Volume One, Chapter 27: Empress Lin Ying, I Truly Feel No Schadenfreude

Studio.

Li Huange arrived today in a beige suit, looking both capable and stunningly cold. Whether judged by her image or the audience's reaction, she once again overshadowed both Bai Qinghe and Lin Xiaolu.

Zhuo Yiyi stood up with a smile to greet her. "Sister Huange, after I got home last night, my head was filled with the melody of the monkey-beating song. It was just so catchy..."

Li Huange let out a helpless, soft sigh. Who wasn't feeling the same? Her own dreams had been haunted by that song all night. "You've got it easy," she thought. "For me, it wasn't just the monkey-beating song; I had the 'Five Rings,' the 'Mushroom Song,' and the 'Hala-bei' echoing in my head too."

In front of the cameras, Bai Qinghe and Lin Xiaolu exchanged polite, smiling pleasantries with Li Huange. Lin Xiaolu had been up since before dawn to get ready; this was supposed to be her spotlight, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that Li Huange had stolen the limelight the moment she walked in.

Knowing how much Bai Qinghe and Lin Xiaolu cherished their reputations, Li Huange found their level of vanity almost infuriating. Could they really have kept the livestream a secret from their husbands? Li Huange wasn't worried about her own family being outshone; instead, she watched with the detachment of someone waiting for a good show. If their husbands were aware of the broadcast, even the most seamless performances would inevitably leave traces. If the viewers caught on, the backlash would be far worse than the effort was worth. Li Huange hadn't told her husband, Shen Qi, beforehand, partly to follow the rules, partly to see what he was truly capable of, and most importantly, to avoid the risk of being caught by the audience.

Zhuo Yiyi was the most genuine among the four observers. Li Huange considered her the most promising and talented singer-songwriter of the new generation, and the two had forged a better friendship just yesterday. They whispered to each other about the songs Shen Qi had sung, breaking into giggles from time to time.

Under these circumstances, the first episode's second livestream officially began. Fang Qian, dressed in a traditional Chinese qipao, and Li Lei, in a blue suit, delivered an energetic opening. It was the same opening, the same professional hosting. As the viewers grew impatient, the large screen in the studio finally displayed the interior of Lin Xiaolu’s home.

Lin Xiaolu had been waiting eagerly; without waiting for the host’s prompt, she stood up with a smile to introduce her family. "My husband is Ji Ming. I believe that name is familiar to everyone..."

Ji Ming was a legendary superstar singer, and the story of their romance had once shocked the entire entertainment industry. In recent years, the industry had skewed younger. While veteran superstars possessed deep credentials and high status, they had begun to feel slightly outdated. Participating in *Mom's Business Trip* was not just an opportunity for Lin Xiaolu to boost her popularity, but also for her husband, Ji Ming.

Lin Xiaolu continued, "My son is named Ji Taotao. He’s eight years old and will be starting second grade after summer break. My husband and I have always supported each other through thick and thin, and we uphold scientific principles in our child’s education... He spends a great deal of time with Taotao, having turned down much of his work, and under our guidance, our son has become very sensible and intelligent..."

The more Lin Xiaolu rambled, the more at ease Li Huange felt. People tend to flaunt what they lack the most. Fang Qian and Li Lei didn't have the heart to interrupt, but even Lin Xiaolu began to sense something was amiss as she spoke.

The livestream had officially started at 7:00 AM, yet the villa was deathly quiet.

[Are they still asleep?]
[It’s summer break, they usually sleep in.]
[Something’s not right, isn't it? According to what the Queen of Films said yesterday, Taotao should have been raised with excellent habits.]
[And Superstar Ji always tells the public he goes to bed early and rises early, too.]

Lin Xiaolu frowned inadvertently and had to offer an explanation. "Perhaps my husband took Taotao out for a run? He often takes him jogging, you know."

Some viewers looked enlightened, while others remarked on how healthy the lifestyle of the Queen of Films’ family was. Li Huange, however, asked with a smile, "If they went out for a run, shouldn't their slippers be by the shoe cabinet? Or do they not wear sneakers when they jog?"

Lin Xiaolu’s expression froze, and the others grew suspicious. Bai Qinghe laughed, "Perhaps the Queen of Films doesn't keep their sneakers in the entryway shoe cabinet?"

...

Another half hour passed, and the living room remained empty. Lin Xiaolu felt a growing sense of panic. Everyone in the studio began to feel bored. Even with Lin Xiaolu’s silver tongue, she couldn't sustain such a lackluster opening. The chat was filled with complaints.

[The show has been live for an hour, and we're just supposed to stare at an empty living room?]
[Maybe they really did go running? Even if they're back late.]
[This is an immersive daily-life stream; sleeping in is part of the routine. Superstars are human, too.]
[This just goes to show that Lin Xiaolu didn't tell her husband about the stream beforehand. It’s authentic.]
[Guys, I'm heading out. I'll come back when someone shows up.]

Lin Xiaolu became increasingly embarrassed; she had run out of things to say. Her hand slipped into her pocket, clutching her phone, as she contemplated how to find a reasonable excuse to call home and check on things. However, the production team had strict rules: any phone calls home had to be initiated by the host as an entertaining segment. Li Huange had handled this perfectly the day before, and Lin Xiaolu did not want to lose.

Just then, Li Huange let out a yawn. This simple gesture caused Lin Xiaolu great dissatisfaction. *Are you trying to act bored on purpose?*

Li Huange explained herself, "Oh... excuse me. I’m not really bored, I just spent half the night practicing that monkey-beating song, and then came straight to the show this morning... Phew... oh... I haven't rested well..." Li Huange rubbed her temples firmly and looked at Lin Xiaolu with an apologetic expression. "Queen of Films, I really am not gloating."