Meng Ying scratched her head. She took her phone out and opened the internet browser before she asked. “Sister Big Shot, this Huo Xiang that you were talking about, how do you write the character, ‘Xiang’?”
“The one that means lucky,” said Huo Yao without looking up.
Meng Ying searched, ‘Huo Xiang’, online. Many results came up, but none of them were related to celebrities.
So Meng Ying put her phone down and said, “Is Huo Xiang someone you know? I couldn’t find him online.”
“Maybe he isn’t that famous,” replied Huo Yao casually.
Meng Ying said, “There are a lot of singers who only do covers, and their voices sound pretty good as well. Except for being not as famous, they are as talented as professionals.”
She thought that the person, whom Huo Yao was talking about, was probably an obscure cover singer.
*
Meanwhile, this small-time cover singer, Huo Xiang, sneezed suddenly.
“Did you get so comfortable resting at home that you even caught a cold?” Tong Yu was holding a document while talking to Huo Xiang.
Did he get too comfortable?
Huo Xiang rubbed the itch in his nose helplessly.
His parents took turns on a daily basis to disregard him. If word got out, it would be an utter embarrassment.
“This is the contract for a live variety show. Take a look,” said Tong Yu as he handed the contract to Huo Xiang.
Tong Yu paused and added in a serious tone. “I think this variety show suits you. By taking it on, it will allay all doubts circulating in the company regarding your physical condition. It will also give you an excuse to avoid live performances in the near term.”
Huo Xiang’s face went dark. He shut the contract and tossed it onto the coffee table without even bothering to read it. “You know I don’t do variety shows.”
Tong Yu pressed his forehead when he saw Huo Xiang acting stubborn again. “Do you know who the variety show’s director is?”
Huo Xiang looked away with complete disinterest.
“He is one of the most talented variety show directors in the industry. Almost every project he directs is a hit. So many people are dying to get casted, but he has personally invited you. How can you reject his offer?”
Tong Yu really wanted to crack open Huo Xiang’s head and see what on earth he was thinking.
“Given my condition, I can’t do anything even if I go on the show,” said Huo Xiang frustratedly.
“Condition? What condition? Other than being incapable of doing anything strenuous, there’s nothing wrong with you. Now that you mention it, your face has gotten fatter after you started resting at home.”
How dare Huo Xiang say he was in bad shape? Ptooey!
Huo Xiang touched his face quietly. “…”
“You have to go to the variety show. It’s non-negotiable,” said Tong Yu decisively with a grave expression on his face.
Huo Xiang might be unaware of how influential director Qu Yi was, but Tong Yu knew it well. He was not about to let Huo Xiang wriggle out of it this time.
Huo Xiang raised his head and looked at Tong Yu. “Do I have to?”
“Yes, absolutely. I never forced you to attend variety shows before, but this time it’s different. You have to do as I say.”
Huo Xiang went silent for a few moments before he finally signed the contract.
Tong Yu heaved a sigh of relief. He worriedly put away the contract out of fear that Huo Xiang might change his mind.
“Oh yes, I nearly forgot. You have to bring a family member to the show. Of course, you can bring a friend too if none of your family members are suitable. I recall your foster sister recently participated in the Star Training Camp and was quite popular. Maybe you can ask her.”
It was best to bring a celebrity along for the show since it would help market the show and increase its popularity.
Tong Yu had already chosen the family member in his mind before he came to Huo Xiang with the contract.
