I Have Everything They Like - Chapter 1

Early in the morning, the teaser interview for the third season of the hottest dating variety show, Secret Heartbeat House, was released, instantly sparking heated debate across social media. Amidst nostalgic comments about the first two seasons, a torrent of criticism erupted, with many predicting the show would peak early and decline sharply in its third season.

The reason for this backlash lay in the teaser footage released by the Production Team:

A Golden Invitation Card was caught by a hand that had just peeled off a rubber glove, its fingertips pale. A cold, crisp voice was recorded:

“Secret Heartbeat House has been activated. What type of Heartbeat Guest are you hoping to meet here? …Are you joking? First, I never signed up for any Heartbeat House. Second, I have no interest in romance.”

The camera cut away before revealing the speaker’s face, deliberately creating an air of mystery. After a brief fade to black, it reappeared, focusing on the silver-gray body of a Supercar. Another voice drifted through the wind:

“Type? Let me think… I don’t think I’ve ever dated anyone particularly gentle, generous, or understanding. I heard your Production Team can find beauties of all personalities, so I’m actually quite looking forward to it.”

The Golden Invitation Card continued to be presented, eliciting a variety of responses, some even mumbled and unclear. As the camera faded to black again, the final voice trailed off, its tone light and teasing:

“We drew lots. Whoever lost had to come here for a blind date.”

Pink Forum

“Have you seen the trailer for Heartbeat House Season 3? I swear the director is desperate for fame.”

It’s trending at number one on Weibo—you can’t miss it even if you tried. This variety show has been slaying the visuals game since Season 1. Season 2’s male-male pairing had the whole nation obsessed. Now Season 3 is trying to cash in on our yuri fandom. I don’t mind, but the Production Team’s greed is disgusting. The first guest clearly doesn’t want to date—why even invite her?

Am I the only one who noticed there’s a second-generation rich guy in there who seems to be collecting women like stamps? Help! Does the Production Team even remember this is supposed to be a sweet romance show? If you don’t want to make the show, just don’t! No need to pick guests from the trash heap.

I’m done. The center of the talent show group next door just followed the Production Team on social media. I think I know who’s going to draw the short straw… Speaking of which, sending a girl group member to a dating show? Either her agency is insane and doesn’t want to make money, or they’re just trying to leech off the show’s popularity. Either way, it’s disgusting.

Calling it now: Season 3’s viewership will plummet off a cliff. It’ll flop so hard it’ll sink to the earth’s core!

They didn’t even show the guests’ faces in the teaser. I’m dying to see what kind of otherworldly beauty could possibly change my first impression of these bizarre interviews.

Heard Season 3 is introducing a live stream format, starting tomorrow night. I’m already ready to mock these guests for their fake performances. There’s no way Season 3 can still produce a sweet romance.

You Tao didn’t believe it either.

But she glanced back at the Production Team’s car, squeezed the Golden Invitation Card in her hand, and reluctantly dragged her luggage toward No. 10 Manor, the most luxurious estate in the Capital.

High walls of meticulously pruned greenery, not a single stray branch visible, surrounded the estate. The wheels of her suitcase rumbled across the ground for what seemed like an eternity before the scene suddenly opened up. The vast courtyard was bathed in the soft glow filtering through the windows behind the Roman columns, with square tea tables scattered across the grounds, creating an atmosphere of serene comfort.

The understated yet opulent luxury dazzled passersby. It took You Tao a long moment to regain her composure before stepping into the golden elevator and pressing the button for the second floor.

The full-length mirrors surrounding her reflected her image: long, light chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders in artfully disheveled waves, perfectly complementing the delicate straps of her deep blue gown. Her lips, painted a vivid crimson, resembled a tiny red fruit on a branch, the perfect pop of color.

During her days as a struggling actress, she had never received such meticulous care from makeup artists. It was ironic that she was finally experiencing “main character treatment” on a dating show.

In the live stream room, comments flooded the screen.

I really don’t want to watch, but she’s another beauty… a real beauty!

Guest number three has arrived! “You Tao” is such a cute name! I have to admit, this director’s taste is top-tier. The beauties he’s picked are even higher quality than the ones on that talent show next door! This face-obsessed fan can’t take it anymore!

Number one has severe germophobia but she’s so aloof and alluring. Number two seems to be that second-generation rich girl from the teaser who collects stamps. But the way she stepped out of the sports car, took off her sunglasses, and loosened her collar… I’m practically swooning! Ugh, I need to stan a normal person who’s actually here to find love!

Huh? Beauty number four has arrived too! She’s a teacher! Can I start shipping these gorgeous ladies already?!

Ding—

The elevator doors slid open.

