Marry a female star at a bargain price

Chapter 324, Section 325: Distinguished Guest Arrives
Regarding what Lin Xiao and Han Xixi did just now.

All the three bystanders could say was—every broken pot has its own lid!

Given Lin Xiao's actions today, any other woman would be furious with him, but Han Xixi is completely swayed by him and has been utterly bewitched by him!

It's also absolutely!

The couple was like Zhou Yu and Huang Gai, both willing to hit and willing to be hit, so others couldn't say anything. They could only watch the show while respecting and offering their blessings.

Only after the couple finished their public display of affection did lunch proceed normally.

As everyone chatted, the conversation naturally turned to the airing of the second episode of "Rebirth" last night, and the fact that Lin Xiao's song "Rice Fragrance" caused a sensation online.

The group chattered and discussed for a long time.

Xie Xiaowei laughed and said, "I noticed that as soon as this song came out, the online criticism of Lin Xiao immediately decreased. Although there is still some, it's much better than when the first episode aired last week. At this time last week, the online criticism was overwhelming; I didn't even dare to look!"

The group of friends, all close confidants, now wore cold, sneer expressions that said, "He deserves it."

Xixi asked in surprise, "Xiaowei, didn't you never watch these kinds of entertainment gossip? Why are you starting to pay attention to them now?"

Xie Xiaowei said irritably, "What can I do if I don't pay attention? My best friend became a big star. If I don't go online to see her, where else can I see her?"

Xi Xi scratched her head a little guiltily and smiled shyly.

Xie Xiaowei continued, "However, with Lin Xiao's improved reputation, Xi Xi's popularity has also rebounded, and the reviews are all very positive!"

Cao Yuanzhi sneered, "That's because Mayor Lin absorbed all the firepower by himself. With such a villain around, everyone else seems kind and amiable!"

All three girls laughed.

Lin Xiao clicked his tongue in displeasure: "How can you be so rude, swearing like that! Who's the real villain?"

Old Cao rolled his eyes smugly, not arguing with him at all.

Chen Jiajia then laughed and said, "Although this annoying guy is annoying, what he said makes a lot of sense!"

Old Cao glared at her, ready to argue "who's the jerk," but Jiajia didn't give him a chance to interject.

"It was precisely because my brother-in-law ruined his image on the show that netizens' perception of Sister Xixi immediately improved, and even a lot of 'feeling sorry fans' and 'guilty fans' appeared."

Chen Jiajia's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Sister Xixi's popularity is at its peak since her debut, especially last night's episode where she sang nursery rhymes with the children in the rice paddies. The clip is now second only to my brother-in-law singing 'Rice Fragrance' online, and has even been praised by netizens as the most heartwarming clip of the year. It's only natural that Sister Xixi's popularity is soaring!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, agreeing that Xixi deserved it.

Xi Xi herself felt both embarrassed and shy.

She sang with the children, a completely genuine expression of her feelings. She loved children and singing, and never thought about performing in front of the camera.

However, that's how people are; the more you don't want something, the more likely it is to come to you.

Take Zhang Yi, another guest on "Rebirth," for example.

As an international film queen, few actresses in China can rival her success in the film industry.

In terms of film and television achievements, no one dares to criticize her, but her competitive and ambitious personality is simply not popular with domestic audiences, which is an undeniable fact.

Zhang Yi agreed to participate in this program on Hunan TV in order to save her public image, and she was determined to create a "virtuous wife" persona.

From the moment she appeared on the show, she put in a lot of effort to act, portraying herself as gentle, virtuous, and always smiling without showing her teeth.

However, netizens still didn't buy it.

Because the acting was too fake.

Listen to this review: It was so fake!
To use such words to describe an international film star is simply to kill her and hurt her spirit!
But this also shows that reality shows are a mirror that reveals true character; it is absolutely impossible to create a persona or deceive the audience in real footage.

Because this isn't a movie, it lacks a complete plot, lighting, props, script, special effects, and co-stars.

You can act for a while, but not for a whole season.

