Chapter 37: First Variety Show Recording

The day before the filming of *Speed Variety* began, Zhou Ying picked Qi Fei up from the airport and headed straight to the studio.

Time was tight. According to the production schedule, the participating artists were required to arrive at the designated hotel a day early. The other cast members were veterans of the show, and as the newest addition, Qi Fei could not afford to be the last one to arrive, especially since she would have to head straight to the airport as soon as filming wrapped.

Zhou Ying had called Qi Fei back a day early specifically to interview potential assistants. While it was fine to go without one on a web drama set, showing up to a variety show carrying her own luggage—without even an assistant in tow—would look far too shabby. Since Qi Fei and her amateur manager had opened their own studio, plenty of people in the industry were waiting to see them make a fool of themselves. Zhou Ying was determined to ensure Qi Fei had the same level of prestige as everyone else; she would never let her lose face.

When Qi Fei had visited the studio last time, it had been completely empty. Now, it was well-equipped, and the necessary staff were all in place. Everyone knew that Qi Fei was one of the studio’s owners, so when they saw her walk in with Zhou Ying, they stood up to greet her. After all, this was the first time she had visited since the studio was established.

Surveying the office, Qi Fei couldn't help but feel a sudden sense of triumph, like a downtrodden serf who had finally risen to sing a song of victory. She was, after all, a small business owner now.

"I did a preliminary screening yesterday. There are three candidates here for the follow-up interview today. You choose," Zhou Ying said.

Since the candidates had already arrived, and Qi Fei knew an assistant was a necessity, she didn't waste time. "You handle it; I’ll just watch from the side."

And so, while Zhou Ying conducted the interviews in front, Qi Fei sat in the back snacking on treats she’d swiped from the front desk. Seeing Qi Fei munching away, Zhou Ying felt like rolling her eyes. *You’re a female celebrity, for heaven’s sake! Are snacks something you should be eating?*

She didn't snatch them away, however, because she had noticed that Qi Fei had lost quite a bit of weight over the past month. She pretended not to see the snacking.

Qi Fei glanced at Zhou Ying and thought, *“Ha, women.”*

When she first transmigrated, Zhou Ying would buy her snacks and desserts all the time, constantly switching up the variety. But once the filming schedule was set, Zhou Ying changed completely, not only controlling her diet but cutting off all sweets and snacks. If Qi Fei were to voice her complaints aloud, she knew Zhou Ying would retort that it was only because Qi Fei had visibly gained weight in such a short time.

The original owner of the body had been so distraught that she couldn't eat or sleep, dropping from her original weight of eighty-something jin to just over seventy. Even with Qi Fei’s recent indulgence, she had barely reached eighty-something jin, not even hitting ninety. At 1.68 meters tall, how could anyone call that fat?

It was a good thing Zhou Ying didn't know how much she ate on set, or she would have jumped out of her skin. Fortunately, the intense physical activity on set, combined with daily sparring sessions with Gu Bing, had increased her muscle mass, making her look even leaner.

After the three candidates left, without waiting for Zhou Ying to ask, Qi Fei said, "Let's go with Lu Yi."

Lu Yi was the youngest of the three, with the most unassuming appearance and dress, looking like a very earnest, simple girl. Since Zhou Ying had asked Qi Fei to come specifically to pick someone she felt a connection with, she had no objections.

"Do I really need an assistant? I watched the previous episodes, and no one brought one. Besides, filming starts the moment we enter the hotel."

Zhou Ying was skeptical, but after calling the production team, she learned that bringing an assistant was allowed, though they would have to book a separate room and the assistant wouldn't be needed during filming. Seeing that Qi Fei truly didn't want one, she didn't push it. "If you don't want to bring one, then don't." This would also allow Lu Yi to get familiar with the studio’s operations.

By four o'clock, Qi Fei arrived at the hotel designated by the production team. Before she even entered the building, staff members greeted her, confirming that filming would indeed begin from the moment she checked in. Qi Fei had no complaints; since she was being paid by the production, she would follow their arrangements.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she bumped into four people walking out of their rooms.

"Fei Fei!" Bai Chunle was the first to exclaim in surprise.

"Oh my, my goddess!"

"Hello, everyone. I’m Qi Fei."

"When the last episode ended, the director said a newcomer was joining. It’s you, isn’t it, Fei Fei?" Du Hui jumped in immediately.

"The production team finally did something right for once."

Dong Xu immediately caught on to Du Hui’s attempt to create a show dynamic and chimed in, "Looks like the production team has some money now; otherwise, they’d only be hiring losers like us."

If not for her ability to read minds, Qi Fei would have actually believed them. She knew that they had received a call from the production team before arriving, so they were already aware she was the new permanent guest.

"Fei Fei, go ahead and get settled," someone said.

"See you all in a bit," Qi Fei replied.

*“No wonder she was tricked by that guy; the private version of Qi Fei is actually quite docile.”*

Qi Fei: “...”

*Where do I look docile?* She reached up and touched her topknot.

As soon as she entered the meeting room, she saw the four guests and the director. She noticed that her camera operator hadn’t followed her in, and there were no other staff present besides the director. Unsure of what was going on, she greeted everyone modestly, "Hello, everyone."

*“The ‘resource-hire’ has arrived.”*

*A resource-hire? Me?*

She stood up straight and immediately saw Su Xiang, who was grinning like a fool. "Xiang Xiang?" Qi Fei looked at him with an expression that asked, *Why are you here?*

Su Xiang: "..."

Everyone else: "..."

Su Xiang leaned in close to Qi Fei and whispered, "Can you not call me Xiang Xiang?"

"Su Su?"

*Forget it...* It was hopeless. *“Would it kill you to call me ‘brother’?”*

*“Yes.”*

Su Xiang put on a friendly act, draped an arm around Qi Fei’s shoulder, and walked over. "Let me introduce everyone to Qi Fei, a good friend of mine."

"I hope you’ll all look after me over the next few days."

*“Since Qi Qi is new here and these guys have worked together for two seasons, I’m worried she won’t be able to handle it if I don’t step in.”*

Qi Fei glanced at Su Xiang. *So that’s why he’s here.* He was a thoughtful guy.

"Don't worry, President Su, we’ll take good care of Fei Fei."

With a powerful investor standing behind her, not only did the director cater to her, but the four guests also stood up to welcome her. The one speaking was the eldest of the group, Du Hui—the very same person who had just called her a "resource-hire."

The permanent guests were Ba Yong, Bai Chunle, Dong Xu, and Du Hui. Qi Fei finally understood why they were being so warm.

*President Su? An investor?* Qi Fei turned to look at Su Xiang, curious. It was only then that she realized Su Xiang was the show’s largest investor.

It looked like the label of "resource-hire" was going to stick. However, instead of feeling ashamed, Qi Fei felt a sense of pride. If it weren't for the previous "resource-hire," she wouldn't have had her role stolen in the first place. Qi Fei would rather be the villain than the pathetic victim bullied by one.

After greeting everyone, Qi Fei pulled Su Xiang aside. "Was this position originally meant for someone else, and you gave it to me, or..."

"You’re overthinking it. If it weren't for you, there wouldn't even be a female celebrity on this show."

This was a good outcome, but why couldn't Qi Fei bring herself to be happy? *A resource-hire, huh? If I’m not actually stealing resources, can I even call myself one?*

If she was going to be labeled a resource-hire, she felt like she was missing out if she didn't actually act like one.

Su Xiang had other matters to attend to. After chatting with everyone for a while and seeing that Qi Fei had settled in, he left.