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As the barrage of comments scrolled across the screen, the voice of the show’s director continued:
“Choosing Lin Qingqing, the first-place scorer, could lead to rejection. Opting for the second-place scorer, Sheng Mingzhu, or any of the other two female guests will allow you to directly take them away.”
“Once you’ve made up your mind, please reveal your true choice.”
Ning Qingyan’s pale lips tightened into a thin line, and his fair hand clutched his pants pocket nervously. After a long pause, his face reddened as he muttered, “Ladies first. Let the older sisters pick first.”
As the youngest among them, Ning Qingyan addressing them as “sisters” wasn’t out of place. Letting them choose first was also polite, prompting viewers in the livestream to gush over his manners.
However, the program’s rules couldn’t be bent. Even if the female guests went first, only Lin Qingqing and Sheng Mingzhu, the top two scorers, had priority. Qiao Li and Xu Ruanruan would have to wait, with their groups decided by drawing lots later.
Hearing this, Xu Ruanruan and Qiao Li frowned. If Lin Qingqing and Sheng Mingzhu picked first, they’d likely choose other male guests, leaving one of them to pair with Ning Qingyan.
The director, noting Ning Qingyan’s suggestion, responded:
“Alright. Lin Qingqing, as the first-place scorer, you may now use your rescue selection. Choosing Ning Qingyan might result in rejection, while selecting one of the other three guarantees success.”
Lin Qingqing’s expression remained icy, her fingers subtly tightening. She looked straight at Wen Shijin, standing upright like a pine tree to her right. Almost without hesitation, her clear voice rang out:
“Wen Shijin. I choose him.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, the other three female guests turned their gazes toward Wen Shijin, their thoughts varying.
The director’s voice echoed again:
“Are you sure? Once confirmed, the decision cannot be changed.”
Lin Qingqing calmly replied, “I’m sure.”
The director then declared:
“As the top scorer, Lin Qingqing uses her rescue selection. Wen Shijin, ranked third, cannot refuse. The first temporary CP is formed.”
After confirming her choice, Wen Shijin finally turned his gaze to Lin Qingqing. His expression, ever calm and gentlemanly, remained warm as he nodded slightly in greeting.
Lin Qingqing’s normally cold face flushed faintly. She nodded back, her typically aloof voice softening. “Then please help me untie the ropes.”
Wen Shijin walked up briskly, inspecting the intricate knot on her wrist with a focused expression. The craftsmanship of the knot intrigued him.
Lin Qingqing’s heart raced, her body stiffening as she held her breath. Her eyes stayed glued to his face, marveling at the boy she admired from a CP-free research story she had once followed—a future scientist who devoted his life to the nation’s progress.
Despite his struggles in the dark, trapped in the mud, he grew into a stunning, gentle figure who left time in awe.
Thankfully, she had transmigrated into this novel just in time, even leveraging her connections to replace one of the original female guests three days before the show started, all to meet her male lead.
Her thoughts ran wild in the fleeting moment as she realized Wen Shijin hadn’t started untying the knot. The others also stood stunned, watching him examine it closely.
Just when Lin Qingqing didn’t know what to say, Wen Shijin finally began untying it. His deft hands moved with precision, undoing the complex knot effortlessly in seconds, without any unnecessary actions.
The director, who had been watching closely, frowned, slapping his thigh in frustration.
He had deliberately hired an expert to tie the knot, expecting it to take longer, forcing the male and female guests into close proximity and conversation to build chemistry. Who would’ve thought Wen Shijin would undo it so quickly? He couldn’t help but doubt if he’d hired the wrong knot expert.
The drones, previously focused on Lin Qingqing and Wen Shijin, shifted to capture the next temporary CP pairing.
Ning Qingyan watched the scene with envy, a faint longing in his eyes. Beside him, Gu Si knocked on his head lightly, a look of disdain on his face.
“What’s there to be jealous about? Aren’t the remaining three yours to pick from? Or are you into Lin Qingqing’s type? Come on, show some confidence as a man. That’s what attracts the girls.”
Ning Qingyan nodded seriously and asked, “You’re right. How can I look more confident?”
Gu Si smirked lazily, his voice dripping with mischief. “Follow my lead. Chin up, chest out, and stand tall.”
Ning Qingyan solemnly obeyed, mimicking his posture.
Gu Si burst out laughing at his exaggerated stance. After licking his lips, he continued instructing:
“Later, if any girl looks at you, flash a slight smile—don’t grin like an idiot. Keep the curve under thirty degrees, and make sure your eyes sparkle.”
Ning Qingyan frowned, his voice downcast. “But none of them are looking at me. It feels like they’re all avoiding eye contact, afraid I’ll pick them. Don’t you think?”
Gu Si laughed harder, eventually patting him on the shoulder. “Honestly, you’re useless at everything, but at least you’re self-aware.”
Ning Qingyan: “…What’s your problem?”
“To be fair,” Gu Si added, “if I had to guess, most of the girls like guys like Wen Shijin or Huo Qi. You, as a clueless newbie in love, just don’t have the same appeal. But it’s fine—you’ve got the power to choose, and they can’t say no.”
Ning Qingyan sighed deeply, his tone troubled. “But I don’t want to force anyone. If they already like someone else and I pick them, they’ll just feel unhappy.”
Gu Si slapped him on the back, his voice loud and teasing.
“Not bad, you’ve got principles! Next time, just don’t fight me for first place, and you won’t have to stress.”
Ning Qingyan coughed awkwardly, resolute. “That’s not happening. If I can’t have the beauties, at least give me the food.”
Gu Si clicked his tongue, feigning disgust. “Typical.”
Their banter was cut short by the director’s announcement:
“Next, second-place scorer Sheng Mingzhu, please use your rescue selection. Choosing Ning Qingyan may result in rejection, but selecting one of the other two guarantees success.”
Sheng Mingzhu’s cheeks flushed lightly as her bright almond-shaped eyes sparkled, glancing toward Gu Si and Ning Qingyan.
Gu Si nudged Ning Qingyan, who looked at him questioningly. Gu Si whispered, “Smile.”
Ning Qingyan’s beautiful peach blossom eyes widened in surprise. He stared at Gu Si like he’d gone mad. “Now? You want me to smile at you? Oh, I get it. You’re testing if my smile works, right?”
Gu Si frowned, about to clarify, when Ning Qingyan awkwardly forced a smile at him, his bright eyes curving in a way that felt both pure and warm.
For a moment, Gu Si’s ears turned red as he stammered angrily, “What the hell? I said smile at the girls, not at me!”
Ning Qingyan: “…You should’ve been clearer.”
At the same time, Sheng Mingzhu’s shy voice echoed:
“I choose Ning Qingyan.”
The director’s voice quickly followed:
“Are you sure? Once confirmed, Ning Qingyan has the right to refuse. If he rejects you, your selection will be void.”
Sheng Mingzhu nodded firmly, her eyes full of nervous anticipation. “I’m sure!”