No matter how good the acting skills are, there will always be a time when the truth is revealed.

In recent years, there have been quite a few celebrities whose careers have collapsed on variety shows, and Zhang Yi is no exception.

Similarly, there are many people who have gained a lot of attention in variety shows because of their genuine personality and high emotional intelligence, and now Han Xixi is another one.

With the airing of the two episodes.

All the previous attacks against her, such as being scheming, having a cold face, and relying on her husband, were completely and thoroughly whitewashed and she gained a lot of fans simply because of a very accidental scene in a variety show.

Netizens no longer doubt that she was deliberately acting and creating a persona.

Because of Zhang Yi's example, it shows that creating a persona is simply unrealistic.

After all, when it comes to acting skills, who can surpass an international film queen?

Even the Best Actress had many flaws, but Han Xixi's "performance" was completely natural. This can only mean one thing - she wasn't acting, she is truly beautiful, kind-hearted, gentle and generous.

This is also the reason why Han Xixi's reputation reversed and her popularity exploded.

In just one night, Han Xixi had already soared to the top of the Weibo female celebrity popularity rankings.

Its commercial value is simply phenomenal.

Suppressing her excitement, Chen Jiajia said, "Sister Xi, you've been semi-retired ever since you got pregnant. Considering how long you've been in the industry, most people would have been forgotten long ago if they hadn't appeared in public for so long, but you're still remembered by everyone. Why is that? Ultimately, it's because you still have work to show, isn't it!"

Everyone looked at Chen Jiajia with great confusion, not understanding what she was trying to say in her sudden outburst.

Chen Jiajia said with a smile, "It's like this, Sister Xi, Xiaoxi is almost a year old now. You should have rested enough, right? Since you took on 'Longing for Married Life,' it's like you've returned to the entertainment industry. Now that your popularity and momentum are at an all-time high, why don't we strike while the iron is hot... and make a formal comeback?"

After a series of roundabout remarks, the conversation finally came to this point, and everyone laughed in sudden realization.

Except for Xixi.

"Sister Xi, what does your reaction mean... You don't want to make a comeback?" Chen Jiajia asked worriedly.

"A comeback..."

Xi Xi shook her head, "It's not that I don't want to!"

Chen Jiajia breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good! I knew it. You participated in 'The Voice of China' with a passion for music, and later entered the music industry with a dedication to your dreams. Now you have so many great songs, but you don't release albums or hold concerts. Isn't that a waste of talent and a disservice to your fans who have always loved you?"

These words struck a chord with Xixi, causing her to furrow her brows even more.

Lin Xiao immediately noticed his wife's hesitation and laughed, "Honey, these are all family. Just say what you think, it's okay!"

Han Xixi's emotions finally calmed down a bit, and after hesitating for a while, she said, "Well... of course I like singing, and I don't rule out releasing albums or holding concerts, but not now!"

Chen Jiajia looked puzzled: "Not now? Now is the best time. Your popularity is higher than ever before, and your commercial value has reached an unprecedented peak. Moreover, it's autumn now, and the temperature is getting cooler, which is the most suitable time to hold a concert... If not now, then when?"

Xi Xi shrank her neck and smiled apologetically, "I... I already promised the principal of Shiliang Elementary School last week that I would bring the choir back! So, my comeback can only happen after the choir is on the right track!"

Two sentences left Chen Jiajia speechless.

Not only her, but Xie Xiaowei next to her and Cao Yuanzhi opposite her were also stunned.

Only Lin Xiao remained calm, as if he had long since seen through everything.

Chen Jiajia asked in confusion, "No, sister, wait a minute! The choir you're talking about, is it the choir from Shiliang Primary School in Shiliang Village, Xingguang Town, Mashan County, Yizhou City, Nanzhou Province...?"

Xi Xi nodded.

"Is it that choir that was just formed last Saturday, and only has about forty members, gathered from all the students in grades two through five?"

"what……"

"Is it that choir with no vocal training whatsoever, and who had never even taken a proper music class before?"

