Love Contract with the Queen Actress - Chapter 31

Shen Wu’s clothes carried an intoxicating scent of iris, partly from perfume, partly something only Su Yuchen had intimately experienced, a sweet natural fragrance unique to her.

In the past, Su Yuchen had never been this close to anyone else. So, on that first night when she and Shen Wu completely lost themselves in passion, she became deeply enamored with Shen Wu’s scent.

Sometimes it was strange how one person’s attraction to another could begin with the pheromones lingering in the air.

She loved Shen Wu’s natural fragrance far more than any perfume.

That sweet aroma stirred her emotions, pulling Su Yuchen’s thoughts back to a few hours earlier.

The island wind had already begun to howl fiercely. After the artists arrived, the production crew busied themselves with final preparations and equipment checks.

The scene was bustling with activity. Each artist stood with their manager and assistants, chatting in hushed tones in small groups. Soon, all non-essential personnel would leave the island, and the agencies were doing their best to relay last-minute instructions.

Su Yuchen stood beside Shen Wu, facing Fu Nan.

The sea breeze was wild, like a mischievous child tugging at everyone’s hair.

At that moment, Su Yuchen instinctively moved closer to shield Shen Wu, using her own warmth to block the wind. Shen Wu, in turn, pressed herself against Su Yuchen.

From a distance, the two looked as if they were huddling for warmth.

Fu Nan glanced at them, feeling as though he’d been force-fed a mouthful of dog food. “Ahem! Your phones will be collected for this show. I’ll be leaving the island soon, so there are a few things I need to go over with you.”

So, phones were being confiscated for the show?

Su Yuchen was slightly surprised, but Shen Wu had already wordlessly taken out her phone, only to hand it directly to Su Yuchen.

“Oh, right!” Su Yuchen quickly retrieved her own phone and obediently held out both devices to Fu Nan with both hands.

Fu Nan was speechless for a moment.

“Could you two…try, just try, not to be so obvious?”

“Hmm?”

Shen Wu didn’t seem bothered. “Is it that obvious?” She even tilted her head slightly toward Su Yuchen, as if to emphasize the point.

Her wavy hair, soft and fragrant, cascaded over the shoulder of her sweater, strands brushing lightly against Su Yuchen’s cheek.

That same intoxicating scent teased her senses again.

Su Yuchen tucked a wind-tousled lock of hair behind her ear and smiled gently without a word.

Fu Nan sighed, swallowing back the obvious retort.

“Here’s the deal. This recording session will last about three days, and there will be five more sessions like this but that’s for later. The main thing is, for these next three days, you’ll be surviving independently on the island. Communication devices aren’t allowed. They’ll provide sponsor-branded phones for sending ‘heartbeat messages.’”

“If a pair successfully matches by exchanging these messages, only one couple, just one, will get to enjoy the infinity pool and candlelit dinner on the third night as a reward.”

Hearing this, Su Yuchen tilted her head. “What if everyone matches? Couldn’t all three couples enjoy it then…?”

Before she could finish her sentence, Su Yuchen suddenly stopped and realized, “Oh, right, there’s one and only one pair.”

“Mhm, the production team isn’t stupid. Besides, this is a dating show, everyone has their own agendas. It’s impossible for things to be this harmonious.”

Hearing this, Shen Wu chuckled, her tone laced with disdain.

Without her even needing to speak, Fu Nan already knew what this narcissistic woman was about to say and quickly raised a hand to stop her.

“Alright, as long as you both remember this is a dating show, that’s enough. I’m taking your phones now. The production team is also wary of you contacting each other privately.” As she spoke, Fu Nan shook her hand, the two phones stacked together in her palm.

Su Yuchen’s plain, understated phone case looked like a small-town youth fresh in the city next to Shen Wu’s flashy, branded case, like a checkered shirt standing awkwardly against towering skyscrapers.

Dull and overshadowed by all the glitter.

But ultimately, it perfectly reflected their individual styles.

Fu Nan pocketed the phones, slipping both hands into her trench coat.

