Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapters 319 and 320: Brothers in Misfortune
The morning recording ended close to noon.

The originally scheduled recording time was one hour.

The recording time for Lin Xiao and Han Xixi's group was doubled, lasting a full two hours.

Moreover, the entire process consisted of only one thing: attending class.

The course was so long that there wasn't enough time for the planned games and conversations, so they had to be cancelled at the last minute.

After all, we need to ensure that the song "Sunflower" can be sung in its entirety without any errors.

But this actually does not meet the requirements of the program.

The program team set up today's segment to add fun, just like a restaurant needs to constantly introduce new dishes.

If you always eat the same few dishes, you'll get tired of them no matter how delicious they are.

The first two episodes featured six guests, so all we needed to do was document their daily lives.

However, if the third episode still consists of watching them get up, eat, and chat, it might be acceptable, but it would inevitably become a bit boring, and some viewers would find it uninteresting, so it's uncertain whether they will continue watching the next episode.

Therefore, ensuring that each episode has new highlights is an essential task for the directing and planning teams.

The highlight of this episode is the interaction between celebrity couples and elementary school students.

This interaction requires three components: classes, games, and heart-to-heart talks; none of them can be omitted.

Because simply holding classes would be too serious and wouldn't fit the entertainment nature of a variety show.

However, focusing solely on games falls short, given the undeniable reality of the rural primary school's poor conditions and the children's impoverished family circumstances.

The celebrities went there once, but they only played games with the children.

Isn't this just another example of "Why don't they eat meat porridge!"
Therefore, in addition to these two items, we also need to have a heart-to-heart talk.

This segment is meant to evoke tears, and also to balance the seriousness of the class with the fun of the games, highlighting the guests' kindness and the program's values.

All three parts are indispensable; only when combined can the entire program appear rich and vivid, combining education and entertainment, laughter and tears.

However, Lin Xiao and Han Xixi's group spent twice as much time just to complete the task of attending class.

After class, they still want to play games and chat with the students.

It was already 12 o'clock, and the sweltering heat of the dog days of summer had reached its peak; the electric fans were blowing out hot air.

Whether they were teachers, students, or staff, everyone was soaked in sweat.

If we keep recording, I'm afraid I'll get heatstroke.

So they had no choice but to stop work.

Lin Xiao and Xi Xi were quite disappointed, and the children were even more reluctant to part with the two interesting teachers, as this class had opened up a whole new world for them.

The production team, however, failed to empathize.

They acknowledged that Han Xixi and Lin Xiao were very dedicated to their teaching and could see the couple's hard work.

But the truth is, they did not complete the mission.

When we edit the footage, we'll have plenty of material from other groups, including lessons, games, and heart-to-heart talks.

When they come here, all they get is dry, boring lecture content, which inevitably seems monotonous.

During the morning recording, director Xiao Fang was outside the classroom, anxiously watching his watch.

But he couldn't go in to remind or interrupt.

After all, this couple has the authority to act without a script, so they can do whatever they want.

In addition, there was the impact of the first episode's broadcast last night.

Xiao Fang can no longer view this couple's performance from a normal industry perspective.

Given Lin Xiao's current popularity, even if he were to livestream himself sleeping, it would generate more buzz than some unknown, washed-up celebrities performing handstands to defecate.

Who dares to question him?

Not to mention, today's lesson was indeed wonderful and complete, moving everyone who witnessed it.

Xiao Fang firmly believes that sincerity is always the ultimate weapon.

Although Lin Xiao and Han Xixi's trip today was monotonous, viewers will surely accept and appreciate it after it airs, and be moved by their sincerity and enthusiasm.

Think about it this way.

Instead of feeling anxious, Xiao Fang was really looking forward to seeing what kind of sensation and reaction this episode would cause after it aired.

"At that time, Teacher Lin's reputation should see a major turnaround, right?"

Xiao Fang felt a surge of emotion.

