Chapter Nineteen: Filming the Dating Reality Show, Part 18

Today’s challenge is the Staring Game.

Everyone chooses a new nickname, then takes turns counting. If two people call out the same number simultaneously, they must shout the other person’s name, and that person is eliminated. The last person to call out their number is also eliminated. The winner earns the privilege of choosing their next date. The rules state that nicknames cannot exceed seven characters.

Nan Chu goes first: "Xionglongfeixiancullunlin."
Jiang Han opts for a Zhejiang dialect phrase: "You have a bit of clay in you too."
The others choose equally complex names.

Once the game begins, Nan Chu calls out, followed by Si Junyan, Jiang Han... When they reach five, Zhuo Han and Cheng Luoli call out the number at the same time. Cheng Luoli is the first to shout Zhuo Han's name: "The cicada is always singing in the woods." Zhuo Han is eliminated.

In the second round, no one calls out the same number, but Xu Fei, being the last to call, is eliminated.
In the third round, Jiang Han and Fang You both call out four; Fang You is eliminated.
In the fourth round, Nan Chu is the slowest to call out and is eliminated.

Ultimately, Jiang Han wins the Staring Game. Having won, he receives a date invitation card. He hands it to Nan Chu immediately, saying, "Let’s continue our date tomorrow." Nan Chu flushes as she accepts the card. Si Junyan’s expression turns cold; he is clearly displeased.

[Ah—Jiang Han is such a man!]
[If they don't get married, this won't end well.]
[He’s so devoted, he doesn't even consider anyone else.]
[It’s all an act! Just a performer.]
[A happy day for the Jiang-Nan CP fans.]

The game ends, and it’s time to send heart-signal text messages. Nan Chu deliberates between Jiang Han and Si Junyan, eventually choosing Jiang Han.

Nan Chu to Jiang Han: "A happy day."
Li Wenya to Nangong Hengmo: "Idol, it was truly a joy to tour Erhai Lake with you."
Xu Fei to Shen Shangqian: "A happy day."
Zhuo Han to Wei Ziyi: "I had a great time on our date."
Sha Mengyuan to Meng Yuan: "I hope we can go on a date tomorrow."
Cheng Luoli to Meng Yuan: "Mr. Meng, you are humorous and witty; you’re quite unique."
Fang You to Sha Mengyuan: "Today was very happy; I look forward to dating again in the future."
Jiang Han to Nan Chu: "I am so happy to have received your gift."

Meng Yuan to Cheng Luoli: "I saw a different side of you today."
Nangong Hengmo to Li Wenya: "Such a cute little rabbit. It was wonderful touring Erhai Lake with you."
Si Junyan to Nan Chu: "A happy day. It would have been even better without someone else there. I look forward to a date for just the two of us next time."
Shen Shangqian to Xu Fei: "A true fashion designer—your coordination is top-tier. I really love the outfit you picked for me today. I hope we can date tomorrow so I can wear it for you to see."
Wei Ziyi to Zhuo Han: "It was a pleasure to meet you."

The live stream for the day concludes.
"Nan Chu, let's talk," Si Junyan says, stopping Nan Chu as she prepares to go upstairs.
Hearing Si Junyan call out to her, Jiang Han turns around, his gaze shifting toward them.

[The Shura Field!]
[Will Nan Chu go?]
[Such an intense scene.]

"I'm a bit too tired; I’d like to rest," Nan Chu says, indirectly declining Si Junyan’s invitation.
Si Junyan raises an eyebrow. "It won't take long, just a few minutes."
Since he insists, Nan Chu nods. "Alright."
After agreeing, she glances at Jiang Han, who meets her eyes and offers a faint smile. Nan Chu follows Si Junyan outside.

"What did you want to talk about?" Nan Chu asks.
"Have you and Jiang Han confirmed your feelings for each other?" Because he didn't receive a text, it implies Nan Chu sent hers to Jiang Han.
"Not yet."
"Don't make up your mind too soon. A person needs to date a few people to compare and see who is best," Si Junyan says, gesturing to himself. "I’m quite good. I can cook, sing, exercise... and my family life is simple; I’m an only child. Plus, my career could be helpful to you."
"Of course, if you’ve already decided, just pretend I said nothing." Si Junyan is not the type to pester. "Alright, let's head back."

Nan Chu nods and returns to her room. Shortly after, Jiang Han arrives. He doesn't press her about what she and Si Junyan discussed.
"For tomorrow's date, no need to get up too early. We'll leave at nine."
"Okay."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Jiang Han returns to his room. Nan Chu sits and thinks for a long time before finally making up her mind.

The next day, after breakfast, Nan Chu pulls Si Junyan aside for a private conversation.
"I thought about it all night. I have a lot of affection for Jiang Han right now..."
"Alright, no need to say more, I understand," Si Junyan interrupts. "If Jiang Han ever treats you poorly, I’ll snatch you back at any time."
Nan Chu is caught off guard by his words and remains silent, unsure of what to say. They return to the guesthouse together.

Nan Chu goes to her room to get ready; since she has a date today, she dresses with extra care. When she comes down, Jiang Han is already waiting in the living room. Seeing Nan Chu in an off-the-shoulder dress, his eyes sparkle. "You look truly beautiful today."
"You look very handsome too," Nan Chu smiles.
"Let's go, my lovely lady." Jiang Han extends his hand, and Nan Chu takes it. They leave holding hands.

In a spot hidden from the cameras, Si Junyan smokes while watching them walk away. He never expected that the person he felt drawn to would fall for someone else. It is truly a blow to his confidence.

Jiang Han takes Nan Chu to experience traditional tie-dyeing, and together they craft a pair of unique couple’s outfits. After lunch, they return to the guesthouse. Nan Chu heads to her room to rest, but after an hour, she gets up to read.

At 4:30 PM, Nan Chu suddenly receives a text from the production team: she is to go to Room XX in secret. She sneaks out and arrives half an hour later. It turns out to be a restaurant, and there is only one person there: the new male guest from yesterday, Wei Ziyi. As a new guest, Wei Ziyi has special dating privileges. His date with Zhuo Han yesterday was a production arrangement, not his own choice.

"Hello, Nan Chu. Let me introduce myself again. I am a singer and dancer, twenty-five years old. I don't smoke, rarely drink, and have no bad habits."
"Hello," Nan Chu nods.

[My God, Wei Ziyi is actually dating Nan Chu? Do Jiang Han and Si Junyan know?!]
[Ziyi is so handsome.]
[Wei Ziyi's fan-wives have arrived.]
[Jiang Han, hurry over! Your girl is about to be snatched away.]
[Si Junyan, come quickly!]

"Nan Chu, do you like listening to music?"
"I prefer reading."
"What kind of books do you like?"
"History."
"Besides reading, is there anything else you enjoy?"
Nan Chu shakes her head, indicating there isn't.
[This Nan Chu is certainly aloof, but I like it.]
Hearing Wei Ziyi’s inner voice, Nan Chu thinks to herself: "..."

After they finish dinner, they return to the villa. The other guests are stunned. Why are these two returning together? Could it be that they went on a date? When Jiang Han sees Nan Chu and Wei Ziyi walk in together, his expression shifts slightly.