“Don’t worry about your phones. We’ll have staff keep them charged and handle any emergencies. You won’t be using them during filming anyway. The production team requires all devices to be collected, and it’s safer with me than leaving them here.”

“Got it. Thanks for your hard work, Sister Nan.”

Su Yuchen clasped her hands together and gave a slight bow, thanking Fu Nan on Shen Wu’s behalf as well. “We’ll leave it to you, then.”

“Mhm, no problem. Just doing my job.”

Fu Nan actually had a favorable impression of Su Yuchen. Though she rarely smiled, the corners of her lips curled up slightly.

But after smiling at Su Yuchen, she quickly returned to her usual professional demeanor.

“The filming crew won’t be following you this time. I’ve left an assistant team in the artist rest area two kilometers from the island. They’re nearby but won’t be able to respond immediately if something happens, so don’t push yourselves. If anything goes wrong, call the production team right away, they’re responsible for your safety.”

“Even though the producers and investors are friends of mine, and I’ve thoroughly vetted the crew, they’ve always been reliable with safety but,”

Here, Fu Nan fixed Shen Wu with a deep stare and repeated, “Don’t push yourselves.”

“Understood?”

This was clearly directed at Shen Wu, who was well aware of it. She shrugged, draped an arm over Su Yuchen’s shoulder, stretched her fair neck, and finally let out a reluctant “Mhm.”

Fu Nan watched them like a worried parent with two “kids”.

One exceptionally well-behaved, the other a handful.

The kicker? The well-behaved one was the bottom, and the handful was the top.

And soon enough, these two would be married.

It gave Fu Nan a strange sense of “my daughter’s grown up and now her wife keeps her in line.”

Just then, a staff member in the distance shouted, “Someone from Gaole Entertainment, come get your lapel mics!”

The staffer was probably an intern who hadn’t memorized the contacts yet. Holding two wired mics, they trudged through the sand, scanning the area.

“The mics for the two Gaole Entertainment artists, where’s the Gaole team…?”

Su Yuchen instinctively raised her hand. “Over here!”

She had none of the airs of a celebrity and pointed toward the voice. “I’ll go grab the mics.”

With that, she dashed off, her steps uneven in the sand.

Seeing Su Yuchen run off, Fu Nan finally spoke up: “What, didn’t sign?”

The question was brief, without any unnecessary elaboration, but Shen Wu understood instantly, her expression immediately turning a bit sour.

“Persuaded.”

She only said two words, but Fu Nan grasped the meaning right away.

Persuaded, but didn’t sign.

Fu Nan cut straight to the point, clearly amused: “Oh~ got it, so you haven’t officially caught up yet.”

Shen Wu shot her a sidelong glance, arms crossed as she gazed at the sea, silent.

Indeed, she hadn’t officially caught up. Without marriage, it didn’t count as officially catching up.

Fu Nan shook her head: “Actually, you don’t have to be like this. I think Yuchen has a good temper, you could just be upfront.”

The sea breeze suddenly turned sharp, lifting Shen Wu’s wavy hair.

Her thick, seaweed-like locks were tousled by the wind, a few strands brushing against her cheeks, sweeping past her brows and fluttering her long lashes, forcing her to squint.

The darkening horizon, the gradually dimming sea.

On the beach, Shen Wu stood with her arms crossed, her collarbones sharply defined, her peach-blossom eyes tinged with a tipsy allure by the sea breeze, exuding a lazy, effortless charm.

“That’s because you don’t understand her.”

Shen Wu lightly brushed the hair at her temples. “Besides, if anyone should be upfront, it should be her, after all, I’m this beautiful.”

“…”

Fu Nan couldn’t help but pinch the bridge of her nose.

Clearly, the question had put Shen Wu in a mood.

She waved a hand: “Stop asking. I have my own considerations.”

“Alright, as long as you know what you’re doing.”

Fu Nan knew she couldn’t sway her and could only advise: “Just hold back a bit on the dating show. Take good care of Yuchen during filming.”

“Like I needed you to tell me that.”

Shen Wu was still clearly a bit miffed.

