Second Take On Romance - The A-List Actor Wants Me
Chapter 77 : A Matchmaking Show

Chapter 77: Chapter 77 : A Matchmaking Show

"3, 2, 1... Action!" was a celebrity reality TV show renowned for its diverse settings, each season lasting a grueling fourteen days. One season, stars found themselves marooned on a remote island, their survival skills put to the ultimate test.

In another season, they were thrust into the harsh environment of a snowy northern village, where they had to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and interact with the local populace.

While the show’s stated objective was to reveal the authentic sides of celebrities, hoping to endear them to the public and elevate their popularity, viewers were well aware of its hidden purpose.

It was, in essence, a covert matchmaking show. From the initial cast of six to eight celebrities, at least one couple would inevitably emerge during or after the show. Whether their relationship endured was a separate story altogether.

For fourteen days, viewers across the nation could officially vote for their favorite participant. The higher the vote count, the more popular the celebrity became. The most popular participant often received lucrative commercial deals after the show.

While the official voting took place, the show’s Weibo page secretly launched an unofficial poll for the best couple. Usually, the voting options were limited to heterosexual couples. This time around, the rules changed slightly.

"We will allow viewers to worship any couple they like," Feng Jieyun declared with a smile. "Heterosexual or homosexual couples, all allowed."

The six celebrities to participate in the show this season unwittingly gulped at the announcement.

"Wait, wait, how is that going to help the drama?" Feng Jietang raised his voice. "Are we even going to pass the censorship if the show ends up generating a homosexual couple???"

Shang Ruohai scoffed.

"Have you been participating in the filming, Feng Jietang?" he demanded, his voice sharp and cutting.

"We’ve stayed true to the original novel, ensuring the male alpha and male omega relationships are depicted authentically, not watered down to mere bromances. We’re prepared to fight censorship tooth and nail. But we need the public’s support. If at least two of you can create a popular ship, the audience will fight alongside us to get the drama released. However, if none of you can win the hearts of the viewers, we’ll lack the crucial support we need."

Having said his piece, Shang Ruohai beamed into the round.

"Luckily, I have noticed some viable chemistry among our talented cast. I am sure that you know what to do to garner viewers’ love and support."

The six talented cast members exchanged glances at each other.

Here we had the ex-lovers, Shen Jingwei and Yan Renzhong, who were playing the male lead and protagonist respectively.

And also Lang Yuxuan, who was clearly but one-sidedly interested in Yan Renzhong.

There was also Feng Jietang, who allegedly followed Shen Jingwei everywhere like a loyal puppy.

"Uhm, excuse me..."

Lin Ruoye raised her hand carefully.

"I can understand why the four gentlemen here are chosen to participate in the show, but... what do I and Senior Ye have to contribute?"

"You do know that your and Ye Lingxia’s characters are married in the novel, right?" Shang Ruohai asked Lin Ruoye, who immediately glowed bright red in the face.

"I... Yes, but..."

"It won’t happen right away," Feng Jieyun said in a placating tone, "but we would like to give some attention to the ladies as well. Luckily, ’Dance Of The Dragons’ does contain some GL elements."

Lin Ruoye’s mouth gaped open and closed in awkward silence, making her look like a fish out of water. Across from her, Ye Lingxia couldn’t help but smile.

"I am sure that we will get along well, Ruoye," she said. "At the very least, we can play fifth wheel to these four gentlemen together. I would hate to do that alone."

"I... Yes, of course, Senior Ye."

Lin Ruoye bowed her head respectfully. "Please guide me well."

"Alright then!"

Shang Ruohai clapped his hands once.

"Now that we have informed you all about your participation in the TV Show, we expect your attendance at CNC Studio three days from now."

"Wait, three days???" Feng Jietang cried out. "We only get three days to rest from the fourth shooting period?"

"Well, we don’t have much time to lose," Shang Ruohai flashed the man who just complained two sets of white teeth. "Once the reality show concludes, we will have you all back for the fifth shooting period."

Demon! Feng Jietang cursed in his bleeding heart. Heartless, evil, wicked demon!

Unfortunately, there was not much they could do. The managers had been informed beforehand, so they already emptied their protégés’ schedules as requested.

"Arghhhhh...!!!"

Feng Jietang clawed into his head with both hands.

"I have already had some great plans during the break!" he complained. "Now it’s all null and void, thanks to that Shang guy!"

Shen Jingwei laughed.

"It’s not like you have to memorize lines and act during the reality show," he said, trying to shed a positive light on the upcoming two weeks. "Just take it as a group holiday, no pressure."

Feng Jietang hummed to himself while sneaking a glance at Shen Jingwei.

Now that he thought about it, having an excuse to spend the next two weeks with Shen Jingwei was not bad at all!

"Senior Feng, please wait..."

Both Shen Jingwei and Feng Jietang turned on their heels to watch Lang Yuxuan chasing after them.

"Senior Feng, I would like to have a word with you."

"... About what?"

Lang Yuxuan shot Shen Jingwei a side glance.

"I would like to speak alone with you."

Shen Jingwei shrugged.

"Well, see you in three days, Jietang," he said before taking his leave with Zhu Dongyi.

"What? Hey, Little Shen, wait up!"

Feng Jietang wanted to chase after his crush, but Lang Yuxuan reached out and grabbed his arm.

"Senior Feng, you and I happen to share a common interest. Why don’t we work together to achieve both our goals in the next two weeks?"

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Author’s note :

Author : What’s this? Concubine Lang and King Feng are forming a questionable alliance! What are we going to do??? (⁠⑉⁠⊙⁠ȏ⁠⊙⁠)

Empress Shen : You are the author. Maybe break the alliance...?

Author : No can do~ ಠ⁠ᴥ⁠ಠ

Empress Shen : (⁠ノ⁠ಠ⁠益⁠ಠ⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