I can't wait to see how this episode will turn out.

After leaving Shiliang Primary School, we got back into the car at Huanxi Residence.

Lin Xiao clearly noticed that his wife was in low spirits and kept staring out the window in a daze, so he assumed she was tired.

After all, Xixi was the main performer in the music class this morning. She stood on the stage for almost two hours and shouted passionately the whole time, just in case the children couldn't hear her.

As a professional singer, physical stamina is a fundamental requirement; otherwise, how could one endure a concert that lasts at least two or three hours without the necessary stamina?

However, Han Xixi had only given birth less than six months ago and had not yet officially returned to the stage.

Even if we let her go on stage now, singing three songs would be a problem.

Teaching for two consecutive hours was definitely pushing him to his physical limit, and Lin Xiao was absolutely aware of that.

The class started an hour later.

Lin Xiao tried several times to go on stage to take over so that his wife could come down and rest for a while.

But whether she was addicted to lecturing or couldn't let go of her sense of responsibility, Xixi deliberately refused her husband's offer and chose to stay until the end of the class alone.

Finally, the song ended with a spectacular and beautiful chorus of 40 children.

Xixi stood on the stage, tears of relief welling up in her eyes, and then she walked off the stage almost trembling.

If she stands there any longer, she risks fainting from heatstroke.

Lin Xiao was amazed.

I always thought my wife was a delicate beauty, but I never imagined she had such a strong core and such superb endurance.

"So, being a teacher isn't easy, is it?" Lin Xiao held his wife's hand and joked with a smile.

Xi Xi didn't say anything, but gave him a tired smile.

"Are you hungry? I'll show off my cooking skills and make you something delicious in a bit!"

"Um……"

"What do you want to eat?"

"It's all right."

"Everything is okay?"

"Um……"

Xixi clearly had no interest in continuing the conversation. She forced a couple of laughs and then turned her face back to the window.

Lin Xiao then realized that something was wrong.

If you're just too tired from class, it's been more than ten minutes since you got on the bus, so it's not like you're too exhausted to even talk.

My wife is avoiding communication like this...

It's clearly not just about being tired; it's also about feeling down, depressed, and overthinking.

It's not worth it to get so depressed from recording a show. Lin Xiao quickly realized why.

"You can't bear to part with those children?" He moved closer to his wife and placed her cool hand in his palm.

Upon hearing this, Xixi turned her head, her eyes showing some emotion.

She nodded somewhat shyly.

"Um...won't you laugh at me?"

Why would I laugh at you?

"Because I... am a bit sentimental!"

As Xixi spoke, she smiled sheepishly, but her eyes were already red.

Lin Xiao chuckled and patted the back of her hand: "You are quite sentimental, but how should I put it? Only kind people are sentimental. Bad people don't get sentimental before they cheat and swindle!"

"Pfft~"

Xi Xi burst out laughing in an instant and punched Lin Xiao.

“I’m being serious with you, what are you talking about, scams and swindles…”

"I'm being serious with you, and you won't even let me give you an example? I'm just worried you're too stupid to understand!" Lin Xiao said with a serious expression.

"Hey! Who are you calling stupid?" Xixi exclaimed anxiously.

Lin Xiao instantly shrank back, a sheepish grin on his face: "I'm stupid, I'm stupid!"

Xi Xi then put down the forty-meter-long sword she had been holding.

After this commotion, the somber atmosphere in the car instantly dissipated, and Xixi's face brightened up quickly.

Taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere, Lin Xiao finally started discussing serious matters: "Honey, do you think today's music lesson was too rushed, and you're worried that the children won't be able to absorb it all?"

Han Xixi nodded: "That's right! Choir singing is a very complicated thing, how can it be explained in one lesson, especially since these children have no musical background. I just tried my best to help them understand high, middle and low notes, and then used the simplest and most direct method to let them complete the final chorus."

