The Stand-In Alpha Goes Viral on a Dating Show - Chapter 26.2

In the director’s booth, Chu Rou kept a close eye on the direction of online public opinion. When she caught sight of a comment saying, “How could anyone treat a stunner like Chi Wan as if she were invisible?” her heart gave a sudden, dull ache—something that felt like belated regret.

She even began comparing Chi Wan to Mingyu in her mind. In terms of looks and figure, Chi Wan had the edge. But in family background and vision, she lost to Mingyu—never mind personal taste.

She was just about to declare Mingyu the winner when a faint voice sounded in her heart: But Chi Wan gave you her true feelings. She really did put her heart into you… and you’re the one who let her down…

That thought was a killing blow. Chu Rou’s breath caught for a moment, but she quickly smoothed it over. She would never admit she was wrong. So what if Chi Wan had been sincere? Her sincerity was cheap. And besides, compared to

Mingyu, Chi Wan was nothing but a counterfeit. No—that wasn’t right. From the start, she had approached Chi Wan precisely because she was a counterfeit.

So no, she had no reason to regret. She shouldn’t regret it.

A fake is still a fake—once you throw it away, it’s gone.

Chu Rou closed her eyes, repeating the words in her mind like a mantra, almost brainwashing herself, until the ripples in her heart finally stilled.

Meanwhile, Lu Xin and Ruan Xiao were still waiting for Mingyu’s answer—but Mingyu’s silence dragged on so long that both of them felt a storm brewing in their hearts.

“No way… it’s true?” Lu Xin murmured, as if she’d been struck by a heavy blow, collapsing onto the sofa.

Just as her body fell back, a firm yet graceful arm caught her. Dull-eyed, Lu Xin glanced sideways and found that it was Chi Wan. She was startled, then turned her head to see that if she had fallen unchecked, she would have likely hit the sofa armrest. So… was Chi Wan helping her?

She had just thought this when Chi Wan released her without a shred of hesitation. Without that support, Lu Xin dropped abruptly—but landed harmlessly on the soft sofa.

As for Chi Wan, the one who had intervened, she was now holding An Ran’s hand, anxiously asking, “Are you okay? You didn’t get hit, did you?”

An Ran shook her head, light glimmering in her eyes.

Only then did Lu Xin realize—if she had fallen, she wouldn’t just have hit the armrest, she might also have crashed into this studious girl called An Ran. Which meant… Chi Wan had only grabbed her because of An Ran?

The realization stung with sourness and a touch of grievance. They had dated before, after all! Was this how Chi Wan treated her ex? Heartless woman!

And besides, Chi Wan and An Ran had known each other for less than a day.

Could a single day really outweigh months—or even years—of connection?

Lu Xin sat back on the sofa, silently watching Chi Wan and An Ran interact, jealousy bubbling up inside her until she could think of nothing else.

Ruan Xiao, left as the only one still facing Mingyu, found the scene dull and turned away, pretending she’d never asked the question.

This left Mingyu awkwardly standing alone, the atmosphere tightening with discomfort.

It was Alpha guest Xia Meng, prompted by Director Chu, who broke the tension by talking about her ideal type.

“My ideal type? Someone who likes gaming! Someone I can play with every day, have fun with—simple as that!”

“That might be a bit hard to find,” Lu Xin interjected meaningfully. But then she quickly added, “After all, you’re one of the best among gaming streamers. Keeping up with you would be tough.”

Xia Meng blinked in surprise, then smiled. Ever since the show began, Lu Xin had rarely praised anyone. This unexpected compliment left her a little flattered. “It’s really not that bad. I can slow down for the other person.”

Lu Xin appeared to listen with a smile, but her mind stayed fixed on Chi Wan, who was still whispering to An Ran.

She’d always thought Chi Wan had a good impression of Xia Meng. Even though they were both Alphas, there was a chance they could become friends. She never expected that when it was Xia Meng’s turn to speak, Chi Wan wouldn’t even bother to listen.

Lu Xin swelled with indignation, puffed up like a pufferfish.

Xia Meng, for her part, stole a shy glance at Lu Xin. This Omega loved extreme sports, carried a wild streak in her bones, and was as captivating as a leopard running across the grasslands.

Xia Meng felt her heart stir.

Next, it was painter Shi Yi’s turn: “My ideal type? Quiet—like a painting.”

After that cryptic remark, she said no more. But everyone’s eyes instinctively shifted to An Ran. Among the Omegas present, only she fit that description.

Chi Wan’s inner alarm blared.

What?! Someone else has their eye on my little white flower?!

