Chapter 6: “Fang Zhou? We Meet Again”

With the arrival of the superstar Qiao Sisi, the popularity of the romance show’s live stream shot to the top of the platform’s charts, with over a million real-time viewers.

The entire live chat was flooded with comments.

“Ahhhh! A once-in-a-lifetime moment! Seeing a top-tier female star join a romance show! Not as a guest judge, but as a participant!”

“Oh my god, did the director save Qiao Sisi’s family or something? How did they convince her to join?”

“Won’t a top-tier star joining a romance show affect her popularity?”

“Qiao Sisi is renowned for her acting skills, not a talent show idol. Why can’t she have a love life? Some fans need to relax.”

The chat was ablaze, elevating the atmosphere of the live stream to its peak.

In the distant broadcasting room, the director watched the live stream’s data, his smile growing wider.

He knew it was the right decision to invite Qiao Sisi.

With her inherent popularity, there was no worry that this season wouldn’t surpass the previous ones.

Records are meant to be broken!

Fang Zhou crouched on the ground, using the act of picking up the cup to hide his panic.

He was already planning a way to exit the show midway.

The other three ex-girlfriends might not cause much trouble.

But that curly-haired mature lady was Qin Yun!

She might seem gentle and easy to talk to, but she was actually a cunning woman. When Fang Zhou was with her, it was a constant battle of wits.

It was fun at the time, but after they broke up, recalling it made him sweat.

Moreover, Fang Zhou relocated from Henan to the capital to avoid Qin Yun.

It had been less than a year since he left.

And now, he met her on this romance show!

It’s over. Qin Yun might dissect him on this island and throw his remains into the sea!

Qin Yun is a university professor and a surgeon at a top-tier hospital. Doing such a thing would be a breeze for her.

“Fang Zhou, hurry up and get a new cup. Let’s toast.”

Perhaps noticing that Fang Zhou had been crouching for too long, Sun Haotian patted his shoulder with a smile, urging him to stand.

His call drew the attention of the newly arrived Qiao Sisi and Qin Yun, who both looked at Fang Zhou.

“Fang Zhou?”

Qin Yun’s unique voice, soft and melancholic, like flowers blooming in March, called out.

She smiled and stepped forward, crouching down with interest, repeating.

“Fang Zhou?”

The place wasn’t quiet, as others nearby were chatting.

But Qin Yun’s voice was penetrating, almost piercing Fang Zhou’s eardrum.

Fang Zhou felt as if he was walking on thin ice. He tightened his grip on the cup, calming his tumultuous heart, and forced a smile.

“It’s me.”

He looked up and met Qin Yun’s gaze.

Her eyes sparkled, and she looked radiant and gentle.

Only those who knew her would understand what lay beneath that gentle exterior.

“How are you, Fang Zhou?”

Qin Yun’s voice was soft, like greeting an old friend or caring for a newly met stranger.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

Fang Zhou avoided her gaze, stood up with the cup, pretending nothing was wrong, though his little finger trembled slightly.

“Come on! Brother, I’ve poured you a new cup.”

Sun Haotian, ever enthusiastic, handed him a new cup of juice.

“And to our three new friends, let’s have a toast to our first meeting!”

“Sure.”

Qiao Sisi’s gaze lingered on Fang Zhou, giving a meaningful smile before stepping forward and raising her glass.

“I’m Qiao Sisi. It’s a pleasure to meet everyone here. I hope we get along well in the coming days.”

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked with Qiao Sisi.

When it was Fang Zhou’s turn, he also raised his newly poured orange juice and smiled as he clinked glasses with Qiao Sisi.

But someone’s strength caused the juice to spill, staining Fang Zhou’s white hoodie.

Qiao Sisi gasped, quickly setting down her glass and grabbing a napkin to help Fang Zhou.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

She seemed devoid of any superstar airs, helping the “newly met” male guest clean his clothes without any idol pretense.

The live chat was full of praise for her.

“Sisi is so kind, it was clearly Fang Zhou’s excitement that caused the spill.”

“A beautiful woman helping clean up juice, what a great opportunity.”

“Ugh, you lousy man, stay away from my Sisi!”

Only Fang Zhou saw the fleeting smugness in Qiao Sisi’s eyes.

It was her usual trick.

Qiao Sisi’s public persona was bold, carefree, and a talented actress.

Privately, she was vastly different from her on-screen image—a carefree, cheeky, and playful woman.

She loved pranks, like a child who never grew up.

Fang Zhou stepped back, avoiding her hand, and politely said, “It’s fine, it was my fault for being too excited to see a superstar.”

He took the napkin and wiped the juice himself, but the orange stain had already set in the white hoodie, making it impossible to clean.

Qiao Sisi apologized, “I’ll buy you a new one after the show. I’m really sorry.”

Her almond eyes blinked softly, misty, making her look pitiful.

The male guests couldn’t help but speak up for her.

“It’s okay, Sisi. It’s just a hoodie. If Fang Zhou needs, I can sponsor him a whole car full.”

The speaker was Qi Le, the racer with striking red hair, standing out among the male guests.

His condescending tone immediately drew criticism from the live audience.

“What a cocky tone! Who does he think he is, acting like anyone needs that hoodie.”

“Exactly, Qi Le must think he’s so cool, trying to gain Sisi’s favor.”

“Get lost, you scheming guy!”

Fang Zhou was amused by the comment.

As he crumpled the napkin and tossed it into the trash, he said, “I don’t need it. If you have spare money, donate it to children in the mountains.”

Qiao Sisi also threw her napkin into the trash, her tone matching Fang Zhou’s, giving Qi Le a faint smile.

“True, the children in the mountains would appreciate it more.”

Though she said it with a smile, Qi Le felt a hint of displeasure from her.

He scratched his head, puzzled why she was upset when he tried to help her avoid private contact with that man.

Qin Yun, watching from the side, chuckled softly.

“Fang Zhou, it seems you haven’t changed a bit.”