I Turned a Competitive Variety Show into a Dating Show - Chapter 21

Jian Zhi, usually indifferent to everything, had never spoken with such force before. The crowd, eager for drama, began to cheer and jeer. Even Shu Yueyao’s team captain seemed to have taken it personally, choosing Shi Xu again.

“Little Xu, come join us, Sister. Our team is missing someone just like you.”

Shi Xu knew the captain was just playing along, stirring up the atmosphere to make the show more exciting. The one who truly wanted her was Jian Zhi.

But why?

Their interactions over the past few days had been far from pleasant, and their fanbases were still at each other’s throats. Yet, at this critical moment, Jian Zhi was using her first-place privilege to snatch her away. Was this really the Jian Zhi she knew?

During Shi Xu’s half-minute of silence, the expressions around her were priceless. The director was ecstatic, practically shoving the camera into her face.

The host fanned the flames, exclaiming dramatically, “Wow! Who would have thought the final selection round would turn into a tug-of-war! Jian Zhi has locked in Shi Xu with her first-place privilege, clearly desperate to have her on the team. According to the rules, Shi Xu has no right to refuse, but she seems hesitant. Let’s hear what she has to say.”

Shi Xu bit her tongue to calm herself, then slowly walked toward Jian Zhi.

“I have no particular preference. If Sister Jian Zhi wants me, I’ll follow her unconditionally.”

Seeing the excessive brilliance in Shi Xu’s eyes, Jian Zhi belatedly realized she had acted impulsively. As Shi Xu approached, she subtly shifted aside.

Shi Xu, completely focused on Jian Zhi, couldn’t possibly miss the gesture. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head, instantly freezing her boiling bl00d and cooling her racing heart.

Jian Zhi, however, was thinking, I can’t show her I care too much, or this little puppy will cling to me again. If that happens, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to firmly reject her—pushing away a puppy brimming with affection requires unwavering resolve, and something seems to have shaken mine.

Lost in their own thoughts, the two women presented an awkwardly unnatural facade before the cameras. This scene later became known among fans as “The Feast of Masks,” and Shi Xu endured another round of ridicule.

To the fans, Jian Zhi had been pressured by the production team into the “stealing” segment. The fact that such a kind-hearted person was visibly upset spoke volumes about her anger.

Shi Xu’s fans argued vehemently, but the video evidence weakened their position. It was from this moment onward that the two women became the show’s only true “arch-rivals.”

The fans were locked in a fierce feud, and the two protagonists themselves seemed utterly irreconcilable—a situation their rivals relished.

Meanwhile, back at the show, once the teams were finalized, intensive rehearsals began. Shi Xu watched Jian Zhi coordinate the members’ positions, once again drawn to her mature and reliable demeanor.

Perhaps she had been staring too intently, because Jian Zhi suddenly looked up at her. Shi Xu quickly hid her face behind her lyric book, inwardly scolding herself for her lack of composure.

I just decided to be just friends, and here I am, back to my old ways already! Besides, she doesn’t even seem to like me that much. What am I getting so excited about?

After a while, convinced Jian Zhi had stopped looking, Shi Xu cautiously peeked out from behind the lyric book, only to meet those soft, dark eyes head-on.

The familiar flutter in her chest returned, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart pounded violently in the oxygen-deprived air, her chest vibrating with each frantic beat.

“Is something wrong?” Jian Zhi asked.

Shi Xu stared at her moving red lips, her mouth suddenly dry. Forcing down her excitement, she shook her head.

She’s asking seriously, and all I can think about is how attractive she is! Shi Xu wanted to slam her head into the floor hard enough to create a hole and crawl inside.

After a few seconds of silence, Jian Zhi said, “Are you feeling unwell? You should go rest.”

Shi Xu didn’t understand why Jian Zhi had said that, but leaving the unsettling environment might be for the best.

As she passed Jian Zhi, her fragrance drifted over, and Shi Xu quickened her pace to leave. The door slammed shut with a bang, startling the other four people in the room.

“What was that about?”

“Is she unhappy with the lyrics distribution?”

“Should we reassign them?”

The three members chattered amongst themselves, but Jian Zhi remained silent, wondering if Shi Xu was truly unwell.

Breathing in the fresh air, Shi Xu felt herself revive. After lingering outside for a while, she suddenly felt an itch in her mouth, a craving for a cigarette.

Since trying one in high school, she had sworn off the habit. Yet today, for some reason, the urge resurfaced.

Lost in thought, she wandered into the bathroom and glanced in the mirror, finally understanding Jian Zhi’s earlier remark.

