Daily Life in the Pet Shop Ch. 1

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“Super TV Shows” had been a variety entertainment program in B City, mainly focused on introducing and reviewing upcoming domestic TV dramas in China. The show also invited the main cast, directors, and other key crew members to share fun stories from the filming process. It had been one of the most influential entertainment programs in the country.

This episode featured a mythological drama, "Ancient Legends." It was a big production, with famous stars, from the leads to the director, and even the boss, who only appeared a few times, was a well-known figure in the industry.

Though Du Qianze could barely be considered the third male lead in the drama, he had been the least famous guest among those invited to the show.

As expected, Du Qianze hadn’t received much screen time during the entire episode.

The two hosts of “Super TV Shows”, Cai Ya and Ting Shan, were known for their sharp questioning. Their questions were never easy to dodge. One particular question, which they asked every episode, was: “Who did you dislike the most in the crew?”

Director Fang Xiaochuan of “Ancient Legends” was famously strict. So, when it was the cast's turn to answer, everyone aimed their comments at him, saying he was the one they disliked the most. When it came to Fang Xiaochuan’s turn, he had joked, “Since everyone dislikes me, I guess I can’t afford to offend anyone. The person I dislike the most is also Fang Xiaochuan.”

After the director, it had been Du Qianze’s turn. He had smiled slightly and answered, “Actually, I quite like the director. He’s strict, but he’s a Virgo with OCD, so he doesn’t overlook even the smallest details. I find it quite satisfying to watch.”

“Looks like you don’t dislike the director. Finally, a different answer! Come on, tell me who it is.” Cai Ya had asked eagerly.

“Sister Cai, can I not answer? I still need to keep working in this industry.” Du Qianze had joked.

“No problem! If you can’t make it, just come work with me. I’ll make sure you get the soup even if I’m eating the meat. Honestly, I’ve been tired of that old guy, ‘Xiao San.’ I’ve been wanting a new partner for a while.” Cai Ya had quickly chimed in, causing everyone to laugh.

“Xiao San” had been a nickname for Ting Shan, because he once accidentally revealed that he was the third child in his family, and his name contained the character “shan” (mountain), so Cai Ya had cleverly given him that nickname.

Ting Shan had looked innocent, saying, “I didn’t even do anything, and I’m getting dragged into this.”

“Stop changing the subject. I need to get the answer to this question!” Cai Ya had slapped Ting Shan aside and continued to press Du Qianze.

“Well, actually there is someone…” Du Qianze had smiled helplessly and answered seriously, “There’s an important character in our show called Zi Yunbao. When it wasn’t transformed, it was just a white cat. When it had first come to the set, I had really liked it. I fed it, changed its litter, but it hadn’t liked me at all. Every time it had seen Meng Qian, it had jumped into her arms. Typical of a cat to forget its loyalty for beauty. So now, I don’t like it as much, though I still change its litter.”

“You’re such a dedicated cat caretaker! Normally, your answer wouldn’t pass in my book, but since you’ve been working hard with the litter, I’ll let you off the hook.” Cai Ya had laughed.

Just then, Ting Shan had jumped in, “Is the cat male or female?”

“Male, I think.” Du Qianze had replied uncertainly.

“It’s male,” Su Mengqian, the female lead of “Ancient Legends”, had added from the side.

“Brother, here’s where you went wrong. The crew should have gotten a female cat. That way, it wouldn’t have forgotten you for beauty. It would’ve jumped into your arms every time. Or maybe get a cat that’s into the same s*x, and it might like you more.” Ting Shan had teased, causing another round of laughter from the audience.

As the show neared its end, Du Qianze had walked over to Cai Ya and whispered something in her ear. She had looked surprised but quickly smiled and handed him the microphone.

“Sorry to take up everyone’s time for a minute,” Du Qianze had said, taking out his phone. “Please, camera on me.”

Once the camera had been on him, Du Qianze had continued, “The cat in this photo is called Du Da Bai. I’ve had it for over a year now. On May 5th, around 3 p.m., it had gone missing in Songjing Park. It had been wearing a collar with its name, Du Da Bai, on it. If anyone sees this cat, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you!”

“This time, we’re making an exception and letting Qianze advertise because he’s so good-looking. There won’t be a next time! If I get distracted by his good looks again, Xiao San, you’d better pull me back.” Cai Ya had joked, pretending to be upset.

“Okay, next time I’ll definitely pull you back.” Ting Shan had responded from the side.

The show soon ended. As Du Qianze left the stage, he received several looks with different meanings. Though he noticed them, he just kept smiling.

A group of people passed by him, and one person let out a heavy “hmph” sound.

There was another actor in the group who had a similar role to his. Du Qianze forced a bitter smile. He knew his comments on the show had probably upset quite a few people. But he had no choice. The show had the highest ratings in the country, and he needed the exposure.

“Did it go smoothly this time?” Du Qianze’s manager asked with some concern once they were in the car.

“It’s fine. The show won’t air for a few more days, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to find Da Bai.” Du Qianze said, his smile fading as he spoke. Without anyone around, he stopped pretending and showed the deep worry on his face.

“It’s just a cat, why are you…”

“Da Bai means more to me than just a cat. He’s family,” Du Qianze interrupted, thinking back to how Da Bai had helped him avoid a serious mistake that one time.

“Alright, alright.” Over the years, Du Qianze's manager has become accustomed to his stubborn temper.

“Have you arranged things with Su Mengqian and Li Ran? Director Fang talked to me. He said your missing cat post would at least create some buzz. He doesn’t mind it.” Du Qianze continued.

“I’ve sorted things with Su Mengqian. In a few days, there’ll be rumors saying I’m chasing her. We won’t confirm or deny it, just let it spread. As for Li Ran… he’s fine. He didn’t say much, just that he’d help if I need anything. Honestly, it’s thanks to Cai Ya being a cat owner too, or it would’ve been hard to get the show to agree to it.” Du Qianze said tiredly.

All credit goes to the original author
Feel free to pinpoint us if there are any grammar error or typos
Please don't use Guazi's translation to re-translate in other languages

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