I Didn’t Want to Fall, but My Arch-Nemesis Is Just Too Handsome - Chapter 10

Speculation about Jiang Xu’s lover was rampant in the chat. After a series of teaser clips, the production team began airing the VCRs recorded in advance by the Omega guests.

In front of a tasteful set sat an exquisite, creamy-white butterfly table. A beautiful Omega rested one hand on the marble countertop, smiling at the camera: “Hello, everyone! I am Luo Yuan.”

The subtitle team displayed Luo Yuan’s profile: New-generation actor and singer, 22 years old.

Luo Yuan’s career was relatively new, but he had skyrocketed to fame thanks to the role of the second male lead in an IP-adapted drama. In the series, his character failed to find a happy ending with the male protagonist, becoming a source of eternal regret for the show’s fans. With his personal life a constant worry for his fans, who were anxious for his happiness, they had all swarmed in to support him upon learning he was joining “Roses and You.”

Luo Yuan had two dimples when he smiled, looking incredibly sweet and youthful: “This is my first time on a reality show. I am quite nervous, but also looking forward to meeting the Alpha male guest who will be my partner.”

In the VCR, the director’s voice could be heard asking, “What is your ideal Alpha like?”

Luo Yuan thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I do not have a specific image in mind. For me, being able to get along and having aligned values are the top priorities.”

Director: “Please state your love manifesto.”

Luo Yuan: “You do not have to be the best, but you must be the most suitable for me.”

The next Omega to appear in the VCR was the dancer Cui Qinglan. At twenty-seven, although slightly older, his face and physique were impeccable, making him look much younger than his actual age. When his face appeared on the screen, the chat exploded with howls.

My Lanlan is here! Lanlan is so cool! I wonder which Alpha is lucky enough to have our Lanlan. I heard Lanlan’s love life has been very bumpy; his Alpha boyfriend passed away in an accident. I really hope he finds a place to belong. Be happy, Lanlan!

In the VCR, Cui Qinglan stated his love manifesto: “Nothing is eternal; there is only the present. To be with you now is to be with you forever.”

His voice lacked great fluctuation, but the viewers in the livestream felt a pang of sadness in their hearts. Perhaps they were touched by his tragic romantic history, or perhaps they resonated with the longing he buried deep inside. The chat moved much slower than before.

A quiet transition followed. The screen flickered, and suddenly, a god-tier visual of a handsome Omega struck the screen. The chat paused for a split second before going absolutely insane.

Xuxu! Ahhh! Xuxu! I screamed so hard the building shook; they are pulling the fire alarm on the whole floor! I do not need to wipe my phone screen; I have already licked it clean. Xuxu is so handsome! Sitting there, he looks like a rose blooming in silence. I can already smell the rose pheromones. Xuxu’s face is 360-degree perfect. Xu Zhiyan is not worthy. Jiang Xu’s fans are hilarious; they always try to leech off our giegie’s fame wherever they go. Our giegie’s status is too high; he would never come to a show like this.

The fire of war, which had just died down, reignited instantly after Jiang Xu’s appearance. The chat was filled with gunpowder.

In the VCR, Jiang Xu wore a faint, subtle smile. He appeared nonchalant yet refined and noble, radiating a sense of aloof, cool elegance.

The director’s voice asked, “Is there anything you want to say to the audience?”

Jiang Xu: “The version of me on this show is authentic. I hope you will like me as much as always.”

The chat responded in kind, flooding the screen with a cascade of “Like.” It went on for a long time without breaking.

Director: “Please state your love manifesto.”

Jiang Xu’s eyes filled with a smile, his cold arrogance subtly hidden: “I will not give a second look to any man over twenty-five.”

Xu Zhiyan had just celebrated his twenty-fifth birthday, and the Yan fans in the chat were instantly triggered.

What kind of wild talk is he spouting? Who dares to look down on our brother for being too old? Do not let the fact that Xuxu is an Omega fool you; he is so Alpha! I am just a passerby, but does this not sound like it is specifically targeting Film Emperor Xu? Please remove the word “sound like.” I feel Jiang Xu’s statement is definitely aimed at Xu Zhiyan. One sentence, and the rumors are destroyed.

The #WishStarRiver# CP fans were sobbing in the bathroom: “I have not seen Xuxu and Yanyan in the same frame yet; I cannot die yet.” Do not cry, stand up and keep working!

In just a few minutes, the hashtag #JiangXuTargetsXuZhiyan# surged onto the trending searches.

The director also sensed that Jiang Xu’s remarks were too pointed and deliberately changed the subject: “I hear that one of the male guests is actually Jiang-laoshi’s real-life lover. Is that true?”

The comments section fell silent instantly. The battle ceased. Fans stared at the screen with wide eyes, waiting for Jiang Xu’s reply.

Jiang Xu’s eyes darted around, and he smiled like a cunning fox: “Guess!”

