Chapter Twelve: Another Guest Arrives

Coincidentally, the camera also caught the card on Shen Jin’s door. Beneath the room number was a small note indicating that the occupant was Sang Yijia.

All the viewers in the livestream saw it; even the fans who had been bickering fell silent, uniting with a common concern.

“The production team is clearly stirring up drama!”

“I’m really worried. Are they really going to pair them together later?”

“Now that you mention it, I’m scared too. The production team will do anything for attention.”

Suddenly, the entire livestream was filled with anxiety over the upcoming couple pairing. At the same time, a hot new topic appeared on Weibo:

#SayNoToShenJinAndSangYijiaPairing#

As soon as the topic emerged, it quickly attracted a lot of attention, shooting into the top ten trends with room to climb higher.

“What? The romance variety show is already live?”

“Why is it Sang Yijia again? Every time I check Weibo, I see her. It’s exhausting.”

“Where can I watch the livestream? Can someone share the link?”

But Sang Yijia was oblivious to all this. After setting her suitcase aside, she began making her bed and tidying the room before heading downstairs.

By coincidence, Shen Jin came out at the same time, and the two ran into each other in the living room.

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

“Sang Yijia must have done this on purpose, running into him like that.”

“Did she come down after hearing something?”

“Ugh, this person is so disgusting.”

Shen Jin was in no hurry. He glanced at Sang Yijia, waiting to see what she would do or say.

However, Sang Yijia merely gave him a cursory glance before turning and heading out to the courtyard.

The viewers were displeased again, indignation flaring in the comments.

“What’s that about? Not even a greeting?”

“She’s trying to get attention in front of him again! Please, don’t pay any mind to her!”

The livestream was abuzz with activity, and the director’s team watched with glee. “It was definitely the right choice to have Sang Yijia on the show,” one said.

“We haven’t even officially started and already there’s this much buzz. Once we go live, it’ll explode.” The director grew more pleased the more he thought about it. He turned and instructed the filming crew, “Make sure to give Sang Yijia extra screen time.”

“Especially when she’s alone with Shen Jin.”

Another staff member suggested, “Director, how about pairing Sang Yijia and Shen Jin together later?”

“That would definitely be a hot topic.”

The director frowned in contemplation, then shook his head. “That might be counterproductive.”

“Let’s wait and see.”

The meeting ended.

Sang Yijia stood under the eaves. The sun blazed fiercely outside the courtyard, making the ground shimmer with heat. It was only morning, yet the heat was already oppressive; she wondered how they would film in the afternoon.

Sensing the camera on her, Sang Yijia turned to it, her brows slightly knitted in confusion. “Are you really filming a romance variety show and not some lifestyle experience?”

The production team hadn’t anticipated this question from her. The viewers in the livestream were caught off guard as well.

“That was sudden—did you all process that?”

“Weren’t previous seasons set in romantic, beautiful places? This looks more like a countryside inn.”

“Dating at a farmstay? How does that even work?”

“I want to see sweet romances!”

The production team, keeping a close eye on the live chat, promptly stepped in to clarify, “This season’s theme is ‘Ordinary Lives.’”

“So the setting is much more down-to-earth.”

Sang Yijia nodded and asked no further.

With two guests still missing, the show couldn’t officially begin. Those who had arrived returned to the main hall after unpacking.

Finding the heat outside unbearable, Sang Yijia went back to her seat and played with her phone.

Before long, Lu Wenchuan emerged, now dressed in casual clothes—a black T-shirt and dark blue jeans. From a distance, he looked like a recent university graduate, full of youth and energy.

Sang Yijia couldn’t help but steal a few glances.

Shen Jin noticed and frowned slightly, about to speak when Bian He, always the lively one, broke the ice with enthusiasm.

“Shall we get to know each other a bit?” Bian He glanced at the only woman present—Sang Yijia. “Yijia, may I call you that?”

“Of course,” Sang Yijia replied without objection.

Lu Wenchuan raised a brow. “Then I’ll call you Jiajia.”

“?” Sang Yijia frowned slightly, sensing familiarity but unsure if they’d actually met.

“Well…” Sang Yijia considered her response. “That’s a nickname used by family and friends.”

Rejected, but Lu Wenchuan wasn’t bothered. “Then shall we be friends?”

“Does it really matter what we call each other?” Bian He glanced at Shen Jin, who didn’t look pleased, then smirked and turned to Lu Wenchuan. “Mr. Lu, you seem very interested in Yijia.”

Sang Yijia was also curious how Lu Wenchuan would respond, watching him intently.

“My friend’s sister mentioned her before I came on the show,” Lu Wenchuan replied leisurely, reclining against the sofa, his gaze calm.

Sang Yijia had a gut feeling it couldn’t have been anything flattering—her predecessor had done too many foolish things. She awkwardly touched the tip of her nose and didn’t press further.

But Bian He wasn’t about to let such a juicy topic go. He smiled and asked, “What did she say?”

“Nothing much,” Lu Wenchuan replied gently. “She just said Jiajia is very pretty.”

Sang Yijia: “…” She doubted the sincerity.

Bian He was momentarily stunned, then looked at her and, after a pause, had to nod in agreement. “She is quite pretty.” If he remembered correctly, Sang Yijia was especially fond of heavy makeup.

Only with a flawless, camera-ready face could she maintain her perfect image.

But now, no matter how closely he looked, even the most seamless foundation was visible. Yet, on Sang Yijia’s face, there wasn’t a trace of makeup.

Was she really appearing bare-faced? Bian He found it hard to believe.

“Yes, very pretty,” he repeated.

Lu Wenchuan nodded in agreement.

Shen Jin couldn't help but glance over. He’d noticed when Sang Yijia first arrived, but hadn’t paid much attention until now. With Lu Wenchuan’s comment and Bian He’s scrutiny, Shen Jin’s curiosity got the better of him.

She really was beautiful.

“Thank you,” Sang Yijia replied, lips twitching slightly as she lowered her gaze, not intending to say more. Inwardly, she wondered when the other two female guests would arrive.

She glanced at Lu Wenchuan again, her brows knitting slightly.

Then, the hum of a car engine came from outside—the remaining two female guests had arrived.

“I wonder who it is,” Bian He mused, curious about the newcomers, already standing to look toward the door.

Shen Jin checked the time. It was almost eleven; Lan Qing had messaged him to say she’d arrive around then.

“Ah, why is it here? Are we really shooting a romance show? Production team, did you trick me into coming for a lifestyle experience?” a sweet, playful voice called out. Then came another muttering, “My suitcase is so heavy.”

“Is anyone here? Could someone help me?”