Chapter 3: The Young Couple Lost in Passion Late into the Night...

The director seemed oblivious to the undercurrents flowing between the guests. He picked up the megaphone and announced the official start of the variety show.

“This episode is divided into four stations: East, South, West, and North, with the theme ‘Walking Hand in Hand Across Mountains and Rivers.’ Tasks will randomly appear during the show, so guests please pay attention to the timing and don’t miss them!”

“There are no tasks tonight; guests can familiarize themselves with the surroundings or choose to rest early.”

“Please note, our couple’s variety show provides only one bedroom. Apart from the bathroom, every room is equipped with high-definition cameras. Guests, please moderate your behavior accordingly!”

Jiang Yunyao exclaimed, impressed, and gave the director a thumbs-up.

Two young newlyweds—one man, one woman—sharing a single room. If either one lost control, no amount of later incentives could make up for it!

The production team was truly daring.

Ignoring Jiang Yunyao’s thumbs-up, the director let the guests roam freely.

[Not sure what Jiang Yunyao means, but I’m shocked!]

[Oh my! The director said to moderate behavior—moderate what exactly?]

[Guys, you just found the highlight! It’s well known that both couples are legally married... hehe!]

[Haha, Jiang Liangliang and Xie Yixing’s marriage is a contract one. Them sharing a room is just awkward, nothing interesting to watch!]

Jiang Yunyao herself wasn’t quite sure how to get along with Xie Yixing. Yet—

Xie Yixing acted like he was at home, grabbing two bottles of mineral water from the fridge and handing one to the stunned Jiang Yunyao before settling on the sofa.

He pulled out his phone and shook it at her, “Do you play games?”

Jiang Yunyao watched his smooth, practiced move and felt a black line run through her mind.

This internet-addicted kid really didn’t seem like a married man!

Still, playing games was indeed a good way to avoid awkwardness. By chance, she had been playing the very game he mentioned recently.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Yunyao said, “Sure!”

Xie Yixing, pretending to be casual, didn’t expect her to agree so quickly, and his palms began to sweat.

He reined in the smile on his face to avoid getting too cocky and eagerly said, “Then I’ll invite you!”

Jiang Yunyao: “Alright!”

While Xie Yixing searched through his contacts, the live chat erupted once again.

[Party Star? What kind of game is that? Anyone heard of it?]

[A social party game with lots of mini-games inside. You can play solo or team up—there are plenty of modes.]

[Sounds childish…]

[It’s okay. My dad, who’s in his fifties, still plays Dou Di Zhu there!]

Jiang Yunyao waited a long time but didn’t get Xie Yixing’s invitation.

Seeing her gaze, Xie Yixing instantly blushed and stammered, “Uh... I forgot to add you to my contacts... What’s... what’s your nickname?”

Jiang Yunyao: “...”

It wasn’t really Xie Yixing’s fault. When they first met, it was outside the civil affairs bureau.

But they weren’t there to marry each other—they were with their respective partners.

Unexpectedly, both of their partners fled, and the two of them were left waiting outside the bureau all morning, both stood up.

After getting to know each other, they hit it off and agreed to marry each other to avoid their families’ relentless pressure.

They exchanged plenty of information back then, so adding each other as friends online wasn’t a priority. They simply agreed to call if needed.

That meant they had never really chatted online.

Jiang Yunyao felt that revealing her nickname was embarrassing; after all, she had already opened the game, and he wasn’t the only one who could send invitations!

“Fine, I’ll invite you then!”

Xie Yixing nodded.

A minute later, Jiang Yunyao casually touched her earlobe and asked, “By the way, cough, what’s your nickname again?”

Xie Yixing: “...”

Chat comments: [...]

Neither of them was willing to say their nicknames outright, so they leaned over and searched for each other’s accounts.

Soon, a long string of chat messages appeared before them.

The exchange was clear: “Play games?” “Sure!” “Play games?” “Busy!”

Jiang Yunyao and Xie Yixing exchanged glances and blurted out each other’s game IDs.

“Invincible Little Strong?”

“Sexy Enchanting Cockroach!”

The live viewers saw the chat logs too.

[Unbelievable! Judging by their chat, they must have been playing together for a long time but didn’t know each other’s identities! They really aren’t close.]

[“Demonic Decay”? “DarkSe Protector”? What kind of edgy names are these? No wonder they’re reluctant to reveal their nicknames!]

[Their game IDs are something else too…]

[Everyone! I ship this! Look at those nicknames and IDs—they’re a perfect match! This couple has my support!]

[Calm down, she’s Jiang Yunyao! No fangirling allowed!]

Aside from a few friendly comments, most were convinced the two were just putting on a show and didn’t believe they’d only just recognized their gaming partners.

Others mocked their nicknames and IDs.

Yet neither Jiang Yunyao nor Xie Yixing cared about the chatroom at this moment.

Jiang Yunyao was usually busy and rarely played for more than half an hour online. This was the first time she indulged herself fully.

They played into the wee hours without noticing the time, until someone’s stomach grumbled.

Jiang Yunyao controlled her character and asked without looking up, “What’s for dinner?”

Without hesitation, Xie Yixing said, “Anything’s fine. I brought chicken soup made by my family’s chef. It should still be warm. Want some?”

Jiang Yunyao unleashed a big move for the opposing side, “I bought frozen dumplings. I’ll cook some and eat later.”

After a quick dinner, they plunged back into the game.

Seeing them so engrossed, even the trolls in the chatroom ran out of insults, with some logging off entirely.

By now, most viewers were new game fans, aside from a few trolls and beauty fans.

[None of the other four have beaten the boss, yet these two cleared it so easily?]

[Taking turns using skills—such perfect coordination!]

[I thought it was just a persona, but now I believe they really play together often!]

[Wow! A young couple obsessed with this activity late at night—human nature twisted or morality lost?]

[You get the news headline style!]

—

Jiang Yunyao had no idea when she finally fell asleep. When the director called them up for a task, she and Xie Yixing had tousled hair and dark circles under their eyes, both looking dazed.

The chatroom, meanwhile, was lively.

[Report to the director: Playback shows these two played games until 3 AM!]

[It’s time for an adult version of the anti-addiction system!]

[Director: Are you here to film a variety show or just play games?!]