Her face was flushed crimson, as if she had a fever. No wonder Jian Zhi had misunderstood!

Shi Xu sighed heavily and splashed cold water on her face to cool down. Halfway through washing, Jian Zhi entered the bathroom. Startled, Shi Xu accidentally inhaled water through her nose, choking and coughing violently.

Jian Zhi immediately patted her back to help her clear her airway, asking anxiously, “Are you okay? Should we go to the hospital?”

That familiar fragrance wafted over again, and Shi Xu couldn’t bear it any longer. Lowering her eyes, she whispered, “I don’t want to go to the hospital. Sister, can you just hug me?”

Jian Zhi thought Shi Xu was just being childish. She’s not a doctor—would a hug really make her feel better?

Before she could refuse, Shi Xu tugged at her sleeve, her voice even weaker. “Just for a little bit, okay?”

Jian Zhi didn’t want to indulge her, but Shi Xu’s flushed cheeks, tear-streaked lashes, and the way her eyes blinked, sending droplets tumbling like tears, inexplicably softened her heart.

“Fine,” Jian Zhi relented, “but after the hug, you have to go to the hospital and behave.”

Shi Xu nodded vigorously, then threw herself into Jian Zhi’s arms, burying her face in the crook of her shoulder and nuzzling against her.

The dampness from Shi Xu’s face made Jian Zhi uncomfortable. She stiffened her neck, trying to avoid contact. Sensing her resistance, Shi Xu deliberately pressed her lips against Jian Zhi’s neck, exhaling warmly against her throbbing pulse.

As if I’m some kind of monster—why are you avoiding me like this?

Now you’re acting disgusted? Why didn’t you push me away when we shared a bed?

Shi Xu: You heartless woman! Waaah! ππ*

The warm breath against her neck, combined with the sensitive area behind her ear, broke Jian Zhi’s resolve in less than thirty seconds. She pushed Shi Xu away.

“You do have a fever. We should still go to the hospital.”

Shi Xu obediently hummed in agreement, but made no move to leave. Jian Zhi glanced at her, then turned stiffly and fled, her retreat bordering on a panicked escape.

Shi Xu looked at herself in the mirror, finally seeing the fanaticism in her eyes. She plunged into the pool, utterly disillusioned with herself.

After dawdling for a long time, she finally returned to the practice room. The others had already rehearsed several times, leaving only Shi Xu’s part to be worked on. Fortunately, her vocal skills were exceptional, requiring minimal refinement. After the vocal coach adjusted a few pronunciation points, she was allowed to join the group in practicing the performance.

Originally, the lead roles were to be played by Jian Zhi and another member. However, after an afternoon of rehearsals, the other member’s leg injury flared up, forcing her to sing while seated. With the other two members each having their own storylines, the opportunity ultimately fell to Shi Xu.

The senior with the leg injury asked if she was willing to take on the role, assuring her they would find another solution if she declined. Shi Xu naturally accepted with enthusiasm, quickly wriggling over to Jian Zhi’s side and leaning slightly against her shoulder.

Jian Zhi stiffened visibly. With each subsequent approach, she grew increasingly uncomfortable. Shi Xu tried her best to avoid touching her, fearing she would only grow more repulsed.

By the end of the rehearsal, both were exhausted. Noticing Jian Zhi drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, Shi Xu suggested they take a break.

Jian Zhi agreed, but she hadn’t expected Shi Xu’s idea of resting to involve simply lying down on the spot. Caught off guard, she accidentally stepped on Shi Xu’s leg. To avoid hurting her, she quickly reduced her weight, but the sudden shift in balance caused her to lose her footing and fall.

Shi Xu reached out to catch her, but Jian Zhi’s chin collided with her mouth, filling her mouth with the metallic tang of bl00d.

“Sister, are you okay?” Shi Xu asked, wincing in pain.

Jian Zhi tried to push herself up, but she overestimated her strength. Her hands gave way, and she collapsed back into Shi Xu’s arms. Her lips brushed against Shi Xu’s, sliding down her cheek until they came to rest by her ear.

This time, Shi Xu’s breathing wasn’t just rapid; her thoughts were racing, and her heart was pounding as if she’d taken stimulants.

Their breaths mingled, their heartbeats indistinguishable. In the silent room, the air seemed to thicken.

Jian Zhi lay motionless in Shi Xu’s arms, counting each heartbeat. Suddenly, the hand on her waist tightened slightly, and Shi Xu’s husky voice whispered in her ear, “Sister, are you okay? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Shi Xu repeated the question, her voice noticeably hoarse. Her lips pressed against Jian Zhi’s cheek, her words feeling like kisses.