Love Contract with the Queen Actress - Chapter 30

Liu Ruomeng glared at the person in front of her, grinding her teeth. “How the hell did you actually show up?”

The person across from her sneered. “If you can be here, why can’t I?”

“I don’t even know why I’m here, and frankly, shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

Liu Ruomeng lowered her voice and leaned in, her eyes burning with fury. “Don’t think what you did to me that night is just going to slide. I’m warning you, don’t push me. When I lose it, even I scare myself, got it, Kuang Gong?”

There was a two-second silence before a cool, composed female voice responded.

“Oh, really? How scary are we talking?”

Kuang Gong’s expression remained unreadable, her sharp brows lifting slightly in mock amusement. “Dark-skinned and prone to tantrums, haven’t seen that before. Might make for an interesting toy.”

“…”

“Holy shit!”

Liu Ruomeng was so furious she nearly coughed up blood on the spot.

Her grip on her suitcase turned white-knuckled.

“You bitch! The way you treated me that night was already insane… Now I see it, you’re not even human!”

Liu Ruomeng bared her teeth like a cornered rooster, ready to fight. “You think just because you’re rich, you can do whatever you want? And who the hell are you calling dark-skinned? Look at yourself, you’re so pale it’s terrifying. What, are vampires taking over the world now?”

“Come on then! If you’ve got the guts, just kill me! If you don’t, I swear I’ll take you down with me!”

Kuang Gong’s skin was a cold, almost bloodless white, her face devoid of any strong emotion.

Her dark eyes held no warmth as she replied, “My little sister’s at home. I taught her not to be friends with people who swear.”

“Especially not dark-skinned, tantrum-throwing, foul-mouthed ones.”

“…”

Liu Ruomeng: “!!!”

Though no sound was made, the verbal blow landed like a physical strike, a clean, fatal hit.

Liu Ruomeng staggered back as if shot between the eyes, barely catching her balance.

Her inner monologue was already swinging an imaginary cleaver with blinding speed, the whooshing sound of the blade practically audible as she mentally dismembered the woman in front of her.

Just as it seemed someone’s molars were about to shatter from sheer rage, and a full-blown fight was about to erupt,

Su Yuchen quickly intervened. With a strained smile, she stepped between the two, widening the distance between them.

A giant sweatdrop practically visible above her head, she spoke in the most diplomatic tone she could muster. “Ladies, let’s not joke around like this. Here, the crew gave us these wristbands with our numbers. We should put them on… Um, we’re about to board the island soon, and the cameras are already rolling over there.”

It was the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, the filming day for the dating show Love or Marriage.

The six of them had flown in from all over the country to this warm coastal city. They had only just met, and with the crew and staff nearby, this was hardly the place for a confrontation.

A public scandal was the last thing they needed.

“Whatever issues you have, settle them privately.”

The last part was whispered, a reminder that they were already in the pre-departure filming stage.

Even if the cameras weren’t blatantly in their faces, they were all wearing lapel mics, every word was being recorded by the production team.

Knowing she meant well, Kuang Gong didn’t react much. She glanced at Su Yuchen, nodded, and wheeled her suitcase away.

Liu Ruomeng seemed so angry she was nearly breathless, one hand clutching her chest while the other tugged at Su Yuchen’s arm. “Help me, sis, I’m gonna die from rage, what kind of people are these?!”

Su Yuchen, ever patient, patted her back soothingly.

“Just kidding, just kidding. You’re not dark at all.”

“…”

Another two seconds of silence.

Liu Ruomeng’s expression shifted from numbness to bitterness before finally cracking into a pained grimace, her lips trembling as she burst into tears.

“Waaah!”

“Sis, you’re bullying me too!”

“I didn’t even mention whether I’m dark or not, why would you associate me with that word?!”

“…”

Su Yuchen wasn’t naturally good at comforting people and realized she might have misspoken. Flustered, she patted Liu Ruomeng’s back frantically, even forgetting about her luggage.

“Sis, you said I’m dark, wuwuwu…”

Liu Ruomeng kept muttering before burying her face in Su Yuchen’s chest. “Everyone’s bullying me, I won’t take it, I won’t!”

