The Most Popular Comedian

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On the day when the “Journey of the Plain-clothes Traveler” drama crew released their official makeup photos, it happened to coincide with the last episode recording of “Treasure Hunt.” The day after the recording ended, they were scheduled to fly to City K for the opening ceremony.

The official announcement for “Plain Robes” was made at 9 a.m., while Rong Yuheng was still goofing around in the game with his host partner. 

When the recording finally concluded, Rong Yuheng had a moment to check his phone and discovered that #Journey of the Plain-clothes Traveler# was trending.

@TVSeriesJourney of the Plain-clothes Traveler: #Journey of the Plain-clothes Traveler# Let’s applaud and enjoy this journey together! Huai Qing @STAR—T Rong Yuheng joins hands with Pei Yanhe @Wen Zhecheng to bring you an exciting martial arts legend! [Image]

The official post included six makeup photos of the cast members, showcasing their elegant attire and captivating looks. However, the real buzz centered around the two male leads—Rong Yuheng, an idol-turned-comedian, and Wen Zhecheng, a three-time Golden Award-winning actor. Each of them alone generated significant attention, let alone when paired together.

Furthermore, the recent surge in popularity of their on-screen chemistry and the constant “evidence” had everyone, from Rong Yuheng’s fans to shippers and casual viewers, buzzing with excitement.

“Why is Wen Zhecheng doing a TV drama now, and as the second male lead? Is he playing second male to Rong Yuheng?”

“Oh my gosh, could my ship be coming true?”

“You never know, maybe ‘Ze Cheng Yi Yu’ was all just a prelude to promote the TV drama. These kinds of maneuvers are quite common in the industry, you know [popcorn].”

“Come on, ‘Ze Cheng Yi Yu’ was a basic move for second and third-tier actors. Wen Zhecheng has been in the industry for so long; he doesn’t need to do that.”

“Oh my god!! It’s really Rong Yuheng in the drama [excited]! This must be true love! What else could it be?”

“Rong Yuheng in a TV drama? I can barely imagine it. Let’s guess how much he paid to join the cast.”

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“He’s a rich second-generation, so he just throws money to get resources. It must have cost him quite a bit to bring Wen Zhecheng on board for the exposure [fan yourself].”

“Wow!! It’s really Rong Goose acting [anticipation]! Is this his true acting debut? Also, can the lemon haters please keep quiet? If someone has money, they’re accused of buying their way in. Some people love to spread rumors.”

…

Not only the official account and discussions under the hashtag #Journey of the Plain-clothes Traveler#, even the original author, Xun Guang’s Weibo, was affected.

“What kind of casting is this? Just tell us how much money you took. You can even sell your own child. Do you have a conscience? Are you being fair to us book fans?”

“Don’t make me laugh; you don’t even follow Xun Guang’s Weibo and pretend to be a book fan. Can you quickly name the four leaders of the Capital, please?”

“I love the goofy Rong Rong, and I also love the goofy Huaiqing! Looking forward to ‘Plain Robes On The Go’ [heart].”

“The makeup photos look pretty good. I don’t understand why so many people are criticizing… Xun Guang knows his own characters best. If he thinks it’s okay, then us book fans believe in you too!”

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…

At this moment, Rong Yuheng was still in the dressing room, not even having changed out of his costume yet. Wen Zhecheng glanced at Weibo and took the phone, saying, “Let me check it; you go change your clothes first.”

“Okay,” Rong Yuheng didn’t mind, handing his phone over and starting to change clothes.

On the other side, Su Yuyin was also scrolling through Weibo, and he furrowed his brows, saying, “Rong Bao, the public opinion isn’t looking good.”

Rong Yuheng changed his clothes while saying, “There’s always controversy with adaptations, but this time, it does seem to be a bit extreme.”

Wen Zhecheng scrolled through the comments and said, “Indeed, the focus should be on me, logically…”

Just as Rong Yuheng’s head popped out of his shirt collar, he gave Wen Zhecheng a meaningful look.

Wen Zhecheng took a moment to catch on and then chuckled. He reached out to adjust Rong Yuheng’s collar and said, “I didn’t mean that… Compared to a newcomer like you starring in an adaptation, the fact that a Golden Award-winning actor is doing a TV drama is a bigger deal. But now, they’re all fixated on your ‘rich second-generation’ identity, and they’re trying to shift the discussion to you. It’s pretty obvious that someone is steering public opinion.”

Rong Yuheng put on an amused expression, “Wow, someone is targeting me!”

“… Don’t act like it’s none of your business,” Su Yuyin sighed, “By the way, do you still have contact with your former agent?”

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Rong Yuheng understood the implied meaning and shook his head, saying, “It’s probably not them.”

