Chapter 36: The Third Combination

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Song Qing watched as her senior brother Ke Hao actively chose Xu Zhaozhao, and an indescribable sense of loss welled up in her heart. The brightness in her eyes gradually dimmed, her expression as sorrowful as fallen autumn leaves drifting down. She no longer understood her senior brother.

On the first day, they had partnered well, and he had given her all kinds of affirmations, his words full of praise. Back then, she thought he was quite satisfied with her, and that they would continue as partners, becoming the top couple in the romance show.

But unexpectedly, the next day, he paired up with Chen Sisi again.

Song Qing could understand the situation with Chen Sisi as her senior brother politely declining was difficult to refuse twice. After all, Chen Sisi was a popular young star in the entertainment industry and had invited him twice; refusing once was understandable, but refusing twice would be impolite—he had to show face to a peer.

However, the third pairing was for a task of digging up potatoes.

Song Qing thought that since they had worked so well together on farm chores before, this time digging potatoes would make their cooperation even smoother. She even took the initiative like Chen Sisi, hoping her senior brother would choose her.

Yet, she never imagined he would ignore her invitation and willingly choose the less sociable Xu Zhaozhao. Moreover, he invited Xu Zhaozhao almost immediately after the rules were introduced, so quickly that no one could react in time.

Feeling completely abandoned by her senior brother, Song Qing stood dazed in place when Sun Yu approached her.

“Song Qing, after last time, I feel like we get along pretty well. How about... teaming up again?” Sun Yu’s voice was like a warm spring breeze gently caressing Song Qing’s heart.

Sun Yu knew he wasn’t her first choice, but since he had caught a break last time, he guessed he could again. Song Qing was simple and pure, and with her good family background, after getting to know some of her situation through their previous teaming, Sun Yu actually entertained the idea of developing things further with her.

After all, in a romance show, genuine feelings would attract even more attention!

Song Qing concealed her disappointment and glanced at Sun Yu. Seeing his sincere gaze, and recalling how he had come to her aid twice when she missed out with her senior brother, a small warmth blossomed in her heart. She nodded at Sun Yu, “Okay.” Then softly added, “Thank you.”

“Don’t take it to heart,” Sun Yu comforted her. “I got snatched twice by Xu Zhaozhao too; it’s no big deal.”

“We have the courage to pursue love bravely, and also the courage to accept rejection. There’s nothing shameful about that.”

Besides Song Qing’s disappointment, the one most infuriated by the film emperor’s choice was probably Chen Sisi. At this moment, the look in her eyes staring at Xu Zhaozhao was like two burning flames.

Sensing her murderous gaze, Xu Zhaozhao could only respond with an innocent expression.

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Who knew what mood the film emperor was in to actively invite her? Xu Zhaozhao was also quite surprised at her own reaction—she agreed without a second thought.

She reckoned that the reason she agreed so quickly was her fear that Shen Mu would continue to pester her! Ke Hao, after all, was the film emperor and one of the most influential male guests. With him around, she believed Shen Mu wouldn’t dare interfere so easily.

She truly didn’t want to be a stepping stone for Shen Mu to chase after his white moonlight anymore.

Yet, not long after she and Ke Hao stood together, she saw Chen Sisi somehow end up beside Shen Mu.

What?

Xu Zhaozhao was stunned. She wasn’t jealous that Shen Mu had chosen Chen Sisi; rather, she couldn’t understand what Shen Mu was thinking.

If he wanted to pursue Song Qing, this kind of fudging around wouldn’t work. Back on the island, he was bold and straightforward enough to propose. But once on the romance show, wanting to be with his white moonlight, he became so hesitant and indirect—never once throwing a straight ball?

People often say that returning home brings timidity.

Perhaps love is the same.

Before true love, people grow timid and anxious, but in front of those they don’t care for, they can be their true selves.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhaozhao’s heart suddenly ached like a knife. She turned her head away, no longer looking toward Shen Mu and Chen Sisi.

Soon, the six pairs of guests were formed.

The first pair was Ke Hao and Xu Zhaozhao.

Their pairing was dazzling and eye-catching, like fireworks bursting unexpectedly in the night sky, catching everyone off guard with surprise.

[My film emperor, what are you thinking? Could it be that without a script in hand, you’ve seen through the facade and recognized Xu Zhaozhao’s excellence?]

[Before this, Ke Hao was avoiding Xu Zhaozhao’s attentions in every possible way.]

[Maybe, as the film emperor said, all the women trying to flatter him were the same, but Xu Zhaozhao’s opposing stance opened his heart.]

[If that’s true, then the film emperor’s taste is… unique!]

The second pair was Shen Mu and Chen Sisi.

This pairing was also quite a shock, like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples everywhere.

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After all, Shen Mu had given Chen Sisi various cold looks before.

He was the only one in the whole group who never treated Chen Sisi politely!

[Chen Sisi is trying to go against the odds a bit, but I still want to say, Shen Mu isn’t someone she can tame.]

[But it’s not like Chen Sisi chose Shen Mu; this time Shen Mu chose Chen Sisi.]

[In my view, this is Shen Mu’s revenge—he’s punishing Xu Zhaozhao for walking away with the film emperor, leaving no room for compromise.]

[Who punishes others by punishing themselves?]

[Haha, upstairs, you’re hilarious. Just paired with Chen Sisi? No big deal.]

[How is it no big deal? Watch the replay—when Sun Yu and Chen Sisi worked on the farm together, they were exhausted like fools!]

[No wonder, every time it’s team reshuffling, Sun Yu always stays far away from Chen Sisi; he’s really scared!]

The third pair was Sun Yu and Song Qing.

This pairing’s continuation was expected by netizens, like flowers quietly blooming in spring—natural and harmonious.

After all, whenever they were together, their interactions seemed quite smooth.

The fourth pair was Luo Chengfeng and Qiu Qianrou.

Both were big internet celebrities known for their costume changes, so they had constant topics to chat about, and their pairing remained unchanged.

They were like two intertwined ribbons, colorful and dazzling.

The fifth pair was Zhan Wang and Lin Xuehui.

One was a musical prodigy, the other a versatile emerging internet star skilled in singing and dancing.

Together, they were inexplicably harmonious, like a beautiful melody that enchanted listeners.

The last pair was He Xingchen and Xu Wenya.

These two amateurs had the lowest presence and attention in the romance show.

They were like small flowers quietly blooming in a corner—unassuming, yet possessing their own beauty.

After the six pairs were formed, they followed the staff’s guidance to the game area.