Day Fifteen: My Brother Loves Me Too Much

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Yun Zhiyi felt a flutter of nervousness deep within her heart. She had never been in a relationship before, nor had she ever gone out alone with a man. When she studied abroad, she rarely socialized or partied; she preferred staying home quietly, engrossed in her own world—reading, watching movies, listening to music, or painting.

Xu Wanqing often teased her for being too reclusive, but Yun Zhiyi enjoyed spending time immersed in her own little universe. She absolutely refused to attend social events unless absolutely necessary. It was only through Xu Wanqing’s persistent coaxing that she was dragged out—to stroll the streets or attend some upscale gatherings.

Looking back now, it was because she depended too much on Jiang Yanbai. When Jiang Yanbai moved out of the Jiang family home, she lost the companion who would take her out to "let loose." With her already introverted nature, she became unwilling to go out. Rather than spending time with people whose personalities clashed with hers, she preferred to be alone.

After dinner, the female guests were instructed by the production team to proceed to the "Heartfelt Cabin" to select gifts—likely to be given to the male guests or for the men to choose a date based on the gifts selected.

Before choosing a gift, Yun Zhiyi started to worry—what if Jiang Yanbai picked the gift she chose? Would she have to go on a date with her brother? The thought was terrifying!

Reading the message, Yun Zhiyi appeared calm on the outside, but her heart was racing.

The guests gradually returned to the villa; only Jiang Yanbai had yet to come back. Xiao Nanxing, holding his phone, was playing a game while sitting at the other end of the sofa.

Xu Xinran changed her clothes and came downstairs to the kitchen, a lovely smile on her face. "Do you need help? Are you managing okay?"

She was addressing Chu Hongyi.

They had chatted that morning and gotten a little more familiar. Chu Hongyi admired independent and capable women and replied, "No need, we’re fine. The kitchen gets smoky; you should rest in the living room. There are just two more dishes before dinner."

Quietly chopping vegetables, Fan Jing glanced at Xu Xinran, seeing her clear intention was not to help but to express her affection for Chu Hongyi, then lowered her head to continue.

Xu Xinran, wearing a long camisole dress with a light, thin shawl over it, smiled brightly and asked again, "Really no need?"

Chu Hongyi’s handsome face was stern but softened slightly, "No."

A satisfied gleam flashed in Xu Xinran’s eyes. "If you need help, just call me."

Viewers in the livestream chat flooded the screen with comments:

“Xu Xinran is truly a perfect woman.”

“Ranran is really so sweet.”

“Actually, the female lead Xu Xinran and male lead Chu Hongyi are a great match—both disciplined, athletic, and strong personalities. The chemistry is amazing.”

“Fan Jing, the third female guest, has almost no presence. She looks like a colleague to Chu Hongyi, no spark.”

“Female lead Xu Xinran fits with every male guest.”

Yun Zhiyi had already been watching the kitchen situation as Xu Xinran came downstairs.

The living room and kitchen were the main battlegrounds of this dating show. The subtle expressions during conversations were magnified and recorded by the production team, allowing viewers to observe and understand the emotional changes of the guests.

After speaking with Chu Hongyi, Xu Xinran walked into the living room. Her gaze first landed on Yun Zhiyi, who faced away from the camera, her smile fading slightly before shifting her attention to Xiao Nanxing, still playing games.

Yun Zhiyi sensed a well-concealed trace of hostility in Xu Xinran’s eyes.

As the original female protagonist in the source novel, Xu Xinran possessed a system that made her more attractive when gaining favor and could detect the guests’ feelings towards her. Since she herself wasn’t fond of Xu Xinran, she was sure Xu Xinran disliked her in return.

Yun Zhiyi didn’t care much, lowering her head to her phone with no intention of chatting.

Xu Xinran had no intention of making conversation with Yun Zhiyi either. She sat down beside Xiao Nanxing, very close to him. The strong scent of her perfume filled the air as she softly asked, “What game are you playing?”

Xiao Nanxing, having just wiped out the opposing team, frowned at the heavy perfume, glanced up at Xu Xinran, and subtly shifted away, his tone aloof: “League of Legends mobile.”

“Is it fun?” Xu Xinran’s expression was curious. “Is it difficult?”

Xiao Nanxing bluntly said, “Beginners would find it hard. Not suitable for new players.”

That ended the topic.

Xu Xinran was momentarily at a loss for words.

Yun Zhiyi, hearing this, suppressed a smile, careful not to let the camera catch it.

