Arc 1A New Start on the Show

After transmigrating into Chi Yining, Chi Yining tried to leave his old scandals behind and joined a livestreamed dating show while struggling with debt and work. He grew close to Yan Guiyun through their archery partnership, and the stretch ended with Yan treating Chi Yining’s injured elbow.

  • Chi Yining woke after chasing Gu Chengyuan’s car, realized he had transmigrated into a novel, and resolved not to repeat the original owner’s harassment of Gu Chengyuan.
  • After discovering his debts and being evicted from his apartment, Chi Yining changed his appearance, took freelance drawing work, and agreed to join a dating show in Zhongmen Island.
  • Chi Yining arrived at the villa and shocked the other contestants and viewers by appearing without makeup, while he showed little interest in Gu Chengyuan.
  • Chi Yining paired with Yan Guiyun for the archery contest, scored several bull’s-eyes, and helped their group take first place.
  • Yan Guiyun gave Chi Yining the card for 100 double points, and Chi Yining agreed to be his teammate again.
  • After the contest, Chi Yining found his elbow injured and went to Yan Guiyun’s room for treatment, where they settled on calling each other “Xiao Yi” and “Brother Yan.”
Chapters 1–25 Vol. 1 Read

Ch. 1He'd transmigrated into a novel!

After waking in the body of the notorious fan Chi Yining, who had collapsed while chasing Film Emperor Gu Chengyuan, Chi Yining realized he had transmigrated into a novel. He escaped the gawking crowd, discovered the original owner’s debts, and planned to get home and dye his hair black.

  • Chi Yining woke outside a building after chasing Gu Chengyuan’s car and slowly realized he had transmigrated into a novel.
  • He recalled that the original Chi Yining had harassed Gu Chengyuan and would eventually be imprisoned for targeting the protagonist, so he resolved not to repeat those actions.
  • Chi Yining stood up despite the crowd filming and insulting him, then made his way out of the encirclement.
  • He checked the original owner’s phone and learned he owed a shady lender 200,000 yuan and had also used most of his Huabei credit.
  • Chi Yining booked a ride and planned to visit a hair salon near his rented home to dye his hair black.

Ch. 2He actually bargained the price lower and lower

Chi Yining rode to a cheap hair salon and bargained with the barber to undo his dreadlocks and dye his hair black. After drinking the salon’s water and washing his face, he emerged transformed, leaving the barber stunned.

  • Chi Yining endured a car ride with a driver who recognized him as the entertainment industry's champion clinger and criticized his appearance.
  • Chi Yining arrived at Maple Forest Pedestrian Street and entered an old, inexpensive hair salon.
  • Chi Yining bargained the barber down from fifteen hundred to eight hundred for undoing his dreadlocks and dyeing his hair black.
  • Chi Yining drank the salon’s water and asked to wash his face with the barber’s cleanser.
  • Chi Yining emerged from the wash, and the barber dropped the cape in shock.

Ch. 3Uninstalling Weibo

After Chi Yining was evicted from his rented apartment, he found an internet café where he could shower and spend the night. He deleted Weibo and other information apps, then fell asleep, only to wake when his phone began vibrating nonstop.

  • Chi Yining went to check his appearance after removing his makeup and getting his hair cut.
  • Chi Yining found his belongings dumped outside his apartment because he was two months behind on rent, and his agent did not answer his calls.
  • Chi Yining threw away unwanted clothes, changed into his slippers, and took his suitcase to a nearby internet café.
  • Chi Yining showered, changed into clean clothes, and chose a booth where he charged his phone.
  • Chi Yining uninstalled Weibo and his other information apps, kept WeChat and Alipay, and fell asleep.
  • Chi Yining woke when his phone began vibrating nonstop.

Ch. 4Call him successful, and the whole internet hated him; call him a failure, and he had the whole internet hating him.

Chi Yining learned that he had to join a dating show on Zhongmen Island and prepared to travel there. His manager, Ma Ling, wondered why he had stopped acting like his usual infamously disruptive self.

  • Ma Ling called Chi Yining to scold him and told him his company was overwhelmed by resignations.
  • Ma Ling told Chi Yining that he had to fly to Zhongmen Island the next morning to film a dating show, or pay five million in damages.
  • Chi Yining agreed to go after Ma Ling confirmed that meals were included.
  • Ma Ling checked Chi Yining’s Weibo and noted that Director Feng had recruited him because his infamy would draw viewers.
  • The next morning, Chi Yining ate a meatless bowl of noodles, bought masks and abrasion spray, and checked in his oversized suitcase.

