Top Dupe CH 056 Appearances Part 1

Luo Yu squinted and faced off against the other, but unfortunately, Gu Xiaowei was very steady, and Luo Yu's eyes got tired.

He patted Gu Xiaowei's shoulder, "Well, you don't need to act right now. I'll go find the director and go over tomorrow's shooting schedule again. You can just rest here for a while?"

"Okay. I'll wait for you to come back before I start acting again." Gu Xiaowei turned and sat down on the small sofa by the coffee table, starting to scroll through his phone.

If possible, when I come back, please don't act either.

Luo Yu called the director, who said he was in his room and gave Luo Yu a room number, so Luo Yu went to find him.

As soon as he opened the door, he found that someone was already in the director's room—a young man dressed in oversized casual clothes, with a trendy look and delicate features.

Luo Yu searched his mind for who this person was, and oh, it seemed like he was a regular on "Burn, Little Cosmos." Luo Yu didn't remember his name, but he was a member of an idol group and, like He Mu, was from Dijun Media. He was also on the same team as He Mu for this recording.

When Luo Yu entered, the young man stopped talking and sat in the corner with an unhappy expression.

Director Xu Mu shook hands with Luo Yu warmly and spoke with enthusiasm, indicating that Jiang Yinchuan's relationship with him was indeed quite good.

"Welcome, welcome to join our 'Burn, Little Cosmos' family. You've seen the basic game process, right, Luo Yu?"

"Yes, I've seen it."

Luo Yu sat down with the director, who handed him a bottle of mineral water and explained the different game segments.

"I know it's your first time participating in a variety show, so don't think too much. The CUE process and creating a lively atmosphere will be handled by the MCs, who know everyone's gags and personas. You just need to get a feel for the atmosphere."

Luo Yu was about to say thank you when the still-present young man spoke sarcastically, "As expected President Jiang has a lot of influence. We have to have gags and laughs, but Luo Yu is just here to experience the atmosphere?"

Xu Mu looked at him with a bit of impatience, "Mick, I have a guest right now. If you want to continue discussing this issue, could you wait until I've finished explaining the recording details with Luo Yu?"

Mick didn't show any intention of leaving, instead crossing his arms and looking out the window, seemingly indifferent.

Luo Yu sensed Mick's dissatisfaction, probably due to his sudden appearance in the program group, but what the specific issue was could only be learned after the show aired.

"By the way, Luo Yu, since it's your first time on our show, we need three friends from the industry to record a VCR for you, sharing some interesting stories. This will help generate interest in you from the audience." Xu Mu said, "You can send us the VCR after the show is recorded. But you need to think about who to invite first."

"Ah... okay." Luo Yu nodded, thinking he could ask Brother Long, Fang Qin, and Ye Shengyi to help with this.

But the director seemed quite concerned about this, asking, "Have you decided who to invite yet?"

"Yes, an actor, roommate, and makeup artist friend from when we were filming 'Counterattack.'"

As soon as Luo Yu finished speaking, Mick scoffed, "Luo Yu, the director said the VCR is meant to generate interest from the audience, which basically means getting well-known artists from the industry to promote the show. You were just a supporting role in 'Counterattack,' right? Your roommate was probably a supporting role too, maybe even less famous than you. And a makeup artist? Who cares?"

Xu Mu frowned and glared at Mick, "I advise you to be more friendly. The decision to invite Luo Yu was made by the program team, and we have our considerations. If you have so many objections, you can choose to leave."

Mick's gaze clearly wavered as he muttered, "I signed a contract for the whole season."

"But my director contract isn't with you. I don't have the responsibility or obligation to meet your needs." Xu Mu looked back at Luo Yu, sensing his awkwardness, and explained, "We originally had a regular who got injured, and Mick wanted to invite his former group member Xie Liao to join the show. Mick, Xie Liao, and He Mu were part of the same group, so it's a reunion."

Xie Liao? Luo Yu remembered him well!