As she spoke, she nuzzled deeper, her arms already poised to wrap around Su Yuchen’s waist. “I wish I were as fair as you, but I can’t! Not even hydrafacials work for me! Who can I even complain to? I even considered cosmetic procedures, mmmph.”

Her rant was abruptly cut off as Su Yuchen clapped both hands over her mouth.

“Alright, you don’t have to say everything out loud.”

“Mmmpfh.”

This time, it wasn’t crying, just muffled, fragmented whimpers escaping through the gaps between Su Yuchen’s slender, pale fingers.

The scene, however, was dangerously easy to misinterpret. The two were standing way too close, one covering the other’s mouth while the other teared up. Even though filming hadn’t officially started yet, this was a dating show, and there was a real risk of the picky audience shipping them as some bizarre couple.

But it didn’t last long, not even three seconds before Su Yuchen’s hands fell away from Liu Ruomeng’s mouth.

Not because she let go, but because she watched helplessly as her own hands drifted backward, moving farther and farther from their original target.

In a chibi version, Su Yuchen would’ve looked like a kite being yanked away.

The “Yuchen-brand kite” was lifted off the ground by the back of her collar, dragged away without a backward glance by Shen Wu.

“…”

Under Liu Ruomeng’s tearful gaze, Su Yuchen was mercilessly hauled off the scene.

“…”

Liu Ruomeng: First bitten by a mad dog, then force-fed dog food?

Fine, fine, the whole world’s against me, huh?

She really wanted to burst into tears again. “Waaah!”

“Um… are you okay?”

A soft voice piped up behind Liu Ruomeng. “Do you need a tissue?”

The voice was gentle, quiet, and hesitant.

Liu Ruomeng whirled around, glaring, and saw a girl with shoulder-length hair.

The girl was delicate-looking but unremarkable by entertainment industry standards, practically a civilian.

Liu Ruomeng wiped her tears. “I don’t need it.”

With that, she tossed her hair, lifted her chin proudly, and stalked off.

She was never one to care about others’ feelings, leaving the girl standing there awkwardly under the gaze of onlookers and pre-recording cameras, her face burning with embarrassment.

A few steps behind the girl stood another woman, to be precise, a mature and strikingly alluring woman.

Her long, straight black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her fox-like eyes slanted upward at the corners, accentuated by a small beauty mark she had deliberately placed there. When she looked at someone, her gaze carried an inexplicable charm.

As she passed the girl offering tissues, she cast a sidelong glance before indifferently striding past her.

Her steps were graceful, her black lace shawl adorned with cascading fringe swaying with each movement, making the purple dress she wore ripple with elegance.

There was no intention to comfort.

She couldn’t even be bothered to acknowledge the other girl.

In just a short span of ten minutes, the atmosphere had already turned tense, with guests of clashing personalities making it feel as though giant golden words loomed overhead, “No Harmony Here.”

But often, the most discordant situations were exactly what the production team loved to see.

At this very moment, behind the monitors receiving the live feed, the director’s team was thrilled.

“Perfect, perfect! They haven’t even set foot on the island yet, and the guests are already at each other’s throats.”

“Even though we’re not in the audio range yet and can’t hear what they’re saying, just the visuals alone are already explosive.”

“Fantastic! Some are arguing, some are mediating, and others are acting aloof, plenty of material to work with in editing!”

“Brilliant, brilliant. This is going to make for great TV later.”

…

In less than an hour, everyone had successfully boarded the island as arranged.

Azure seas met clear blue skies, while fine white sand blanketed the beach. Tiny seashells and conches peeked out from beneath the waves as the tide ebbed and flowed.

The island was surrounded by ocean on all sides, with only a single pier stretching into the embrace of the blue sea.

Docked on either side of the wooden walkway were five or six yachts, gently swaying with the warming currents.

As the morning sunlight danced across the water, shimmering waves made the scene feel even more warm and inviting.

This year, temperatures had risen quickly after the Lunar New Year, especially here in this tropical-adjacent region, so unlike the frigid grip of Beijing. The air was saturated with a vibrant, sun-soaked warmth.

