Chapter 3: You’d Better Not Interfere with Me

From appearances, Zhang Qidong was the typical mature businessman—neither fat nor thin, neither ugly nor handsome, likely bearing the steady and composed aura of someone long accustomed to high positions.

Yet, Xu Shujian found this old man to be quite talkative, babbling incessantly. At first, he chatted about Xu’s past, but gradually shifted to discussing himself.

He claimed to be well-acquainted with the entertainment industry, boasting numerous friends inside the circle and various exploits.

Xu Shujian retorted, “Brother Dong, I’m guessing Sister Xiaoxian is the one seeking a divorce, right?”

Zhang Qidong’s face stiffened. “Haha, marriage isn’t that simple. I don’t think there’s much wrong with us. Of course, I’m here to see exactly where the problems lie between us.”

After saying this, Zhang Qidong sat on the bed in silence, his eyes fixed on Xu Shujian, who was pulling a charger from his backpack, as if calculating something.

He sensed that neither Song Yue nor Xu Shujian was responding to his cues.

Ordinary people, especially under all kinds of cameras, would find it hard not to follow their rhythm.

Zhang Qidong disliked this feeling; it was an uncomfortable atmosphere for him.

But Xu Shujian’s seeming insight into his guesses was just that—guesswork.

If my family were truly on the brink of divorce, would I come to a divorce show? Compared to the flamboyant Xu Shujian of old, he had indeed changed, but still retained a hint of innocence.

It seemed he was still at the stage of seeing mountains as mountains. That was fortunate.

Zhang Qidong held onto Xu Shujian without letting go, even voluntarily sharing a room with him—not out of warmth, but to probe, and to seize something important, like public attention.

On one hand, Xu Shujian had been quite popular back then, standing at the pinnacle of idols in Huaguo Country. Zhang Qidong could predict that their topic of conversation would rival that of himself and his wife.

On the other hand, he wanted to see the dynamic between Song Yue and Xu Shujian—what their true intentions were.

Zhang Qidong had been in talks with the production team of “Let’s Divorce” since last year. After such long preparation, it clearly wasn’t about an actual divorce.

He felt he shouldn’t underestimate the other couples here; he had similar suspicions, especially since Song Yue was a businesswoman too.

From his brief interaction with Xu Shujian, he believed that at least he was genuinely here for a divorce. Hence, he was still tangled in determining whose fault lay heavier in the marriage.

This gave Zhang Qidong a sense of security.

Zhang Qidong fell silent, leaving Xu Shujian contentedly at ease.

---

Xu Shujian also made a passive judgment about Zhang Qidong: he and Song Yue were indeed here for divorce, not playing a game. Times had changed; if you were going public, you better be genuine. Playing with media attention would only backfire.

This was also something Xu Shujian admired about Song Yue.

But were Zhang Qidong and Lin Xiaoxian truly coming to divorce? Given his memories, Xu Shujian found it nearly impossible.

They had children and deeply intertwined careers. Zhang Qidong’s shift from industry to acting and managing an MCN company was largely built on Lin Xiaoxian’s fame as one of the Four Flowers of Huaguo. To sever ties completely would be difficult.

Yet, there were certainly “real” conflicts. Xu recalled that a few years ago, Lin Xiaoxian appeared on a stage variety show that trended multiple times, with many sympathizing with her and blaming Zhang Qidong for holding her back.

Prior to that, their marriage and career were clearly dominated by Zhang Qidong—otherwise, he wouldn't have managed so many ventures. But in recent years, Lin Xiaoxian had taken more control.

Every couple has their disputes, let alone them.

Inwardly, Xu Shujian wished Zhang Qidong would just keep quiet and mind his own business. Intervene too much, and he might turn “fake conflicts” into real ones.

A noise came from outside. Zhang Qidong stood. “Looks like someone else has arrived.”

...

After some fuss, four couples finally gathered around the dining table in the courtyard.

They were having hot pot for dinner. Three electric pots were arranged along the long table.

Xu Shujian and his wife sat near the center, opposite Zhang Qidong and his wife.

To their left and beside them sat another couple who had just arrived. The man was Chen Linye, a once-popular folk singer who debuted on a talent show.

He started earlier than Xu Shujian, who remembered the show well—it had been quite popular. His wife, Pan Yun, was a full-time housewife who also supported Chen Linye’s career.

On the right and beside them sat another couple Xu Shujian did not recognize. The man was named Yu Hui, lead singer of a regular rock band. The woman was Huang Liling, a former model turned social media influencer, somewhat of an internet celebrity.

“Seems like all the men here except me work in music, huh? I see you all came with guitars on your backs,” Xu Shujian remarked.

As the meal wound down, Zhang Qidong put down his chopsticks.

Sitting next to him, Chen Linye wore black-framed glasses and looked quite refined, hardly resembling a man in his forties. He nodded quietly and spoke little.

“Pretty much,” Yu Hui said loudly. “I know Brother Chen well; we’ve performed together. You know, we once talked about our families, both boasting about how great our wives are. When we first met, we were both stunned.”

Laughter erupted around the table.

Zhang Qidong smiled. “Exactly. Xiaoxian and I are the same. Some friends found it unbelievable that we came here.”

“Did you all do that quiz test?” Pan Yun interjected.

Yu Hui clapped his hands. “Right! Who came in last? I thought my 30 points was bad enough. Wasn’t it me?”

Upon saying that, his wife Huang Liling tugged at his sleeve, as if reminding him to watch his words.

Zhang Qidong chuckled. “I think I was last—20 points.”

With more people present, it felt like every comment added to the atmosphere.

Xu Shujian leaned back in his chair silently, but Song Yue nudged him and gave him a meaningful look.

Following her gaze toward the back door, Xu Shujian saw Yu Hui and Chen Linye carrying guitars.

He understood Song Yue’s point: even if they were here for divorce, they still showcased their musician identities on the show.

What about you, Xu Shujian? If you want to prove yourself, aren’t you going to do anything in that regard?

Xu Shujian withdrew his gaze, glanced around at everyone, and finally fixed his eyes on the production crew.

Directly in front of the table were numerous cameras. Producer Tang Mingyue sat at the center.

Xu Shujian even exchanged a glance with Tang Mingyue, unsure what she was thinking but sensing that producing this show wouldn’t be easy.

Clearly, everyone had their own agendas. How could the producers achieve the desired effect?

“Mr. Zhang, that score is a bit ridiculous. Twenty points? Strangers probably scored about the same,” Yu Hui joked.

Zhang Qidong laughed. “Rock singers sure have strong personalities. I’ve been on other variety shows before and know many people in your circle. They have very distinct characters. Like Lin Ye here—he’s quite reserved and doesn’t talk much. Little Yu is obviously more outgoing. By the way, did you know Shujian before? I remember talking with Xiaoxian privately and thinking it was a bit of a pity about him.”

After Zhang Qidong’s words, all eyes turned to Xu Shujian, but no one responded, and the atmosphere grew slightly awkward.