Ch. 5The puppet wearing slippers really was a fun concept

Chi Yining traveled to Zhongmen Island, reflecting on his lonely past and his work as a comic artist. After sharing a flight and the journey onward with Wang Xinyang, he arrived at a seaside house and wondered whether to enter without any instructions.

  • Chi Yining waited at the airport and thought about his deceased grandparents, his absent mother, and his life as a comic artist.
  • Chi Yining boarded Flight CA5526 and declined Wang Xinyang's attempt to introduce himself.
  • Wang Xinyang woke Chi Yining after the plane landed in Zhongmen Island, and the two continued their journey together.
  • Chi Yining and Wang Xinyang reached a three-story seaside house, where Chi Yining hesitated because he had received no schedule or instructions.

Ch. 6If It's Chi Yining, I'll Eat Shit on Livestream!

Chi Yining slowly entered the dating-show villa after Wang Xinyang, worrying about how to introduce himself and whether he could keep his mask on. A staff member greeted him and offered to show him to his room.

  • Wang Xinyang invited Chi Yining to enter the villa with him, but Chi Yining told him to go first.
  • Chi Yining lingered in the courtyard while Director Feng and the livestream viewers wondered who he was and joked that he might be Chi Yining.
  • Chi Yining worried about meeting the other guests and slowly made his way into the living room.
  • Chi Yining saw several men inside and avoided looking closely at them.
  • A female staff member greeted Chi Yining and offered to show him to his room.

Ch. 7Was Chi Yining Preparing Some Big Move?

Chi Yining settled into an isolated room, covered its camera, and set up a tablet to take freelance commissions. Director Feng watched the obstructed view of room eight and wondered whether Chi Yining was preparing a major move.

  • A staff member recognized Chi Yining and moved him from a second-floor room to a room in a remote corner on the third floor.
  • Chi Yining changed the room’s passcode, covered the camera, and inspected the room.
  • Chi Yining set up his new tablet, registered accounts on YOYO Platform and Moubao, and offered to take commissions.
  • Chi Yining fell asleep on the sofa, exhausted.
  • Director Feng heard that Chi Yining had arrived and wondered whether he was planning a major move.

Ch. 8But They Didn't Recognize Chi Yining

Wang Xinyang arrived at the villa and met Hu Bing and Chen Shiyu while Chi Yining slept and prepared an advertisement in his room. Chi Yining came downstairs for dinner, but the other contestants did not recognize him, and Chen Shiyu was struck by his appearance.

  • Wang Xinyang greeted Hu Bing and Chen Shiyu, who said they had met at the airport and eaten lunch together.
  • Chi Yining woke after a three-hour nap, ate biscuits, and downloaded a drawing app to work on an advertisement.
  • Director Feng grew restless because Chi Yining had stayed in his room all afternoon and no useful footage had been captured.
  • Chi Yining came downstairs at dinner time without his mask and walked toward the kitchen.
  • Wang Xinyang recognized Chi Yining as the boy in slippers, while the others failed to recognize him and Chen Shiyu admired his looks.

Ch. 9What kind of person was Chi Yining, really?

Wang Xinyang defended Chi Yining against Chen Shiyu’s rumors, while Hu Bing urged them to wait and judge him in person. Chi Yining reached the dining hall and settled into a quiet corner to eat, but Wang Xinyang soon arrived too.

  • Chen Shiyu criticized Chi Yining, repeating online allegations and complaining that he drew too much attention.
  • Wang Xinyang challenged Chen Shiyu, saying the claims lacked evidence and that Chi Yining had only copied someone’s makeup.
  • Hu Bing stepped in to ease the disagreement and suggested they observe Chi Yining before deciding what he was like.
  • The livestream viewers mocked Wang Xinyang for defending Chi Yining and continued discussing the contestants.
  • Chi Yining chose beef rice and winter melon soup, then sat alone in a corner of the dining hall to eat.
  • Wang Xinyang entered the dining hall before Chi Yining could enjoy his solitude.

Ch. 10Those people were just a bunch of talking papayas

Chi Yining avoided awkward conversations and kept working before preparing to attend the dating show's evening interview. Yan Guiyun arrived at the residence under his mother's watchful arrangements, and Chi Yining headed downstairs for the gathering after changing into clothes sent by Sister Ma.

