Chapter 58

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Chapter 58: Title

The ones who emerged this time were Song Yutian and Wei Yao.

Wei Yao’s pink tresses were parted into two sections, each woven into loose braids adorned with tiny white blossoms, with the ends secured by white satin bows. Her yellow European-style princess gown accentuated her slender waist with its voluminous skirt, while the originally exaggerated puffed sleeves had been transformed into elegant off-the-shoulder straps.

Song Yutian’s lavender hair cascaded to her waist, loosely gathered at the ends with a hair ribbon. The unusual hue didn’t dull her complexion but instead lent her an otherworldly grace. Her white gown clung to her curves like a second skin, the plunging neckline artfully revealing her delicate collarbones while maintaining modesty, exuding an understated sensuality.

Earlier in the dressing room, Song Yutian had borrowed a needle and thread to alter their dresses. Viewers watching through their perspective had witnessed the adjustments, but none anticipated such stunning results.

[Is this really the same shapeless white sack from before? Unbelievable!]

[The yellow dress got such a glow-up too! Instant elegance!]

[They’re literally glowing! Like they stepped out of a fantasy realm!]

[After her dance performance, I’ve been waiting ages to see Sister Song in a dress again! Tears of joy!]

[Yao Yao’s the princess, and Yutian’s the celestial maiden—perfection incarnate!]

Noticing Pei Hao and Zhong Yueli on the sofa, Wei Yao inquired, "Are you two waiting for a studio? Are both occupied?"

When no response came after a few beats, Wei Yao frowned. Having collaborated with Zhong Yueli on previous projects and teamed with Pei Hao just yesterday, she felt comfortable pressing further: "Cat got your tongues?"

Pei Hao finally stirred: "You’ve rendered us speechless, Yueli and I. Absolute visionaries."

Wei Yao snorted: "Speak for yourself. Don’t drag Yueli into your theatrics."

"Observe Yueli yourself," Pei Hao countered. "Isn’t that the face of awestruck admiration?"

Wei Yao turned to Zhong Yueli just as the latter averted his gaze. "Enough of your nonsense," she chided.

Rising with a courtly flourish, Pei Hao extended his hand: "Might this humble servant request a dance with Her Highness?"

Swatting his hand aside, Wei Yao laughed: "Princesses dance with princes, not their entourage. Your costume suggests a stable boy, not royalty."

"Can’t a toad yearn for a swan’s embrace?"

As the pair bantered, Song Yutian noticed Zhong Yueli’s renewed attention. With a smile playing on her lips, she inquired: "See something interesting?"

"Your…" He hesitated, "…dress. It’s remarkable."

"Worth the hour’s tailoring then?" She arched an eyebrow.

[Just the dress?? Not the goddess wearing it?!]

[That intense stare had me expecting a confession! Blueballed!]

[Y’all need to chill with the shipping!]

[Relax, we know those two would never work.]

[True, they look fire together, but zero chemistry.]

[Probably ’cause Sister Song gives major man-repelling vibes.]

Half an hour later, the duo entered the photography studio.

The photographer blinked in surprise. Unaffiliated with the program group, he eyed them skeptically: "You’re with the same show as the last group?"

At their confirmation, he muttered: "A night and day difference in styling."

With no program staff present, he spoke freely: "What’s your concept?"

After exchanging glances, the women presented their collaborative vision.

By nine that evening, all contestants had returned to the villa. Raw promotional photos now resided with the program group.

The director addressed the group: "Our editors are burning the midnight oil. Your masterpieces will debut tomorrow morning, with voting open for three days until the second round concludes. All rankings will be revealed after the finale."

Murmurs rippled through the room—scores would remain secret until the competition’s climax, preserving suspense for ratings.

"Patience," the director continued. "Tomorrow brings our final shared rest day before the championship break. Prepare for special arrangements!"

The next morning, the contestants gathered again in the hall.

This time, the director brought a bombshell announcement.

The established duo format would be broken for the final two days of competition.

Here’s what the director announced:

"Though we’ve completed six competitions, many contestants haven’t had collaboration opportunities. To ensure no regrets remain and to give lower-ranked contestants a chance, the final theme competition will adopt an entirely new format."

"For the final theme, contestants will be divided into two large groups competing over two days. Advancement slots will be allocated based on group outcomes. The winning group’s top three scorers will advance to the finals, while the losing group will only receive two slots."

As the director finished, contestants erupted into discussion while viewers joined the debate:

[Two large groups? So each has five people?]

[This rule’s tricky! Could the top five get eliminated while the bottom five advance?]

[Calculations show if the bottom five form a winning team, even eighth place could qualify.]

The director continued: "You’re probably wondering about our grouping method. The answer lies in returning to basics—letting fate decide!"

"Tomorrow morning, we’ll hold a random lottery draw. You’ll only know your teammates once the competition begins!"

Groans filled the room.

"The program group is pure evil!" Liu Tian protested. "This’ll ruin my whole day!"

When silence returned, the director declared: "Rules concluded. Let’s begin our rest day! Proceed to the entertainment room!"

The entertainment room featured a massive projection screen upfront with numerous beanbag chairs. Shelves stocked with snacks lined the walls, accompanied by a corner freezer.

