit send.
Qi Xun replied instantly: ?
Chen Yuxi: ?
Qi Xun: Why don’t you send me an official work email instead? And stamp it with an official seal while you’re at it?
Chen Yuxi: ???
What did that mean?
Qi Xun: Is this how you text other people too? Greetings at the start, ‘sorry to bother’ at the end. A question that could be solved in one sentence, and you insist on writing a massive paragraph of nonsense.
Chen Yuxi: …
How could such a handsome guy have such a sharp mouth?
Qi Xun: No need to send a gift. If there were anything he still lacked, his partner would have to perform seppuku.
Chen Yuxi: …His partner is his partner, and I am me. Just because he doesn’t lack anything doesn’t mean I shouldn’t show my thanks, right?
Qi Xun: Then treat him to dinner.
Chen Yuxi: …Wouldn’t that be a bit too casual?
Qi Xun: Then cook a meal yourself and invite him over for dinner.
Chen Yuxi: .
That indeed sounded less casual.
Qi Xun: Let me know once you settle on a time.
Chen Yuxi: ?
Qi Xun went silent.
Chen Yuxi waited for quite a while without receiving a reply, so he silently added a message: Okay, if I make plans with Brother Qinghe, I’ll let you know.
Qi Xun still didn’t respond.
Chen Yuxi threw a mock punch at his phone before switching over to invite Xu Qinghe—Qi Xun was right, big shots lacked for nothing, so treating someone to a meal was the best option.
Xu Qinghe was indeed very pleased, but hearing that only he was being invited, he said frankly: “Inviting just me won’t do. Everyone in the world knows my orientation. If a young handsome guy like you suddenly invites me to his place for dinner, I’m fine with it, but I’m afraid my partner will explode.”
Chen Yuxi quickly said: “That was thoughtless of me—how about I invite a few more friends—no, wait, never mind—”
He froze.
With Xu Qinghe’s identity and status, no matter who else he invited, it felt… improper. Like setting up a gathering just to network.
Xu Qinghe gave a soft laugh: “Don’t be so formal! If worse comes to worst, just invite Little Xun and the others over.”
Qi Xun and the others? Did he mean the guests from their episode?
Chen Yuxi hesitated: “They might not have time.”
He might not be able to persuade them.
“It’s fine, asking won’t cost you anything! Isn’t our two-episode arc airing today? Just treat it as a celebration party for everyone. It’s just going to be a hassle for you, since you’ll probably have to cook a huge table of dishes.”
“No hassle at all—then I’ll go ask everyone.”
Chen Yuxi hung up the phone. Rather than opening the group chat immediately, he grabbed his tablet and opened the platform.
As a flagship show for Mango TV, Long Vacation was guaranteed to hit the front page upon broadcast.
Mango TV also understood traffic well: prominent photos of star guests Qi Xun and Xu Qinghe were placed right in the center of the promotion page, ensuring no one would miss them.
What was rare was that Chen Yuxi’s avatar was present too, even though it was tucked away in the furthest corner, so small it was almost negligible.
Chen Yuxi was still very happy. Tapping into the variety show, he shared the playback link to the group chat.
Chen Yuxi: Our episode is airing now~ [Flower_scattering.jpg]
Xu Qinghe: [Screenshot.jpg]
Xu Qinghe: How did you know I was watching right now [Dog_head.jpg]
Qi Xun: Busy. Send a summary after watching @Chen Yuxi.
Xu Qinghe: You lazy bum.
Qi Xun: [Conference_room_photo.jpg]
Xu Qinghe: …
Chen Yuxi had just sent the link to Bai Shuyang to boast about making the front page, only to see these two already chatting away when he returned.
He froze for a moment and quickly picked up the thread: How do you even write a summary for a variety show? [Awkward.jpg]
Then he replied to Xu Qinghe: I started watching too! [Thumbs_up.jpg]
The others popped up one after another.
Wang Lanyin: I’ll watch tonight, still working T_T
Jiang Xinwen: Does time move this fast? I’ll go watch it later too~
Jiang Yunhai: Nice, I’ll start watching in a bit as well!
Duan Xirui: Everyone, post on Weibo too to help promote the show~
Everyone popped out.
Chen Yuxi tossed out his invitation: Who’s in City A this weekend? Want to come to my place for dinner? I’m a pretty good cook, we can consider it a celebration for wrapping up our recording [Expectant.jpg]
Duan Xirui: Sorry about that, I have a recording this weekend and I’m still in City C.
Wang Lanyin: Weekends are basically impossible. You guys only recorded for two days, but the two of us have to record ‘Long Vacation’ every weekend for these two months.
Jiang Xinwen: I’m on set, so sorry! [Pitiable.jpg]
Jiang Yunhai: Also on set, my apologies.
Chen Yuxi: It’s fine, it’s fine, I didn’t give advance notice.
Today was already Friday, so it really wasn’t their fault.
Qi Xun: What time.
Xu Qinghe: Then how about I bring a couple of friends along~ To make it livelier~
Xu Qinghe: ?
Xu Qinghe: You’re free? Then I won’t bring friends, I’ll bring Old Pei—you two have common topics to talk about.
Qi Xun: Fine.
Xu Qinghe: @Chen Yuxi, is 11 at your place okay?
Chen Yuxi: No problem!
Duan Xirui and Wang Lanyin popped up to tease them for eating, drinking, and having fun without bringing them along.
Jiang Xinwen changed her tune right away: My crew is at the film studio. How about I ask for leave to come grab a bite?
Jiang Yunhai: I can still spare time for a meal, if worse comes to worst I’ll adjust my schedule tomorrow.
