Top Dupe CH 055 Burn, Little Cosmos Part 2

Variety shows were outside Luo Yu’s area of expertise. If it were a stage play, he wouldn’t be worried at all. Even within the same drama, as long as he matched the scene, Luo Yu was confident he could outperform He Mu in delivering lines.

But recording a variety show… especially an outdoor sports one, He Mu, who debuted in singing and dancing, might have much better physical stamina and reflexes than himself. It’s not something that could be easily surpassed. President Jiang wanted him to defeat He Mu in He Mu’s area of expertise… well, Luo Yu decided to just enjoy the outdoor sports.

"The recording starts at eight tomorrow morning, but the location is in N City. You’ll need to head there tonight, and we can meet up there… I need to accompany you for your first variety show. President Jiang asked me to pick an assistant for you, but I’ve been too busy to interview them… How about I choose two for you, and you can see if they fit?"

"I can handle it myself; I don’t really need an assistant," Luo Yu preferred to handle everything on his own and felt uncomfortable with someone constantly hovering around him.

"How can you not need one? Don’t you need someone to hand you drinks or wipe sweat during games?"

"I can get my own drinks and wipe my own sweat." Luo Yu didn’t understand why assistants were often seen around artists, adjusting their hair or dusting off their clothes, as if they had to find something to do.

"You also need an assistant to help you understand the crew's arrangements, right?"

Luo Yu said helplessly, "Sister Cui, the assistant will understand 80% of the situation, but by the time they pass it on to me, it’s only 50-60%. It’s better if I communicate directly with the crew."

"Other artists have assistants, and you don’t. Don’t you think it’s a bit lacking in class?" Sister Cui continued to persuade.

Luo Yu tapped his forehead with his finger. "Actually, I’m not used to it…"

At this moment, Gu Xiaowei spoke, "How about this, I’ll take you to the recording location, and we can eat there. As for the assistant, if they are unfamiliar, it’s better not to have one."

Hearing Gu Xiaowei’s suggestion, Sister Cui knew she couldn’t persuade Luo Yu further and decided to give up.

After all, she would be on site tomorrow, so it should be fine.

Sister Cui sent the program arrangements to Luo Yu’s phone and advised him to review them carefully.

When Gu Xiaowei really started driving toward the highway, Luo Yu tugged at his sleeve, "I say… you’re not really going to take me to the variety show, are you?"

"Yes. Let’s go to N City to eat. I heard from Xiao Qin that their stuffed chicken is very fresh."

"But don’t you have any appointments tomorrow?" Luo Yu asked again.

"‘Beast and Rose’ starts filming next month. Do you think I have any appointments?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yu felt a pang of jealousy.

"You really don’t seem interested in making money."

"Why do you say that?"

Luo Yu rested his chin on his hand and sighed, "Look, He Mu is making various endorsements, magazine appearances, and variety shows while his popularity is still high, trying to make as much money as he can. You’re like a retired old bureaucrat with no desires, only interested in acting."

"It’s not just acting."

"Then what else?" Luo Yu asked curiously and added, "Sanda doesn’t count."

"You," Gu Xiaowei answered.

"Me…? How did I come into this?"

"Senior Brother, you’re quite intriguing. You’re barely two years older than me but can portray the deepest and most distinctive parts of a character, like Bai Ying, Huo Haoyan, and Wen Yuchi today. So I’m very curious about what kind of person you are and how you sculpt your roles, as if you have an entry point for any character."

Luo Yu stopped smiling because he knew Gu Xiaowei’s questions were serious.

Once this person decides to pursue something, he won’t turn back even if he hits a wall or faces dead ends.

It’s precisely because of his persistence that he has the potential to reach the pinnacle.

"When you reach my age, you’ll understand," Luo Yu said, looking out the window.

"Is that so? Then I’ll see what I’m like a year and three months from now," Gu Xiaowei said.

After nearly an hour and a half drive, they arrived in N City, near the recording location of “Burn, Little Cosmos”.

