"A Loving Family" was a popular livestreamed variety show.
Contestants could only bring family members onto the show.
Each episode featured three groups. After filming, fans would rate them on Weibo, and the two groups with the highest scores would become regular guests for five episodes.
The remaining group would be eliminated. The same went for every episode.
The show would be broadcast live, but the Production Team hadn't revealed what they would actually be doing.
Early that morning, the two women packed their luggage and got ready to leave.
The Production Team had already sent them the filming location. It was in the neighboring city, and they had to get themselves to the Airport to catch a flight.
Tang Shiba's appearance on the show was set in stone. Tang Xueqing couldn't stop it and could only resign herself to her fate.
Seeing that Tang Shiba had only brought a bag while she had a suitcase, Tang Xueqing dumped her suitcase on Tang Shiba.
"Could you help me carry my suitcase, sis? It's a little heavy. I can't manage it."
"You're my big sister. You should protect me like our brothers do, right?"
"Once we're on the show, I'll make sure to mention it to the fans. They'll definitely like you when they hear about it."
She knew Tang Shiba was a small-time nobody who had always wanted other people's approval.
Now she was giving her that chance. It was up to Tang Shiba whether she could seize it.
Other people couldn't get an opportunity like this even if they begged.
Is there something wrong with her head? I'd suggest a trip to a psychiatrist. Does she think she's some pampered young lady from ancient times?
Tang Shiba smiled at the suitcase, then looked at her. "You really want me to carry it for you?"
"Yes, sis. Does that mean you agree? Let's go, then. The driver's waiting outside."
Tang Shiba flashed a mouthful of white teeth and took the suitcase.
Tang Xueqing was still feeling smug when Tang Shiba planted a kick squarely into it.
"Off you go! Take care, and don't come back!"
The kick sent the suitcase tumbling down the stairs. Its heavy thuds left Tang Xueqing stunned.
Then she let out a piercing "Aaaah!!!"
An accusation followed. "Tang Shiba, how could you do that!"
She was devastated. Her expensive cosmetics were in there! Not knowing whether they had smashed, she hurried downstairs.
Tang Mother had still been asleep, but the piercing scream woke her too.
She opened her door, came out, and asked Tang Shiba what had happened.
Tang Shiba smiled innocently. "My little sister's suitcase accidentally fell down the stairs. I didn't mean to."
"Mom! Tang Shiba kicked it down on purpose! I saw her!"
Tang Xueqing opened her suitcase and found everything inside smashed. She was so angry she burst into tears.
Tang Mother merely glanced at it, thought nothing of it, and slipped Tang Shiba a card.
"Every member of the Tang Family has one of these cards. There's ten million in it. Spend it however you like. Oh, and don't let Tang Xueqing see it."
If she saw it, she'd make trouble again, with all that sniveling. It was such a headache.
Tang Shiba happily put the card away and gave her a sweet smile. "Thanks, Mom."
Tang Mother stroked her head. It felt soft, like a little animal's fur.
Somewhat reluctantly, she returned to her room to catch up on sleep.
Ten million!!!
I'm suddenly filthy rich?
Oh my god! A wealthy family really does live up to its name. So generous!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! Boots and cats, boots and cats!
Back in her room, Song Jia thought Tang Shiba had quite a rich inner life. She was a lively little thing.
[Ding! Gossip points are being calculated. Calculation complete. Current gossip count: 3. Points +30. Total points: 30.]
Three? I've already picked up three pieces of gossip?
[That's right, Host. One about the servant, one about the actress, and one about Tang Xiao. A system upgrade requires 100 points. Host, pretty please? Once you have enough points, will you let me upgrade?]
Sure. How are the points calculated?
[Each piece of gossip is worth ten points.]
Only ten? She would need ten pieces of gossip to reach a hundred points.
Isn't there a way to earn more points?
[There is, Host. From now on, if you can witness the gossip firsthand, you'll get +1 point.]
Just one extra point?
How stingy.
Wasn't there any gossip that could earn her more points?
Since their plane tickets had already been booked, Tang Xueqing could only repack her luggage through her tears to avoid missing the flight.
Once she finished, she carried her suitcase downstairs herself, terrified Tang Shiba would give it another kick.
Hmph. Finally learned her lesson.
[Host, here's some gossip for you.]
[Tang Xueqing told your three brothers what just happened. They're all furious and plan to settle the score with you after filming.]
[Also, apparently her best friend is going on the show with her own younger brother. They're both the anything-goes type.]
This show really had something going on.
Still, what kind of monsters hadn't Tang Shiba seen? As long as people didn't provoke her, she was perfectly well-behaved.
The driver took them to the Airport. Tang Xueqing didn't say a word the entire way, apparently genuinely angry.
Without Tang Xueqing bothering her, Tang Shiba switched into sleep mode.
She slept all the way from home to the Airport. If the driver hadn't called her, she really would have missed her flight.
Tang Xueqing's manager would be accompanying them this time too. A flicker of disdain crossed her eyes when she saw Tang Shiba.
Tang Shiba happened to catch that look.
Did this manager have something against her?
Come to think of it, she hadn't dealt with this woman before becoming a nobody, had she?
[Host, this woman's name is Zhou Dan. She bullies the weak and bows to the strong. She has a secret crush on Tang Xiao and only agreed to stay by Tang Xueqing's side to get close to him.]
[She liked sending the artists she managed into wealthy bosses' beds, so none of her artists liked her.]
[She used to manage Zhao Tiantian. It was because of Tang Xueqing's hints that Zhou Dan led her astray. Later, Zhou Dan resigned and moved to Tang Xiao's company.]
Tang Shiba frowned.
She hated managers who sold out their artists for personal gain more than anything.
She'd once had a celebrity friend whose manager secretly pocketed the money meant for taxes, leaving her friend saddled with fines and forced to leave the industry.
Tax evasion had utterly destroyed her friend's career.
Ever since then, whenever she earned money, she paid her taxes herself to avoid being screwed over by her manager.
[She leaked Tang Xueqing's itinerary. She did it on purpose, hoping the fans would attack you.]
Tang Shiba was puzzled. What did the original owner of this body do? Why do the fans hate me so much?
[Those aren't Tang Xueqing's fans. They're the Film Emperor's. You were previously in the same production, playing a corpse. After filming ended, you were sleeping so soundly that when the Film Emperor saw you, he thought you were dead and performed CPR. But the moment you opened your eyes, you slapped him. His fans have had it out for you ever since.]
[You were wearing makeup that time, so he didn't recognize you at first. Last time, in the fitting room, he recognized you as soon as you spoke.]
She was screwed. Fuck!
How was she supposed to go on this show now? Were they sure they weren't sending her to her death?
On one side, she had to guard against Tang Xueqing and her best friend making life difficult for her. On the other, she had to face the Film Emperor targeting her.
She had lost all will to live. Across two lifetimes, this was the first time she'd encountered anything like this.
Seeking help online. Pretty urgent.
Before you continue