Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 543 - 345: Baby, what are you doing?

Although it was called the official start of recording, it didn't mean they immediately began filming the contestants' stage entrances. Before the show officially commenced, they also recorded some off-stage content, such as glimpses into the contestants' daily lives, personal introductions, and similar segments. Simply put, it was the familiar "please watch the VCR" often seen on television. This part alone required every contestant to participate, taking up a considerable amount of time. During this period, contestants would follow a schedule. Those not currently needed for filming would attend work or school as usual. Of course, contestants who weren't local had to take time off.

Fortunately, Chu Tian was very understanding of the ordinary contestants' circumstances, so he scheduled the recording sessions separately. All recordings were ideally planned for the weekends, filming the out-of-town contestants first, followed by the local ones. Furthermore, the production team covered all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the contestants. Honestly, these expenses didn't amount to much, especially compared to the significant costs associated with the mentors and other major aspects of the show. Why haggle over such minor amounts with ordinary people who weren't well-off? From this perspective, he was slightly more conscientious than most companies in the industry; it could be said he was putting himself in their shoes. After all, back when he was unknown and participating in shows, he had always paid his own way. He was painfully aware of how much the expensive travel and lodging fees had stung him back then.

While the contestants' segments were being recorded, Chu Tian finally found some time to personally visit the studio and check on the on-site situation.

In the master control room, Wei Liangxiao was directing others to finalize and inspect the stage, all while monitoring the progress of the off-site recordings. Off-site recording, naturally, didn't happen in the studio. They would simply find a street or park and start filming, which involved a lot of driving around. These tasks were delegated to his team, so he didn't need to run around himself.

"How are things? Is everything ready?" Chu Tian asked with a chuckle, approaching Wei Liangxiao, who had just found a moment's respite after observing for a while. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Ugh... I'm exhausted, but everything is almost ready now. The stage, seating, and everything else have been checked. We've prepared several sets for the stage design and lighting. Now, we're just waiting for the contestants and mentors."

Chu Tian nodded, acknowledging the update. "No issues with the mentors, right? Are their schedules and fees all set?"

"All set. Xu Li's fee is a bit higher, but still reasonable. As for the schedules, the first recording is set for two days from now, and the second session is next Saturday and Sunday."

Because there were many people around and it was quite busy, Wei Liangxiao didn't elaborate on the financial details, merely touching upon them. Chu Tian already knew the specific figures, and from Wei Liangxiao's brief mention, it seemed there were no changes.

Meanwhile, after saying this, Wei Liangxiao suddenly remembered something. He sat up straight and said, "Oh, about your lady, Xu Qingqiu, should you call her to confirm again? The schedule was set quite early, and we can't afford any slip-ups."

Upon hearing this, Chu Tian considered it. He's right, he thought. Xu Qingqiu had been busy with her concerts recently, performing several shows in a row. Logically, she should have the time, but it was better to confirm, just in case. More importantly, he had been busy too. They had only been texting for days without a single call. And I really miss her.

After exchanging a few words with Wei Liangxiao, who quickly became engrossed in his work again, Chu Tian moved to the side and video-called Xu Qingqiu.

The phone rang several times. Just as he thought she might be too busy to answer and was about to hang up, the call suddenly connected.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Brother Tian, hello!"

"Hm? Yiyi, where's Qingqiu?"

"Sister Qiu is dealing with something over there. She'll be right over. Please wait a moment!"

At Xu Qingqiu's strong insistence—or rather, under her combined coaxing and threats—Yiyi had finally changed how she addressed him. 'Brother Chu Tian' had become the current 'Brother Tian.'

Thinking about it made Chu Tian want to laugh. Actually, after getting used to it, he also felt 'Brother Tian' sounded better. Whenever he heard 'Brother Chu Tian,' he felt an inexplicable sense of discomfort.

He didn't have to wait long. Xu Qingqiu quickly hurried over, her face still dotted with water droplets.

"Hey Chu Tian? Did you need me?"

Looking at Xu Qingqiu's beautiful face on his phone screen, Chu Tian's heart melted. He wished he could fly to her side that very second.

"Yeah, baby. What are you up to?"

It really makes one wonder if people in love automatically lose some IQ points. On any other day, if someone else had spoken to Xu Qingqiu like that, she would have been tempted to slap them hard enough to knock their teeth out. But now, with it being Chu Tian, she felt as if she had eaten honey, her heart filled with sweetness as she readily replied.

"Baby just took off her makeup. My face is still wet." As she spoke, she took the face towel Yiyi handed her and wiped the remaining water droplets from her face.

"So, did baby miss me?"

Chu Tian was also quite thick-skinned, completely oblivious to the reactions of anyone nearby, calling her 'baby' repeatedly without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

On her end, it was unclear if Xu Qingqiu had her phone on speaker or what, but before she could reply, a loud CLANG echoed from the room.

Chu Tian was startled and quickly asked, "What happened, Qingqiu? Did something fall?"

Xu Qingqiu glanced back, suppressing a laugh as she said, "No worries, no worries. Just a box fell over."

"That's good. Baby wasn't scared, right?"