  • Wang Xinyang watched Chi Yining eat in silence, then began eating himself.
  • Chi Yining left the dining room and noticed the well-dressed Yan Guiyun arriving with bodyguards and a staff member.
  • Chen Shiyu observed Chi Yining waiting until the group went upstairs before following them, while Hu Bing watched too.
  • Chi Yining returned to his base and worked on his tablet, planning to draw at night despite his worries about money.
  • Yan Guiyun's bodyguards explained that his computer, broadband, clothes, and toiletries were ready, and he suspected his mother had sent them to keep watch on him.
  • At eight, Chi Yining changed into the clothes Sister Ma had sent and slowly went downstairs for the gathering.

Ch. 11Even the Livestream Chat Fell Silent

Chi Yining joined the dating show's first group activity, a self-introduction round, after viewers had speculated about his identity. He introduced himself by name and age, leaving the room and livestream chat stunned.

  • Chi Yining arrived late and took the last armchair as viewers debated whether he was really himself.
  • Host Xiao Huan explained that the guests would use a link to draw their introduction order and prompts.
  • Chi Yining drew number nine and hoped he would not have to speak first.
  • Jia Mingchuan introduced himself as a professional photographer.
  • Chi Yining stood and said he was twenty-one, after which the living room and livestream chat fell silent.

Ch. 12Too bad we're not their target audience

Chi Yining surprised the host and Chen Shiyu by appearing without his usual heavy makeup as the male guests introduced themselves on the dating show. The introductions continued with several accomplished and handsome men, while the livestream viewers debated whether Chi Yining was really the person they expected.

  • The host and Chen Shiyu reacted with shock when they recognized the unmade-up Chi Yining.
  • Li Qingmi introduced himself as a mathematics student at Capital University, and Wang Xinyang said he enjoyed swimming.
  • Hu Bing introduced himself as a figure skater, and Chi Yining wondered about making art related to the sport.
  • Chen Shiyu introduced himself as a violin major, then Shao Chongsi introduced himself as a lawyer.
  • Bai Chongxuan introduced himself and took a seat as viewers praised the guests and questioned whether Chi Yining was really on the show.

Ch. 13The entertainment industry really was dark...

The production team confirmed that the seemingly emotionless Chi Yining was the real Chi Yining, while he assessed Gu Chengyuan’s silence about his former obsession and suspected it had benefited the actor. Yan Guiyun introduced himself, and the host began announcing the next day’s itinerary.

  • The director received Chi Yining’s ID photo from Ma Ling and posted it on the Love Competition production team’s Weibo to confirm his identity.
  • Gu Chengyuan introduced himself, but Chi Yining showed no reaction, leaving livestream viewers confused despite the production team’s confirmation.
  • Chi Yining considered whether Gu Chengyuan had benefited from the original owner’s pursuit and blamed the novel’s white lotus second male lead for encouraging it.
  • Yan Guiyun introduced himself as twenty-seven years old, and the host began announcing the next day’s itinerary.

Ch. 14Wherever Chi Yining Was, There Was Something to Talk About

The host announced that the contestants would compete in pairs for points that could buy food and items, go to a romantic interest, or be exchanged for money. Chi Yining realized the prize money could help him pay off his loan, while the chapter ended with Director Feng planning to stir up more drama the next day.

  • The host announced that contestants would compete in randomly assigned pairs and earn points beginning the next morning.
  • The host explained that points could be exchanged for food, props, items, or money, and Chi Yining recognized their value to him.
  • Chi Yining received Ma Ling's message reminding him to watch his image because the production team livestreamed almost everything.
  • Chi Yining returned to his room to continue his drawing work while Yan Guiyun stayed behind.
  • Viewers mocked Chi Yining in the livestream chat, and Director Feng decided to stir things up the next day.

Ch. 15The domineering CEO was surprisingly kindhearted

Chi Yining let Yan Guiyun use his bathroom after Yan’s water heater broke, then fell asleep on the sofa while Yan was still in the room. The next morning, Chi woke in bed and guessed Yan had carried him there before he uploaded three pictures and checked for orders.

  • Yan Guiyun knocked on Chi Yining’s door late at night and asked to use his bathroom because his water heater was broken.
  • Chi Yining let Yan in, then went to the sofa while Yan showered.
  • Yan found Chi asleep on the sofa, curled around his tablet.
  • Chi woke the next morning in bed and suspected Yan had carried him there and tucked him in.
  • Chi uploaded three pictures to both platforms, logged in to check orders, and ate his last bag of cookies.

