“Well said—follow your heart.”
Li Yan, being an experienced reporter, knew exactly how to pinpoint the key point: “To jump into the water without hesitation in a moment of crisis shows that our Xiyu is a very kind-hearted and warm-hearted young lady.”
“Mhmm…”
Lin Xiyu nodded somewhat sheepishly, tacitly agreeing with her words.
“Hehe.”
Everyone present was once again amused by her adorably clueless expression—even Du Wei, the program director and head of the production team, couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
“Uh…”
Lin Xiyu, slow on the uptake, only then registered the laughter and felt a bit embarrassed.
“Since Xiyu dared to jump into the water to save someone, your swimming skills must be quite impressive.”
Li Yan, like an affectionate older sister from the neighborhood, chatted casually with her to ease the awkwardness: “You’re much better than me—I’m a total landlubber. Could you tell Sister Yan where you learned to swim? Any tips?”
“There aren’t any special tricks—you just swim a few times and get the hang of it.”
Under Li Yan’s deliberate guidance, Lin Xiyu’s nervous expression gradually relaxed: “Most of the kids in our alley know how to swim. We all grew up soaking in the Prince’s Mansion Pond.”
“Prince’s Mansion Pond?!”
Li Yan raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued: “Is that the large pond you’re referring to, the one next to Furong Street?”
“Yes.”
Lin Xiyu nodded: “Prince’s Mansion Pond is the local name used by old Jinan residents. Its actual name is Zhuoying Spring. I’ve heard from the older generation that it’s called Prince’s Mansion Pond because it was located within the De Prince’s Mansion during the Ming Dynasty.”
“Xiyu knows the history of Prince’s Mansion Pond quite well.”
Li Yan’s eyes lit up, and she improvised on the spot: “How about this—why don’t you act as our guide and take us for a stroll around Prince’s Mansion Pond?”
“Sure.”
Lin Xiyu readily agreed: “I can take you there right now.”
“Bring your swimsuit.”
Li Yan said excitedly: “Once we’re at Prince’s Mansion Pond, our little hero who saved a life can show off her impressive swimming skills for everyone.”
“No!”
Before Lin Xiyu could respond, Gu Bin’s handsome face darkened as he cut her off.
“Cut, cut, cut…”
Director Du was no longer laughing. Glaring darkly at the young man who dared to challenge his authority, he twitched his eyebrows and was about to reprimand him when a staff member swiftly pulled Gu Bin aside and whispered a few words into his ear.
Director Du’s imposing demeanor noticeably deflated, and the scolding he was about to unleash was forcibly swallowed back.
For a moment, the studio fell silent. Everyone working at the television station was sharp-witted; sensing the tense atmosphere, they all lowered their heads, staring at their own toes without uttering a word.
Lin Xiyu, though slow to react, also sensed that something was off. She lifted her eyelids and sneakily glanced at Gu Bin—only to meet his teasing gaze head-on.
Caught in the act of peeking, her ears flushed red, and she quickly averted her eyes.
“Xiao Bin, why is it not okay again?”
Li Yan rubbed her temples in frustration, feeling utterly exasperated.
“Swimsuits are too revealing—it’s not appropriate for a documentary.”
Gu Bin paid no mind to her complaint. His teasing gaze swept over the person who had been sneaking glances, and the corners of his lips curled up slightly.
“But she used to wear a swimsuit when swimming before, didn’t she?”
Li Yan found it hard to understand: “Why is it not okay for the documentary?”
“She’s never worn a swimsuit.”
Gu Bin stated with certainty, offering an unexpected answer: “If you don’t believe me, you can ask her.”
“Mhmm.”
Lin Xiyu nodded cooperatively.
“Never worn a swimsuit?”
Li Yan looked astonished. “Then what do you wear for swimming?”
“Just our regular summer clothes.”
Lin Xiyu said matter-of-factly, then after a moment’s thought, added: “As long as it’s not a skirt, it’s fine.”