The man had a tall build, broad shoulders and long legs, with strikingly handsome and defined features. However, there was little expression on his face, giving him an unapproachable aura.
He raised his hand to ring the doorbell, but there was no response.
He had bought an apartment downstairs, allowing him easy access to the neighborhood, but he didn't have a key to his brother's apartment.
Initially, Gu Che planned to give him a key, but he refused.
Thinking for a moment, Gu Cheng took out his phone and sent a message to Gu Che's agent.
The response came quickly.
[Director Gu, he's accompanying Miaomiao on a program]
Along with the message came a link.
Gu Cheng clicked on it and realized it was the first season of a very popular live reality show involving children. His expression turned somewhat grim.
The first season was popular, but some of the young participants were often bothered by 'fans' after returning to real life.
Even Gu Che himself had been followed by obsessed fans, and if Miaomiao... Gu Cheng almost called Gu Che, but decided against it, knowing the show was broadcast live.
Duoyu Village.
Five groups of guests arrived one after another.
Gu Miaomiao, naturally sociable since childhood, wanted to greet the other kids after getting off the bus, but was stopped by a tug on her collar.
"Second brother, what's wrong?"
Gu Che coughed a few times, "There's plenty of time to make friends later. Don't wander off now; the host will announce the tasks soon."
"Okay."
Tuanzi immediately stood close to him.
[What's the deal not letting her make friends?]
[He said later, so friends will come afterwards]
[It's starting; first step of the superstar persona fall, too controlling, no wonder former teammates complain about his overbearing nature, wanting to manage everything]
At this moment, Tuanzi suddenly looked up at Gu Che's ear lobes, "Second brother, are you actually shy and want Miaomiao to keep you company?"
The top celebrity panicked: "N-no way." He wasn't shy, but he was embarrassed to admit wanting to seize the chance to bond with his sister.
"But your ears are all red."
Gu Che: "…You are mistaken."
Tuanzi still wanted to say more, but Gu Che directly covered her eyes with his hand.
Tuanzi sighed, what would she do with a second brother so easily embarrassed? She could only spoil him.
[…]
[…]
[His ears are really red]
[Could the sister be right; is Gu Che actually shy?]
[That cool singing and dancing guy gets shy?]
[No, why be shy?]
[Who knows?]
[Shy Gu is so cute, want to take him home]
The host didn't rush to announce the tasks but introduced the five groups of guests.
The first group was Film Emperor Su Hanjiang and his son Su Chaomu.
Su Hanjiang is a strong performer, always appearing as a tough guy on the big screen, straightforward in demeanor. His son, however, is fair and cute-looking.
The other groups quickly greeted him.
Zhou Yan sincerely said, "I've watched all of Mr. Su's works."
The host smiled, "Why don't we test you then?"
Zhou Yan: "Go ahead, if I name anything wrong, I'll do push-ups as punishment!"
The atmosphere was becoming lively.
[As expected from the team's mood maker]
[Without my dear Yanyan, the atmosphere would surely plummet]
[In stark contrast to a certain top celebrity]
Gu Che's fans weren't happy. Zhou Yan had initially modeled his style based on Gu Che's during auditions and marketed himself as the next Gu Che. Thanks to riding the 'Little Gu Che' wave, Zhou Yan had advanced swiftly.
[Half a year of leeching off isn't enough?]
[Haven't you noticed, Su the Film Emperor reacted super coldly?]
[Some Film Emperor sure acts high, at least be nice to your fan]
[This is a child-centered show; we don't want to see any senior-junior networking or flatteries, just the kiddos!]
Su Hanjiang didn't give Zhou Yan a smile, yet he actively greeted Gu Che, which led some to claim he was currying favor with the superstar. In reality, this accomplished actor didn't need to butter up top celebrities.
Gu Che deeply respected the elder, greeting him sincerely.
Gu Miaomiao, trained in martial arts and adept at sensing goodwill and malice in people.
Zhou Yan, just as he got off, Miaomiao sensed strong malice. From Su Hanjiang, she felt goodwill.
She immediately revealed a sweet smile and greeted the two.
The second group of guests included singer Liu Man and her younger sister Liu Yue.
Liu Yue was one of the only girls among the young participants, at six years old, known for her serene demeanor and ballet practice.
Gu Miaomiao glanced at her several times, thinking this big sister was so pretty, wanting to stick close.
The third group consisted of host Tang Tian and his son Tang Jing.
The fourth group was Gu Che and Gu Miaomiao.
As Gu Che greeted everyone, Zhou Yan hastily approached with a bow, "Mr. Gu, thank you for your continued guidance."
His attitude seemed sincere and thrilled, appearing respectful to those unaware of the situation. Yet to the informed, this behavior was quite unpleasant.
But if Gu Che didn't respond, within minutes, gossip accounts would claim he looked down on newcomers.
Jin Tong, the agent watching the broadcast, gritted his teeth in frustration.
Gu Che, able to walk off when dealing with rigged competitions, surely wouldn't play along with Zhou Yan.
He was about to mock when he heard the sister's pitiful voice.
"Miaomiao is so tired, Second brother, can you hold Miaomiao?"
Gu Che immediately forgot about mocking, quickly picking her up, speaking softly enough to surprise others.
"Are you tired?"
Tuanzi lowered her puppy eyes, covered her belly pitifully, "Tired, also very hungry, head dizzy."
Gu Che immediately wanted to break away to find food for his sister.
Whether at the live event or among viewers, they'd never seen such a gentle superstar before, leaving everyone in a daze, paying no heed to Zhou Yan, who was seemingly genuine while waiting for Gu Che to react.
[Now I believe, perhaps Gu Che just joined to keep his sister company]
[Such gentleness, if it's acting, he could win the Film Emperor title]
[Suddenly want to swap lives with Miaomiao]
[Am I the only one craving to switch places with Gu Che? I want to cuddle such a soft Tuanzi, pinching her cheek must be lovely]
Then, a golden comment scrolled through the live chat.
[She isn't your sister, no pinching allowed]
Participants were stunned.
[Golden commentary?]
[How many gifts were sent for that?]
[However, all tips given during the show are donated, no platform cut, rich folks, feel free to splurge]
[Just because you're rich doesn't mean you're in charge, I will pinch from afar!]
Outside at Gu Che's apartment, a certain man began silently radiating cold air.