Funan, who knew Shen Wu well, nodded and preemptively predicted: “Just don’t end up needing her to take care of you instead.”

Though, in all likelihood, that was exactly what would happen.

Shen Wu scoffed: “As if. I’m such a reliable person.”

Before they could talk much longer, Su Yuchen returned with the microphone.

Her smile was as gentle as ever, her eyes curving sweetly at the corners as she spotted them from afar, speaking before she even reached them.

“I got the mic! It’s one you wear.”

“The guy just showed me how to put it on. The receiver clips onto the waistband, and this, ” Su Yuchen held up a small black microphone, “, this part threads through the clothes and clips onto the collar.”

Shen Wu was struck by the adorable, radiant smile, her lips curving in response. But then, with a “scheming” shift, she changed tack.

“It looks so complicated. I’ve never even seen one before, let alone worn one. Maybe you could help me put it on?”

Fu Nan, standing nearby: “…”

You’ve never seen one before?

Let alone worn one?

Fu Nan’s mental meme wall was instantly plastered with exclamations: “Seriously, boss?”

“Never seen a pig run, never eaten pork?”

“Didn’t you wear one during studio recordings before? Trying to trick the girl, huh?”

Only the girl in question, Su Yuchen, was utterly guileless, assuming Shen Wu had never been on a variety show before and thus had never worn such a thing.

So, even though she hadn’t worn one herself, she was ready to help Shen Wu first.

She lowered her head, her long lashes half-veiling her almond eyes. “This is the waistband, it goes around your waist like this…”

She wrapped her arms around Shen Wu’s waist, tightened the belt, and held her even closer.

The more she helped, the more she felt something was off. This posture wasn’t it a bit too intimate in front of everyone?

Su Yuchen cleared her throat lightly, trying her best not to dwell on how intoxicating Shen Wu’s scent was.

As if that could fend off the intrusive, inappropriate thoughts flooding her mind.

After all, the two of them had gone wild together just the night before, gaining the most intimate understanding of each other’s bodies.

“Why’d you stop?”

Shen Wu’s voice came from above, startling Su Yuchen into resuming her task. Though her fingers were careful, they still brushed against that delicate, porcelain-like skin from time to time.

Every touch burned like a brand, yet it was impossible to avoid.

What made it even more embarrassing was that the wire of this lapel mic had to be threaded out from inside the clothes, meaning Su Yuchen had to stretch her arms in this already compromising position, one hand passing the mic up from the waist while the other reached to take it near the neck.

Shen Wu’s body was soft and fragrant, and holding her like this made Su Yuchen feel like her heart might race out of control and she’d faint on the spot.

She had agreed to help earlier without realizing just how intimate it would be.

Su Yuchen didn’t dare look up into Shen Wu’s eyes, much less glance at the expression of their onlooker, Fu Nan.

Her hands fumbled nervously with the equipment, but the more flustered she became, the more her fingers trembled, increasing the accidental touches.

“S-sorry…”

Blushing, she apologized while working, unaware of the immense psychological pressure she was under.

But finally, the equipment was properly fastened, the mic secured, and she could exhale in relief.

“A-all done!”

Shen Wu hadn’t even moved, merely spreading her arms slightly to cooperate, yet that alone had been enough to send Su Yuchen into a frenzy.

Just as she finished and was taking a deep breath,

“Need me to help you?”

All Shen Wu could see now was the top of Su Yuchen’s head.

It shook vigorously. “N-no, I’ll do it myself.”

With that, she sprang into action, swiftly removing and putting on her own jacket as if afraid someone might offer assistance.

Shen Wu watched her quietly before nodding. “Alright.”

“Thanks for helping me with such complicated equipment. I’ve never worn this before, how should I repay you?”

The question was clearly meant to tease.

But Su Yuchen, oblivious, answered earnestly while still busy with her own gear: “Then answer me one question.”

Shen Wu’s eyes brightened, and she instinctively turned toward Su Yuchen.

“Go ahead. For you, I’ll answer anything truthfully.”