Trying to ease the awkwardness, Xu Xinran said, “I’ve played similar games before. You look really good at it—why don’t you take me for a couple of rounds?”

Xiao Nanxing, still playing, said, “After this round, then dinner.”

Xu Xinran was speechless.

Yun Zhiyi watched the whole scene for entertainment.

Xu Xinran never seemed tired of flirting. With energy like that, she could succeed at anything.

Chat scrolling:

“Little sis doesn’t know how good her sister is.”

“Male guest number four, Xiao Nanxing, is such a typical straight guy. Doesn’t he realize she wants to spend more time with you?!”

“Where did they find these male guests? All they do is play games all day. What’s the difference from an internet-addicted teenager?”

“Do you even know who he is?”

“Who is he? The president of the country?”

“Seriously, if you just used search engines, you wouldn’t be saying such dumb things. When he was bringing honor to the country, your dad hadn’t even conceived you.”

“Old women, stay far away from King, okay? Don’t even come close.”

The fans of Xiao Nanxing, Xu Xinran, and the viewers argued fiercely.

Xu Xinran was left feeling embarrassed until someone arrived to rescue her awkwardness.

Chi Yu entered the living room, glanced at the quiet doll-like Yun Zhiyi, then looked at Xu Xinran. “The weather’s nice. Want to take a walk in the back garden?”

Xu Xinran immediately stood, smiling, “Sure. Are you done with work?”

Chi Yu pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, “I’m done.”

They left the living room together.

Yun Zhiyi had nothing to do, so she picked up a magazine from the coffee table and flipped through it, bored.

Jiang Yanbai still hadn’t returned. Was he working late?

She thought about how busy he’d been recently. After receiving the message confirming her romantic interview, Jiang Yanbai hadn’t come back to the villa for several days. They only met again once the show began.

Halfway through the magazine, dinner was ready.

Last night, the female guests sat in a row and the male guests in another, but tonight the seating changed again.

Since Jiang Yanbai hadn’t returned, the third female guest, Liang Shanshan, casually pulled out a chair to sit down. Xu Xinran chose the center seat, the most central spot, with room for two on either side and one across from her.

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If all the male guests liked her, they would choose to sit near her.

Chu Hongyi and Chi Yu took seats on her left and right. Fan Jing sat next to Chu Hongyi, facing Yun Zhiyi across the table. The chair beside Yun Zhiyi was pulled out, and Xiao Nanxing, having finished his game, sat next to her.

One person was missing from the table.

Xu Xinran asked, “Should we wait for Jiang Yanbai?”

“I don’t know when he’ll be back,” Fan Jing said. “Some dishes are cold and won’t taste good.”

Chi Yu suggested, “Should we call him?”

Yun Zhiyi immediately said, “I’ll do it.”

Each guest had saved contacts on the sponsor’s phone given by the show. Yun Zhiyi dialed Jiang Yanbai’s number. After a moment, the call connected. To let everyone hear, she put the call on speaker.

A clear male voice came through: “Hello? What’s up?”

Fearing Jiang Yanbai might not realize the speaker was on, Yun Zhiyi quickly said, “Everyone’s asking how long until you’re back.”

Jiang Yanbai paused for a second. “You guys go ahead and eat. I’m working overtime at the company.”

“Okay.” Yun Zhiyi responded formally, “Won’t disturb you then. Bye.”

Before Jiang Yanbai could reply, she hung up, then looked up and smiled at everyone. “Alright, let’s eat.”

Everyone was hungry and began to dig in.

Chat exploded:

“Hahaha, the second female guest hangs up so fast.”

“Yun Zhiyi looks so guilty, like she’s afraid Jiang Yanbai will say something they can’t hear.”

“The more you hide, the more suspicious it looks.”

“By the way, do both the male lead and the third male guest like the female lead? Chu Hongyi and Chi Yu are both sitting next to Xu Xinran.”

“Nooo, what about my cool and aloof beauty Fan Jing?”

“Female guest four, Liang Shanshan, is still completely ignored. If she’s left alone, that’s really pitiful.”

Chu Hongyi wasn’t as humorous as Chi Yu. At dinner, Xu Xinran mostly initiated conversation, and Chu Hongyi replied briefly. Meanwhile, Chi Yu and Xu Xinran chatted easily, talking from red wine to its origins, then to winemaking.

Yun Zhiyi ate quietly, listening to their talk. She picked up a piece of cola chicken wing, savoring its sweet, crispy flavor, eyes narrowing in satisfaction. “This is delicious. Who made it?”

