Two days later.
At eight o'clock in the morning, Cheng Che stood downstairs in the residential area, wearing sportswear.
He got up early today, but the production team got up even earlier.
Two minivans were parked at the entrance of the residential complex, and the PD, along with a photographer and sound engineer, were waiting downstairs.
Cheng Che saw them from afar and walked over quickly.
The PD was a woman in her thirties with short hair, wearing a baseball cap, and a very friendly smile.
When she saw Cheng Che, she first looked him up and down, then her eyes lit up noticeably.
" Teacher Cheng, the content of today's pilot episode is very simple," the PD said. "Just pretend the camera isn't there and do whatever you're doing. We'll follow you in your daily life—running, eating breakfast, practicing the piano—and maybe ask you one or two questions along the way. At the end, we'll do a short interview. Is that alright?"
Cheng Che nodded. "Okay."
The PD looked at him, inwardly sighing.
She's been doing variety shows for over a decade, and has met at least eighty to a hundred celebrities.
But when Cheng Che stood in front of her, she was still stunned for a moment.
Sunlight shone on his face, the collar of his tracksuit was slightly open, revealing his clearly defined collarbone.
Her hair wasn't styled much; it was just casually tucked behind her ears, but it still looked good.
That kind of good looks isn't achieved through makeup or styling; it comes from naturally good bone structure and skin.
"Okay," Cheng Che said, "I'll go for a run first."
After saying that, he turned and ran towards the greenway behind the residential area.
The photographer, carrying his equipment, gave chase.
Then they realized they couldn't catch up.
Cheng Che's steps were light and slow, but each step was very long.
He ran along the greenway, through the grove of trees, and around the artificial lake, without slowing down the entire way.
The photographer, carrying his camera, started panting after less than 500 meters.
The sound engineers have it even worse; carrying their equipment, they have to stop and rest every few steps.
The PD sat on the electric scooter behind, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
"I'll get a new electric scooter," she said.
The photographer got on the electric cart and continued filming.
Cheng Che ran ahead, and the electric scooter chased after him.
The image stabilized, and the photographer, looking at Cheng Che's back through the lens, couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful!"
The PD leaned over to look at the monitor.
In the scene, Cheng Che runs under a grove of ginkgo trees, the morning light filtering through the leaves and casting a layer of golden light on his shoulders.
He tilted his head slightly, as if looking at the distant lake; his profile looked exceptionally clean in the backlight.
"He's so photogenic," the photographer said. "I've photographed so many celebrities, and half of them don't even have half his camera presence. He just stands there, without posing, and the picture is perfect."
The PD looked at the monitor without saying a word, but he was already making plans in his mind.
The footage from this pilot episode, just the running segment alone, is enough to cut out 30 seconds of highlights.
Cheng Che ran five kilometers and when he returned to the entrance of the residential area, his forehead was slightly sweaty, but his breathing was steady.
He stepped into the elevator, and the photographer followed him in.
He pressed the button for the fifteenth floor, then glanced at the photographer and smiled, "Thank you for your hard work."
The photographer's hand holding the camera trembled slightly.
Back home, Cheng Che washed his face, changed into a white T-shirt, and went into the kitchen.
The PD stood at the kitchen doorway, watching Cheng Che skillfully crack eggs, chop tomatoes, and heat oil in a wok.
Her expression changed visibly.
" Teacher Cheng, do you usually cook for yourself?"
"Yeah. I'm used to it."
Cheng Che stir-fried the tomatoes until they released their juices, added water, and then added noodles.
The movements were fluid, with not a single unnecessary movement.
He also washed the used dishes and wiped the countertop clean.
The PD looked at the monitor screen, turned to the director beside him, and whispered something:
"The contrast is too great. Viewers thought he was a cool and aloof male god, but it turns out he can cook, wash dishes, and clean the kitchen. Fans will go crazy when this segment airs."
After finishing breakfast, Cheng Che went into the study and picked up the guitar leaning against the bookshelf.
Yan Ruanning bought that guitar for him. After returning from Tokyo last time, she specially picked one out, saying it was a "beginner-level model with a good tone," and told him to practice on it first.
He sat in the chair in front of his desk, placed the guitar on his lap, pressed his fingers on the strings, and tried a few chords.
The song he's been learning recently is a simplified version of " Chasing the Wind ".
He wrote this song, but playing it on guitar and singing it with piano accompaniment create completely different feelings.
He played very slowly, occasionally pausing to adjust his fingering, and sometimes tilting his head to think about the next chord.
The PD stood at the study door without saying a word.
The camera focuses on Cheng Che's profile, on his fingers pressing the strings, and on his slightly lowered eyelashes as he looks down at the strings.
Outside the window is the skyline of the East Fourth Ring Road, and sunlight shines in from the side, making the entire study warm.
The PD thought to himself: This segment doesn't need any narration. The visuals alone are enough to win.
Half an hour later, the interview session began.
Cheng Che sat on the sofa in the living room, while the PD sat in the chair opposite them, with cue cards in front of them.
" Teacher Cheng, you're going to South Korea soon to record a program. Have you made any preparations?"
"I'm learning a little Korean, just enough for everyday conversation. The rest is just normal preparation."
"Is it nerve-wracking for you to participate in a variety show for the first time?"
"A little. But with Teacher He and Sister Qiu around, it should be alright."
What are your expectations for this trip?
Cheng Che thought for a moment and said, "I'll experience the customs and culture of different countries, and also complete the tasks assigned by the production team."
The PD looked at the next question on the cue card, hesitated for a moment, and then asked:
There's been a lot of online discussion about your participation in variety shows and dramas; some people are looking forward to it, while others are questioning it. What's your opinion?
Cheng Che's expression remained unchanged.
He paused for a moment, then said:
"It's normal to have doubts. I've never acted before, nor have I been on variety shows, so I understand your concerns. All I can say is that I will take everything seriously. As for the outcome, you can judge for yourselves after it airs."
The PD nodded, satisfied.
The answer was clear, neither humble nor arrogant.
There was no sob story, no empty promises, and no avoidance of the issue.
After the interview, the PD turned off the recorder, stood up, and shook hands with Cheng Che.
"The material today is very good," she said. "Thank you for your cooperation, Teacher Cheng."
Cheng Che smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work."
After the PD and his team left, Cheng Che closed the door, returned to his study, and put the guitar back in its place.
He looked at the sky outside the window, picked up his phone, and sent a message to Qin Lie.
"The pilot episode is finished."
Qin Lie replied instantly, "The director just messaged me, saying that after filming is finished, it will be released all at once, probably around the day you guys set off."