Chapter 3
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 3: Title
[Didn’t recognize her at first—since when the girl-next-door vibe?]
[This is the mystery contestant? A reality show hired an ornamental prop?]
[Is that REALLY Song Yutian? She looks…different?]
[Did she get work done? She’s glowing now.]
[Wait, she’s still active? Thought she quit after that scandal backlash.]
On screen, Song Yutian blinked slowly, her expression slightly dazed.
The exhaustion was understandable. Having woken at 7 a.m., she’d already endured over five hours of preparations by 12:10 p.m.—including nearly two hours of waiting in her car after reaching the studio.
Given the live broadcast format, the program group required extensive contingency planning and buffer time for emergencies. Lesser-known artists like Song Yutian were summoned exceptionally early for scheduling coordination.
Thus, despite the short commute, the program group had dispatched a vehicle to fetch her a full four hours in advance.
Rewinding to those four hours earlier…
Inside the not-so-spacious SUV, every inch was packed with photography equipment and four occupants: three crew members plus Song Yutian.
Perhaps due to Song Yutian’s lower-tier celebrity status, the assistant director assigned to her appeared to be a fresh graduate. Upon seeing Song Yutian, the young woman inhaled sharply: "Wow, Yutian! Are you bare-faced? You’re glowing!"
Having gone makeup-free during non-working hours in her "previous life," Song Yutian accepted the praise with practiced ease, though she still smiled graciously: "Thank you, though I did apply a bit of base makeup."
For this competitive variety show, Song Yutian had opted for only foundation, eyebrow grooming, and lip balm. Her flawless complexion required minimal coverage, the sheer foundation nearly imperceptible unless viewed up close.
After several more awestruck moments, the assistant urgently gestured for extreme close-ups. Such striking beauty demanded full-frame attention—anything less would be a crime.
As filming commenced, the assistant reassured: "Relax, we’re not live yet. This recorded interview will be bonus content for the two-hour edited version later."
"Should I speak freely? Any restrictions?" The variety show novice inquired hesitantly.
"Absolute honesty! That’s what we want!" The assistant declared with infectious enthusiasm.
…
Following Song Yutian’s entrance, only one final contestant remained unshown.
All promotional materials had teased this climactic reveal—the sole individual worthy of grand finale anticipation materialized as:
A saccharine smile bloomed onscreen, accompanied by a camera wink, gleaming eight-tooth grin, and a heart-shaped hand gesture—the signature entrance of Heartbeats Girl Group.
[Moying!! Sugar overload!!]
[MY QUEEN HAS ARRIVED!!]
[About time! We’ve waited eternally!]
[Visual detox achieved—bless you, sister!]
Su Moying’s performance ensemble blended noir and bubblegum aesthetics: a black tank top featuring three pink heart buttons and "Heartbeats Seven" embroidered in rose thread, paired with a tiered tulle skirt combining a pink base and black polka dots.
The camera trailed her retreating figure towards the gathering of the nine previous contestants.
As the final participant settled, the director’s voice boomed: "All set! Let Unexpected Challenges commence!"
Beneath a makeshift canvas awning stood an elongated picnic table. Through deliberate arrangement, five male and five female contestants faced each other in parallel rows.
The Chief Director’s declaration triggered a split-screen live broadcast—dual angles capturing each gender’s distant profiles, creating stark comparative visuals.
Male contestants unanimously sported low-saturation leisure suits, resembling a cohesive idol group.
Female attire showcased greater diversity: flowing gowns, mini skirts, and palazzo jumpsuits—yet one outlier drew attention:
Only Song Yutian wore athletic pants. Her 170 cm stature compounded the conspicuousness among pastel-clad peers.
[Why’s Song dressed like a gym rat? Special snowflake?]
[Transparent attention grab is transparent.]
[Unpopular opinion: Her fit’s kinda fire though?]
[Posture goals—that spinal alignment though!]
Oblivious to commentary, Song Yutian’s rationale proved simple: anticipating physical challenges, she prioritized mobility with a tank top and pants combo. The knitted jacket addressed the morning chill while allowing easy removal.