Inside a semi-glass-domed reception area, sunlight streamed in, casting white tables and chairs against the backdrop of the cerulean sea outside, a picture-perfect setting.

Now, the six of them sat around a circular table.

There was no crew in sight, only cameras hidden in unseen corners or behind mirrors.

With all audio and recording equipment activated, it was time for the dating show’s standard self-introduction segment.

Suddenly, a voice came through the speakers, the PD from the production team.

A sweet female voice greeted them:

“Hello, dear guests! Welcome to the filming site of Love or Marriage, Season 6. Romance is full of uncertainties, and it takes time and space to nurture feelings. That’s why we’ll be guiding you remotely throughout the process, giving you as much freedom as possible. Lastly, let me introduce myself, I’m Xiao Ai from Love or Marriage. You can call me Director Xiao Ai.”

At this moment, everyone wore polite, practiced smiles, clapping in unison.

Except for Shen Wu.

Only Shen Wu wore a pair of pitch-black sunglasses, exuding an unshakable aura. Though she, too, clapped along, her expression remained completely unreadable.

“To ensure we all get along harmoniously in the future, why don’t we take turns introducing ourselves?” Xiao Ai said cheerfully before falling silent, waiting for someone to speak.

After a brief pause, the first person finally spoke up.

The charming woman in purple flicked her hair and waved at everyone. “Hi, everyone! My name is Xiao Zhi. I’m 24 years old, an Aries born on April 9th. I’m a freelancer, usually writing articles or painting. I love artistic creation and work in the art trade industry, running a gallery. I’m also a curator.”

Following the usual post-production style of dating shows, the scene would likely freeze on the guest with a “whoosh” of dreamy bubbles enhancing her beauty. A text box would appear, displaying more detailed physical stats and perhaps a love motto.

Xiao Ai chimed in, “Welcome, Xiao Zhi! Now, let’s warmly welcome our next guest, Fu Monan.”

The moment the name was announced, Su Yuchen froze momentarily, while Liu Ruomeng’s eyes widened as she turned to look.

“What’s your name?” Liu Ruomeng blurted out without hesitation.

The name was so unique that the chances of a coincidence were slim, meaning this person must have some special connection to someone.

The quiet girl with shoulder-length hair pursed her lips slightly, looking a little embarrassed. “My name is Fu Monan.”

Liu Ruomeng’s expression was indescribable. “Nan as in ‘Nan’ from ‘wood-south’?”

Fu Monan lowered her head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her voice soft. “No, ‘Nan’ as in ‘male.'”

Liu Ruomeng, still oblivious to social cues, pressed on, “Did your parents want a son?”

“…”

Su Yuchen almost reached out to cover Liu Ruomeng’s mouth again.

Before Fu Monan could respond, Liu Ruomeng scoffed, “Sons aren’t better than daughters anyway.” Then, without missing a beat, she added, “By the way, your name is really unique, it’s quite similar to someone else’s. Are you two related?”

Another blunt question. After she asked, all eyes turned to Fu Monan.

“Yes…” As if she already knew who was being referred to, Fu Monan kept her head slightly bowed, avoiding eye contact. “I’m her cousin. She calls my dad ‘Second Uncle.'”

“…”

“Heh.” Liu Ruomeng didn’t bother hiding her disdain, camera or no camera. It seemed she harbored a natural hostility toward anyone with that surname, but she restrained herself for the sake of the show, pursing her lips and falling silent.

Fu Monan cleared her throat softly and lifted her gaze again. A tiny, barely noticeable mole sat on the bridge of her nose, coincidentally in the exact same spot as Fu Mozheng’s.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Fu Monan. I’m 21 years old, a Capricorn born on January 9th. I work as a marketing manager at an actuarial firm. Nice to meet you all.”

Her demeanor didn’t quite match the typical image of someone in marketing, but it wasn’t hard to guess that her managerial position might have some family connections behind it.

Hearing this, Su Yuchen was surprised. “Oh, what a coincidence! We share the same birthday.”

She wasn’t shocked by the familial connection or anything else, just the fact that she was suddenly encountering people born on the exact same day. In over twenty years, she’d never met anyone with the same birthday, yet recently, she’d met two: Fu Mozheng and Fu Monan.