You Tao stepped out, pulling her suitcase behind her, and her eyes met those of a woman in a long red dress across the hall. The dress’s hem rippled like waves with each step, resembling saffron petals swaying in the breeze. The bright corridor lights illuminated their eyes as the woman extended her right hand first, carrying a faint floral scent. “Hello,” she said. “I’m Jing Sinian.”

“I’m You Tao. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

As their palms touched, You Tao momentarily lost herself, trying to identify the scent emanating from Jing Sinian and wondering which characters formed her name.

Click.

The sound of a lighter’s cap flicking open drew both their attention to the side. They noticed a figure leaning against the railing, her silver-gray short hair tipped with a gradient of blue, slightly disheveled, matching the casual vibe of her unbuttoned black shirt with rolled-up sleeves and loose silver tie.

“Brocade Zither, fifty strings for no reason, each string and bridge a memory of youthful years?” Even the ancient poem she recited carried the mocking tone of a prince teasing his tutor.

Jing Sinian turned to look at her, paused briefly, then replied with a smile, “You’ve studied classical poetry well in middle school. My name does indeed come from that poem.”

The newcomer approached, her eyes fixed intently on Jing Sinian, like a lone wolf tracking its prey. “Huo Lang.”

It took Jing Sinian a couple of seconds to realize she was introducing herself. Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward You Tao, but seeing no hint of dissatisfaction at being overlooked, she turned back to answer Huo Lang’s question about her accommodation.

As Huo Lang took her suitcase, Jing Sinian instinctively glanced back at You Tao before following him away.

I’m such an idiot, really! I only thought about the classic red-blue couple trope, never imagining it would turn into a second-generation rich guy stealing the love interest!

Don’t fall for it, Jing-jie! I’m sending you the second-generation rich guy’s teaser video—run!

Poor You Tao looks so dejected, still staring at their retreating figures. It’s like she’s just here to fill the numbers.

You Tao’s situation is truly tragic, lol. But looking at her profile, it seems she doesn’t even have a job yet. I get it now—is she just the Production Team’s token “tool person,” the kind who serves tea and water to all the VIP guests?

Unaware of the “tool person” label being slapped on her back, You Tao bid farewell to Jing Sinian and Huo Lang. After navigating the villa’s labyrinthine corridors, she finally found her room, only to be greeted by an overwhelming stench of alcohol.

The “hello” she’d prepared died in her throat.

Holding her breath, she squinted slightly to make out the figure inside the room.

The guests selected by the show’s director were all impressive, but the woman before her exuded an even more striking aura of cold elegance. Even in a casual white cotton shirt, her wrist buttons remained meticulously fastened. She even wore a pair of sheer, semi-transparent gloves with delicate trim—so thin they seemed less for protection against dirt and more for maintaining the wearer’s psychological sense of purity.

You Tao’s gaze traveled upward, meeting a face so expressionless it seemed carved from ice, and a pair of eyes as dark and deep as ink paintings. She paused, shaking off the persistent alcohol fumes that had been stinging her nostrils. Only then did she realize why the woman’s first words upon opening the door had been, “Are you allergic to alcohol?”

Being assigned to a room with such a severe germaphobe is truly miserable…

Guest #3 is just the unluckiest! She knew Teacher Jing (#4) first, but the second-generation rich guy (#2) stole her away at first sight. Now, she’s just met Guest #1 and already received a “cleanliness care package” as a dismissal. Is there anyone more pitiful on this show?

Sigh, I think that second-generation rich guy who’s been through a thousand flowers would be more suited to this room. You Tao will definitely be manipulated by this aloof beauty. Being a simp for an ice queen is even worse than being a mere tool!

Fine droplets of mist drifted down from the air. You, the Unlucky One, smiled nonchalantly. “Hello, I’m You Tao, and I’m also staying in Room 1. I hope we can get along well during our time here.”

“Fu Jinyan,” he replied.

Since she accepted the disinfection, Fu Jinyan reluctantly opened the door another forty-five degrees inward. His dark eyes lingered on her for a moment before he added in a cold voice, “I’m asexual. My friends signed me up for this as a prank. We can just be friends.”

You Tao pulled her luggage over to the bed. Hearing his words, she felt like Fu Jinyan was a handful of snow from a celestial mountain, unwilling to be tainted by even a speck of earthly dust, regarding human emotions and desires as impure.

She smiled gently and repeated slowly, “Friends?”

“Sure.”

Only I’m looking forward to seeing Fu Jinyan break her celibate vow? I want to see this ascetic beauty straight out of a manga novel get utterly punished by love!

If this were a novel, there would definitely be a painful struggle later as their friendship transforms into love. But alas, this is just a dating show on the verge of cancellation.

Fu Jinyan’s profile mentions he comes from a family of doctors. People from such backgrounds usually have high standards and wouldn’t be interested in You Tao.

I’d love to see some “country dog gets his comeuppance” romance, but You Tao is just too sweet and adorable. Expecting her to punish Fu Jinyan? Impossible.