Luo Yu looked at the program setup, which was divided into two parts. The first part involved the crew renting a piece of land in an amusement park and setting up some game facilities, while the second part was at a private equestrian center with horseback riding activities.

"This show seems to require quite a bit of stamina. Let me see who the other people are," Luo Yu scratched his head. "Hmm, some of the regulars' names seem familiar, but I don’t really know them."

"Anyone who makes it onto variety shows is usually a notable artist. You’ve been acting like you’re about to retire for the past few years, not participating in any good productions, so naturally, you wouldn’t recognize these ‘notable’ people."

Luo Yu felt a bit embarrassed, realizing how overly sensitive he used to be.

"Well, don’t say that. Recently, I’ve met quite a few notable people, like your friend Cheng Fei."

"Cheng Fei doesn't like participating in variety shows either."

"I know, I know. As a judge on talent shows, people are afraid he’ll drop the mic, and with interactive sport shows like this, they worry he might put someone in the hospital," Luo Yu said.

"Yes. Since He Mu is among the regulars, to increase the viewership, you’ll probably be placed in an opposing team. They might even arrange a grand showdown between you two."

"Right, the teams are already assigned. Let’s see… Ah, I know someone on my team! Li Shengyu is with me!"

"Li Shengyu? The one who provoked you in ‘Storm’ and lost the acting battle to you?"

"But we’ve reconciled since then. He used to get along well with He Mu, but that idol filter broke after that incident."

"Okay, hopefully, he won’t hold you back. Who else is in your group?"

Luo Yu scratched the back of his head, "Jiang Muxing, the name sounds familiar, but he’s probably not an actor, right?"

"He’s a singer. I haven’t seen him perform," Gu Xiaowei frowned. "His stamina probably isn’t great."

"You’re quite picky. Why don’t you join this variety show? With you on the team, plus Li Shengyu, it would be a heavenly team. The program’s director would probably faint with joy."

Luo Yu laughed, knowing Gu Xiaowei wouldn’t participate in variety shows.

"Fine, I’ll tell my agent. See if it’s too late or not."

Gu Xiaowei put on his bluetooth headset, looking like he was about to call his agent.

Luo Yu was stunned, "You... don’t you usually avoid variety shows?"

"Anyway, it’s just playing games. It shouldn’t be like some talent shows where I have to recite pre-written lines and praise people."

Hearing this, Luo Yu understood why Gu Xiaowei didn’t like variety shows much.

"Well, it’s not good if you join. Wouldn’t Li Shengyu or Jiang Muxing have to be replaced? It’s almost like taking someone’s job."

"Looks like you don’t want to be in the same team as me. Afraid of a comparison in stamina?"

Luo Yu realized from the slight lift in Gu Xiaowei’s tone that he was just teasing him and wasn’t really going to join the show.

"But I am curious to see how these outdoor variety shows are filmed. Is there a script?" Gu Xiaowei said.

"The director of the show is in trouble; Teacher Gu is going to inspect the set."

Luo Yu took Gu Xiaowei’s words as a joke, as non-staff members couldn’t observe the filming process.

They found a fast-food restaurant on the way, bought burgers for lunch, and drove over.

The show crew had already booked a hotel room for Luo Yu, and Sister Cui would deliver his luggage later.

Gu Xiaowei parked the car in the underground garage. Before getting out, Luo Yu asked, "Are you really not going back tonight?"

"Not going back."

"Then are you staying with me or getting a separate room?"

Gu Xiaowei unbuckled his seatbelt and looked at Luo Yu, "Are you dissatisfied with me?"

"No, not at all. I told Sister Cui to bring a set of sheets and covers. She scolded me on WeChat, saying I’m so delicate yet still dare to say I don’t need an assistant."

Hearing this, Gu Xiaowei’s expression softened with a hint of a smile.

Luo Yu remembered that last time they were filming together, he had brought his own bedding.

They went to the hotel front desk and presented their ID cards.

The receptionist was momentarily stunned when she first saw Luo Yu.

