Chapter 14
In Jocelyn’s heart, she might not want Enoch anymore, but the thought of him with another woman–especially Tiana- bothered her.
“Honestly, I think Tiana is right. We shouldn’t judge people by their professions. As long as someone is earning a living honestly, they deserve respect, Arabella said, stepping up for Tiana.
Wow, what a sweet girl!]
[Who’s shipping this duo–sweet girl versus cool girl?]
[I am, I totally am!]
Jocelyn seems a bit left out. It’s pretty clear these two are forming their own little bond.]
[Why not consider why they aren’t eager to connect with her?]
[Remember what Tiana said–the fake saint!]
The live stream was buzzing with excitement, and Tristan seized the moment to announce the next round of games. “Our show is split into two segments–each lasting three days and two nights on the island. Each contestant must complete sweet date tasks given by the production team, and there will be punishments for those who don’t succeed.
“Plus, at the end of each segment, the most popular couple will get some amazing perks–like endorsements from our top sponsor and leading roles in movies from renowned directors.
“Now, for today’s game rules! The successfully matched male and female contestants must perform a tango in under an hour. The couple that dances the best gets to enjoy a big meal tonight. The second–place couple will win two bowls of beef noodles, and the last–place couple.. well, they’ll be eating air”
Tiana’s eyes widened in disbelief as she thought, “If I don’t eat, I won’t have any energy. I didn’t sign up for a challenge, nor a hunger games! And if I lose, I’ll have nothing to eat?‘
[Laughing out loud! Tiana’s giving some serious side–eye right now.]
[Isn’t it tough to nail a tango in just one hour? Our sweet girl seems like the only
[I remember Josie knows ballet; she should be fine with tango.]
[Tiana probably only knows how to enjoy a meal.]
- who can pull it on
[Tristan the Fox really knows how to create an atmosphere! It’s always awkward to dance with strangers. There’s bound to be some close contact]
[Ah! Starting off with hugs? I’m all for watching others flirt while I’m still single.]
Arabella, with her bright eyes full of curiosity, asked softly, “What were the match results? How will you judge the dance performance?”
Tristan grinned, clearly enjoying himself. “This time, only Arabella and Gideon matched by heart value. One of the other ladies boosted the heart value of both male contestants, while the other made no impact.”
“The lucky lady who caught the attention of both can choose which guy she wants to dance with first!”
1/4
16:26 Fri, 14 Feb D
Chapter 14
[Wow, so exciting! That must be Jocelyn who made the two guys‘ heart rates soar!]
[Definitely Jocelyn. She’s known as the nation’s sweetheart, with a face that can charm any guy.]
[You all think it’s not Tiana?]
[Only guys who aren’t serious would fall for someone like that!]
[Poor Tiana! No guys seem to notice her.]
Tristan knew how to keep everyone on edge. He looked over at Tiana and Jocelyn. “Now, let’s reveal who the female contestant is that didn’t make any waves with the heart values…”
Jocelyn was so tense that she was gripping her skirt tightly, her heart racing. She hoped both Simon and Enoch would choose her, so she could dance tango with Simon up close. Just thinking about it made her feel all fluttery inside.
Meanwhile, Tiana wore an unbothered expression, clearly not as anxious.
“The female contestant is–let’s take a quick commercial break.”
[Tristan the fox, I’m coming for you with a giant imaginary knife!]
[Seriously, are people who don’t pay being treated like fools?]
[I want to slap you, Tristan!]
56%
After a quick two–minute commercial break, Tristan announced. “The lady who didn’t make any waves on the heart meter is -Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn’s face went pale. Her long eyelashes fluttered like injured butterfly wings, and deep down, she screamed, ‘No way! Even if Simon has feelings for Tiana, Enoch definitely likes me!‘ She asked, “Mr. Wilder, that can’t be right!”
Tristan glanced at her. “It’s just first impressions. Don’t stress. The one who really captured the hearts of both male contestants–you know who that is, don’t you? It’s Tiana, the one having most haters.”
Tiana looked a little confused. Did Simon and Enoch really choose me? Was Jocelyn not even on their radar?‘ she thought to herself.
She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mr. Wilder, can I give my heart votes to Jocelyn?” Jocelyn’s face turned even paler.
[I’m lying in bed, laughing so hard–Tiana knows how to stir the pot.]
[Tiana’s too confident! There’s no way Simon is really into her!]
[Tiana will definitely pick Simon. Simon deserves better than her.]
[I think Tiana will go for Simon too. He’s got the looks, money, and status. If she plays her cards right, she could level up from being a nobody.]
Tristan turned to Tiana, “Alright, Tiana. You can choose who you want to be paired with.”
