After the introductions were made, the group naturally fell into easy chatter. Lin Ruijiao kept a low profile throughout, only stepping in front of the camera when appropriate. It didn't take long before the production crew handed out a card announcing their next task—head out to the balcony and complete a mission to earn ingredients for lunch.
It was a classic game of charades.
Lin Ruijiao, a seasoned veteran of variety shows, had played enough of these to know the usual patterns. The participants were split into two teams by drawing lots. When all was said and done, she ended up as the extra person without a team.
Which suited her just fine.
Smiling, she stepped aside and watched the others pair up, catching onto some budding chemistry—certain guests had already taken a liking to each other.
She couldn't help but notice the cameraman, Wang Wen, treating Shen Xuanzuan—doll-like with her bouncy golden curls—with extra care, vastly different from how he behaved with the others.
Even model Lin Xuan seemed to have eyes for Shen Xuanzuan, constantly praising her drawing skills.
The game went smoothly, helping everyone grow more familiar with each other. Unsurprisingly, the adorable Shen Xuanzuan took the win.
Lin Ruijiao, having not joined the game, remained quietly on the sidelines. She cheered others on, stepped in to resolve awkward moments, and gracefully played the role of atmosphere manager, subtly weaving her way through the half-acquainted cast to keep the vibe pleasant.
The production crew announced that the winner would receive an extra, undisclosed reward—an enticing mystery left hanging.
Though they now had ingredients for lunch, someone had to step up and cook. Of everyone present, only Shen Xuanzuan volunteered. Her willingness made her all the more endearing.
I'll make sure to secretly push her closer to her crush, Lin Ruijiao thought fondly.
[Jiaojiao shipping CPs like that is literally me! So cute!!!]
[Rooting hard—who will Xuanzuan pick?!]
[Lin Ruijiao's honestly such a gem. Instant fan.]
[What's up with Meng Yi? Jealous? And that model—what is he even doing?]
[Exactly! Compared to them, our Ruijiao's a sweetheart—didn't even get to join in, but still cheers everyone on and helps smooth things over. She's too precious…]
[I've converted! She's gentle, graceful, and so soft! Who wouldn't love a girl like her?]
The barrage of comments flowed.
Naturally, Lin Ruijiao followed Shen Xuanzuan into the kitchen to help her CP. She had priorities.
"You cook too? What a surprise, Xuanzuan," she said, rolling up her sleeves to help clean the vegetables.
At some point, cameraman Wang Wen had joined them, silently washing produce and chopping meat without saying a word.
"I love good food," Shen Xuanzuan beamed sweetly. "To satisfy my cravings, I had to teach myself to cook. Thanks for helping, Sister Ruijiao."
That smile nearly melted Lin Ruijiao's heart. Shen Xuanzuan's curly blonde hair and round cheeks made her look like a real-life doll—absolutely adorable. Lin Ruijiao sneaked a glance at Wang Wen. He wore a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
"Love truly hides in the small things," she thought, turning away to hide her goofy "auntie smile."
[What's Ruijiao grinning at?! Haha our girl is too cute!]
[That smile is exactly the one I had on my face too LOL]
[+10086]
[This is gold. We know exactly which CP we're rooting for now! Top tier!]
While the trio cooked in the kitchen, the others lounged in the living room chatting. Actor Jin Yan paced the room, trying to join the conversation but not adding much of substance.
"Smells amazing," he finally said with a bright smile. He'd only ever played minor roles, but he had a sunny disposition.
"Yeah, Shen Xuanzuan's amazing—even her cooking's great," Yu Chen chimed in.
"Hm-hm," was all Meng Yi said before changing the subject. She was still focused on chatting with the male guests.
"Dinner's ready!" Lin Ruijiao emerged from the kitchen, carrying dishes with a cheerful smile.
Only to find the dining table a complete mess—cluttered with everyone's personal items.
"Could you help clear the table, please? Just move your stuff aside," her tone still gentle, but the smile had faded slightly.
"Oh! My bad, didn't even notice," Jin Yan said quickly, rising to help with a sheepish expression.
