The contracts had actually already been drafted, but Qin Wunian casually tossed both copies into the trash. Back in his room, he called Ban Yunfang to request modifications to certain clauses.
His own contract didn’t need changes—he mainly wanted to revise Song Cheng’s copy to maximize protection of his rights as a civilian.
The variety show director groaned for a while but eventually agreed.
The director had invested heavily in the show. Everyone was in it to make money. To attract viewership, every guest was highly popular. Qin Wunian, caught in a scandal, was the perfect choice. If he declined, they would have to approach a recently divorced actor couple. Though no news had leaked online, rumors suggested the man had cheated. The cardinal rule for a breakup reality show was clear: guests could fight and split, but no moral scandals—otherwise, the whole program would collapse.
As for Qin Wunian, the domestic abuse accusation was clearly false. The “violence” was still debatable. The best part was leaving it as “debatable”—it prevented Qin Wunian from becoming a completely tainted celebrity while piquing public curiosity: was he really violent or not?
Public attention continued to simmer. Previously scheduled appearances were canceled, endorsement negotiations fell through, and now the only people eager to collaborate with Qin Wunian were interview shows. More formal roles avoided him, observing the situation from a distance.
In short, this variety show was Qin Wunian’s only job at the moment.
Ban Yunfang was right—if Song Cheng hadn’t appeared, his career might truly have been over.
At seven in the morning, Qin Wunian opened his eyes. For the first time since the video went public, he had slept soundly—no insomnia, no waking up midway. Sitting up, he checked the news for the day and found it unchanged: Zhou Qingge continued to play dead, with some believing her, some supporting her, and others criticizing.
He turned off his phone, washed his face, and buttoned his shirt while heading to the elevator.
Once the elevator reached the first floor, Qin Wunian emerged, fully dressed, and walked to Song Cheng’s door, knocking slowly twice.
Song Cheng loved to linger in bed. Even when awake, he refused to get up. Only if someone dragged him out would he reluctantly open his eyes. Today, Qin Wunian was ready for this battle. Just as he was about to knock again, Song Cheng’s voice called from behind: “Looking for me? I’m making breakfast.”
Qin Wunian turned, slightly surprised. “When did you get up?”
Song Cheng: “Six? I didn’t check the time. But I usually wake around then. I made porridge—do you want some?”
Ten minutes later, Qin Wunian sat at the dining table in a daze. Song Cheng placed a clay pot of white porridge before him, along with a dish of stir-fried greens, a plate of cold shredded potatoes, a plate of fried ham slices, and six boiled eggs.
Such a simple yet abundant breakfast—Qin Wunian probably had never eaten anything like it in his life.
Song Cheng served the porridge expertly and reminded him, “The greens are a bit overcooked. The stove was too hot. I’ll adjust next time.”
Qin Wunian held the porridge in one hand and the ladle in the other, frozen, just staring at Song Cheng as if he were a stranger.
Song Cheng’s heart skipped a beat. Had his flattery gone to the wrong place? It shouldn’t be. Someone had made him breakfast; even if he wasn’t moved, he shouldn’t react like this.
They exchanged nervous looks for a while. Then Qin Wunian lowered his head and began eating the porridge normally, expression calm.
Song Cheng: “……”
And that was it???
Then why had he been so tense just now?
Qin Wunian, eyes downcast, had no idea about Song Cheng’s subtle disappointment. He just didn’t want to humiliate himself.
No more lingering in bed—already a change in habits. Learning to cook? That was far too obvious.
The truth was always ironic: Song Cheng was willing to cook and serve for others, yet even a single honest word for Qin Wunian was so scarce.
After breakfast, they went from the basement to the garage. Qin Wunian’s assistant was already there, acting as the driver. He turned to greet Song Cheng: “Hi~”
Song Cheng was momentarily startled, then laughed along, “Hi~”
Qin Wunian: “Do you want me to get out so you two can have fun?”
Xiao Zhao quickly shook his head. “No, no, sit tight, Qin-ge. We’re ready to go.”
Qin Wunian and Song Cheng sat in the backseat. Seeing them behave, Xiao Zhao obediently focused on driving, while Qin Wunian kept his gaze on Song Cheng.