After settling in, the guests were required to gather in the first-floor lobby to meet each other. Even though Fu Jinyan had no interest in anyone, since he was here, he had to walk downstairs with You Tao.

This time, they skipped the elevator and descended the spiral staircase along the corridor. The first floor of the villa was bathed in natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the manor’s gardens. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the Roman columns lining the outer corridor and the surrounding landscape, creating the illusion of being in one of Western Europe’s most opulent estates.

Even so, this show is really going all out. They could edit together so much footage of luxurious mansions and stunning scenery.

You Tao faintly heard a sound and headed toward the nearby tea room. She gently knocked on the half-open door, pushed it open, and found herself face-to-face with a pair of smiling eyes behind the swirling steam of the tea brewing.

It was Jing Sinian.

“You’re late,” Huo Lang’s languid voice echoed simultaneously. You Tao had to take a few more steps before spotting him lounging behind a screen.

Even in the elegantly simple tea room, his presence remained strikingly dominant. He sat casually, one vibrant sneaker—its color even bolder than his hair—dangling off the wooden chair. Though he addressed You Tao and Fu Jinyan’s tardiness, his gaze never wavered from Jing Sinian.

“The assembly time was before 7:30. It’s now 7:08,” Fu Jinyan’s cold voice cut through the air from behind You Tao.

At that moment, Jing Sinian was warming a cup with freshly boiled water behind the tea table. Her movements were fluid, like a crane dipping its beak into water. But at Fu Jinyan’s words, her hand froze mid-pour, and the air seemed to thicken.

Huo Lang, who had been idly propping his chin on one hand, abruptly turned his head. Beneath his thin eyelids, his gaze locked onto Fu Jinyan, who had just contradicted him. Fu Jinyan returned the stare with his own ink-black eyes, as still and deep as lacquer.

Is this about to escalate?

Help! My social anxiety is making it hard to breathe!

“It smells wonderful,” You Tao said, having somehow drifted to the tea table. She lifted the lid of a ceramic tea canister and inhaled the fragrant aroma. “Black tea is perfect for late summer. Autumn Equinox is just around the corner. Is this Lapsang Souchong? It’s excellent for strengthening the spleen.”

A gentle smile played on Jing Sinian’s lips, her expression as warm and refined as ever. She picked up the tea tongs and agreed, “Yes, this is still Jin Jun Mei. I’m looking forward to seeing its color.”

As soon as she spoke, Huo Lang’s attention shifted to her. He casually flicked the pinky ring on his right hand and said, “You like tea? My family owns a tea estate. You should come visit sometime.”

I was just looking for her shoes and found out they’re a limited-edition collaboration with a luxury brand. Apparently, they even check your global spending ranking with the brand. I’m going to sleep now; maybe I’ll have them in my dreams.

Report! I just found the brand of Huo Lang’s pinky ring—it costs over 300,000 yuan! Can I shamelessly say I’d let her toy with my feelings?

Reckless and unrestrained! I know she’s such a bad girl, but I love her so much! QAQ

Jing Sinian merely smiled and lowered her head to brew her tea, neither accepting nor declining the invitation. Five or six grams of tea leaves fell into the warmed, translucent jade-glazed porcelain cup. As precisely 85°C water was poured over them, the slender, tightly rolled leaves unfurled, their golden downy hairs slowly releasing their color into the water.

When You Tao saw the first brew of tea being used to rinse the cups, her brow twitched involuntarily. She quickly averted her gaze, retrieved two porcelain cups from the tea cabinet, and held them up toward Fu Jinyan.

“Would you like to use this cup?”

Fu Jinyan was about to decline, but You Tao seemed to anticipate her hesitation. Her eyes curved into a smile as she said, “It’s a brand-new set, and the unique floral pattern ensures it won’t be mistaken for anyone else’s.”

People with severe cleanliness obsessions often have a strong sense of territoriality. They not only dislike having their personal space invaded but also loathe sharing items with others.

Thus, Fu Jinyan’s response was a curt “Mm.”

Lip-reading expert here! I saw Huo Lang’s lips move—did he just say “fussy”?

I can’t imagine what it would be like if #1 and #2 became rivals.

The four of them sat around the tea table, amber-colored tea swirling in their cups. The delicate, honeyed aroma unique to Jin Jun Mei tea floated in the air. As You Tao cradled her tea tray and inhaled the fragrance, she heard Jing Sinian speak from across the table:

“Since we don’t know if anyone else is coming, why don’t we introduce ourselves? We can share our professions, ages, hobbies, and so on, just to get to know each other a little better.”

“I’ll go first,” Teacher Jing began. “I’m 23 and a high school Chinese teacher. Besides reading, I enjoy gardening.”