And herself, all three shared the same birth date.

“Oh, really?” Fu Monan, somewhat shy and introverted, smiled at Su Yuchen and pushed at the corner of her eye, only to freeze when she didn’t feel the glasses she usually wore there. She lowered her hand awkwardly. “Actually, I was born premature. My family said my due date wasn’t supposed to be today, but it really is quite a coincidence.”

From these few sentences, it was clear Fu Monan wasn’t particularly skilled at socializing. The awkward conversation could only end with a smile.

But as it happened, Su Yuchen wasn’t adept at it either and simply smiled sincerely in return. “Yeah, it really is quite a coincidence.”

Fu Monan looked at Su Yuchen gratefully, clasped her hands together, and bowed politely. “My participation in this show was kind of unexpected, so I’d appreciate your guidance throughout the process.”

“Mutual guidance, mutual guidance,” Su Yuchen echoed, mimicking the bow as a return gesture.

Neither of them was good at keeping the conversation lively, so after that exchange, the atmosphere quickly turned awkward.

Fortunately, Xiao Ai stepped in to save the moment. “Well then, let’s have our serendipitously same-birthday guests introduce themselves.”

Su Yuchen waved at the unmanned camera. “Hello everyone, I’m Su Yuchen, 21 years old, a Capricorn born on January 9th, and an actor. Please take care of me.”

Xiao Ai seemed particularly interested. “Since you’re an actor, could you introduce any upcoming dramas you’re in?”

Su Yuchen bashfully gave a brief introduction to Chronicles of the Dynasty, mentioning her role and the show’s airing date. With a smile, she added, “Actually, it’s quite a coincidence, today’s the premiere, but I won’t get to watch it.”

“Exactly! Why can’t you watch it? Because they confiscated our phones,” Liu Ruomeng interjected. “Otherwise, I’d want to watch it too.”

She’d completely forgotten that this was a role she’d failed to secure, which Su Yuchen had taken over instead. After introducing herself to the camera, she went out of her way to praise Su Yuchen, her fangirl demeanor unmistakable.

After her own introduction, she made sure to promote Su Yuchen, saying things like, “My sister Su Yuchen’s acting is amazing, everyone should definitely watch her shows.”

A sudden, cold chuckle drifted over from the side.

The sound made Liu Ruomeng grit her teeth slightly as she shot a glare in its direction. “What’s so funny? I know what you’re trying to mock, but please shut up. Thanks.”

“Thank me?”

Kuang Gong tapped the cufflinks on his suit sleeve rhythmically and replied indifferently, “If you had any manners, you wouldn’t need to sit here thanking me.”

In other words, if you’d had any manners, the role wouldn’t have gone to someone else, so don’t thank me.

Su Yuchen, sitting diagonally across, couldn’t help but slap a hand to her forehead.

“What did you say?!”

“Your hearing isn’t great either.”

“…”

This was bad, they were at it again.

Under Liu Ruomeng’s murderous glare, Kuang Gong gave a brief introduction of himself.

His impressive credentials drew frequent glances from Fu Monan and Xiao Zhi.

But Kuang Gong remained expressionless, as if he were attending a business meeting rather than a dating show.

It was clear he was picky and difficult to get along with, his words were few and sharp. So, while the other two female guests were interested, they were also visibly hesitant.

Director Xiao Ai spent a long time smoothing things over from afar, until finally, the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived.

The voice coming through the speakers still carried an excited tremor: “Alright, it’s time for our final guest to introduce themselves. Let’s welcome, Shen Wu!”

Shen Wu, who had been silent all this time, finally removed her sunglasses.

She swept aside the wavy, seaweed-like hair at her temples and turned her peach-blossom eyes toward the camera.

She spoke just five words: “Hello everyone, I’m Shen Wu.”

After a pause, she added, “Also an actress.”

She made no mention of her past glories, aligning herself solely with Su Yuchen by simply stating she was an actress.

Though she said little, her message was crystal clear, no further elaboration was needed.

Her name alone was already a resounding presence.

The looks in Fu Monan and Xiao Zhi’s eyes as they gazed at Shen Wu couldn’t conceal the admiration shining within.