Caught in his cool, piercing stare, Song Cheng immediately straightened up. Qin Wunian was slightly stunned by this reaction. Song Cheng, realizing he’d overreacted, relaxed again and offered a conciliatory smile.
Qin Wunian glanced at his slightly upturned, sparkling eyes and snorted, turning his head away.
Still as playful as ever. If you have the skill, try changing this too!
…
When they arrived at the company, the new contracts had already been printed. Ban Yunfang saw Song Cheng again, and this time, they were formally introduced.
Ban Yunfang extended her hand. “Hello, I’m Ban Yunfang. You can call me Sister Ban from now on.”
Song Cheng quickly returned the handshake. “Hello, Sister Ban.”
Qin Wunian watched their polite exchange coldly. He noticed Ban Yunfang gazing at Song Cheng with a gentle, almost maternal look—and still not letting go. He suddenly coughed sharply.
Ban Yunfang let out a soft sound and withdrew her hand.
They sat down, and Ban Yunfang handed Song Cheng the new contract while explaining how the variety show would operate.
“The director is very confident in this show. He believes there will be a second season next year. Of course, that won’t concern us—this season only. Filming will take ten days, edited into eighteen episodes. We’ll move between three cities. No assistants can come with you, so Xiao Zhao and I won’t follow—but you two can take care of each other. Can you manage that?”
Her eyes lingered on Qin Wunian. Normally, ex-couples would be awkward, but she saw no hint of that between him and Song Cheng—a good sign. Yet with Qin Wunian’s personality, expecting him to be caring seemed difficult.
Qin Wunian stiffened under her gaze, uncrossed his legs, and shot a displeased look. “What kind of look is that? I helped him with part of his homework.”
Ban Yunfang: “……”
That didn’t exactly prove you’d take care of anyone.
Song Cheng: “……”
Reasonable—he was a poor student; he obviously wouldn’t do his homework himself.
Ban Yunfang didn’t dwell on it. Once she was satisfied they could support each other, she moved on. “Now, about the script. The director will explain details before filming. For now, here’s what I know: four pairs of guests, each with a different ending. The first pair is Lü Ruosi and Liu Yanchu, both movie actors—he’s an award-winning actor, she’s an award-winning actress. They divorced three years ago. The director arranged their ending to reconcile and part on friendly terms.”
Song Cheng couldn’t detect the subtext, so Qin Wunian, seeing his confusion, explained: “They’ll fight from start to finish, then reconcile in the end.”
Song Cheng: “……”
Ban Yunfang continued, “The second pair is Yue Yuran and Su Yu. Yue is a singer who has been on many singing shows and is currently very popular. Su Yu is a high-profile internet celebrity with strong sales power. They broke up recently, but are already privately back together. On the show, their ending will show them gradually realizing each other is their true love, and finally reconciling.”
Qin Wunian leaned against the sofa and said to Song Cheng, “These two are the Mainland’s version of ‘Unforgettable Love.’ I don’t know them personally, but I’ve heard they’ve broken up and gotten back together at least four times. Saying ‘true love’ is risky if they break up again.”
Song Cheng: “……”
Ban Yunfang cast a glance at Qin Wunian and continued: “The third pair isn’t a couple—they’re former friends who no longer contact each other. Yang Qing, you know, is Zhou Qingge’s counterpart; they often compete for resources. The other is Zhao Feifei, a famous model planning to transition into variety shows. Their ending will be resolving misunderstandings, with an open-ended question of whether they can remain friends.”
When she finished, Qin Wunian commented again: “They’ll never be friends. Zhao Feifei’s ex-husband was Yang Qing’s ex-boyfriend. Who could handle that?”
Song Cheng: “……”
Ban Yunfang picked up an orange from the table and tossed it at Qin Wunian. “Enough of your commentary! Can you wait until I finish explaining?”
Qin Wunian reflexively caught the orange and began peeling it. “Fine, go on. Four pairs in total. The last pair is us. Let me guess—after three upbeat stories, ours will be a reflective reconciliation, open-ended and amicable?”
After saying that, he shot a sneering look at Song Cheng, as if to say: always the same old plot, no creativity at all.
Ban Yunfang flipped through her notes, shaking her head. “No. You two will have zero contact for the rest of your lives.”
Qin Wunian: “……”
Why?!