Chapter 41- The National Goddess Raised by the Best Actor(20)

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Chapter 41

Anti-Drug was invited to a talk show with six slots reserved for cast members. Surprisingly, Ji Yang, who typically avoided such appearances, accepted the invitation this time. The announcement caused a frenzy, with tickets for the live taping selling for tens of thousands, prompting the show’s team to intervene to prevent excessive scalping.

It became nearly impossible to get a ticket.

Opportunities to see Ji Yang in person were so rare that his fans were ecstatic. Despite having minimal interaction with his followers, his widespread popularity and respect remained unwavering.

Naturally, Xu Yuan selected a few of the film’s main cast members. However, due to scheduling conflicts, two actors had to bow out, leaving one spot open for Xu Wan, the rising “traffic flower.”

On the day of the show, two hours before the broadcast, fans swarmed outside the studio. Most of the light-up signs bore Ji Yang’s name, with only a handful representing other actors.

When Ji Yang’s car arrived, the deafening screams of fans drowned everything else out. Cries of “Ji Yang!” echoed endlessly.

To maintain order, the production team hired triple the usual security, but even that didn’t quell the fans’ enthusiasm.

As the hosts stepped onto the stage, they followed tradition, playfully teasing the audience by asking who they thought would appear.

“Let my Ji Yang out!”

A hoarse yet piercing scream from the front row startled everyone, including Zhao Qi, one of the male hosts.

Walking toward the fan, he joked with a serious tone, “We’re a legitimate production studio. We don’t imprison celebrities. Don’t tarnish our reputation; you’ll owe us damages!”

The audience burst into laughter, easing the tense atmosphere.

The hosting team consisted of Zhao Qi, the show’s veteran male anchor, alongside female lead host Dai Wei, with Li He and Zhang Qihan completing the group.

“Finally, some quiet,” Dai Wei sighed dramatically, her expression grave. “Now, I must deliver some heartbreaking news. Due to work commitments, Ji Yang won’t be…”

“Lies!”

“Stop lying!”

The crowd’s protests cut her off.

Dai Wei widened her eyes in mock disbelief. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Our Ji Yang wouldn’t lie to us!” a fan shouted with conviction.

“It seems Ji Yang has truly earned your trust. But I must insist, he can’t make it this time. Please believe me.”

“We don’t!”

Dai Wei sighed in mock defeat. “Alright, I see you all won’t believe it until you see it with your own eyes. Fine. Let’s welcome the handsome and talented cast of Anti-Drug! Give them a round of applause.”

Thunderous applause filled the studio.

The lights dimmed as the film’s theme song began to play. A soft melody accompanied the opening lines:
“No way back, stepping forward with courage…”

The spotlight fell on a young woman in a white, round-necked, light blue knee-length dress, cinched at the waist to accentuate her figure. Her black hair cascaded in gentle waves, framing a serene, smiling face.

“My courage, unwavering strength…”

Even as she faced away from the audience, her voice drew a wave of unrelenting screams.

“Ji Yang! Ji Yang!”

“Ji Yang, I love you!”

“I’ll bear your kids!”

…

Each cast member sang a lyric until the song concluded, leaving all seven standing under the central spotlight. The fans erupted into cheers once more.

“Welcome to the cast of Anti-Drug!” Zhao Qi approached the group with a grin. “Judging by the audience’s reactions, it seems they’re only here for Ji Yang. You’ve been screaming for your ‘Brother.’ What about the other actors? Don’t they deserve some love too?”

“Exactly,” Dai Wei added with a smirk, scanning the crowd. “By the way, which one of you yelled about having Ji Yang’s kids earlier? Let me tell you something—it’s too late. They’d be premature!”

“Pfft.”

“Hahaha!”

The audience roared with laughter.

“Next year’s the Year of the Rat. This year’s your chance to cultivate a relationship,” Li He teased, prompting fans to nod enthusiastically.

“Right, right! Let’s give him a rat baby!”

