Fighting For My Wife With Myself After Being Reborn - Chapter 8.1

Jiang Rui must be out of her mind.

Shen Huaixu sat in the recording studio, staring blankly at the television screen in front of her, which was playing highlights from previous seasons of a dating reality show.

Yes, a dating show.

The “variety show” Jiang Rui had talked about turned out to be a dating show.

As if worried that Shen Huaixu’s own relationship wasn’t being exposed fast enough, Jiang Rui had specifically invited her to be a guest panelist for two episodes. She was expected to sit in the studio, watch other people fall in love, and offer “appropriate” advice and opinions.

It was practically pushing her into a bonfire.

The very person who had forbidden her from going public with her relationship was the same Jiang Rui now demanding she appear on a dating show.

Shen Huaixu could no longer fathom Jiang Rui’s logic. Especially after that lipstick advertisement went viral, Jiang Rui had been acting strangely, secretly adding schedules to her itinerary that she would have never accepted before, thinking Shen Huaixu wouldn’t notice.

Or rather, Jiang Rui was certain that even if Shen Huaixu found out, she would have a way to make her agree.

Thinking of the upcoming long holiday, Shen Huaixu chose to endure in silence.

The main MC, Chi Xiaoxiao, sat on a separate sofa nearby. Shen Huaixu sat on the edge of the long sofa, with the permanent MCs Lu Xiaoyu and Yi Ni to her left. Both were moderately famous variety stars who had been active in the circuit for years.

On the show, Chi Xiaoxiao played the persona of the blunt, harsh older sister; Yi Ni was the insightful middle sister; and Lu Xiaoyu was the boy-crazy younger sister. As for Shen Huaixu, as a guest, she was assigned the persona of the “aloof and intellectual” type.

“Huaixu is the only one among the four of us who hasn’t been on this show before, right?” After the initial pleasantries, Chi Xiaoxiao took special care of the newcomer, steering the conversation toward her.

“Yes, it’s also my first time participating in a variety show,” Shen Huaixu said.

“It seems our show has quite the reputation then,” Lu Xiaoyu laughed. “Huaixu, have you watched our show before?”

“I have. Occasionally, when I don’t have a schedule and I’m resting at home, I’ll watch it.” Sweet Heartbeat was already in its fifth season. Shen Huaixu would occasionally curl up on the living room sofa with Gu Yinghuai to watch it. However, her attention was usually more on Gu Yinghuai than the screen, so her understanding of the show was limited to having seen it, but not in detail.

“Wow, I told you our show was popular! Even our ‘ethereal’ Huaixu has seen it,” Yi Ni teased with a smile.

Shen Huaixu didn’t detect any malice in Yi Ni’s tone. She returned a faint smile as her answer.

“Alright, alright, end of chat. Let’s get ready to start,” Chi Xiaoxiao received a cue from the director and began following the script.

The TV started playing the beginning of the first episode of the season. The three permanent MCs were much better at creating “variety show effects” than a novice like Shen Huaixu. As the amateur guests appeared one by one and began choosing their “heartbeat” picks based on first impressions, the three MCs shared their own favorites.

“Wow, this meeting is so awkward! Luckily, Female Guest 1 managed to diffuse the tension,” Yi Ni said, clutching a pillow and turning to the others. “I feel like even if they don’t become a couple, being friends with Female Guest 1 would be a great thing.”

Lu Xiaoyu only agreed with half of that. “But I like Female Guest 3 more. I like the ‘cool big sister’ type—someone with a salty expression but a very sweet smile.”

“I prefer Female Guest 4. She can do housework and cooks well; she’s the type you’d want to marry and bring home,” Chi Xiaoxiao said, only to be booed by Yi Ni and Lu Xiaoyu.

“Whoa, Xiaoxiao, you’re so practical.”

“So grounded, Sister Xiaoxiao. Being your wife must be hard work.”

“You two! I’m telling the truth. If I had to choose, I’d definitely pick someone like Female Guest 4. After all, for me, family comes before romance.”

“What about Huaixu? What kind of girlfriend would Huaixu choose?”

Lu Xiaoyu directed the topic to Shen Huaixu. Yi Ni teased her, “Xiaoyu, have you fallen for our Huaixu?”

“If Huaixu doesn’t mind, it’s not impossible,” Lu Xiaoyu said, playfully winking at Shen Huaixu. “I’m not picky~”

Chi Xiaoxiao and Yi Ni laughed, telling Lu Xiaoyu she was daydreaming and that Huaixu might not even look at her. The two of them were chased around by Lu Xiaoyu.

Shen Huaixu didn’t like judging people, especially judging women’s merits on camera. But work was work. Jiang Rui required her to maintain her aloof persona, and Shen Huaixu didn’t want to breach her contract yet, so she followed the character.

“There isn’t one so far,” Shen Huaixu said, lightly skipping the topic. Unfortunately, the three MCs didn’t plan on letting her off. “Don’t be like that. At first glance, who would you pick?”

Shen Huaixu looked at the guests sitting together on screen and pointed to Female Guest 6, who was sitting in the corner. “Female Guest 6, maybe. She has very special eyes.”

A pair of eyes that were similar, but not entirely identical, to Gu Yinghuai’s.

