I Have Everything They Like - Chapter 1

Early in the morning, the highly anticipated third season of the hit dating reality show Secret Heartbeat House released its preview interview. The clip instantly ignited heated discussions across social media. Amidst nostalgic memories of the first two seasons, the comments were filled with vitriol, prematurely predicting the show’s demise in its third season and a predictable pattern of a strong start followed by a rapid decline.

The reason for the backlash lay in the content of the preview clip:

A golden invitation was first caught by a hand that had just removed a rubber glove, its fingertips pale. A cold voice was recorded:

“[ Secret Heartbeat House ] has officially begun. What type of Heartbeat Guest would you most like to meet here… Are you kidding me? First, I never applied to any Heartbeat House. Second, I have no interest in romance.”

The camera quickly cut away before showing the speaker’s face, as if deliberately creating mystery. After fading to black and then brightening again, it revealed the sleek body of a silver-gray supercar. Another voice carried on the wind: “Type? Let me think… Among the people I’ve dated, I don’t think I’ve ever met someone particularly gentle, generous, and understanding. I heard your show can find beauties of all personalities. I’m quite looking forward to it.”

The invitation continued to be extended, eliciting a variety of responses, some so garbled they were barely intelligible. By the time the camera faded to black, the final voice was muffled, its tone playful:

“I’ll draw lots with her. Whoever loses has to come here for a blind date.”

A certain pink forum.

“Did you guys see the trailer for the third season of Secret Heartbeat House? I think the director is desperate for fame.”

– It’s trending on Weibo, you can’t avoid it. This show has been the king of visuals since season one. The gay couples in season two had everyone shipping them like crazy. Now they want to cash in on the yuri audience in season three. I don’t mind, but their tactics are so shameless. The first guest clearly doesn’t want to date—why even invite her?

– Am I the only one who noticed there’s a second-generation rich guy in there who’s acting like he’s collecting stamps? Good grief, has the production team forgotten this is supposed to be a sweet dating show? If they don’t want to make a proper show, they shouldn’t. No need to dumpster-dive for guests.

– Unbelievable. The C-position of the rival survival show’s winning group is now following the production team on Weibo. I think I know who the unlucky one who draws the short straw at the end will be… And sending a girl group member to a dating show? That agency is either insane and doesn’t want to make money, or they’re just chasing clout. Disgusting.

– Calling it now: season three’s viewership will plummet like a rock. It’ll be a total flop.

– The trailer doesn’t even show the guests’ faces. I’d like to see what kind of “peerless beauties” could change my first impression of these bizarre interviews.

– I heard season three is going live tomorrow. I’ve already prepared to mock these guests’ fake act. I don’t believe for a second they’ll find any genuine love this season.

You Tao didn’t believe it either.

But after glancing back at the production team’s car and clutching the hot-stamped invitation in her hand, she still dragged her suitcase toward the tenth villa, the most expensive in the Capital.

The area was surrounded by meticulously trimmed green walls, their branches pruned to perfection. The wheels of her suitcase rumbled across the ground for a long time before the scene suddenly opened up. The vast courtyard was bathed in light filtering through the windows behind Roman columns, and several square tea tables were scattered across the lawn, creating an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

The understated yet luxurious opulence dazzled the eye. It took You Tao a while to regain her composure before she stepped into the golden elevator and pressed the button for the second floor.

Her reflection in the surrounding full-length mirrors showed her long, light chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders, artfully styled to look casually disheveled. It complemented the delicate straps of her deep blue dress, and her lips, the color of a tiny red berry on a branch, served as the most vibrant accent.

In her days of rushing between film sets, she had never received such meticulous attention from a makeup artist. She never expected to experience such “protagonist treatment” on a dating reality show.

Comments began to flood the live stream chat.

I really don’t want to watch this, but… another beautiful woman! She’s gorgeous!

Heartbeat Guest #3 is here! You Tao, what a cute name! I have to say, this director’s taste is top-tier. The beauties he picked are even more stunning than those in the rival survival show! This visual fangirl can’t handle it anymore!

#1 is so restrained despite his severe germophobia. #2 looks like that stamp-collecting second-generation rich girl from the preview, but the way she got out of her sports car, took off her sunglasses, and unbuttoned her top… I’m about to fall for her! No, I must root for a normal person who’s here to find love!

Huh? Beauty #4 is here too! She’s a teacher! Can I start shipping a beautiful couple already?!

Ding—

The elevator doors opened.

