His manner of speaking was appropriate, and his pace was neither hurried nor slow, making it easy for people to listen to him patiently.
Xu Qingfeng had anticipated that the host would ask questions of this nature, so he was naturally prepared. He briefly “beautified” his romantic history.
For instance, he spoke of how true love transcends social classes, and how his wife was currently on a world tour; he claimed he felt a sense of regret that he couldn’t accompany her due to being too busy with work.
“She once said she wanted to perceive this world with her own eyes and hands. I agree with that completely, and I hope she gains something precious that belongs only to her during this trip.”
In reality, his nominal wife had run off with another man nearly two years ago. Only the original Xu Qingfeng knew the bitterness of that situation. The current Xu Qingfeng didn’t even know what she looked like.
He only knew that if they were separated for two years, he could file for divorce. The current him had the confidence and the capital to do so; he held the power at the company, and even if things went south and he left the Gu Group, he could carve out a place for himself by working solo.
Because of Xu Qingfeng’s vivid narration, many people in the audience felt either admiration or moved. When the show aired, the public reaction would likely be much the same.
He did not shy away from the fact that he came from the deep mountains. Instead, the narrative of changing his fate through hard work served as an inspiration, magnifying his personal highlights.
Seeing this, the hostess couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration, but she needed “hooks” for the show, so she continued with sharp questioning.
“Then are you certain that this is pure love? Is it mixed with… other things?”
Even though the host used slightly more palatable phrasing, anyone with ears could guess that “other things” referred to money.
Xu Qingfeng noticed many burning gazes fixed upon him.
Only Huo Xiu, sitting beside him, held a water cup with his eyes downcast as if he didn’t care. However, upon closer inspection, one would see that the water only touched his lips not a single drop actually entered his throat.
Xu Qingfeng shrugged with a touch of humor and responded in a playful tone, “I’m not sure.”
“Love is inherently a complex emotion. But it is precisely because it isn’t ‘pure’ that it becomes unique.”
“Besides, in everyone’s life, love isn’t necessarily the most important thing, nor is it a necessity that everyone must obtain. There are always things more important than love.”
Actually, Xu Qingfeng really wanted to take this opportunity to draw a clear line between himself and his nominal wife, Gu Zhaoxi. He wanted to give the public a “preview” to avoid any suddenness when he eventually returned to being single.
However, even without a preview, such a private matter wouldn’t be a major issue. Being tied to Gu Zhaoxi was simply more harmful than beneficial to him.
After all, he hadn’t met a girl he liked in this life yet. It would be a pity if he met someone later but missed out because of this existing relationship.
The interview later moved on to questions about his career. Seeing that Xu Qingfeng’s responses were airtight and there was nothing left to dig up, the host shifted the focus to Huo Xiu.
When dealing with this genius pianist, the female host’s attitude was noticeably gentler and less rigid.
During a break, Xu Qingfeng accidentally noticed that the Squirtle plushie in Huo Xiu’s arms seemed a bit deformed due to external pressure.
Perhaps Huo Xiu had accidentally squeezed it?
After using some water to soothe his dry throat, Xu Qingfeng felt that unpleasant gaze again a sensation he had felt a few times during the interview.
It wasn’t constant, just two or three times, but it had reappeared.
The gaze was coming from the audience, like a cold, venomous snake sizing up its prey. it was a nauseating sensation that made his skin crawl.
Xu Qingfeng looked over, but because there were too many people, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly who it was.
However, in that crowd, a person wearing a peaked cap and a mask stood out. Not many people were covered so tightly, which made them conspicuous.
The host’s voice pulled Xu Qingfeng’s attention back.
“Is there anything you want to do but haven’t done yet?”
“Yes.” Huo Xiu’s voice was exceptionally pleasant; even a simple syllable sounded melodious.
Normally, this kind of cold guest is the type hosts least want to encounter, but Huo Xiu was an exception.
Maintaining her gentleness, she continued, “Is it because you don’t dare to?”
“Yes.”
The female host worried that no matter what she asked, he would only answer this way. She actually began to miss interviewing Xu Qingfeng; at least he kept the atmosphere lively.
“Then, is it convenient to tell us what it is?”
“Sorry, it’s not convenient.”
Host: Ah, this…
She had to reflect on her own technique how she had slipped up and given Huo Xiu the chance to refuse. Usually, she wasn’t the type to be so polite.
If he were an artist signed to an agency or a “traffic star” with a massive fan base, he would have to worry about public perception and maintain a good image. But Huo Xiu wasn’t like that.
Huo Xiu was free and authentic.
The interview didn’t go very smoothly, but the host knew that even without much substantial content, the names of these two alone would attract many viewers.
There was no need to worry about ratings.
As soon as the interview which felt long to the host ended, the first thing she did after stepping off stage was get called in for a talk by the director.
The director’s expression was also grim, and he asked her in a panicked tone, “I know your hosting style is pointed, but how did you dare to target Xu Qingfeng? It’s impossible that you don’t know who he is, right?”
“Of course I know, but it’s just an interview. It’s supposed to be sharp. If he couldn’t accept it, he wouldn’t have come to our show.” The hostess was unhappy with the blunt criticism and added, “Why are you so nervous…”
The director covered his face, letting out a helpless laugh through his fingers. “I recognize your professional ability, but I have nothing to say about your brain.”
“You better pray that Xu Qingfeng is generous and won’t take it personally. Otherwise, none of us can bear the consequences. I’ll try my best to invite them to a dinner later; you have to go, and remember to apologize to Xu Qingfeng, understood?”
Although the hostess was older, she bit her lower lip with a somewhat girlish look of grievance. Having worked for many years, she understood the ways of the world. Still, she said unwillingly, “But why…”
“Because your performance today was unprofessional, and you didn’t do your job well. You owe him an apology. Ask yourself, were you professional enough?” The director didn’t say more; instead, he hurried to find Xu Qingfeng and the others, using all his enthusiasm and eloquence to extend the invitation.
The hostess who remained could only comply.