As contestants entered, the lights dimmed abruptly.

Words appeared on the screen:

"Unexpected Challenges" Edited Cut: Episode 1 (Part 1)

"Ta-da!" announced the director. "Today marks the edited version’s premiere. Your rest day activity? Watching Episode 1 together!"

Qin Yuanzhuo’s face appeared, though he’d withdrawn earlier. The edited version still showcased him as the first contestant.

"Help yourselves to snacks and drinks. Relax!" The director exited, leaving only stationary cameras filming.

The livestream transformed into the contestants’ personal viewing party.

After the initial surprise, everyone settled down.

Each edited episode covered daily competitions, with Episode 1 featuring entrances and warm-ups.

Minutes later, the show reached the part where contestants drew question cards.

Onscreen, Gu Feng asked Song Yutian, "Why did you join this show?"

Song Yutian arched her brows. "Because you’re here."

Instead of showing her subsequent "Just kidding," the edit cut to Gu Feng’s introductory "confession" to Su Moying: "I joined specifically for someone."

Through the program group’s masterful editing, this became an apparent love triangle drama.

Most contestants remembered reality, recognizing the editorial manipulation.

Only Zhang Chenyang joked, "Brother Gu Feng’s living the dream—two beauties fighting over you!"

Unexpectedly, Gu Feng remained stone-faced.

Zhang Chenyang awkwardly retreated.

Song Yutian was first to realize that variety shows could edit events like this. She knew they’d never try this with top-tier contestants. But as her fledgling career couldn’t challenge the program group, she trusted the public’s discernment through the full livestream archives.

Seconds later, Song Yutian’s phone lit up. Since the rest day allowed personal devices, she checked a message from Gu Feng on her private number—already recalled.

Frowning, she glanced at Gu Feng, who had nonchalantly pocketed his phone. Choosing not to respond, their subtle movements escaped the notice of stationary cameras.

Only one observer caught the exchange, their gaze darkening.

The edited version was released on the first day, split into two parts with substantial runtime.

Apart from having lunch at the restaurant and taking a short nap during the break, the contestants spent the rest of their time watching the program in the entertainment room.

However, the program group didn’t enforce strict restrictions, so contestants occasionally went to the restroom or stepped out for fresh air.

Compared to the previous rest day at the shopping mall, today truly felt like a leisurely "holiday."

When the edited content finally finished playing, the staff informed everyone that dinner would be served later and they should remain in the entertainment room.

The contestants continued chatting there.

Ten minutes later, the lights suddenly went out.

With the curtains drawn for projection purposes, the room plunged into complete darkness.

Amidst soft gasps, the door abruptly swung open.

Staff members wheeled in a birthday cake, its candlelight illuminating the room once again.

"Did everyone get a shock?" The director entered behind them, grinning. "This is a special surprise from the program group—today marks a contestant’s birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Mr. Gu!"

Gu Feng’s astonished expression confirmed that the program group hadn’t leaked the surprise.

The director beckoned Gu Feng to the cake. "Let’s all sing a birthday song for Mr. Gu!"

After the director started the tune, the contestants joined in.

When the song ended, the director said, "Mr. Gu, make a wish."

Gu Feng paused, nodded, and closed his eyes.

His typically stern features softened slightly.

After the wish, the director had him blow out the candles before restoring the room’s lighting.

A montage began playing on the screen—a retrospective of Gu Feng’s journey on the show.

Since Gu Feng had initially partnered with Song Yutian, the video naturally opened with their interactions.

Day 1: Gu Feng answered Song Yutian’s call warily, then found himself repeatedly speechless during warm-up matches and interviews because of her antics.

Day 2: Song Yutian continued catching him off-guard, though he eventually followed her suggestion to contact advertisers while stubbornly refusing her help.

Day 3: Gu Feng and Song Yutian shared a smile as they watched Liu Tian chase their car. During the compatibility test, Song Yutian flawlessly predicted Gu Feng’s answers. Later, he glared resentfully while she danced with others.

While the two protagonists watched silently, the livestream audience erupted:

[Is that… a hint of romance in this recap?]

[Mr. Gu and Sister Song are straight out of a drama! From rivals to potential lovers!]

[Total soap opera material—male lead chases the wrong girl before finding true love!]

[Where’s the mutual attraction? Delulu much?]

[Sister Song’s been icy toward him all along! What show are YOU watching?]

[Gu Feng obviously likes Su Moying! Stop projecting!]

[Shippers begone! Sister Song needs no man!]

The harmless recap had sparked a full-blown war in the livestream.

As the video transitioned from Gu Feng’s partnership with Song Yutian to scenes with Su Moying, Gu Feng glanced at Song Yutian.

Meeting his gaze, Song Yutian arched a questioning brow.

Their eyes locked briefly before Gu Feng jerked his head away as if he’d been burned.

When Gu Feng’s competition highlights concluded, the director announced, "Mr. Gu, we’ve got another gift—birthday messages from every contestant!"

Su Moying’s face appeared on the screen, praising Gu Feng with saccharine sweetness.

Wait—

Song Yutian frowned.

The director had claimed every contestant recorded a message.

Why didn’t she recall making one?