Inexperienced with variety protocols, she remained unaware of production-standard wardrobe changes and dedicated changing areas for athletic segments.
The Chief Director surveyed participants before announcing: "Before outlining competition mechanics, let’s commence introductions."
A deliberate pause preceded Gu Feng’s dramatic close-up.
"Mr. Gu, as our most unconventional contestant and variety debutant, we’ll begin with you."
The addressed man nodded solemnly: "Greetings. I’m Gu Feng, Marketing Manager at Evening Food Group."
A calculated beat. "Unlike others, I’m here… for someone specific."
His meaningful gaze and subtle smirk triggered an immediate camera pan to Su Moying, who blinked in theatrical surprise before beaming.
[CEO material alert!!]
[Back off, suit-bro! Yingying’s mine!!]
[Wrong show? When did this become a dating sim?]
[OMG CHEMISTRY OVERLOAD!!]
Contestants supplied appropriately exaggerated reactions, fulfilling variety show expectations.
Production wisely curtailed the moment—maintaining suspense without overindulging the popular idols. Subsequent male introductions proceeded in reverse order of entrance, each artist’s fans flooding bullet comments during their turns.
"My name is Liu Tian, nineteen, an actor. Starting today, I’ll be counting on everyone’s support!"
[Is Liu Tian actually a high school student? So youthful!]
[Ahhh, worthy of being the nation’s little brother—that smile is pure puppy charm!]
"Hello everyone, I’m Gong Yu from Eight Plus, the dance leader of our team. I eagerly anticipate creating sparks with everyone during this journey."
[Gong Yu’s the ultimate dance king!]
[Go, Gong Yu!]
"Hello everyone, I’m Zhong Yueli. Looking forward to collaborating with you all."
[Period drama heartthrob Zhong Yueli! Brother Yueli’s gorgeousness!]
[Charge forward, Zhong Yueli!]
The final male contestant introducing himself was Qin Yuanzhuo, the most followed among the five male participants across social platforms.
"I’m Qin Yuanzhuo, pleased to meet you. I believe this program will forge unforgettable memories for all."
[Watch wisdom incarnate Qin Yuanzhuo slay the stage!]
[Brother Yuanzhuo’s so dreamy!]
[Aaaaah, Qin Yuanzhuo’s finally here! The wait’s over!]
Then came the five female contestants. In reverse order of debut, Su Moying stepped up first.
"Hi everyone! I’m Su Moying from Heartbeat Seven!" She formed a heart gesture with her fingers.
[That smile could sweeten honey! I’m bewitched!]
[Moying Moying, my heart’s beating!]
[Yingying belongs to me! No poaching!]
[Yingying wifey, I love you! ❤️❤️]
Other contestants erupted in synchronized applause, properly honoring the audience’s favorite.
Next was Song Yutian’s turn.
"Hello, I’m Song Yutian, an actress by profession." She performed a shallow bow.
Polite clapping followed, starkly subdued compared to the previous frenzy. The male contestants particularly offered lackluster responses—Gu Feng merely flicked his wrist in half-hearted acknowledgment.
[Such a phony act.]
[She dares claim acting credentials?]
[Only contestant I dislike.]
[Quit cosplaying idols—stick to photoshoots!]
[Can’t stand Song Yutian. Why’d the producers invite her?]
With virtually no fandom watching, she became the sole participant without supportive bullet comments. Yet her screen still flooded with colorful text—not admiration, but overwhelming disdain.
After her came Shen Xi and An Xin.
"Hi, I’m Shen Xi, a singer. Delighted to meet you all."
"I’m An Xin, an actress. Your guidance is appreciated."
Their lower popularity brought quieter reactions and sparser comments.
Finally came Wei Yao, the female cast’s brightest star.
Wei Yao smiled elegantly: "Greetings, I’m Wei Yao. Thrilled to join this program." Her eyes glinted playfully: "Don’t expect mercy during competitions—not even for old comrades."
