Following the body double scandal, Tang Jin’s reputation had taken a hit. She had been forced to scale back on public appearances, canceling several previously scheduled engagements.

Now, her team was determined to use this reality show as an opportunity to reintroduce her to the public and reshape her image.

This show was crucial and Tang Jin wasn’t coming unprepared.

—

At the Capital Airport, a sleek black van rolled to a stop.

A woman stepped out, dressed in a camel trench coat. Tang Jin wore oversized black sunglasses and a delicate silk scarf draped around her neck.

Her outfit seemed effortlessly put together, but in reality, every detail was carefully curated. She was aiming for a look that exuded understated elegance—quiet, refined, yet undeniably captivating.

Still, no amount of styling could conceal her natural air of superiority. Tang Jin had never been one to blend into the background.

It didn’t take long for the crowd to recognize her. In an instant, reporters and fans swarmed around.

“Tang Jin is at the airport!”

“Tang Jin, are you the final guest for Let’s Travel?”

“After the body double scandal, how do you feel about meeting Ye Fan again?”

Tang Jin didn’t respond. She simply maintained a poised smile for the cameras.

Even at the mention of Ye Fan’s name, her expression remained composed but beneath that calm facade, a flicker of irritation stirred within her.

Her bodyguards and manager Li, surrounded her, keeping the press and onlookers at a distance.

Manager Li addressed the crowd with a polite but firm response. “Apologies, but we can’t disclose Tang Jin’s work schedule.”

Though his words were dismissive, he knew very well that today’s headlines were already secured.

Once they got back, the company would flood the internet with carefully crafted PR articles, painting Tang Jin in the best possible light. It was the perfect way to kickstart her comeback.

The production team had also assured them that her footage would be edited favorably.

As long as Tang Jin performed well on the reality show, her redemption was all but guaranteed.

Meanwhile, quick-fingered fans had already rushed to gossip forums, spreading the news like wildfire.

[I’m at the airport—Tang Jin is the final guest for Let’s Travel!]

— “So it really is Tang Jin! This just got way more exciting—I’m definitely watching!”
— “The production team really knows how to stir the pot, putting Ye Fan and Tang Jin on the same show!”
— “How did they both agree to this? Isn’t this going to be super awkward?”
— “Are you dumb? If anyone should feel awkward, it’s obviously Tang Jin. The stand-in became a star, and now she still wants to share the stage?”
— “…”

The production team was already waiting at the airport.

Tang Jin was the last to arrive. By the time she showed up, all the other guests were already present.

She removed her sunglasses with practiced nonchalance, casually glancing in Ye Fan’s direction. Their eyes met in midair for just a second before breaking away.

After greeting the other guests, Tang Jin quietly found a seat.

In the entertainment industry, everyone knew how to read the room—no one would dare create unnecessary tension in front of the cameras.

The show’s director clapped his hands. “Now that all the guests have arrived, let’s take a moment to introduce ourselves.”

All the guests on Let’s Travel were women. Among them was veteran actress Li Qiong, who had made a name for herself in Hollywood and achieved remarkable success.

She was semi-retired at this point—her participation in the show was purely for leisure.

The production team had brought in this industry heavyweight for a reason. With her vast experience and high emotional intelligence, Li Qiong was the perfect person to keep the atmosphere balanced.

The director smiled. “Of course, we all know Li Qiong, so no introductions needed.”

Li Qiong’s gaze swept over the other guests, already forming her own opinions. She maintained a gentle smile, though no one could guess what she was really thinking.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Gu Yachen,” a young woman in a pale pink dress spoke up.

She turned to Li Qiong, her voice bright with enthusiasm. “Li Qiong, I’m a huge fan of yours.” Then, in the next second, she looked straight at Tang Jin. “And Tang Jin, I really love your work.”

Gu Yachen had shot to fame overnight thanks to a hit coming-of-age film. Though she had gained some recognition in the film industry, she had yet to solidify her status.

Her reasons for joining the show weren’t exactly pure—she was looking for a way to get closer to Tang Jin.

“I’m Ding Ruoyi. I’m decent at cooking,” she said shyly. “If there’s a chance, I’ll make something for everyone.”

Ding Ruoyi had a naturally elegant charm and rose to fame through historical idol dramas, starring in several prime-time TV series. Recently, a web drama she led had gained unexpected popularity, keeping her in the public eye.

Both Gu Yachen and Ding Ruoyi had built their careers on a sweet and innocent image, which had led to multiple fan wars. The fact that they were now on the same reality show was no coincidence—it was a deliberate move by the production team.

In fact, Let’s Travel was shaping up to be a high-stakes battleground, guaranteed to satisfy the audience’s curiosity.

Next, Tang Jin and Ye Fan introduced themselves.

Everyone remained tactfully silent, but there was an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air.

After all, their stunt double scandal had been the hottest gossip in the industry just a short while ago. Now, with both of them on the same show, the big question was—would sparks fly?

It was only a matter of time before the drama unfolded.

To stir up excitement even before filming began, the production team planned to release teaser clips on their official social media accounts.

The first teaser video featured all the guests arriving at the filming location.

In the clip, Tang Jin and Ye Fan sat in opposite corners, avoiding any interaction. Yet, all eyes were on them.

—”Did anyone else catch that? Tang Jin glanced at Ye Fan as she walked by! LOL!”

—”The secondhand embarrassment is real—I can feel the awkwardness through the screen.”

—”Omg, I can’t wait for the drama to unfold between these actresses!”

—”The production team is evil for putting them together like this… but honestly? Genius. I love it.”

