While Lu Jiaoyue went to change clothes, Lu Xiaoxiao finally had time to sit down and browse her phone.
As soon as she opened Weibo, she spotted a familiar name on the hot search list.
#Lu Shiyan's Latest Schedule: Reality Show Variety Program#
#Lu Shiyan Reveals Plans to Bring a Civilian on Variety Show#
#Lu Shiyan's Background: Young Master#
……
Noticing that three of the top ten hot searches were related to her second brother, Lu Xiaoxiao's curiosity was instantly piqued. After a quick scroll, she learned that he had taken on a desert island survival reality show, which had sparked heated discussions among fans.
From what Lu Xiaoxiao knew, Lu Shiyan had insisted on entering the entertainment industry out of a genuine passion for acting. Over the years, he had diligently focused on honing his craft, and this was the first time he had agreed to participate in a variety show. It seemed he had only accepted because of his close friendship with the show's director, which explained why fans were so excited.
As for the "young master" background rumor, there was no substantial evidence—it was merely speculation from fans analyzing details in his daily photos, with most discussions in the comments being baseless and lighthearted.
When Lu Shiyan first entered the industry, he hadn't received support from the Lu Family, so he had always kept his connection to them hidden, genuinely climbing his way up from the bottom through his own efforts.
Currently, netizens were more focused on his new variety show.
【Ahhhhhhh! Finally, we get to see my husband in his daily life! So excited!】
【Non-fan here, just a passerby. I think you "Sea Salts" better not celebrate too soon. Didn't he mention bringing a civilian on the show? Maybe he's in a relationship and wants to pave the way for his girlfriend. Your husband might have a girlfriend soon~】
【Who are you trying to fool with the "passerby" act? Clearly, you're just a hater spreading rumors!】
【I don't believe it. Who in their right mind would take their girlfriend to a desert island survival show? They should be on a dating show instead! I think the civilian has a different identity…】
【What's there to argue about? We'll find out when the time comes! Besides, our Shiyan is an actor, not an idol. He works so hard on his career—even if he really is dating, I'd support him. Can some people stop being so against celebrities having relationships?】
【Wahhhhhhh but I'm a girlfriend fan… If he really announces a relationship, I might not be able to handle it…】
【Adopting a wait-and-see attitude, sitting tight for the show to air!】
……
Lu Xiaoxiao scrolled through many netizens' comments, thoroughly enjoying the gossip.
Unlike these netizens, she knew the real situation best.
In the original story, this opportunity to appear on the show was meant for her, but after the original host's attempt to frame Lu Jiaoyue was exposed, Lu Shiyan, disappointed, decided to take Lu Jiaoyue instead.
It was after this variety show aired that Lu Jiaoyue entered the public eye, gaining countless fans with her adorable and clueless personality, going viral nationwide, and even being dubbed the "National Little Sister" by netizens.
Doing the math, the recording of the show wasn't too far off.
But in the end, it had nothing to do with her. So far, she and this second brother were practically strangers. After a cursory glance, Lu Xiaoxiao couldn't be bothered to delve into the details.
Coincidentally, the System chose that moment to pop up with a task: "Host, you should quickly ditch the female lead and run."
Lu Xiaoxiao: "Why should I run?"
System: "You are the Villainous Female Supporting Character. The female lead isn't familiar with this area, so abandoning her here while she's trying on clothes is precisely the kind of villainous behavior that fits the plot perfectly."
Lu Xiaoxiao: "Bullshit. What a terrible plot."
The System automatically ignored Lu Xiaoxiao's profanity and continued, "Additionally, it's detected that the male lead is currently nearby. Your intervention to facilitate their meeting is no longer necessary, but if you don't leave now, it'll be too late to avoid him."
Lu Xiaoxiao: "Great. So why should I avoid him?"
System: "Not being a third wheel is a virtue."
Lu Xiaoxiao: "…"
Lu Xiaoxiao let out a cold laugh, swiftly stood up, gathered her things, and left.
If the System hadn't provided that second reason, she wouldn't have agreed to follow such a plotline. But if the relationship between the male and female leads didn't develop, the consequences later would be severe.
However, by the time she reached the mall entrance, she began to have second thoughts.
Lu Xiaoxiao started bargaining with the System: "Can't I just stay nearby and watch without showing myself? I'm still a bit worried."
System: "With all due respect, the behavior you're describing sounds somewhat shady."
Lu Xiaoxiao: "So what? Just tell me if it's possible or not."
"…"
The System fell silent.
Lu Xiaoxiao: "Stop pretending to be mute. I haven't used a single point from the last intimidation mission. I'll use them now."
When Lu Jiaoyue stepped out of the fitting room after trying on the last outfit, she looked around but couldn't see Lu Xiaoxiao anywhere.
Feeling a bit lost, she asked a nearby store clerk if they had seen her sister, but the clerk shook their head and said they didn't know, only informing her that the dress had already been paid for.
It never crossed Lu Jiaoyue's mind that she had been abandoned. She assumed Lu Xiaoxiao had grown bored of waiting and gone to browse other stores on her own.
She took out her phone, intending to call her sister, but upon opening her contacts, she realized she didn't have Lu Xiaoxiao's number. Resigned, she gave up.
After a moment's thought, she gathered the large pile of packaged shopping bags and headed out, planning to look around nearby in hopes of finding Lu Xiaoxiao.
But Lu Jiaoyue was unfamiliar with the mall. Surrounded by brands she didn't recognize, she wandered around for a long time and ended up thoroughly confused.
Anxious to reunite with her sister, Lu Jiaoyue walked hurriedly and, in her distraction, bumped into someone.
With a soft gasp, her bags scattered across the floor. She immediately crouched down to pick them up.
Halfway through, she suddenly remembered she hadn't apologized to the person she'd bumped into. Flustered, she looked up and met a pair of indifferent eyes.
Standing before her was a tall man dressed in a well-tailored suit that clearly cost a fortune, from its cut to its fabric.
Looking further up, she saw his strikingly handsome and sharp features.
The man had deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, and a face that would stand out even in the entertainment industry. At that moment, his thin lips were pressed together, his eyelids drooped with impatience, and an aura of displeasure radiated from him.
His condescending gaze gave off an intense sense of aggression and oppression. Even someone as oblivious as Lu Jiaoyue instantly realized he was likely someone of significant status.
Of course, no one who could shop at this mall came from an ordinary background.
However, Lu Jiaoyue had only ever felt such an aura when facing her father, Lu Yuan, and the tension this man before her evoked was even more intense than that from her father.
To elaborate, the Lu Family was already considered among the top-tier wealthy families in the Imperial Capital, but above the Lu Family existed even more elite aristocratic clans. Their industries and influence were deeply intertwined, and a mere stomp of their feet could make the Imperial Capital tremble.
The man Lu Jiaoyue had bumped into was Gu Sipei, the second son of the Gu Family—one of these top aristocratic clans. According to the original timeline, within a year, he would overthrow his elder brother and become the true power holder of the Gu Family.
Though Lu Jiaoyue was unaware of this layer of truth, she instinctively felt that this was someone she could not afford to offend.
"I'm sorry, sir." She picked up the items and held them tightly in her arms, then hastily bowed to the man, her apology sincere and earnest.
"I was walking too fast and didn't see anyone. I didn't mean to offend you!"