Brother Dao Took the Entertainment Industry by Storm, Fans Beg Me Not to Kill Anymore

Chapter 809: Forming a Team? Sister Liu’s Artist Reunion!

Xiao He scratched his head, watching Hu Pei being dragged away by Liu Rulan, and let out a sigh of relief. Then, grinning, he turned to look at Shu Han. "Brother Shu, long time no see. How was the trip abroad?"

"Not bad."

Shu Han smiled and nodded. The others who had followed him over were several of the regular cast members from *Journey Across Mountains and Rivers*, and they all enthusiastically came over to greet Xiao He.

Xiao He swept his gaze across them and realized that basically all of the first season's regular cast members were here.

There was Xin Yiran, who had previously claimed to be his devoted fangirl, the comedic variety star Zhou Nanye, Liang Cheng, veteran host Qiu Hua, and finally, Wu Chuyi—the one who used to love showing off but had been thoroughly put in his place by Xiao He.

Even though this was just a special episode after the variety show ended, the entire original cast had shown up for this impromptu trip. It was clear that the production team had pulled out all the stops, the investors were raking in cash, and the guests were seizing this variety show opportunity with everything they had, hoping to leverage the buzz for even greater success.

The first few were easy—they already had a good relationship with Xiao He, sending him private congratulations during holidays and when he won awards. As for the last one, Wu Chuyi, his attitude had improved significantly this time. It was visibly clear that he had mended relations with everyone, no longer just being that brooding, try-hard boy.

Xiao He was already used to the diversity of personalities within the entertainment industry, so when he faced Wu Chuyi, he simply nodded and greeted him amicably.

"Brother Xiao, are you really joining the cruise party this time?"

Xin Yiran looked at her idol with barely contained excitement. "The production team told us before that you weren't planning to attend the cruise party. I was so heartbroken back then."

Romantic Victoria Harbour, the gentle sea breeze, the dazzling night scenery... and her incredibly handsome idol!

Just thinking about it made Xin Yiran feel like she was floating on cloud nine.

But then, after the production team negotiated, they got the news that Xiao He wouldn't be participating. His guest spot had been replaced by Shu Han from the same company.

Even though Brother Shu was great and from the same agency as her idol, he still wasn't the idol himself!

Missing out on the golden moment of sharing a cruise with her idol, Xin Yiran felt like she had lost her soul when she heard the news.

However, to her utter surprise, things had taken a dramatic turn!

Brother Xiao was suddenly attending the event after all!

Did that mean they could record the show together again?

Even though the originally confirmed guests had all been invited, given Xiao He's immense popularity, Xin Yiran was certain that if Xiao He wanted to join the *Journey Across Mountains and Rivers* recording, the production team would jump at the chance—thumbs up all the way, with investors sending over contracts and pay overnight.

But unfortunately, faced with Xin Yiran's hopeful eyes, Xiao He could only give a helpless smile and shake his head. "I am getting on the ship this time, but I'm sorry, I won't be able to record the show with you all."

He had more important things to do, so he definitely couldn't guarantee that he'd always be in front of the camera.

Xin Yiran's delicate face immediately fell with disappointment. "Ah, I see..."

Zhou Nanye and Liang Cheng also looked a bit let down.

But Qiu Hua, who had been attending such events for years, stepped in to help Xiao He out. "Teacher Xiao must have other work arrangements. Such an important event requires him to be more careful about his priorities."

Qiu Hua had long seen through the true nature of these kinds of galas. Their group of entertainment industry people were, in essence, just a flashy signboard—a tool for the higher-ups to promote themselves and a flimsy curtain to hide the darkness of the event.

Xiao He's decision not to join undoubtedly had his own reasons.

Qiu Hua was as sharp as a needle, quickly soothing the others on Xiao He's behalf.

Xiao He breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Qiu Hua. "Thanks, Teacher Qiu."

