I’ve Gone Viral Because of a Money-Saving Variety Show

Chen Xixi couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off about Wan Chen. Her sixth sense was telling her that he was acting weird.
Normally, when she participated in an event, it would be quite a while before other guests would rush over after seeing it online.
But Wan Chen had arrived unusually fast this time, not as if he had seen her attending the event online and decided to come. At the very least, there wasn’t enough time for that.
Perhaps, Wan Chen had some prior knowledge about the mall hosting an event?
It’s not that she completely ruled out the possibility…
But, she came to this mall almost every day, so how come she never noticed any promotion for this event?
Maybe she just wasn’t paying attention?
Or was it because the program was about to end, and she was getting overly anxious?
Chen Xixi glanced at Wan Chen, and he noticed her gaze.
Wan Chen smiled amiably, “What a coincidence, I was bored staying in my apartment and thought about going out for a walk. I didn’t expect to bump into an event at this mall, and you’re here too.”
The way Wan Chen smiled made Chen Xixi feel even more uneasy. She smiled back and said, “You seem in a good mood today.”
Normally, Wan Chen acted as if he didn’t really care about anything, almost as if he wasn’t invested in their program at all. Today, he seemed to be in an especially good mood.
A flicker of something unusual passed through Wan Chen’s eyes, but he quickly adjusted his demeanor and said with a smile, “Tomorrow’s the last day of the program and the end of these hard times. Of course, I’m in a good mood. Just thinking about returning to normal life, not having to worry about going hungry or sleeping on the streets makes me happy. Aren’t you feeling good too?”
“Well, that’s true. I thought you were happy because of the prize draw,” Chen Xixi asked curiously, “But aren’t you anxious about who will win the two big prizes at the end of the program?”
Wan Chen’s smile didn’t falter, and he looked as personable as a world peace ambassador, “That goes without saying, the two big prizes will surely be yours! Everyone has seen your strength. Since I can’t compete with you, I might as well accept my fate, let everything be determined by destiny. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
Not competing or fighting? Leaving it up to fate?
Chen Xixi had to admit she admired Wan Chen’s attitude.
Chen Xixi spoke with a smile, “It’s a bit early to talk about this before the program ends.”
Wan Chen agreed wholeheartedly, “You’re being too modest.”
Chen Xixi looked at Wan Chen, “It’s not about modesty, there’s still a chance to win a half-million yuan prize. Maybe one of us will just get lucky.”
“Maybe,” Wan Chen replied as if without a care, his tone so light as if he was just there to join the fun, with not the slightest hint of unease.
Chen Xixi said, “Indeed, it’s not easy. I guess it won’t be more than half an hour before Zheng He and the others will come too—”
“Did someone call me?” Zheng He arrived, panting slightly. He wouldn’t miss this kind of opportunity!
Just last night, he had spent all his money on three hundred thousand in Fake Money, hoping to have a good night’s sleep and lie in until tomorrow evening, but this morning he was woken up by Wan Chen’s alarm.
Everyone knew from the start of the program that Wan Chen struggled with waking up early, only getting up when called by the program staff for a task. Otherwise, he would sleep until he naturally woke up.
So, Wan Chen setting an alarm for an early rise was very suspicious!
Zheng He quickly snapped himself awake and followed suit. Han Qianyi, also woken up by the commotion, felt something was off and came along.
The only one who didn’t join was Jin Cheng, who lazily turned over and continued to sleep. He’d stayed up late playing games the night before and was just too tired. Gaming without spending money was too difficult for him! If only Chen Xixi could play with him every day, it would be much more relaxed!
[Hahaha! Looks like Wan Chen really had his fill of tough times! Since the start of the program, this is the first time I’ve seen him looking so happy and in such a good mood!]
[They’ve suffered enough, hardly had any good food since the program started, I can’t imagine what state they’ll be in once the program ends. Will they binge at a few restaurants for three days and nights?]
[What’s Zheng He up to? With his luck, if he wins the lottery, I’ll blow up our office!]
[Sister upstairs, please blow up my office too while you’re at it. Your kindness won’t be forgotten; I’ll always stop by to keep you company, so you’re not alone!]
Seeing the mall’s prize draw, with a top prize of half a million, Zheng He was utterly stunned!
He had just spent all his cash on three hundred thousand in Fake Money. If Chen Xixi or any of the others won, wouldn’t his Fake Money be for naught?!
No wonder Wan Chen got up so early today; it turned out he was here for the prize draw!
He had to participate too!
It was just that his current luck… made him a bit worried.
Zheng He scrutinized the event rules signpost placed to the left of the stage.
You could participate in the draw by spending just one yuan?
With such a low threshold, how was this different from giving it away for free?
If his luck wasn’t good, he could just spend a hundred yuan for a hundred tries, right?
Quality might not cut it, but quantity would do!
Regrettably, the rules clearly stated that each person could participate once only, with their mobile phone number and ID number.
Zheng He bought an ice popsicle in the mall and ate it, considering it as cooling himself off in advance.
Even if he couldn’t win, it was not a given Chen Xixi and the others would win. He could only comfort himself with that thought…
Besides, he had been unlucky for so long, what if his luck changed this time and he won? He had to keep some confidence!
Han Qianyi also wanted to boldly give it a go, a chance at five million yuan for nothing!
A long table was set up on the stage, and in the center of the table was a square box containing the lottery cards.
In about half an hour, the host would invite everyone to come up and draw in turn.
At this point, Chen Xixi was standing in the ninth position in line, Wan Chen was tenth, Zheng He was twelfth, and Han Qianyi was fourteenth.
Suddenly, Zheng He remembered the matter of Wan Chen setting his alarm and craned his neck to look past the person in front of him, addressing Wan Chen, “No wonder you haven’t been in a rush to win these last few days, just lying around in the apartment. It turns out you were waiting here!”
Wan Chen frowned, “What am I waiting here for?”
Zheng He took a bite of his ice popsicle and chuckled, “Setting an alarm to come over early because you knew about the mall’s event in advance, right?”
Chen Xixi heard Zheng He’s words and immediately turned her head to give Wan Chen a glance.
Wan Chen had just told her that he came out for a stroll and happened upon the lottery, but according to Zheng He, he had set his alarm specifically for this. That made things interesting.
Wan Chen clenched his teeth slightly; Zheng He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut, could he? No wonder Chen Xixi found him annoying!
Annoyed, Wan Chen retorted, “So what if I set an alarm? I just felt like getting up early for a walk. Is that a problem? Do I have to report everything I do to you?”
Zheng He retorted, “Why so touchy? It’s normal to know about an event in advance, I was just making an offhand remark, no need to take it to heart!”