217 The Apology 15 (1/2)

One of the successful formula for the series was because it featured normal people that were married to celebrities. There was a mysterious allure to that. Furthermore, the viewers would be able to see a different side to their favourite celebrities, meaning they could watch how their idols act around their family. They shed the persona they put on before the public and carry themselves like a normal person would in a family setting.

Of course, like all reality tv, there was some staging and acting involved but it was deemed more natural than having couples that were both celebrities. The whole thing would feel like a publicity stunt and that would understandably turn off some of the viewers.

The term reality tv was an oxymoron, the viewers knew they were staged but they still looked for that sense of naturalness and authenticity.

In any case, this was why the station and producers had been facing problems in terms of casting. While many stars might appear to expose themselves in front of the camera, their counterpart that had no interest of pursuing a career in entertainment was less willing. That was why there hadn't been a second season despite the public interest and promised rating... well, at least until Joann came along with the proposal.

She came up with the idea after the talk with Xiu Ling and the name of the series was actually inspired by what her best friend said.

She approached one of the directors that she trusted and offered to do such a series. The only caveat was, she was given a say in the editing and they did not tell her husband that she would be part of the production.

The production team was understandably confused by her demands but technically, they weren't that difficult to fulfill. They were curious but not unreasonable. As stars, they had a stake in their public image so her first request was understandable. Normally, the production team would not allow something like this but since they were desperate for a series to be shot, they were willing to look past it this time.

Joann's second request was just a huge befuddlement to them. However, since the work would not be affected by keeping this secret, they agreed to it readily.

Xu Jing read through the contract and as surprised as he was, he was willing to agree to everything but one. One particular clause gave him a small pause.

Since the production team was working with just one couple, they did not have the budget to ferry them to some idyllic village. Instead they were going to use Xu Jing and Joann's home as the set.

Xu Jing would have agreed easily if they were shooting at a hotel or some undisclosed location that would not affect the life of other people but since they were going to intrude not only into his life but that of his family's, he had his worries.