You Tao stepped out with her suitcase, her eyes meeting those of the woman across from her, who was wearing a long red dress. The hem of the dress billowed with her movements, like saffron stamens stirred by the wind. Under the bright lights of the second-floor corridor, the other woman was the first to extend her right hand, a faint floral fragrance preceding her. “Hello, I’m Jing Sinian.”

“I’m You Tao. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

As their palms touched, You Tao momentarily lost herself in trying to identify the scent on the woman, while also wondering how her name was spelled.

Click.

The sound of a lighter cap being flicked open made both women turn their heads. They saw a figure leaning against the railing, her silver-gray hair with its gradient blue tips slightly disheveled, matching her loose black shirt with unbuttoned collar and rolled-up sleeves, and her elongated, slack silver tie.

“Fifty strings on the Brocade Zither, each note a memory of youthful years?” Even the ancient poem she recited carried the playful, teasing tone of a royal lord teasing a scholar.

Jing Sinian also turned to look at her. After a brief pause, she smiled and replied, “You’ve retained your middle school poetry skills well. My name does indeed come from that poem.”

The newcomer approached, her eyes fixed on Jing Sinian like a lone wolf tracking its prey. “Huo Lang.”

It took Jing Sinian two seconds to realize Huo Lang was introducing herself. Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward You Tao, and seeing no hint of resentment at being overlooked, she then turned back to answer Huo Lang’s question about her room.

When Huo Lang took the suitcase, Jing Sinian instinctively glanced back at You Tao before following him away.

I was so foolish! I just thought red and blue always make a good pairing, but I never expected it to be a second-generation rich guy stealing someone’s love!

Don’t be fooled, Sister Jing! I’m sending you the trailer for this second-generation rich guy. Run!

Poor You Tao looks so disappointed. She kept watching their retreating figures, like she’s just here to make up the numbers for the show.

You Tao is so pitiful lol. But looking at her profile, she doesn’t even have a job. I get it now, she’s probably the “utility person” the show hired to serve tea and water to the VIP guests, right?

Unaware of the “utility person” label now stuck to her, You Tao bid farewell to Jing Sinian and Huo Lang. After finally finding her room in the maze-like villa, she was immediately hit by a wave of alcohol.

A greeting caught in her throat.

Holding her breath, she squinted to make out the figure inside the room.

The program director had chosen all the guests well, but the woman before her exuded an even more exceptional aura of cold, aloof elegance. Even in a casual white cotton shirt, her cuffs were buttoned tightly, and she wore thin, sheer gloves with delicate edges—a material that seemed less about warding off dirt and more about preserving the wearer’s psychological purity.

Looking up, You Tao met a face devoid of any expression and a pair of eyes as dark and striking as ink paintings. She paused, shaking off the alcohol fumes that kept tickling her nose. Now she understood why the woman had asked, “Are you allergic to alcohol?” the moment she opened the door.

Living in the same room as someone this obsessive about cleanliness is going to be hell…

Guest Number Three is such a unlucky soul. She met Teacher Jing first, but the second-generation rich guy snatched him away in a single glance. Now, after just meeting Guest Number One, she’s been gifted a cleaning kit as a sign of disdain. Is there anyone in this show more miserable than her?

Honestly, I think that playboy second-generation rich guy would be a better fit for this room. You Tao looks like she’ll be easily dominated by this ice queen. Being a simp for a cold, aloof beauty is even worse than being a tool!

As fine mist drifted down, You Tao, the Unlucky One, offered a casual smile. “Hello, I’m also in Room 1. My name is You Tao. I hope we can get along well during our stay.”

“Fu Jin Yan.”

Because she had accepted the disinfection procedure, Fu Jin Yan reluctantly opened the door inward by another forty-five degrees. His dark eyes lingered on her for a moment before he added in a cold voice, “I’m asexual. My friends pranked me by signing me up for this. We can just be friends.”

You Tao walked to the bed with her luggage. Hearing this, she felt Fu Jin Yan was like a handful of snow from the Heavenly Mountains, unwilling to be tainted by earthly dust, even finding human emotions and desires unclean.

She smiled gently and slowly repeated, “Friends?”

“Sure.”

Am I the only one who wants to see Sister Fu Jin Yan break her vow of chastity? This kind of stoic, forbidden type from manga and novels—I just want to see her utterly defeated by love!

If this were a novel, it would definitely have the struggle of friendship turning into love later. Too bad it’s just a reality show that’s about to flop.

Fu Jin Yan’s profile says he’s from a medical family. People from such backgrounds usually have high standards and wouldn’t look twice at You Tao.

I’d love to see a “ugly duckling finds true love” story, but You Tao is just too sweet and well-behaved. There’s no way she’ll be the one to “tame” the “Number One.”

