Chapter Sixty-Five: Reluctance

Director Chen cleared his throat once more and, after explaining the rules, had everyone draw lots to decide who would be the first to choose a room. Sang Yijia glanced at Lu Wenchuan, her brows slightly furrowed. “Are you going to pick later?”

“You go ahead,” Lu Wenchuan refused, then, as if remembering something, added, “If we end up with a room that has a double bed, I’ll just book another room.”

That was easy enough for him to arrange.

Sang Yijia nodded in agreement. With that settled, she no longer had to worry about which room they might draw.

“Let them choose first, then.” Sang Yijia could see Yan Ningsi was conflicted. “Hopefully, they’ll get the suite.”

That would be convenient.

Lu Wenchuan raised his brow. “You seem pretty unconcerned. It’s as if you don’t mind sharing a room with me.”

He wanted to clarify further, but looking at Sang Yijia, he couldn’t bring himself to say more.

“Hmm? Not at all,” Sang Yijia replied calmly. “I trust you.”

She believed Lu Wenchuan wouldn’t cross any boundaries.

Lu Wenchuan clicked his tongue, surprised by her answer, then smiled softly. “Since you say so, I won’t let your trust down.”

On the other side, Lan Qing and Shen Jin exchanged glances, both their cheeks blooming with a rosy flush.

Shen Jin arranged with the production team that he would share a room with Lan Qing. The thought of spending time together made his heart race.

Just before getting out of the car, Lan Qing received a message from her agent, Jian Hong, assuring her everything was taken care of.

For now, neither dared to look at the other.

Viewers in the livestream exclaimed how thrilling it was, though some raised questions.

[They’re not a real couple. Isn’t it inappropriate to actually sleep together?]

[It’s just a show—how can anyone take it seriously?]

[Exactly, just enjoy the entertainment.]

[I don’t know if it’s real or not, but watching him and Qingqing feels genuine!]

[Lan Qing and Shen Jin have had chemistry for a while now. If Sang Yijia hadn’t been in the middle, I bet they’d have announced their relationship already.]

The discussion in the livestream heated up again, but many were focused on the drawing of lots.

The first round determined who would draw first; the second round decided the rooms.

Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan had agreed: Lu Wenchuan would draw in the first round, Sang Yijia in the second. Each had one chance—very fair.

Yan Ningsi, listening from the side, found it strange. She turned to Bian He. “Why does the drawing have to be fair?”

“???” Bian He was still worrying about the room, but hearing Yan Ningsi’s question, his mind momentarily froze. After a pause, he recovered. “What are you talking about?”

Yan Ningsi gestured toward Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan. “Is this how couples are supposed to develop?”

“Definitely not,” Bian He glanced over. “Lu seems attentive to Sang Yijia, but honestly, I haven’t seen any indication of real intentions.”

“As for Sang Yijia…” Bian He paused, glancing toward Shen Jin. “You know how it is.”

“She says she’s let go, but how could it happen so quickly?”

Yan Ningsi fell silent.

Meanwhile, Lan Qing stepped forward to draw lots. She was the first to select a room. Seeing her number, she breathed a sigh of relief, though she couldn’t shake the worry that something unexpected might happen.

Next up were Yan Ningsi and Sang Yijia.

When it was Yan Ningsi’s turn, Zhang Mingyang and Zhuang Fei arrived.

Zhuang Fei hadn’t been aware of Yan Ningsi’s feelings toward him; it was Zhang Mingyang who suggested watching the livestream. Now, seeing her in person, Zhuang Fei quickly looked away and followed Zhang Mingyang to check in.

Yan Ningsi was already nervous, and the sudden sight of Zhuang Fei left her blinking in surprise.

[Wow, Sang Yijia’s family doctor came along.]

[Si Si’s reaction is priceless.]

[Haha, imagine if she ends up sharing a room with her variety show boyfriend, right in front of her future real boyfriend—now that’s drama.]

Sang Yijia had thought Zhang Mingyang and Zhuang Fei would have gone home, but to her surprise, they had followed along.

The show was still being filmed. After checking in, Zhang Mingyang and Zhuang Fei glanced at Sang Yijia, said nothing, but nodded slightly.

At that moment, Sang Yijia’s phone vibrated. She glanced down—it was a message from her eldest brother.

[The family doctor will stay with you until the show ends.]

[Mom and Dad aren’t comfortable with you being away; this was their special request.]

[Stay safe, keep warm. If anything happens, don’t tough it out—call me, Mom and Dad, or your third brother. He’s available, too.]

The message made no mention of her second brother, Sang Qiwu. Sang Yijia’s eyes flickered, and she wondered—was her second brother really that unreliable?

She replied with a simple “okay,” put her phone away, and looked up to see Yan Ningsi had finished drawing lots, but couldn’t bring herself to look at the result, tossing the paper to Bian He instead.

“Quick, look!” Yan Ningsi was too embarrassed, covering her eyes as she urged Bian He.

Lu Wenchuan saw it was their turn. He glanced at Sang Yijia. “It’s your turn.”

“Alright.” Just before Sang Yijia stepped forward, Lu Wenchuan gently took her hand.

“Don’t be nervous.”

“Mm.” It was the last result—there was no point in being nervous anymore.

Bian He read the slip, a mix of delight and helplessness in his expression. He handed it to Yan Ningsi. “I’ve seen the result.”

“What is it? Just look for yourself.” Zhuang Fei couldn’t resist peeking. Zhang Mingyang noticed. “Didn’t you say you weren’t interested?”

“I’m not, but I’m curious,” Zhuang Fei scratched his cheek. “Dating a celebrity would be too much trouble.”

“I’d rather find someone with the same job.”

He thought for a moment. “Ideally a doctor, so I could support her.”

Zhang Mingyang said nothing, turning to watch Sang Yijia draw lots.

Though the results were essentially decided, anticipation lingered.

Sang Yijia took the slip and hurried back to Lu Wenchuan. “Let’s look together.”

Their heads leaned close, and Sang Yijia opened the slip—it was a double room, but not a double bed.

She stared, then looked up at Lu Wenchuan. “Are you alright with this?”

Director Chen coughed. “This broadcast will be live, twenty-four hours non-stop.”

“So, everyone must follow the rules and rest in their own rooms.”

[Wow wow wow wow!!!!]

[Is this for real?]

[So exciting!!!]

[So, Qingqing and her brother got the double bed room?]

[Wow, it’s fate!]

Lu Wenchuan was about to answer when Director Chen announced the rule, causing his brow to furrow.

Sang Yijia assumed he was unwilling, and frowned, trying to figure out what to do that night.