Jocelyn was on edge, panic mounting. Her back teeth were almost grinding together. She thought, “Tiana has loved Simon for years. There’s no way she would pass up the chance to choose him. The thought of being stuck with Enoch felt like a blow. It’s not that Enoch was bad, but he couldn’t offer the life she dreamed of.
Tiana wasted no time. “Jocelyn is already with Simon’s company, so she should know him well. As for me, I’ll take that
16:26 Fri, 14 Feb M G
Chapter 14
bodyguard guy
56
Jocelyn’s eyes went wide in disbelief as she thought, ‘Did Tiana just match me with Simon? Did she lose her mind? This was a golden opportunity, and Tiana was letting it slip away. If so, I’m not going to miss out; I’ll make sure Simon will be mine.
[What the heck?!]
[Tiana seriously let Simon go? She’s picking a bodyguard for herself?]
[Maybe Tiana knows Simon likes Jocelyn and doesn’t want to step on toes. That’s some self–awareness.]
[I’m all in for Tianoch!]
[That bodyguard probably can’t tango, so Tiana’s on the menu for air tonight.]
[Hahaha, she deserves that!]
“Alright, the match–ups are set! Now it’s time to practice. I’ll open up a live stream for each couple to rehearse separately. After an hour, everyone needs to gather in the recording studio, where ten professional tango instructors will score your performances.
Once Tristan wrapped up, he projected a large screen showing a few pictures, of which one was for the first prize; a romantic dinner for two at a five–star restaurant on the island, filled with seafood, steak, desserts, and everything else people could imagine. The second prize was two bowls of beef noodles–barely any meat in sight. And the last? Two empty plates- literally eating air.
“So, get out there and practice hard if you want to enjoy a real meal.”
[This is hilarious! The expressions on the three ladies‘ faces are priceless!]
[I thought this was a sweet love story, but now it’s about dancing for food!]
I’m torn–whose live stream should I watch?]
[Arabella and Gideon–Go for it, Aradeon!]
[Jocelyn and Simon–Simcelyn, here I come!]
[I’m shipping Tiana and Enoch–let’s go, Tianoch!]
Tiana followed the staff into one of the live broadcast rooms. As she pushed the door open, a tall figure caught her eye, standing in front of the floor–to–ceiling window. Upon hearing her enter, he turned to look at her. The sunlight streaming in highlighted his chiseled features, giving him a golden, almost angelic glow,
He had a cold, sharp expression, with thin lips pressed together under a prominent nose. His eyes were slightly narrowed, deep and unreadable, making it hard to tell what he was really thinking
Tiana furrowed her brows as she thought, “What is he doing here? Is he worried I might get too close to Simon again? I planned to just go through the motions, but now I have to deal with him.
‘Or maybe he’s here to bother Jocelyn? After all, we both had our share of betrayal–him by Jocelyn and me by Simon. Tiana’s mind raced with possibilities.
They held each other’s gaze for a few seconds in a thick silence. The tension became so uncomfortable it felt like it could
3/4
me–Bead Romance-
Open
16:26 T, 14 Feb
56
split the room in two
Thinking back to their last argument, when he called her love–struck. Tiana decided to wear a stubborn expression instead of greeting him.
The cameraman stood off to the side, clearly frustrated. ‘Come on, you two! Talk to each other! he thought.
Meanwhile, netizens tuning into the Tianoch broadcast were reacting:
[???]
Did I tune into a silent film? Where’s the excitement?]
This is boring! I’m out. Time to catch Aradeon and Simcelyn.]
[They voted for each other, but why do they look like they can’t stand each other?]
[Did I really start watching this couple only for it to end so soon?]
On the other side, Simon was adjusting his tie and suit, glancing at the light green headband on his wrist. He felt confident that Tiana would choose him. Just imagining them dancing the tango together brought a smile to his lips.
He’s so in love! Ugh, I’m jealous!]
[Jocelyn should just quit the business and enjoy being Mr. Fletcher’s wife.]
Even though this pair hasn’t met yet, you can already feel the sparks–unlike that next couple, which is just plain cringy.]
Just then, Jocelyn walked into the room. Simon had been about to call out to Tiana, but when he looked up, he was surprised to see Jocelyn instead. His expression stiffened. ‘Why is it her? he thought.
With a shy smile lighting up her lovely face, Jocelyn said, “Mr. Fletcher, Tiana chose that bodyguard. I hope we can work well together going forward.”
Simon’s handsome face tightened momentarily, clearly thrown off,
Over at Tiana’s end, the cameraman leaned in, whispering, “You need to say something, or your audience is going to ditch you.”
Tiana glanced at the handsome but stoic man before her and said. “Mr. Gaston, I can’t starve. I’m going to have a feast later.”
Ө
田
AD