Those who have personally experienced auditions cannot easily make up such rumors; it doesn’t fit Xu Sun’s “prudent” style.

Su Yuyin said, “So, think about who might be against you, take the initiative, and cut your losses in time.”

Rong Yuheng’s gaze drifted as if lost in memories. “Who counts as ‘against me’? Does it include those I’ve set traps for?”

Su Yuyin replied, “No, it doesn’t. Otherwise, both Wen Laoshi and I could be considered ‘against you.'”

Rong Yuheng remained silent.

After changing into their clothes, they left the dressing room and saw the director, Yang Wen, waiting outside. Today marked the conclusion of the recording for “Treasure Hunt,” and he seemed a bit sentimental. “The next time we meet, it will be for the second season.”

Before Rong Yuheng and the others could respond, Yang Wen continued, “I saw the Weibo trending topics while you were recording. There’s quite a controversy surrounding ‘Plain Robes,’ and it’s clear that someone is trying to manipulate the situation. So, stay behind for a meal after this, and we’ll film some closing remarks. While eating and chatting, we can also help with the publicity and clarification for ‘Plain Robes.'”

Rong Yuheng knew that this was a favor from Yang Wen, so he waved his hand to express gratitude. “Director Yang, I love you!”

Wen Zhecheng cast a sidelong glance at Rong Yuheng and then turned to Yang Wen, saying, “Director Yang, I love you too.”

Yang Wen felt a chill down his spine. “Just ‘thank you’ will do. Love isn’t necessary.” He couldn’t handle that.

—

After filming the closing remarks, Yang Wen instructed the production team to edit this segment and upload it to Weibo as soon as possible.

Shi Qiu and Qu Youhe’s PR teams collaborated to actively promote the drama on Weibo while investigating who was maliciously shaping public opinion.

At the same time, Xun Guang was not backing down, as usual.

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@XunGuangv: Are you questioning whether I personally selected a protagonist who isn’t goofy enough, or do you think a delicate flower like me can’t handle a knife?

The comments section was filled with laughter from book fans:

“True book fans would never argue with Xun Guang because we know we can’t win [laughing].”

“Professional haters these days are getting more amateur. They didn’t do their homework and didn’t investigate the author’s background [facepalm].”

“Hahaha, you’re a delicate flower among cannibals!”

“Highlight! Rong Goose was personally chosen by the author. Can those who accuse him of buying his way in now be quiet?”

Public opinion on the internet gradually stabilized, and Rong Yuheng closed Weibo, allowing the tide of arguments and trolls to recede.

It was now 8 p.m., and they had a flight to catch at 9 a.m. the next day. Shi Qiu was about to drop Rong Yuheng off at his dorm when Rong Yuheng’s phone vibrated.

[Mom]: Darling! Mom is going to Country A next week. My favorite idol has a fan meeting, and her limited edition CD is in the bedroom. Can you send it to me, please? [Puppy eyes]

Rong Yuheng thought, “Oh no, my mom is descending to Earth to become a fangirl.”

[Rong Yuheng]: Sure, send me your address.

[Mom]: Yay! But don’t reveal my whereabouts! I’m acting out the script for ‘Heartless CEO: Darling Wife, Don’t Run Away’ right now, hehe!

Rong Yuheng sighed. Both he and his mother were entering the entertainment world at the same time.

Originally, Rong Yuheng planned to ask his brother, Rong Congyan, to send the CD. However, now he had to go home himself. “Sister Shi, can you please drop me off at home for a while?”

Shi Qiu frowned. “Isn’t your home in the neighboring city? It’ll take hours for a round trip, and you have to catch a flight tomorrow…”

Rong Yuheng replied, “I need to go home and get my mom’s CD. Afterward, I’ll head straight to the airport. I should be able to rest in the VIP lounge over there.”

Reluctantly, Shi Qiu said, “Alright.” She would advise against other things, but when it came to parents, it was a different matter.

…

Rong Yuheng arrived home close to midnight.

Looking from outside the garden, lights were still on in the villa. Rong Yuheng asked Shi Qiu to wait for a moment and walked into the house.

The living room was lit, and Rong Congyan was sitting on the recliner, flipping through a magazine. When he saw Rong Yuheng, he was so surprised that he rubbed his eyes.

“Am I too tired?”

Rong Yuheng was speechless and quietly called out, “Bro, I came back to get something.”

“It really is Xiao Heng!” Rong Congyan walked over with excitement and gave him a friendly rub. “What do you need tomorrow? It’s so late to come over… Why don’t you stay the night at home? I’ll have the housekeeper make you some shumai for breakfast tomorrow.”

Rong Yuheng replied, “I’m joining the team tomorrow, and I have a morning flight. I’ll just grab my things and leave. Where’s Dad?”

