I Thought a Sewage Truck Had Exploded, but It Was Just You Talking

As the two exchanged razor-sharp looks, the live chat exploded.

[Can Jian Li have some shame? He's scrawny as a dog, yet he dares question our Best Actor Huo? Even if he wants attention, he shouldn't be this ridiculous!]

[Who doesn't know Best Actor Huo's workout videos went viral at home and abroad? The most famous one has him hanging sideways in midair and swinging a tire. His core strength is insane!]

[Me! I've seen it! That stud waist, those obliques, hehe, I'm blushing and my heart's racing! I can't imagine how sex-no, how happy Best Actor Huo's girlfriend must be!]

[Yes, yes! A true saint blessing us with his body...]

Seeing the soaring viewer count, the director grinned from ear to ear. "Excellent. This is exactly what we want. We've only just gone live, and the buzz is already through the roof!"

The assistant beside him looked a little worried. "Can Jian Li really handle this? What if he suddenly passes out on camera like he did on that other gig..."

"He'll handle it whether he can or not," the director cut in, his expression suddenly stern. "Because someone wants him to!"

The director didn't need to explain who that someone was.

Even the assistant could have figured it out with his ass.

Who else but the biggest financial backer behind Lone Warrior?!

They had sunk thirty million into advertising alone!

Not only did they throw money around like water, but their demands were bizarre, too.

They insisted on exposing Jian Li's pale, baby-faced, skinny image as weak and incapable of looking after himself,

so he would never have another chance to appear on any variety show...

It was the first time the assistant had seen anyone spare no effort to smear an obscure celebrity.

Just how deep did that grudge run?!

"Stop wasting time. Start the tests."

At the director's command, the assistant hurried out of the control room.

Standing before the lineup of candidates, he raised his microphone. "Sorry for the wait, everyone. Lone Warrior's one and only qualifying round is about to begin. Please warm up first. We'll be testing your arm, core, and leg strength, then giving you an overall score."

"Also, there's one thing I want to stress. Please stay levelheaded during this qualifying round and don't push yourselves too hard. If you feel unwell, contact the on-site emergency medical team immediately."

At that, the assistant's gaze settled on Jian Li's face, as though waiting for him to admit weakness.

But several seconds passed without any reaction from Jian Li, whose striking features were full of defiance,

as if he suffered from chronic bitch face.

The assistant was speechless. Hah. You'll get what's coming to you soon enough!

He looked away and signaled to a nearby staff member.

Someone immediately stepped forward. "The first test-thirty push-ups. I'll start calling numbers now. Those farther back in the line, please get ready."

"Number one..."

[Only thirty? That's easy for anyone with even a little exercise experience. Some people, though...]

[Don't worry yourself over nothing. Look at the people here for the tests. Which of them doesn't have some foundation?]

[Exactly. You should worry about Jian Li instead. Last time he did push-ups on a gig, his arms shook like a butterfly flapping its wings. I honestly thought he might fly away!]

Having just escaped his awkward predicament, Jian Li suddenly raised his hand, polite but no less cocky. "Quick question."

"Can I cut in and take the tests first?"

He still had intensive training that evening. There was no need to waste time here.

The moment he finished speaking, the venue fell abruptly silent.

Everyone looked at Jian Li as though he were an idiot.

The indignant manager beside Best Actor Huo lowered his voice, his tone mocking. "Xiao, see? I told you, there's definitely something wrong with his brain! First he tried to drag you into his stunt, and now he's rushing to his death..."

The grating voice made Huo Xiao's brow crease slightly.

He cast a sidelong glance at his manager, who immediately shut up.

A second later, his gaze returned to Jian Li, more unreadable than ever.

The assistant running the tests was taken aback, too. He hesitated. "Well, I'll have to ask everyone else. After all, everyone's time is equally valuable."

Contestant number one shrugged, looking ready to enjoy the show. "I don't mind, but on one condition. Since he's in such a hurry, he can do all the tests in one go."

"No problem."

Jian Li walked to the center of the venue with one hand in his pocket.

Before the assistant could speak, he pulled off his shirt.

Then he began doing push-ups with perfect form.

Exactly thirty.

The livestream viewers were stunned.

[Am I seeing things? Jian Li's body looks so much more defined now. It looks like he's got a thin layer of muscle?]

[It's not obvious, but it's definitely there. As a girl who hates super-buff guys, I find it pretty attractive. Add that face, and suddenly I'm kind of drooling?!]

[Get lost, you face-obsessed fans! What muscles? Can you stop lying through your teeth? To me, he's still just as pale, baby-faced, and skinny! He doesn't deserve to be on Lone Warrior!]

Jian Li stood up, dusted off his palms, and turned to the assistant. "What's the next test?"

"Huh?" The assistant snapped out of his shock and hurriedly looked down at the show plan. "Next is a hundred-meter sprint. Twelve seconds to pass."

"Okay, where's the starting..."

Before Jian Li could finish, a vicious voice from the entrance interrupted him.

"No need to test him. Jian Li should be fine at running. After all, he assaulted someone and fled, and he still hasn't been caught."

That fucking voice.

Who else could it be but the male lead?

Jian Li turned with an icy expression and saw Lu Siqi walking slowly toward him. Beside him was a young man half a head shorter, his pale face enough to make anyone want to protect him.

"Hello, seniors. My name is Lu Yuanhang. I'm Lu Siqi's younger brother, and I'm here to take the tests today, too. I hope you'll all give me some guidance." The young man bowed as he spoke, looking perfectly well-behaved when he raised his head.

As soon as he finished, he ran over to Jian Li. "Jian Li, you're amazing! You're so fit you could do thirty push-ups in one go!"

As he spoke, Lu Yuanhang reached out affectionately to take Jian Li's arm.

But Jian Li slapped his hand away, his exquisitely beautiful face full of disgust. "I thought a sewage truck had exploded. Then I listened closer and realized it was just you talking!"

"Wh-what?!" Lu Yuanhang's smile froze.

Someone caught on and snorted with laughter.

Lu Siqi instantly flared up. He strode over to Lu Yuanhang and shielded him behind his back. "Jian Li, have you lost your mind?! How dare you talk to Xiaohang like that?!"

Jian Li curled his lip. "Mr. Lu, judging by the logic of that question, is your rectum connected to your brain?"

"Who doesn't know your brother relies on my blood donations to stay alive?"

"I'm his benefactor. Do I need you to teach me how a benefactor should talk?"

Lu Siqi's expression changed dramatically with rage. Catching sight of the livestream camera out of the corner of his eye, he restrained himself. "You've only donated blood a few times. Do you have to keep bringing it up? Isn't that what you should be doing anyway?"

"Tsk, tsk." Jian Li narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "Your shamelessness stretches beyond the horizon."

The live chat finally lost it.

[Hahahahaha, I had no idea Jian Li was this good at roasting people!]

[I hereby dub him the ultimate trash talker!]

[Hehe, this is getting interesting. Somehow, I'm starting to look forward to the show!]