Provoking Fire [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 3

Chu Xiyue didn’t relax until she was home, the door locked behind her. Only then did she close her eyes and carefully re-examine the subtitles that had refreshed in her mind. Through her covert efforts, she had managed to extend her remaining lifespan by an hour. Considering the initial countdown of three months, this was a significant improvement.

By now, Chu Xiyue no longer doubted that the subtitles were merely a hallucination brought on by exhaustion. Still, she booked a medical checkup appointment through the app, planning to get a thorough examination at the hospital.

What puzzled her next was this… thing. Though it lacked the detailed prompts found in novels, she tentatively called it the Lifespan Extension System. How exactly did it determine the methods for extending lifespan? Neither she nor Su Yan had been actively “working” on it, yet the timer had still increased. Did physical contact work? Or simply being close?

She had conducted a test in the car, feigning sleep and letting her head drift toward Su Yan. The car’s cramped interior had already placed the driver and passenger seats beyond normal social distance.

Tch.

Did this mean she’d have to get close to Su Yan regularly?

Setting aside the risk of being labeled a creep, just the thought of that woman’s icy demeanor and her ability to silence people with a single, suffocatingly cold sentence made Chu Xiyue’s vision darken. She felt her future days would be utterly unbearable.

Utterly infuriating!

In a fit of frustration, Chu Xiyue mercilessly pummeled a sofa cushion for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill.

The next day, Yao Xin called to ask how things were going with Su Yan. Chu Xiyue, who hadn’t slept well and sported dark circles under her eyes, mumbled evasively, “It’s fine.”

Afraid Yao Xin would worry and pester her further, she quickly added, “She even drove me home yesterday.”

“Drove you home?” Yao Xin sounded surprised. Then, remembering that her client was still on the rise, she realized that while a little romantic buzz might be good for publicity, a real relationship could be risky. She immediately launched into a flurry of warnings and reminders.

As Chu Xiyue’s manager for over two years, Yao Xin was well aware of her client’s sexual orientation. Chu Xiyue’s temples throbbed as she listened. She quickly cut her off, “Sister Yao, don’t worry. I’m all about my career. I have no interest in romance and would never jeopardize my work. Besides, Teacher Su is a senior colleague I deeply respect, and she’s straight.”

After a whirlwind day of emotional highs and lows, Chu Xiyue’s lies now flowed effortlessly, almost convincing herself. Yao Xin, relieved by the reassuring words, finally let go of her worries, granting Chu Xiyue a moment of peace.

But… how was she supposed to live like this from now on?!

Heartbeat Acceleration 3 employed a dual format of live streaming and recorded broadcasts. In collaboration with Whale Platform, the show streamed eight hours of live content daily, with the remaining highlights meticulously edited and re-produced by the official team for later broadcast on major television networks.

The rules were simple: guest pairs would be determined by a lottery draw, and each pair would then act as a couple within a set timeframe. The final score, based on a combination of the Heartbeat Index and viewer votes, would determine the winners. Couples who successfully formed genuine connections would receive a lavish prize package.

Over the first two seasons, several couples had already been formed. In fact, one BG pair from the second season had even officially announced their marriage and invited the production team and fellow guests to the ceremony, creating a widely celebrated success story.

The show’s confidentiality measures were remarkably effective. On the day of the official filming, Chu Xiyue only learned the specific location after completing her makeup and boarding the production team’s vehicle with her assistant.

For filming convenience, the production team had rented not just a villa, but an entire estate. Despite it being autumn, the meticulously manicured evergreen trees retained their lush greenery, creating a soothing verdant vista from the entrance. The marble and deep-white Roman-style columns exuded understated luxury, while the long carpet leading to the main villa was artfully strewn with fallen leaves. Far from appearing chaotic, the artisan’s touch transformed the scene into a serene autumn tableau.

The estate was vast. Chu Xiyue walked for a full ten minutes before reaching the villa’s entrance. Confirming she was at the right place by the “Heartbeat Cottage” sign hanging on the beige wooden door, she pushed it open.

Moments later, Chu Xiyue stood before the unyielding door, having exerted considerable effort to no avail. She heard a muffled laugh from inside before the door slowly creaked open.

“Please come in.”

The living room had been meticulously arranged by the production team. Contrary to her expectations, the entrance led into a dimly lit space resembling a bar. Glasses of beautifully mixed cocktails lined the circular bar, and twinkling star lights hung from the ceiling, completely shattering the villa’s deceptively understated exterior decor.

Though she had never participated in a dating reality show, Chu Xiyue instinctively sensed that this season would be far from ordinary.

Two days before filming began, Chu Xiyue had taken a day off to binge-watch the previous two seasons of the Heartbeat series. The production team’s tactics were both endlessly inventive and audaciously bold. While the heterosexual pairings showed some restraint, the same-s3x pairings were veritable ticking time bombs—no one could predict what challenge they would throw next.