“Even so, if they can’t practice regularly, they’ll forget everything in a few days, and the lesson will be meaningless. But I don’t see any music classes or facilities for music lessons at this school… By the time school starts again, even if the children want to practice, it will be too late!”

Xixi spoke, her voice low and somber.

But this somber mood wasn't one of self-pity; rather, it was a furrowed brow as he earnestly considered how to resolve the situation.

Lin Xiao nodded, knowing that his wife was taking it to heart.

"Actually, for children from the countryside, it's good enough if they can do well in their studies. Arts courses... are not necessities in their lives, so why force them to take them?"

"I know, I understand, I comprehend!"

Xi Xi's eyes were sharp, with no trace of her previous gloom, sadness, or lingering emotions.

But then she changed the subject, saying, "But you saw the children's eyes and their focus in class just now. Singing really makes them happy and joyful. After class, the principal told me, quite incredulously, that many children struggle to sit still and finish a lesson, but today they followed along for two hours straight... Can you say they weren't interested or didn't like it?"

Lin Xiao was speechless.

He actually understands everything and comprehends everything.

But it is precisely because of this understanding that we realize how difficult and incredible it is to enable children in impoverished rural areas to receive proper artistic education and musical enlightenment.

Firstly, the higher-level departments do not have the relevant funding.

Even if the town mayor manages to solve the funding problem, bring in teachers, and equip the facilities, the children can happily receive art education in addition to Chinese and mathematics at school.

But then?

After graduating from elementary school, they enter junior high school. Will they be able to continue learning what they learned before?
If they discover some truly talented individuals among them, and their families have the financial resources and the will to nurture and support them on a professional path, would they do so?
The answer is obvious: impossible.

Since we know it's impossible, and that there will be no hope or reward if we continue down this path, why even begin?
This answer is cruel, but it is the stark reality.

Lin Xiao, working at the grassroots level, has witnessed too much of this reality, which is why he feels so helpless.

Admittedly, he could try to secure funding and teachers from the county education bureau.

Although it's unlikely, as long as the town mayor goes all out and perseveres, there's still hope that it will be implemented.

But then?

He knew that even if he put in 99% of his effort on this path, he might not reap even 1% of the rewards.

With such a low return on investment, there's no need to put in the effort.

He is the town mayor, and he has many more things to do that need to be solved, can be solved, and can more quickly and directly improve the happiness of the people. There is really no need to waste time on this vague and futile matter.

After all, his energy is limited, and the funds he can secure are also limited.

Good steel should be used on the blade.

Although he didn't want to be so pragmatic, that was the reality, and it was his duty, so he had no choice but to be pragmatic.

But now.

Looking at the blazing fire in his wife's eyes, he felt a surge of emotion himself. He suddenly realized that even if he put in 100% effort and didn't get any reward, so what?
At least the children's happiness over the past few years is real.

Most of these children are left-behind children, who already lack parental love, material support, and spiritual nourishment.

If we can let them be nurtured by music during their most carefree years and gain some spiritual joy, then even if they enter society in the future and engage in the most arduous, mechanical, and low-paying jobs, they will always have a happy and beautiful memory in their hearts that will accompany them throughout their lives and keep their hearts turned towards the light.

Having figured this out, Lin Xiao's excitement grew even stronger.

"Honey, if you really want to do this, then go ahead and build this business!" he said excitedly.

"Hmm? You... think it's okay?"

"can!"

"But...I'm a little scared!!"

"afraid of what?"

"In terms of time..."

"Time is not a problem!"

Lin Xiao said seriously, "School starts next week, and we'll have to film this show for another two months. When the children officially return to school, even if you only teach them one class a week during filming, that'll be enough to build up the choir and get them to practice this song properly!" Hearing this, Xi Xi's face immediately lit up.

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate to teach singing at every recording session?"

"What's wrong with that!" Lin Xiao waved his hand. "Director Lu agreed, so we can record the show however we want. If she doesn't keep her word, I'll go online and call her a faithless bastard. Let's see if she dares to interfere with us then!"