Su Yuchen pressed her lips together, summoning the courage to meet Shen Wu’s gaze.

“Is One Yuan doing okay?”

“…”

“………”

A long silence settled over the island that night.

Shen Wu was speechless for two seconds before tilting her chin at Fu Nan. “My phone.”

Fu Nan, equally exasperated, handed over the glittery phone case-clad device.

Shen Wu unlocked it and opened an app.

The previously dark screen gradually lit up, displaying a corner of Shen Wu’s living room.

Alone One Yuan happened to appear in the frame, stretching its front paws, yawning wide while sticking out its little butt in a big stretch, looking just like a kitten sliding down a slide.

“Mmm, it’s One Yuan. It’s grown so much.”

“Yeah, you’re such an unqualified official poop-scooper under contract. Seeing your own child grow up through a video.”

“Well… once we finish recording, let’s go back together to see it.”

“Hmph, of course. Of course, One Yuan won’t recognize you anymore.”

“It… probably won’t forget me, right?” Su Yuchen sounded a little guilty, trying to change the subject. “Have you finished the dumplings?”

Shen Wu didn’t press further, going along with her. “Not yet. I was hungry for days, no one cooked for me. One Yuan said it doesn’t know how to boil dumplings.”

Her tone was pitiful, as if she had nearly starved to death.

One Yuan in the video probably never imagined it would become someone’s excuse for not eating, still playing by itself.

Su Yuchen beside her was utterly helpless.

But then she recalled the burnt pot from that day and understood.

“…Well, it’s probably good you didn’t try cooking. I’ll make some for you when we go back in a few days.”

“You said it yourself. You just touched my waist, it’s gotten so thin from hunger.”

Su Yuchen flushed slightly, murmuring, “That’s just how slim your waist is naturally.”

Back and forth they went, snuggled together as they watched the small screen.

It was as if Fu Nan beside them had become nothing more than a prop, force-feeding dog food bite by bite into the mouth of this older single woman.

Fu Nan’s face was about to crack, but she couldn’t leave.

Because she was the ultimate explanation for everyone’s puzzled looks, the perfect shield for the couple’s intimate behavior.

But the visual impact was too strong. Though the sight of two stunning beauties nestled together in the sea breeze was breathtaking, standing this close made it all feel a bit too dazzling.

Under the gradually darkening sky, Fu Nan silently put on her sunglasses.

Desolate. Tragic.

The two didn’t even notice Fu Nan’s change, still staring at the phone screen.

“Hey, look! what’s One Yuan doing?”

“Just eating and sleeping, what else?”

Under their gaze, One Yuan paced back and forth in the frame, strutting around like a little general inspecting its territory. When it reappeared, it had its small toy in its mouth.

It repeated this several times, piling them all on the sofa before happily curling up beside them.

Upon closer look, beneath the pile of toys in the corner of the sofa was unmistakably one of Su Yuchen’s hoodies.

Su Yuchen covered her mouth, eyes shimmering. “One Yuan hasn’t forgotten me after all. It must miss me, right?”

She couldn’t wait to finish recording, it had been so long since she’d seen One Yuan.

Shen Wu held the phone, huffing in mock annoyance. “I serve the little master good food every day, and yet its heart belongs to someone else.”

“How can you be jealous of a kitten?”

“I’m not jealous.”

They leaned their heads together, watching for a long while, one practically nestled in the other’s arms, their shared warmth warding off the increasingly chilly sea breeze.

Their dark hair danced in the wind, a picture of beauty.

It was such a visually pleasing scene that people couldn’t help sneaking glances.

Some even whispered, “They haven’t even started filming the dating show yet, and they’re already in the honeymoon phase?”

“Are those two on a dating show just to get paid for dating each other?”

“Not at all, don’t talk nonsense. They’re from the same company and share a manager. They’re probably just watching a video together. Didn’t you see their manager standing right beside them? Maybe they’re discussing work. Get back to your job.”

As murmurs began to spread and more eyes turned their way, Fu Nan, who had been ignored until now, felt the need to remind them again.

