CHAPTER 1: It Hurts

“Did you agree to do this dating show because you love me… or because of that bitch?”

The moment those words left her mouth, the air seemed to freeze. Around them, an almost gleeful anticipation bubbled—like everyone was watching a juicy soap opera unfold live.

A few seconds later, the man finally replied, voice cold and laced with sarcasm:
“I don’t love you. Didn’t you know that?”

It hit like a slap to the face. The shred of hope she had was crushed in front of everyone, humiliation burning like fire through her chest.

In that moment, Gu Sheng jolted awake. Really awake.

—Shit. I transmigrated into a novel?!

She’d seen the entire plot flash through her mind just before regaining consciousness. She now lived in the body of Gu Sheng, the contract wife of top-tier actor Wen Heng in a wealthy family marriage. They were basically strangers, but were now forced to appear on a couples’ dating variety show. The original Gu Sheng had held out hope—if Wen Heng agreed to be on the show, maybe he had feelings for her, right?

So when she found out that one of the other female guests had once been linked to Wen Heng in a scandal, she completely lost it. Jealousy took over, and she threatened to blacklist the woman. That one outburst tanked her already weak public image and made things even worse.

Which is how we got to today—the live broadcast premiere of The Four Laws of Happiness—with tension thicker than fog and drama already boiling over.

Wen Heng, despite being married young, had never once publicly acknowledged his off-screen wife. Zero interaction on Weibo. Never photographed together. Everyone knew one thing: Wen Heng didn’t love Gu Sheng.

The entire internet had been waiting for this moment—itching to see the arrogant, delusional Miss Gu embarrass herself while every other couple radiated sweetness and love.

Gu Sheng blinked, pulling her thoughts back and glanced at the novel’s title: 99 Ways Love Hurts.

—The hell is that supposed to mean??

She didn’t quite get the meaning behind that abstract title. But whatever. She was just a minor cannon-fodder character destined to get flamed online, dumped by Wen Heng, and laughed at by the entire internet. No wonder the title didn’t feel relevant—it wasn’t about her.

“Wen-ge, the crew’s urging us to get going,” the manager said, breaking the awkward silence.

The surrounding staff pretended like nothing had happened, busying themselves with equipment and scripts—like they hadn’t just witnessed Wen Heng publicly humiliate his wife.

But just as he turned to leave, Wen Heng paused. He glanced back at Gu Sheng, his profile as flawless as a sculpture.

“One more thing,” he said coldly. “Stick to the agreement. First—control your temper during filming. Watch what you say. Second—unless absolutely necessary, don’t talk to me.”

“…?”
Gu Sheng finally lifted her head to really look at her so-called husband.

Their eyes met. His gaze was deep and unreadable, like the still surface of a lake.
“And third,” he added, “even if necessary, no physical contact.”

Even Wen Heng’s own staff flinched.
Was this guy headed to a survival show or a romantic getaway? Because this sure didn’t sound like a couples’ program.

Gu Sheng looked at his devastatingly handsome face and thought with absolute certainty:
This man is a ridiculously pretty idiot.

The manager coughed lightly and gave her an apologetic smile. “Wen-ge has a very serious cleanliness obsession. I’m sure you understand, right, Miss Gu?”

Gu Sheng felt personally attacked.
“Oh, I understand—” she started sweetly.

Right before she could spit out “Understand your f***ing face,” a mechanical voice suddenly echoed in her mind:

“Ding—‘You’re His Cure’ Perfect CP System has been successfully bound~”

“Your husband will experience 99 different kinds of pain—and only your touch can stop it~!”

Gu Sheng immediately swallowed the words she was about to say.

…?

…Wait, what?

What kind of pain, exactly? Come on, spill the details.

–

After laying down three conditions, Wen Heng got into his own van and left without any intention of riding with Gu Sheng.

Even his manager gave her a sympathetic look before getting in the car—as if saying, Who else joins a couples’ variety show and shows up alone? She was probably going to get roasted the second she appeared on screen.

Sigh… was this really necessary?

But Gu Sheng didn’t even glance at them.

Expressionless, she stepped into another car, though inside she was practically cackling.

“So if Wen Heng doesn’t touch me, he’s stuck suffering through ninety-nine kinds of pain?”

The system replied cheerfully:
“That’s right! The location and intensity of your husband’s pain will be randomly assigned! With this one-of-a-kind bond, he’ll be completely and utterly attached to you—from body to soul! A love story for the ages, and the brightest CP couple of the entire show!”

Gu Sheng was in a great mood, but didn’t get swept up in the hype. She asked calmly, “But why me?”

“Because you’re both officially classified as ‘God-tier visuals.’ Plus, you were the ratings queen in your original world. You two are evenly matched in popularity—and thanks to fate, you’re legally married! According to our system’s big data, you and Wen Heng have the highest CP compatibility score!”