Xiao Ai’s excitement hadn’t yet settled; her voice still quivered as she spoke: “Thank you, Shen Wu! Um… I mean, thank you all, thank you everyone!”

“Mmm… now that all our guests have introduced themselves, we’re about to begin a brand-new segment added for the first time in so many seasons!”

“Each guest is invited to present an item they consider their luckiest possession, a talisman of sorts, and ultimately, a heartfelt gift to be exchanged!”

Beneath the round table, each person had a small box at their feet.

Now, the boxes were opened, and everyone began placing their lucky items on the table one by one.

Xiao Zhi’s item was an eternal rose, encased in a glass bottle with golden edges tracing the petals, elegant and refined, with a touch of luxury.

“This is a piece I learned to make from a master in Barcelona. I hope it brings everyone good luck.”

Fu Monan gently pushed forward a fountain pen, his fingers lingering on it with reluctant affection. “This was a gift I received the day I passed my actuarial exams.”

Liu Ruomeng propped her chin on her hand, pouting as she barely held back an eye-roll at the Fu family. “It’s not really appropriate to regift something you received, is it?”

Fu Monan’s gaze remained fixed on the pen. “Hmm, regifting something someone else gave you might not be appropriate, but this was a gift I bought for myself.”

“I didn’t receive any blessings from my parents the day I passed my exams, so I bought this for myself. But it truly brought me good luck, so I’d like to pass it on to someone more deserving.”

Liu Ruomeng let out a noncommittal “Mmm,” muttering something indistinct under her breath. Though it sounded meaningless, those nearby could just make out phrases like “the Fu family loves putting on airs.”

After her muttering, she tapped on an unlimited cat health check-up card in front of her, briefly explaining how it worked and going on at length about how cats bring fortune and prosperity, urging everyone to treat them well.

Kuang Gong, sitting closest to her, didn’t retort this time.

But her own offering wasn’t exactly brimming with sincerity either she presented a lifetime beauty SVIP card, calling it just a small gift without further elaboration, wrapping it up plainly and succinctly.

Though these two didn’t get along, they always ended up sitting next to each other. Their gifts were both membership cards, one for humans, the other for cats, showing an uncanny similarity in their choices despite their differences.

“Shen Wu, what did you bring?” Xiao Zhi asked with keen interest.

Clearly, everyone present was curious. Under the collective gaze, Shen Wu revealed her lucky item.

It was a small pig plushie.

A pink piggy, chubby and neckless, with two round, beady eyes, sat there looking utterly carefree, dressed in a little cat fur outfit.

The cat outfit seemed custom-made, its three-colored fur sticking out like a spiky sea urchin, wrapping snugly around the pink pig.

With the hood pulled up, it looked unmistakably like a cat-pig hybrid.

Ugly, outdated, and unbranded, it appeared well-worn from use.

At the scene, apart from those involved, only Su Yuchen knew what this cat outfit truly represented.

“One yuan stays with you.”

But the appearance of this plushie was completely at odds with the goddess-like aura.

Someone immediately exclaimed as if discovering a new world, “Wow, so you actually like plushies? Ah, I never expected the unattainable flower to have such a cute and soft side.”

Yet Shen Wu casually replied with a single sentence, ruthlessly snuffing out that “cute and soft” impression in its cradle.

“Just average. Because hitting it makes wishes come true.”

After a pause, she added, “Pinning it against the wall and hitting it usually works better.”

The pig and the humans: “…”

The pig-cat collapsed without any wind, pitifully falling headfirst like a discarded piece of trash, even seeming to exhale a wisp of soul smoke in its daze.

Everyone’s lips twitched, struggling to imagine such a goddess violently beating a plushie.

The mental image was too jarring, and no one wanted to dwell on it.

So, someone quickly tried to steer the awkward conversation elsewhere: “Then let’s see what Xiao Su brought?”

“What’s Su Yuchen’s lucky item?”

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone’s gaze shifted to the last person, Su Yuchen.

At that moment, sitting right in front of Su Yuchen was… a pumpkin.

