Chapter 8
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Chapter 8: Title
As evening marked the peak viewing period for the show, the bullet comments in the livestream grew even more frenzied.
Viewers who’d watched Gu Feng and Song Yutian’s warm-up match began realizing:
This team completed today’s task first solely due to Song Yutian—Gu Feng was merely coasting along.
Yet many hadn’t watched these two’s perspective, including casual viewers and regular fans who joined after dinner. Those already holding poor impressions of Song Yutian began typing condemnations:
[Who’s this annoying woman?]
[How did this Song person get on the show? Her sarcastic tone disgusts me.]
[How ridiculous—what qualifications does she have to say that?]
Some viewers who’d witnessed the match, though not Song Yutian fans, felt compelled to comment:
[Song’s the only one entitled to say this—she carried Gu today.]
[Truthfully, Gu contributed nothing today. Song’s remark is justified.]
But well-informed viewers were scarce, and fewer still were willing to defend Song Yutian. Critical bullet comments remained dominant.
Meanwhile, simpler viewers and those casually watching became bewildered by the sudden comment surge:
[What’s the argument about? Wasn’t that a normal response? What happened?]
After Gu Feng and Song Yutian’s interview concluded, Zhong Yueli and Shen Xi entered the interview room.
Having met for the first time today, and neither being particularly sociable, they remained complete strangers despite being teammates.
When asked about satisfaction with the grouping, Zhong Yueli uttered two words:
"Satisfied."
Only after the director’s insistent probing did Zhong Yueli add:
"Our afternoon collaboration was smooth. The second-place result is decent. Hence, satisfied."
Shen Xi’s response mirrored Zhong Yueli’s: approval of her teammate, enjoyable cooperation, and praise for Zhong Yueli’s capabilities.
Compared to the previous pair, this team’s interview featured peaceful bullet comments:
[Favorite team—both seem great.]
[Thanks, Sister Shen Xi, for recognizing Yueli!]
[Smooth teamwork—excited for upcoming matches!]
Some seized the chance to mock the earlier team:
[This is proper team atmosphere—stark contrast.]
[No drama = perfect harmony.]
Others with peculiar tastes commented:
[Previous team’s interview was juicier—like palace intrigue.]
[I prefer watching rivals clash—mutual praise bores me.]
Amidst general tranquility, their interview concluded.
The fourth interview featured Qin Yuanzhuo and Su Moying.
The first question remained their opinion on the grouping.
Qin Yuanzhuo said, "Ladies first," yielding to Su Moying.
Su Moying beamed brightly:
"Thrilled to collaborate with Brother Yuanzhuo. He’s exceptional, and I’ll strive hard too."
The director nodded, shifting the microphone to Qin Yuanzhuo.
Adjusting his frameless gold-rimmed glasses, Qin Yuanzhuo smiled:
"Delighted to partner with such a lovely lady. I’ll protect Moying and lead our team forward."
Su Moying smiled cooperatively beside him.
As the show’s top-ranked male and female contestants, their bullet comments exploded with fans spamming:
[Yuanzhuo’s so handsome!]
[Most visually stunning pair! Unbeatable combo!]
[Moying’s adorable! Looks like an attentive schoolgirl!]
[Ultimate IQ+EQ pair—rooting for them!]
Only a handful felt vague discomfort about the exchange, though none could pinpoint why.
The last group to be interviewed was Gong Yu and Wei Yao, who had completed their task last.
Though Wei Yao’s complexion had improved slightly compared to before dinner, visible fatigue still lingered on her face.
When questioned, Gong Yu proactively answered first:
"I’m absolutely satisfied. In fact, I’d seen Yao Yao’s previous works before. Teaming up with Yao Yao this time feels like successfully meeting my idol."
The director pressed further:
"Are you saying you’re a fan of Wei Yao?"
Gong Yu grinned broadly:
"Of course! When I first saw Yao Yao on TV, I immediately thought she was exceptionally beautiful, with superb acting skills and a gentle demeanor—practically the ideal type."
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly at this remark.
Though this wasn’t a dating show, any program featuring both genders inevitably sparks audience speculation about potential couples—sometimes even without that premise.
It remained unclear whether Gong Yu’s comment was spontaneous praise or an intentional implication.
The program group naturally welcomed this unexpected buzz. After a brief pause of surprise, the Chief Director prepared to pursue the topic further.
Wei Yao interjected first:
"Thank you, Teacher Gong, for recognizing my professional capabilities. I’ve also seen your stage performances—truly impressive. It’s a pleasure to finally meet in person. I’m confident we’ll become excellent teammates and good friends."
This effectively addressed the program group’s question.
Gong Yu appeared pleasantly surprised:
"Wow, I didn’t know Yao Yao had seen my performances! Thank you for the compliment!"
Though Wei Yao responded swiftly, many viewers had already latched onto Gong Yu’s "ideal type" comment.
[Fans don’t hate me, I’m just lightly shipping them.]
[They actually look really compatible though.]
[The mutual admiration before meeting trope is so exciting!]
[Am I the only one thinking Wei Yao’s clarifying boundaries here?]
All five group interviews concluded by 8 PM, and the livestream switched to showing the contestants’ residence—a three-story villa near the filming location, merely seven minutes’ drive away. Post-interview contestants gradually gathered in the first-floor living room as instructed.
After Gong Yu and Wei Yao’s arrival, the Chief Director began explaining the living arrangements to both contestants and viewers:
The villa’s first floor contained public spaces—living room, dining area, kitchen, bathrooms, and an entertainment room. Identical second and third floors each housed one balcony-equipped double room, one standard double room, and a single bedroom, all ensuite. The rooftop featured greenery, seating, and a swing.
The director announced the second floor for male contestants and the third floor for females, emphasizing that room choices were final. Like the afternoon warm-up matches, separate male/female perspective livestream channels became available, though this time grouped by gender rather than individual rooms.
Female contestants stood facing each other on their floor. Wei Yao, now wearing villa slippers and looking more energetic, initiated:
"How should we divide rooms? Any preferences?"
An Xin responded first:
"I’m not particular about beds. Others choose first."
Shen Xi echoed:
"I’m flexible."
Su Moying deferred:
"I’ll follow my sisters’ decisions."
Song Yutian added:
"Any room works for me too."
Wei Yao laughed:
"Why push decisions to me? I’m also flexible."
After a momentary silence, Song Yutian suggested:
"Since we’re all open, let’s draw lots?"
With consensus reached, Song Yutian prepared five paper slips representing three rooms, demonstrating them to the cameras before folding them into identical squares. The draw resulted in Song Yutian and Wei Yao sharing a room, Su Moying and An Xin paired together, and Shen Xi obtaining the single.
Male contestants faced similar awkwardness near their floor’s staircase until Liu Tian broke the silence:
"Should we each state preferences? I’ll start."
He indicated the balcony double room but emphasized flexibility.
Qin Yuanzhuo followed:
"I respect group decisions. Though…" He cleared his throat. "I read before sleeping and am light-sensitive. I prefer quieter environments."
Gu Feng stated matter-of-factly:
"My assistant always books single suites during business trips. Shared accommodations would be… unfamiliar."
He didn’t state it explicitly, but compared to Qin Yuanzhuo, his intention was clearer: he also wanted a single room.
