Chapter 69: Family Members Gather for a Meal

After everyone finished the game, the awkward press conference for the family came to an end. After the recording, PD Zhang Zaihe came over and told everyone that Li Shenxing had already reserved a private room at a restaurant on behalf of the production team, inviting them to gather for a meal. This was both an apology for the lack of prior notice for the press conference and a celebration of the start of the show, as well as an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better. From the earlier filming, it was clear that apart from Liu Zaishi, Lee Hyori, Yoon Jong-shin, and Li Shenxing, the others were not very relaxed.

The gathering place was Li Shenxing's restaurant in Sinchon. The production team did not join them, as they still had many things to do and needed to prepare for the next day in the village.

It seemed the production team had already discussed this with their agents, so they did not have to rush to their next commitments after the filming.

After everyone changed into casual clothes, they each got into their limousines and headed for the restaurant.

On the way, Li Shenxing had already called the restaurant to make arrangements. When they arrived, a staff member was waiting at the entrance to lead them directly to the reserved private room.

As the staff member opened the door to the private room, Liu Zaishi walked in first and called out, "Shenxing, what delicious dishes are you going to order tonight... Oh? The dishes are already on the table?"

Li Shenxing replied, "I called ahead on the way here. Everyone, come in and take a seat." He then walked in and found a seat.

With the boss having spoken, the others followed and found their own seats.

The long dining table was already set with utensils and a variety of dishes, including Chinese, Western, and Korean cuisine, as well as a few that were hard to identify.

Liu Zaishi looked at the dishes on the table, smacked his lips, and said, "Oh! It's been a long time since I've eaten here. There must be some new dishes, right..."

Jin Su-ryu said, "A while ago, I saw a recommendation for a new dish by Shenxing on a food forum. The comments said it was quite delicious, a squid dish cooked in squid ink. Have you tried it, Hyori?"

"It's really good. I've tried it a few times at home. It's a great dish to have with drinks," Hyori replied.

"Everyone, don't just chat. Let's start eating and talk while we eat," Li Shenxing suggested.

"Right, let's all raise a glass. To the success of our show," Liu Zaishi said, raising his glass.

"Cheers!!" everyone echoed.

After the first toast, the atmosphere warmed up, and everyone started to enjoy the delicious food on the table. Li Shenxing's cooking skills were well-known in the entertainment industry, and his dishes were highly praised.

With the delicious food and the wine, the atmosphere in the private room became increasingly relaxed and casual.

Li Shenxing looked at Jin Su-ryu, who had been quiet tonight, and asked with concern, "Brother Su-ryu, how did you feel about today's filming? Was it okay?"

Jin Su-ryu took a sip of wine and replied, "I'm still not used to it. I didn't know how to respond, and without anyone around, I didn't know what to do..." Park Yijin and Lee Tae-hwi also nodded in agreement.

However, the effect was quite noticeable. It showed everyone's ability to handle unexpected situations and their talent for variety shows. The writers can adjust based on your performance, right, Brother Zaishi?" Li Shenxing said to Liu Zaishi.

"Shenxing is right. Don't be discouraged. You all need more chemistry, and that will come with more episodes. Just don't be afraid to speak your mind during filming. Share your thoughts, and the writers will guide you. Any inappropriate parts will be edited out by the PD," Liu Zaishi said.

Hearing this, everyone felt more at ease.

Jin Su-ryu, who was quite familiar with Liu Zaishi, asked, "Brother Zaishi, can you give us some tips on what to pay attention to in variety shows?"

Hearing Jin Su-ryu's question, the others looked at him eagerly. Seeing their expressions, Liu Zaishi shared some tips on how to perform in variety shows, how to respond to topics, and how to find their own unique roles. He also mentioned that these roles could be developed over time with the help of the writers. He then shared some small techniques for responding to topics, as the actors were more familiar with talk shows and were still new to this type of variety show.

Liu Zaishi was not being generous just because he was a good person; he was doing it for the show. After all, this show was going to compete with "2 Days & 1 Night." Whenever it came to the show, Liu Zaishi was very serious and strict, not only with himself but also with the other members, whom he would gently but firmly push to improve.

Since everyone had to work or film the next day, the gathering did not last too late. Around eleven, at Liu Zaishi's suggestion, the meal came to an end.

The next day, while the members were resting or working, they all received a call from Liu Zaishi.

As soon as they answered, Liu Zaishi quickly said, "Hello, this is Liu Zaishi. Please gather at Maeyan Village in Yanggu County, Gangwon Province at 10 AM tomorrow. See you then!" and immediately hung up.

The members, hearing his rapid and abrupt message, were left confused, not even sure where the place was.

"Brother?... Brother Zaishi?..." Hyori called out, but only heard the dial tone. "Oh no! I didn't even hear where it was..."

"Ma... Maeyan? Where is that?" Yoon Jong-shin only vaguely remembered the name.

"Ha... He just hung up after saying his piece. Sigh..." Jin Su-ryu complained.

"Brother Zaishi is always like that. Sometimes I wonder if he has a motor in his mouth," Li Shenxing shook his head and put away his phone.

After the call, everyone continued with their day. The VJ had already informed their agents of the location.

Hyori got home early that day, before dinner time, and did not see Li Shenxing at home.

"Hmm? Not at home? Where did he go?" She didn't call him and went upstairs to take a bath.

Two people in love need to give each other some personal space to keep their relationship fresh and lasting.

A little while later, the door opened, and Li Shenxing came in. Seeing Hyori's shoes on the floor, he asked, "Hmm? Why are you back so early today?" He changed his shoes and walked in.

Not seeing Hyori downstairs, Li Shenxing knew she was taking a bath. After coming home, Hyori would go upstairs to bathe if she wasn't going out in the evening, as she enjoyed the fresh feeling after a bath.

It was June, and the weather was getting hot. In the summer, Hyori's appetite was easily affected by the heat, and she often felt full and had no appetite. So, in the summer, Li Shenxing would prepare light and easy-to-digest meals.

Tonight, he made cold noodles and cold beef slices.

He had already prepared the beef broth at home, chilled it in the refrigerator, and sliced the beef, ready to be served cold.

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