Since the cast was busy filming, neither Ye Fan nor Tang Jin was aware of the online buzz.

The production team had already booked their flights, and soon, the group boarded a plane to their first destination—Austria.

By the time they landed, it was already afternoon local time.

Despite catching some rest on the flight, exhaustion still weighed heavily on them.

This reality show had a massive budget, and with an entire crew trailing behind the celebrity guests, their arrival in Austria was nothing short of a spectacle.

Ye Fan and the other guests were on their way to the accommodations arranged by the production team, now seated on a large tour bus.

The atmosphere among the actresses seemed calm on the surface, but the tension was already brewing from the moment they boarded.

As soon as Gu Yachen stepped onto the bus, she chose the seat right next to Tang Jin.

The other three guests sat separately, placing their luggage on the adjacent seats.

At the front of the bus, a cameraman held up his equipment, capturing every move they made.

All the footage would later be carefully edited before airing on television.

For now, silence filled the space.

Among the group, Ye Fan had the least experience in the industry—just a newcomer. Yet, she had the most buzz, especially thanks to her rumored romance with He Han, which had gained her a significant fan following.

She had no intention of making small talk.

One look at Tang Jin’s demeanor, and Ye Fan could already tell what the production team was up to.

This reality show was clearly designed to help rehabilitate Tang Jin’s public image.

Ye Fan smirked inwardly. She wouldn’t make the first move, but if the production team tried any tricks, she’d be sure to hit back—hard.

Breaking the silence, Gu Yachen spoke up. “Tang Jin, I’ve seen all your works since your debut.”

Tang Jin glanced at her, lips curving slightly. “Oh? Is that so?”

Gu Yachen nodded. “Yes, your acting is far better than mine.”

Since they were filming, even if Gu Yachen wanted to flatter one person while subtly putting another down, she had to do it tactfully. That’s why she chose to bring up how much she admired Tang Jin’s work.

In reality, her compliment wasn’t just about praising Tang Jin—it was also a veiled jab at Ye Fan. After all, how could someone rise to fame so quickly? Ye Fan had debuted after her, yet she was already more popular.

Ding Ruoyi sat quietly with a faint smile, not chiming in on Gu Yachen’s remarks.

She had a simple personality and preferred to stay neutral, avoiding unnecessary drama.

But Gu Yachen seemed determined to stir things up. She turned to Ding Ruoyi and asked, “Ding Ruoyi, have you been watching any dramas lately?”

Caught off guard, Ding Ruoyi paused for a moment before replying, “I haven’t been watching any dramas recently. Since we’re filming in Austria, I’ve been reading up on travel guides instead.”

Veteran actress Li Qiong had started her career as a stunt double and had long since secured her place in the entertainment industry.

She had taken a liking to Ye Fan.

Noticing that no one was engaging Ye Fan in conversation, Li Qiong casually remarked, “The weather in Austria is quite pleasant, isn’t it?”

Then, she turned to Ye Fan. “What do you think?”

With just a few words, she effortlessly shifted the atmosphere.

Ye Fan curved her lips into a faint smile, her voice calm and steady. “Li Qiong, I have a feeling this trip will go very smoothly.”

Their eyes met briefly, and they exchanged knowing smiles.

The bus continued toward its destination, the conversation on board sporadic and fleeting.

Ye Fan had already gauged everyone’s stance. This trip was bound to be anything but peaceful.

…

Meanwhile, He Han was busy filming at a movie studio.

He played the role of a police officer, acting opposite a group of veteran actors—yet he held his own without missing a beat.

Dressed in a police uniform, He Han exuded an air of sharp intensity. His gaze was especially striking—cold, piercing, and unreadable.

His expression remained impassive, his presence commanding.

The icy barrel of his gun traced a line past the man’s head, coming to a halt against his temple.

“Cut!” Another perfect take.

He Han scanned the set before offering a simple, “Good work, everyone.”

His assistant quickly approached as he removed his uniform. Outside the set, a sleek black car was already waiting.

Sliding into the backseat, He Han leaned back as the vehicle pulled away, heading toward his hotel.

Tonight’s scenes had been extensive, and by the time filming wrapped, it was already late.

At the hotel, he swiped his keycard, entered his room, and sank into a chair.

Glancing at his phone, he noticed a few unread messages that had arrived while he was on set.

One of them was from Ye Fan’s manager, Dai Jinshan.

“Ye Fan has safely arrived in Austria.”

He Han raised an eyebrow, his long fingers tapping lightly on his phone screen.

“You don’t need to update me on her every move.”

He hit send, the message quickly delivered.

Yet, his thoughts lingered on Ye Fan.

Compared to others, she was just a little different. Nothing special. Probably.

With a trace of indifference, He Han set his phone down on the table and headed into the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the room.

A while later, he stepped back out.

His phone vibrated.

He Han glanced at the screen. A news notification lit up:

“Tang Jin and Ye Fan filming a reality show in Austria—have they reconciled?”

His eyes narrowed slightly as he sat alone in the dimly lit room, the night casting sharp shadows along his features.

Outside, the rain intensified, pounding against the window with a dull, rhythmic force.

In the silence, a scene from his recent shoot suddenly replayed in his mind.

Shanghai at night—neon lights flickered, the air thick with indulgence and decadence.

Ye Fan approached, her every step deliberate. She was draped in a form-fitting qipao, her makeup sultry, a delicate veil obscuring half her face.

But her eyes—cool, beautiful—never left his.

For some reason, an unexplainable irritation crept over He Han.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

=^_^=