Chapter 148: Drawing Lots Once More

After introducing the two newcomers, Director Chen continued, "Now that the program is restarting, there will be some changes to the pairings."

"However, out of consideration for our previous guests, we conducted a small survey," Director Chen coughed, looked around at the guests present, and went on, "Our staff has already consulted with the original participants."

"Yan Ningsi and Bian He have agreed to continue as a paired couple for the new season." Director Chen cast a surreptitious glance at Shen Jing; he had heard every word of what was said earlier.

Shen Jing had joined as a new guest intending to team up with Sang Yijia, but somehow, Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan had caught each other's eyes and were now together.

Sang Yijia had even made it public.

This had completely caught Director Chen off guard. After all, he had previously assumed that Sang Yijia’s wealthy benefactor was Wei Heng. As it turned out, Sang Yijia was the wealthy one; she didn't need anyone to bankroll her. Recalling the moment he saw Sang Yijia’s family at the hospital still made his heart flutter. While the Sangs weren't household names, anyone familiar with the Yuehai Mingguan estate knew how exorbitant those properties were, not to mention the dozen other buildings they owned elsewhere for rental income.

It was fortunate he hadn't deeply offended Sang Yijia, or else... Director Chen didn't even want to imagine the consequences.

"Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan have also decided to continue participating as a couple," Director Chen added, glancing at them again. He mused that while Lu Wenchuan working as a programmer at Shengchuang didn't sound particularly impressive, as a core member, he likely held a significant amount of the company's shares. Not to mention, he was close friends with his own company's boss. The man certainly wasn't hurting for money, even if he wasn't quite as wealthy as the Sang family. For a moment, Director Chen couldn't decide whether to envy Lu Wenchuan or to envy Sang Yijia for finding such a partner.

"As for the remaining guests, Shen Jin and Lan Qing, they have to be separated due to company requirements," Director Chen coughed, steering away from that topic. "So, the two new guests will be paired with Shen Jin and Lan Qing respectively. Are there any questions?"

Shen Jin raised his hand. "Director, this is a show. Why can't we decide the pairings by drawing lots, just like last time?" As he spoke, he swept his gaze toward Sang Yijia, flashing what he considered a handsome, confident smile. "That would make for better television, don't you think?"

"But, this..." Director Chen looked at Sang Yijia and the others, feeling troubled. He had just announced the rules; if he changed them now, wouldn't the previous announcement be meaningless?

"Let’s do it," Yan Ningsi said with a smirk. "Since that's the case, why don't we test everyone's fate?"

"Hold on a second," Yan Ningsi said, pulling a notebook out of her bag. "I just bought this at a boutique on the way here. It hasn't been used yet." She unwrapped the packaging right in front of the cameras.

"Let me write the slips, and we can all draw lots. How about that?" Yan Ningsi blinked. "It will be absolutely fair and impartial."

"Fine by me," Sang Yijia agreed. The fate of the protagonists was inescapable. Originally, the program had planned for Shen Jin and Lan Qing to be separated, but if they switched to a lottery, they would inevitably end up together. Since Shen Jin wanted to stir the pot, she would let the waters get even murkier.

Lu Wenchuan frowned upon hearing this and squeezed Sang Yijia’s palm. "What’s wrong?"

"If we don't end up together, will you hold hands with someone else?" Lu Wenchuan’s brow furrowed, clearly displeased by the prospect.

"Hmm," Sang Yijia pondered for a moment. "Why not believe that our connection is fated? That no matter what happens, we’ll end up together?" She wasn't entirely certain, but that didn't stop her from saying it.

Lu Wenchuan’s expression softened, though he remained uneasy. "If we don't end up together, I'll find a way."

"Okay." Sang Yijia didn't know what his "way" would be, but in that moment, she was willing to trust him and wanted to give him a sense of security.

Their hands were intertwined. If anyone had seen them, they might have remarked on what a pair of star-crossed lovers they were.

Yan Ningsi glanced over and shuddered. "Jiajia, you two are the only real couple here. But don't be too lovey-dovey."

Bian He pretended to be wounded. "Even though the PDA is sweet, I’d rather let others eat the dog food."

"Who are you planning to feed it to?" Yan Ningsi asked casually.

Bian He answered without hesitation, "Who else? You, of course."

"..." Yan Ningsi blushed. "Go on, then. You'll be switching girlfriends in a moment anyway."

Bian He sounded even more heartbroken. "I think you’re the one who wants to switch boyfriends." He looked toward Shen Jing and continued gloomily, "He's younger and more handsome than I am, isn't he?"

"..." Yan Ningsi shivered, goosebumps rising on her skin.

Shen Jing felt a chill and let out an "eugh," rubbing his arms. "Bian He, please don't."

"My heart and soul are already..." Shen Jing didn't finish, but the implication was clear.

Sang Yijia: "..." This circle was truly chaotic.

Lan Qing watched the atmosphere liven up, but unable to join the conversation, she could only watch as Yan Ningsi wrote the slips, had the waiter clear the table, and placed the slips on a clean turntable.

"The slips are ready," Yan Ningsi announced. "There are four pairs, labeled A, B, C, and D. You just need to find the matching uppercase and lowercase letters to determine tomorrow's pairings. How’s that?" She had folded the slips repeatedly and placed them in identical orientations, then mixed them up under everyone's watchful eyes so no one knew what was inside.

"Sure." Shen Jin, who had proposed the idea, went first. He drew a slip and opened it for everyone to see. "I got a lowercase 'd'."

"I'll go next." Sang Yijia gave Shen Jin a cool look and took a slip unhurriedly.

Shen Jing followed, unable to wait to open his. "I got an uppercase 'C'."

"What happens if two men draw the same letter?" Lu Wenchuan looked at the pile, unable to tell which one would pair with Sang Yijia, and simply picked one based on instinct.

Yan Ningsi waved her hands dismissively. "Then we go to the next round. Those who successfully pair up don't need to continue." After saying this, she took a slip for herself.