I Turned a Competitive Variety Show into a Dating Show - Chapter 24

“Okay…” Jian Zhi murmured, her voice low.

Shi Xu’s eyes lit up, and she immediately reached to dress Jian Zhi. Jian Zhi brushed her hand away, finishing her sentence.

“What’s ‘okay’ about it? Hurry up and go practice.”

Shi Xu immediately deflated, her face drooping like a puppy’s as she slumped by the bed, refusing to move or speak, clearly settling in for a long standoff.

Jian Zhi glanced down at her, her voice flat. “What are you doing?”

“If Sister won’t come with me, I won’t leave either. I’ll stay here and keep you company,” Shi Xu said, pressing her face against Jian Zhi’s leg like a pouting puppy.

Though her hair was short, it was thick and black, giving it a fluffy, almost furry appearance. Jian Zhi even felt an urge to reach out and stroke it.

Realizing her thoughts, Jian Zhi silently averted her gaze and nudged Shi Xu away with her leg.

Shi Xu clung to the edge of the bed, gazing up at her with a pitiful look, her fox-like eyes deliberately widened into round, golden retriever-like orbs.

“Come on, let’s go! Hospitals are so boring. Even this VIP room doesn’t have anyone to talk to.”

Jian Zhi had no desire to socialize. Exhausted both physically and mentally, she longed to isolate herself and sleep until she lost all track of time.

If only she could cocoon herself—find a secluded place, wrap herself in a cocoon, and lose all sense of time. Perhaps when she opened her eyes again, decades would have passed, all the world’s filth would be exposed, and the world would be pure and clean.

But the truth wouldn’t reveal itself on its own. If she didn’t fight for justice, the world would never be cleansed.

Even the air felt polluted, suffocating her.

Jian Zhi gasped for breath, her face turning deathly pale. Shi Xu, seeing her condition mirror the previous night’s episode, leaped up from the floor in alarm and patted Jian Zhi’s back to help her breathe.

“Sister, take deep breaths! Come on, inhale slowly, then exhale slowly…”

Following Shi Xu’s instructions, Jian Zhi gradually regulated her breathing. The tightness in her chest eased, and some strength returned to her body. She tried to pull away from Shi Xu’s embrace, but Shi Xu gently pressed her head back down.

“Just stay like this for a little longer. You can get up when you’re completely recovered.”

Jian Zhi didn’t resist further, quietly resting against Shi Xu’s shoulder, listening to her steady, powerful heartbeat. Her agitated emotions gradually calmed.

Will there ever be a day when things get better?

She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, savoring this fleeting moment of peace.

Just one last time, I’ll rely on Shi Xu. After this performance ends, I must keep my distance from her, she silently vowed to herself.

Shi Xu was also suffering. The mere thought of Jian Zhi enduring such inner torment made her heart clench repeatedly, as if an invisible hand were constantly squeezing and twisting it.

She desperately wanted to understand, but asking would undoubtedly tear open Jian Zhi’s raw wounds again. Yet, remaining in the dark left her with limited options.

Didn’t the doctor say she needed to stay emotionally calm and happy? Maybe just being here is hurting her.

After all, Jian Zhi didn’t like her.

Shi Xu asked cautiously, “Would you like Xue Qing to come keep you company?”

Jian Zhi sat up straight, her gaze complex as she looked at Shi Xu.

Shi Xu glanced at her before lowering her head, murmuring, “If you don’t want to see me, I can leave…”

“Didn’t you want to go out and have fun?” Jian Zhi interrupted.

“Huh?” Shi Xu was momentarily stunned.

Seeing her dazed expression, Jian Zhi’s mood brightened considerably.

She pursed her lips. “Hand me my clothes, then wait for me outside.”

Still processing, Shi Xu asked, “Can’t I wait inside?”

Jian Zhi’s fragile state from the previous night kept replaying in her mind; Shi Xu couldn’t bear to let her out of her sight.

Jian Zhi frowned slightly. “You want to watch me change?”

Not that I’d mind, Shi Xu thought, but she didn’t dare voice the words. She scurried to fetch Jian Zhi’s clothes, handed them over, and retreated, closing the door behind her.

Leaning against the door with her back to it, Jian Zhi could immediately burst in if anything went wrong.

Jian Zhi quickly changed and emerged fully armed, covered from head to toe. Not only would fans fail to recognize her, even Shi Xu couldn’t identify her by her eyes alone.

“Have you decided where you want to go?” Shi Xu asked, tilting her head.

Jian Zhi countered with a question of her own: “Is there anywhere you want to go?”

Jian Zhi didn’t want to go anywhere. If she hadn’t been clinging to Shi Xu like a clingy puppy, she’d probably be at home sleeping right now.

Seeing Jian Zhi’s hesitation, Shi Xu took the initiative. “How about we grab some food first and discuss it while we eat?”

Jian Zhi had no appetite, but she couldn’t let Shi Xu starve with her. She agreed to the suggestion.

As they pulled into the parking lot, a vibrant, iridescent sports car stood out like a sore thumb among the sea of black, white, and gray vehicles. Jian Zhi wondered who was being so flashy, only to see Shi Xu heading straight for it.

“…Is this your car?”

Shi Xu tossed her car keys, lifting her chin. “What do you think? Pretty cool, right?”

Jian Zhi stared in silence.

She turned and walked away, as if she had made up her mind about something.

“Sister, where are you going?” Shi Xu called out urgently.

“I’ll take a taxi,” Jian Zhi replied firmly.

Shi Xu hurried after her and tugged at her arm, looking hurt. “Why won’t you ride in my car? Am I embarrassing?”