Chu Hongyi and Fan Jing, who cooked today, hadn’t answered yet. Xu Xinran smiled, “Chu Hongyi made the cola chicken wings. He’s really skilled, right?”

Fan Jing, eating nearby, pursed her lips.

Chu Hongyi said, “Fan Jing taught me how to make it.”

Yun Zhiyi looked at Fan Jing opposite her and praised, “It’s my first time tasting such delicious cola chicken wings.”

Xu Xinran’s smile stiffened. She noticed Chu Hongyi had been cooking while Fan Jing handled chopping and washing vegetables. She hadn’t expected Fan Jing to have taught Chu Hongyi cooking.

“Oh really?” Xu Xinran quickly added, blushing slightly. “I saw you cooking and thought you made all the dishes. Jing, you’re amazing with so many recipes. I can only cook a few.”

Fan Jing said lightly, “My mother is often away, so I taught myself a lot.”

Yun Zhiyi said no more and continued eating while listening.

After the meal, Yun Zhiyi covered her mouth and discreetly burped—she’d overeaten tonight.

Chu Hongyi and Fan Jing cleared the table and kitchen. Xiao Nanxing went upstairs, Chi Yu and Xu Xinran rested in the living room. Yun Zhiyi thought for a moment, then left the living room and sat on the garden bench under the vine, enjoying the evening breeze.

After a while, mosquitoes bit her, and she scratched her arms, quickly retreating indoors to the air-conditioned room, sitting on the sofa to wait for the next part of the show.

Chat comments:

“Yun Zhiyi has zero social awareness.”

“Second female guest is like a thousand-watt light bulb, shining where it’s not needed.”

“Is the sofa Xu Xinran and Chi Yu’s? You guys are hilarious.”

“Poor girl is scratching her arms—must have been bitten outside.”

“So unfortunate—mosquitoes are vicious this time of night. She should put on some ointment.”

“She doesn’t take care of herself at all. Someone please protect this fairy girl and spoil her.”

The camera alternated between the kitchen and sofa, with comments increasing.

Yun Zhiyi was looking down at her phone when the door chimes rang, and someone pushed the door open.

She looked up, eyes slightly startled.

Jiang Yanbai entered the living room wearing a black shirt paired with black suit pants. His wide pant legs were straight, and as he moved, his long legs pressed against the trousers, revealing his slender, muscular limbs.

It was the first time Yun Zhiyi had seen Jiang Yanbai in a black shirt, tucked neatly into his waistband, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His handsome face was calm, carrying a noble air. His cool, dark eyes softened the moment they met hers.

“I-I’m back,” Yun Zhiyi stammered.

Jiang Yanbai looked at her fair, pretty face. Her tone and expression resembled a newlywed wife nervously seeing her husband return home unexpectedly.

He said, “The company was busy; I worked overtime.”

Xu Xinran and Chi Yu greeted Jiang Yanbai, who nodded slightly in return.

With Jiang Yanbai’s return, the production team gathered all guests in the living room to announce today’s task.

“Now, female guests, please proceed together to the secret cabin to select a gift, then place the gift on the display cabinet with a note. Later, the male guests will choose a gift, and the dating partners will be decided by the gifts selected.”

The chat exploded instantly.

“Ahhh, the production team never disappoints.”

“Oh no, how will they know whose gift is whose?”

“If two people have chemistry or know each other well, they’ll surely recognize.”

“Hehe, I love this segment—total chaos for the couples!”

“The guests’ first dates—I’m so excited!”

The female guests stood and, following the production team’s instructions, headed to the secret cabin set up in the villa.

The secret cabin was about ten square meters, decorated warmly. On the coffee table sat sponsor-provided drinks, a small loveseat for two, and two single swan chairs in different colors.

On the coffee table lay a card, and nearby was a basket holding ribbons of various colors.

Xu Xinran picked up the card and read aloud: “Please choose a ribbon that represents you, tie it to a plush doll, then place the doll on the display cabinet.”

Liang Shanshan bent down and picked a green ribbon, declaring, “I want green.”

Fan Jing chose a blue ribbon, saying, “Then I’ll take blue.”

Xu Xinran looked at the silent Yun Zhiyi and said, “You go first.”

Yun Zhiyi took a pink ribbon—she’d liked pink since childhood.

The basket still held red, black, orange, yellow, and purple ribbons. Xu Xinran pondered and chose purple.

The plush dolls provided by the production team were different: a black-rimmed glasses dog, a floppy-eared bunny with a little backpack, a bear with a bow tie, and a white alpaca wearing a bib.

Liang Shanshan reached for the prettiest floppy-eared bunny and said, “I want this one.”