“Um… once the mics are on, you can’t just say anything carelessly.”

Though the warning was directed at both of them, only Su Yuchen reacted.

She quickly covered her mouth. “Ah, then what I just said… wouldn’t that-”

“be heard?!” The last few words were whispered, muffled behind her hand as she hunched over, looking like a rookie spy in a drama, more startled than secretive.

“No, they’re not on yet. See, the indicator light on the box is still red.” Shen Wu said it casually, brushing past the fact that this was her first time wearing the equipment yet she somehow knew whether the mics were live. She just glanced at Fu Nan. “They won’t turn them on until all unrelated personnel leave and the crew starts preparing for recording.”

“…”

Fu Nan: So… should I leave?

Realizing she really should go, Fu Nan cleared her throat.

“Ahem, it’s about time. I see the other managers and assistants have already taken the boat. We shouldn’t make an exception, I should head out too.”

Her phone, now locked, was handed back to her by Su Yuchen with both hands.

“Bye, Sister Nan.”

There was no helping it, Su Yuchen was just so likable. Compared to the difficult one standing beside her, she was practically an angel on earth.

Fu Nan smiled, tucking her phone away.

The three of them walked together toward the dock.

With sharp eyes, Fu Nan pointed at the receivers on their waists. “They’re on now.”

She didn’t need to say more, the implication was clear: Watch what you say, don’t give people anything to latch onto.

Shen Wu showed no reaction, but Su Yuchen immediately pressed her lips together, giving an OK sign with wide, dewy eyes and a nod, adorably obedient.

“Then you two focus on recording. I’ll come pick you up in three days, right on time.”

“Remember, remember, stay safe.”

Fu Nan couldn’t help herself, slipping back into her role as the responsible guardian, as if she were sending two kindergarteners off with a promise to fetch them later.

After a long round of reminders, she finally boarded the yacht, looking back every few steps with lingering worry.

Standing on the deck, the rise and fall of the waves made Fu Nan’s figure sway in their vision.

She waved toward the shore. “Go on back.”

Shen Wu and Su Yuchen waved back. Just before the yacht pulled away, Shen Wu called out, “Don’t forget to check on my kitten every day!”

“Got it.” Fu Nan’s voice was already distant, swallowed entirely by the sea breeze before the last syllable could even form.

They watched until the yacht shrank to an invisible speck on the horizon.

The sea wind howled.

Suddenly, Shen Wu asked, “Is my mic loose?”

Su Yuchen’s eyes were pure and guileless. “Is it? Let me check.”

Her slender arms circled Shen Wu’s waist, fingers tracing over the equipment before sliding up the wire. “No, everything’s fine. Nothing seems out of place…”

Shen Wu looked at Su Yuchen with satisfaction as he busied himself with her outfit, his head lowered. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “Did Fu Nan just remind you not to speak carelessly after putting on the mic?”

Su Yuchen froze for a moment, trying to recall if he had said anything out of turn, then nodded and replied softly, “Yes, he did mention that.”

Shen Wu’s crimson lips were too close, right by his ear, and the sweet, alluring fragrance of her once again overwhelmed his senses.

The tender affection enveloped Su Yuchen completely, making one unconsciously yearn to be lost in it.

Her red lips almost brushed against the ear of the person in her arms as Shen Wu whispered two words softly: “Baby.”

!!!

Su Yuchen was startled, her hand instinctively tightening around Shen Wu’s waist.

Her arms may have looked slender, but her muscles and bones were strong. The squeeze made Shen Wu inhale lightly. “What are you doing, ba-”

Before the syllable could fully form, Su Yuchen covered the microphone pinned to the collar of Shen Wu’s inner layer. Her eyes shimmered with moisture, a slender, pale index finger pressing against Shen Wu’s soft lips.

Those lips were incredibly supple, the moment her fingertip touched them, she could feel their plump resilience.

Soft, and at a touch, she knew they’d be sweet.

Perhaps genuinely afraid Shen Wu would cause trouble, Su Yuchen half-embraced her, completely unaware that her hand resting near the collar microphone was in a rather suggestive position.

