The show had countless activities. Besides working to earn their own money, the guests also had to answer unexpected questions. After all, as celebrities, that was practically inevitable.
But Qiao Liang had a special talent for asking questions at the most inconvenient times.
After dessert — prepared by Team 1, while Team 2 had made lunch — everyone was full, satisfied, and enjoying a rare moment of rest. They chatted softly, worked on small tasks, laughed quietly.
And, of course, Xiang Chen and Lian Wei were dangerously close, sharing stories and glimpses of their lives as if no one else existed around them.
Qiao Liang spotted the perfect opportunity.
And he didn't hesitate.
"I loved playing Brie in When the Birds Fly… and Lina in the live-action of When She Was Beautiful," Lian Wei said excitedly. "Brie had so many layers, so much emotional weight… Xiang, in that scene that went viral — the one where she cries — I was actually emotional for real."
Xiang Chen raised a brow.
"Oh? And why is that, if I may ask?"
"Brie's story touched me. The way she faced her battles…" she took a breath. "Our personalities aren't that similar, since Brie was calm, and I only look calm."
Xiang Chen frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Lian Wei laughed awkwardly.
"Sometimes I'm explosive. People see me as this cheerful actress, but… sometimes I wonder how they'd react if they knew I'm just as human as anyone else. When I played Lina, I related to her too. I'm not a villain — far from it — but I'll admit there are moments when I want to slap certain people who truly get on my nerves." She sighed. "But then I remind myself I'm an actress. So I control myself."
She didn't expect the response that came next.
"You can slap as many people as you want," Xiang Chen said without hesitation. "I'll testify on your behalf. So be yourself, Lian Wei. I'll protect you. And I guarantee anyone who dares to cross you will pay for it."
Her eyes widened.
Startled… yet strangely comforted.
"Relax," she murmured. "I'm not crazy. I might slap someone once in a while, but I've never hit an innocent person."
"I know. I never doubted you," he replied, short and firm.
That was when Qiao Liang finally stepped in — after all, the camera never stopped rolling, and that moment begged for interruption.
"Sorry to interrupt," the host said with a smile. "But I couldn't help overhearing. Wei Wei, can you tell us how you reacted when you received the offer to play the villain in the When She Was Beautiful live-action?"
She nodded.
"When I played Brie, I never expected the success to be that big. So when I was offered the role of a villain completely outside the 'lotus flower' archetype… a true psychopath… I was thrilled. But I was also terrified. I didn't know if I should accept, if I could handle it. Then my agent — and friend — Xiao Na advised me. She reminded me that many would kill for that chance. And I thought: it's a remake of a hit live-action, it has every chance to blow up. It was my opportunity. So I grabbed it and said, 'I can do it.' And I did."
Qiao Liang clapped.
"Beautiful. Now, about that scene where Brie cries… you said it was real. What happened at that moment?"
Lian Wei took a deep breath.
"My grandmother passed away recently. And in that scene, Brie was grieving herself… but I related to her. My voice even faltered. "You know, that was when I realized I was alone in the world. My grandmother was gone, and… I never had the chance to know what it really feels like to be someone's daughter. I never met my parents, never got answers. I feel like I've carried that weight my whole life. So when it came time for Brie to cry… it was Wei Wei who cried. Because I felt completely alone. And in that moment, the character and I were one."
The other guests fell silent.
There was no pity.
Only admiration.
She was strong even in the moments when she was weak.
Qiao Liang exhaled and shifted the focus.
"And you, Xiang Chen? We've never seen you so talkative since meeting our diva Lian Wei. Explain yourself!"
The man of steel looked at her.
And seeing the curiosity in her eyes, he answered:
"I had already met her."
"Hm?" Lian Wei muttered, confused.
"You don't remember? The scarf. The crying. You spent an hour crying on my shoulder."
Her eyes widened again.
"That was you?"
"Yes. That was me."
Meanwhile, in another corner, Mo Chen and Chen Eun Ha were bickering as always — ex-lovers collaborating for the first time since their breakup. Jealousy on both sides, an overdose of pride, and maturity… almost none. The audience had already picked up on the tension between them, and speculation was spreading fast.
On the opposite side, Ramona wouldn't give Jimin a second of peace. Even while dating someone else, she still chased him. The idol was at his limit — especially because his heart had belonged for years to someone else: Su Mi, the girl with the BLUE EYES.
Ramona had only been a failed attempt to forget her.
Jimin and Su Mi had always been in sync. Their love for music, sensitivity, intensity on stage… everything about them matched perfectly. But Jimin didn't have the courage to confess. After all, he was already 26, and Su Mi had just turned 21. And that made him feel… inadequate.
But Su Mi had never once shown discomfort about their age difference.
He should talk to Wei Wei.
Ask for her opinion.
Maybe… some courage.
✨ End of Chapter 5 ✨