In his previous life, Xie Liao seemed to have participated in a variety show. He didn't know he had a chronic lung condition and had a health crisis due to physical exertion during the recording. Fortunately, there was an emergency doctor on-site who quickly provided first aid and sent him to the hospital, saving his life.

Xie Liao had to leave the entertainment industry due to his health, but sometimes misfortune turns into a blessing. He later started a beverage shop that gradually became a chain with widespread success. During an interview, Xie Liao mentioned that although he loved music, he lacked talent and opportunities, so he was willing to support young people with musical dreams.

Of course, Luo Yu couldn't tell Mick about Xie Liao's health issues; Mick would definitely think Luo Yu was crazy.

Luo Yu apologized to Mick, "Sorry, when President Jiang spoke about this show, I really didn't know you had this arrangement. Sorry for wasting the opportunity for your group reunion."

Mick didn't expect Luo Yu to apologize, but he had heard from He Mu during their recording that Luo Yu snatched announcements and ate leftovers, so he thought Luo Yu was just up to his old tricks.

"Don't be too upset. You've already made the hot searches a few times. Even before 'Counterattack' airs, you've cleverly set up your acting persona. Xie Liao lacks your foresight and is still obscure." Mick said with a fake smile.

In the past, Luo Yu would have felt hurt by Mick's hostility, but now he found the young man somewhat endearing from a different perspective.

After all, when Luo Yu was struggling to turn things around a few years ago, besides Gu Xiaowei, no one helped him like Mick did for his group member. Not to mention Hu Wei, who almost sold him to Jiang Yunxie despite Luo Yu helping him sign with Zhuque Media.

"Don't be too upset. After this season ends, maybe next season you'll be able to record the show with Xie Liao."

Or perhaps Xie Liao has another successful path in life.

Luo Yu's tone was calm, not showing any anger, which made Mick feel as if he was punching a cotton ball—nothing seemed right.

"You should sort out your VCR first." Mick turned his face to continue looking out the window, likely hoping to hear if Luo Yu was really only recording for one episode.

Luo Yu's phone rang, displaying "Cheng Fei."

Seeing the name, the director's eyes lit up. Luo Yu said somewhat apologetically, "Director, can I take this call?"

"Go ahead, go ahead!"

As soon as the call connected, Cheng Fei's loud voice came through, "Luo Yu, I heard you're going to participate in that 'Explode, Little Cosmos'?"

Luo Yu helplessly corrected him, "It's 'Burn, Little Cosmos.'"

"Eh, it's pretty much the same. But I know that the show is looking for three influential friends to record VCRs for you. I've been waiting here, waiting, waiting, and almost ready to have dinner and you haven't contacted me. I figured there aren't many of your friends with more influence than me... Did you really find someone else instead of me?" Cheng Fei finished with a flourish.

Luo Yu rubbed his chin, "Hmm, how did you know I was recording this variety show?"

"Gu Xiaowei told me. I know he was quite free before his next film started, so I asked him to play tennis. Who knew he said he was busy taking you to record a variety show! That show Xie Chang went on before, and I recorded a VCR for her, praising her as if she was unmatched in the heavens and the earth."

Cheng Fei, it seemed, was experienced in flattering and promised not to mess it up.

Luo Yu glanced at the director, who had clearly heard Cheng Fei's words. Cheng Fei volunteering to record a VCR for Luo Yu could be considered an indirect participation in their show, and Luo Yu might even use Cheng Fei's fame to boost the show's slipping ratings!

But Luo Yu sighed, "That's not good. I can't just use your popularity."

If the anti-fans found out, not only would they attack Luo Yu, but Cheng Fei's temperament would not tolerate his friends being wronged, which could lead to intense confrontations that Luo Yu feared he wouldn’t be able to handle.

The director almost grabbed the phone from him, oh my god, this is a great opportunity!

Cheng Fei laughed, "Bro, my bandwidth is in gigabytes. Even if you use it a little, it won’t slow down."

This made Luo Yu laugh and also relieved the director.

"Thank you, Brother Cheng. I've already mooched off your meals and car before, and now I'm mooching off your bandwidth." Luo Yu was genuinely grateful.