Shen Wu blinked her sparkling peach-blossom eyes, glanced down at her own chest, and since her mouth was blocked by a finger, raised an eyebrow instead, her gaze drifting downward.

“Hmm?”

Though she didn’t speak, volumes were conveyed in that silence.

Su Yuchen’s focus followed her line of sight, only to realize the awkward placement of her hand, the softness beneath her fingers even more yielding than the lips she’d just touched.

With a “whoosh,” her jade-like ears turned crimson.

Su Yuchen quickly withdrew her scandalous hand. “I’m sorry-”

Before she could finish apologizing, she suddenly felt something warm, wet, and soft flick against her fingertip.

Her almond-shaped eyes widened in shock, and she jerked her hand back as if electrocuted.

Clutching the hand that had just been teased by a tongue, she stared at Shen Wu’s beautiful face, her expression one of utter astonishment.

The beauty before her had features like a painting, her wavy hair fluttering in the sea breeze. A pink tongue lightly licked the corner of her lips before retreating, her mouth now curved in a smile. Her peach-blossom eyes, framed by long lashes, gazed intently at the person before her.

For a moment, it was impossible to tell who was the bigger troublemaker.

…

“What are those two doing? Why are they so close again?”

Xiao Zhi and Fu Monan kept glancing toward the wooden dock.

In her question, Xiao Zhi emphasized the word “again.”

Her tone was teasing, but after a pause, she spoke again, sounding a little frustrated.

“Could it be… like the rumors say, they’re actually… together?”

“No way, no way. I don’t think it’s possible,” Xiao Zhi muttered, clutching her shawl, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“But it really looks like it.”

“Hey, look! are they adjusting the microphone or being all lovey-dovey?”

She tossed the question to the person beside her, but Fu Monan didn’t react.

The question seemed to sink into the increasingly dark sea.

Receiving no response, Xiao Zhi turned to her.

“By the way, Monan, your sister is Fu Mozheng, right?”

“Didn’t she have engagement rumors with Shen Wu before? Do you know any inside info?”

Fu Monan remained bent over, organizing things. Just as it seemed the barrage of questions would never get a reply, she suddenly looked up, flashing a practiced, polite smile. “I’m going to gather some firewood.”

She brushed past Xiao Zhi, and the moment their shoulders passed, the smile vanished completely from her face.

Xiao Zhi couldn’t see it, though. Hugging her arms, she complained at the retreating figure, “How can someone be so dense?”

…

The sky grew increasingly gloomy, threatening to unleash a heavy downpour.

Shen Wu was already setting up the tent.

A race against time.

After hesitating for a long while, Liu Ruomeng finally decided to step forward and help.

“Um, is there anything I can do? I’m really strong, I-”

The moment she reached out and exerted effort for the first time, there was a sharp crack, she had snapped one of the thin support poles inside the tent’s frame.

Liu Ruomeng held one broken piece in each hand, the fractured ends staring right back at her. Though they now looked like two separate pieces, they had originally been one.

“……”

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

Kuang Gong, who had somehow appeared beside them unnoticed, had taken off her suit jacket, revealing a dark green chiffon blouse underneath.

The brand of the shirt was unrecognizable, but the tailoring was exquisite. The padded shoulders lifted Kuang Gong’s naturally level posture slightly higher, making her waist tucked neatly into black suit pants, appear even more slender.

“You really are strong,” she sneered, rolling up her sleeves and methodically piecing things back together.

Liu Ruomeng trembled with frustration, staring helplessly at the broken pieces in her hands, too drained to even muster anger. “Are we really going to have to sleep on the side of the road tonight…?”

Fortunately, Shen Wu and Kuang Gong had plenty of outdoor experience. Despite missing one of the thin arched supports, the tent was still stubbornly erected.

Just before the storm hit, everyone squeezed into the lopsided tent.

Su Yuchen diligently connected the inflatable mattress to the power source and pumped up the small inflatable sofas.

Fu Monan, obedient as ever to the production crew, set up all the cameras at their designated spots.

