Chapter 25: Recording, Live Broadcast, Proof

"I have no issues with the script," Lin Xing said, having glanced over it briefly. The last patch of wheat reserved for him had already been fully harvested. As for the neighboring rice fields, those had been reaped several episodes earlier. The next stage of filming would focus on sowing and fertilizing.

Of course, during this segment, they would also be broadcasting live. The purpose of the livestream was not just to prove that Lin Xing was truly capable of everything people claimed—equally, it was meant to assure the audience that "Farming With the Stars" was entirely genuine, without any fakery. Besides that, the livestream would serve as a teaser for the upcoming episode.

With three consecutive episodes having gradually gained national attention, "Farming With the Stars" was beginning to break out of its niche. But how much further it could go was anyone’s guess. The production team needed to keep brainstorming ever more compelling scripts.

Their main principle was authenticity and relatability—a key reason, in their view, for the show’s positive reputation. This was also why Feng Gang had called Lin Xing, telling him that things would become even more real and down-to-earth in the next episodes. Breaking out was just the first step; the real challenge was to maintain the momentum.

Hearing Lin Xing say he had no objections, Guo Biao breathed a long sigh of relief. By now, everyone on the production team knew what had driven the show’s recent success. Guo Biao immediately relayed the news to Feng Gang.

"Even though I knew Lin Xing wouldn't have a problem, I still feel relieved," he messaged.

Receiving Guo Biao’s message, Feng Gang laughed, "Alright, get everyone ready. As soon as Lin Xing arrives, we’ll start filming."

Wu Bing chimed in again, "This Lin Xing really is something."

"Isn’t he? Fifteen years ago, when I looked after him a bit on a show, he answered my call now without hesitation," Feng Gang said, with a self-deprecating smile. "I may have a bit of a temper, but over the past fifteen years, I’ve mentored hundreds—maybe a thousand—young people. When we started prepping this show, how many of them volunteered to help?"

"In this industry, people always flock to the successful and avoid the struggling," Wu Bing said, shaking his head. "But at least, the dawn has come."

"True, but when it happens to you, it’s hard to accept. Now I understand how Wang Jing must have felt back then." Feng Gang laughed. "You’re right—the dawn has come."

"Director Feng, Professor Wu…" At that moment, a woman approached them. "Everything is ready on my end."

"Thank you, Tanya. I’ll leave the livestream in your capable hands," Feng Gang said to her.

Tanya, the resident host from Banana Entertainment, had been invited specifically for this segment. A professional host was essential to keep things running smoothly on air.

Just then, Lin Xing arrived.

"Xing, let me introduce you—this is Tanya," Feng Gang said, leading Tanya over. "She’ll be handling the livestream today."

"Hello, Mr. Lin," Tanya greeted.

"Hello," Lin Xing replied.

"Departments, ready in one minute—we’re about to start filming," Guo Biao called out, organizing the crew.

A minute later, the cameras began to roll.

"Today is sowing day. We’ll start by treating the seeds…" a crew member explained as everyone began to open sacks of seeds and prepare for seed treatment.

First, they spread the seeds on plastic sheets. Second, they sprinkled water evenly over them. Third, they added dry powder seed treatment in a one-to-one ratio. Fourth, they mixed everything with a clean shovel.

After an hour of this labor, the livestream began. Treating and bagging seeds was time-consuming, and with only one electric tricycle available to transport both seeds and fertilizer, it was hard work. The livestream was perfectly timed—there would be plenty of footage for editing later.

Filming a reality show was much like charging a phone: five minutes to charge, two hours to use. Here, two hours of recording might be edited down to just five minutes. Most of the work was repetitive—like treating seeds—so a quick shot was enough for the cameras, but the cast had to keep going, making the livestream all the more fitting.

"The livestream’s started—let’s have a look."

"Awesome, I’m just here to check it out."

"So they’re really doing farm work?"

"What are all these people up to?"

"This’ll shut up those doubters who claimed ‘Farming With the Stars’ was fake."

"The livestream is live now."

As the broadcast began, viewers flooded in.

"Hello everyone, I’m Tanya. Today, we’re at the filming site of ‘Farming With the Stars.’ Let’s see what everyone’s up to," Tanya said, moving through the crowd and addressing the viewers.

"We’re treating the seeds. The wheat’s all been harvested, so we’re getting ready to plant corn," someone answered.

"Yeah, we’ve been at it for an hour—really tiring," another added.

"Everyone says I’m fat, but since joining ‘Farming With the Stars,’ I’ve lost a ton of weight. By the end of filming, I bet I’ll have dropped ten pounds."

Facing the camera, Duan Hai, Ding Yi, and Guan Peng chatted while still working. They moved with practiced ease: treating seeds, bagging them, and Lin Xing driving the electric tricycle to deliver seeds and fertilizer to the fields. Each sack was heavy, and the work was exhausting.

In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed on the livestream.

"Damn, have they really been at it for a whole hour?"

"Am I crazy? I’ve hated farm work since I was a kid. I never go home to the countryside, and yet here I am, watching a livestream of people working in the fields for an hour."

"Same here. And these guys are really putting in the effort—must be exhausting."

"You said it."

"What a powerhouse—Guan Peng claims to be a real man, and I believe him now."

"Having carried fertilizer myself, I can vouch for how tough this is."

"You don’t even need to say it—just look at how much they’re sweating."

The chat grew livelier by the minute.

At this point, "Farming With the Stars" no longer needed to defend itself.

"Mr. Lin, the ingredients are all prepped," a staff member informed Lin Xing.

"Alright, I’ll head back after this last trip," Lin Xing replied.

Tanya turned to the camera, "Mr. Lin really has it tough today—not only is he in charge of deliveries, he’s also cooking for everyone. Let’s follow him and see."

Back at the residence, all the ingredients were ready.

"Give me a moment," Lin Xing said. "I need to wash my hands—and take a shower, too. The chemicals we used for treating seeds are toxic. If I jumped straight into cooking now…"

He paused, then added, "The whole crew would probably end up in the hospital."

And with that, the scene faded out.