Chapter 164: Narcissism
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Xia Xin shifted a little closer to Jing MO, and in turn, Jing MO also moved a smidge closer to her. The space between them shrank, becoming more intimate.
“I guess I’ll sit here then,” Zhou Lian said. She walked over and took a seat far from Jing Mo.
“Lu Shi, Jing MO, my name is Tian Mei, and I’m a huge fan of both of you. Can I have an autograph from both of you?” A voice, saccharine and melodious, broke into the scene.
All eyes turned to Tian Mei, her face adorned with an innocent, sugary smile. She approached Xia Xin and asked, “I wonder if I could get up close and personal with my idols?”
Usually, anyone sitting where Xia Xin was would stand up to offer Tian Mei a seat. But Xia Xin was different, smiling, she said, “There will be plenty of opportunities for up-close interactions. Good luck.”
Xia Xin wasn’t about to let another woman get close to Jing Mo. Something about Tian Mei irked her.
‘Irked?’ Xia Xin was startled by her own feelings. ‘Since when did I care who got close to Jing MO?’ Though her thoughts tried to rationalize, her heart felt uneasy with a strange, sour sensation.
Seeing the fluctuating emotions on Xia Xin’s face, Jing MO leaned in and whispered, “Is everything okay? Do you feel unwell?”
Tian Mei’s smile faltered, becoming awkward as Jing MO ignored her to speak with Xia Xin.
Online comments erupted.
[Why is Jing MO being so harsh on our Tian Mei?]
[Yeah, all Tian Mei did was express her affection.]
[That guy’s disgusting! Can’t he see that Tian Mei is almost crying?] [Oh my God, can Tian Mei’s fans just stop embarrassing themselves?]
[That’s right. Do you think you own the world? Does the whole world revolve around you?]
[Isn’t she too good at pretending? So what if she expressed her good feelings?
If the other person doesn’t like it, then the other person should reject it.]
[Initially, I didn’t have anything against Tian Mei, but after hearing what her fans said today, I’m starting to hate Tian Mei from now on.]
[I really hate people like her. I really can’t stand watching Tian Mei on this variety show.]
[What’s in that director’s mind to invite such a “top-notch” person?]
[What are you guys talking about? If it weren’t for Tian Mei, we wouldn’t have watched this variety show!]
The show’s director, pleased by the buzz, picked up his walkie-talkie.” Tell Xia Xin to give up her seat for Tian Mei, ” he instructed the cameraman.
The cameraman subtly relayed the message. Xia Xin frowned, reluctant to move. She startled herself with that instinct, but before she could dwell on it, Jing MO suddenly stood up and took a seat beside her. So now, a new dynamic was set. Jing MO and Xia Xin on one side, Xu Zhi on the other, and the newcomers—Lu Shi, Zhou Lian, and Tian Mei—filled the remaining spots.
As Lu Shi, Zhou Lian, and Tian Mei spoke, their eyes often met Xia Xin’s, hinting at an air of undeniable self-assurance. Xia Xin was disgusted by Lu Shi’s gaze and furrowed her brow. Noticing her discomfort, Jing MO subtly adjusted his position to obstruct most of Lu Shi’s line of sight.
Lu Shi’s brow twitched ever so slightly but he wasn’t deterred. In his eyes, anyone he fancied couldn’t escape his grasp. As a hunter, he had ample patience to wait for his prey to fall into his trap.
The atmosphere turned awkward, prompting the director to hurriedly prepare for the next segment. “We’ll determine our teams by drawing lots. Please get ready; those drawing the same numbers will form a team.”
Soon, the lot was cast. Xia Xin and Jing MO both drew number three. Xu Zhi and Zhou Lian were number one, while Lu Shi and Tian Mei were number two.
“It seems I’m lucky,” said Jing Mo.
“How about a switch, Jing MO? I’m really interested in our beautiful zookeeper here. My next drama involves a zookeeper, and I’d like to consult with her,” Lu Shi casually suggested, flashing what he considered to be a charming smile at Xia Xin.
Jing Mo’s brow tightened but he said nothing, leaving Lu Shi to set his charming eyes on Xia Xin once more..