"No need to thank me. Just don’t get addicted to variety shows and neglect acting." Cheng Fei paused and added, "I hear from your tone that before I called, you hadn't secured any of the three VCRs?"

"Well, you’re here, so that’s one done," Luo Yu said with a smile.

"Tsk, it’s not that hard for you! Just ask Xie Chang! She’s your fan, and as soon as you ask she’ll immediately perk up—I mean, get all dolled up!" 

Luo Yu smiled helplessly, "The young lady also has her own work and things to do, and she needs her agent’s permission."

"And there’s Gu Xiaowei. Just talk to him," Cheng Fei said with frustration, "In life, you can't be so thin-skinned! Friends are there to depend on."

"He doesn’t participate in variety shows, so let’s not bother him with the VCR..."

Before Luo Yu could finish, Cheng Fei said, "Eh? You don’t want to trouble him, but he wants to be troubled by you. I just created a small group chat and added you, Gu Xiaowei, and Xie Chang. Gu Xiaowei hasn’t left the group yet. Alright, alright, with these three VCRs, you can summon the dragon. Send the red envelopes later, bye-bye!"

The call ended, and Luo Yu looked at the WeChat group Cheng Fei had just created, where the conversation had already started.

Xie Chang: [Brother Luo, can I record the VCR for you now? Should I go for a light makeup? Can I use beauty filters?]

Cheng Fei: [You can use beauty filters up to level ten! Please restrain your no money required eagerness!]

Xie Chang: [Are you asking Brother Luo for money now, Brother Cheng?]

Cheng Fei: [He’s my bro! How can I ask him for money! Furious.jpeg]

Xie Chang: [@Gu Xiaowei, will you record a VCR?]

Gu Xiaowei: [Luo Yu will help me record it. We’re sleeping together.]

Seeing "We’re sleeping together," Luo Yu nearly choked on his own saliva.

Xie Chang immediately replied: [So envious, being able to sleep with Brother Luo~]

Cheng Fei: [Your envy is strange! Are you envious of Teacher Gu or of your Brother Luo?]

Xie Chang: [I am envious, but I know you're jealous. Because neither of these two old friends want to sleep with you!]

Cheng Fei and Xie Chang launched into a back-and-forth argument, saying that they could sleep together, and Gu Xiaowei could even go watch Luo Yu record the show, which was simply too lucky of him.

Luo Yu had no choice but to approach the director and ask quietly, "Are there any specific requirements for recording this VCR? Is a phone okay? Can beauty filters be used?"

The director asked, "Besides Cheng Fei, who else have you contacted?"

"Xie Chang and... Gu Xiaowei."

Luo Yu meant to keep his voice low, not wanting Mick in the room to think he was showing off. Plus, he wasn't sure about the specific process and requirements—what if Gu Xiaowei couldn’t record it?

But the director was so surprised that his voice rose a few notes. "You said Xie Chang and Gu Xiaowei? You’re also familiar with Xie Chang? Teacher Gu is willing to record a VCR for you? Are you sure?"

Mick also turned around in surprise, "Gu Xiaowei doesn’t participate in variety shows!"

Luo Yu’s popularity among artists was surprisingly high?

First, Cheng Fei called to offer help with the VCR and even brought in Xie Chang and Gu Xiaowei?

This might be Jiang Yinchuan’s network; after all, Yinchuan Culture had just been established, but with the funding behind it, it’s understandable that Cheng Fei and Xie Chang would give him face.

But would Gu Xiaowei also give face to someone like Luo Yu because of Jiang Yinchuan?

…It might not be impossible, as Gu Xiaowei had reportedly helped Luo Yu by sharing his posts several times.

"Um... Director, can you send me the VCR recording requirements? I’ll forward it to them?"

Xu Mu waved his hand, "Wait a minute. If Teacher Gu really agrees, we can send a specialized crew member! Since he doesn’t have experience recording VCRs, we can provide... service."

Xu Mu quickly emphasized that it was because Gu Xiaowei lacked experience that they were offering this service, otherwise, it would seem unfair to Cheng Fei and Xie Chang.