Chapter Three: Victory Without Effort

Zhou Yun reminded them about eleven o’clock because there was a crucial segment in the dating show: every evening, each participant had to send a text message to someone of the opposite sex, an open display of affection. Tang Zhichu was already familiar with this rule from her past life; after all, she was in the industry, and the worlds were strikingly similar.

In the lounge area on the second floor, when Tang Zhichu entered, Huang Zejun, who was sitting on the sofa, shifted slightly to the left, signaling her to sit down. Yang Jiaxing was seated on a single sofa opposite and asked, “Are you alright?”

“I’m much better, sorry for being out of sorts,” she replied.

Yang Jiaxing waved it off. “If it’s a cold, I have some medicine with me. If you really don’t feel well, I can take you to the hospital later—don’t force yourself.”

Tang Zhichu sat beside Huang Zejun and nodded. “Alright, if I still feel unwell, I’ll ask you for some medicine.”

Huang Zejun interjected, “You didn’t seem to have much appetite earlier. Xiao Yun and I made some porridge in the kitchen—have some later.”

Surprised, Tang Zhichu still thanked them.

How did everyone become so nice to her after just a nap?

What had she done? Thinking back, she had been rather aloof the whole time. Logically, that should have left a cold impression and not garnered any particular favor.

After sitting for a couple of minutes, Tang Zhichu suddenly understood. Yang Jiaxing and Huang Zejun, sitting across from each other, had been silent before she entered, both exuding an air of composure—a subtle standoff, perhaps?

A rivalry on a dating show? Clearly for the sake of the female guests.

From their perspective, Tang Zhichu, with her reticence and unimpressive background, posed no threat, and thus became the “sweet bun” in their eyes.

Tang Zhichu smiled discreetly, her thoughts finally clearing.

The three male guests gathered together, naturally signaled it was time to send their texts to the women downstairs. Though quiet, Tang Zhichu had been keeping track of all useful information.

In terms of looks, the three female guests were all attractive. Zhou Yun had the most outstanding figure; Tang Zhichu vaguely remembered her stretching and revealing a toned abdomen, complete with abs and a navel line like the number one.

Jiang Lan was the picture of a refined lady—responding gently, modest and unassuming, never competing.

Chen Siyang needed no further mention. Her arrival had enlivened the villa; she was the visual ace of a girl group, with model-caliber beauty.

Who should the message go to?

Tang Zhichu hesitated for less than three seconds before choosing Chen Siyang’s number—not for her looks, but to make an entrance.

“Very glad to meet you.”

An unremarkable message.

***

Downstairs with the female guests.

The dull hum of vibrating phones was clear to everyone, yet all pretended not to hear, wary of pressuring the recipient or exposing their own awkwardness.

Once again, Chen Siyang picked up her phone with a subtle gesture.

“Very glad to meet you.”

It was the third message she’d received.

Chen Siyang felt no pride or satisfaction—only mounting pressure. This pressure didn’t come solely from the three messages, but also from the reason she had come to the show.

The girl group she’d been in had disbanded six months earlier—entanglements, but mostly the companies seeking to maximize their profits.

Yes, profit maximization.

Thus, Chen Siyang’s company had bundled her along with herself and sold them both to another company—Tianhe Entertainment.

Her experiences after debuting had worn down the once passionate Chen Siyang. She knew if she kept coasting, her career would truly be over.

So, after three days of reading motivational quotes to recover a bit of energy, she gritted her teeth, went to her agent, and asked for work, planning to make one last stand in the industry.

Her agent was troubled. Although Chen Siyang came from a girl group and had graduated from a film academy, Tianhe had no shortage of actors or singers.

A girl group member with no background, trying to secure a good film project among a host of seniors? Chen Siyang herself knew it was impossible.

Thus, her agent offered her three variety shows to choose from: an acting competition, an outdoor survival show, and a dating show.

Chen Siyang pondered all night. The acting show was tempting but intimidating; even veterans had been reduced to tears on such programs, let alone newcomers.

The outdoor show? More like a background extra.

Only the dating show offered ample room to perform.

Trained in acting, Chen Siyang was confident in her skills. Rather than risk humiliation from seniors, directors, and critics, she’d rather face the real test of the market through a dating show.

After all, wasn’t a dating show just a real-life romance drama?

Because she was so clear on why she was here, the pressure weighed all the heavier.

But she knew this was a hurdle she had to cross; in this industry, one had to be ruthless.

Chen Siyang bit her lip, deliberating whom to reply to. It felt as if she were choosing the male lead for her own romance drama.

Yang Jiaxing was very forward—so much so that Chen Siyang didn’t quite know how to respond. If she replied to him, the pressure would only intensify.

Huang Zejun had shown interest too; he’d even tried to pair up with her to cook, only to lose at rock-paper-scissors to Yang Jiaxing.

Yet, Huang Zejun was a bit older, too steady, and not quite a match for her. Chemistry was important in a romance drama.

That left only Tang Zhichu, the one who hadn’t spoken a word.

Chen Siyang’s brow relaxed. Perhaps he really was a good choice.

His cool silence actually alleviated her own stress; and in terms of looks, he was the most outstanding of the three, and about her age.

After a moment’s thought, Chen Siyang began composing her reply.

***

Upstairs.

Just as Tang Zhichu expected, both Yang Jiaxing’s and Huang Zejun’s phones vibrated, while her own remained silent.

Her performance had been lackluster, her background unimpressive.

She calculated that she’d probably have to play the role of a lovesick admirer for more than a month.

But the prospect of playing such a character didn’t bother her. Who really falls in love under the gaze of cameras? If they did, it was all for the audience.

Just as she was contemplating how to leave a memorable impression as a lovesick admirer, her phone suddenly buzzed.

She picked it up—face expressionless, but inwardly astonished.

The number was the very one she’d just messaged.

In other words, Chen Siyang had replied.

“You don’t seem to talk much!”

Tang Zhichu: “???”

The vibration of Tang Zhichu’s phone attracted the attention of Huang Zejun and Yang Jiaxing.

They were both surprised—a person who had been withdrawn the whole time, with almost zero interaction with the female guests, actually received a message?

Yet, neither was particularly shaken; instead, they shot each other a glare.

Yang Jiaxing thought, “This old guy’s got something. Chen Siyang actually messaged him!”

Huang Zejun thought, “No, no, I need to be more proactive. Chen Siyang must have sent her message to that kid opposite!”