As Lin Xiao said this, a cameraman was sitting in the passenger seat, holding a camera and pointing it at the young couple.

The cameraman's heart pounded. He thought, "Dude, if you're going to say something about our boss, at least do it behind his back. You've put me in a really difficult position!"

Lin Xiao thought to himself: This is for you to hear. Hurry up and take the materials to the director to complain!

In the video, Xixi's worries vanished instantly after hearing Lin Xiao's words.

Knowing her husband as she does, she believes he's best to believe whatever outrageous things he says, because he'll actually do them!
"If only that could be done!"

Xi Xi clapped her hands suddenly, her eyes shining, brimming with fighting spirit. "But we only have four recording sessions left. If it's just practicing the chorus, that should be about enough... As for the rest, I'll handle it myself!"

Lin Xiao knew that his wife was thinking about musical instruments, accompaniment, music teachers, and even the children's future.

This is not just about choral singing, but a huge and complex subject.

Lin Xiao knew this would be difficult.

But since my wife is willing to do it, I should just support her. If she encounters problems that she can't solve, I can lend a hand. It's not a difficult thing!
the most important is.

At this moment, he saw an unprecedented light in Xixi's eyes, a light that she had never seen even when she performed on stage with tens of thousands of audience members.

that's enough!
……

Back at Huanxi Residence.

Lin Xiao went to prepare lunch as instructed, while Xi Xi went back to her room as soon as she got out of the car. She took a pen and a notebook, holding her phone in one hand to look up information, and writing and drawing in the notebook with the other, looking very serious.

Compared to the last recording, the couple seemed to have completely switched roles.

The wife is now busy with her career, while the husband provides logistical support.

The two transitioned seamlessly without any hiccups, and even implicitly agreed that the other would do their job well.

It looks very smooth in the picture.

But only those who have been in a relationship or experienced marriage know how difficult it is to achieve such tacit understanding and steadfastness.

It requires not only unconditional trust between husband and wife, but also complete support from each other.

If they can achieve this, they're practically a match made in heaven.

Outside the building, the cameramen who remained at their posts were filled with emotion, and they didn't even care about the unusual heat or the hardship of working non-stop.

The recording over the next day and a half went smoothly and effortlessly.

Although Han Xixi was busy with her own work and seemed somewhat distracted later on, Lin Xiao didn't make things difficult for the production team and took on the responsibility of focusing on the show and generating buzz.

Not only did he complete the program's scheduled procedures perfectly, but his humor and authenticity also contributed many unexpected laughs.

Anyway, after three days and two nights of recording, director Xiao Fang was very satisfied.

It's certain that after these two episodes air, the buzz and popularity will stabilize, and the show's approval rating will climb even higher.

The recording ended on Sunday evening.

As soon as the camera was turned off, Cao Yuanzhi and Chen Jiajia, who had been waiting nearby, immediately came over, both of them looking quite unhappy.

Lin Xiao and Xi Xi exchanged a glance, both completely baffled.

What's wrong with these two?

The couple thought to themselves.

Say hello.

"Old Cao, what brings you here?" Lin Xiao asked Cao Yuanzhi.

"I came to visit you!"

Cao Yuanzhi's words were quite sarcastic.

Lin Xiao looked completely bewildered: "Visiting me? I'm perfectly fine, what is there to visit!"

Old Cao rolled his eyes and said, "Yeah, you're perfectly fine, but you're getting cursed out online, and you still say you're perfectly fine!"

Lin Xiao scratched his head.

I remember now, today is Sunday. The first episode of "Rebirth" aired on Friday night the day before yesterday, and I was criticized so much that the whole internet exploded.

Even today, the buzz hasn't died down, and tens of millions of netizens have had a pleasant weekend thanks to this trending topic.

And Lin Xiao, the person involved.

