After Joining a Dating Show, My Silly Ex Got Jealous - Chapter 1

A light drizzle fell over the capital in July, leaving the air heavy and humid.

In the driver’s seat, Ma Fan, the manager, was nagged incessantly. “Ting-ge, I’m begging you. Once you’re on the show, please don’t lose your temper. Let’s keep things calm and peaceful, alright?”

He continued without pause, “Even if you really can’t stand it, don’t blow up in front of the live cameras. Just quietly drag the person to a blind spot and handle it there, okay?”

Ji Xiting sat in the back wearing a high-end custom suit with his hair slicked back. His eyes were closed as aggressive rock music blasted through his headphones, effectively cutting off Ma Fan’s rambling.

Ma Fan stole a glance through the rearview mirror, but seeing him remain silent, he could only let out a miserable sigh. He felt he should have watched this “ancestor” of a celebrity every second of the day; otherwise, the man wouldn’t have impulsively agreed to participate in this ill-intentioned dating show.

Three days ago, Ji Xiting broke up with his boyfriend of over a year, the award-winning actor Qin Zheng.

The split had been decisive, yet they hadn’t provided a single reason. There was only a simple three-word post on Weibo: “We broke up.” This left not only the public bewildered but also Ma Fan, who spent every day revolving around the two of them. While a peaceful breakup was better than a public spat, Ma Fan remained on edge, sensing that trouble was brewing.

Sure enough, despite his best efforts to prevent a disaster, his artist had handed him a massive surprise. Ji Xiting was actually going to participate in a same-sex dating variety show called Nineteen Days of Enchantment alongside Qin Zheng. Even the title sounded a bit questionable. To make matters worse, Ji Xiting vowed that he was there to find a new boyfriend, claiming that “out with the old and in with the new” was the only way to go.

Thinking of Qin Zheng’s personality, a man who could get jealous of his own shadow. Ma Fan felt a chill run down his spine. This coming month was bound to be anything but peaceful.

******

At exactly one o’clock in the afternoon, the official Lemon Channel livestream began, and Nineteen Days of Enchantment started right on time.

【Oh my god, are they coming?!】

【I knew they couldn’t stay apart. With Qin Zheng’s jealous streak, how could he ever let Ting-ge go?】

【Given Ting-ge’s explosive temper, he probably tried to sneak over and silence the man in the middle of the night when he found out they were on the same show.】

【My dead ship is coming back to haunt me after three days. Bring on the drama!】

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang, and the entire “Dating House” fell silent. Five seconds later, the door pushed open and a head of chestnut curls peeked into view. A clean, delicate face appeared on camera, and his white tracksuit made him look like a total “natural.”

“Is anyone here?” His crisp voice sounded incredibly adorable.

【Wow, so cute. He must be a Shou.】

【So precious, I just want to squeeze him.】

【…The bullet chat is not a lawless land, people.】

Shen Ruan blinked a few times and realized the house was truly empty, so he turned around and struggled to lug a large pink suitcase inside. He swapped his shoes for slippers at the entrance, revealing perfectly clean white socks. He carefully placed his mud-stained sneakers on the rack, even lining the bottom with a tissue. After tucking his suitcase against the wall, he stepped further into the house.

Facing a room full of cameras, Shen Ruan felt a bit awkward. He sat down silently in the corner of the sofa and pulled a light green throw pillow into his arms.

Time ticked by until, just as he was looking out the window for the third time, the sound of the door opening rang out again. He stood up abruptly and looked toward the entrance.

A tall figure walked inside. The young man wore a white shirt and trousers with a pair of rimless glasses perched on his nose. His features were refined, and he carried a scholarly air that felt like a breath of fresh air.

【Yikes, looks like another Shou. Wait, is he a Gong?】

【Gentle Gongs are the best!】

“Do you need help with your things?” Shen Ruan ran over and asked softly.

The young man curled his lips into a warm smile. “It’s fine, I can manage.” He took out slippers from the cabinet and placed his leather shoes neatly next to Shen Ruan’s.

Neither of them spoke further as they walked into the living room, allowing an awkward atmosphere to fill the space.

“I’m Si Wen. How should I address you?” Si Wen eventually broke the silence.

“I… I’m Shen Ruan.”

Si Wen chuckled. “That’s a cute name.”

Shen Ruan’s face instantly flushed as he shyly toyed with the pillow.

【What did I tell you? He’s definitely the Gong!】

【I don’t think they match. When is my Ting-ge coming? I’m dying here.】

【I bet Ting-ge and Qin Zheng will arrive together.】

【Holy crap! They’re here!】

The camera cut to the exterior. On the green driveway of the villa, two luxury cars that were anything but subtle pulled up one after the other.

Ji Xiting opened his eyes. He slowly cut off the soul-piercing lyrics of the rock song in his ears and calmly tucked his headphones back into their case. Once Ma Fan opened the car door, he slid his long legs out and stepped onto the pavement.

This moment really deserved a red carpet, but instead, there was only a small puddle.