"Um……"

Xi Xi's responses became increasingly hesitant. Listening to Chen Jiajia's description, even she herself felt it was a pipe dream and that it was absolutely impossible to convince her agent.

However, after pausing for five seconds, Chen Jiajia suddenly slammed her hand on the table with great ambition: "Alright, let's put the comeback aside for now, and talk about it after you finish leading this choir!"

Everyone was stunned, especially Xixi.

"Jiajia...you've agreed to it just like that?"

“I agreed, why wouldn’t I agree!” Chen Jiajia said matter-of-factly.

"Because I don't do my job properly!"

"Not doing your job?"

Jiajia burst out laughing, "What is a proper job? The thing you want to do is a proper job! Besides, do you think I'm the kind of person who would do anything for money? I'm also very socially conscious, okay? Bringing music to children in impoverished areas is such a meaningful thing, how could I stop you?"

His words drew everyone's attention.

Cao Yuanzhi was the first to react, and he gave her a rare appreciative smile.

"Wow, that's rare! You still have some humanity left!"

"roll!"

Chen Jiajia was still annoyed. "You men are allowed to be self-righteous and act like saints, running some kind of new rural music company and using the music industry to drive cultural tourism development, but we women are not allowed to unite and use music to benefit basic education and cleanse the hearts of children? Who do you think you are? Really!"

With that, Chen Jiajia patted Xixi's shoulder generously: "Sister, go for it with confidence, I fully support you. I'll handle things at the company, you don't need to worry, just do what you want to do!"

His declaration was so bold that it made everyone laugh.

Cao Yuanzhi couldn't help but tease, "Oh my, all this passion and grand gestures, I thought you were going to put in a lot of effort. Turns out it's just a matter of saying a few words of support? It's so easy to be a good guy!"

"You introverted guy, are you looking for a beating?"

"Isn't what I said the truth?"

"Shit!"

Chen Jiajia was furious, but her fighting spirit instantly ignited. "I didn't contribute? You're the only one who did?"

Old Cao shrugged: "At least I genuinely joined New Countryside Company and seriously pursued my music career. What about you? You persuaded Lin Xiao and Xi Xi to participate in variety shows, but your initial intention was to make money and to help Xi Xi transition back into the spotlight, right?"

Yes, you're right!

"Not bad, at least you dared to take responsibility for your actions!"

"Of course I'm willing to take responsibility for my actions! I haven't done anything heinous!" Chen Jiajia said smugly. "As an agent, maximizing the commercial value of my artists is my job and my professional responsibility. I don't think I've done anything wrong! On the contrary, you, Producer Cao, keep saying you want to use music to drive the development of the cultural tourism industry. I'd like to ask you, since the establishment of Xinxiangtu Company, what contributions have you made?"

Cao Yuanzhi said urgently, "I...I...I created two hit songs, doesn't that count as a contribution?"

Jiajia laughed wildly, "Oh, oh, oh, how dare you say that? 'Little Apple' and 'Rice Fragrance' were both written by Lin Xiao, how dare you claim all the credit for yourself!"

Old Cao became even more anxious, stammering, "I...I...I'm the producer! A song's release isn't just about the sheet music and the singer; good production can enhance a song...If you don't understand, don't spout nonsense!"

"Fine, fine, you're right!"

Chen Jiajia pressed on, "But when 'Little Apple' was released, it was criticized terribly by the entire internet. Is this what you call 'good production'? And this song 'Rice Fragrance' is popular, but it's Lin Xiao's self-accompanied version that's trending. This song hasn't even been officially produced yet, so I ask you, where is your credit?"

Two sentences left Cao Yuanzhi speechless, his face turning red.

The three onlookers pursed their lips, not daring to utter a sound, sitting there watching the battle with a mix of tension, excitement, and fear. They were afraid of being caught in the crossfire, yet unwilling to miss such a spectacular showdown.

Seeing that Chen Jiajia was gaining the upper hand.

