(Sound of dramatic fanfare turning into an ominous ice crackle effect)
The dazzling stage lights pulsed, then shifted to an alarming shade of arctic blue.
Host (Grinning maniacally under the icy glare):
"And NOW, viewers! The moment you've all been waiting for! Forget gentle introductions, forget heartwarming moments! It's time for STAGE ONE: THE COHABITATION CRUCIBLE! Let's see whose love burns hot enough to survive... THE FREEZER!"
As his words echoed, a series of heavy, mechanical CLUNKS reverberated through the studio set. In each couple's designated 'luxury' room, the doors slammed shut and locked with the finality of a tomb sealing. Simultaneously, hidden vents hissed open, unleashing a gust of air so cold it felt like Jack Frost himself was personally breathing down their necks.
(Su Yu's Room – Now an Arctic Hellscape)
Su Yu, having just regained motor function after the paralysis incident, felt the temperature plummet. It wasn't just cold; it was aggressively cold. Like the AC unit had developed a personal vendetta against him. He shivered violently, teeth chattering like castanets.
Su Yu (Internal Monologue, full panic mode):
"WH-WHAT?! Did the thermostat break?! Or did those traitor interns weaponize the HVAC system?! IS THIS STAGE ONE OR A HYPOTHERMIA SIMULATOR?!" He glanced nervously at Linling. "And why is she looking at me with that 'Hmm, interesting specimen, wonder how long it takes for frostbite to set in' expression?!"
Linling, utterly unfazed, calmly pulled a thick, ridiculously plush duvet (likely woven from the tears of endangered silk worms) around herself, completely ignoring Su Yu's blue-tinged lips. Not even a corner was offered.
Linling (Smirking, voice like chipped ice):
"Oh dear, husband. Feeling a little chilly? Perhaps if you grovel prettily, I might consider sharing. Maybe."
(Host's Voice booms into all rooms, dripping with sadistic glee):
"Listen up, lovebirds! That state-of-the-art Arctic Blast™ system won't quit until our sensors detect TWO bodies sharing the warmth BENEATH THE SAME BLANKET! Cozy up or become human popsicles! Your choice! Oh, and breaking news! Couple #1, Chen Mo and Lian Xinya, have been preemptively disqualified due to... uh... 'irreconcilable differences' manifesting as flying furniture. Safety first, folks! Mostly."
(Cut briefly to Couple 1's Room Cam):
Chen Mo and Lian Xinya glare at each other from opposite corners of the room amidst overturned chairs. Suddenly, the door bursts open. Hang Mu strides in, hoisting a giant, sparkly heart-shaped boombox, belting out a truly horrific power ballad with off-key passion.
Hang Mu (Singing terribly):
"LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD! AND YOU LOST THE WAR! YOUR TRUST IS SHATTERED! LIKE GLASS ON THE FLOOR!"
Behind him, the six members of "Frostbite-21" (still inexplicably involved) erupt into a complex, synchronized dance routine involving dramatic leaps and pained expressions, all while wearing thermal underwear beneath their glittery stage outfits. Confetti cannons fire relentlessly.
Chen Mo (Face buried in hands):
"This isn't a reality show. It's a fever dream directed by Satan's personal event planner."
Lian Xinya (Sobbing quietly):
"Just make it stop... please... I'll confess everything..."
Host (In the control room, munching popcorn):
"A private concert for our losers! See? We're not totally heartless! Now, back to the potential hypothermia! Ahahaha!"
(Meanwhile, the other couples react to the 'Cuddle or Freeze' mandate):
* Xu Jie & Ning Rou: Ning Rou, with the speed and efficiency of a debt collector, yanks Xu Jie under the blanket by his earlobe, arranging him like a human hot water bottle while beaming sweetly at the camera. Xu Jie looks resigned to his fate.
* Zhao Feng & Miya: Zhao Feng, still reeling from the drugged drink reveal, wraps himself into a tight, impenetrable blanket burrito, pointedly leaving Miya shivering just outside the cocoon. Miya looks tragically betrayed (and very cold).
* Jian Hao & Qing Qing: Instantly snap into 'PR Mode,' cuddling photogenically while simultaneously trying to subtly knee each other under the blanket. Their smiles are blindingly fake.
