Chapter 279: Beauty Like a Flower (Sixteen)
"But," Professor Ke's tone shifted, "why is such a good show watched by fewer and fewer people, with viewership constantly declining?"
"Exactly, that's also a question our production team has been pondering. Director Luo has been so worried about it that his hair has turned white," Pan CAKE said with a laugh.
The camera followed the conversation, turning towards Black Shadow Director, pausing on his purely black face with no features or expression, then silently moving away.
"Because the script is too cliché. There's always a master who comes out to give guidance on how to Awaken, how to, well, as the show puts it, how to undergo The Metamorphosis."
Professor Ke said directly, without any intention of saving face for the production team.
"It's repetitive; watching it gets tiresome."
Being scolded so harshly, Black Shadow, watching from behind the camera, his black face even turned a bit greenish-black.
【Professor is right, that's why I stopped watching before.】
【Thankfully, Liu Sheng Jie is here this time, otherwise, I wouldn't have watched.】
"Yes, this time, precisely because of the natural New Human child, Liu Sheng, there's a new highlight."
"How does an indigenous girl, without being controlled by inhibitor drugs, maintain her sanity and become a New Human? How will she help our female protagonist, Xiao Xiao, become the natural New Human we want her to be? These are all very compelling points."
"Then what do you think should happen next to make this journey more watchable?"
"This is where I believe our show's success lies this time," Professor Ke said seriously. "Without an external guide, this can fully simulate the environment in which ancient New Humans formed, using various hardships and setbacks to gradually paint the dark side in her heart..."
Professor Ke's head gradually lowered, a deep smile curving into a wide arc. The shadow formed by the light fell over his slightly narrowed eyes, revealing only a pair of scarlet eyes within the shadow.
"Secondly..."
"Since it's called Deformation Plan · Beauty Season, naturally, it should showcase the 'beauty like a flower' aspect..."
"As for how to showcase it, the Director surely understands..."
Professor Ke smiled sinisterly, and as he spoke, he even winked at the camera.
Black Shadow Director inexplicably felt him looking through the camera at him, his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly minimized his screen to the corner.
At the same time, hearing from the local staff that the new plot was ready, Black Shadow let out a soft breath and quickly signaled to Pan CAKE that the show could continue.
Receiving the cue, Pan CAKE immediately showed a professional smile: "Alright, thank you, Professor Ke, for your suggestions! With these new thoughts and inspirations, let's continue to see what changes will happen in our Xiao Xiao's life?"
Professor Ke, in the corner of the screen, also cooperatively expressed his great anticipation.
Snake Taoist had already taken out an iced cola and some rat chips, slumping bonelessly like a snake onto the sofa.
A sip of cola, a bite of puffed rat chips, watching the show—it was simply delightful.
As for scolding the production team...
He'd scold them after watching!
...
All viewers watching Deformation Plan · Beauty Season on the Star Network could see Xiao Xiao's mother, Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty), appear on the screen.
Her specific name was unknown; she was only known by this name.
Since Xiao Xiao started practicing martial arts with Liu Sheng, she rarely went out to her stall with her.
Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) must have been uncomfortable at first, but it was good for her child to learn something as she grew older.
However, on this particular day, for some reason, she couldn't seem to reach her familiar spot.
Walking and walking, she ended up on the other side of the city.
She hadn't been here in many years.
Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) pushed her cart with difficulty, full of doubts, but she didn't notice a suspicious puddle of viscous liquid on the ground.
The viscous liquid was on the inevitable path.
She didn't see it, so there was no avoiding it.
Stepping on it, it felt slippery and greasy, and Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) immediately fell to the ground.
The tofu cart also overturned, and the snow-white tofu spilled everywhere, breaking into puddles of white mush.
Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) was heartbroken, tears streaming down her face, completely unaware that a runaway horse was galloping wildly through the street.
And it was heading straight for her!
Passersby cried out in alarm, telling Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) to quickly move aside.
Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) was confused at first, but then she finally heard what everyone was shouting.
She looked up in a daze, and the horse was already upon her.
"Ah ah ah ah—!"
She shrieked, but her feet were tangled by the sticky, slippery substance, and she couldn't move, only able to widen her almond eyes in panic, tears like broken pearls rolling down her face.
Just as everyone couldn't bear to watch any longer, thinking a beauty was about to perish on the street like this, a strong figure appeared!
This person rushed over and hugged Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty).
Strangely, the moment his hand touched Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty), the tangled feeling around her feet suddenly disappeared!
But the situation was urgent, and Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) had no time to think. She only felt her petite body sink into a warm embrace, which carried her to the side of the road, dodging the horse that had almost taken her life.
She watched the horse gallop past, surrounded and captured by several strong men, and only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.
"Young lady, are you alright?"
A low male voice sounded in her ear, and warm breath brushed her earlobe.
It was thick and ambiguous.
Turning her head, she saw a handsome middle-aged man, dressed in a green brocade robe, with a robust physique, his strong arms still embracing her.
Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty) looked at the man's caring eyes, which reflected a small version of herself.
For some reason, her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed.
...
Snake Taoist scoffed, watching the two middle-aged individuals gaze at each other with deep affection, finding it quite nauseating.
But there were many people on the Star Network who were keen on such stories, and they immediately started shipping them.
Especially since both the man and woman were handsome and beautiful; although a bit older, they were pleasing to the eye.
Not to mention, the man was also a wealthy local Young Master. Every time he saw Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty), he would buy all the food from her stall, displaying a generous demeanor that delighted Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty), yet she couldn't help but complain about his extravagance.
"How can it be considered extravagant? I have De Quan send this food back home. Our entire household, hundreds of people, can finish it in one meal," the man said dismissively, waving his hand.
The young servant De Quan beside him, however, wore a bitter expression. Because of his Young Master's actions, they had no idea how many days they had eaten tofu, dried tofu, and tofu skin.
"Rou Niang, if I didn't do this, how would you have time to spend with me?" The man looked at Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty), his eyes full of tenderness and affection.
At this point, the audience finally knew that Doufu Xishi (Tofu Beauty)'s name was "Rou Niang."
Rou Niang's face was flushed crimson in response to the man's deep affection.
But then, remembering something, the blush faded, and she sadly took a step back.
"But, Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu), you take me to watch plays, you take me horseback riding, and you recite poetry and paint for me, but I don't understand any of it..."
"It's alright, I'll teach you," Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu) took a step forward.
"Moreover, I... I am just a widowed woman from a dirty place like Clear Water Village, and I have a daughter," Rou Niang said with a choke in her voice. "Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu) is of noble status; walking with a woman like me will only invite gossip..."
"I'm not afraid!"
Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu) said, raising his eyes and sweeping his gaze around like lightning.
Indeed, many people nearby were watching them and whispering. As soon as they met his sharp gaze, they quickly scattered.
The Lu family's power in this area was extraordinary; how could these common people from the slums dare to offend them?
Seeing that everyone no longer dared to discuss, Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu) retracted his gaze with satisfaction, lowered his head, and said to the tearful Rou Niang, "Rou Niang, there's a way to solve this."
"What?" Rou Niang looked up, her spring-like eyes fixed on Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu).
Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu)'s heart fluttered under her gaze, and he impulsively grasped Rou Niang's hand.
Rou Niang was startled and tried to pull her hand away, but she couldn't, so she could only shyly lower her head.
Lu Gongzi (Young Master Lu) caressed her small hand, feeling the calluses formed by her daily labor, and his heart ached even more. He vowed to protect her and ensure she would no longer toil.
Thus, firm in his resolve, he opened his mouth and said:
"Will you marry me?"