He was busy recording the show and having heart-to-heart talks with his wife, leading a very busy life, and had long forgotten about the matter.

But in fact, less than two days had passed.

Old Cao rolled his eyes and continued to complain: "Tell me, why bother? Since you have such creative talent, why not just be a music creator or original singer? With your talent as a foundation, you can do whatever you want in the music industry or the entertainment industry!"
"If you want to pursue a career in politics and become a town mayor, that's fine, after all, it's your ideal. But why did you go and record some variety shows? You're practically part of the entertainment industry, don't you know what kind of people you're in? Why do you have to go looking for trouble?"

"Now look what's happened! Xinxiangtu Music Company has been established for so long, and we finally made a great start with 'Little Apple,' but your mishap has brought the company to the brink of collapse! Now we have no songs and no people, how are we supposed to continue... I don't know who was so short-sighted as to trick you into making this kind of quick money!"

In that last sentence, Lao Cao clearly veered off-topic!

Lin Xiao and Han Xixi both sensed that something was wrong.

Chen Jiajia, who had been holding back for a long time, finally couldn't hold back anymore and sneered: "Yes, we make quick money, we are short-sighted! But we are upright and honest! Even if my brother-in-law is being scolded these two days, once the next episode airs and that new song is released, he will immediately become popular again and clear his name."

"Unlike some people who were praised and had their fill of being singers, only to have their private lives messed up and their careers ruined, making a comeback impossible. They still have the nerve to accuse others of being short-sighted, when they are clearly the ones who are indiscreet and short-sighted!"

Han Xixi couldn't stand these sarcastic remarks anymore and kept tugging at Chen Jiajia.

But Jiajia wasn't intimidated at all, looking like she was ready to settle a score.

Lin Xiao and his wife exchanged a glance.

Only then did I realize why these two people, who were complete strangers, would appear here like fighting cocks.

As the saying goes, "Don't hit someone in the face, because hitting someone in the face hurts their self-esteem."

Cao Yuanzhi had only been complaining a bit, but when he heard this brat use his scandalous departure from the entertainment industry to mock him, he immediately lost his temper.

"Chen Jiajia, I'm letting you off the hook because you're a girl, but you'd better watch your mouth, or else I'll..."

"How are you?"

Chen Jiajia retorted angrily, her small chest puffed out with unyielding pride, "Trying to scare me? Do you think I'm easily frightened? Let me tell you, even if you're still popular and your career is on the rise, I'm not afraid of you!!"

Cao Yuanzhi was so angry that he trembled, pointing at the other party and shaking his head, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"You...you're very good!"

"Of course I'm good! You don't need to tell me, this old lady is the most beautiful woman in the world!"

"Oh my, I've seen shameless people, but I've never seen anyone this shameless!"

"How come I've never seen you before? Don't you look in the mirror?"

"I... Hey, you shrew, I'll fight you to the death!"

"Come on, come on, do you really think I'm afraid of you, you repressed pervert!"

"Who are you calling a repressed pervert? You're the repressed pervert! Wearing a JK skirt in the middle of summer, you'll get heatstroke!"

"I'm 23 this year, in the prime of my youth, and I'm healthy enough not to get heatstroke. You should worry about yourself more, uncle!"

"Hey, who are you calling 'uncle'? I'll fight you to the death..."

“!@#￥%……&*()”

The two started fighting fiercely, their argument escalating to the point of kicking, spitting, and throwing things.

Lin Xiao and Xi Xi were caught in the middle, even busier than the two who were arguing.

One pulled Lao Cao, the other pulled Xiao Chen, and they used various words to interfere, try to smooth things over, and say nice things to each other.

But it was completely useless.

The two completely ignored what they were saying and started hurling insults at each other with such smooth and effortless flow that there was absolutely no resistance.

Lin Xiao and Xi Xi were terrified.

It wasn't until their spittle landed on his face, and his leaping, swift kicks and scissor kicks also landed on them, that the fight continued.