Shen Huaixu had noticed them instantly. However, it was just a passing observation. If she were to truly compare, Shen Huaixu felt that no eyes in the world could match Gu Yinghuai’s—not even her own eyes, which so many people praised, could compare to a fraction of Gu Yinghuai’s.

Chi Xiaoxiao: “Indeed, the eyes are the windows to the soul. They really add points during a first meeting.”

Yi Ni and Lu Xiaoyu rarely agreed with Chi Xiaoxiao, but they did this time. Female Guest 6’s looks weren’t outstanding among the group, and her personality was quite introverted, so she barely got any screentime. But her eyes were beautiful, blinking as if they were speaking.

The segment for choosing “heartbeat” guests ended quickly. Chi Xiaoxiao and the others began commenting on the guests’ behaviors and dialogue, occasionally making exaggerated exclamations like “How could this happen?” “That’s so weird!” or “Does she really know what she’s saying?”

Shen Huaixu dealt with this tiredly, joining the conversation only when she saw something interesting. Most of the time, she played the role of the “hype person,” just following along with “Wow” and “Hmm?”

The filming wasn’t continuous. They stopped to rest a few times and touched up their makeup.

Without the pressure of the cameras, Chi Xiaoxiao, Yi Ni, and Lu Xiaoyu immediately reverted to their true selves, becoming much more likable than they appeared on the show.

Shen Huaixu listened quietly as they chatted about everything from cosmetics to weight loss methods to industry gossip. They talked about whatever came to mind. Shen Huaixu could tell that the relationship between the three was much closer than it seemed on camera.

Buzz buzz.

The phone by her hand vibrated twice. Shen Huaixu unlocked the screen to find Gu Yinghuai telling her very happily on WeChat that she didn’t have to work overtime tonight.

Refuse Overtime: 【Good news, I don’t have to work late tonight~】

Don’t Want to Work: 【I don’t have any schedules tonight either. I’ll pick you up after work, let’s go on a date! [Expectant.jpg]】

Refuse Overtime: 【Mm-hmm, I’ll wait for you then】

Don’t Want to Work: 【……..】

At the thought of going on a date with Gu Yinghuai tonight, Shen Huaixu ignored the annoyance brought by the director calling for the start of the next segment. For the remainder of the time, she participated in the conversation in high spirits, earning teases from Chi Xiaoxiao and the others.

Shen Huaixu handled their teasing with calm composure.

By the time the filming for this episode wrapped and the director shouted “Cut,” everyone in the studio breathed a sigh of relief.

“Finally, I’m free. I feel like my back is about to break,” Chi Xiaoxiao said, massaging her aching waist with a grimace. “If I ever get a herniated disc, it’s definitely a workplace injury.”

“Kids don’t have waists,” Lu Xiaoyu joked as she walked by and patted her back. “Don’t slouch, or you’ll get ugly.”

Chi Xiaoxiao bared her teeth and sat up straight.

“I’m leaving first. See you next episode,” Shen Huaixu said, rushing to pick up Gu Yinghuai. She didn’t even remove her makeup, offering a quick goodbye before taking the elevator downstairs and catching a taxi at the entrance.

She left Jiang Rui and Xu Le staring at each other in confusion.

The taxi sped along the asphalt road. Shen Huaixu was lucky and arrived at Gu Yinghuai’s workplace before the peak rush hour.

Gu Yinghuai was waiting at the main entrance. When Shen Huaixu stepped out of the car, Gu Yinghuai was completely stunned by her outfit.

Likely to match the theme of the dating show, Shen Huaixu had rarely worn such a tube-top-style slim-fitting long dress. The black dress made her skin appear even fairer, practically glowing under the sunset and streetlights.

Her slender yet toned waist was outlined by a metallic belt in an alluring curve. Her long hair was curled at the ends, looking languid and charming.

Gu Yinghuai jogged over, hugged Shen Huaixu’s waist, and praised her loudly: “Wow, such a beautiful Axu is actually my girlfriend~”

Shen Huaixu chuckled and planted a kiss on Gu Yinghuai’s forehead, mimicking her tone: “Wow, such a cute Huai is actually my girlfriend~”

“Where did this repeater come from, hmm?” Gu Yinghuai brought her face close to Shen Huaixu’s. “Is it you?”

Shen Huaixu pinched her soft cheeks, marveling at the texture while saying, “Yes, it’s me. Now, Axu the Repeater is going to take her beautiful girlfriend to dinner. Please come with me, beautiful girlfriend.”

Gu Yinghuai let go of Shen Huaixu’s waist, smiling sweetly.

Shen Huaixu’s car was at the company parking lot. She had come straight from the filming location in a rush, so the two of them could only take a taxi to the restaurant.

Located on the top floor of a hotel, the Lalaland Sunset Restaurant offered a panoramic view of the river flowing through S City. The evening sunset glow dyed the river red, and a gentle evening breeze blew softly. On the terrace, a busker played guitar, soulfully singing of secret love.

Shen Huaixu had reserved a corner table. The view here might not be as good as the central tables, but it was enough to appreciate the night scenery of S City. More importantly, the dim lighting in the corner perfectly separated them from the crowd, creating a private little world.

The people drinking on the terrace were instantly captivated by Shen Huaixu and Gu Yinghuai the moment they appeared.