After gathering votes,

Director Gao started the next part of the process: “Now, please have the four couples take out their kites and try flying them. If anyone has trouble getting them to fly or isn’t very good at flying kites, you can ask Master Shan for adjustments and guidance.”

Looking at the time, Director Gao continued, “You have ten minutes. After ten minutes, we’ll start with the mini-games.”

Following this instruction, the four couples got up from their seats and went to the large lawn at the back to try flying their kites.

To be honest, Rao Linchang had never flown a kite before, so he handed the reel of the kite to Song Linxuan: “You do it; I’m not very good at it.”

“You don’t know how?” Song Linxuan didn’t take the reel but instead smiled at Rao Linchang: “Let me teach you. Otherwise, if you need to fly a kite during the games later, you might need to know how.”

Rao Linchang didn’t speak right away but looked at Shi Guang and Tong Kaiyi in the distance.

Watching Tong Kaiyi slowly pull the kite forward and then suddenly let go, allowing the kite to soar high with the wind, only to be caught steadily by Shi Guang, Rao Linchang suddenly had an epiphany.

“Alright, I’ve got it,” Rao Linchang said as he handed the reel back to Song Linxuan.

He then pointed to the lawn behind Song Linxuan and said, “You find the feel for guiding the kite here, and I’ll run to launch it.”

Without giving Song Linxuan a chance to respond, Rao Linchang grabbed the kite and ran in the opposite direction.

When he reached the appropriate spot, Rao Linchang stopped and signaled to Song Linxuan to get ready.

Song Linxuan called out from afar, “Alright, you can go!”

Responding to the cue, Rao Linchang began to run slowly, mimicking Tong Kaiyi’s earlier actions.

Since he wasn’t sure exactly when Tong Kaiyi had let go of the kite, he had to rely on his own instincts.

When he felt the kite in his hand start to hum with the wind, he slowly released it.

In the next moment, he saw the small kite indeed rise high, lifted by the opposing wind.

Just as he was about to feel pleased, the kite hadn’t flown very far before it started to drift gently back down.

Unfortunately,

The kite landed right near Xiao Zhe and Lian Xi.

Hearing the commotion, Xiao Zhe glanced at the kite that had fallen to the ground, then looked back at the distant Rao Linchang, and silently withdrew his gaze.

Rao Linchang grumbled about his bad luck but still jogged over to retrieve the kite.

Just as he was nearing it, Xiao Zhe, who was backing up while handling his own kite, stepped right on the beautifully decorated kite.

Rao Linchang even heard a distinct “crack” from the bamboo frame!

“Oh no!” The culprit seemed to only then notice the poor kite, turning around with a look of surprise and regret. “Whose kite fell down?”

He hurriedly put away his own kite and picked up the broken kite that had split into two pieces, handing it to Rao Linchang with an apologetic expression. “Chang Chang, is this yours? I’m really sorry, I didn’t see it earlier.”

“What’s going on?” Seeing the situation, Lian Xi quickly ran over to ask.

After asking, Lian Xi noticed the damaged kite in Xiao Zhe’s hands. He was secretly pleased but maintained a look of feigned surprise: “Oh no! How did Chang Chang’s kite get damaged!”

His voice was a bit loud, attracting the attention of other guests who hadn’t noticed the situation yet.

Soon, everyone gathered around.

“What happened? Chang Chang?” Shi Guang, holding his own kite, asked Rao Linchang with a natural look of concern.

“It’s nothing,” Rao Linchang said with a gentle smile and a slight bend of his brows. “Uncle Xiao Zhe stepped on my kite and said he’d replace it. I was just about to thank him.”

Xiao Zhe frowned, surprised that Rao Linchang would turn the situation around on him.

He had really underestimated this young man!

Lian Xi opened his mouth to speak but hadn’t gotten the chance before Rao Linchang stepped forward, taking the damaged kite and reel from Xiao Zhe’s hands. “I’ll forgive Uncle Xiao Zhe this time. But if your eyesight is failing, you might want to get a pair of reading glasses. Otherwise, you might end up stepping on someone else’s kite next time.”

