Chapter Twenty-Four: Darkness, Strategy, Crushing

"This episode of 'Farming with the Stars' was quite decent, at least it taught me how to operate a combine harvester. I thought it was pretty good."

"This is hilarious. I genuinely didn't expect this variety show to be so authentic—it's actually a real test!"

"I'm really looking forward to the next episode now. I just wonder if Lin Xing will still be there?"

"Probably not. To be honest, other shows are just for fun, but this one is truly exhausting. Lin Xing can't possibly endure this kind of hardship."

"Exactly. Don't forget, Lin Xing's popularity is already on the rise again. Why would he bother mingling with some unknowns and washed-up celebrities?"

...

"No way, surely no one really believes everything on these shows is real, right?"

"It's a joke. Lin Xing reaps wheat quickly, cooks well for a crowd, and now he's a master at driving a combine harvester? Do you seriously think that's possible?"

"So the so-called illiterate has suddenly become skilled with his hands now?"

"I saw 'Lin Xing is definitely cheating' trending. Is that for real? Cheating, just for this?"

"Come on, if Lin Xing is really that capable, let him keep filming 'Farming with the Stars.' His team truly knows how to market him."

...

After this episode aired, alongside the praise, there were naturally those who were disgruntled, many still refusing to believe Lin Xing could be so talented.

Some industry insiders claimed it was nothing more than a successful PR stunt.

Some said that after Wu Yao’s scandal, Lin Xing seized the opportunity to benefit from the fallout, and knowing his own lack of education, shifted his persona to being highly capable. Suddenly, he became an expert at harvesting wheat, cooking for large groups, and driving a combine harvester.

Let me tell you, everything on these variety shows is fake.

Especially considering that earlier episodes of 'Farming with the Stars' didn’t perform well, so Feng Gang allegedly teamed up with Lin Xing to hype things up, resulting in a win-win: one gained popularity, the other pushed the show into the spotlight.

Otherwise, why would eighty percent of the show’s footage revolve around Lin Xing?

This analysis post was instantly shared by countless people, including some die-hard fans making their last stand, and many of Wu Yao’s supporters.

They felt that since their idol was now blacklisted, it was unbearable that Lin Xing was stealing the limelight.

Thus, a random anonymous account claiming to be an industry insider posted this, and it was quickly shared over a thousand times, with Wu Yao’s fans making up a large portion of the shares.

They needed a place to vent their frustration.

As for the general viewers, many were left confused.

"Is this true or not?"

"No way, could this really be a coordinated publicity stunt?"

"I don't think that's possible. How could it be?"

...

While everyone was abuzz with discussion, the veteran fan who had previously recommended 'Farming with the Stars,' Old Zhong, once again praised this episode.

"It's clear the production team listened to feedback. This episode of 'Farming with the Stars' remains firmly grounded in reality and authenticity. From the driving tests, covering all four sections, to the frantic wheat harvest with the combine, everything felt very real.

The show is relatable, genuine, and the celebrities are sincere and unpretentious—that’s where its success lies.

As for the analysis from that anonymous account, I’ll just say: anyone with sense knows it’s impossible for this show to be faked. Do you really think the post-production team are magicians?

Remember when someone else got exposed in the past, and a certain variety show just edited them out on the spot? Do you think 'Farming with the Stars' has that kind of tech? Not only would they have to use face-swapping, but also make it seamless. If they really had that technology, would they waste it here?"

...

Whether it was the anonymous account throwing shade or Old Zhong’s enthusiastic endorsement, one thing was clear: this episode had once again broken into the mainstream.

Three consecutive buzzworthy episodes—that was all the production team truly cared about.

They weren't afraid of hate, insults, or skepticism.

As always, what had truly crushed Feng Gang before was a total lack of discussion—even a flop should at least cause a ripple.

Now, things were looking up.

At the airport.

Feng Gang glanced at his watch and said, "Xing should be out any minute now."

Guo Biao nodded slightly. "Right about this time."

"Director Feng, since the new episode aired, there’s been a huge online uproar. Do we need to respond?"

On the other side, Xia Lin said angrily, "That anonymous account is clearly out to get us. Should we send a legal letter?"

"No need. Sending a lawyer's letter will only make uninformed bystanders think we’re guilty. What we need now is proof," Feng Gang replied with a smile. "Don’t forget, we have a 24-hour livestream. This is the perfect chance to keep going."

He paused, then added, "Of course, we’ll talk to Xing about it when he arrives."

Ten minutes later, Lin Xing emerged from the airport.

This time, there were no fans waiting. Lin Xing’s itinerary had him returning to the capital, so most fans assumed he’d be landing there instead.

"Director Feng, President Xia, Director Guo, you’re all here to greet me? I’m truly flattered..." Lin Xing said with a smile, looking at them.

"Haha, Xing, this time we absolutely had to be here to welcome you," Feng Gang laughed heartily. "Let’s talk more in the car."

In the car, Guo Biao filled Lin Xing in on the latest episode, saying the reception was still good, but there was also skepticism and some trolling.

Lin Xing smiled, "That just proves our show has finally made it—no one bothers to troll a flop."

"Exactly, that’s my thought too," Feng Gang nodded. "Just now, Xia Lin suggested sending a lawyer’s letter to those trolls, but I think that would just make us look like bullies. Even if we’re in the right, it could backfire."

Lin Xing agreed, "Right, Director Feng is correct. Lawyer’s letters have been overused by celebrities lately. Doing that now would just make people think we’re picking on regular folks."

"So, my suggestion is to just do a livestream on Banana Video."

Feng Gang added, "We’ve always been livestreaming, but previous episodes were too unpopular for most people to notice. Now, however..."

Lin Xing nodded, "No problem."

"Good, then we’ll go live tomorrow. We can set up a countryside food stall in the courtyard..." Feng Gang laughed. "That way, any doubts will be dispelled. For now, get some rest tonight."

"That works for me," Lin Xing replied with a grin.

After returning to the hotel, they all had dinner together before Feng Gang took his team to leave—the script would have to be revised for tomorrow’s livestream.

Every variety show has a script; the only question is whether the celebrities act or show their true selves.

Only after this did Lin Xing take some time to scroll through the online chatter.

He called Sister Dao, who said, "Xing, we’ve already secured all the evidence. Do they really think we’re pushovers? Don’t worry, we’ll send out the lawyer’s letters, and then..."

Clearly, Sister Dao was angry too. Ignoring these people only seemed to make them bolder.

"As long as we have the evidence. We’ll sue them directly later, but hold off on the lawyer’s letters for now," Lin Xing said, explaining what Feng Gang had told him. "There’s no need to issue them yet—it would only add fuel to the fire. My public image isn’t great at the moment; we need to keep a low profile."

Sister Dao replied, "Alright. I’ve already asked the legal team to prepare. Once the livestream is over tomorrow, we’ll take action."

"Agreed," Lin Xing said softly.

Sometimes, when trouble arises, it’s best to step back.

What’s wrong with retreating for now?

But if the other side keeps pushing, what then?

Then you step on them and leave no room for doubt.

After hanging up, Lin Xing couldn’t recall who first said those words, but they still rang true.

The next day, after breakfast, Lin Xing was picked up by the production team’s car.

Livestreaming was about to begin.

Today, it wouldn’t just be livestreaming—they’d combine it with regular recording as well.

"Mr. Lin, could you take a look at this?" Guo Biao handed Lin Xing the revised script the team had worked on overnight.

...

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