The silence that followed PD Xu Cui's earlier announcement stretched on until the director clapped his hands once, drawing everyone's attention again. A playful glint still danced in his eyes.
"For today's segment, you'll all be going outside the villa," he announced, scanning the circle of guests. "And since this is a love variety show, you'll be paired up for the activities."
Qin Yuran immediately raised her hand. "How exactly will we be paired?"
PD Xu Cui hummed thoughtfully. "Well.. you already chose your partners last night."
The guests exchanged confused glances.
"Huh?" Song Meiyu let out softly, then quickly covered her mouth with an apologetic look.
The PD shrugged casually. "When I asked which guest you were most interested in, those were your choices."
Zhao Yichen blinked. "That was for this?"
PD Xu Cui nodded. "What happens if two people choose the same person?" Han Jiho asked, looking slightly worried.
"Oh, then you'd have to fight for them," the PD replied with a straight face. "Physically."
The entire group stared at him in stunned silence. Is he trying to ruin our reputations? The thought hung unspoken in the air.
PD Xu Cui sighed dramatically. "A shame none of you picked the same person."
Awkward laughter rippled through the guests. Su Wanyan leaned back against the sofa, inwardly sighing. Yeah, I should've known. In the novel, PD Xu Cui was famous for pulling wild stunts purely for ratings. He wasn't malicious—just completely, unapologetically chaotic.
"Anyway," the PD continued, waving his assistant forward. The young man brought over a simple wooden box. PD Xu Cui shook it lightly, the papers inside rustling. "The activities will be decided by raffle. Who wants to go first?"
The guests looked at each other. Su Wanyan turned to Mo Xingxue, who gave her a small nod. She stood up, but Zhao Yichen rose at the exact same moment.
"You go first," Su Wanyan said politely.
"Thanks~" Zhao Yichen grinned and walked over. He reached into the box, pulled out a slip, and unfolded it. "Bungee jumping," he read aloud, then laughed.
His partner, Han Jiho, turned pale as a sheet. "I request a change," he said immediately, voice shaky as he pictured the drop.
"Oh come on, don't be a scaredy cat," Zhao Yichen teased, slinging an arm around his shoulders.
"Easy for you to say!" Han Jiho exclaimed, already dreading the experience.
Su Wanyan stepped forward next. She drew a slip, returned to her seat, and handed it to Mo Xingxue. Qin Yuran couldn't resist. "Su Wanyan, why are you acting like a big puppy waiting for her owner to give her a treat?"
Before Su Wanyan could respond, Song Meiyu reached over and pinched Qin Yuran's ear, earning a surprised yelp. Su Wanyan laughed softly and turned back to Mo Xingxue.
Mo Xingxue opened the paper and showed it to her. "Zoo," she read.
"Oh, not bad at all," Su Wanyan said with a genuine smile. Mo Xingxue nodded, looking quietly pleased.
Qin Yuran and Song Meiyu drew rock climbing. Qin Yuran looked excited and pumped, while Song Meiyu simply smiled happily at her partner's enthusiasm.
Gu Chengze went next. He pulled his slip and held it up. "Rollercoaster." A small frown crossed his face.
Su Wanyan remembered the original plot. This activity was supposed to be a turning point for Gu Chengze and Lin Xuanyu's relationship. The proud CEO would initially think it was beneath him, but seeing Lin Xuanyu having genuine fun would soften him, showing a rare gentle side to his "kept lover."
It would be nice if they end up together without hurting anyone, she thought quietly.
"Okay, get ready everyone," PD Xu Cui called. "You'll be leaving in twenty minutes."
Su Wanyan stood and walked back to their shared room with Mo Xingxue and little Mo Yan. Once inside, she opened her cabinet and began considering outfits when Mo Xingxue spoke.
"Should the three of us wear matching clothes?"
Su Wanyan turned and nodded. "Yeah, that would be good."
"Splendid. What would you be wearing?" Mo Xingxue asked.
Su Wanyan shrugged. "I haven't decided yet. I'll base it on what you and Mo Yan wear."
Mo Xingxue hummed thoughtfully. "Can I choose your outfit?"
"Sure," Su Wanyan replied, internally relieved she wouldn't have to overthink it.
While Mo Xingxue looked through the clothes, Su Wanyan glanced at Mo Yan. "Should I change her?"
Mo Xingxue hummed in agreement. Su Wanyan smiled and got to work.
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With only five minutes left, most of the guests had already departed. Only Lin Xuanyu, Gu Chengze, Su Wanyan, Mo Xingxue, and Mo Yan remained at the villa.
As Lin Xuanyu and Gu Chengze stepped outside toward their van, they noticed another vehicle still waiting. Lin Xuanyu flagged down a nearby staff member. "Excuse me, who's still inside?"
"Oh, Teacher Su and Teacher Mo are the only ones left," the staff answered.
Gu Chengze's fists clenched immediately. His pheromones leaked out in a sharp, angry wave. Lin Xuanyu caught the scent and the corner of his mouth twitched. He's still this obsessed with Mo Xingxue? Bitterness coiled in his chest. Whatever. I'm much better than her. Gu Chengze will be mine sooner or later.
He forced his bright smile back into place and thanked the staff.
Just as they were about to board, a familiar voice called out. "Sorry, we're not late, are we?"
Su Wanyan and Mo Xingxue descended the stairs together, Mo Xingxue carrying Mo Yan securely in her arms.
"Nonsense," PD Xu Cui said warmly. "You still have two minutes. In fact, everyone's departing a bit early."
He looked them over and broke into a teasing smirk. "Oh, you three are wearing matching outfits."
Su Wanyan wore a loose olive-green overshirt over a fitted white tee, paired with comfortable beige cargo pants and white sneakers. A black bucket hat shaded her face, and a camera hung from her neck.
Mo Xingxue looked effortlessly elegant in a sunny yellow midi dress, a denim jacket tied around her waist. A wide-brimmed sunhat with a ribbon protected her from the glare, and tiny sunflower earrings caught the light. A small cream backpack filled with baby essentials rested on her back.
Little Mo Yan was adorable in a pastel yellow romper with a light black cardigan, tiny white velcro shoes, and a cute giraffe-themed hat.
Anyone seeing them would easily mistake the three for a family.
Su Wanyan chuckled at the PD's comment while Mo Xingxue offered a small but bright smile.
"You can give the stroller to the staff," PD Xu Cui suggested, noticing the folded item in Su Wanyan's hand.
Su Wanyan smiled. "It's alright. It's light."
PD Xu Cui let it go with a nod.
As they continued down the stairs, Gu Chengze watched the scene—Mo Xingxue holding their daughter, Su Wanyan walking protectively beside them in coordinated outfits—and felt a sharp wave of anger and envy surge through him. That's my wife and daughter. Yet this inferior alpha keeps hovering around them. The matching clothes only made it worse. It should have been me.
While Gu Chengze fumed silently, Lin Xuanyu's lips curved into a sly, calculating smile.
I have an idea.