Mu Qiu was so excited she couldn’t express her emotions. Seeing Cheng Zhirang come out of the room, she immediately rushed over and hugged him.

Startled, Cheng Zhirang reflexively wrapped his arm around her waist and scooped her up.

"What’s wrong?"

"Is it true that this episode will invite friends?!"

She had been nervous about meeting the parents these past two days, and seeing such important news, she wasn’t sure if she could believe it.

Cheng Zhirang nodded: "The gift I wanted to tell you about after last Saturday’s end is this. You can bring your friend."

"Really?! I get to decide which friend to bring, not the program choosing?"

"Your decision, no need to worry about the program. But you need to consider your friend’s willingness and if she’s suitable to be on the show."

Mu Qiu was stunned, hugging his neck she thought for a moment: "Then I’ll ask her again."

Once she’s on the show, everyone will know about her good relationship with Zhao Yu, and the attitudes of people in the office may change. Plus, she’s afraid someone with ulterior motives might approach Zhao Yu, like Zhang Zhi before.

It’s important to know that not everyone wants fame, and coming back from the show might affect personal life a bit.

While thinking about these issues, she didn’t get down from Cheng Zhirang. He had to adjust his grip, lifting her to the living room.

"It’s my fault, I should have told you earlier so you could inform her sooner."

Though he’s not as nervous as she is, inviting her back to the Cheng Family for dinner today is indeed the most important thing of the week, so he put other matters aside and forgot to inform her about this news.

Mu Qiu mimicked his habit, touching his hair and leaning in to kiss him:

"How could it be your fault? Plus, it’s her birthday this weekend, so I’ve already invited her to Hai City to have fun. I have to say, it’s really a coincidence."

"It sure is. You can join the show on Saturday and then head to Disney for fun on the weekend. Perfect timing for two days. Do you need me to accompany you?"

"No need. Girls’ gatherings can’t have boyfriends."

Cheng·Boyfriend·Zhirang raised his eyebrows, smiling, "Alright."

"Will you call her to discuss it again? It’s best to decide by tomorrow morning. If she doesn’t come, we need to find someone else."

Mu Qiu’s eyes darted around.

Knowing she can delay the decision till tomorrow makes her different since apart from her, the others’ invited friends should be people from within the circle, maybe even recently popular stars. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Stars attending a variety show as friends need to inform the program team early, so both sides can prepare.

Besides, once it’s decided, both sides have to start preparing: schedules, travel, communication processes, etc. It’s definitely more complex than simply inviting a real friend like hers.

"If she doesn’t come, then..." Who else could she choose?

She doesn’t lack friends, but only a few are as close as Zhao Yu, maybe just Qing Rong.

But how could she let Qing Rong come? Not to mention causing misunderstandings that might upset Cheng Zhirang, but whether Qing Rong would agree is another problem.

After all, except for signing events, he doesn’t show up for author meet-and-greets or take pictures together.

Cheng Zhirang saw her pondering for quite a while without a word, so he gently caressed her back, asking, "If she doesn’t come, what will you do?"

"Then," Mu Qiu lightly taps her palm, "I’ll do my best to persuade her again."

Cheng Zhirang chuckled, he thought she had a backup plan.

"And you? Who are you bringing? Someone I know?" She climbed onto his shoulder, leaning close to ask.

"You might not be familiar. His name is Shen Zhousong, a third-generation military, and from the same company as Lin Xixi who’s been on the show before."

"A military third-generation?" Mu Qiu was quite surprised, and after the surprise, she frowned,

"So you two are teaming up to sweep the floor? If I bring a female friend, we’ll definitely be at the bottom."

Cheng Zhirang didn’t expect her first thought to be this. Following her whimsical train of thought, he replied, "Girls shouldn’t be underestimated. What if the game suits girls?"

"But in terms of strength, two girls surely can’t win against you. If it’s about acting, we’re blank slates and simply can’t compete, the chances of ending up at the bottom are high."

She kneeled on his lap, looking very serious, "If I finish in last place again this episode, I’d be on the danger list!"

"So? You want to find a male friend?" Cheng Zhirang gently stroked her back, saying:

"During the game, there will definitely be physical contact; I’m afraid I’d mind. Could it be possible not to bring a guy?"

Mu Qiu raised a finger to lift his chin as if teasing a handsome man on the street: "Are you using your beauty strategy already?"

"Does it work?" This time, instead of countering helplessly, he directly asked back.

Mu Qiu nodded, "Quite effective. I’ll go call Zhao Yu, hoping she can lift massive weights and defeat ten by herself."

Meanwhile, Zhao Yu, who had just finished voting for Su Yan and was about to sleep alone, received a late-night call from her friend.

"What’s up, my sugar daddy? No exciting nightlife, so you call to bother me? I won’t be as excited as just now."

Mu Qiu: "That’s not the issue. Can you carry two bags of twenty kilograms of rice up six floors at once?"

"...What does that mean? Do you need to carry rice to be on your show?"

"I’m just worried the two of us can’t go against the other five groups. Even Brother Cheng is bringing a strong man!"

This sounded odd, and after glancing at Cheng Zhirang, Mu Qiu explained to Zhao Yu:

"I mean he invited a strong friend to help him accomplish tasks and win first place."

Zhao Yu: "I know; why did you explain it again?"

"...Because I was afraid you wouldn’t get it. But that’s not the point. Did you understand the main point? We might end up at the bottom!"

Zhao Yu gave no comment and first asked her, "Is Brother Cheng by your side?"

"No, he’s at the other end of the sofa."

"As long as he can’t hear," she said slowly, "if what you need is a strong man, you could find that Qing Rong guy, provided you have the guts. I wouldn’t mind watching a show from in front of the computer."

"I don’t have the guts," Mu Qiu admitted bluntly, "I’m a coward."

"Recognizing your own shortcomings means you’re still a good kid," Zhao Yu patted her own arm,

"Since you absolutely need me, then I’ll reluctantly carry some rice for practice these two days, and by Saturday I’ll be flying off with you."

It sounds like it’s all decided, without any chance for error.

Mu Qiu asked her one last time: "Are you sure you want to come? Think clearly about whether you truly want to be on the show, even without Su Yan’s allure."

"You’ve already tempted me with Su Yan’s autograph photo; how could I not come?! That autograph must be mine!"