Xiao Zhi turned on the camping lights one by one. “A little light makes everything feel better.”

Outside, the sky had darkened completely, a vast expanse of black that merged seamlessly with the sea, wrapping everything in an oppressive, ink-like shroud.

But inside the tent, warm light held back the gloom, shielding them from the dismal mood the darkness might have brought.

Gathered together in this small, desolate space, it didn’t feel quite so barren anymore.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted,” Liu Ruomeng plopped onto a freshly inflated sofa, bouncing slightly.

Despite having done nothing, she kept complaining about how tired she was.

The other two guests had far more tact, showering praise on those who had actually put in the work.

Then again, those two were also incredibly charismatic, flattery came naturally to them.

“This tent feels so safe. Thank you, Sister Wu, thank you, President Kuang.”

“Yeah, thank you both. Without you, we’d really be sleeping in the storm.”

As they spoke, raindrops began pelting the ground outside.

The coastal rain arrived without warning, heavy and relentless, drumming against the tent in a rapid, staccato rhythm.

“Brr, it’s so cold…”

“I gathered some firewood earlier. We could start a fire.”

But now they faced a new dilemma, they had no way to light the firewood.

“Can we try rubbing sticks together?”

“Worth a shot.”

“Do any of you know how?”

Silence fell as they exchanged uncertain glances.

An artist, an actuary, and Liu Ruomeng an actress, all shivered in unison.

Liu Ruomeng: “Oh come on, seriously? Are we supposed to shiver for warmth?”

Xiao Zhi, being bolder, hugged her arms and pinched the overlapping collar of her shawl.

“If it comes to it, we could just huddle together for warmth.”

As she spoke, she cast a sidelong glance at Shen Wu beside her, then shifted her gaze to Kuang Gong on the other side.

These two were the hottest contestants on this dating show. From what she’d observed, Fu Monan also had a thing for them.

And she was sure everyone would agree with her suggestion, after all, this was a dating show. The audience would eat it up if the guests cuddled together.

“…”

On the other side of Shen Wu sat Su Yuchen, who instinctively wanted to refuse upon hearing this.

Unexpectedly, Shen Wu stood up first. “Let’s start a fire.”

With that, she walked over to the pile of firewood.

Almost simultaneously, Kuang Gong also rose. “I’ll help.”

In an instant, the two seats beside Xiao Zhi were empty. Liu Ruomeng sprawled on the sofa in a starfish pose and let out a cold “hmph” of laughter.

Not that she meant to mock Xiao Zhi, she was just exasperated by Xiao Zhi’s misreading of the situation. Did she really think Kuang Gong would provide warmth? Did Kuang Gong even have human warmth? Trying to cuddle with what was essentially a sentient Antarctic icebox was a joke.

As for Shen Wu, Liu Ruomeng had personally seen her kissing Su Yuchen. Like, hello? Those two were clearly an item. Shen Wu was fiercely protective of her territory, who did Xiao Zhi think she could cozy up to?

Xiao Zhi, who had been oozing charm and confidence moments ago, finally lost control of her clenched jaw, her eyes rimmed with red.

Liu Ruomeng, two seats away, remained sprawled out. “Might as well come hug me instead.”

I’m single and lonely.

The moment she said this, Kuang Gong shot a glance her way.

At the same time, she pulled a Swiss Army knife from her pocket, flicked it open with a snap of her fingers, and the gleaming blade sprang out.

Xiao Zhi: “…”

Liu Ruomeng: “…”

Fu Monan, who had somehow appeared beside Su Yuchen unnoticed, said, “Hi, Yuchen. You can call me Monan.”

She probably knew Su Yuchen didn’t want to hear anything resembling that name, so she thoughtfully adjusted her phrasing.

Su Yuchen’s gaze had been fixed on Shen Wu the whole time, watching as she and Kuang Gong crouched to handle the firewood. Only then did she look over.

“Huh?”

“Oh, actually, we’re the same age. Calling you ‘Monan’ might not be appropriate.”