Gu Sheng thought, I’d rather pass on this so-called fate. But to be fair, Wen Heng was impressive. He had the kind of face made for the big screen—every angle perfect. But he wasn’t just a pretty face. Despite his young age, he’d already won major awards at home and abroad, carried films that grossed billions, and was crowned Best Actor more times than she could count.

Worst of all? He was the type who’d have to go home and inherit a multi-billion-dollar family business if his acting career ever failed.

But. Gu Sheng had read the original novel. She knew they were the same kind of people—ambitious, focused on their careers, and totally unimpressed by romance.

People like them didn’t want to be anyone’s “lifesaving cure.”

Still, if the system said their high CP score hinged on their married status, then fine. In the original story, they were getting divorced soon anyway. She just needed to use this high-profile variety show, The Four Laws of Happiness, to reboot her career.

By then, the whole entertainment industry would be wide open to her—who’d even remember Wen Heng?

Honestly, Gu Sheng was more excited to see how her “clean freak” husband would suffer through pain while doing everything in his power not to touch her~

Heehee.

“So when does this thing kick off?” she asked the system, a little too eagerly.

Mistaking her enthusiasm as shared excitement, the system responded with gusto:
“The CP system will activate as soon as filming begins! The male lead’s pain points are being randomized now—please prepare to be his ‘antidote’!”

Gu Sheng nodded solemnly. Let the pain rain down in full force! (dramatic thunderclap)

–

In the nanny van, her assistant Xiao Tang had been sneaking glances at Gu Sheng’s face. She was braced for a tantrum, but instead saw her boss sitting calmly—no signs of rage, maybe even a bit… giddy?

Relieved, she carefully handed over an iPad. “Sister Sheng, the live broadcast from Pomelo TV just started.”

This season of The Four Laws of Happiness was already buzzing online. The cast lineup was star-studded, and the production team had gone bold—no scripts, no filters. A raw, live broadcast format where every moment would be exposed.

It was paradise for obsessive fans and sugar-shipping CP stans.

Right now, the screen was showing Wen Heng filming an ad for one of the sponsors. The comments were flooding in so fast they blurred together.

[Ahhhh!!! My king!!!][Too handsome, I’m dying!!]
[I don’t care—Wen God is still single in my heart!!!!]

Among the sea of Wen Heng fangirling, a few comments stood out, centered in bold and glaringly hostile:

[Wen Heng shines solo. Get lost, voice trash.]
[Wen Heng shines solo. Get lost, voice trash.]

…

[Okay but calling her names is kinda low, isn’t it]
[You do know Sheng-bitch isn’t exactly classy either? Has Gu Sheng apologized to Song Qingzhi today?]

Song Qingzhi—the actress the original Gu Sheng once vowed to blacklist.

Years ago, when Wen Heng filmed his debut movie, Song Qingzhi had a small role. Barely colleagues. But after the film blew up, a groundless rumor linking them spread just enough to boost Song Qingzhi’s fame.

Now, right before the show aired, someone had deliberately dug up that old gossip and whispered it in Gu Sheng’s ear—clearly trying to provoke her into going crazy on screen, just so Song Qingzhi could play the innocent little angel by comparison.

The original Gu Sheng might’ve fallen for the trap. But this Gu Sheng? Not a chance.

Right then, the commercial ended. The first couple appeared on screen—none other than Song Qingzhi and her boyfriend, Qin Tian.

[Ahhhh! Qing-Tian couple, the sweetest ever!]
[Ugh, her braids are too cute! She’s the definition of youthful charm!!!]

Dressed in a floral dress, Song Qingzhi smiled sweetly into the camera, practically glowing with the look of a girl spoiled by love.

Gu Sheng shut off the iPad. Her own reflection stared back at her from the black screen.

Unlike Song Qingzhi’s soft, harmless prettiness, Gu Sheng’s features were striking—too striking. Her beauty was bold, almost aggressive. Sharp brows, sculpted cheekbones, and a constant air of confidence that made her unforgettable. She radiated an intimidating kind of allure.

Lose to that? Gu Sheng snorted.

She tugged at the fancy dress she was wearing—clearly some designer’s haute couture piece. The original Gu Sheng had taken this appearance seriously, wanting to outshine her “rival” in front of Wen Heng. Overdressed, over-eager… and promptly got torn apart online for it. A total flop.

Gu Sheng narrowed her eyes and looked around. Her gaze landed on her assistant’s crisp white shirt.

How do you make the audience stop resenting you for being “the wife of the hottest guy alive”?

Simple.

