Provoking Fire [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 9

Suddenly liking amusement parks? What a strange reason.

Seriously, Sister Yan actually suggested going to an amusement park? Could it be for Yueyue?

As a casual viewer, isn’t this a variety show where they’re pretending to be a couple? Why would Su Yan know Chu Xiyue’s preferences?

Something’s definitely up.

Chu Xiyue was a die-hard amusement park enthusiast, practically reciting her annual pass benefits by heart. She always filmed two amusement park vlogs each year, and they were known for being particularly engaging—a fact well-known among her fans.

Su Yan, on the other hand, had completely opposite tastes. She preferred quiet places like art galleries and museums, sometimes even spending entire afternoons in museums, meticulously reading the descriptions of artifacts.

The viewers’ thoughts flashed through Chu Xiyue’s mind, but she wasn’t narcissistic enough to believe Su Yan would visit a place she disliked just for her.

Perhaps it was for the sake of the show? After all, museums and art exhibitions were better suited for private visits. They couldn’t exactly broadcast a live lecture on ancient artifacts, could they?

Once everyone had made their choices, the live stream temporarily shut down, giving the guests time to touch up their makeup and prepare for the next segment.

After all, this was a variety show recording, not a casual day at home. A pretty young idol like Lu Rujin, who carried a certain image to maintain, might appear groggy in the morning, but she had already applied a base layer of tinted moisturizer and nude lipstick. Appearing completely bare-faced on camera was simply not an option.

In contrast, Su Yan had been completely makeup-free since yesterday. Her skin looked even more radiant and clear, like a pristine white camellia with distinct petals.

An hour later, both women were ready and gathered in the lobby downstairs.

It had to be said, the two of them made quite the visually striking pair just standing together.

Both were tall and long-legged. Chu Xiyue wore high-waisted denim shorts that accentuated her slender, straight legs. For comfort, she layered a navy blue baseball jacket over a casual top and paired it with sneakers, radiating youthful energy and vitality.

Su Yan wore only a light layer of makeup, which enhanced her already striking features while softening her sharp edges, perfectly balancing her naturally aloof aura. She wore wide-leg trousers in a deep gray, unadorned and effortlessly chic, paired with a casual sports tank top and a loose-fitting jacket.

The baseball jackets were sponsored by the show’s main sponsor. As the show’s primary financial backer, the brand provided several jackets to each celebrity, promoting their latest seasonal collection. These sporty jackets typically featured bold color-blocking designs, with subtle variations in craftsmanship that made them look like matching couple’s outfits.

The Bullet Screen was already buzzing with shippers.

Beijing’s largest amusement park, Chaoguang Amusement Park, is part of a nationwide chain originally famous for its thrilling rides. Now, branches have spread to major developed cities across the country. This newly opened park sprawls across the side of the Qingcheng Mountains, themed around a magical world and designed to resemble a dreamlike Western-style kingdom.

After being dropped off at the entrance by the driver, Chu Xiyue suddenly felt unwell. She told Su Yan, “I need to use the restroom. My period seems to have started.”

With that, she headed straight for the restrooms.

Beijing has long been at the forefront of national development, and in recent years, there’s been growing demand for menstrual products in public spaces. Consequently, all major public restrooms now provide ample sanitary pads for use. Chu Xiyue, raised by her progressive mother, Madam Chu, had no menstrual shame and enjoyed good health without period cramps, allowing her to return quickly.

As Chu Xiyue emerged, she spotted Su Yan standing near a relief sculpture at the amusement park’s entrance, gazing upward in deep thought. An idea immediately sparked in her mind.

Upon closer inspection, the relief sculpture revealed six panels depicting two small, indistinct figures embracing or holding hands in intimate poses. Though rendered in a rare anime-style relief, the emotions conveyed were vivid and intense. The figures were positioned beside six iconic park attractions, making it a popular spot for couples to take photos and share them online.

Adjacent to the sculpture stood a lush wishing tree, its red ribbons swaying gently in the cool early autumn breeze. Legend had it that a highly efficacious temple once stood here in ancient times before being relocated. It was said that anyone who prayed for love at this spot would have their wishes granted, ensuring lasting relationships.

Chu Xiyue hurried over to Su Yan, her steps light and quick.

“Let’s take a commemorative photo using this as a backdrop later, Sister Ayan! What do you think?”

Chu Xiyue rarely addressed anyone as “Sister.”

But the title, once unfamiliar, now rolled smoothly off her tongue. Her clear, melodious voice carried no deliberate emphasis, yet the endearment sounded so sweet it made one’s heart flutter. As the wind tousled Su Yan’s hair, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips the moment she heard the affectionate address.

“Sure,” Su Yan replied.

“Which ride should we go on first?”

The production team for Heartbeat Acceleration was known for its deep pockets. They had cleared out all the potential dating spots for today’s guests, ensuring minimal crowds and no risk of being mobbed by onlookers. Su Yan glanced at the map, but the blurry illustrations made it impossible to discern any details. She shrugged vaguely, “Whatever you want.”

This was the first time Chu Xiyue had heard a companion make such a bold statement at a place like Lai Chao Amusement Park. She looked at Su Yan in surprise, then showered her with sincere praise:

“Sister Ayan, you’re so beautiful and kind!”

Although Su Yan’s contract included a clause requiring Party B to provide emotional validation to Party A, this was the first time Chu Xiyue had offered such direct and genuine praise. Her hazel eyes sparkled with captivating charm.

“How about we try that one first?” Chu Xiyue pointed to the towering drop tower that pierced the sky.

Su Yan had never experienced such a ride before, but even if she hadn’t eaten pork, she’d certainly seen pigs run. The sheer height of the tower, forcing her to crane her neck to look up, immediately filled her with dread. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, but seeing Chu Xiyue’s gleeful anticipation, she couldn’t bring herself to back out at the last minute.

Perhaps… I could give it a try?

But the moment the ride started, a wave of regret crashed over Su Yan like a tidal surge. To be honest, most things that terrified others didn’t scare her much. It was only this sensation of being lifted off the ground and instantly losing control that made her heart skip a beat.

Chu Xiyue heard a brief, quiet gasp from beside her as they ascended, followed by an apparent calm. But when they reached the peak and lingered in the air, she turned to see Su Yan’s rare loss of composure, her face betraying obvious panic.

That expression on Su Yan’s usually cool and aloof face was like ice cracking. Chu Xiyue, remembering her earlier nonchalant attitude, couldn’t help but find the situation amusing. Seizing the opportunity, she teased, “Teacher Su, are you sure you can handle this?”

Even as she said this, Chu Xiyue released the safety bar and, interlacing her fingers tightly, clasped Su Yan’s hand in her own.