The electric atmosphere alone, fueled by the DJ’s infectious beats, made Chu Xiyue feel like she was in a real-life club. She couldn’t help but imagine Su Yan’s ethereal, aloof face in this setting, the contrast jarring even in her mind.

During their second meeting, Chu Xiyue had discovered that Su Yan’s celestial exterior hid a mischievous, rebellious spirit. She wondered if fans would abandon her if they ever saw this side of her.

Chu Xiyue quickly suppressed the rebellious thoughts bubbling up inside her. Recognizing the man opening the door as Zhao Fei, a renowned TV host, she smiled warmly and casually pulled the door shut behind her.

Zhao Fei happened to be closing the door at the same time. Their fingertips brushed, and he seized the opportunity to discreetly appraise Chu Xiyue. He couldn’t help but marvel at her rare beauty.

Dressed for the show, Chu Xiyue wore a flawless makeup look that accentuated her already striking features. Her face glowed like an unfading peach blossom in the warm spring breeze, radiating a captivating fragrance and vibrancy.

The early autumn air carried a slight chill, and Chu Xiyue’s black slip dress perfectly accentuated her figure, exuding boundless charm that seamlessly blended with the venue’s theme. A fluffy white shrug draped over her shoulders created a striking contrast against the black, making her skin appear as luminous as snow.

The live stream had already begun. With the guests’ identities revealed publicly, the third season maintained the momentum of its predecessors, drawing a lively crowd even at 5 PM. Half the Bullet Screen buzzed with predictions about the production team’s upcoming antics, while the other half fawned over the guests’ appearances. A few malicious trolls seized the opportunity to launch veiled attacks against Chu Xiyue.

This woman’s temper? How did she even get on a dating show? Her sharp tongue could drive anyone to madness. She’s probably here to sabotage couples.

CXY is desperate for fame. Rumor has it this season features only celebrities, no ordinary people. I can’t wait to see which celebrity she tries to leech off of.

Guys, stop! The guests this season are actually quite attractive so far.

Whoa, another one! Did you see her entrance in the split-screen? This girl is stunning! Please, don’t let CXY, that drama queen, ruin her!

“Hello everyone! I’m Lu Rujin. Please take care of me!”

The vibrant and beautiful Lu Rujin swept into the room like a whirlwind, her cameraman nearly losing his footing. Upon seeing the interior decor, Lu Rujin exclaimed a dramatic “Wow!”

Zhao Fei chuckled. “Well, our production team is certainly sparing no expense, even bringing in the center of a top girl group?”

Lu Rujin blushed slightly. “No, no, the group disbanded already.”

Amidst the playful banter, the guests quickly began to arrive. Chu Xiyue glanced around, realizing the lineup was indeed impressive.

Green Tower Platform had gained fame through its star hosts, led by the charismatic and socially adept Zhao Fei. There was also Lu Rujin, the former center of a national girl group, now a wildly popular solo artist known for her energetic and sweet image.

The pillars of the three major entertainment companies were present: Yao Tian, the queen of television ratings, and Meng Qin, a screenwriter who had broken through the ranks of greasy male directors to become a darling of arthouse film enthusiasts.

Including Chu Xiyue, there were five guests. However, the director’s seating chart showed six numbered spots, meaning one more guest was expected.

The atmosphere at the start of the dating show was warm and relaxed. The guests chatted casually, neither rushing to break the ice nor letting the conversation stagnate.

“Who do you think the final VIP guest will be?”

Lu Rujin was currently number four, followed by Meng Qin. It was clear that guests were entering according to their assigned numbers, so there was no concept of being late. The young woman rested her chin in her hand, occasionally glancing toward the entrance with anticipation, already referring to the final arrival as a “heavyweight guest.”

However, everyone present was either a top-tier celebrity or highly recognizable. The production team had deliberately delayed the final guest’s arrival to heighten everyone’s anticipation.

Only Chu Xiyue seemed to have her mind elsewhere entirely. Her long lashes drooped, casting shadows across her bright, beautiful face as she propped her chin with one hand, her thoughts drifting.

The bullet screen scrolled:

The queen of controversy is still as arrogant as ever. No matter who arrives, she acts like no one matters.

Some fans are trying to muddy the waters. My Yue doesn’t need to ride anyone’s coattails, thank you.

Contrary to what the audience might have assumed, Chu Xiyue wasn’t as calm and composed as she appeared.

In truth, she felt somewhat conflicted.

Watching the bl00d-red countdown timer in her mind steadily ticking down by the minute, she felt as if she were witnessing her own life slipping away. If Su Yan didn’t come, she could always choose someone else, but—

A persistent unease tugged at her emotions.