[Seriously? All they care about is flirting. Can't even help out!]
[How do you miss something that obvious? Then don't eat!]
[Ruijiao's so sweet. I would've snapped on the spot!]
[Exactly! Our poor Xuanzuan and Ruijiao did everything while the rest just waited to eat.]
[Jiaojiao keeps the peace, pitches in, and now she's leading the charge? Iconic. New fan here.]
Eventually, thanks to Lin Ruijiao's quiet leadership, they all sat down to enjoy a proper meal. Even though it had been less than a day, the group dynamics were already clear.
Lin Ruijiao saw it all. Jin Yan, who stayed by her side most of the time, probably noticed too. The others, meanwhile, had started picking favorites—and some were clearly being left out.
Lin Xuan, who initially showed interest in Shen Xuanzuan, now seemed to have shifted focus.
Not that it affected Lin Ruijiao much. She wasn't here for romance anyway. Still, it was a bit frustrating. Watching variety shows in her past life, she never realized how chaotic they could be. She just wanted a chill cameo—but now, she was practically hosting.
During dinner, the few who hadn't helped cook chatted amongst themselves as if no one else existed. Lin Ruijiao didn't call them out, but her silent gaze said plenty. After the meal, those same few finally got the hint and offered to do the dishes.
"Sure, thanks for that."
"It's nothing…" Jin Yan said, rolling up his sleeves and clearing plates to the sink.
[That's my fave! Even washing dishes looks cool on him. Are the rest even trying?]
[Seriously. Jin Yan's being a gentleman. What's Meng Yi's problem—she thinks she's royalty?]
[Ugh, she did nothing. Just sat there like a spoiled brat.]
That evening, based on the game results, Shen Xuanzuan was given the special reward: a chance to go on a private evening stroll with the person she liked.
But there was a twist—everyone had to write the name of their crush on a card. If two people matched, they could go on the stroll together. Unlikely, but possible.
With seven people, someone was bound to be left out.
Lin Ruijiao knew this. She stared at her card for a long time, pen hovering. In the end, she couldn't bring herself to write anyone's name.
The cards weren't made public. Everyone kept chatting, and they had the option of checking their mailbox later to see if they'd matched with anyone.
Lin Ruijiao quietly retreated to her room. She packed up for bed early—she already knew she wouldn't be picked. But just as she was about to change into pajamas, a staff member called out to her.
"Ruijiao, you've got a letter."
She blinked, pointing at herself. "…Me?"
The livestream ended right there—leaving the audience in a frenzy of unanswered questions.
[What the hell?! Who sent it?!]
[I need answers!! Did anyone fight?!]
[Who did Shen Xuanzuan choose?!]
Unlike past seasons, this variety show aired semi-live. And strangely enough, Ye Ruihuan—who had never cared for these things—was watching it.
Her assistant had even set it up for her.
Now staring at the blacked-out screen, Ye Ruihuan's brows furrowed. Did Lin Ruijiao like that cute blonde girl? Or was it the actor, Jin Yan? Who did she write down? And what was in that letter?
She had too many questions, and nowhere to vent her frustration.
She had even arranged for the production team to isolate Lin Ruijiao—but somehow, she still managed to bond with others.
Ye Ruihuan was at a loss. She pulled up their chat, typed a few words… then erased them all.
What right did she have?What position was she in to give warnings or set boundaries?She was nothing in Lin Ruijiao's life now.
Ye Ruihuan let out a long sigh and buried the bitterness behind her eyes.
"… Xiao Li," she called her assistant.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Lin Ruijiao stared at the words on the card, doubting her eyesight.
Shen Xuanzuan… invited her on the stroll?
Wasn't her CP supposed to be Wang Wen?
"What is happening? What kind of romance show is this?!"
As she held the invitation in disbelief, Lin Ruijiao suddenly regretted signing up at all. She just wanted to coast through with a few camera shots—not become the main plot twist.
And now, to make things worse, the production crew insisted she be the first to check the mailbox.
She didn't even know anyone that well! And yet—somehow—someone had chosen her.