She had been spoiled growing up, always getting what she wanted without regard for others’ feelings.

Fan Jing did not pick a doll, saying, “You go first.”

Xu Xinran looked at Yun Zhiyi and raised an eyebrow. “Your choice?”

Yun Zhiyi looked at the three remaining dolls and chose the alpaca with the bib.

After Yun Zhiyi’s choice, Xu Xinran took the bow-tied bear, and Fan Jing took the remaining glasses dog. They all tied ribbons to their dolls, posed for a photo, wrote notes for their gifts, then left the cabin and returned to the living room.

Next, it was the male guests’ turn to choose, while the female guests were free to move around.

The male guests entered the secret cabin together and, following the production team’s instructions, looked at the gifts on the display cabinet.

Position one held the floppy-eared bunny with a green ribbon; position two, the bib-wearing alpaca with a pink ribbon; position three, the bow-tied bear with a purple ribbon; position four, the glasses dog with a blue ribbon.

Each gift had a card in front.

Chi Yu crossed his arms, “Doesn’t the production team give us any hints? Are we just choosing like this?”

Xiao Nanxing had his hand in his pocket, silent. To him, it didn’t matter who he dated.

Chu Hongyi scrutinized the gifts, clearly searching for clues to guess which gift belonged to whom.

Jiang Yanbai’s gaze rested on the bow-tied bear.

Yun Zhiyi had loved teddy bears since childhood. Though she couldn’t sleep with one anymore as she grew up, she still hugged her teddy bear at night.

The production team announced: “The female guests left messages on the cards. You can read them before making your choice.”

Floppy-eared bunny: “My heart is filled with thoughts of you. Can we get to know each other better?”

Alpaca: “I hope for a pleasant date.”

Glasses dog: “Being with you is truly enjoyable.”

Hugging bear: “Are you as excited as I am?”

The four male guests read the notes.

“Who goes first?” Chi Yu asked.

“Let’s draw lots. That’s fairer,” Chu Hongyi suggested.

Jiang Yanbai didn’t speak, his gaze fixed on the purple-ribboned bear. If he drew a late number, he might lose his desired gift.

Xiao Nanxing didn’t mind, “You guys pick first, then I’ll choose.”

After all, he couldn’t tell who picked what gift.

Finally, they drew lots.

The order was Jiang Yanbai, Chi Yu, Chu Hongyi, then Xiao Nanxing.

The livestream viewers watched tensely. Suddenly, the screen went black and switched to another scene. To maintain suspense, the audience was told they would find out who picked whom during the dates.

Chat exploded:

“I have a thousand ‘WTFs’ to say.”

“Production team, you’re killing me. I won’t sleep tonight.”

“Ahhh, so anxious! Keep the stream live! Don’t end it!”

“Who knows the director’s address? I want to send him blades.”

“I’m so mad, I’m giving a bad review. How can you cut the stream halfway?”

“(Claps) Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. If you break up my OTP, I’ll curse you out.”

The male guests finished choosing their gifts and returned to the villa with the cards. The livestream ended, and the remaining time was free activity. The production team’s cameras in the villa continued recording the guests’ private interactions.

…

After returning to her room and washing up, Yun Zhiyi lay on the bed for a while, scratching her arms. Red spots dotted her pale skin, itchy and painful.

She regretted wandering outside.

Sigh—if it doesn’t heal by tomorrow, she’d have to visit a hospital for ointment.

Her throat felt dry, so she got up to get some water downstairs. Upon descending, she saw Jiang Yanbai in his black shirt and suit pants, sleeves rolled up, preparing a late-night snack.

His figure was tall and slender; a few buttons of his collar were undone, revealing his collarbone. Hair slightly falling over his brow gave him a somewhat unruly charm.

Yun Zhiyi slowly approached. “You haven’t eaten tonight?”

Jiang Yanbai replied coolly, “No time. Want some?”

Yun Zhiyi shook her head. “I ate a bit too much tonight. Just getting some water.”

She opened the fridge door, but a hand reached out to close it. Jiang Yanbai’s voice came from behind, “Don’t drink cold water.”

His tall figure loomed behind her, and the faint scent of cedarwood mixed with his unique aura surrounded her.

Yun Zhiyi turned to look at him.

He was taller than in his youth, the black shirt outlining his smooth muscular lines, exuding an imposing presence of a man at the top.

The proximity was overwhelming.

Her heart raced, and she instinctively stepped back, her slender back resting against the fridge door.

Lowering her lashes, she whispered softly, “I’m a little hot.”