Lin Xiao could only silently wish his brother well in his heart, and secretly sighed: This sister is crazy, why did you provoke her!
He still hoped that Lao Cao could make a comeback and turn the tide!
However, Chen Jiajia has already used her trump card.

"Let's leave all that aside and talk about what's right now!"

Chen Jiajia grew more and more confident, her face beaming with triumph. "What did some people say to me last time? Oh, I remember now, they said I was greedy for money and shouldn't have encouraged Lin Xiao and Sister Xi to participate in variety shows. But look at me now."

"How are things now?" Old Cao was still putting up a stubborn resistance.

"This wildly popular song, 'Rice Fragrance,' was actually created in a variety show that some people look down on the most!"

Jiajia narrowed her eyes and leaned closer to Lao Cao across from her. "In a way, your 'New Rural' music career can continue thanks to this money-grubbing scoundrel of mine. After all, without me, Lin Xiao wouldn't be on variety shows, and without him on variety shows, there wouldn't be this song 'Rice Fragrance'... Tsk tsk tsk, Lao Cao, you keep saying you came to Nanzhou to make a name for yourself, but in the end, you still have to rely on women?"

With just a few words, each one sharp as a knife, Old Cao was utterly annihilated.

Under such a ruthless, merciless, and inhumane series of killing moves.

Old Cao was dumbfounded.

Everyone was stunned.

Killing and punishing one's heart, that's all.

If you think about it carefully, you'll realize that Chen Jiajia's logic is flawed. After all, the song "Rice Fragrance" couldn't have been created on the spot during the show; it must have been written in advance.

In other words, this song has nothing to do with whether or not it's recorded on a variety show; it was bound to happen sooner or later.

But Lao Cao was currently being beaten back by the wicked woman on the other side, his head was buzzing, and he had no rationality to find the loopholes in her logic.

Today's game ended in a dismal defeat for Lao Cao.

The three onlookers shook their heads in unison: Why did you provoke her?!
……

The popularity generated by the guitar-accompanied version of "Rice Fragrance" in the second episode of "Longing for Married Life" continues to spread.

Overall, the second episode was less popular than the first.

After all, no matter how pleasant it is to listen to music, it's not as satisfying as cursing someone, which is why many shows deliberately stir up trouble.

Making a good show doesn't generate as much buzz or quick results as sparking a war of words. Netizens all love gossip; it's human nature, there's nothing we can do about it.

Even so, "Rice Fragrance" still managed to turn the tide in various data points for the second episode thanks to its high quality.

After the program aired.

For three consecutive days, discussions about this song have continued, and they even seem to be getting hotter.

In these three days.

The various discussions about Lin Xiao have gradually faded away, replaced by netizens' inquiries and calls for the official version of "Rice Fragrance".

When will the official version be released?

"The lyrics and music are already quite complete, don't tell me it's not finished yet!"

"This program is pre-recorded. Lin Xiao singing 'Rice Fragrance' in the fields was more than a week ago. Even if it wasn't finished then, it should be finished by now. Why hasn't it been released yet?"

"This is weird, really weird! Logically speaking, releasing this song while it's still trending would be the best choice, since trending translates to downloads, and downloads are real money. But now the trending phase is almost over and it still hasn't been released. What's going on?"

"Lin Xiao is too busy? He doesn't have time to record songs?"

"Heh, you all, you didn't hold back when you were cursing them before, and now you have the nerve to ask them to release a song, don't you have any shame?"

"I paid real money for this membership, why can't I listen to music?"

"If they don't want to make money off you, what can you do? If you're so capable, then don't go online and harass them!"

"Hey, you guys are saying that the official version of 'Rice Fragrance' hasn't been released yet, is it because Lin Xiao did it on purpose?"

"What do you mean by 'on purpose'? Would he be stupid enough not to make money?"

"What if he really doesn't want to make money? If he were a money-grubber, he wouldn't have become the town mayor in this remote mountain village!"

"Yeah, he doesn't care about money. He doesn't go on variety shows to make money! Some people have been kneeling for too long and can't stand up anymore!"