* Shen Ye & Ruan Yue: Ruan Yue practically vaults onto the bed, purring, "Survival requires shared resources, wouldn't you agree, darling?" before pulling the blanket over both of them. Shen Ye stares at the ceiling, contemplating the life choices that led him to be willingly trapped by a corporate spy who finds hostage situations 'cozy'.
(Back to Su Yu & Linling - The Thaw?):
Linling lets out an exaggerated, theatrical sigh. With a flick of her wrist, she tosses half the duvet over the shivering Su Yu. Relief washes over him; he almost weeps with gratitude. But the relief is short-lived. Linling suddenly scoots closer – much closer – pressing against his side. Her lips brush against his ear.
Linling (Whispering, voice low and dangerous):
"Don't mistake this for kindness, husband. Get any amusing ideas while sharing my blanket... and you'll wake up missing a non-essential organ. The sword is under the bed. Sweet dreams."
Su Yu (Internal Monologue):
"Note to self: Romance is dead. Terror is my new bedfellow. Also, potential organ theft. Must stay awake. Must not cuddle the psycho ice queen. Even if she is... surprisingly warm..."
And so, under the watchful eyes of millions, fueled by freezing temperatures and thinly veiled threats, the House Lock Challenge began its reign of terror.
(Later that night...)
Su Yu, despite his best intentions, was losing the battle against hypothermia and exhaustion. Wide awake, heart pounding, he carefully, painstakingly, began inching away from Linling's radiating warmth. Millimeter by agonizing millimeter. Like defusing a bomb made of silk sheets and simmering rage. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead (ironic, given the room temperature).
Su Yu (Internal Monologue, fear pounding):
"Okay, slow and steady... If I trigger the 'proximity sensor' Linling undoubtedly has built into her psyche, it's stabby time. Freedom... warmth... maybe a less threatening blanket..."
He managed to slide one leg off the bed. Then the other. Success! He crept towards the door like a ninja escaping a particularly luxurious prison cell. He twisted the handle. Locked. He pushed. Nothing. He shoulder-barged it (a surprisingly weak effort given his shivering). Still locked.
Su Yu (Muttering bitterly under his breath):
"Damn those traitorous interns! Giving them admin access to the building systems was my second worst decision! (My first was trusting that initial glass of water in the mansion...)"
He scanned the room frantically, desperate for escape, for air, for anything that wasn't Linling's icy aura. His eyes landed on a small ventilation grate near the ceiling. Hope flared! ...and immediately died.
Su Yu (Staring upwards, deadpan):
"Right. Perfect escape route... if I were Stuart Little. Or possibly just a disembodied eyeball."
Click.
Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open silently on its own. A faint blue light pulsed from within. A holographic image flickered into existence above the sink – Dandan's smug, pixelated face.
MECHANICAL VOICE (Sounding suspiciously like Dandan running his voice through a cheap modulator):
"Greetings, Contestant Su Yu. You have been selected for... A SECRET MISSION."
"Your Objective: At tomorrow's breakfast service, locate and destroy the designated food rations for ALL competing couples. Including your own. Successful sabotage guarantees immediate advancement to Stage Two... AND unlocks access to... hidden resources (aka, a secret stash of premium snacks I hid)."
Su Yu stared blankly at the hologram.
Su Yu (Internal Monologue):
"...Sabotage breakfast? Is this a romance survival show or Lord of the Flies sponsored by instant ramen? What kind of messed-up psychological experiment is this?!"
He sighed, the sound heavy with defeat and encroaching frostbite. Defeated, he dragged his frozen limbs back towards the bed of doom and slid back under the duvet, maintaining a cautious six-inch buffer zone from the sleeping Ice Queen.
(Hours later... Deep in the coldest part of the night...)
Sleep, insidious and warmth-seeking, finally claimed Su Yu. His conscious mind shut down, but his freezing subconscious had only one directive: SURVIVE. Unconsciously, instinctively, he rolled closer to the only source of heat in the arctic wasteland of the bed. Closer... closer...
His arm flopped across Linling's waist. His face nestled against the silk of her pajamas, somewhere near her shoulder blade. A muffled sigh of pure, animalistic relief escaped him.