【What’s happening? What happened? The camera was too far away earlier, I didn’t see!】

【It looks like this uncle stepped on Chang Chang’s kite… I’m not too sure, but it seems like that’s the case.】

【He stepped on Chang Chang’s kite?? Chang Chang’s carefully drawn kite is ruined like this?? I’m so mad!! This uncle must have done it on purpose!!】

【Damn it!! It’s like someone messing with my computer and losing my thesis! I’m already holding a knife in my hand!!!】

【Ahhh, so angry! Chang Chang’s kite was the most beautiful! I was even thinking of suggesting to Director Gao to turn it into merchandise for fans!】

Xiao Zhe was infuriated by Rao Linchang’s sarcastic remarks, but unfortunately, several cameras were converging at that very moment.

As a person of status and position, he couldn’t afford to lower himself and have a big argument with a minor celebrity on the show.

So he had to swallow his anger and decided to teach this young, arrogant man a lesson in another way.

“Chang Chang has a point. I’ll consider it,” Xiao Zhe said with a hint of a smile on his lips, though his eyes were quite dark.

“But Chang Chang…” Lian Xi’s expression showed a bit of grievance. “If you take my kite, how am I supposed to participate in the game later?”

“What do you mean, Xi gege?” Rao Linchang smiled. “I didn’t take your kite. This is your partner who accidentally stepped on my kite and specifically replaced it for me. As for how you’ll participate in the game, you’ll have to ask the director. I don’t know.”

After speaking, Rao Linchang took his damaged kite back from Xiao Zhe and turned to the onlookers, including Ming Nan and Jie Rui. “Alright, I’m fine here. You all should go practice with your kites. Oh, and by the way, kites are quite fragile, and they break easily if stepped on. So take good care of your kites and don’t let them end up like mine.”

Seeing Rao Linchang leaving with the two kites, Ming Nan didn’t stay long.

Instead, he took small, quick steps to catch up with Rao Linchang and quietly said, “Chang Chang, don’t be too upset. If you want, I can ask Master Shan if he knows how to repair kites.”

“Thank you, Ming Nan, but it’s not necessary,” Rao Linchang replied with a thank you, then lowered his gaze to look at the broken kite. “Let the broken kite remain as it is; otherwise, I might forget how it got damaged.”

【Ahh, I feel so sorry for Changchang. [Thunderbolt hugs Chang Chang]】

【Just to clarify, I don’t mean to belittle women. I just want to say, damn, some men can be even more petty than women when they get into a small-minded mood!】

【What did the person above notice? Please elaborate (putting on an ear to listen)】

【Didn’t you see? This uncle was already deliberately making things difficult for Chang Chang this morning when buying groceries, then complained about Chang Chang not being able to cook during lunch, and now he’s intentionally stepped on Chang Chang’s kite!】

【So? Please type faster, sister!】

【Coming, coming. I’ve summarized two points: first, he thinks of himself as an elite, so he looks down on our Chang Chang, who is a minor celebrity. Second, he’s interested in Lian Xi and wants to make a name for himself in front of him, so he meddles and tries to teach our Chang Chang a lesson (just my opinion).】

【Are you stepping on a sewing machine? Such a skill at putting others down! Xiao Zhe stepping on the kite has nothing to do with our Lian Xi!】

【Don’t bite people just because you have a mad dog syndrome! Our Lian Xi isn’t to blame for this!】

【Water army sisters, come quickly! We’ve got some dirt in the house!!! Scared.jpg】

【A Weibo entry has been created for #XiaoZheIntentionallyDamagesRaoLinchangKite#, sisters, go upvote it. Ignore the two idiots above and let them sneakily evolve while hitching a ride on our celestial vibes.】

【It’s still the water army sisters!! I’m coming!!!】

Rao Linchang’s fans and the small number of supporters alone weren’t enough to make the entry trend and get it to the front page.

The entry also relied on those black fans who had been lurking online for years and would jump at any mention of “Rao Linchang” to bash him.

As a result, the hashtag #XiaoZheIntentionallyDamagesRaoLinchangKite# quickly climbed into the top ten trending topics.

The video evidence in the entry was edited by the water army themselves, and they didn’t intentionally stir up trouble by including past incidents where Xiao Zhe had made things difficult.

They only edited from the moment Rao Linchang started sketching the kite to the satisfied smile he gave after finishing the artwork.

The scene then shifts to a small kite soaring high in the sky.