Ahhh! This little sprite is telling me to guess. Okay, I will guess! When Jiang Xu smiles, my heart starts pounding. Xuxu, you have disturbed my cultivation. Do not make me kiss you to death. Mwah, mwah, mwah! No, why does he look so good when he smiles? The ID ‘LoveYanForLife’ above—is that not a Xu Zhiyan fan? When did the two fandoms become so harmonious? @LoveYanForLife Give yourself a slap and wake up! How can you praise the opponent’s appearance? But he really looks so good! Jiang Xu’s smile makes me want to flip the wall. The fence is welded shut! Let us see who dares to flip out! I suddenly realized today that Jiang Xu would not be a bad sister-in-law for us. Hmph! Our Xuxu is someone Xu Zhiyan is not worthy of.

Jiang Xu’s smile was edited into a short clip and shared repeatedly across platforms. Less than twenty minutes after “Roses and You” began airing, the buzz skyrocketed, and the number of live viewers in the stream broke a million. Watching the backend data, Director Zhao was so excited his eyes welled up with tears.

After the preparations were completed, the live broadcast officially began. Under the aerial drone shots, a line of cars drove along the tree-lined road and stopped in front of the red carpet. A black car door opened, and Luo Yuan, dressed in a white suit, was the first to appear. He waved and said, “Hello, everyone!” The sweet Omega smiled, and the air was filled with a refreshing, sweet fragrance.

Cui Qinglan was the second to appear. He was mature, steady, and elegant as a jade tree. He stood beside Luo Yuan; he was taller, but he never stole the spotlight, instead projecting his own unique temperament.

Another black car drove over, and the door opened. The moment Jiang Xu appeared, the scenery around him became nothing but his background. Suppressing all the glitz and glamour, he became the brightest focus. The three Omegas gathered—different types, with no one overshadowing the other.

Discussion began in the chat.

Luo Yuan is a Lace Flower, milky and sweet. Cui Qinglan is an orchid, aloof and elegant. Jiang Xu is a red rose, rich and passionate.

Director Zhao walked forward holding a megaphone: “The three Omega guests have introduced themselves, and you all have some understanding of them from the VCRs. There were originally four Omegas; another one is on the way. Let us keep it a mystery; he will meet everyone after the official program begins.”

The camera shifted, and Jiang Xu’s face appeared on the screen. He curled his lips into a smile: “Roses and you, both are romantic.”

Luo Yuan’s voice was soft: “The wind has an appointment, the flowers will not be missed.”

Cui Qinglan: “I hope that this time next year, you will still be by my side.”

Director Zhao’s high-pitched voice provided the final opening: “Next, please follow our guests and begin a sweet journey of love.”

The first episode of “Roses and You” officially aired.

Three of the four Omega guests had already appeared, but the Alpha male guests remained a mystery. The chat was still guessing the identities of the Alpha celebrities, churning out a long list of potential participants. Xu Zhiyan, whose popularity in the show was originally low, miraculously filled the entire screen.

Stop thinking about it! We have already checked Xu Zhiyan’s schedule; he does not have time to participate in “Roses and You.” It is not that we absolutely have to see Film Emperor Xu; we just want to watch him and Jiang Xu fight on the show. Hold up the #WishStarRiver# CP flag high! I have a hunch that Film Emperor Xu will come. Waiting here for a result, waiting for Film Emperor Xu to come and show affection with Xuxu. Get the cult fans out of here.

As the camera panned, the cars stopped in front of a hotel. The photographer provided a close-up shot. Since it was a live broadcast, without post-production editing or processing, the images were very direct.

The viewers in the livestream: ?!!!

Excuse me, is this a proper hotel? Whose hotel is set up like a haunted house? I know this; it is the famous Kui-Mei Hotel, specializing in Chinese-style horror.

The three Omegas were already standing in front of the hotel entrance. Jiang Xu looked up at the flashing, eerie lights of the hotel. It was ghost-ridden, and the horror atmosphere was dialed up to the max. Luo Yuan hid behind Jiang Xu, his eyes darting around, filled with fear. He asked timidly, “Jiang-ge, this place feels a bit wrong.”

Jiang Xu curled his lips and smiled: “It is fine! It just has some special services compared to a normal hotel.”

“Wh-what kind of services?” Luo Yuan’s tongue stuttered; he was trembling like a scared little rabbit.

Jiang Xu: “Ghost services, obviously!”

Luo Yuan swayed, looking as if he were about to faint from fright.

Cui Qinglan supported him: “Do not be afraid. It is just the decor. There are some bloody severed heads, ghost brides, severed-arm dolls, coffins with spirits, and head-banners, but they are actually quite acceptable.”

“?!!!” Luo Yuan subconsciously distanced himself from him.

Jiang Xu’s eyes were filled with doubt: “Why did Director Zhao send us here? Could there be an Alpha male guest in here?”

Chat: Which proper dating show films in a haunted house!