(Linling's Reaction: Ice Queen Awakens)
Snap. Linling's eyes flew open in the darkness. Cold. Sharp. Instantly alert. She didn't move, didn't breathe. She simply registered the unwelcome weight, the offending warmth, the audacity of the arm draped possessively across her. Her upper lip curled in a silent snarl of utter revulsion.
Linling (Whispering, voice laced with pure venom):
"Men. Primitive. Uncontrolled. Like dogs seeking scraps. If it weren't for the Lu inheritance... the power... the necessity of this ridiculous charade... I would have ejected this useless fool into the nearest black hole hours ago."
Slowly, deliberately, using only the tips of two fingers – as if handling something profoundly unclean – she lifted Su Yu's offending arm. She didn't just place it back on his side; she practically flung it, letting it thud against the mattress.
Su Yu (Mumbling in his sleep, blissfully unaware):
"Mmm... warm... Toasty... Like... like hugging a... a slightly hostile... radiator..."
(He unconsciously snuggled deeper into his own, now cold, side of the bed.)
(Meanwhile, in the Control Room: Popcorn and Schadenfreude)
The host and the production crew watched the monitors, howling with laughter, popcorn flying.
Host (Wiping tears from his eyes):
"Oh, this is GOLD! Look at him! Rejected even in his sleep! And wait 'til he tries that breakfast sabotage mission tomorrow! Linling's going to fillet him!"
Dandan (Mouth full of stolen chips, via headset):
"Analysis indicates Linling's resting heart rate increases by 15% when Su Yu is within a 1-foot radius while unconscious. Also, should we inform him she holds a black belt in Kendo and once used it to 'discipline' a faulty espresso machine?"
Hang Mu (Smirking evilly):
"Negative, Agent Dandan. Maximum entertainment requires maximum ignorance. Let the games... and potential maiming... continue!"
(The Next Morning - The Dining Hall of Distrust)
Sunlight streamed weakly into the communal dining hall. The six couples (minus the disqualified #1) sat around a long, imposing table, eyeing each other warily. The breakfast spread looked suspiciously delicious.
Shen Ye and Ruan Yue exchanged smiles that were technically sweet but carried the lethal undertone of two rival assassins politely offering each other poisoned tea.
Su Yu, moving with the calculated nonchalance of a man planning mass breakfast destruction, strolled past their end of the table. He leaned down slightly towards Shen Ye.
Su Yu (Voice low, conspiratorial):
"Heard about HSE Limited? Fascinating little startup. Their big hit game? Office Worker Simulator. Rumor has it, the secret to asserting dominance in that game involves... aggressive T-posing during crucial negotiations. Just... food for thought."
Shen Ye's eye twitched almost imperceptibly. Ruan Yue's grip on her ornate fork tightened, the tines slightly bending.
Satisfied with planting that little seed of chaos, Su Yu sauntered back to his designated seat and immediately latched onto Linling's arm like a human limpet seeking thermal refuge. She didn't even flinch, merely radiated sub-zero disapproval.
Su Yu (Internal Monologue, smug):
"Step 1: Sow discord amongst the enemy. Step 2: Utilize Wife Shield™ for maximum protection and warmth. Flawless strategy."
Just as he reached for a suspiciously perfect croissant, a violent coughing fit erupted from Jian Hao across the table. Qing Qing immediately launched herself at him, wrapping him in a hug so tight it bordered on a Heimlich maneuver gone wrong.
Qing Qing (Voice dripping with faux concern, while possibly restricting his airway):
"Baby! Are you okay?! This food looks so strange! Maybe it's poisoned?!"
Jian Hao (Gagging, eyes bulging):
"Air... Need... Not... Hugs..."
FLASH! The giant monitor above the table lit up again. Dramatic music blared.
[SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!]
"Good morning, survivors! Hope you enjoyed the... ambiance! Now, for breakfast! To earn the privilege of eating NON-POISONED food today, each couple must SACRIFICE the most EXPENSIVE item currently in their possession! Physical or sentimental value – our Patented Grief-O-Meter™ will decide!"
"Choose wisely whose treasure gets incinerated! Failure to sacrifice means dining on... mystery gruel. Enjoy!"
Silence descended. Thick, heavy, and filled with the dawning horror of financial loss.