Jian Zhi stared at her without a word. Though only her eyes were visible, her expression clearly conveyed a definite “yes.”

“Just ride with me, okay? I’ve only driven this car twice, and no one’s ever sat in the passenger seat before.”

Jian Zhi sighed and finally climbed into the flashy sports car.

She didn’t care much about cars or houses, owning only a practical Mercedes for daily use. But the moment she saw the emblem, she knew this car, despite its gaudy appearance, was worth a fortune—likely the only one of its kind in the country.

Having only been in the industry for two years, with just a few mid-budget projects under her belt, Shi Xu’s ability to afford such a car confirmed her status as a mysterious second-generation heiress.

No wonder she remained unfazed by online criticism, radiating effortless ease whether acting or filming variety shows.

It wasn’t feigned nonchalance; she genuinely possessed the confidence to back it up.

For some reason, Jian Zhi felt a wave of relief wash over her.

She had been worried that the livestream incident would severely damage Shi Xu’s reputation, making it difficult for her to maintain a foothold in the industry. Now, knowing Shi Xu wouldn’t be bullied by powerful interests, her anxiety eased slightly.

Before the car even started, Shi Xu’s attention was almost entirely focused on Jian Zhi. Seeing her brow relax, a smile unconsciously crept into her eyes.

“Time to hit the road!”

Before Jian Zhi could react, Shi Xu leaned in close. Jian Zhi’s breath caught in her throat, her voice dry as she stammered, “Wh-what are you doing?”

“I noticed you hadn’t moved yet, Sister,” Shi Xu said with a wink, “maybe you wanted me to help you with your seatbelt?” She fastened it for her.

Jian Zhi stiffened her neck, leaning back as far as she could to create distance. Still, Shi Xu’s breath brushed against her neck, making it itch.

“Let’s just get going,” Jian Zhi said, pushing Shi Xu away and turning to face the window. “I’m hungry.”

“Alright!” Shi Xu stepped on the gas, the car roaring to life and drawing curious glances from passersby.

Jian Zhi sank lower in her seat, trying to avoid being seen.

The car pulled up to the finest restaurant in A City, and perhaps the entire country. Jian Zhi hesitated. “You need to book a table here at least three months in advance.”

Even booking three months ahead didn’t guarantee a reservation. Coming here without one was surely a wasted trip.

“Don’t worry, I already made arrangements.”

As soon as they entered, a dedicated staff member greeted them with utmost respect. A sharp, professional woman pressed the elevator button for them. Jian Zhi noticed her name tag identified her as the lobby manager.

Upon reaching the top floor, Jian Zhi was greeted by a line of staff waiting on either side of the exit. As soon as she stepped out, they bowed in unison, chanting, “Welcome, Miss Jian, to our restaurant.” The elaborate display made Jian Zhi deeply uncomfortable.

The private dining room, occupying the entire floor, was opulent and grand. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the sea, stretching to the horizon, and overlooked the entirety of A City.

Such exclusive venues were typically reserved for the restaurant owner’s personal use or for entertaining high-ranking officials and dignitaries. How had Shi Xu managed to secure such a place? Who exactly was she?

For the first time, Jian Zhi found herself genuinely curious about someone.

After ordering, Shi Xu dismissed the waiting staff. She turned to Jian Zhi with a helpless expression and explained, “This is so embarrassing, isn’t it? I never imagined they’d be so over-the-top. Honestly…”

It was obvious this was Second Sister’s doing. She’d claimed she wanted to be a strong ally on Jian Zhi’s path to love, but she was more like a stumbling block.

Jian Zhi studied Shi Xu’s face and concluded she was likely unaware of the arrangements. This flamboyant behavior, however, perfectly matched her extravagant personality.

From the sports car to this lavish restaurant, everything pointed to Shi Xu still being an immature child.

Jian Zhi chuckled softly, gazing out at the deep blue sea. Shi Xu stared at her intently, then quickly averted her gaze to follow Jian Zhi’s line of sight.

“Sister, are you feeling a little happier now?”

Jian Zhi’s expression stiffened momentarily before she slowly nodded.

Was all this just to please her?

Why go to such lengths?

In a place so highly regarded, the food was naturally exceptional. At Shi Xu’s persistent urging, Jian Zhi reluctantly ate half a bowl of rice and sampled a few bites of each dish.

“Isn’t it delicious?” Shi Xu asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Jian Zhi murmured a faint “Mm.”

Shi Xu’s eyes lit up even brighter. “I’m so glad you like it! Just tell me whenever you want to come back, and I’ll bring you.”

After a moment’s thought, she added, “Or… should I just have the chef come cook for you directly?”

Jian Zhi, fearing Shi Xu might actually bring the chef to the variety show, immediately refused. “That’s not necessary.”

After their meal, Shi Xu took Jian Zhi to an amusement park.

The park was filled with childlike wonder, the air alive with the laughter of children. Jian Zhi should be able to feel the infectious joy and relax a little.

Shi Xu suggested riding the carousel, but Jian Zhi’s eyes were drawn to the pendulum ride and the roller coaster.

Shi Xu’s expression tightened. “Let’s start with something gentler,” she said. “Riding those right after eating isn’t good for digestion.”

Jian Zhi saw through her concern but didn’t comment. After wandering around for a while, she boarded the drop tower. Shi Xu, who had been chattering non-stop, suddenly fell silent.

Jian Zhi turned to look at her. “You could have waited for me down there, you know.”

“How could I? It’s so dangerous! I need to protect you… AAAAAH!”

A piercing scream shattered the sky as the drop tower began its slow ascent.