Qiu Hua's eyes were deep, as if they could see straight into a person's soul. In response to Xiao He's thanks, he just smiled and shook his head, gently reminding him, "No problem. Just watch yourself out there."

---

Meanwhile, on the other side, when Hu Pei heard that Xiao He was boarding the ship but not participating in the variety show, he was completely dumbfounded. "Huh? He's not recording?!"

With such a golden opportunity, how could Xiao He possibly not show up?

"Why isn't he joining? Manager Liu, don't worry—as long as your Xiao He comes, we definitely have a guest spot for him. The pay isn't an issue either; you can name any terms you want!"

Before Liu Rulan could even explain, Hu Pei had already started rattling off his bottom line, practically carving the words "PLEASE LET XIAO HE JOIN" on his face.

Liu Rulan: "...The way you're doing this is making my heart ache!"

But considering Xiao He's plans, Liu Rulan could only reluctantly decline Hu Pei's invitation. "Sorry, Director Hu. Xiao He has been invited to a business banquet this time, so he can't come over to record your show. He doesn't have the time either."

Liu Rulan's words were already quite straightforward.

Hu Pei fell silent for a moment.

Indeed, from the moment Xiao He had manipulated that drone, Hu Pei knew Xiao He was definitely more than just a simple actor. He would achieve far more in other fields, maybe even go much further.

But... but...

Ugh, he just couldn't accept it!

The little man in Hu Pei's heart was crying tears as wide as noodles, but all he could say out loud was, "Ahaha, well, that really can't be helped. But if there's a chance, I hope you can give us half an hour just to let Xiao He show his face in this recording. Is that possible?"

Even afraid that Liu Rulan would refuse again, Hu Pei quickly added, "It won't take long! Just a quick appearance will do! Even a few photos are fine! As for the pay..."

He glanced at the production team members and named an exorbitant price. "Same treatment as the other guests."

Liu Rulan: "..."

What kind of magic did Xiao He have, what kind of love potion did he feed you, that you'd even make such a shameless request?

"Deal!"

Liu Rulan smiled, once again firmly grasping Hu Pei's hand—only this time, her grip was much gentler.

Showing her face for just a moment to earn the full pay? That was free money—why not take it?

And Hu Pei was overjoyed, his grin spreading from ear to ear, completely unstoppable.

The two locked eyes, both very satisfied with the deal.

---

Xiao He still didn't know that Liu Rulan had been successfully persuaded by Hu Pei.

But even if he did, he'd probably just say, "Good job, Sister Liu!"

Right now, Xiao He was walking alongside Shu Han, telling him about some recent events on the production set, including the arrangements for the upcoming cruise party.

At the same time, he remembered something else.

"Brother Shu, when we get to the hotel, there'll be someone else coming."

Xiao He smiled and reminded him.

"Oh? Is it someone I know?"

Surprised by Xiao He's special reminder, Shu Han was a bit curious.

"You'll find out when we get there."

Thinking of Tong Junhui, Xiao He said meaningfully.

Shu Han was confused but didn't press further. He just continued chatting with Xiao He about Hong Kong's metaphysical urban legends.

Soon, the group arrived at the hotel.

When Shu Han saw Tong Junhui in the room, he was quite surprised, but quickly regained his composure.

Although the two had never formally met, because of Liu Rulan, they had both silently followed each other's career developments to some extent.

As for Tong Junhui's final choice, Shu Han could only express regret.

This sudden meeting caught Shu Han off guard.

But soon, that surprise turned into a different kind of emotion.

"Huh? Form a team and raid on the cruise?"

Shu Han rested his chin on his hand, looking quite excited. "That sounds really interesting."

Liu Rulan crossed her arms and rolled her eyes in exasperation. "...I told you, they're all a perfect fit!"

These three artists of hers were all big fans of chaos and excitement.

Meanwhile, Shu Han's actual agent, He Wenming, muttered, "...Maybe one of you could ask for my opinion?"