The group had been chatting idly until the room dimmed slightly, and the lights began to flicker. As if on cue, the production team, who had been silent in the corner, announced:

“Everyone, please take your positions. Get ready to draw lots to select your partners for the next seven days. Three, two, one…”

Lu Rujin was about to ask, “Aren’t we still missing someone?” when the doorbell rang. Meng Qin, who was sitting near the door, immediately opened it.

As crisp footsteps echoed through the room, all eyes were drawn to the figure entering.

It was a woman who seemed utterly out of place amidst the festive atmosphere.

Even with her mask on, the woman’s exposed features radiated undeniable superiority. Her high, straight nose defined the elegant curve of her face. But it was her eyes that truly captivated: their narrow, elongated shape conveyed an almost aggressive intensity, yet a single beauty mark at the corner of her eye perfectly softened that edge. The hall’s hazy blue-purple light swirled around her, but it couldn’t penetrate the icy aura that clung to her.

Like a butterfly flitting through a corridor, she never lingered on any fragrant fingertip.

The woman wore only a thin black trench coat, its wide shoulders tapering sharply to a slender waist and long, graceful legs. Even in such a simple outfit, her aura remained both commanding and cool, her bearing dignified.

Her striking height was rare among women, yet her perfectly balanced physique and naturally statuesque figure effortlessly drew attention. Su Yan’s gaze swept subtly across the crowd. In the brief moment their eyes met, Chu Xiyue thought she detected a faint, almost imperceptible smile on the woman’s lips.

But its meaning remained unclear.

Chu Xiyue had seen countless beauties in the entertainment industry and had long grown immune to their allure. Yet Su Yan was different—her beauty possessed a rare “righteousness.” She exuded a coldness that surpassed even Disney’s rabbit police officer, yet retained the same unwavering, heroic spirit. In the dimly lit room, the woman’s tall, slender figure and minimalist attire made her resemble an undercover policewoman here to apprehend criminals.

Chu Xiyue was momentarily stunned. It wasn’t until the production team reminded her that she was the last one to draw a lot that she casually grabbed the remaining bamboo stick. Flipping open its pale pink interior, she indeed found the name “Su Yan” inscribed there.

The studio buzzed with excitement as the participants claimed their matches. With only a few people present, the pairings were quickly established. Yao Tian was matched with Lu Rujin, Meng Qin with Zhao Fei, and when it came to Chu Xiyue’s turn, the elegant and intellectual beauty Meng Qin, her long hair swaying, suddenly exclaimed in astonishment, her eyes wide with envy and surprise:

“Teacher Su’s CP is you, Yueyue?”

The bullet screen had already been in a frenzy, shocked that the final guest on the dating show was Su Yan. But Meng Qin’s words brought the chaos to a momentary halt before it exploded into a frenzy.

Am I hallucinating? You’re telling me my goddess is on a dating show, and she’s paired with Chu Xiyue, that drama queen?!

Heh, Su Yan is as pure as the driven snow. Years in the industry with zero scandals or dirt. She despises those attention-seeking socialites who thrive on controversy. If she’d known Chu Xiyue was on the guest list, she’d never have agreed to participate.

I’ll bet fifty cents there’s some behind-the-scenes drama on this reality show.

But, just saying, their looks are actually quite compatible…

This harmonious comment was quickly buried under a flood of new messages.

Chu Xiyue, known for her flamboyant and unrestrained personality, had been a frequent target of public scrutiny during her two years in the industry. Rumors of her being romantically linked to both male and female co-stars had been relentless, though lacking concrete evidence, they remained a source of endless fascination. Some even speculated that Chu Xiyue had joined the dating show to reconnect with a former flame.

Su Yan, on the other hand, had started from the very bottom as an extra and clawed her way up through sheer hard work and determination. Along the way, she had amassed a legion of fiercely loyal fans, drawn to her consistently stunning looks and model-worthy physique. As a rising A-list actress, Chu Xiyue’s fanbase was equally formidable, and they swiftly retaliated:

Your fandom is so arrogant, acting like your “sister” is some celestial being everyone should worship. Who’s riding whose coattails here?

As the livestream viewership surged past three million, the director barely suppressed a smile. He continued reading the script, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the Bullet Screen:

“Welcome, guests, to Heartbeat Acceleration 3. Here, you’ll experience a unique heart-pounding journey. Over three days of playing couples, the higher your Heartbeat Index, the more the sweetness intensifies, breaking rules and unlocking forbidden desires step by step. This dating show operates on the principles of autonomy and voluntary participation…”

After explaining the rules, the director thoughtfully provided a short break for the guests to discuss freely. Su Yan arrived last, still carrying her suitcase and bag, clearly having no time to drop off her luggage. Chu Xiyue, ever the professional, took the initiative to extend a friendly gesture:

“Teacher Su, your room is upstairs. Shall I show you the way?”

Su Yan’s frost-like expression remained impassive. Hearing this, she replied with a soft “Mm.”