“He’s probably in the study. You should go say hello to him.”

Rong Yuheng said, “I’ll get my things first.” He needed to sneak his mom’s CD out of the bedroom to avoid interrogation.

Rong Tianshen’s bedroom was on the second floor. When Rong Yuheng pushed the door open, there was indeed no one inside. As he was stealthily making his way toward the bookshelf, he suddenly heard a stern shout from behind, “What are you doing?”

Rong Yuheng was already feeling guilty, and that shout nearly made him jump out of his skin! He turned around and saw Rong Tianshen standing at the bedroom door. Rong Tianshen had a firm expression and raised his voice, “You didn’t even knock when you came in. Is this how I taught you?”

Rong Yuheng hesitated and then stammered, “I came to see if you were asleep.”

Rong Tianshen looked skeptical and took a few steps closer, blocking the way out. He crossed his arms and furrowed his brows, saying loudly, “I don’t believe you. You didn’t say anything when you came back, and now you’re in my room for what?”

Rong Yuheng said, “I… I wanted to get something.”

“What do you want to get?”

“I want to get a CD, I need it.”

Rong Tianshen fell silent for a moment, then pushed Rong Yuheng out of the room. “You go out, I’ll get it for you.”

Rong Yuheng protested unhappily, “I can get it myself. Why won’t you let me into the room?”

Rong Tianshen, without room for argument, closed the bedroom door. From behind the slowly closing door, he looked at Rong Yuheng and said, “This is my room.”

*Bang!*

Rong Yuheng sighed.

The CD was quickly retrieved and tossed to Rong Yuheng through the partially open door.

Rong Yuheng felt like a kicked-out puppy, and tears welled up in his eyes. He held the CD, tilted his chin upward at a 45-degree angle, and stubbornly refused to let the tears fall.

Why couldn’t he enter his parents’ room?

When Rong Yuheng drifted downstairs with a desolate air, Rong Congyan was taken aback by his teary-eyed appearance. “Xiao Heng, what happened?”

Rong Yuheng pouted and tears flowed. “He scolded me again. I’m not his little darling anymore!”

Rong Congyan, both helpless and amused, hurriedly wiped away his tears. “Of course, you are. You’re the darling of the whole family!”

Rong Yuheng refused to accept it. “I’m not! I’m just a little scallop!”

Scallop big brother, Rong Congyan, didn’t feel like comforting him all of a sudden.

—

Rong Yuheng took the CD and headed straight for the airport. He dozed off in the VIP lounge and woke up groggily around 7 a.m. the next day.

When he opened his eyes, Rong Yuheng found himself leaning on Wen Zhecheng’s shoulder. He didn’t know when Wen Zhecheng had arrived, but Wen Zhecheng was flipping through a magazine with one hand.

Rong Yuheng couldn’t help but smile and glanced at the dark water stains on Wen Zhecheng’s shoulder. He pretended not to notice and sat up, attempting to wait for the wind to dry the evidence.

Wen Zhecheng either genuinely didn’t notice or was playing along. He turned to Rong Yuheng and tousled his hair with one hand. “Why did you fall asleep here? I messaged you, but you didn’t reply.”

Rong Yuheng touched his nose. He had been on a bit of a journey the previous night, plus he had gotten a little carsick, so he had simply dozed off upon reaching the resting room without checking his phone.

“I was too tired and forgot to check my messages. When did you arrive?”

“At 7 a.m. I saw you were still sleeping, so I didn’t wake you.”

“Oh…” Rong Yuheng leaned against Wen Zhecheng and gave him a playful nudge. He put on a cute face and said, “You must be tired, Master. My head must be very heavy, right?”

Wen Zhecheng replied, “Not too heavy.”

Rong Yuheng disagreed, “How is that possible? There’s a tremendous amount of wisdom inside my head.”

Wen Zhecheng lovingly ruffled his hair. “Take a little nap.”

Rong Yuheng was about to engage in some playful banter with Wen Zhecheng when a baituanzi suddenly dashed into the VIP lounge.

Seeing the two of them tangled up, Xun Guang appeared surprised. “What are you doing, bro?”

Rong Yuheng’s movements froze. What was this new nickname?

Xun Guang seemed to have read his mind and showed him Weibo on his phone. In the comments section of his Weibo post where he had said, “Are you questioning whether I personally selected a protagonist who isn’t goofy enough,” there was a dazzling golden V certification—

@Rong Group—Rong CongyanV: You have a good eye, brother.

Author’s Note: Rong Congyan: Getting closer to the screenwriter, building a relationship for little Xing! Xun Guang: In the end, I also became a brother in the industry… Rong Yuheng: …(feeling extremely awkward)