"Keep cursing! I think it's your cursing that angered Mayor Lin, which is why he's deliberately holding back the official version of this song! After all, no matter how much money he likes, he's not short of it. 'Rice Fragrance' is such a good song, whether it's released sooner or later, it won't affect his earnings. So he might as well hold it back and make you people who eat from the bowl and then curse him!"

"..."

The online discussion was heated, and several more rounds of online arguments broke out between netizens.

In the end, after all the arguments, the speculation that "Lin Xiao deliberately didn't release a song" became the mainstream view and gained the approval of most netizens.

Upon receiving this news, Cao Yuanzhi immediately called Lin Xiao to report and excitedly announced, "Some netizens have already started apologizing to you. Can we record the official version of 'Rice Fragrance' now? I've already finished the arrangement, and I'm just waiting for your esteemed presence!"

Lin Xiao's composure contrasted sharply with Lao Cao's excitement.

"What's the rush? Only a few people have apologized so far; it's far from enough to satisfy me!"

"You...isn't that enough?"

"not enough!"

"..."

Old Cao was completely speechless, nodding for a long time. "Go ahead and play! I advise you to know when to stop and not go too far, or the netizens might get pushed too far and gang up on you!"

"Like how Chen Jiajia tickled you?" Lin Xiao added.

"you!!"

Mentioning the humiliation of the past few days, Lao Cao's blood pressure immediately spiked.

Lin Xiao quickly slapped his lips, realizing that the sentence he had just uttered was not intentional; he didn't know why it had just slipped out of his mouth.

"I was wrong, I was wrong, brother, you're the best!"

"..."

Old Cao's face darkened: "Could you be any more perfunctory with your words of comfort? Are you trying to coax a child?"

"I can't be bothered with you. Don't blame me if 'New Rural Land' dries up and turns yellow!"

Old Cao angrily hung up the phone.

Lin Xiao sensed his brother's resentment, and his mood immediately improved.

At this moment, Yao Jun, the office director, knocked on the door and came in, smiling broadly, "Mayor, do you have a moment?"

"Old Yao!"

Lin Xiao beckoned him in, "Is there something you need?"

Yao Jun stood at the door: "I'm fine, it's someone else who has something to do—a guest has come downstairs and wants to see you!"

Lin Xiao frowned in confusion.

"guest?"

"Yes, from our town!"

"From town?"

Lin Xiao became increasingly curious as he listened, and asked with a smile, "There are guests in town? Who are they?"

"Our Xingguang Town's number one internet celebrity!"

Yao Jun spoke with some excitement, but then quickly changed his tune, "Oh, of course, now he's the second biggest. After all, his online popularity is far less than yours. Ten of them combined can't compare to one of you, hehehe~"

Yao Jun grinned like a simpleton, having long since forgotten the composure of an office director; now he was a die-hard fan of Lin Da's internet celebrity.

Lin Xiao smiled along, then became serious again.

He already knew who the guest was.

After all, I heard on my first day in Xingguang Town that although Xingguang Town is located in a mountainous area with a sparse population, its economic development level is not very good.

But this small town, which has nothing particularly remarkable to offer, has produced a Douyin influencer with over 40 followers, whose account name is "Handsome Man from the Deep Mountains".

Absolutely incredible!
Lin Xiao had long heard of this man's reputation and had always wanted to meet him, but after taking office, he was so busy with one thing after another that he couldn't find the time to meet him.

On two occasions, Lin Xiao went down to the village where the "handsome man" lived, but both times he just happened not to find him at home.

And so, by some twist of fate, they missed each other.

Lin Xiao has been even busier lately, and has completely put this matter out of his mind.

Unexpectedly, even though he didn't go to see them, they came to him on their own.

Lin Xiao was both excited and curious, but also very puzzled, wondering why this "handsome man" had come to his door.

"What about others?"

"They're in the conference room on the first floor. Would you like to go see them?" Yao Jun asked.

"Yes! Of course I want to see him!"

(End of this chapter)