(Audience Live Chat Explodes):
[User_RichTears]: "DESTROY EXPENSIVE STUFF FOR FOOD?! THIS SHOW IS MY NEW RELIGION!"
[kpop_stan4eva]: "OMG Qing Qing almost suffocated him! Queen of passive aggression!"
[CapitalismSux]: "Finally, a show that understands my desire to watch rich people burn their possessions."
[PsychoRomanceFan]: "Where's the stabbing? I was promised stabbing!"
[ClingyCEO]: "Su Yu still glued to Linling LOL. Man's got priorities: 1. Warmth 2. Sabotage 3. Dignity (optional)."
(Contestant Reactions - Panic Stations):
* Xu Jie: Froze, toast halfway to his mouth. Turned his head with the speed of a sloth towards Ning Rou. Met her gaze – cold, sharp, and unmistakably focused on the gleaming Rolex on his wrist. It seemed to say, "Tick-tock, darling. Your time is up."
Xu Jie (Internal Screaming):
"Should've bought a Timex... Should've married someone who appreciates sentimental value over market value..."
* Zhao Feng & Miya: Locked eyes across the table. Simultaneously, they both started rummaging frantically through their pockets and bags, pulling out keys, phones, wallets – a desperate race to see who could martyr themselves first for the sake of breakfast.
Audience Comment:
[MartyrComplex]: "Are they trying to out-sacrifice each other? This is the most wholesome dysfunction I've ever seen."
* Jian Hao & Qing Qing: Jian Hao nervously patted his pockets, clearly hoping his lint collection qualified as 'valuable'. Qing Qing, however, was already zeroing in on the thick gold chain around his neck with the laser focus of a hawk spotting a field mouse.
Qing Qing (Voice like melted butter):
"Oppa... that chain looks so... heavy. Surely it's uncomfortable? And we do need to eat..." (Her fingers were already stealthily reaching for the clasp).
Jian Hao (Internal Monologue):
"My grandmother gave me that chain... Grandma, forgive me..."
* Shen Ye & Ruan Yue: Shen Ye instinctively covered the pocket containing his custom-made, untraceable satellite phone. He glanced sideways. Ruan Yue was beaming at him, eyes sparkling with... love? Or predatory calculation? She casually rested her hand on his arm, her touch surprisingly firm.
Shen Ye (Muttering under his breath):
"Pretty sure 'mutually assured destruction' wasn't in the pre-nup..."
Audience Comment:
[SpyVsSpy]: "Shen Ye knows he's trapped. Ruan Yue playing 5D chess while looking adorable. Genius."
* Su Yu & Linling: Linling sighed, the sound echoing in the tense silence. She glanced disdainfully at Su Yu, who was still leeching warmth from her arm like a particularly pathetic remora fish.
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
Linling (Muttering):
"Honestly... at this point... he's the most valuable liability I possess."
She delivered a sharp kick to Su Yu's shin under the table – a silent warning that if he dared suggest sacrificing her non-existent valuables, he'd be the main course.
Su Yu (Wincing, whispering back):
"Understood! Valuables secure! Wife Shield™ remains active!" (Internal Monologue): "Maybe I can sacrifice my dignity? Pretty sure I haven't used that in weeks..."
(Post-Breakfast Sabotage Preparations)
After choking down a few bites of surprisingly decent (sacrificially earned) food, Su Yu stood abruptly, clutching his stomach with an expression of profound intestinal distress.
Su Yu (Voice tight with feigned agony):
"Apologies! Sudden... urgent... biological necessity! Must retreat to the... porcelain throne!"
Linling (Eyes rolling so hard they almost detached):
"Classy. Can't you develop some bladder control? We're on live television."
(Audience Comments):
[PottyHumorCEO]: "Man prioritizes sabotage over social graces. Respect."
[LinlingNeedsTherapy]: "Pretty sure Linling is questioning all her life choices right now."
Su Yu ignored the glare, scurrying away from the table. Once Linling's back was turned, however, he shot a quick, exaggerated wink and a series of ridiculous faces (puffed cheeks, crossed eyes, mock tears of a 'bullied husband') towards a hidden camera he'd spotted earlier.
(Audience Comments):
[ClownPrinceOfChaos]: "LMAO SU YU TROLLING HIS OWN WIFE ON LIVE TV! HE'S GONNA GET MURDERED!"
