Episode 4
1241 Words
"Linda, you shameless stalker! Following superstar Mike all the way here? Is ruining other people's relationships your hobby?"
The internet exploded in rage, transforming overnight into a mob of digital vigilantes. After flooding Linda's social media with vitriol, they swarmed into the livestream comments—only to find a battlefield already raging.
[Linda has no dignity! Chasing after Mike even onto a dating show? Is wrecking relationships your specialty?]
[LMAO trying to be quirky with your 'crazy girl' act, then immediately pissing off one of Beijing's elite bachelors. How pathetic!]
[Suddenly Team Austin now! Austin, if you can get rid of this homewrecker, I'll be your fan for life]
[Relax everyone, Linda's obviously just here as the punching bag—the bitter contrast to make the real couple shine. She's the relationship spice, get it?]
[Can't wait to see Mike and Bailey being adorable while Linda seethes with jealousy but pretends she's fine (snicker)]
The internet's talent for switching sides was truly remarkable.
One moment: PROTECT OUR DEAD FISH LADY AT ALL COSTS!
The next: DIE, LINDA, YOU HOMEWRECKER!
...
In the sprawling parking lot that would lead to the villa, three cars waited.
Three contestants had already arrived: Bailey, Austin, and Emily. Austin and Emily had been paired together.
Austin had completely transformed from his earlier meltdown in the interview booth. Now he was all confidence and swagger.
"So you're Emily Collins, the StarLight heiress?" Austin flashed a practiced smile. "We're practically equals in status. I think we should get to know each other better during the show."
Austin might enjoy dating beautiful celebrities for fun, but marrying one? That would be beneath him. Emily, however, with her beauty and impressive family background, had definitely caught his interest.
Emily returned a graceful smile. "I'd like that, Austin."
Bailey watched from the side, her expression tinged with worry. "You both seem so happy with your partners. I just hope my match won't be disappointed when they meet me."
"You're being too hard on yourself," Emily squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You're amazing—who wouldn't fall for you?"
[Yes baby, be confident!]
[She's obviously still hurt from Panda's rejection, ugh, that jerk!]
[How can someone be this beautiful AND humble? She's literally perfect]
Just then, a tall figure approached from the distance.
[ALERT: Hottest male contestant has entered the chat!]
[Bailey, your destiny has arrived!]
Mike appeared in an impeccably tailored dark suit, his presence commanding yet elegant. He stopped in front of Bailey, looking directly into her eyes. "I'm sorry I'm late."
Bailey's fair complexion flushed pink. "You're not late. You're right on time."
[AHHHHH! This is straight out of a drama!]
[Who said this couple was fake? They're more genuine than diamonds!]
[Quick, enjoy this perfect moment before Linda the homewrecker ruins everything]
As the show's power couple, Mike and Bailey had naturally been paired together. Their conversation seemed casual, but their lingering gazes and intimate tone created an atmosphere thick with chemistry.
The romantic bubble was violently burst by a shrill cry from offscreen.
"Miss Linda! It's not your cue yet!"
"Miss Linda! Come back!!!"
The staff's desperate shouts were futile—their shoes nearly fell apart as they chased the agile figure darting ahead.
Linda slid into the scene with a perfect baseball slide, knocking all four neatly arranged contestants flying like bowling pins, then gracefully stood up.
"Sorry I'm late! Hey, where'd everyone go?"
[They've ascended to heaven]
Linda turned to find all four people sprawled across the ground in various states of disarray.
She flashed an apologetic grin and bowed slightly. "My bad."
[...Are you being polite NOW?]
[That b***h definitely did it on purpose! She can't stand seeing Mike and Bailey together!]
[Am I the only one who can't stop laughing? I'm sorry but LMAO]
[Just attention-seeking as usual. Disgusting.]
Behind the scenes, the production staff was in complete panic.
"Any sign of Panda Guy?"
"Nothing yet."
Half an hour earlier, the contestant in the panda mask had mysteriously vanished right before the big reveal, and the search had yielded nothing.
The assistant director was nearly in tears. "We were trying to delay Linda's entrance to buy time, but she charged onto the set like a wild bull. Three staff members couldn't hold her back, and she sent them flying..."
Director Johnson glanced at the three crew members being carried away on stretchers and sighed deeply.
How had they managed to cast two completely unpredictable contestants at once?
What a nightmare.
The reactions from the four contestants on set were priceless.
Mike's expression darkened, his brows knitting together as he glared intensely at Linda.
Bailey took two steps back, pretending to be frightened, as if she didn't dare get too close to Linda.
Emily quietly observed, mentally taking notes on the unfolding drama.
Only Austin had an extreme reaction: "Linda? Isn't she that crazy woman who went viral the other day? Has the production team lost their minds? How could they cast someone like her?!"
[YES! My internet soulmate!!]
[Austin, you are officially my GOD!]
Linda remained unfazed. She approached Austin with exaggerated martial arts moves and politely asked, "Hello there, what should I call you?"
Those familiar moves...
Austin's body tensed immediately, his demeanor instantly transforming. "You can call me Kitty."
So Linda was Dead Fish Lady. Well, that changed everything.
He couldn't forget the terror of being dominated by a "dead fish" on that beach.
Thank goodness the cameras had malfunctioned and missed it. That would have been mortifying.
[Wait, is he traumatized from getting beaten up on the beach?]
[That's IT? THAT'S your reaction?]
[Has this guy always been this submissive?]
The comment section was practically having a meltdown.
They'd been eagerly waiting for Austin to put Linda in her place, but instead he had transformed into a docile "Kitty" in seconds. How was this possible?
"Is Linda here to find love?" Mike suddenly interjected.
He gave Linda a cold smile. "Then I wish Miss Linda the best of luck finding her perfect match on the show."
Linda raised an eyebrow.
Well, well. The passive-aggressive undertone was unmistakable.
Did Mike actually think she had joined the show because of him?
Wishing her luck in finding love while secretly enjoying her inevitable heartbreak?
"Thanks," Linda replied.
She swung open the car door and slid into the driver's seat. Before closing the door, she gave him an enigmatic smile. "But we barely know each other, right? Mr. Keep-Your-Distance?"
Mike's smile froze on his face.
[Wait, doesn't Mike claim he doesn't know Linda? He's denied it twice on social media. Why is he initiating conversation?]
[It's just professional courtesy during filming, why are you reading into it?]
[Our Mike was just being polite, and she has to be so rude! UGH]
[What a b***h!!]
Linda slammed the car door shut.
The assistant director rushed over in alarm. "The opening segment isn't over! Where do you think you're going?"
"To find my dream contestant, of course," she replied.
She'd just heard that one male contestant had gone missing. Immediately, she thought of her 6'1" athlete Jacob. She needed to track him down.
She hit the gas.
THUD—!
Hmm... something seemed to have gone flying.
Linda stepped out of the car to investigate. A man wearing a panda mask lay sprawled not far away.
Everyone on set was stunned into silence.
The man slowly raised one pale hand.
And said:
"...Press 1 to resurrect me."
- Writer