An unbearable silence seemed to settle in the air. A gust of wind swirled behind them, carrying two fallen leaves, while a crow cawed in monotone as it flew across the screen, leaving behind a trail of ellipses…

The situation was so awkward that she covered her face. “I didn’t realize we had to share it publicly. I thought we were just bringing something to pray for good luck.”

Director Xiao Ai, who had originally intended to let the guests improvise freely, couldn’t hold back her surprise and let out a loud “Wow.”

Her voice came through the speakers.

“Yuchen, why did you bring a pumpkin?”

“…”

Before Su Yuchen could answer, Liu Ruomeng slapped the table. “Oh, I get it! Sis, you must’ve brought it in case we run out of food, right? So, we can cook it!”

Kuang Gong, who had been silent for a while, let out a cold laugh.

Though she didn’t say anything, it was enough to ignite Liu Ruomeng’s competitive spirit. She glared at her. “What, looking down on cooking or something? You’d better not end up in my hands, or I’ll let you starve.”

Kuang Gong crossed her arms and gave her a sidelong glance, clearly not planning to engage.

Instead, she coolly turned her gaze to Fu Monan. “Miss Fu, are you good at cooking?”

“Me?” Caught off guard, Fu Monan straightened up nervously, her face flushing bright red under Kuang Gong’s gaze. “Um, I’m decent. You can come to me anytime if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks.”

Kuang Gong shot Liu Ruomeng a brief glance, saying nothing yet conveying volumes, See? Who needs you?

Liu Ruomeng gritted her teeth in frustration, while Director Xiao Ai, behind the monitor, was equally exasperated.

She cleared her throat lightly. “Ahem, haha, let’s not jump straight to the cooking topic yet. We still haven’t heard why the pumpkin is a lucky charm.”

Just when she thought she’d escaped the question, Su Yuchen was dragged back into the spotlight.

“It’s not actually for eating…”

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she pursed her lips, her jade-like fingers gently stroking the pumpkin. “Pumpkins bring me luck. When I make a wish to it, it listens.”

Though saying such a thing in front of everyone was undeniably embarrassing.

But that time, it truly was, after making a wish on a pumpkin, she wore an absolutely stunning gown to attend the grandest entertainment industry gala. Most importantly, she secretly shared a dance with Shen Wu in a glass greenhouse filled with roses.

So blissful.

So, pumpkins must bring good luck!

Before the filming crew set off this time, they specifically instructed the company to have everyone bring something they believed would bring them good fortune. Su Yuchen was personally reminded by Fu Nan in a phone call the day before the flight.

Perhaps because there had never been such a segment before, Su Yuchen had no idea what this gift represented. Quietly, she packed a pumpkin from the kitchen meant for making porridge, intending to keep it hidden at the bottom of her luggage. But now it was being displayed for all to see, scrutinized with curious eyes like a tourist attraction. Most importantly, this was a gift meant for exchange!

Especially when compared to the others’ dazzling golden lucky charms, the contrast was just too brutal. She might as well crawl into a hole and disappear.

Who would exchange a pumpkin for a gift?

Just as she was drowning in embarrassment,

A slender, pale hand reached over.

“No, this isn’t just any ordinary pumpkin.” Shen Wu’s delicate, long fingers rested on the pumpkin, covering Su Yuchen’s hand beneath them.

Those fair, slender fingers were immaculately beautiful, and the warmth from her palm was comforting. But Su Yuchen, still embarrassed, pulled her hand away.

“Mmm, I really did make a wish on a pumpkin, and it came true.”

Shen Wu narrowed her eyes slightly, her hand still on the pumpkin, though the soft, warm touch beneath it had vanished.

She glanced at her now-empty hand, lightly gritted her teeth, and smiled as she released the pumpkin. But under the table, she pinched Su Yuchen’s slender waist. “Heh, it’s true, making a wish on a pumpkin can make it come true.”

Su Yuchen flinched, bumping the table with a loud clang.

She hurriedly steadied the wobbling pumpkin on the table.

Her ears burned red with embarrassment, but she forced herself to keep smiling.

Fu Monan and Xiao Zhi only had eyes for Shen Wu, their gazes sparkling. “Really?”

Shen Wu, having just gritted her teeth, was still a bit irritated. But she quickly smiled again and emphasized, “Really.”