[TeamSuYuChaos]: "She deserves it for being an Ice Queen! Go King!"
(The Sacrificial Ceremony)
FLASH! The big screen lit up again. Fire graphics roared. Heavy metal music blared.
"SACRIFICIAL CEREMONY: COMMENCE!"
"Step forward, couples! Offer your treasures to the Flames of Sustenance!"
"Only true sacrifice guarantees true nourishment!"
A large, ornate platform rose dramatically from the center of the floor, equipped with what looked suspiciously like a high-powered incinerator grate.
Couple #1: Xu Jie & Ning Rou
Xu Jie approached the platform, tears genuinely streaming down his face as he looked at his limited-edition Patek Philippe. Ning Rou stood behind him, arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. With a heart-wrenching sob, Xu Jie unclasped the watch and placed it onto the glowing grate.
FWOOSH! Instant ash.
Xu Jie (Collapsing to his knees, crying):
"MY PRECIOUUUUSSS! DADDY WILL AVENGE YOU!"
(Audience Comments):
[WatchGraveyard]: "RIP Rolex. You died for porridge."
[DramaKing]: "He's mourning the watch more than his dignity."
[NeedsPriorities]: "Dude, it's just a watch. Get a grip."
Couple #2: Zhao Feng & Miya
Miya, without a word, presented a delicate, antique-looking silver locket. Zhao Feng tried to protest, grabbing her hand.
Miya:
"It was my grandmother's. But... we need to eat."
Zhao Feng (Voice thick with emotion):
"Miya... you didn't have to..."
Together, looking tragically noble, they placed the locket onto the grate. Poof.
(Audience Comments):
[TrueLoveOrGuilt]: "Okay, that was actually kinda sweet. Still think she drugged him tho."
[NobleIdiots]: "Sacrificing heirlooms? These two are too pure for this show."
Couple #3: Jian Hao & Qing Qing
Jian Hao was desperately trying to convince the Grief-O-Meter™ that his half-eaten packet of mints was priceless. Qing Qing shoved him aside, ripped the gold chain from his neck, and slammed it onto the platform with a triumphant smirk before he could utter a word.
Jian Hao (Mouth open in horror):
"But... Grandma's ashes are probably mixed with that gold—"
FWOOSH. Gone.
Qing Qing (Batting her eyelashes):
"Whoopsie! Clumsy me~"
(Audience Comments):
[SavageQingQing]: "Qing Qing plays for keeps! Grandma can be reforged!"
[RIPGrandmaChain]: "Dude needs to run. Far away."
Couple #4: Shen Ye & Ruan Yue
Silence. All eyes on them. Shen Ye slowly produced a small, unassuming black velvet box. He opened it. Inside, nestled on satin, was a simple, elegant platinum band. He stared at it, his expression unreadable. Ruan Yue watched him, a faint, curious smile playing on her lips.
Shen Ye (Voice flat, devoid of emotion):
"Bought this before I knew the truth. Sentimentality is a liability."
He tossed the ring onto the grate. It vanished in a flash of white light.
(Audience Comments):
[ToxicLoveBurn]: "HE BURNED THE RING! THE ANGST! I CAN'T!"
[SpyGamesEndgame]: "Shen Ye cold as ice. Ruan Yue looks… intrigued? This is getting good."
Couple #5: Su Yu & Linling
Finally. The main event. The audience leaned forward collectively. Linling stood with regal indifference, clearly possessing nothing she deemed worthy of sacrifice (or perhaps everything was too valuable). The onus was on Su Yu.
He made a great show of searching his pockets, patting himself down dramatically. After a tense minute, he triumphantly produced... a slightly bent, rust-flecked bottle cap.
Audience: Collective silence, followed by confused murmurs.
Su Yu (Holding up the bottle cap with solemn reverence):
"This... this is not just metal. This represents... resilience! I won this in a rigged carnival game against a man with three teeth! It symbolizes my triumph over adversity! Its sentimental value is... INCALCULABLE!"
Host's Voice (Robotic, clearly unimpressed by the speech):
"Sentimental value confirmed by Grief-O-Meter™. Proceed with incineration."
