Chapter 19: Is Tai Chi Just an Empty Show of Fist and Embroidery? You’re at 2:13, right?

The matter had come to a temporary close.

Lin Yu returned to the courtyard. He did not head upstairs to rest immediately; he hadn't brought much luggage, and what little he had was already sorted. Now, all he wanted was a good rest.

After sipping a cup of tea, Lin Yu noticed the production crew was busy filming the young idol, Si Shaozhe. Knowing there was no chance for him to shine at the moment, he was in no hurry, and instead began practicing tai chi at a leisurely pace in the courtyard.

In his previous life, to satisfy Xu Xiaoqian's ever-growing need for money, his days consisted of nothing but work and commuting. This eventually ruined his health, something Xu Xiaoqian never knew. Now, in this life, since he was determined to live for himself, he would take care of his health, exercise regularly, and avoid anything detrimental.

This was not merely for physical well-being. Most importantly, in the entertainment industry—a place rife with competition and intrigue—it was hard to survive without a unique skill. Though tai chi appeared gentle, many martial arts stars in the later era had risen to fame through it. Lin Yu would not let any opportunity to distinguish himself slip by.

On his way to the show, Lin Yu had already learned a set of tai chi techniques online for free. Standing firm as a pine, he initiated the movements, each seemingly light and soft, yet imbued with powerful inner strength. With every motion, a gust of wind seemed to follow.

Such is tai chi: outwardly calm and gentle, yet endlessly variable and profound in its techniques.

Tai chi integrates the cultivation of temperament, physical fitness, and martial application, combining the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory, as well as ancient breathing techniques, forming a balanced martial art—soft and slow, yet agile, blending hardness and gentleness.

As he adjusted his breath, Lin Yu felt clear-headed and invigorated, his blood circulating smoothly. After a sequence of tai chi, he felt both body and mind refreshed, and the wind generated by his movements howled through the courtyard.

The cameraman following him watched Lin Yu with a bewildered expression. Surely he hadn't misheard? It seemed that with every movement Lin Yu made, he could hear the wind... If it was an illusion, it was far too real.

Upstairs, after the earlier scare, the guests retreated to their rooms for a quick wash, leaving only Si Shaozhe in the living room for his interview. No wonder he was the hottest young idol—he understood how to capture the camera's attention and dominate the spotlight. He performed with arrogance before the lens; even a single upward tilt of his face sent the live broadcast barrage into a frenzy.

He felt a surge of pride, the sensation of being admired by thousands indescribable.

Just then, a guest's startled cry drew his attention to the window.

In the courtyard, Lin Yu executed a flowing set of tai chi, the gentle movements masking immense inner strength. Even from afar, Si Shaozhe wondered if he was hallucinating—he saw a wild wind rise with Lin Yu's opening gesture. The wind even took shape...

Those gathered around Lin Yu were equally astounded. If this wasn't an illusion, what kind of creature was he? On the surface, he seemed harmless—just a sunny, handsome young man.

Everyone instinctively glanced at Lin Yu's boss, who was equally perplexed. Ji Ya clearly had no idea about Lin Yu's hidden abilities; seeing everyone looking to her for an explanation, she felt overwhelmed.

Inwardly, she complained: Lin Yu, you should've told me you knew martial arts! The entertainment industry is crying out for stars like you; if you'd said so earlier, I could have promoted you as a martial arts actor! With your skills, aren't you far more impressive than those who only pretend to know kung fu? If you got on stage, you'd be famous overnight!

Standing at the window, Si Shaozhe noticed several cameramen now rushing toward Lin Yu, and his expression soured.

"It's nothing but fake kung fu—what's so appealing about that?"

Though he said this, he couldn't help but watch a few more moments. Unwilling to admit it, Lin Yu's display truly shocked him.

Whether his sarcastic remarks reached Ji Ya was unclear, but her face darkened, clearly displeased.

Si Shaozhe was famous, a rising star, but if he insulted her artist so openly in front of the production crew, how could she not defend him? Otherwise, how would she survive in the industry?

Just as Si Shaozhe prepared to sit back on the sofa, Ji Ya stood before him, arms crossed.

"I heard you have some complaints about my new artist?"

Bai Yichu, who followed them in, didn't want to get involved in the drama. Like Si Shaozhe, she was a popular star. But seeing his disdainful expression, she immediately looked displeased.

How dare he! Didn't he know Ji Ya was the person she admired most? Without her, Bai Yichu would still be an unknown newcomer. Any slight against Ji Ya was a slight against her as well!

She couldn't swallow this insult.

Other artists, sensing the brewing drama, trickled in to watch. Seeing a conflict between the hottest newcomer and Ji Ya, the smart ones kept their distance.

Both were major figures no one wanted to cross.

Si Shaozhe was confused. In his eyes, Lin Yu was just a rookie under Ji Fei, probably here as filler for the show. He never expected Ji Fei's agency, with Ji Ya—known as the "Miss" of the entertainment circle—would personally step in to defend him.

So... Who exactly was Lin Yu?

With suspicion, Si Shaozhe frowned deeply.

He recalled the start of filming. Lin Yu had been busy cooking and serving dishes for two goddess-level figures. This left him quite shocked.

Could there be something between him and the two women...? That would be a big problem.

In the entertainment world, what matters most? Connections and resources.

Lin Yu, handsome as he was, would undoubtedly stir up trouble in the industry. After all, many popular idols had debuted on looks alone. Lin Yu's stunning appearance even made Si Shaozhe, famous for his looks, feel threatened.

This was why he targeted Lin Yu, hoping to use public opinion to block Lin Yu's entry into the industry before he could rise.

After all, the show was designed to promote new faces by pairing them with established stars. The guests invited were all prominent figures. Any artist who appeared with the popular idols was sure to gain fame, as long as they didn't make a fatal mistake.

All one needed was to seize the moment and grab a bit more attention.