Dating Show Side Character, Getting Rich by Roasting People

CHAPTER 71: Mixed Double Standards

　　Xia Yi instantly choked on her words.

　　She had been a regular on this show for so long, and most of the guests were usually well-mannered. This was the first time someone had accused her of not being able to take a joke.

　　Instinctively, she refuted, “But… but he almost really got hurt! This isn’t about whether I can handle it or not. That move was dangerous. What if something actually happened?”

　　Chu Ling gave a casual “oh” and said, “True, that’s a fair point.”　　

　　“Sometimes when you’re playing too hard, accidents do happen.”

　　“Like just now when I was watching from below, your Tiantian looked like he kicked quite a few people to protect you, didn’t he?”

　　As she spoke, she glanced at the two groups beside her, her face filled with concern. “You guys didn’t get hurt, right?”

　　Xia Yi and Yuan Tiantian: “…..”

　　The other guests: “..…”

　　【Hilarious! Losing is losing anyway, but they have to be so frivolous. Now they're being called out for being hypocritical.】

　　【Honestly, when Yuan Tiantian kicked people earlier, he wasn’t holding back at all… he even kicked a girl. If you think about it, that was pretty dangerous too.】

　　【So it’s okay for an official to kick peasants, but not for peasants to grab the flag, huh!】

　　【Looks like Xia Yi still doesn’t get Chu Ling. She thought she could use the moral high ground to corner her, but Chu Ling doesn’t play by those rules, so there’s nothing to hold her with.】

　　【Chu Jie never swallows her pride. You throw one sly jab at her, she’ll shoot ten right back!】

　　【I’m with Chu Ling on this one. If everyone tiptoed around in a competitive show, what’s the point of playing?】

　　【Is it just me, or is this secretly giving off “domineering couple” vibes? Everyone says Xia Yi is protecting her man, but isn’t Chu Ling also standing up for Sheng Yi here?】

　　“It’s fine, really.”

　　The female guest from the “Sweet” CP duo, Tian Weiwei, quickly waved her hands. “We’re not hurt.”　　

　　“That’s good then.”

　　Chu Ling turned back with a small smile. “After all, everyone who comes to record this kind of competition show should already be prepared. If someone is as fragile as glass, maybe it’s better to stay home and cuddle instead.”

　　Yuan Tiantian: “..…”

　　“Still, if there really is an issue, I’d suggest getting it checked out right away,” Sheng Yi suddenly chimed in.

　　Chu Ling shot him a glance, about to say something like why are you twisting your elbows outward instead of talking to me, when Sheng Yi continued, “Even though I was under you when we fell and kind of cushioned your fall, I shouldn't have hit your neck at that angle. After all, my hands were trapped under you at that moment. But if it really did land on a sensitive spot I didn’t notice, then yeah, it could have been serious.”

　　He added, “We can’t drag these things out. You should go to the hospital as soon as possible. If something really happened, I’d have to take responsibility and compensate, right? Don’t worry. As long as there’s a hospital report, I won’t dodge it.”

　　The sly mix of teasing and concern in his tone was a perfect ten out of ten copy of Chu Ling’s own style from before, even with a little extra subtle shade added.

　　Chu Ling couldn’t help it and laughed.

　　【Okay, now you see why they’re so dangerous to deal with!】

　　【I didn’t watch that romance variety before. Are Sheng Yi and Chu Ling always like this? One talks, the other replies, it’s so back-and-forth and sly, it's so funny!】

　　【The “Overbearing CP” title is only gaining more weight now.】

　　【People who hate their personalities will hate them, but I can’t help thinking it’s hilarious.】

　　【Sorry, if you mess with our bully couple, this is what you get: mixed double standards. No more “one plays the villain, one plays the good cop.” They’re both trying to outdo each other with words.】

　　This nearly scared Yuan Tiantian to death.

　　“No, no, really, it’s fine. I… I probably just twisted it when I got up. Bro, it’s not your fault.”

