Chapter Thirty-Six: Departure, Red is Metaphysics, The Show Must Go On

Since the episode of "Farming, Stars!" featuring Lin Xing aired, only five episodes have passed, but the show’s reputation has finally stabilized. In particular, today’s episode, “Sowing and Fertilizing,” has garnered a wave of positive feedback from a select audience.

It turns out that farming is truly such hard work.

What’s more, the program is shot in a documentary style—the guests genuinely toil in the fields every single day.

Viewers feel completely immersed, as though they’re right there, not just watching a variety show.

From harvesting rice to reaping wheat, then to sowing and fertilizing, remodeling the house, and soon, planting vegetables and raising animals—the program is grounded in reality and authenticity.

The show never tries to glamorize farming; exhausting work is shown for what it is, whether harvesting, planting, irrigating, or spraying herbicide—every bit is tiring.

Yu Shang participated for two days. When he arrived that first afternoon, he seemed relaxed, enjoying a whole roast pig feast as though he’d come for a holiday. But by the next day, he was strapping on a seed drill and replanting.

Some furrows were sparse, so replanting was needed.

Just a single day of carrying that forty-pound seeder left Yu Shang completely drained.

“Carrying over forty pounds on your back is truly exhausting. Now I understand why we shouldn’t waste food—farming is both mentally and physically demanding,” Yu Shang concluded, adding a note of value.

Of course, this is the core message of “Farming, Stars!”—food does not come easily. Everyone says so, but the show wants to demonstrate it, to truly show how hard-won each harvest is, and why food should never be squandered.

When Yu Shang left, he declared, “This is the wildest reality show I’ve ever filmed. I hope it becomes a smash hit.”

After Yu Shang’s departure, Guan Peng was also set to leave for half a month.

After all, Guan Peng was joining the set of “Learning Dad, Learning Mom,” as previously arranged for August.

“Everyone, work hard—let’s plant our crops well, tend our vegetables, raise our animals. I’ll be back in half a month,” Guan Peng said with a cheerful grin. “I’m leaving everything here in your hands.”

Clearly, Guan Peng estimated his role would last about six episodes, and half a month was more than enough.

After all, how much longer can a special guest last?

“Brother Guan, don’t worry about things at home. Just focus on your acting. I’ll take care of the others,” Hong Fei declared, thumping his chest.

“Brother Guan, go shoot your scenes in peace. We’ll meet again in two weeks.”

“I don’t know why, but I already miss you, Brother Guan.”

“We’ll be waiting for your return, Brother Guan.”

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Duan Hai and Ding Yi, one after another, also spoke with emotion.

After all, since filming began, these minor celebrities and Guan Peng, the fading star, had always been together.

“All right,” Feng Gang, behind the monitor, clapped his hands. That scene was a wrap.

Yes, it had all been according to script. Next, Guo Biao would film Guan Peng getting into the car, with everyone seeing him off.

That would close this chapter.

Since it’s a reality show, sometimes authenticity is needed, but sometimes you need to stage a little drama—for otherwise, pure truth can become dull and tedious.

“That’s it. I’m really leaving now,” Guan Peng said with a smile. “It may sound sentimental, but I do feel a little reluctant.”

Hong Fei joked, “Brother Guan, the cameras are off, you don’t have to act anymore.”

“Get lost! Who’s acting? I really do feel reluctant,” Guan Peng laughed, cursing good-naturedly.

Lin Xing also laughed. “Brother Guan, go on. Show the crew you’ve still got it.”

“They’ve got award-winning actors and my own teacher in there. Who am I to show off?” Guan Peng shook his head, then turned to Lin Xing. “Xing, aren’t you about to leave too?”

Lin Xing shook his head. “No, I’m staying.”

“You’re not? Won’t you attend the launch event on the 11th?”

“The production didn’t notify me, so I guess I’m not needed,” Lin Xing smiled. “After all, unless you’re a big name, special guests usually aren’t invited.”

Guan Peng was surprised, then realized, “Right, that’s why we still need to make it big.”

Hong Fei chuckled, “That’s showbiz for you.”

“Exactly. This industry always tailors its treatment to your fame. Being a star matters, but you also need to be able to hold onto that luck, or you’ll disappear as quickly as you rose,” Lin Xing said nonchalantly. “Remember how famous our ‘Starlight Sea’ was? Yet who remembers now? People only get nostalgic when someone like Wu Yao falls from grace. And even with Qi Shuai’s recent scandal, who’ll remember him in a few days?”

Hong Fei nodded. “Every year, someone new skyrockets to fame, but most vanish within a year. So why worry? As long as we have work and stay in the game, that’s enough.”

“Right. Fame comes down to fate. All we can do is our best. I never expected you to be more at peace with it than I am, Xing,” Guan Peng nodded. “We were both top stars once, but now we have to start over from scratch.”

And he wasn’t wrong. Guan Peng really had been a leading young actor, believed to have limitless prospects, yet now…

Ironically, it was Wei Yaming—whom few had favored—who steadily climbed to become top dog.

In showbiz, fame is a mystery.

Lin Xing had long since outgrown the phase of sacrificing everything, even his health, for stardom.

He remembered his former life—a career consultant, always networking, always wearing a mask, working relentless hours, downing energy drinks and coffee, all for advancement.

If he continued that same desperate chase for fame in this new world, what would have been the point of crossing over?

So Lin Xing was content to take things as they came. Especially since, in this world, he had a unique gift: he was handsome.

Being good-looking, sometimes even when buying fruit, the vendor would toss in a little extra.

As an entertainer, Lin Xing never needed to push himself to the brink. He just needed to stay healthy and do his job well—that alone would put him ahead of ninety percent of his peers.

After all, isn’t it all about standing out from the crowd?

How many in showbiz are both good-looking and dedicated to their craft?

Lin Xing shook his head slightly. Being handsome can’t guarantee everything, but it does let you take a few shortcuts.

“This time I’m really off. See you all in two weeks,” Guan Peng said as the car arrived, waving lightly at Lin Xing and the others.

But as Feng Gang had said, “Farming, Stars!” no longer lacked guests. The day after Guan Peng’s departure, two more arrived—this time, female guests.

Meanwhile, online promotion for “Just Waiting for You” had reached its peak.

After all, the show was about to premiere.

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