The kite, with its traditional Jiangnan ink wash style, creates a harmonious picture with the blue sky. Coupled with the gentle, spring-like background music provided by the water army, it creates an inexplicable sense of realism, as if the string guiding the kite is held in one’s own hand.

So, when the scene changes to the kite drifting down and then being crushed by a black leather shoe,

many passersby and onlookers cannot help but feel a jolt in their hearts.

【The immersion is so strong! I’m already angry!】

【Wow, this kite was just posted by the official ‘Love’ Weibo account! I was just telling my friend how beautiful the painting on this kite is! It’s so lifelike!】

【So! Has Xiao Zhe apologized or not!!】

【Even though I’m not a fan of Rao, in this case, Rao is quite innocent, and I feel a bit sorry for him.】

【Uh, this video is missing context, so why did Xiao Zhe step on someone’s handcrafted work? If it wasn’t intentional, where’s the apology? Why isn’t the apology included in the video??】

【Everyone disperse, the blogger is a Rao fan’s water army, deliberately stirring up trouble.】

【Click on their profile and it’s all likes for anti-Rao posts. You’re not any better. I’m going to the livestream to see what’s going on.】

【Count me in. Raises hand.jpg】

【I’ll check it out too. Could someone share a quick link?】

【2.20goQ: / Copy and open Xigua Video, look for [Works of Let’s Fall in Love] #Rao Linchang’s Livestream…….】

【Thanks to the person above. Wishing you a lifetime of peace.】

A trending topic has brought several tens of thousands of viewers to Rao Linchang’s livestream.

As the eager onlookers poured in, they were immediately struck by the image of the young man on the stream.

On the screen, the young man is dressed in a simple outfit predominantly in shades of blue. His fair complexion and sharply defined features give him a naturally pure appearance.

Warm sunlight falls on his face, creating a honey-like, enticing glow that makes one’s heart flutter inexplicably.

【Wow!!!】

【? What’s up with the comments above??】

【Just asking, what level of beauty filter is this guest using?】

【New here? Our Chang Chang’s livestream doesn’t use beauty filters!】

【Truth or not, this face is worth admiring! Admiring.jpg】

【It’s really without filters! If anyone is mesmerized, please believe this is Chang Chang’s true look!!!】

【I don’t believe it unless it’s delivered to my bed for a thorough inspection. Serious face.jpg】

【……New friends, remember to wear pants, or you’ll be muted for thirty days!】

【What are you joking about? I’ve seen countless handsome men in their natural state without ever wearing pants, so whatever, I’m just going to admire it.】

System notice: Your account has been reported; you’re muted for 30 days.

“…….”

Damn it!

They actually went through with it!

Quickly switching to a secondary account, grumbling internally while maintaining a smile: 【Tried it, the main account got banned, great job. Cute.jpg】

【Thanks to the sister above for self-sacrificing. (Quietly puts on the half-removed pants)】

【??? Did the sisters come from the trending topic? Aren’t we here to find out why the kite was stepped on?】

【Do we need to investigate? It’s obvious the uncle did it on purpose! (Don’t argue with me; I judge by looks, not values. You argue if you disagree.)】

【……】

The four pairs of couple guests have lined up side by side.

After Lian Xi brings out Master Shan Changqing’s kite as the tool for the game, Director Gao raises his megaphone and announces, “We’re starting the game now. It’s very simple: the four couples will compete in a relay to fly kites. The couple whose kite stays in the air the longest and flies the furthest will win the right to choose their date location for tomorrow.”

“What are the options?” Tong Kaiyi asks.

Director Gao doesn’t keep it a secret and directly has the staff roll out a whiteboard.

On the whiteboard are four photos of different styles.

Director Gao explains, “These are the date locations carefully prepared by our production team for the four couples. They are: a romantic ocean aquarium, an artistic art gallery, a sunny tennis court, and a thrilling haunted house.”

“Now, please move to the starting point of the relay race and get ready to fly your kites.”

【It’s here, it’s here! Director Gao’s sweet date day is finally coming! So excited!!!】

【Based on Director Gao’s previous seasons, I think the sunny tennis court will definitely be very sweet! I hope my Changchang gets to go there!!】

【Stop, stop, everyone! I really don’t want to see my Chang Chang being forced to work at the sunny tennis court with a greasy guy!】

【Count me in, count me in! Although, Chang Chang would be better off going to the haunted house (assuming he’s not afraid of ghosts).】

Rao Linchang isn’t afraid of ghosts; after all, they’re just people dressed up as NPCs.