　　Xia Yi still looked a little upset, but Yuan Tiantian held her, soothing her, “It’s okay, baby. We’re still recording, let’s not stress over it. We’ll try harder in the next round.”

　　He even leaned down to kiss her forehead and gently stroked her face. “Next round we’ll win it back, okay?”

　　Chu Ling: “…..”

　　Her eyes a little hurt from watching.

　　She made a fist in a cheering motion. “Alright then, we won’t interfere in the next round. You two make sure to do your best. I believe in you.”

　　【They're a perfect match, really. Too cloying. Let's just lock them together, hahahaha.】

　　【This makes me want to side with the Overbearing CP. The bully team is actually quite cute.】

　　The friction between the two pairs earlier had been heating up, so the host hadn’t dared to speak, worried about being dragged into the chaos. Now he finally said, “Congratulations to the Overbearing CP for taking first place. You’ve unlocked the first treasure chest and earned fifty points.”　　

　　“Other guests, please get ready. The next round is about to start.”

　　Chu Ling and Sheng Yi, having already won, could sit to the side and rest.

　　Sheng Yi noticed Chu Ling pouting a little after sitting down, as if still slightly annoyed.

　　“Still not happy?”

　　Sheng Yi chuckled. “I thought we already talked about this.”

　　They hadn’t lost face during their argument earlier.

　　“Just can’t stand people who pretend to be pitiful with their girlfriends when nothing’s wrong.”

　　“I saw him kick a girl earlier, and he didn’t hold back at all.”

　　Chu Ling rolled her eyes openly. “The funny thing is, his girlfriend believes it. They really live up to their CP name: Made for Each Other. A fool and a bad guy. No respect, no blessings.”

　　Sheng Yi replied, “That’s good. That way, no one else suffers from them in the ¹market.”

　　Chu Ling: “..…”

　　Chu Ling: “You’re right.”

　　“Oh, by the way.”

　　She looked at Sheng Yi. “Hand.”

　　Sheng Yi frowned but obediently held out his hand. “What is it?”

　　“You said your hand was trapped earlier.”

　　Chu Ling held his hand in hers, bringing it up to her eyes for a careful look. “That guy is so big and heavy. What if something had happened when he landed on you?”

　　Sheng Yi: “…..”

　　He couldn’t help laughing and flexed his five fingers to show they were fine. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. I was faking it.”

　　It had just been a bit of revenge, giving him a taste of his own medicine. Like who doesn’t know how to act pitiful.

　　“That’s good.”

　　Chu Ling said, “He's lucky he checked the almanac before going out today, otherwise I'd definitely be scolding him for you.”

　　Sheng Yi couldn’t help laughing. “Wait a second, weren’t we the ones who attacked him first?”

　　Chu Ling said confidently, “He didn’t hold back on attacking the others either.”

　　Chu Ling was shamelessly double-standard about this.

　　But the target of her double standards was herself… Sheng Yi instantly thought that was adorable.

　　The second round ended.

　　The “Made for Each Other” CP still didn’t get first place. Instead, the “Perfect Match” duo came from behind, captured the flag, and claimed victory.

　　“Maybe I’m still not fully recovered from getting hurt last round,” Yuan Tiantian said stubbornly.

　　“We’ll do better next round. We can win for sure.”

　　Chu Ling: “…..”

　　This time the viewers couldn’t take it.

　　【Hahaha, what an excuse.】

　　【Blaming the world for your own mistakes, classic.】

　　When the final results for all three rounds were announced, the Overbearing CP took first place, the “Perfect Match” duo got second, and the “Made for Each Other” barely managed third by winning the last round against the newbie guests.

　　“Everyone now has their corresponding points. In the next segment, make sure to protect what you’ve earned,” the host said.

　　“We’re about to start the second challenge round.”

　　The guests switched locations and arrived at an indoor arena.

