Chapter 11: Clearly Able to Eliminate Contestants Directly, Yet Still Making Rules

Huh? Is this really a dating show? It feels more like a survival challenge! No wonder when Ji Ya suggested bringing him onto the show, the director immediately agreed, even offering a high salary of three hundred thousand. Life is hard, money is harder to earn, and taking what belongs to capital truly demands courage! There’s no room to slack off here.

The rules of the show are set on site; the guests only learn of them upon arrival. Everything must be done personally, and they’re even expected to earn their own money. Bai Yichu, who has always lived in the limelight, being cared for by others, now wears a grim expression.

Lin Yu glanced at Ji Ya beside him. He had little expectation for this heiress, who had grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth. In the coming days of filming, it was highly likely he would end up as the caretaker for these two. With these two pampered ladies around, as the only man, wouldn’t he be run off his feet, forced to handle everything?

Who would have thought that right after a breakup, he’d have to look after two girls? Is this so-called fortune really a blessing or a curse? Both girls glanced at Lin Yu, embarrassment written plainly on their faces, but Lin Yu had no say in the matter now.

“Director, what do we do if someone doesn’t even have basic life skills?”

The director shrugged, wearing an expression of helplessness. “You’ll have to work it out among yourselves. Plan, negotiate, and divide the work clearly. Any problem can be solved.”

He made it sound easy. But under the show’s one-on-one rule, it was clear that the artists paired with these two were in for a tough time. After all, no celebrity comes onto a show to be someone else’s servant—especially not when paired with a well-known guest. If one person does everything, their fans won’t be happy to see their idol being bossed around.

In his previous life, Lin Yu had been a tireless partner for his girlfriend, mastering every life skill. Having experienced days of hunger and hardship, he knew how to survive on the margins. So rolling up his sleeves and making money was no challenge for him.

Right now, his mind was filled with the pig’s trotter simmering in the kitchen. That was the dinner arranged by the production team for the guests—their last meal provided. After all those hungry nights in his previous life, filling his stomach was now his top priority.

He’d already endured a grueling journey to get here: plane, transfer, then driving himself to this remote spot. Even after eating two large pig’s trotters, his stomach was still growling.

“Director Lin, after tonight’s dinner, will everything be left up to us?”

Director Lin Jia, though a woman, was a strong leader with no trace of sentimentality. She shook her head with a smile at Bai Yichu’s question. “The food in the kitchen isn’t for you; it’s the staff’s dinner. After they’ve eaten, the kitchen is yours. But don’t worry, you can use the ingredients left in the kitchen.”

Ji Ya looked at Lin Yu expectantly. As a recent graduate and the company’s new recruit, surely he could at least cook a meal? Ji Ya, as an heiress, had no idea. Nowadays, students with little money only care about surviving in the most economical and convenient way. Take Lin Yu, for example—he was already considering asking the crew for a pack of instant noodles, and he’d even brought some in his luggage just in case.

As the three of them mulled over their own thoughts, Director Lin spoke up, “To observe the progression of feelings between artists, from tomorrow, when the program officially starts, each person must send a message to their crush every night at ten.”

“Failing to connect more than three times will result in elimination.”

The live chat exploded.

“Seriously? You have to successfully connect? Isn’t that asking too much in such a short time?”

“Love at first sight happens, doesn’t it? Besides, relationships these days are all about fast food love!”

“Exactly! Haven’t we seen enough stories of instant chemistry?”

“Wow, what a modern take on romance. Are we all just clowns now?”

“I agree with the director—if you get three chances and still can’t interest anyone, clearly you’re not popular. Elimination is only natural.”

“Right. People these days might be shameless, but if you fail three times in a row, you must be the problem. If you don’t leave, I’d be embarrassed for you!”

“Doesn’t anyone know the phrase ‘casting a wide net’? The more you pursue at once, the greater your odds—pick your goddess!”

“You… you’re a genius! You could form your own little genius strategy team. That’s some next-level gameplay!”

Well, Lin Yu wasn’t bothered by this at all. The company had two female guests, and when signing the contract with Ji Ya, they’d agreed she would ensure she wasn’t eliminated as long as she participated in the show. So Lin Yu was confident he could stick it out until the end and collect his paycheck in peace.

But ultimately, the decision still rested in his hands. After all, without the necessary skills or standout performance to attract attention, even if chosen, you could still be eliminated. In an era where popularity is king, if you make no effort or leave no impression, being cast aside is inevitable.

Director Lin glanced at Lin Yu, as if seeing through his thoughts, but said nothing. Her gaze swept across the trio present, and she announced the next set of rules with a cheerful smile.

“To prevent guests from breaking the rules and secretly using money, all funds on the show will be managed via cards issued by the production team. Completing tasks or trading self-made goods with the crew will earn you cards. The crew will conduct regular card balance checks, and anyone with insufficient cards will be eliminated.”

Really? A dating show with this many elimination rules? Honestly, if you don’t want guests to take their appearance fee, just say so—why make it so convoluted?

But perhaps this is just how harsh the world is. At any age, people are constantly facing all sorts of challenges. One misstep, and you might miss an opportunity or lose something you should have had…

Seeing no objections, Director Lin continued, “One more thing. To strengthen bonds and increase the chances of successful matches, each week guests will have the opportunity to showcase their talents. The audience will rate and rank these performances. Rewards and punishments apply: first place earns an extra prize, while those who rank last three times in a row will face elimination.”

“Oh, and the talent show starts as soon as the guests arrive—it’s your chance to make a first impression.”

Director Lin then instructed everyone to download the app provided by the crew. “From now on, all guest communication and interactions will take place on the LoveArt APP. Each round’s anonymous voting, talent rankings, and more will be displayed there.”