After settling in, it was time to follow protocol and meet all the guests in the first-floor lounge. Even if Fu Jin Yan wasn’t interested in anyone, he still had to accompany You Tao downstairs.

This time, they skipped the elevator and descended via the spiral staircase along the corridor. The first floor of the villa boasted excellent natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of another courtyard in the estate. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the Roman columns and scenery of the exterior corridor, making it feel as if they were in the most opulent manor in Western Europe.

Still, this show is really pulling out the stops. I bet they’ll have so many lavish mansion shots.

You Tao faintly heard voices and walked toward a nearby tea room. She gently knocked on the half-open door and pushed it open, finding herself face-to-face with a pair of smiling eyes peeking through the swirling steam of a tea kettle.

It was Jing Sinian.

“You’re late,” Huo Lang’s lazy voice chimed in simultaneously. You Tao walked a few more steps before spotting her sitting before the screen.

In the elegantly simple tea room, Jing Sinian still exuded an imposing presence. Her posture was casual, one brightly colored sneaker askew beside the wooden chair. Though she was speaking to the latecomers, You Tao and Fu Jin Yan, her gaze remained fixed on Huo Lang.

“The meeting time was before 7:30. It’s now 7:08,” Fu Jin Yan’s cool voice came from behind You Tao.

Jing Sinian, who had been warming her cup with freshly boiled water behind the tea table, paused mid-motion—her fluid, crane-like movements faltering and the air grew tense.

Huo Lang, who had been resting her chin on her hand and speaking casually, suddenly turned her head. Beneath her thin eyelids, her gaze met Fu Jin Yan’s, whose ink-black eyes returned her stare with equal intensity.

Are they going to fight?

Help, I’m already suffocating!

“This smells wonderful,” You Tao said, having walked over to the tea table at some point. She lifted the lid of the ceramic tea caddy, inhaling the fragrant aroma. “Long summer days call for black tea. With autumn approaching soon, is this Lapsang Souchong? It’s perfect for strengthening the spleen.”

A faint smile played on Jing Sinian’s lips, her expression as gentle and composed as ever. She picked up the wooden tea tongs and agreed, “Yes, this is Jin Jun Mei. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it looks.”

The moment she spoke, Huo Lang’s attention immediately shifted to her. She casually fiddled with the small ring on her right pinky finger and said, “You like tea? My family owns a tea estate. You should come visit sometime.”

I was just looking up the same shoes she’s wearing, they’re a limited edition luxury brand collaboration. Apparently, they’re even ranked based on the brand’s global annual spending. I’m going to sleep now. I’ll have them in my dreams.

Report! I just found the brand of Huo Lang’s pinky ring, it costs over 300,000 yuan! Can I shamelessly say I want her to play with my heart?

Let go of your inhibitions! I know she’s a terrible, awful person, but I love her so much! Qaq

Jing Sinian simply smiled and lowered her head to prepare her tea, neither accepting nor declining the invitation. Five to six grams of tea leaves fell into the translucent jade-glazed porcelain cup, which had been preheated. When the precisely heated water at 85 degrees Celsius poured over them, the long, slender, tightly rolled leaves unfurled. Golden down and tea hairs slowly released their color into the water.

You Tao noticed the first infusion of tea being used to rinse the cups, and her brow twitched. She quickly averted her gaze and retrieved two porcelain cups from the tea cabinet. Turning back to Fu Jin Yan, she held them up and asked, “Would you like to use this one?”

Fu Jin Yan was about to refuse, but You Tao seemed to anticipate her hesitation. Her eyes crinkled as she said, “It’s a newly unpacked item, and the patterns on this set are unique. You won’t mix it up with anyone else’s.”

People with severe germophobia often have strong territorial instincts, not only disliking personal space being invaded but also avoiding sharing personal items.

Thus, all he managed was a curt “Mm.”

This lip-reading master caught Huo Lang’s lips move. Did she say “being fussy”?

I wonder what it would be like if Number One and Number Two became rivals for her affection.

The four of them gathered around the tea table, each cup filled with amber-colored tea. The delicate, sweet aroma of Jin Jun Mei tea wafted through the air. As You Tao held her teacup and inhaled the fragrance, Jing Sinian spoke from across the table:

“I wonder if anyone else is coming. Why don’t we introduce ourselves—our professions, ages, hobbies, and so on? Just to get to know each other better?”

“I’ll go first. I’m 23 and a high school Chinese teacher. Besides reading, I enjoy gardening.”

With Teacher Jing’s introduction, Huo Lang, who had clearly set her sights on him from the moment they met, stepped forward without hesitation. Like a peacock displaying its tail feathers, she announced that she worked at an investment bank owned by her family. Though she exuded an air of intellectual idleness, her words shone like distant stars, drawing everyone’s gaze and making it impossible to look away.

