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Chapter 25: Large-Scale Love Rival Showdown – Jealousy Sparks Battle
“A feud over a partner cannot be tolerated…”
The moment the synchronized cry of “Ning Qingyan!” rang out, it ignited the entire scene like a firework!
As the clock ticked toward noon, the show’s director, who had been casually eating instant noodles while monitoring the recording, spat noodles out of both mouth and nose onto the screen before him upon hearing such an explosive statement. Chaos ensued in the studio as the crew scrambled to clean up.
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The comments flooded in like a storm. Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhu, who had been the calmest of them all, froze in utter disbelief.
“Are these even human decisions?”
It was bad enough that her OTP was snatched away by her nemesis, Xu Ruanruan. But now, Xu Ruanruan’s OTP was also dragging her into this mess?
Fuming, Shen Mingzhu shouted: “I object!”
Gu Si and Xu Ruanruan replied in unison: “Forced pairing, objections invalid!”
Their declaration hung in the air as they exchanged glances.
Gu Si, standing tall, looked down at Xu Ruanruan, his rebellious brows slightly raised. His sharp phoenix eyes narrowed dangerously, his tone loaded with innuendo:
“I earned first place on my own.”
The meaning behind his words was clear. If not for Gu Si’s contribution to their OTP, Xu Ruanruan, with her zero points, would have been doing 200 sit-ups instead of receiving any rewards.
Xu Ruanruan was momentarily stunned, realizing he wasn’t joking about picking Ning Qingyan. Her surprise turned into enlightenment as her gaze flickered between Ning Qingyan and Gu Si, her expression growing unreadable.
Could this explain why, despite countless scandals and rumors, the big male lead of this entertainment industry novel, Gu Si, remained single? Could it be because… he liked men?
The idea took root and grew into suspicion, though Xu Ruanruan furrowed her brows. No, it didn’t add up. Gu Si was the kind of person who flaunted his disregard for social conventions. If he liked men, he wouldn’t hide it—he’d probably even film a movie about it in protest.
Could this all be because her presence in the book had triggered some butterfly effect?
Even Huo Qi, usually aloof and expressionless, briefly swept his gaze over Gu Si and Ning Qingyan before looking away, his cold features betraying a hint of unease.
Ning Qingyan’s sunny, soft, and easily flustered demeanor was like that of the ideal boyfriend anyone would want. Yet, amidst the looming giants of wealth, talent, and prestige, it was obvious who most people would choose.
Caught in the middle of the chaos, Ning Qingyan stood frozen, visibly trembling.
Realizing the tension, he darted behind Wen Shijin, clutching his arm and peeking out cautiously. Meeting Gu Si’s glare, he retorted boldly:
“Why are you glaring at me? Sure, I’m approachable and charming, but I’m no phoenix for a wild chicken! Don’t pick me!”
Gu Si nearly laughed at his audacity. Licking his teeth, he muttered: “Ning Qingyan, you’ve grown bold.”
Wen Shijin, ever composed, glanced down at Ning Qingyan, who clung to his arm. Gently smoothing the boy’s tousled brown hair, he reassured him in a warm, deep voice:
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
The combination of his soft baritone and affectionate gesture made Ning Qingyan’s ears flush red. Clearing his throat, he whispered, “Thank you, brother.”
Meanwhile, the show’s director, having finally cleaned the noodle-covered screen, spoke again:
“Gu Si, stop joking. Your request—”
Before the director could finish, Gu Si interrupted, raising a brow:
“Didn’t you say that in a forced pairing, the chosen party cannot refuse? And when you announced the reward, you didn’t specify any restrictions on who to pair with. What’s the matter—are you taking it back now?”
The director broke into a cold sweat, suddenly regretting the rules he had crafted. Forced pairings were supposed to make the show entertaining, not throw it into utter chaos.
Just as the director was contemplating disaster, Xu Ruanruan, lost in thought, provided an unexpected opening.
“You’re right!” the director exclaimed, practically leaping out of his seat. “But Xu Ruanruan also has pairing rights and has chosen Ning Qingyan. According to the ladies-first rule, Xu Ruanruan and Ning Qingyan will form a new OTP!”
With that, he continued, “Gu Si, please choose a new OTP. If you refuse, we’ll default you with Shen Mingzhu.”
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Thus, amidst chaotic emotions, Ning Qingyan found himself swept into Xu Ruanruan’s antics, with Wen Shijin, Shen Mingzhu, and Gu Si all left in stunned disarray.