　　The host explained the rules: “The challenge round has two events. Each team can choose one to compete in. Each two teams will face off against each other.”

　　“Every team must bet points. The winning team doubles their points. The losing team loses all points they bet, so plan carefully.”

　　“First, Event A—‘You Are My Eyes.’”

　　“The rules: the boy is blindfolded and carries the girl on his back through a series of obstacles. The first team to reach the finish line and claim the treasure chest wins.”

　　“Event B—‘Water Transfer.’”

　　“The two team members must use a relay of cups to transport ten cups of water. The first team to complete the challenge wins.”

　　“Each team has five minutes to discuss and decide which event to choose.”

　　Chu Ling looked at Sheng Yi and asked, “Which one do you want to pick?”

　　For Sheng Yi, it was all pretty much the same.

　　Event A was more demanding on strength and balance, and he wasn’t sure he could manage it smoothly.

　　Event B, on the other hand, meant carrying out the cup relay in very close proximity. He felt he could easily make a mistake just from being too tense.

　　After thinking it over, he let Chu Ling decide. “What do you think?”

　　“B should be a bit easier,” she said.

　　Having Sheng Yi carry her the whole way would probably drain too much energy.

　　Chu Ling thought for a moment and said, “I lean toward B. As for the points… since it’s just the beginning and we don’t know what challenges are coming, let’s just bet twenty points for now.”

　　After their discussion, they placed twenty points on Event B.

　　But when the results came in, the “Made for Each Other” and the “Sweet” Duo had gone all in, betting every single point they had.

　　“Our points are already low. Might as well take the risk and turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!”

　　“There isn’t much to lose. If we fail, we just start fresh!”

　　The host announced regretfully, “Sorry, the Overbearing CP’s bet wasn’t enough. You’ll be moved to Event A.”

　　Chu Ling: “!?”

　　It was only the start, and these two teams were already going all out?

　　There was no choice. Chu Ling and Sheng Yi were forced to take on Event A.

　　Their opponents were the “Perfect Match” duo, who had confidently bet thirty points on this event.

　　Chu Ling: “…..”

　　A bad feeling settled in.

　　At the starting line, Sheng Yi crouched down to lift Chu Ling onto his back.

　　Then the staff put on his blindfold, plunging him into complete darkness.

　　It should have felt unsettling and insecure, but he could feel Chu Ling pressed against his shoulder, her hands looping around his neck, her breath warm at his ear as she softly but confidently said, “Just listen to my directions and run forward. I’ll tell you if there’s a problem.”

　　Sheng Yi closed his eyes and felt a wave of calm. “I got it.”

　　As if to ease the tension, Chu Ling tilted her head and asked, “I’m not heavy, right?”　　

　　“You tell me.”

　　Sheng Yi chuckled, “If you’re still heavy, then there’s no one light left in the world.”

　　Nearby, Xie Qing overheard and jokingly asked He Ming, “What about me? Am I heavy too?”

　　“Heavy,” He Ming said affectionately. “I carry my whole world on my back, how could it not be?”

　　Sheng Yi: “..…”

　　Chu Ling: “..…”

　　²If this counted as dating, Chu Ling thought being a “mom-mode” type wasn’t so bad. 

　　She hugged Sheng Yi’s neck tighter, strangely thinking that even if he said something like that to her… she might not be able to handle it.

　　…Wait, but Sheng Yi wasn’t actually her boyfriend. Why was she imagining it?

　　Just as they were about to start, Xie Qing teased, “You two young ones, should you let the seniors go first?”

　　Chu Ling shot back playfully, “Then shouldn’t the seniors let us newbies take the lead?”

　　“Little Sheng, your girlfriend really wants to win, huh?” Xie Qing grinned and asked Sheng Yi, “What about you? You’re supposed to give the seniors some face, right?”

　　Sheng Yi said, “She wants to win, so I won’t let her lose.”