With Teacher Jing’s introduction, Huo Lang, who had already set his sights on a target during their first meeting, naturally took his turn. Like a peacock spreading its tail, he announced that he worked at an investment bank under his family’s name. Despite radiating an air of superficiality, his words carried the gravitational pull of a star, making it impossible to look away.

Fu Jinyan kept his introduction concise, stating that he was a cardiologist. However, given his 27 years and elite demeanor, You Tao couldn’t shake the feeling that he was more than met the eye.

The Jin Jun Mei tea, brewed with spring buds they had picked earlier, tasted sweet and refreshing. You Tao reluctantly finished her cup and was about to speak when the tea room door slid open. Before the person even entered, a crisp voice rang out:

“So sorry I’m late, everyone! Good evening! Did I miss much?”

Ahhh! It’s Shen Mingrui!

Baby, do you know how long your mom has been waiting for you? Please promise me you’ll stay out of love! Let’s just be the beauty queen here!

Saving the best for last! What a grand entrance!

The four people at the tea table turned to look toward the entrance. Watching through a screen, one might not have felt much, but seeing such a major star in person felt like touching a flower in a mirror or the moon’s reflection in water—a momentary illusion.

Huo Lang was the first to look away. Born into a prominent family, he was accustomed to the excesses of the entertainment world and remained unimpressed. Fu Jinyan’s pupils merely reflected the scene, revealing nothing of her thoughts as her gaze shifted with unwavering composure.

Jing Sinian, however, genuinely exclaimed, “She’s stunning.”

“Exactly,” You Tao nodded emphatically, setting down her empty teacup. She meticulously examined the final guest of the evening, from her flawless makeup and luminous skin to her custom-designed outfit from a collaborating brand. Finally, she took in the whole picture and couldn’t help but sigh, “She must radiate like a supernova on stage.”

You Tao was easily captivated by stars who exuded such polished charisma. Their magnetic presence on camera always left her mesmerized. So when Shen Mingrui strode toward her on those long, snow-white legs, You Tao was still lost in her thoughts, completely unaware of the approaching figure.

“Hello everyone, I’m Shen Mingrui from Star Entertainment Company. I’m a member of the ace girl group, and I’m 21 years old. Please take good care of me!”

The arrival of the mega-star Shen Mingrui instantly enlivened the tranquil tea room. She didn’t even have time to put down her luggage before joining the group’s chat. You Tao scooted over and pulled up a chair for her, conveniently placing it between herself and Dr. Fu.

“What were you all talking about?” Shen Mingrui asked, her smile as radiant as morning blossoms.

“We were introducing ourselves…” You Tao, who hadn’t been speaking much before, followed the established order and introduced the other three. When it was her turn, she simply said, “I’m 25. I used to try acting, but I’m planning to retire from the industry now. I’m currently unemployed, I guess.”

Upon hearing her occupation, Jing Sinian’s eyes widened slightly, Huo Lang paused mid-sip of his tea, and even Fu Jinyan glanced in their direction. The room filled with Shen Mingrui’s surprised exclamation:

“Eh?”

Only You Tao didn’t seem surprised by her own career reveal. Her lips and eyes curved into crescent moons as she said, “But please don’t ask me about my representative works. I’m just a ninety-ninth-tier nobody, nowhere near as accomplished as Teacher Shen.”

Shen Mingrui immediately waved her hands modestly, insisting she’d only learned some singing and dancing. Then she suddenly asked, “Oh, by the way, my company just got me a script for a new drama. Teacher You Tao, which room are you staying in? Could I come by tonight to ask you about the lines or something?”

Fu Jinyan, who had been slowly savoring his tea, suddenly lifted his gaze and glanced in their direction, his fingertips precisely gripping the unique curve of the cup’s handle.

Huo Lang’s pinky ring lightly clinked against the saucer. Usually indifferent to anyone but Jing Sinian, he now wore a rare expression of amusement, his gaze sweeping between Fu Jinyan, Shen Mingrui, and You Tao before his lips curled into a smirk.

Jing Sinian, seemingly uncomfortable with the atmosphere, paused mid-pour, and now she accidentally knocked over the tea tongs, sending them clattering to the floor.

Oh-ho, Fu Jinyan just made a new friend and already wants to be all sweet and cozy with them? Her expression is screaming, “If you dare invite anyone else into this house, you’re done for!”

Huo Lang, you can’t even follow through with your own pursuit of someone, yet you’re here watching other people’s drama?

Maybe it’s just me, but I keep catching Teacher Jing staring at You Tao…

What I imagined for Season 3: the same old tired tropes of forced sweetness, with the girls being all friendly and touchy-feely. What we actually got: a full-blown love triangle erupting the moment everyone’s together.

Quick question: does anyone remember calling Number 3 a “tool”? From subtly diffusing that argument earlier to suddenly drawing everyone’s attention now… I mean, have you ever seen a tool like this before?