novelraw Chapter 41 - Low Ammo, Short Range! "Back to Field" Begins Recording!
Chapter 41 - Low Ammo, Short Range! "Back to Field" Begins Recording!
Chapter 41: Low Ammo, Short Range! “Back to Field” Begins Recording!
[Congratulations, Host! For your first appearance on Keep Running, this episode’s theme is related to “soccer.” Reward: Shooting on an Open Goal!].
[Note: As you navigate the entertainment industry, you will inevitably develop relationships with female celebrities. Hence, the reward Shooting on an Open Goal is granted. Additionally, this reward is controllable—please explore its potential patiently!].
Shen Lang: “I @#¥%…”
At this moment, he was speechless.
A reward related to “soccer”—why did it have to be linked to Chinese soccer?
Hadn’t everyone seen how, in the future, the national team would suffer a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Japan? Even during the Anti-Japanese War, the collaborationist Wang Jingwei regime only lost 6-0 against Japan.
But, to be fair, even those traitors back then weren’t this bad.
And now, the national team?
Ahem— Shen Lang coughed lightly, utterly baffled by the system’s reward.
Of course, he knew the reward had nothing to do with actual soccer—it was about that kind of “shooting on an open goal”… Those who understood, understood!
But how should he put it? This reward was extremely important to him!
No need for safety measures either—though the “separation of layers” might reduce the sensation a bit.
“Xiao Lang, what’s on your mind?”
Deng Chao walked over, patted his shoulder, and asked.
Shen Lang snapped out of it. “Just thinking about leaving soon—gonna miss everyone.”
“Xiao Lang, you’re always welcome on our show. Honestly, recording with you is way too much fun!” Deng Chao said warmly, completely oblivious to the fact that he’d be leaving the show next season.
Chen Chichi chimed in, “Xiao Lang, next time you record with us, we have to be on the same team. I want a free win!”
Shen Lang shrugged. “Today, the Blue Team won. Too bad we dominated the earlier rounds—what a shame…”
“That’s just how variety shows roll. Production teams love last-minute reversals—you’ll get used to it.”
Yang Mi also approached. “Xiao Lang, let’s meet up in Beijing sometime. Seriously, I’d love to act alongside you—wonder what you’re like on set!”
On-set romance!
Shen Lang screamed internally, but outwardly, he said, “I’ve always wanted to work with you too, Sister Yang. You’re my idol!”
“Cut the nonsense. I know how you guys are—everyone’s your idol.” Yang Mi swatted him playfully.
After some more chatting, everyone went their separate ways. There was no group dinner—everyone had packed schedules.
Squeezing out two days for filming was already a stretch.
“Sigh…”
On the ride back to Hengdian, Shen Lang felt a pang of reluctance—mostly toward Yang Mi.
He just regretted that two days wasn’t enough to develop a friendship beyond friendship.
Next collaboration? Who knew when that would be.
Lost in thought, Shen Lang returned to Hengdian. Meng Ziyi was waiting in his room. Seeing him return, she jumped up from the bed and rushed over.
“Xiao Lang, you’re back! How was the show? Was it fun?”
Hearing her question, Shen Lang smiled. “It was alright. Next time, I’ll take you with me?”
“Really?!”
Meng Ziyi was still a newcomer—a fresh graduate from the Beijing Film Academy’s Class of 2013.
She wasn’t yet the rising 95s-generation starlet who would later dominate variety shows.
That night, Shen Lang tested out the Shooting on an Open Goal reward.
It didn’t seem all that different.
But Meng Ziyi complained, “What if I get pregnant?”
Shen Lang gave the classic excuse: “Low ammo, short range—no chance of pregnancy.”
Meng Ziyi punched him lightly, figuring she was in her safe period anyway, and dropped the subject.
Back on set, Shen Lang returned to his routine.
Since Keep Running wasn’t live but pre-recorded, his episode wouldn’t air until June 1st—still a while away.
Friday NightShen Lang received a call from the Back to Field production team.
The directors had sent a small crew—including a director and cameramen—to Hengdian to begin recording.
“Hello, Shen Lang. We’re here to film the meal-request segment. Our process is…”
After listening, Shen Lang understood.
The meal-request segment was a classic part of Back to Field, at least in the earlier seasons.
After some discussion, the crew followed Shen Lang back to his hotel.
He waved Meng Ziyi over—might as well give her some screen time, even if just for a few shots during the meal request.
The production team didn’t object to including her. The cameras were already rolling.
After getting the “Mushroom House” phone number from the crew, Shen Lang immediately dialed. He signaled Meng Ziyi to stay quiet for now.
Ring… ring… ring…
After over a dozen rings, Peng Yuchang’s voice came through.
“Hello? Are you tomorrow’s guest?”
“Yes, I am. May I request my meals now?”
Shen Lang switched to fluent Cantonese.
Production team: “???”
Meng Ziyi: “…Xiao Lang knows Cantonese too?!”
(Note: No need to write in actual Cantonese—just know that Shen Lang is speaking it.)
Peng Yuchang was stumped. Cantonese? He barely understood any!
“Uh… hold on a second—”
He yelled, “Teacher He! Teacher Huang! Come quick! Tomorrow’s guest is speaking Cantonese—I can’t understand the meal requests!”
“Cantonese?”
He Jiong was baffled.
He knew all the upcoming guests—none were Cantonese speakers. Had the production team invited someone from Hong Kong without telling them?
He Jiong put the call on speaker and asked in broken Cantonese, “Hello, my friend, what dishes would you like?”
Hearing He Jiong’s voice, Shen Lang quickly handed Meng Ziyi a script and motioned for her to read it.
“Hello, Teacher He. I’m a waitress from XX Restaurant. Your friend doesn’t know Mandarin, so they asked me to translate.”
“They’re from Guangdong and would like white-cut chicken, crispy roast goose, and poached shrimp—three classic Cantonese dishes. They said these three are enough.”
He Jiong: “???”
Huang Lei cut in, “Miss, could you let our friend speak? Are they an old acquaintance trying to hide their voice by having you talk?”
“And may we know your name, miss?”
Beep—beep—beep—
The response was a dial tone.
After hanging up, Meng Ziyi asked nervously, “Was that okay?”
Before Shen Lang could answer, the production team gave a thumbs-up. “Perfect!”
Of course, when this episode aired, viewers would be both amused and exasperated by Shen Lang’s antics. Yet, they’d also admire his creativity—young people really knew how to keep things fresh.
Meanwhile, at the Mushroom HouseHe Jiong and Huang Lei were busy speculating.
Who was this mystery guest?
Tomorrow’s lineup: Sha Yi? Shen Lang? Chen Duling? Shen Yue?
Was it one of them? Or had the production team added a surprise guest?