Chen Yuxi thought to himself: Isn’t that U-turn a bit too obvious?
In the chat, Qi Xun popped up once more: Which production team is so relaxed that lead actors can take leave whenever they want? Name it, let me see if it’s a crew I invested in.
Chen Yuxi: …
Jiang Xinwen and Jiang Yunhai didn’t dare speak another word.
Chen Yuxi quickly smoothed things over: My bad, my bad, I set the time too hastily. How about we pick another date?
Xu Qinghe: Ignore him. In his thirties with no partner, it’s easy to be irritable—let’s be understanding.
Qi Xun: Pick what date? Is this the last meal on earth? Next time you want to eat, set up your own gathering.
Qi Xun: Three makes a crowd, I’m only 32.
Xu Qinghe: Which means over thirty without a partner.
Qi Xun: …
At least the situation was smoothed over.
Chen Yuxi was about to say something more when a group invitation popped up above his chat box.
Stunned, he tapped out.
Xu Qinghe had created a new group chat and pulled him in.
A new group with only three people.
Xu Qinghe: Let’s discuss the menu here~~
Qi Xun: Can’t handle other people’s eager enthusiasm?
Xu Qinghe: You only have that sharp mouth going for you, otherwise you would’ve found a partner long ago.
Qi Xun: .
Amused, Chen Yuxi quickly came to his rescue: What do you two like to eat?
Xu Qinghe: Anything is fine with me. My partner and I aren’t picky, just not too spicy.
Qi Xun: Chopped pepper fish head, braised beef, stir-fried beef, double-cooked pork belly.
Xu Qinghe: …Are you placing a restaurant order here?
Qi Xun: Saying ‘anything’ is what actually makes things difficult.
Xu Qinghe: You brat, are you scolding me?!
Xu Qinghe: Yuxi, let’s make sweet and sour pork loin, sweet and sour ribs, cola chicken wings, and honey-glazed char siu.
Qi Xun: …
Chen Yuxi understood: Teacher Qi doesn’t eat sweet food?
Qi Xun: Detest it.
Xu Qinghe: Detest it.
Chen Yuxi: .
He couldn’t stop laughing.
It took him half a minute of laughing to realize: Are Brother Qinghe and Teacher Qi very familiar?
Qi Xun: Fairly.
Xu Qinghe: Pretty familiar. If we went by generational seniority, he’d have to call me uncle at least.
Qi Xun: .
Chen Yuxi was surprised: Do you two have family ties?
Xu Qinghe: Not really, my partner has been in business with his grandfather for over a decade.
Chen Yuxi understood.
Qi Xun emphasized: Now President Pei’s business partner is me.
Xu Qinghe: Uh-huh.
Xu Qinghe: Yuxi, send your address over. I’ll head over early to help you then—my cooking is pretty decent~
Chen Yuxi: Grateful~
Sent location.
Xu Qinghe: Received! I’ll watch the variety show first, talk later~ [Waving_handkerchief.jpg]
Chen Yuxi: Okay, talk later~
Closing the group chat, he tapped Qi Xun’s avatar: Grateful~
Qi Xun: .
…What was it now?
Qi Xun: I helped you out quite a bit, didn’t I? Just two words?
Qi Xun: Even Xu Qinghe gets to grab a meal, but I get nothing?
…Wasn’t he coming over for dinner together anyway?
Chen Yuxi didn’t dare send that sentence, only asking meekly: How about I treat you to another meal later?
Qi Xun: You cook?
Chen Yuxi confirmed: I’ll cook.
Qi Xun: Not eating.
Chen Yuxi: .
Chen Yuxi changed his tune: Or do you prefer dining out? We can eat out, you choose the restaurant.
Qi Xun: Not eating.
Chen Yuxi: .
Really hard to please…
Chen Yuxi asked humbly: Then what would you like? I’ll send it to you as a gift.
Qi Xun: Wait until I think of something.
Chen Yuxi: …Okay.
With tomorrow’s gathering finalized, he set the streaming variety show aside and started listing a shopping checklist.
Having just written a few words, a staff member from the production team messaged him, asking him to help repost the show’s promotional post.
…Almost forgot about this.
Chen Yuxi quickly logged into Weibo, copied the copy sent by the staff, verified there were no errors, and reposted it.
For an obscure artist like him, reposting didn’t mean much, but since it was part of the staff’s guest reposting KPI, there was no need to make things hard for others.
He then closed Weibo and continued making his list.
His phone buzzed with a vibration.
Puzzled, he picked it up again—
@Qi Xun: Reposted //@Chen Yuxi: Experiencing countryside fun during a leisurely vacation has a unique flavor~ This episode of ‘Long Vacation’ is waiting for you to check in! [Link]
Chen Yuxi froze.
He instinctively tapped into the other’s profile—
It was a mutual follow.
He had followed the other’s Weibo long ago, but he hadn’t expected the man to be following him back.
Bai Shuyang’s message popped up: WTF? The big Film King reposted your Weibo? Giving you free traffic?!
Bai Shuyang: He even followed you back!!
Bai Shuyang: Is there a spark here?
Chen Yuxi… actually had a tiny bit of hopeful thinking as well.
The phone vibrated again.
It buzzed several times in succession, the notification feed flooded with “Your followed friend posted a Weibo~”
Chen Yuxi casually tapped in.
@Qi Xun: Reposted //@Xu Qinghe: Long Vacation…
@Qi Xun: Reposted //@Duan Xirui: Long Vacation…
@Qi Xun: Reposted //@Wang Lanyin: Long Vacation…
…
Chen Yuxi: …
He sent a message to Bai Shuyang: You thought too much.
Bai Shuyang: [Awkward.jpg]