Luo Yu smiled gently at her, and the receptionist’s ears turned a little pink.

The hotel often had variety show crews coming and going, so the front desk was accustomed to celebrities. 

Moreover, the manager had specifically instructed the front desk to be professional, not to stare at celebrities, and to process check-ins quickly.

Most celebrities had their assistants handle check-ins, so it was surprising that Luo Yu came in person, and his bare face looked really good.

The receptionist took a deep breath and, as she was about to ask if the second ID card was for the same room, the name on it startled her.

—Gu Xiaowei.

She glanced to the side and indeed saw Gu Xiaowei.

Wearing a dark long coat, he had a tall, lean figure, and his handsome face showed no expression, remaining silent and low-key.

"Mr. Gu, what type of room do you need?" she asked politely.

"I’m staying with him," Gu Xiaowei tilted his chin toward Luo Yu.

"Mr. Luo’s room is a double bed room," the receptionist kindly reminded.

Most of the time, even close friends prefer to sleep in separate beds. They might chat together but don’t want to affect each other’s sleep.

Luo Yu turned around, "It’s a double bed room, but my sleeping habits aren’t great."

Gu Xiaowei replied mildly, "We’ve slept together before."

The receptionist suddenly looked up. Did she just hear that?

"Sure, if the recording goes well, we can still discuss the script together tonight."

Hearing this, the receptionist quietly let out a breath. These two men were speaking like the straightest of men that their words sounded a bit gay.

Gu Xiaowei took the room key handed to him by the receptionist and gently tapped Luo Yu on the forehead. "I don't want to talk about the script with you. I just want to have a good sleep with you."

The receptionist's heart was punched again. What did Gu Xiaowei just say?

Using such a cold tone to say, "I just want to have a good sleep with you"?

Then her heart settled again. Speaking openly in public means there’s no ambiguity between them.

Luo Yu apologetically smiled at the receptionist, "Sorry, he’s been really into his role lately, and that character is causing some issues."

Then Luo Yu pointed to his head.

The receptionist was amused by Luo Yu’s helpless expression.

Once Luo Yu and Gu Xiaowei were in the elevator, the receptionist patted her chest.

She had watched Luo Yu’s "Plum Blossom Rain" before and had once fantasized about a campus prince like Luo Yu liking her.

Later, as Luo Yu didn’t have other notable works, she gradually forgot him.

Until just now, when she saw Luo Yu again, he seemed different from five years ago. His features were more handsome and striking, reminding her of the gentle, silvery rain in Jiangnan and the faint moonlight on the lake.

Her youthful emotions, once buried in mundane life, began to stir again.

She was genuinely happy for Luo Yu and looked forward to seeing him on the show.

In the elevator, Luo Yu nudged Gu Xiaowei with his elbow, "Classmate Gu, could you avoid saying ambiguous things in public next time, please?"

"What ambiguous things?" Gu Xiaowei scanned the floor with his key card.

Luo Yu crossed his arms and laughed, "What do you mean by ‘I just want to sleep well with you’? Have a bit of awareness as a top celebrity, okay?"

Gu Xiaowei thought for less than half a second, "Oh, I’ll correct it to ‘I just want to sleep with you’."

The elevator doors opened. Gu Xiaowei walked out first, and Luo Yu followed. He thought that what Gu Xiaowei just said was even more ambiguous than "I just want to sleep well with you."

Gu Xiaowei opened the room door, and the large white bed was right in the center of the room.

Luo Yu touched the bed sheets. Fortunately, they were quite clean.

But the bathroom... isn't it too open?

Luo Yu knocked on the transparent glass, "Gu Xiaowei! It’s glass! Are you saying one of us has to watch while the other showers?"

Gu Xiaowei walked over to Luo Yu and followed his gaze, "You don’t have to watch."

"No, I want to watch," Luo Yu pointed to his eyes and then poked Gu Xiaowei’s chest.

"Fine, we can watch each other," Gu Xiaowei said with a cold expression, showing no sign of embarrassment.