When the Side Character Gets a System and Travels through Difference Worlds-Chapter 81: Chi Mo 35

Although this variety show differed in some ways from what Tan You knew, it was generally the same. At least, starting from the filming of the third episode, everything was proceeding according to Chi Mo’s past memories.

Of course, Xu Jike was as opportunistic as ever. Wherever Tan You appeared, he was sure to be less than three meters away. Unlike his various obvious and subtle hints in her past life, Xu Jike seemed to have become much more reserved after the second episode.

He seemed to have settled down. If his previous composure had seemed like an act, his gaze was now much calmer. Of course, in other people’s eyes, this version of Xu Jike was perhaps even more charming.

But Tan You had long seen through Xu Jike’s character. And she wasn’t Chi Mo. ’How could I possibly fall into a trap like him?’

To be honest, everyone had noticed this series of changes in Xu Jike. For someone to change so much for you, perhaps anyone would be moved. But what could be done, when Tan You had a heart of stone?

Gao Jing: "He’s much easier on the eyes now than he was before."

Zhou Wenwen: "I think so too. He used to always try to show off whenever he spoke, but now it’s like he’s completely settled down."

Lin Meng was on high alert. "Don’t you two go cheering him on. Someone like our Little Chi... is he even worthy of her? He’s got so many skeletons in his closet."

Gao Jing: "Of course I won’t cheer him on. Ever since my divorce, I’ve had an epiphany: don’t meddle in other people’s love lives. It’s an easy way to cause trouble."

Zhou Wenwen: "I feel the same way. That’s someone else’s life. If they had questions about their career or something else, I could certainly offer all sorts of advice. But when it comes to love, I absolutely, positively will not get involved."

Tan You took a sip of hot tea. "Don’t worry, I get it. People say a prodigal son’s return is more precious than gold, but in my opinion, even if he has turned over a new leaf, his past experiences can’t be erased. In my eyes, he’s still the same person he always was."

"I’m a bit of a purist, emotionally and morally, so I can’t accept those things. It’s better not to start something at all than to hold a grudge forever. And besides, I genuinely have no feelings for him."

Zhou Wenwen thought for a moment. "Then I guess anyone who ends up with you would have a tough time."

"Would they, though?" Tan You said, amused. "Wenwen, I think your way of thinking is a little off. It sounds like you’re taking the man’s side. Pitying men only leads to misfortune."

Gao Jing burst out laughing. "Yes! ’Pitying men only leads to misfortune.’ That line is an instant classic."

The women were having afternoon tea at a café near Tan You’s dance studio. The filming for the third episode of the variety show had ended the day before, and the other three hadn’t returned to S City. Instead, they had flown directly to where Chi Mo worked.

As they put it, since Little Chi had already visited them, it was their turn to visit her and see her work and living situation. It was a girls’ get-together, after all, so it was inevitable they’d chat about such things.

"I see your video dancing in the desert has gone viral again. I bet a lot of people are going to start copying it," Lin Meng said casually as she scrolled through short-form videos.

"Imitations are normal," Gao Jing said, taking it in stride. "In the entertainment industry, people even copy entire personas, let alone in the streaming world. One video pops up, and it’s followed by all sorts of imitations. But after watching them all, I still think Little Chi is the best."

Tan You was practical. "There are some who dance really well, much more professionally than I do."

She was aware of her own skill level, and she knew Chi Mo’s as well. Although Chi Mo worked in the dance company, she certainly couldn’t be considered the most outstanding dancer there.

Gao Jing propped her chin on her hand. "I don’t care if others are more professional. I just think you’re the best."

Tan You clinked her cup against Gao Jing’s. "You’re just biased."

’She had only achieved this small measure of success by relying on her past knowledge and painstaking effort. Compared to truly great dancers, Tan You really couldn’t measure up.’

Zhou Wenwen asked curiously, "Seriously, though. You guys really don’t have a problem with Male Guest Number Four bringing his ex-wife on the show?"

Tan You was amused. "Of course I don’t have a problem with it. Think about it, they’re paying us to go have fun. The less screen time we get, the more we earn. What could be better?" 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Lin Meng: "That’s what I was thinking, too. I’m just a regular person, not a celebrity. I have to go back to my corporate job eventually, so right now, this is basically a paid vacation."

Zhou Wenwen thought about it and laughed, too. "You’re right. Actually, from what I’ve seen, it feels like Brother Song is kind of leading his ex-wife on."

Gao Jing: "I saw that a long time ago. But it’s a classic case of ’one is willing to dish it out, and the other is willing to take it.’ Do you think his ex-wife can’t tell? She definitely knows what’s up. On the surface, it looks like he’s leading her on, but is she really getting nothing out of it?"

"Do you have any idea how many people are dying to get on screen? Plus, his ex-wife is a model; more exposure can only be a good thing for her. And to look at it another way, they’re an ex-husband and ex-wife. Even if there are a lot of lingering feelings, people will be understanding."

"So for them, appearing on this show together will only bring them exposure and attention. Neither of them is losing out. In fact, you could say they’re making a killing."

Tan You understood all of this as well. She might be a little reserved, but she wasn’t actually a fool. Besides, she had reviewed Chi Mo’s memories so many times that she could basically read what was on everyone’s mind.

Not to mention, the later experiences of Song Haomin and his ex-wife only served to confirm this. After the show ended, Song Haomin started getting a lot more acting roles, and his ex-wife’s career also shot up.

"Sometimes, it’s best not to think too deeply about certain things," Tan You said, shaking her head. "The more you think, the more brutally pragmatic it all seems."

Zhou Wenwen was curious. "How so?"

Tan You organized her thoughts. "Take ’love at first sight,’ for example. It’s nothing more than lust at first sight. You could even say that a person can fall in ’love at first sight’ many times, but very few of those instances actually go anywhere."

Lin Meng: "That’s normal, though. I mean, if you see a handsome guy, aren’t you going to stare for a few extra seconds? Everyone appreciates beauty; it’s not just a man thing."

Tan You thought for a moment. "I might look at him for a few extra seconds, but that’s all it would be—a few extra seconds. As for anything else, I don’t think I’d ever do it."

Zhou Wenwen: "So that’s just a difference in mindset. Some people see someone attractive and outstanding and want to go try and flirt with them. But other people aren’t like that. It’s just a difference in personality."

Tan You shook her head. "I don’t think so. I feel like everyone seems to operate on a principle of ’let’s just give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out, there’s always the next one.’ They start things casually and end them just as casually."

Gao Jing: "I know what you mean. It’s like there are too few people willing to take things slow these days. They tend to look for someone they click with right from the first meeting, rather than spending the time and energy to work on things and adapt to each other."

Tan You: "That’s exactly what I mean. I believe that if you get into a relationship, you should learn to live with, tolerate, and grow with each other. You shouldn’t just break up cleanly the moment you realize you’re not on the same wavelength."