　　【We are the Overbearing CP! Sharp-tongued to outsiders, fiercely protective on the inside.】

　　【Husband-protecting and wife-protecting combined into one!】

　　Xie Qing smiled. “See you on the field then.”

　　In reality, the Overbearing CP team were both newcomers and had chosen a project they weren’t good at. They weren’t overly confident about winning this round, but they were fairly self-assured.

　　It was just a joke, but it seemed these two newcomers weren’t about to hold back.

　　Well, nobody could blame them.

　　The whistle blew.

　　Both teams set off at the same time.

　　Chu Ling held Sheng Yi tight and focused ahead. “Don’t worry about anyone else. Just keep running forward and don’t stop. I’ll tell you when there’s an obstacle. Trust me.”

　　Sheng Yi ran with his eyes closed, feeling only Chu Ling’s voice and directions. “I trust you.”

　　They quickly reached the first set of obstacles, weaving around the markers. Chu Ling guided Sheng Yi with precise calls and they passed smoothly, taking the early lead.

　　Next came the second challenge: the single-log bridge.

　　Chu Ling’s heart skipped a beat.

　　Walking blindfolded was already tricky, demanding perfect balance. Now, walking a narrow log while carrying someone else on your back added a whole new level of difficulty.

　　The log was wide enough that walking on it with eyes open wouldn’t be a problem, but now… Sheng Yi was blindfolded and carrying her, so nothing was guaranteed.

　　“Careful, a single-log bridge is up ahead,” Chu Ling said, giving him a reassuring pat and instinctively hugging him a little tighter. “Let’s go slowly.”

　　Hearing her, Sheng Yi adjusted his posture, holding her closer, and nodded.

　　“Okay, forward, take the first step,” Chu Ling instructed. “Good, you’re on it.”

　　It seemed smooth at first, but the moment Sheng Yi placed his foot on the first plank, he took a deep breath.

　　Unlike the stable ground, the log was narrow and wobbled with each step.

　　Sheng Yi’s pace faltered immediately.

　　He couldn’t see, and every step felt unstable. The faint sounds around them, aside from Chu Ling’s voice, seemed to interfere with his sense of balance.

　　“Take it slow. Don’t rush. We have time,” Chu Ling said.

　　But from the next lane over, it sounded like the other team was already crossing their log.

　　Sheng Yi tried to speed up, wanting to save time, but as soon as he stepped forward, his foot slipped. The sudden surge of imbalance hit him hard. With Chu Ling on his back, he felt completely out of control and began to tip sharply to one side.

　　In the blink of an eye, he instinctively twisted his body, gripping Chu Ling tightly, trying to shield her by putting himself underneath her.

　　With a splash, they tumbled into the nearby foam pit.

　　In the pitch-black world, all his senses were instantly heightened. He only felt an overwhelming wave of foam balls surging from every direction, almost burying him completely.

　　At the same time, right against his chest, the familiar strands of her hair and her scent brushed against his neck.

　　Sheng Yi’s body tensed instinctively, as if even his breath had paused for a moment.

________________

Glossary:

¹In this context, “market” isn’t literally a marketplace. It’s being used metaphorically to mean “the wider world” or “the public” — basically, Sheng Yi is saying that as long as it’s contained, no one else outside (in society, or among other people) will have to deal with their nonsense or trouble.

So here, “market” = everyone else who could be affected.

²“If this counted as dating, Chu Ling thought being a ‘mom-mode’ type wasn’t so bad.”

Means that Chu Ling is imagining the situation as if she were in a romantic relationship with Sheng Yi. In that imagined context, she feels like her instinct to take care of him, be protective, or “mom-mode” (acting nurturing, slightly over-caring) isn’t bad at all—it actually feels natural and kind of sweet.

So “mom-mode” here is a playful way to describe being caring, protective, or doting toward someone, like a mom would.

.....

T/N: There were a lot of parts I didn’t fully get, but I tried my best to make it understandable in English. Sorry in advance if it’s a bit imperfect.

 

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