Fu Jin Yan kept it brief, stating she was a cardiologist. But given her age of 27 and her elite bearing, You Tao felt she was more than she let on.

The Jin Jun Mei brewed from spring buds was sweet and smooth. You Tao reluctantly finished her tea and was about to speak when the teahouse door swung open, her clear voice preceding her arrival:

“Sorry, sorry! Good evening, everyone. Am I late?”

Ahhhh, it’s Shen Mingrui!

Baby, you have no idea how long your mama has been waiting for you! Promise me you won’t fall in love, okay? Let’s just be here to be the visual queen!

The grand finale, making quite the entrance!

The four people by the tea table turned to look at the door. While it might not seem like much through a screen, seeing such a major celebrity in person felt like touching a mirage—a fleeting moment of dazed wonder.

Huo Lang was the first to avert her gaze. With her prominent family background, she was accustomed to the extravagant world of entertainment and had seen it all before. It didn’t particularly impress her. Fu Jin Yan’s pupils simply reflected the scene before him; no one could read his thoughts. From initial focus to shifting attention, his composure remained unwavering.

Jing Sinian, however, genuinely exclaimed, “She’s truly beautiful.”

“Yes,” You Tao nodded vigorously like a pecking chick. She set down her empty teacup and meticulously examined the final Heartbeat Guest of the evening, from her flawless foundation and translucent skin to the custom-made outfit from a partner brand. Finally, she took in the overall impression and couldn’t help but sigh:

“She must be absolutely radiant on stage.”

You Tao was easily captivated by celebrities who exuded such star power. The way they effortlessly wielded their charm in front of the camera was irresistible to her. So, even when Shen Mingrui, with her long, snow-white legs, walked up to her, You Tao hadn’t yet reacted.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Shen Mingrui from Star Entertainment Company, a member of the girl group ACE. I’m 21 years old. Please take good care of me!”

The star’s arrival instantly livened up the quiet tea room. Before even putting down her luggage, she joined the group chat. You Tao shifted over and brought her a chair, positioning it just right to separate her from Doctor Fu.

“What were you all talking about just now?” Shen Mingrui asked, her smile as radiant as a morning flower.

“Self-introductions…” You Tao, who hadn’t said much earlier, followed the established order and introduced the other three women. When it was her turn, she said simply, “I’m 25. I tried acting before, but I’ve decided to retire from the industry. For now, I’m unemployed.”

Jing Sinian’s eyes widened slightly at You Tao’s profession. Huo Lang paused mid-sip of her tea, and even Fu Jin Yan glanced over. The room filled with Shen Mingrui’s surprised voice:

“Huh?”

Only You Tao herself didn’t find her profession surprising, her lips and eyes curving into crescent moons. “But please don’t ask about my representative works. I’m just a 99th-tier nobody, not nearly as impressive as Teacher Shen.”

Shen Mingrui immediately waved her hands in a gesture of modesty, claiming she had only learned some singing, dancing, and acting. Then, she suddenly asked, “By the way, Star Entertainment Company just offered me a script. Which room are you in, You Tao? Could I come over tonight to ask for your advice on the lines?”

Fu Jin Yan, who had been slowly sipping his tea, suddenly lifted his eyelids and glanced in their direction, his fingertips resting precisely in the curved hollow of the uniquely glazed teacup handle.

Huo Lang’s ring brushed against the teacup saucer. Though usually uninterested in anyone other than Jing Sinian, she now showed a rare glint of amusement, her gaze sweeping between Fu Jin Yan, Shen Mingrui, and You Tao before her lips curled into a smirk.

Jing Sinian seemed uncomfortable with the atmosphere. She had paused briefly while brewing tea, and now she accidentally knocked over the tea leaves with her tweezers, sending them clattering to the floor.

Whoa, is Fu Jin Yan already making new friends and getting all lovey-dovey with them? Her expression is practically screaming, “You dare casually invite someone into the house, and you’re dead.”

Huo Lang, you haven’t even made any progress in pursuing someone, and you have the nerve to sit here and watch other people’s drama?

Am I just being paranoid, or does Teacher Jing keep glancing at You Tao?

The Season 3 I imagined: predictable fluff, pretty girls being friendly. The reality of Season 3: as soon as everyone’s together, it’s a full-blown drama fest.

Quick question, does anyone remember giving Number Three the “utility player” card? From subtly defusing that earlier argument to suddenly drawing everyone’s attention, have you ever seen a utility player like this?

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