Chapter 7: Income from Labor
Chapter 7
"Hey, you should really go to the hospital and get that checked out. Such a pretty hand shouldn't be left with scars," said Su Xiaoxiao as she took over pushing the cart from Sun Dan, sharp-eyedly noticing the blister on Qin Wei's finger.
Qin Wei unconsciously hid her hand behind her back, "It's fine, I'll pop it when I get back, apply some ointment and it'll be good."
Sun Dan was a bit surprised, "You know how to do that?"
The cameras captured this interaction as well, with the director leaving nothing out—
【Are they starting to bash fans now? Isn't it a little late for that? She should have offended fewer people before, now she's reduced to this. Her fan club already disbanded, all that's left are mostly antis.】
【That blister on Qin Wei's hand looks real right? Just looking at it hurts...】
【Her skin is so delicate, it'd be better if she did more farm work and developed callouses. But I guess she won't get the chance after the show ends?】
【Ah what, is this scripted or not?】
【I think it is. Here's my guess, don't bash if you disagree—Firstly, Qin's real personality is aloof, plus she can't endure hardship. She uses stunt doubles for acting whenever she can. After a whole morning of work, she's also lowering herself to endure humiliation, definitely not by her own choice. Maybe it's to clear her image. But the blister is real. I hope Qin handles it properly and doesn't get an infection.】
【Upstairs makes sense.】
Unbeknownst to Qin Wei, the small blister on her hand had unconsciously garnered some sympathy for her.
...
By the time they pushed the cart to the yard, everyone was exhausted to the point of collapse. On the way, Qin Wei had asked the production team if they could swap for a better trishaw, and they said they could, in exchange for 500 corn kernels.
Which only earned an eye roll from Qin Wei.
This scene was undoubtedly aired, exciting the black fans—
【Were you guys sympathizing with her? Did you see her roll her eyes? This is the real her! Qin finally revealed her true colors. What are we waiting for guys, let's scold her!】
【Brothers, start scolding!】
...
Back at the place, Qin Wei met another MC, the TV host Chen Mo. They hadn't run into each other today. In comparison, Chen Mo's harvest was quite miserable, only managing to catch one small fish the whole morning.
Everyone was exhausted. Sun Dan took charge and used corn to exchange for 8 buckets of instant noodles and 2 pots of hot water.
Qin Wei complained, "They're even charging for hot water, the production team is so petty."
Black fans:
【Just shut up!!!】
...
Although their living quarters were separate, meal times were communal. The production team set up a spacious platform in the yard with a low table where everyone could sit cross-legged and eat together. 8 people fit comfortably.
Despite everyone being starving, their reactions to the table of instant noodles varied—
The host Chen Mo had already finished eating. Sun Dan was leisurely pouring hot water into the noodles.
The 3 other guys looked at each other before starting on their noodles too.
Only Lin Qiqi looked hesitant.
"Director, can I not eat instant noodles? The calories are too high, not good for the body."
Lin Qiqi spoke with an innocent look.
The director readily agreed, "Sure, trade corn for something else."
Lin Qiqi quickly said,
"Then can I get a salad? I want salad."
After a brief discussion, a staff member said,
"Teacher Lin, you only shelled 8 corns today. Each bucket of noodles takes 20 corn. I'm afraid you can't get salad."
Lin Qiqi's eyes widened,
"But wasn't it everyone's combined effort? I had to stop because my hand was hurting. You didn't say it was individually counted."
Staff: "It was a team effort, but Teacher Qin and Teacher Sun shelled 120 each. They get more of a say since they shelled more."
That left asking the person with the most corn today.
Lin Qiqi looked at Qin Wei, but remembered they had unfinished grievances, so pleadingly gazed at Sun Dan instead.
Sun Dan spread her hands,
"Really no money left. Nearly 200 corn went to the 8 noodles and 2 pots of water. Let's just make do for today, I promise no instant noodles tomorrow."
"Senior Sister Qiqi, eating it occasionally is fine. I often ate it at school, it won't make young people fat."
Next to them, Su Xiaoxiao kindly persuaded her and started on her own noodles.
Lin Qiqi's expression was ugly.
Of course, this Su Xiaoxiao looked to be only 20 something, while Lin Qiqi was already 30. When she said "young people" she meant herself, not necessarily including Lin Qiqi.
"I can't eat instant noodles, I have standards for my figure..."
Smelling the noodle aroma, Lin Qiqi couldn't help swallowing. But she thought again, how could someone of her standing eat this junk food?
So she pushed the problem to Qin Wei, who should share her viewpoint.
Lin Qiqi: "It's not just me! A figure-conscious person like Teacher Qin definitely wouldn't eat..."
Slurp slurp.
Qin Wei was eating with the most relish.
Lin Qiqi secretly asked the director, "Is this really Qin Wei?"
Black fans:
【Are you also led astray by Qin? Why is Lin Qiqi annoying this time, so delicate and meddlesome. What kind of people did this show invite...】
【Did Qin really fall from grace? Should we keep bashing her brothers?】
...
It wasn't too hot, but the sun was glaring. Everyone needed an afternoon nap after the busy morning. Of course the show allowed this and let them rest individually.
Once they left, the director team panicked and hurriedly called a meeting to discuss countermeasures.
Director A: "Hurry and think of something. It's almost been 24 hours and Qin has barely caused any trouble!"
Compared to the highly-rated "My Favorite Life", this rushed copycat show "Peach Blossom Spring" was looked down on by everyone. The production team had a limited budget and the invites were all z-listers.
Although Qin was crafty and her resources weren't great in the last half year, her popularity was high and she had a large anti-fan base. Viewers didn't look favorably on the show so they weren't too averse to Qin and constantly jeered.
So their main selling point was Qin Wei causing trouble and acting like a diva.
The director team furrowed their brows. From the start, they had set some traps to trigger Qin's nerves—
Carrying luggage alone on a dirt path, not only did she not get angry but carried it herself;
Letting the female guest fight with her over the single room, she instead conceded and they couldn't even air it;
She also readily did farm work without complaint;
Ignored when Lin Qiqi caused trouble;
Most importantly, she happily ate instant noodles, the junk food she usually wouldn't touch!
Director A painfully grabbed his already sparse hair:
"If this keeps going, even the anti-fans won't watch our show anymore. How will we guarantee viewership?"
Someone suggested:
"Why not invite Qiao Sixiao, she's Qin's lifelong enemy."
Director A sneered coldly:
"You guys have no idea what her status is right? If we could invite her, might as well invite actor Shen Kai together!"
Staff: "Wouldn't it be bad, Shen Kai refuses to work with Qin..."
Slap—
Director angrily slapped the table:
"Who's delusional, wake up! Still thinking of inviting Shen Kai! It'd be obviously offending that person! Keep thinking of other ideas!"
Staff: "Then how about...invite Shen Qingqing?"