Become the hottest one yourself. 😌

The assistant found himself blushing under her steady gaze. Before he could figure out why, the woman in front of him gave a small, crooked smile. For a moment, it was like stars cracked and scattered across her eyes—playful, dazzling, and just mischievous enough to make you forget whatever trouble she might be hiding.

“Take it off,” she said.

The assistant froze. “Huh?”

Two seconds later, the realization hit him like a brick.
“—Wait, what?!”

…

Two hours later.

Gu Sheng’s van was the first to arrive at the filming location. The first episode was set in a secluded countryside villa.

Even though the place was remote, fans had still managed to swarm the gates, waving lightboards and clutching gifts, eagerly waiting for their favorite idols to appear. As soon as they spotted a nanny van pulling up, the screaming started.

But when the car door opened, someone in the crowd gasped.

“Is that… Gu Sheng?”

“No way, it is her! I can’t believe she actually showed up—”

And it wasn’t just the live audience. The online barrage of comments exploded instantly. After all, this was the biggest drama magnet of the entire season.

As the door swung open, a glimpse of flowing fabric hit the ground—and the comment section lost it.

[OMG LOL the rich girl actually showed up to a variety show in haute couture?! Can’t wait for the memes.]

[She’s just a nobody, but the way she’s trying to outshine real celebs is hilarious.]

[She’s gotta be doing this for the drama, right? Right??]

But then the person inside lifted their head—revealing a boyishly pretty face filled with apathy—and stepped aside to make room for the person behind them.

Gu Sheng: Fake-out success √

She hopped out of the car wearing an oversized white dress shirt, loosely knotted tie hanging from the open collar. Her long hair, usually styled in glamorous waves, was now pulled up into a high ponytail. The sharp contrast softened her stunning but overly aggressive features. That one effortless move off the van gave her an unexpected vibe—laid-back, a bit untamed, with the subtle charm of a rebellious teenage boy.

The comments froze for a beat.

Then, chaos:

[WAIT THAT’S GU SHENG?!?!]

[Okay I take it back—she’s hot. That face? I’m obsessed.]

[But did you notice? She showed up alone! Wen Heng isn’t even with her LOL]

[LMAO she’s the only one who came solo to a couples variety show. Iconic rich girl behavior.]

Seeing Gu Sheng completely dominate the stream, Wen Heng’s solo stans and Song Qingzhi’s fans started getting restless.

[Manipulative witch! Showing up alone just to hog the camera time!]

[Where’s Wen-ge?! Wen-ge, please come save us!!]

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng narrowed her eyes, also waiting for Wen Heng.

The cameras were rolling.

From a distance, another van slowly pulled in.

Inside the vehicle, Wen Heng’s manager was giving him some last-minute advice.
“Just don’t go too hard on her in front of the cameras. The Gu family…”

Wen Heng adjusted his collar coolly. “I’ll do my job. But as for Gu Sheng—don’t waste your breath.”

He knew she was head-over-heels for him, but he loathed that type of overbearing, obsessive woman. The way she clung to him disgusted him—desperate, gaudy, and absolutely not his type. He wanted nothing more than to stay far, far away.

As the door slid open, screams erupted like a tidal wave.

The live chat surged to insane levels. Every platform was glued to the moment—Wen Heng’s star power was undeniable.

[AHHHH IT’S HIM OMG OMG OMG]

[Wen-ge looks so good I’m gonna cry. This outfit??? Kill me.]

[Even if this show was just Wen Heng staring at a wall, I’d still watch it nonstop.]

Wen Heng politely avoided the staff’s helping hands and offered the cameras a faint, professional smile. But just as he stepped out of the van—

Ding—

A shrill tone rang in his mind.

It was like someone had slammed a big red button somewhere in the universe.

Wen Heng’s pupils shrank. His legs gave out for a split second, and he nearly dropped to his knees.

At that same moment, Gu Sheng received a system notification.

“Pain Level 01 – Stomach Cramps.”
“Pain Intensity: Level 8.”

The system chirped with enthusiasm:
“Go! Push through the crowd and hug him! Be his safe harbor!”

Gu Sheng remained perfectly still, not even slightly tempted. She actually looked disappointed.
“Level 8 pain? That’s it?”

Wen Heng’s iron self-control kept him from collapsing completely. To the crowd, it just looked like he’d stumbled a little. The host, unaware, stepped up with a blush and positioned the camera directly toward Wen Heng’s flawless face.

“Wen-shen! Your fans missed you so much—say hi to everyone!”

But then, under the brutal clarity of the HD lens, a thin trail of blood slowly slid down from the corner of Wen Heng’s lips.

“Hi,” he said, casually spitting blood, “Nice to see you all.”

Time stopped. The entire set froze in disbelief.

…This?

How the hell are they supposed to keep filming like this?!

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