Chapter Sixteen: The Metamorphosis (Part One)

The director of Mango TV, upon seeing the latest promotional plan submitted by Zhao Weiming for "Metamorphosis," was startled. "The final season of Metamorphosis? Are you serious, Old Zhao?"

Zhao Weiming nodded. "I've thought about this for a long time. With so many new variety shows emerging, Metamorphosis is getting left behind. The audience is tired of it, and frankly, so am I. I think it's time to bring this series to an end."

The director sighed. "Alright, the ratings have indeed been declining season by season. If we keep dragging it out, there's a good chance it’ll get cancelled anyway. Do you have any ideas for a new show?"

"I’ve got a few in mind, but I’m focusing on the Metamorphosis promo for now. Once that's wrapped up, I'll put together a proposal for you."

"Good. Do your best."

Once the promotional plan was set, Mango TV quickly released the first batch of materials on Weibo and other major platforms, highlighting three main points.

First, this season would be the final season of the Metamorphosis series. Second, it would feature brand-new segments to break the audience's expectations of scripted content. Third, it would present the most attractive young guests in the show's history.

As soon as these teasers went public, they sparked heated discussions online.

"I started watching Metamorphosis back in elementary school—can't believe it's still airing."

"The most attractive ever? Show some pictures if you're going to make that claim..."

"Give me a break. If you can't find good-looking ones even on 'Produce Camp,' how great could someone on Metamorphosis be? Probably just another gimmick."

"Didn't they use this 'most attractive guest ever' gimmick before? Is this time really going to top the last?"

Seeing the discussions gaining traction, the Marketing Department seized the opportunity to buy a few trending spots. Meanwhile, Zhou Miao, seeing these screenshots in their small group chat, felt a headache coming on. But what must come, will come...

"Ugh, I can't study at all. I'm dying..." On her pink little bed, Hu San sprawled out like a salted fish.

She felt her brain was already stuffed to the brim. If she tried to cram any more, she'd probably forget everything she’d learned before. Her eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.

Why do people have to study? Is it just to get into college? But her parents had already told her that after she graduated, she’d take over the family bakery. So did going to college even matter that much?

If she got in, she’d make bread after four years. If not, she’d start right away.

Honestly, she was more interested in selling pancakes...

"Honestly, it wouldn’t matter if I didn't get in. Zhou Miao probably won't either. We could set up a pancake stall together—doesn’t sound too bad, hehehe..."

The thought made Hu San giggle to herself.

"Hey, isn’t that San’s classmate? What’s his name again?" Her father’s voice drifted in from the living room, catching her attention. She scowled at the tightly shut door—such poor soundproofing. What was the old man watching now, and why mention her classmate?

"I think it's Zhou Miao?" Her mother sounded unsure. She’d seen Zhou Miao at school a few times, but the name hadn’t stuck.

Bang! Hu San yanked the door open, her eyes sharp as a hawk’s. "Zhou Miao? What about Zhou Miao?"

Her parents jumped, startled by her sudden entrance. Her mother glared at her. "You scared me half to death! What’s gotten into you?"

Her father pointed at the TV. "Isn’t that your classmate? He’s on television."

On television? Zhou Miao? Hu San was instantly confused. She kicked off her slippers and squeezed between her parents.

On screen was a face both handsome and still a bit boyish—if that wasn't Zhou Miao, who could it be?

"Why is he on TV? What show is this?" Hu San asked.

"Metamorphosis. Your dad loves watching it," her mother replied.

Hu San was stunned. That explained why she hadn’t been able to reach him—no calls, no replies on WeChat—she’d thought something had happened to him. Turns out he was on Metamorphosis.

"This guy can't be any good, getting sent onto Metamorphosis. You should stay away from him." As a devoted fan of the show, her father knew all too well the kind of kids they featured—none of them were up to any good!

No sooner had he spoken than he felt a wave of murderous intent. Glancing sideways, he saw his daughter glaring daggers at him.

He frowned, looked at the handsome boy on TV, then at his own blooming daughter, and a sense of foreboding crept in.

"But the boy really is good-looking," her mother said, adjusting her glasses and sighing in admiration.

Hu San beamed. "Right? I think so too."

"Hmm?" Both parents turned to her, faces full of suspicion.

Her smile froze, and she stuck out her tongue. "I mean... everyone at school agrees he’s good-looking. Lots of girls chase after him."

"Have you ever chased after him?" her mother pressed, eyes sharp and discerning.

"Of course not! We're close, but we’re just friends—like brothers, really!" Hu San insisted, though her guilty look betrayed her.

Her father sighed, put on his glasses, and stared at the TV with a look as if he were facing a mortal enemy.

"Enough questions, let’s just watch TV, okay?" Hu San quickly interrupted, sensing her mother was about to ask more.

The show had been on for a while. Earlier, they’d shown Li Feifei and Wang Jiang, introducing their backgrounds and stories. Now, it had shifted to Zhou Miao’s high-speed rail segment.

It was just a simple walking shot, but with Zhou Miao’s looks, it felt like a fashion show—especially with that indifferent expression.

But Hu San knew that when Zhou Miao wore that face, he wasn't angry, just sulky. When he was truly angry, he’d be smiling instead.

Watching, Hu San nearly burst out laughing; her cheeks turned red from holding it in. For someone as proud as Zhou Miao, he must’ve been dying inside.

When the girl in the seat ahead found out they were filming Metamorphosis and looked at Zhou Miao as if she were watching a monkey, while Zhou Miao stared into space looking utterly defeated, Hu San finally lost it, laughing like a hen laying an egg.

"Hahaha, this is too funny—I have to send him a message and tease him!"

Excited, she whipped out her phone and texted Zhou Miao: "Bro, you’re on TV!"

Not long after, Zhou Miao replied: "…"

Though he said nothing, Hu San could feel his utter frustration and collapsed onto the sofa, laughing uncontrollably.