“A wish-granting pumpkin tastes sweeter.”

The guests, momentarily dazed by her beauty, blushed and hesitated to reach out and touch it. Someone asked, “So… is this that pumpkin?”

“No.” Su Yuchen answered with pure, innocent honesty. “That one got chopped in half by me.”

Shen Wu: “Mhm, bisected. Then the wish-granting pumpkin turned into milk pumpkin.”

“So, in a way, this thing really could serve as emergency rations.”

“…”

The room fell into prolonged silence. Xiao Zhi coughed lightly with a smile. “Ahem, Sister Wu, may I call you that? Sister Wu, or… Sister Wuwu?”

“Sister Wuwu, I noticed you know Su Yuchen so well. Even such an obscure lucky charm, you know all the details.”

Fu Monan: “True. Speaking of which, both your and Xiao Su’s lucky charms, though their uses… ahem… differ, are quite unique.”

Those enchanting peach-blossom eyes flickered, glancing at Su Yuchen beside her before shifting to the two across the table. “Because I ate it.”

A pause. “Pretty sweet.”

Shen Wu propped her chin on one hand, resting on the table, and smiled at the female guest across from her. Her peach-blossom eyes blinked lightly, looking particularly alluring.

Beneath the table, another hand was stealthily reaching toward Su Yuchen’s waist, intending mischief.

Su Yuchen intercepted it with both hands and swatted it away, causing the smile on the other’s face to freeze momentarily before narrowing her eyes in response.

Then, amid the repeated inquiries of “Is it good?” from the two guests across the table, the chastised hand withdrew to the surface, fingers now brushing aside the strands of hair framing her face.

Shen Wu’s gaze flickered upward. “Of course, I never lie to beauties.”

Her face, paired with her demeanor and the allure of her cascading hair, tousled by her slender, pale fingers, even the simplest gesture, just sitting there was breathtakingly beautiful, exuding an elegant charm.

“Wow!”

The production team behind the monitors gasped. “Is Shen Wu going all out right now?”

“It’s too perfect, her charm just hit me right in the chest!”

“Seriously, even Fu Monan and Xiao Zhi are blushing.”

The director urgently directed, “Close-up, close-up! Give these two more screen time.”

“Quick, look at Su Yuchen’s expression, see that? There’s a subtle shift.”

“Not just Su Yuchen, director, look at this.” Someone pointed to a monitor feed. “Check out what this angle caught.”

Everyone turned to see Shen Wu’s stunningly beautiful face on the screen.

Having just flirted with others, her peach-blossom eyes now blinked with irresistible charm, yet she subtly glanced sideways at Su Yuchen, who was slightly lowering her head, lips pressed together.

As if pleased by the hint of possessiveness on her face.

“Is she deliberately trying to make someone jealous?”

“Looks like those who shipped them during ‘Starry Night’ are in for a treat, there’s definitely something between these two.”

“Incredible. I knew this episode would be explosive. Those who get it, get it, there’s just too much to watch for.”

The cameras silently continued recording.

As dusk fell, the island breeze grew chilly.

The group stood on the shore, gazing at the endless, pitch-black sea.

Shen Wu sat with her long legs crossed, looking as though placing a coconut with a straw beside her would complete the picturesque beach scene.

Yet at that moment, the beach was barren, only desolate winds and the rustling leaves of tropical plants.

A distant rumble rolled across the horizon as the sky darkened further, the vast sea transforming into a terrifying, magnetically dark abyss that drew gazes, only to make one fear drowning in its depths and hastily look away.

“Where are we staying tonight?”

Liu Ruomeng shielded her eyes, staring at the dark clouds on the horizon.

A drone with blinking indicator lights skimmed low over the sea and sand, passing overhead.

Everyone looked up to a bleak, overcast sky.

Thick clouds had crept in, obscuring the stars.

Night fell faster than anyone had anticipated.

“Honestly, the reception area this afternoon had such an island vibe, I thought the accommodations would at least match that.” Xiao Zhi also hugged her arms, watching the horizon, the tassels of her black shawl fluttering wildly in the sea breeze.

“What are these?”

