Chapter 7: Why Don't You Show Me What You’ve Got?

After Xu Shujian left the preparation room, Tang Mingyue held the cue card but didn’t head out immediately. After a moment, she sighed quietly to herself, thinking no wonder Director Liu no longer wanted to continue with this season.

This show had already reached its sixth season, and indeed, it had changed in flavor—Tang Mingyue was fully aware of this.

The first three seasons had primarily focused on marriage, with the participants being relatively straightforward. Problems were identified and addressed; if unresolved, naturally, separation followed.

Back then, hardly anyone treated this program as a stepping stone for their careers. Divorce was still considered taboo by the public, and things were relatively sincere.

But in the age of social media, all sorts of outrageous or not-so-outrageous matters were laid bare for public consumption. Nowadays, divorce is trivial; terms like mistress or socialite schemes and scandals involving popular celebrities’ private lives have become public jokes.

As a result, this show’s essence had shifted.

By now, Tang Mingyue felt a bit anxious.

The four couples who had appeared so far were all holding back. Chen Linye and Pan Yun’s pre-interview, with Chen Linye as the weaker party in the marriage, still insisted they weren’t here to divorce. Even if Pan Yun had issues, he couldn’t leave her.

Zhang Qidong and Lin Xiaoxian, the current focal "subjects," showed Lin Xiaoxian seemingly accustomed to being the weaker party. Even during her individual pre-interview, she spoke little, and what she said was trivial.

Huang Liling talked quite a bit, but it still wasn’t enough.

The other main "subjects," Xu Shujian and Song Yue, currently presented the opposite situation to Chen Linye and Pan Yun—they were both heading toward separation but refrained from criticizing each other.

From Tang Mingyue’s perspective, the content was insufficient. In previous seasons at this point in filming, they would have already encountered several couples with sharp conflicts.

Later segments could indeed dissect marital discord more specifically, but Tang Mingyue worried these couples might not follow the directions she expected.

“Knock knock knock...” Someone knocked on the door.

In came a somewhat older man with long hair, appearing at least forty-five years old. His hair was simply tied back, and he wore a staff badge.

Tang Mingyue snapped back to attention. “Director Liu, what brings you here?”

Liu Zhiran, the chief director of the “Let’s Divorce” production team, started as a host before moving behind the scenes as a variety show director. “Let’s Divorce” was his breakout project.

“Feeling too much pressure?” Liu Zhiran smiled.

Tang Mingyue shook her head. “Not really.”

Liu Zhiran chuckled. Although he didn’t support continuing the show, he still held the chief director title and his heart remained with the team.

In Liu Zhiran’s mind, the show’s peak had passed. What followed was just reheating old material. Many participants came with various intentions, shaped by current trends and their own judgments.

It was unthinkable before to get Lin Xiaoxian and Xu Shujian on the show.

Under such circumstances, if they couldn’t find a better format, continuing felt rather dull for him.

However, without a new show ready and with a team to feed, they had no choice but to continue. He had simply delegated authority, letting others manage independently—ensuring current operations and providing them with some training.

Mango TV differed from other platforms; it was backed by Mango Satellite TV and state assets. Liu Zhiran, besides being chief director, held a position at Mango Satellite TV. As long as he didn’t relinquish this show, the platform would continue to prioritize it.

“You’re actually doing quite well—at least the starting point is higher than previous seasons. I didn’t expect you’d really get Xu Shujian and Song Yue. Disappointed?” Liu Zhiran laughed.

He had arrived early and, on the way, had asked staff about the production. The moment he saw Tang Mingyue, he could tell she was under some stress.

For Liu Zhiran, this was amusing; the daughter of an old friend had high expectations and was finally sensing the hardships of this industry.

Xu Shujian’s former group had collaborated with Mango TV and benefited from the group’s booming popularity—Liu Zhiran was familiar with Xu Shujian.

When initially inviting guests, Tang Mingyue expressed a desire to reach out to Xu Shujian, and Liu Zhiran agreed. He even knew she cared a lot about Xu Shujian.

To him, this was reasonable. When Xu Shujian’s group became famous, Tang Mingyue had just started high school—the biggest audience for idols was precisely high school and college students.

Tang Mingyue shook her head. “Director Liu, I’m not that young anymore. This is my job. Disappointed? Not really. At most, it’s a little disappointing.”

Liu Zhiran smiled. “I don’t think there’s anything to lament. Fate’s gifts come with a set price. Isn’t Lin Xiaoxian the same? I just want to say this season’s starting point is quite high. You don’t need to feel so much pressure. Some people are here for the heat and benefits; we’re after their ‘principal’ too. They’re here, so if the show can’t be done well, I’ll bring in a few people for you to spar with.”

...

Xu Shujian returned to the courtyard where he lived. In the large living room, Lin Xiaoxian and Song Yue sat together having breakfast.

It was still early, not yet seven o’clock.

When Xu Shujian came in, Song Yue handed him disposable chopsticks and bowl.

Xu Shujian was a little surprised but still sat beside Song Yue. Just as he was about to serve himself a bowl of porridge, Song Yue handed him a peeled boiled egg.

“What’s this for?” Xu Shujian asked bluntly, eyeing Song Yue carefully.

Song Yue had changed clothes, wearing a fitted white base layer with a gray loose jacket that had a stylish design, paired with light-colored wide-leg pants.

Her look balanced a slightly androgynous sharpness with feminine charm, and she had always maintained a great figure.

“Eat it,” Song Yue said.

Lin Xiaoxian stood up with a smile. “Look at you two, haha. You guys eat, I’m going to take a walk by the lake.”

After saying this, Lin Xiaoxian left.

“What did you two talk about?” Xu Shujian took the egg and casually asked.

Song Yue and Lin Xiaoxian shared a room; apparently, after a night together, their relationship had grown closer.

Song Yue spoke softly, “Not much. They all said you’ve changed a lot. I thought about it last night, and it seems it’s because of me. Just consider this me making it up to you, easing some of your guilt.”

Xu Shujian almost spat out his porridge. “You’re crazy.”

Song Yue didn’t retort but sighed lightly. “Old Xu, it’s an objective fact. If you were still the old you, you’d probably have lost your temper last night.”

Xu Shujian glanced at the cameras around. He knew Song Yue was referring to how Yu Hui sarcastically provoked him last night.

“What’s to be afraid of? Variety shows aren’t really my forte, but I know some basic truths. This won’t be aired; even if it is, I’m not afraid. I want you to really stand up, without so many reservations. That’s not you.”

Xu Shujian smiled. “Got it. I’m just afraid if I show it, you won’t like it.”

“Heh, why don’t you show me then?”