She tightened her grip on An Ran’s arm, silently sending a warning: You’re not allowed to go with anyone else!

An Ran winced from the pressure, her gaze rippling. “You… hurt me.”

“Sorry,” Chi Wan immediately loosened her hold, then leaned in, her tone laced with worry. “Don’t you think she was talking about you?”

An Ran glanced at Shi Yi, sensing a kindred spirit after just one look. Interesting—this person had two faces as well.

Quiet as a painting could mean gentle and refined, but it could also mean silent and pliable, easy to mold at will.

Still, An Ran didn’t believe Shi Yi had seen through her disguise. She’d probably just said it offhand.

But faced with Chi Wan’s faintly jealous gaze, An Ran deliberately hesitated. “I don’t know… probably not?”

“Remember—we were the first to meet,” Chi Wan murmured, leaning even closer.

Close enough that when An Ran lowered her gaze, she could see the vague, rounded outline beneath Chi Wan’s jacket—a new object tucked inside. What was it?

Her thoughts wandered.

“You spaced out. Were you thinking about Shi Yi?” Chi Wan’s jealousy spiked.

“No,” An Ran smoothed a strand of hair. “I was just thinking… Didn’t you once say that how long you’ve known someone can’t compare to fate? That one day together can be worth a lifetime? It’s amazing.”

Chi Wan: “…”

Right. She’d just walked herself into that one.

Still, at least An Ran was thinking about her—even if it was just recalling something she’d said. That was some comfort.

“Do you really care that much about what I think?” The little white flower had inched closer without her noticing, their arms now pressed together.

In the dim light, An Ran could almost feel the fabric hidden inside Chi Wan’s inner pocket—soft, like a scrap of cloth. A handkerchief? Whose? Or… for whom?

“I do,” Chi Wan replied earnestly. Then she added, “I care a lot.”

“Then you’ll have to trade me something before I tell you,” An Ran said, laying a quiet trap.

Chi Wan sensed something was off, but deep down she still believed the little white flower was harmless, so she didn’t think too much of it.

Then a hand brushed the edge of her jacket, slowly moving upward. “I really want to know… Last time you kept my pendant there. What’s in there now?”

Her voice grew softer, forcing Chi Wan to lean closer to hear. By the end, their breaths mingled.

【OMG! What are they doing? Are they kissing?!】

【Out of nowhere, this is way too spicy for free content!】

【Faster, faster—let me breathe this in!】

【I want to know Shi Yi’s mental state—one moment her crush might be An Ran, and the next Chi Wan’s making out with that gold-digger!】

【I’m hoping for it, but they probably aren’t kissing. Looks like a camera angle thing—they’re just whispering.】

【If they actually kiss, I’m buying stock in Love at First Sight’s streaming platform!】

In moments, comment sections filled with viewers swearing they’d buy stock too.

#StreamingPlatformStockPricePredictedToSoar#

Even the platform executives following the show rubbed their hands in anticipation, secretly hoping Chi Wan and An Ran would actually kiss.

But the audience’s hopes were destined to be dashed.

Because just as An Ran’s hand touched the pocket, Chi Wan jerked back. “Wait! I need to use the bathroom!”

An emergency bathroom escape!

A moment later, she was gone, stumbling out as if fleeing the scene.

In the restroom, Chi Wan stared at her flushed reflection and slapped her cheeks in frustration. God! I almost gave myself away in front of the little white flower!

First her pendant, and now her bra—both hidden in the same place.

If An Ran found out, how could she ever face her again?!

#AnotherDaySuccessfullyHidingPervertedEvidence#

The system watched in silent amusement, shaking with laughter at Chi Wan’s mental gymnastics. Even as code, it still had a sense of humor.

What’s so funny?! Chi Wan fumed. Do you have any idea how hard you make my life?!

【Hurry up, just one more person before it’s your turn.】

The system thought it was being helpful, but Chi Wan’s stomach sank. If An Ran kept pressing her afterward, what would she do? She wanted to stash the bra somewhere else and come back for it later.

But what if she lost it? Then her mission would be ruined.

While she hesitated, the others finished asking Alpha guests Gu Lin and Tang Qian. Both gave good answers, but it was obvious they favored Mo Wei—especially after Mingyu confessed her “crush” on Qu Huan. They both saw an opening.

But Mo Wei could only choose one, and the sharpness in their exchanged glances was palpable.

Their verbal sparring bought Chi Wan just enough time to calm down.

When she finally returned to the living room, it was her turn to answer the ideal type question. Everyone was curious—Chi Wan had plenty of exes, and now she was clearly close to An Ran. So… who exactly was her ideal type?