With a wet splat, Ji Xiting paused and glanced down at his feet. His six-figure leather shoes and the cuffs of his equally expensive custom trousers were now speckled with faint mud spots.

He wore a “friendly” smile as he looked at his manager.

Ma Fan’s lip twitched. “Mud… makes for a… muddy-nificent start?”

Ji Xiting took a deep breath. He didn’t want his beautiful new life to begin with the sacrifice of Ma Fan. “Move.”

“Right, right.” Ma Fan scurried backward.

Ji Xiting stepped out of the car and habitually buttoned his suit jacket. As he stood tall, his peripheral vision strained to catch a glimpse of the other luxury car. When exes meet, whoever remains the most composed wins the crown.

Qin Zheng stepped out of the driver’s seat and instinctively looked toward Ji Xiting, only to see a stubborn and upright profile. He retracted his gaze and nonchalantly opened his trunk to pull out a suitcase.

At the sound of the rolling wheels, Ji Xiting paused and glared at Ma Fan.

Ma Fan’s small eyes widened in confusion.

Ji Xiting kept smiling while hissing through gritted teeth, “My suitcase.”

“Oh, right!” Ma Fan immediately scrambled to the back to retrieve the luggage.

Ji Xiting exhaled and grabbed the handle, preparing to head inside.

“Ting-ge,” Ma Fan whispered while tugging at his sleeve, his face full of misery. “Harmony is precious!”

“Tsk.” Ji Xiting slapped his hand away. “Stop worrying. My temper is perfectly fine.”

Ma Fan looked past him. Ji Xiting arched an eyebrow and turned around to find Qin Zheng standing a short distance away, watching him with one hand resting on his own suitcase handle.

The young man in his early twenties was dressed simply in a white T-shirt and black pants. His hair was casually styled, making him look as vibrant as a college student. In reality, he had only recently graduated, but his harmless appearance was a front that only Ji Xiting could see through. He knew this man was a petty wolf cub with a temper much worse than his own.

Ji Xiting pulled his suitcase along and walked up to him with his head held high. He offered a smile as warm as a spring breeze. “What a coincidence. I’m here to find love. How about you?”

Qin Zheng replied expressionlessly, “Quite a coincidence indeed. I’m also here to find love.”

Ji Xiting’s smile grew even more benevolent, and Qin Zheng pulled his lips back in a shadow of a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

【Holy shit! I can hear the sound of clashing blades, can you guys?!】

【I see the literal sparks flying!】

【My CP soul is being resurrected!】

After their “friendly” greeting, they both gripped their suitcases and marched side-by-side toward the villa door.

Wait.

Ji Xiting narrowed his eyes when he noticed Qin Zheng picking up the pace. Was he trying to start his new love life one step ahead? In his dreams! Ji Xiting lengthened his stride.

Qin Zheng’s expression darkened. Was he that eager to see the new guests? Not a chance!

The viewers watched as the two men practically speed-walked down the path. Their long legs moved so fast they were a blur, and by the time they reached the door, they were basically in a competitive power-walking stance.

Thud—

The two large suitcases collided, and their hands gripped the doorknob at almost the exact same time. Ji Xiting was just a fraction of a second faster.

He glanced down at the hand pressed against the back of his own. The knuckles were well-defined and the fingers were long, with neatly trimmed nails that looked healthy, a total treat for anyone with a hand fetish.

Ji Xiting gave a soft huff and used his shoulder to nudge Qin Zheng aside. “Excuse me, I got here first.”

Qin Zheng: A twenty-six-year-old man being this childish!

As soon as Ji Xiting opened the door, he made eye contact with the two people standing in the entryway. Wow, a cutie and a refined beauty. This is exactly the type a top-tier Gong like me should like!

“Hi, I’m Ji Xiting,” he greeted them with polite enthusiasm.

As expected of a top idol who had been famous for years, he was even more handsome in person than on screen. If Qin Zheng wasn’t standing behind him with such a dark expression, Shen Ruan and Si Wen might have appreciated the view a bit longer.

“I’m Si Wen, and this is Shen Ruan,” Si Wen introduced them.

Shen Ruan blushed. “Ting-ge, do you need help?”

Ji Xiting smiled warmly. “How could I let such an adorable younger brother do heavy lifting?”

“Tsk. Are you going in or not?” Qin Zheng frowned.

Ji Xiting spared him a glance before slowly dragging his suitcase into the foyer. Qin Zheng followed closely behind and slammed the door shut with a loud thud.

“Ting-ge, let me get your slippers for you.” Despite his shyness, Shen Ruan was exceptionally enthusiastic toward his idol.

“Thanks, little brother,” Ji Xiting said.

“You’re welcome!” Shen Ruan’s face turned bright red from the acknowledgment.

The low-pressure aura radiating from Qin Zheng was almost tangible. His sharp gaze fixed intently on the slippers; they were the same color as the ones Shen Ruan was wearing!

And they were freaking green!

Shen Ruan noticed the stare and his smile faltered. He whispered, “Movie King Qin, do you… do you like green?”

Qin Zheng snapped, “…Do I look green to you?”

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