Fu Monan smiled gently at her. “No, not at all. I feel like we really click, Yuchen. Since it’s my first time in a setting like this, I’m still getting used to it. If I come across awkwardly, please don’t mind.”

“Not at all, not at all. I’m not used to it either,” Su Yuchen waved her hands hastily. “I’m just a nobody. Before this, I’d only ever acted in small roles, running around on sets by myself. I’ve never been on a variety show, zero experience.”

“Yuchen, you’re one of a kind. You won’t stay a nobody forever.”

Fu Monan’s smile remained warm, just like her demeanor, soft and unthreatening. “I’ve even heard my aunt praise you at home. She said you’re so young but already such a talented actress, destined for great things.”

Aunt?

“Ah…”

It took Su Yuchen a moment to realize Fu Monan was referring to Ruan Mengqing.

That was Fu Mozheng’s mother and also her on-screen mother in the drama.

Fu Monan added, “Auntie really likes the phone case Yuchen gave her. She’s already using it.”

Upon hearing this, Su Yuchen covered her mouth with her hand. “Ah, really?”

Her almond-shaped eyes were filled with surprise and delight.

“Of course it’s true.”

Fu Monan also smiled as she gazed into Su Yuchen’s eyes.

Out of nowhere, Fu Monan suddenly asked, “Yuchen, what’s your blood type?”

“Huh?” Su Yuchen was caught off guard. “Type A.”

“Oh, don’t misunderstand,” Fu Monan quickly waved her hands, as if apologizing for her abruptness. “I didn’t phrase it well. It’s just that, you know, zodiac signs plus blood types can calculate compatibility rates.”

As she spoke, Fu Monan’s face turned red.

She seemed to blush quite easily, she had blushed in front of Shen Wu and Kuang Gong before but she was clearly more invested in Su Yuchen, given that she had even asked about her blood type.

The camera inside the tent quietly turned, focusing its lens on the two of them.

Fu Monan looked at Su Yuchen, an inexplicable light in her eyes. “Yuchen, where do you live? Are you in the capital too? If you are, can I visit you after the show ends?”

Su Yuchen thought of her large family, her uncle’s sharp-tongued remarks, her aunt’s wrinkled smile, and her little nephew’s habit of shrieking whenever he spoke and couldn’t suppress a shudder.

“Well, we’ll see when the time comes.”

She didn’t mention her bedridden mother, nor did she want to reveal too much about her family situation.

Not only did she not want to talk about it with others, but she especially didn’t want to expose it on camera.

That kind of pitiful, weak image, though she never claimed to be strong, was something she disliked from the bottom of her heart.

A trace of disappointment seemed to flicker in Fu Monan’s eyes, but she soon smiled and took out her fountain pen, running her fingers over it thoughtfully.

“Yuchen, I think you’re amazing. I hope that in the end… well, I hope I’ll have the chance to give this to you.”

“Huh?” Su Yuchen’s starry eyes widened slightly in disbelief. “Ah, for me?”

Everyone understood what this meant, giving a gift was a sign of affection, and whoever received it was the one they fancied.

Could it be that Fu Monan, who blushed around everyone, had actually set her sights on her?

Su Yuchen was momentarily speechless.

Even without a clear response, Fu Monan showed no signs of giving up. Instead, she stared intently into Su Yuchen’s almond eyes and said earnestly, “Yuchen, when I cast my vote tomorrow, I’ll send my heart-fluttering message to you.”

This was a blatant, straightforward declaration.

But she wasn’t done. Fu Monan then held up her gleaming metallic fountain pen.

Pinching it between her fingers, she extended it toward Su Yuchen under everyone’s gaze. “So, Yuchen, will you exchange gifts with me?”

A double whammy of directness.

No one expected Fu Monan, who seemed so shy and reserved, to be this bold when it came to making moves.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Fu Monan pushed the pen even closer.

So close that the reflection of the pen appeared in Su Yuchen’s bright almond eyes.

After a moment, Su Yuchen parted her lips and uttered a sentence that made Fu Monan’s smile falter.

“You-”

“Want my pumpkin?”