The young couple were devastated by the blow.

To save his own life, Lin Xiao quickly pulled his wife away from this dangerous place... even though they had gotten into the fight because of him!

The two got into the car and sped off in a flash.

Looking in the rearview mirror, Xixi saw the two people still arguing and couldn't help but worry.

"Whatever about them... are they really alright?"

"It's alright, don't worry. Old Cao wouldn't actually get serious with a young girl, would he?"

"That's hard to say... It's not like he's never touched a little sister before..."

"Ok?"

Lin Xiao's eyes widened in disbelief. What kind of indecent things was his wife saying?
“This movement is not the same as that movement. Chen Jiajia is not Lao Cao’s type!” he said subconsciously.

As a result, this casual remark angered Xixi.

"So what type of guy does Lao Cao like?!" Xi Xi asked through gritted teeth.

"Of course, the kind that's feminine!"

“Our Jiajia has the height and the looks; how could she not be feminine?”

"That crazy Chen Jiajia, she used to be a fangirl, now she's a workaholic. From head to toe, when has she ever shown a bit of femininity?"

Lin Xiao was focused on driving and didn't notice the gritted teeth in his wife's words, so he answered very seriously.

Xi Xi's anger surged to the top of her head in an instant.

"Heh, so for you men, a woman is only considered feminine if she has big breasts, a slim waist, and long legs, right?"

"Of course not!"

Lin Xiao turned to face his wife's angry expression, instantly snapped out of his daze, and quickly changed his tune.

But Xixi was beyond coaxing; she stood with her hands on her hips and a sidelong glance.

"Mayor Lin, now that you've spoken the truth, there's no need to change it back, is there?"

"I didn't change it!"

Lin Xiao raised his hand and swore, "What you're saying is Lao Cao's standard for womanhood, my standard is not like that!"

Xi Xi asked irritably, "So what are your standards?"

Lin Xiao chuckled, "You're my standard! To me, you're the most feminine person in the world!"

As he spoke, he reached out to take his wife's hand.

Xixi flung the hand away and haughtily smoothed her flowing hair.

"Come on this!"

"Which set did I come up with?"

"Birds of a feather flock together. The fact that you and Lao Cao are such good friends shows that you share the same values!"

Xi Xi reasoned logically, "Therefore, his definition of femininity is your definition of femininity!"

Lin Xiao was dumbfounded.

I never imagined this thing could be associated with such connections. Women's thought processes are truly harder to fathom than Goldbach's Conjecture.

"No, who's really close to him? Don't swear at me!"

"hey-hey!"

Xi Xi suppressed a laugh, annoyed, "You betray your brothers the moment there's a hint of trouble, don't you have any shame?"

Lin Xiao tossed his head, thinking to himself, "Aren't brothers just for selling?"

“I didn’t sell him out. I’ve always despised his personality and behavior, and I’ve advised him against it countless times in private!”

Lin Xiao looked heartbroken. "But as the saying goes, it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. He's a naturally promiscuous and shameless man. He can't even control himself, so how can I control him? I can only take him as a warning and strictly demand of myself to be a good man who is loyal, devoted, and loves only his wife for life!"

After speaking, he clenched his fist with one hand, his expression resolute, as if he were about to go to war.

Xi Xi, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced sideways, almost laughing out loud several times, but managed to hold it in.

"Well said!!"

"Hehe, you're not angry anymore, are you...?"

"I'm angry! I'm punishing you by making you sleep in the guest room tonight, no, I'm punishing you by making you sleep in the guest room for a week!"

Xi Xi smiled gently and charmingly, and after speaking, she even tossed her hair, exuding femininity.

Lin Xiao swallowed hard, his fists clenched tightly.

"Old Cao, you're such a wicked person, you've really gotten me into big trouble!!"

He thought to himself, "What am I complaining about?"

Now, the two are truly on the same side, brothers in misfortune!

(End of this chapter)