Ch. 16Winning Yan Guiyun's favor

Chi Yining joined an archery competition and drew the same team number as Yan Guiyun. As the guests prepared to compete, Yan Guiyun asked whether Chi Yining knew how to shoot, while Li Qingmi realized Chi Yining had caught Yan Guiyun’s interest.

  • The host explained the archery competition’s distances, team format, scoring rules, and mystery prize.
  • Chi Yining chose to stand beside Yan Guiyun instead of Gu Chengyuan, drawing speculation from livestream viewers.
  • Chi Yining drew number 9, and Yan Guiyun revealed that he had drawn the same number.
  • Yan Guiyun asked Chi Yining whether he knew how to shoot, and Chi Yining slowly nodded.
  • Li Qingmi recognized Yan Guiyun as the heir to the powerful Yan Falls conglomerate and noted his interest in Chi Yining.

Ch. 17The all-rounder CEO

At an outdoor archery contest, Chi Yining asked Yan Guiyun for another round and agreed to earn it by scoring ten in the official round. After Chi missed his practice shot, Yan Guiyun hit the bull’s-eye for ten points, leaving Chi surprised by his skill and wondering what his smile meant.

  • Chi Yining asked Yan Guiyun to let him play another round, and Yan Guiyun made it conditional on Chi scoring ten in the official round.
  • Chi and Yan Guiyun declined guidance before the archery practice round began.
  • Chen Shiyu scored six points, Gu Chengyuan scored seven, and Yan Guiyun scored nine in practice.
  • Chi Yining deliberately used his practice shot to gauge the wind and missed the target.
  • The official contest began, with Wang Xinyang scoring eight, Chen Shiyu seven, Li Qingmi nine, and Hu Bing eight.
  • Yan Guiyun hit the bull’s-eye for ten points, and Chi Yining wondered if he was an all-rounder CEO before interpreting Yan’s smile as mockery.

Ch. 18The more they argued, the livelier it got

Chi Yining surprised the guests by hitting a bull's-eye in the archery contest, then watched other contestants score highly as the dating show's livestream audience argued over the participants. The contest continued amid applause and online bickering.

  • Chi Yining shot a bull's-eye with a blue recurve bow, drawing applause from Wang Xinyang and the guests.
  • Chi Yining returned to Yan Guiyun, and the two bumped fists.
  • Shao Chongsi scored ten points, while Gu Chengyuan scored nine in the next round.
  • Chi Yining stayed expressionless as the livestream chat argued about Gu Chengyuan, Chi Yining, and the show's other stars.
  • The director watched the chat erupt into arguments and decided the lively engagement was acceptable as long as it stayed harmless.

Ch. 19A Microscope Reincarnated?

Chi Yining scored two more tens in the 30-meter archery round, helping Group Nine take the lead, while Yan Guiyun noticed his elbow hurt and offered to shoot for him in the next match. The competition grew more intense as the morning sea breeze turned chilly.

  • Chi Yining shot a third ten-point arrow, and Chen Shiyu grew more frustrated and refused to change his negative opinion of him.
  • The host announced the 30-meter round scores, with Chi Yining and Yan Guiyun's Group Nine leading at 30 points.
  • Director Feng celebrated the contestants’ strong performances while a post quietly climbed Weibo’s trending list.
  • As the second match was about to begin, Yan Guiyun noticed Chi Yining’s sleeve rubbing his sore elbow and offered to shoot in his place.
  • Chi Yining thanked Yan Guiyun and considered how comfortable it felt to get along with him.

Ch. 20Finally, a flicker of expression

Chi Yining cheered as Yan Guiyun dominated the archery competition, and their team took first place. Yan Guiyun gave Chi Yining the prize points, and Chi Yining finally smiled at him as they hoped to team up again.

  • Chi Yining sat out the remaining rounds and cheered Yan Guiyun, who scored ten after ten in the archery competition.
  • Yan Guiyun's final arrow secured first place for Group 9 with 120 points, while Director Feng celebrated the show's huge livestream audience.
  • A staff member gave the lucky gift package to Yan Guiyun, who handed Chi Yining the card containing 100 double points.
  • Yan Guiyun told Chi Yining to keep the points, and Chi Yining accepted them and thanked him with a sincere smile.
  • Yan Guiyun said he hoped they would be on the same team next time, and Chi Yining agreed.

