Following the ranking order, it was now time for Yang Mi, Reba, Hua Chenxue, Yu Shuxi, Shi Mingyi, and Zhang Haoliang to choose their rooms.
Everyone assumed that, given Yang Mi’s dynamic with Liu Tianxian, and the fact she couldn’t choose the third floor, she’d probably pick Building B.
But to everyone’s surprise, without even thinking, she picked a corner room on the second floor of Building A.
Right after her, Reba followed suit and chose the room next to hers.
When it was Hua Chenxue’s turn, she hesitated a moment before picking the room beside Reba.
Next was Yu Shuxi.
She glanced at Shi Mingyi and Zhang Haoliang, seemed to think it over, then made a different choice: she picked a room on the second floor of Building B.
That actually spared the two guys from any awkwardness, as they followed her lead and picked rooms in the same building.
The cast’s room choices instantly sparked heated discussion among netizens.
But for the show, this outcome was ideal.
PD Wang gave a satisfied nod.
Then he stepped forward and clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention:
“Congratulations to all of you! Now that you’ve picked your rooms, our show The Password of Heartbeats can officially begin!”
Clap clap clap! The cast applauded together.
Wang Daoxiao continued with a smile,
“You must all be curious about what’s next on the show.”
“??” Everyone perked up.
“…It’s a secret!”
“Ughhh.” The cast groaned.
“Haha! Okay, to be fair, it’s not that we’re trying to be mysterious on purpose.
From today’s events, you might’ve guessed — our goal is to create as many moments as possible that spark romance between you all.”
“…”
“So, all future activities will revolve around deepening your relationships. We’ll adjust and select events accordingly.
We’re aiming for authenticity and zero scripting — to serve our guests and respect our audience.”
Yang Mi and the others seemed thoughtful.
Liu Tianxian, however, was starting to feel uneasy: Oh no, these guys are actually serious about this whole romance thing. What if…
She snuck a glance at Liu Lang beside her.
Phew! The guy was casually sucking on a lollipop, totally off in his own world, clearly not taking anything seriously.
She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Good, that’s a relief…
Wait, why does it feel a little disappointing…?
Onstage, Wang continued his little speech:
“So I hope everyone cooperates fully. Of course, if anyone really objects to our arrangements, you’re free to withdraw.”
Liu Tianxian: Pfft, like it’s that easy…
“Now, let me share the general rules. First, while you’re on the show, none of you are allowed to use your own money.
You’ll have to complete tasks to earn both money and points. Money can be used to go out and spend, and points are for exchanging daily necessities and tools.”
“!!” Everyone was stunned.
“What kind of tasks?” Yang Mi asked curiously.
“All kinds — foraging, raising animals, crafting, sports, even outdoor activities. We’ll announce each day’s task early in the morning. First one starts tomorrow!”
“But a lot of us aren’t skilled in that stuff.”
“No problem — we encourage teamwork.”
“Any gender limitations?” Yang Mi looked at Reba.
“Of course same-gender pairings are not allowed,” Wang said with a wry smile. “If all the boys just hang with boys and girls with girls, what kind of dating show would this be?”
“What if we don’t have someone we like?” Yang Mi frowned.
“Then take the chance to get to know them!”
“What if I pick him?” Yang Mi suddenly pointed at Liu Lang, smiling slyly.
“Back off!” Liu Tianxian glared at her.
“Totally allowed!” Wang smiled meaningfully.
“(￣o￣)” Yang Mi was surprised herself.
Just as she was about to say more, Wang added with a knowing grin:
“Nothing in life ever goes smoothly all the time. Only relationships that survive competition are truly precious and solid.”
Liu Tianxian and Yang Mi didn’t say anything after that.
They weren’t really that invested anyway — they just didn’t like each other.
Saying more would only make things awkward.
…
Seeing no objections, Wang continued:
“One more thing about teaming up. Aside from the gender rule, there’s another: you can’t have fewer than two teams.
With eight guests, each team can have no more than four people…”
Before he could finish—
“I choose him!” Yang Mi pointed at Liu Lang.
“Me too!” Reba chimed in right after.
“(￣ー￣*|||” Liu Tianxian was speechless.
“(?_?)” Hua Chenxue’s eyelid twitched.
Damn. Looked like he was going to be the lone wolf of Building A.
Wang and the crew exchanged glances.
Meanwhile, the livestream exploded:
“Whoa, no way! Three girls fighting over one guy?”
“STFU! This is a dating show, not a damn harem drama!”
“Seriously, what’s the deal with Liu Lang? Why are they all picking him? I don’t get it!”
“He’s hot! He’s talented!”
“Nah, I think it’s ‘cause he feels real. Everyone else is trying too hard, but he’s just chill — and still manages to shine. Even if it’s not about love, he’s probably just fun to hang out with.”
“Hmm, true… But I’m still curious — what exactly is so ‘fun’ about hanging out with him?”
“GET OUT!!”
“LMAO!!”
…
On the other side of the screen, the man looked surprised:
“Didn’t expect the brat to be this popular…”
“This is thanks to me,” the woman said seriously.
“??”
“He takes after me — he’s good-looking.”
“(￣ー￣*|||” The man twitched, “Your nonsense gene definitely passed down too.”
“You know nothing! When ugly people crack jokes, it’s called nonsense. When hot people do it, it’s called charming.”
She raised her hand like she was gonna smack him. The man gave in with a helpless look.
…
Back at the show, as everyone was surprised by Yang Mi and Reba’s bold picks, a lazy voice suddenly chimed in:
“What, the guys don’t get a say?”
“??” Everyone turned to look.
“Am I not allowed to refuse?” Liu Lang raised his hands innocently.
“(?_?)” Yang Mi and Reba’s expressions instantly changed.
Pfft! Liu Tianxian burst out laughing.
Her lips curved up ever so slightly, and her sharp, phoenix-like eyes sparkled as she looked at Liu Lang.
Her expression said it all: Nicely done!
Wang cleared his throat awkwardly,
“Well… of course, refusal is allowed…”
“Nope!” Yang Mi cut him off.
“Why not?” Liu Lang looked amused.
“(￢_￢)” Yang Mi glanced at Liu Tianxian and got annoyed at her always-composed, smug little smirk.
She suddenly turned to Liu Lang and said seriously:
“I have something you want. Teaming up with me won’t be a loss.”
“Really?” Liu Lang looked confused.
He stared for a second — then, out of reflex, his eyes drifted toward her chest.
His expression turned… complicated.
Following his gaze, Yang Mi immediately understood.
She nearly jumped in anger.
You bastard! Where the hell are you looking?!
Did I say I was talking about that?! Are you brain-dead?!
Trying not to explode, she said through clenched teeth:
“We need to talk. After we talk, you’ll understand.”
Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Bonus chapters on reaching milestones. Happy reading!