“What are you agreeing to?” Zhao Qi scolded, feigning seriousness. “Did you ask Ji Yang for permission? Let me help you find out.”

He turned to Ji Yang, holding the microphone close. “What do you think, Ji Yang?”

“Not possible,” Ji Yang replied, his expression calm and unyielding.

“Why not?” Zhao Qi pressed. “You’ve broken so many hearts with that.”

“There are too many,” Ji Yang answered matter-of-factly. “Not possible.”

“Just one is fine, then?” Zhao Qi teased, barely containing his laughter.

This is such a trap.

“I like what I like,” Ji Yang continued.

“Do you have someone you like?” Dai Wei approached with a playful expression. “I’m asking for the fans. Should they prepare to welcome a rat baby next year?”

The moment she asked, the audience erupted.

“How can you ask our ‘Brother’ that? He doesn’t have anyone he likes; he only likes us!”

“I don’t want to know. Wait, I do want to know. No, I don’t! Does ‘Brother’ have someone he likes or not?”

“I want to know. No, I don’t. I do! I don’t! I won’t listen, I won’t listen! ‘Brother’ belongs to me!”

…

“Next year… I don’t know,” Ji Yang replied after a moment of thought. “The future is unpredictable.”

“Today, Ji Yang is dressed in a white shirt and jeans, looking fresh and youthful. But it’s a bit different from his mature character in the film,” Zhao Qi interjected, swiftly changing the topic. Questions like that were for entertainment value, meant to remain ambiguous. Digging too deep into a star’s personal life could lead to disaster.

“In the film, I appear more mature, so I’m just dressing down to look younger here,” Ji Yang joked lightly. “Although, I’m probably at that uncle age already.”

Standing beside him, Xu Ruier didn’t agree with his self-assessment. He had the kind of face that aged gracefully and could pull off any style. His current look was youthful and handsome, with no hint of his actual age.

When Ji Yang debuted, he was still young—like a big brother from next door.

“You’re always called ‘Brother,’ right?” Dai Wei teased, pointing to Zhang Qihan. “Unlike him. Clearly ‘Brother’-aged, but still called ‘Uncle.’ Just goes to show the importance of a good face.”

Zhang Qihan clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be shot. “Yes, yes, I’m an uncle. I’m an uncle.”

“Let’s do some introductions,” Zhao Qi suggested, handing the microphone to the cast.

Ji Yang went first. As soon as he began, “I am…”

“Ji Yang!”

“Brother!”

…

The audience didn’t even let him finish. Their cheers were deafening, filled with excitement.

“Alright.” Ji Yang pressed his lips together, pausing for silence before starting again. “The weather has been quite dry lately. Take care of your voices. I play Zhou Ya in the film…”

The fans couldn’t care less about his explanation. Who cared about the character? Ji Yang was gentle, thoughtful, and even more amazing in real life than on screen. They would remain devoted forever.

The microphone passed to Xu Ruier next. In a soft voice, she introduced herself, “I’m Xu Ruier, and I play a life-saving doctor in the film.”

“Ruier is a newcomer, and this is her debut work,” Zhao Qi added.

“Yes,” Xu Ruier nodded with a smile.

“Director Xu Yuan is known for being strict. What was it like filming under his direction?” Zhao Qi asked.

“At first, it was a little nerve-wracking, and there was quite a bit of pressure. But the senior actors were all very supportive, and I learned a lot,” Xu Ruier answered sincerely.

Zhao Qi nodded approvingly. “Great. Next, Zhao Qian.”

Finally, it was Xu Wan’s turn. She wore a one-shoulder, lace-detailed dress that accentuated her figure. Her hair was styled in voluminous waves, and her makeup was impeccably done. As she introduced herself, her poise and charm were evident.

Despite the crowd’s overwhelming focus on Ji Yang, Xu Wan still had a fair number of fans present. Furthermore, being someone who had previously been linked to Ji Yang in rumors, she attracted significant attention.

Xu Wan basked in the limelight, feeling satisfied with the level of notice she received.