The production team naturally wanted the show to be engaging and spark discussion, so they provided Song Qinian with a script where she played a character who was nervous around her celebrity mother-in-law and often made mistakes. The character was fearful of Gu Zhiyan, acting with extreme caution in everything she did, even observing Gu Zhiyan's expression before eating.
Gu Zhiyan, being naturally aloof, and having spent little time with Song Qinian, already had few common topics. Their interactions were bound to be filled with awkwardness.
Because of this, Song Qinian was quite upset, worrying about her inability to get along with her celebrity mother-in-law. She secretly ran to the kitchen to cry, with a staff member going to comfort her.
Midway, she was supposed to call her husband, but this segment was marked "tentative" and might not be used. After all, it was quite difficult to get Shen Chi Yan to appear on a variety show, even for Gu Zhi Yan's program.
Song Qinian had to admit that the scriptwriter had some talent, because when she and Shen Chi Yan first got married, she genuinely didn't know how to interact with Gu Zhi Yan and was always overly cautious.
But now, her relationship with Gu Zhi Yan was very good, and acting like strangers or being timid would be quite challenging.
Fortunately, the script wasn't too outrageous, and Gu Zhi Yan said she would help Song Qinian with the acting, so Song Qinian felt it was manageable.
Gu Zhi Yan, living up to her reputation as a film empress, could perform exceptionally well regardless of the script the crew gave her, and even brought out the best in Song Qinian.
The two portrayed the conflicts between a celebrity mother-in-law and a regular daughter-in-law with remarkable authenticity. Song Qinian enjoyed spending time with Gu Zhi Yan immensely. Not only did she learn a great deal, but she also felt incredibly comfortable.
The more they interacted, the more Song Qinian realized Gu Zhi Yan was completely different from her initial impression. While appearing cold and distant on the surface, she possessed a warm and passionate heart. She also had a sweet tooth and enjoyed junk food, but could only indulge in small amounts to maintain her figure.
Seeing how Song Qinian could eat without gaining weight, Gu Zhi Yan expressed envy and jealousy, "I wish I had your metabolism where you can eat a lot and not get fat."
Song Qinian smiled, "If you want to eat, then eat. If you gain weight, I'll help you lose it again."
Gu Zhi Yan hugged Song Qinian tightly, "My daughter-in-law is the best. Unlike that brat, I can count the number of times he calls me in a year on one hand."
Hearing Gu Zhi Yan complain about Shen Chi Yan to her, Song Qinian didn't know what to say.
Shen Chi Yan hadn't been discharged from the hospital yet, but he accompanied Gu Zhi Yan to participate in the variety show. Shen Chi Yan didn't cause a fuss about it, and within a couple of days, it was reported that he had been discharged.
Song Qinian hadn't seen him since.
That guy hadn't bothered her again, and she wondered if he had truly given up or was planning a bigger move.
As the plot progressed, it finally reached the segment where Song Qinian had to call Shen Chi Yan to complain.
Song Qinian's small face showed her reluctance, "Wasn't this plan supposed to be tentative?"
The director replied, "We've already sought Mr. Shen's opinion, and he said he can cooperate."
Song Qinian was a bit surprised. Didn't Shen Chi Yan dislike being on television? Why had he suddenly agreed?
Perhaps it was for Gu Zhi Yan's sake?
After all, this was Gu Zhi Yan's first variety show, and it was understandable for him, as her son, to support his mother.
Thus, in front of various cameras, Song Qinian turned her back and dialed Shen Chi Yan's number.
The phone rang for a short while before Shen Chi Yan's gentle voice answered, "Baby, do you miss me?"
Song Qinian: "..."
Although the director had said Shen Chi Yan would cooperate, Song Qinian hadn't expected him to be so accommodating.
The outside world was unaware of their true situation and still believed they were a loving couple, so she had to play along.
With the cameras still rolling, Song Qinian reminded herself to show some affection to Shen Chi Yan, but the words just wouldn't come out. Fortunately, she remembered Gu Zhi Yan's advice.
A good actor, even if they don't love the person, will act as if they are deeply in love, as if they are indispensable.
Even if one is heartbroken, if asked to play an extremely happy person, they must do so without any trace of their true feelings.
Since things had reached this point, there was no need to feel embarrassed. It was all acting, and Shen Chi Yan knew that.
"Very, very much... I want you to hold me..."
Even though it was acting, Song Qinian wasn't a professional actress. As soon as these words left her lips, she felt a little nervous, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.
Whether it was Song Qinian's imagination or not, after she said those words, Shen Chi Yan's breathing seemed to deepen.
"What's wrong? Your voice sounds a little unhappy."
Fortunately, Shen Chi Yan followed the script.
"No, I just miss you so much."
"Where's Mom?"
"Mom is taking a beauty sleep. Tomorrow we're going to the orchard to pick lychees."
They had a brief, inconsequential chat, as it was inappropriate to say much with cameras present.
After hanging up, Song Qinian let out a heavy sigh of relief. Great, the most difficult task was finally completed.
That night, Song Qinian also slept soundly.
The next morning, as soon as Song Qinian got out of bed, she received a call from Li Jun Shen. Li Jun Shen didn't say much, only asking if Song Qinian was enjoying herself.
Song Qinian replied indifferently, "It's just work, so I can't say if I'm happy or not."
"Even if it's work, you should be happy."
"Mm."
"When will the recording end? I'll come to pick you up."
Song Qinian frowned. Although Li Jun Shen hadn't stopped her from participating in the variety show, he had mentioned picking her up many times.
"It should be another week."
"Okay, I'll bring our son to pick you up then."
Song Qinian's expression changed slightly, "Is ZaanZaan with you?"
"No, he's still at the old Shen family residence, but I am ZaanZaan's father. Even if Madam Shen took ZaanZaan, she can't stop me from picking him up."
Song Qinian's mood was quite complicated, but she didn't say anything further, only replying with an "Okay."
Because of Li Jun Shen's call, Song Qinian's mood wasn't very good on the way to the orchard.
The director's team captured Song Qinian's expression and later edited it to depict her conflict and distress over how to handle the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, as well as her longing for Shen Chi Yan.
Gu Zhi Yan noticed Song Qinian's distress. She didn't say anything in front of the cameras, but when no one was around, Gu Zhi Yan came to Song Qinian's side, "What's wrong? Did the call with A Yan not go well? Did that boy provoke you again?"
Song Qinian shook her head, "It has nothing to do with him. I just didn't sleep well last night."
Song Qinian was unwilling to elaborate, and Gu Zhi Yan didn't press further. She patted Song Qinian's shoulder, "If you want to talk, you can always find me. But I want to tell you one thing: no matter what you encounter, as long as you ask, I will help you."
Seeing Song Qinian look at her with a touch of emotion, Gu Zhi Yan smiled again, "We are, after all, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. And I like you so much, so I'm always here for you."