After Getting Involved In A Love Triangle With My Mortal Enemy From A Past Life, All I Want To Do Is Lie Down And Relax - Chapter 22
“Is that okay?”
Sang Luo lifted his eyelids but said nothing.
An Yushu’s apprehension turned into dejection. “If you are unwilling, then”
“Okay.”
Sang Luo’s response startled everyone present, especially Huo Xun and Bai Chen.
If anyone was happy, it was undoubtedly Liu Zhiya. She had been too late for the first self-reveal, and even if she spoke up now, it would not matter: Huo Xun was already forced into a date with Chen Jing. She wished for nothing more than for Sang Luo to fall for someone else. Given Huo Xun’s personality, she believed he would surely let go if that happened.
However, even if she had lost one rival in Sang Luo, another had appeared in Chen Jing. She had previously thought the man was quite well-spoken and knew his place, but she had not expected him to dare to seduce Huo Xun right in front of her.
At this thought, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Liu Zhiya’s eyes. In that case, do not blame me for being unkind. She had specially investigated the backgrounds of the others. While she could not afford to offend most, she could easily handle a minor painter like Chen Jing.
“In that case, we look forward to the results of your dates. The cameras will be following you, so please be mindful of the boundaries,” the host chirped with a playful smile. She adjusted her long skirt and sauntered away.
The atmosphere in the living room felt frozen. Everyone’s expressions varied, but they maintained their composure, knowing the cameras were still rolling. Just then, Sang Luo felt a burning gaze. Looking up, he met Huo Xun’s deep, dark eyes. He paused slightly, noting the trace of sadness in Huo Xun’s gaze. Sang Luo looked away, burying that small, inexplicable moment of hesitation deep in his heart.
This week’s pairing method was a system blind selection. The combinations would change every day. Now, let us announce last week’s rankings.
The rankings were calculated based on the funds earned last week. First place: Huo Xun and Sang Luo, remaining funds 296. Second place: Bai Chen and Liu Zhiya, remaining funds 92. Third place: An Yushu and Chen Jing, remaining funds 14. Fourth place: Qin Yibing and Chu Yuqing, remaining funds zero.
As the rankings were announced, everyone looked at Qin Yibing and Chu Yuqing. Chen Jing immediately asked, “Did you not have 200? You spent it all in just a few days?”
Qin Yibing arched an eyebrow. “What, do you enjoy being in last place that much?”
Contrasting her bluntness, Chu Yuqing looked somewhat embarrassed. “We bought some other things, and it was gone.”
“Qingqing, ignore him. We are not interested in the final grand prize anyway.”
Chu Yuqing smiled and nodded in agreement. Chen Jing had nothing left to say. He spread his hands in a gesture of mock helplessness. “Alright, alright, I talked too much.”
The second week marked a new beginning. The blind selection pairings offered more possibilities and stirred up the hidden intentions of some. Since the combinations were not fixed, there was more freedom.
“The combinations will now be selected blindly by the system. Please be prepared.”
As the words fell, the names of all the guests appeared on the large screen. They were shuffled like cards and selected randomly by the system. With a few dings, today’s pairings were displayed. Sang Luo saw his name next to Bai Chen’s. For some unknown reason, he checked Huo Xun’s name; he was paired with Chu Yuqing.
“Pairing successful. Now, let us head to our destination.”
Amidst everyone’s confused expressions, the host signaled for them to follow her out. Several cars were parked outside the villa. It seemed the destination was not nearby.
Once in the car, the host explained the task mode for this week. Every day would essentially be about earning funds through two methods: working a job or setting up a stall. The specific task would be drawn randomly. Individual fund rankings would be updated daily, and this week’s first place winner would receive an unexpected grand prize.
This mysterious grand prize piqued everyone’s curiosity, and they began to ask questions. The production team, having built up enough suspense, only offered two words: “Secret.”
The destination was the city center, where the guests drew their tasks for the day. Sang Luo, representing his pair, drew store clerk. The pay was 50 yuan per person per hour, with no mandatory time limit. Sang Luo ignored Bai Chen’s smiling face and put on the work uniform.
“How long shall we do this?”
Coming from anyone else, such an ambiguous question might have been awkward. Sang Luo merely glanced at him, his expression cold as always. “Anything is fine.”
Bai Chen seemed to be in a good mood. He nodded. “Then let us go.”
On the way to the store, they passed Huo Xun’s ice cream stall. Sang Luo walked straight past, his gaze never lingering. And as Sang Luo wished, the man kept his head down, busy with his work. Only after the youth had moved far away did a flash of gloom cross his features.
Time passed slowly. At 1:00 PM, everyone prepared to head back. Lunch was provided as an exception by the production team today, since they had arrived late; they would not have this luxury later on.
Back in the car, the production team announced today’s rankings. Sang Luo was in fourth place. First place went to Huo Xun. Since the funds earned with his partner were split, they did not count toward last week’s totals. The highest earners today were Huo Xun and Chu Yuqing. In two hours, they had a net profit of over 300 yuan. Sang Luo and Bai Chen had a fixed wage, which limited their potential, earning 100 yuan each.
With the tasks over, the guests returned to the villa. The highly anticipated date time had arrived, but some were far from happy. Huo Xun perfunctorily responded to Chen Jing, who kept trying to start a conversation, while his eyes remained fixed on Sang Luo’s retreating back. Chen Jing naturally noticed something but refused to give up.
“Can I call you Brother Xun? It feels more intimate.”
Chen Jing’s looks were not exceptionally superior; he was more of the type that grew on you over time. He was calculating and somewhat arrogant, tailoring his words to whoever he was facing. However, he underestimated Huo Xun. The man merely gave him a cold look. “You can just call me by my name.”
Chen Jing did not argue. Even using his name felt closer than the others calling him CEO Huo. “Alright, I will call you by your name then.”
Chen Jing followed Huo Xun into the car. They were going to a nearby park. “Mm.” Huo Xun closed his eyes to rest, his handsome face still drawing attention. Chen Jing stared at him intently, feeling more and more that Huo Xun was incredibly charismatic.
On the other side, Sang Luo and An Yushu’s date was proceeding similarly. An Yushu was somewhat restless, but to ease the tension, he kept bringing up topics, all of which ended in failure. Sang Luo was even colder, answering every question but never saying more than necessary. They arrived at a mall, the date location chosen by An Yushu.
“Let us go to the third floor.” An Yushu was rarely excited, smiling to reveal two subtle dimples. Upon entering the third floor, they saw various arcade machines.
“Wait for me a moment.”
After saying this, An Yushu headed straight for a claw machine and began inserting coins. He had a target: a small lion plushie on the left. He had never played these before, and his movements were clumsy. He tried many times without success. An Yushu was not discouraged, stubbornly continuing his efforts.
After an unknown amount of time, he finally caught the lion plushie. An Yushu turned back to Sang Luo and smiled like a child: pure and clean.