Ch. 21The Chi Yining in the Memes

After the archery competition, the cast returned to the villa while discussing Chi Yining’s striking change in behavior. Jia Mingchuan remained concerned and wondered whether Chi Yining might be experiencing psychological problems.

  • Wang Xinyang admitted he was watching Yan Guiyun, and Shao Chongsi teased him about his unusual tastes.
  • Gu Chengyuan apologized to Chen Shiyu for their team placing last and said he would practice archery.
  • Chen Shiyu comforted Gu Chengyuan and privately celebrated his idol’s dedication.
  • On the walk back, Hu Bing said the current Chi Yining was more interesting than the person he had been before.
  • Jia Mingchuan struggled to understand Chi Yining’s extreme change and wondered if he had developed psychological problems.

Ch. 22Chi Yining was possessed by demons and ghosts

Hu Bing and Jia Mingchuan bonded while discussing the competitive show and Chi Yining, as viewers speculated about Hu Bing's interest in Chi. Ma Ling watched Chi's archery skill improve his reputation and wondered whether something had changed in him.

  • Hu Bing and Jia Mingchuan talked about why they joined the dating show and how unexpectedly competitive the guests were.
  • Hu Bing praised Chi Yining for hitting the ten-ring twice, and Jia Mingchuan agreed that the competition had been intense.
  • Viewers shipped Hu Bing and Jia Mingchuan but noticed Hu Bing seemed focused on Chi Yining.
  • Ma Ling watched the livestream and wondered whether Chi Yining had been possessed or had somehow awakened after chasing the car.
  • Ma Ling noticed Chi Yining's archery had begun turning online haters into fans.

Ch. 23This Was Simply Hell

Chi Yining returned to the courtyard, where Yan Guiyun helped him and treated him gently, while Gu Chengyuan watched before going back to the villa. At lunch, Chi Yining accepted the meager greens-only boxed meal without complaint, and Wang Xinyang sat beside him and fell silent over his own meatless lunch.

  • Chi Yining washed his feet, and Yan Guiyun offered to carry his shoes and told him to come to his room so he could treat the bleeding wound on his elbow.
  • Yan Guiyun gave Chi Yining a handkerchief, which Chi Yining used to dry his feet and decided to keep.
  • Gu Chengyuan watched Chi Yining and Yan Guiyun before returning to the villa.
  • Chi Yining picked up a boxed lunch filled almost entirely with greens and understood why the director had said the guests needed to earn points.
  • Yan Guiyun and Wang Xinyang sat beside Chi Yining; Wang Xinyang praised his archery, opened his own lunch, and fell silent when he saw it contained no meat.

Ch. 24Unprecedented embarrassment

At dinner, Chi Yining quietly ate while Chen Shiyu and Wang Xinyang kept noticing him. After Gu Chengyuan embarrassed himself by being shut out of Chi Yining’s room, Chi went to Yan Guiyun’s room so Yan could tend to his wounds.

  • Wang Xinyang and Chi Yining ate quietly with the others, while Chen Shiyu repeatedly glanced at Chi Yining and ignored Gu Chengyuan.
  • Chi Yining checked his phone after dinner and found that nobody had placed an order.
  • Gu Chengyuan knocked on Chi Yining’s door, but Chi shut it in his face.
  • Chi Yining changed into a short-sleeved shirt and went to Yan Guiyun’s room for help with his wounds.
  • Yan Guiyun offered Chi Yining strawberry juice and went to dry his hair.

Ch. 25Brother Yan

Chi Yining drank strawberry juice in Yan Guiyun’s room and grew comfortable talking with him. Yan Guiyun treated Chi Yining’s injured elbow after they agreed on familiar names for each other.

  • Chi Yining drank strawberry juice and looked around Yan Guiyun’s tidy, cedar-scented room.
  • Yan Guiyun caught Chi Yining staring at him and joked that he could admire him if he chose Yan Guiyun as a teammate.
  • Yan Guiyun said his family had forced him to join the dating show, and Chi Yining asked why he had not paid the contract termination fee.
  • Yan Guiyun asked what to call Chi Yining, who settled on “Xiao Yi,” and told him to call Yan Guiyun “Brother Yan.”
  • Yan Guiyun disinfected Chi Yining’s swollen, inflamed elbow, making Chi Yining hiss in pain.
Arc 1 of 22
Arc 1 of 22