Fu Monan crouched down, tugging at a few khaki-colored bags. “Ah! Are these our overnight tents? But I’ve… never handled these before. How do we set them up?”

“Then sleep on the street,” Liu Ruomeng was the type to turn into a fighting rooster when provoked, now standing tall in battle mode, determined to make someone lose face.

Fu Monan: “…”

Xiao Zhi tucked her long, straight black hair behind her ear in vain, only for the increasingly strong sea breeze to toss it into further disarray.

She gave up and sighed. “I’m afraid even the street is out of the question.”

“Look at all these rocks and sand, the production team really isn’t taking care of us.”

“Is there any communication equipment from the crew here? Can anyone hear us? Is no one really going to help?”

“Don’t bother. This is just a wooden walkway on the beach, there’s nothing here. Didn’t Xiao Ai say earlier that the crew will bring us our phones tomorrow morning after we land on the island? Tonight, we’re on our own.”

“On our own? Before coming, I heard dating shows or reality shows all had scripts. I never expected Love or Marriage not only has no script but not even a place to sleep.”

“Is this a dating show or a survival challenge?”

“Will they only step in if we get swept away by the sea?”

“That won’t happen. The pier’s blocked off, and there are safety nets along the shoreline. Unless you’ve got Hollywood action star skills, no one’s getting through.”

“How did it come to this? Are we really sleeping outside? But I’ve never done camping or anything like this before.”

As they bickered back and forth, the sky grew darker.

Shen Wu stood up, brushing the sand off her pants.

Under her breath, she muttered, “So much useless chatter.”

Then, straightening up, she put on a practiced smile and raised her voice. “Let’s just go set up the tent.”

Su Yuchen had heard that first remark, she was close enough to Shen Wu to catch every word clearly.

She worried for a moment whether Shen Wu might suddenly lose her temper.

But her concern was unnecessary. Though Shen Wu was quick to bristle around her, she still knew when to rein it in.

The pile of what looked like duffel bags, tugged back and forth by Fu Monan earlier, turned out to be their sleeping arrangements for the night, inflatable outdoor tents emblazoned with a sponsor’s massive logo.

Among the delicate, pampered girls, Shen Wu seemed the most likely to be the glamorous, high-maintenance type who’d never lift a finger. Yet she was the only one who didn’t complain about the conditions, casually tying up her long hair before slipping on thick camping gloves as she walked.

Passing Su Yuchen, she reached out and ruffled the top of her head.

Su Yuchen’s fluffy chestnut-brown hair stuck up in messy tufts. She had just relaxed, but now, with her hair tousled, her eyes sparkled as she followed Shen Wu.

Like a kitten that, once petted, happily trots after its beloved owner.

Shen Wu didn’t waste time talking, she fastened one glove’s Velcro strap and used her teeth to tug the other tight, frowning as she secured it.

Su Yuchen was a step too late. By the time she caught up, Shen Wu had already bitten it into place.

“Ah, you could’ve asked me to help. Why bite it?”

Shen Wu leaned in, covering her mic. “If I didn’t bite that, should I bite you instead?”

Clearly still annoyed, annoyed that Su Yuchen hadn’t let her hold her hand.

Su Yuchen felt a little embarrassed again and quickly took a step back. “Let me help you.”

“No need, just watch.”

Shen Wu took off her jacket and tossed it to her. The island wasn’t cold, and the slightly thin, light-colored knitwear clung to her perfect curves, revealing them to everyone’s view.

She fiddled with the tent parts, kneeling casually on one knee without a care.

Pushing away Su Yuchen’s outstretched hand, she said, “Just hold my clothes for me.”

The sea breeze tousled the few strands of hair that had fallen by her temples, adding a touch of charm to her effortless grace.

As she bent over, the neckline of her top dipped slightly, and a delicate chain with a small pendant slipped out, resting against her refined collarbone and swaying gently against her slender, fair neck.

Su Yuchen crouched beside Shen Wu. Though tall, her slender frame made her look like a small, huddled figure.

At that moment, she hugged the faintly fragrant sweater, burying half her face in it.

The smile curling at her lips was hidden within that warmth.

It smelled like Shen Wu. So sweet.