But he’s worried that Song Linxuan might make a show of sticking close to him, so he preemptively states, “I’m a bit scared, so let’s not choose the haunted house.”

Song Linxuan: ?

You’re scared?

I think you’re quite bold, always ready to run your mouth.

Although Song Linxuan doesn’t believe Rao Linchang would be scared of the haunted house, he confidently raises his hand to place it on Rao Linchang’s shoulder, saying, “What’s there to be afraid of? I’ll protect you…”

Rao Linchang steps aside, avoiding him, and with a bright, charming smile says, “Darling, if you don’t want that hand, I can help you remove it.”

His smile is dazzling in the sunlight.

…But his words, though polite, carry a hint of friendly threat.

Repeatedly being humiliated by a small celebrity, even if Song Linxuan likes Rao Linchang’s face, it’s starting to fray his temper.

So, he presses down on his mic, turns his face, and leans in to whisper harshly in Rao Linchang’s ear, “Rao Linchang, I’m giving you face by looking at you. If you keep pushing it, I can easily get the director to replace you! Do you believe it?”

Song Linxuan knows how rare it is for a small celebrity to land a spot on a popular variety show, so he’s confident Rao Linchang won’t dare to oppose him and risk losing such a good exposure opportunity.

He also plans to leverage his own status to control Rao Linchang, making it easier for him to gain an upper hand and taste the thrill.

Confident Song Linxuan is already waiting for Rao Linchang to show a surprised and fearful expression.

However…

Rao Linchang merely extended a finger to push him away, then shook his hand as if it were dirty, with an exaggerated, dismissive look of fear on his face: “Oh dear, I’m so scared.”

“You…” Song Linxuan can’t believe that an insignificant celebrity would dare defy him, assuming Rao Linchang just doesn’t realize the threat in his words.

So he opens his mouth to explain more clearly, but Rao Linchang has already put away his feigned fear and is walking calmly towards the next relay point.

Clearly, he has no intention of continuing to listen.

Song Linxuan’s frustration flares up to the top of his head.

However, with a camera crew pointed at him, he forces himself to control his rising anger and smiles as gently as possible for the camera: “It’s so cute that my little guest couple is throwing a tantrum.”

【Screw your tantrums! It was clearly you who made our Chang Chang upset!】

【Seriously, I could knock out eight men like this with one punch!】

【Rao’s fans, don’t be so blind. It was clearly Rao who initiated the conversation with Song, and then left before Song even finished speaking. Can’t you see the obvious push-and-pull? And you still say Song has no boundaries? Honestly, you must be blind.】

【New here? Who’s saying that?】

【A fan of the white lotus, specifically here to bash Chang Chang.】

【Well, why don’t you fight back then!】

【……We don’t do that. This kind of thing is handled by the fan club sisters, but it seems they’re all in a meeting right now. Humble.jpg】

【So useless!】

【QAQ】

【So you’re one of the haters, huh? Come on, if you’re not blind, tell me where on Chang Chang it says he’s playing hard to get. Don’t tell me your mom engraved it on your dog eyes? Laughable.】

While the comments are still buzzing, the four pairs of guests on the field have lined up in relay formation.

They’re just waiting for the director to say “Start.”

The four people at the first leg of the relay begin by lifting their kites, running against the wind, and finding their rhythm.

Song Linxuan, who is highly competitive and eager to take Rao Linchang to the haunted house, is particularly anxious to secure the first place.

But reality often defies expectations; the more Song Linxuan rushes to get first place, the more it seems to slip away from him.

So,

while the other three pairs of guests are slowly letting their kites fly, his kite has already soared high into the air.

He thought this meant he had secured the lead, so he began to slowly move toward Rao Linchang, still holding the kite.

But before he could even reach Rao Linchang, the kite came crashing down.

Rao Linchang didn’t even get a chance to intervene.

Yet, Rao Linchang still clapped and said, “Wow, Young Master Song is really amazing.”

Song Linxuan’s face turned dark.