Su Yu marched to the platform, gave the bottle cap a crisp salute, whispered "You served well, comrade," and tossed it onto the grate. Tink. It vanished without even a sizzle.
(Audience Comments):
[BottleCapHero]: "THIS MAN IS A LEGEND! DIAMONDS VS BOTTLE CAPS! I'M DEAD!"
[StrategicSacrifice]: "Su Yu playing the system like a fiddle LMAO."
[KingOfTrash]: "Linling married a genius or an idiot. Probably both."
With the sacrifices complete, platters of actual, steaming, delicious-looking food were rolled out. The contestants descended upon it like locusts, the trauma of incineration momentarily forgotten.
Su Yu, already back to clinging leech-like to Linling's arm, managed a smug whisper between mouthfuls:
"See, my dear wife? Intangible assets are the future~"
Linling (Voice colder than the room's ambient temperature):
"Keep talking, and you'll be the intangible asset sacrificed next challenge."
Suddenly, Ruan Yue giggled, catching the tail end of their exchange. She dabbed her lips delicately with a napkin and stood up gracefully.
Ruan Yue (Voice sweet as honey):
"Oh my! All this excitement! I believe I also require... a brief visit to the powder room~"
Shen Ye's eyebrow twitched violently. He knew that tone.
As promised, Ruan Yue intercepted Su Yu in the corridor just outside the dining hall. A swift, conspiratorial high-five was exchanged.
(Audience Comments):
[ChaosAlliance]: "THEY'RE TEAMING UP! THE TWO MOST UNHINGED CONTESTANTS!"
[ShenYeRIP]: "Prayers for Shen Ye. His suffering is our entertainment."
While Su Yu continued his 'bathroom break' (aka, sabotage mission), Ruan Yue skipped back towards the dining hall. Pausing behind Shen Ye's chair, she proceeded to make a series of utterly bizarre faces and elaborate, mocking gestures behind his back – pulling her ears, sticking out her tongue, pantomiming strangling him – all while maintaining a beatific smile for anyone else who happened to look her way.
Shen Ye (Feeling a prickle on the back of his neck, sighing internally):
"I must have committed heinous crimes in a past life to deserve this... Why didn't I just become a monk? Monks don't get fake-strangled by spy wives during breakfast..."
He wished the floor would swallow him whole.
(Meanwhile - Operation: Breakfast Annihilation)
Su Yu, ditching the fake limp, moved like a shadow through the service corridors, consulting a crumpled map clearly drawn by Dandan (featuring helpful annotations like "Guard Naps Here" and "Potential Snack Hoard").
He located the door: "RATION STORAGE - LEVEL 3 CLEARANCE ONLY."
A devilish grin spread across his face. He produced the strange flare pen given to him during the secret mission briefing.
Click.
FWOOOOOM!
A torrent of intensely bright, chemically enhanced flame erupted from the pen! The neatly stacked ration packs ignited instantly, turning the storage room into a blazing inferno of dehydrated meals and broken dreams. Cardboard boxes exploded. Vacuum-sealed bags popped like firecrackers.
A giant, holographic message materialized amidst the flames, projected onto the wall:
"SECRET MISSION COMPLETE! REWARD: 10 MILLION YUAN (TRANSFER PENDING). WELCOME TO SURVIVAL MODE: HARDCORE."
(Audience Comments - Utter Pandemonium):
[ArsonIsHot]: "HE ACTUALLY DID IT! HE BURNED THE FOOD! FOR MONEY! THIS MAN IS MY HERO!"
[10Million!?]: "They PAY him to cause chaos?! Where do I sign up?!"
[ThisShowIsAMasterpiece]: "Forget love, this is about arson and capitalism! 10/10!"
(Back in the Dining Hall)
WEE-OOO WEE-OOO! EMERGENCY ALERT!
"RATION STORAGE COMPROMISED! ALL EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLIES DESTROYED! REPEAT: ALL FOOD DESTROYED! INITIATING EMERGENCY LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL ALPHA!"
The contestants froze, forks halfway to their mouths. A collective gasp sucked the air out of the room.
Linling (Standing slowly, eyes narrowing dangerously):
"Su. Yu. Where. Are. You?"
Su Yu (Internal Monologue, from somewhere down the corridor):
"Currently pretending to be tragically lost on my way back from the bathroom. Plausible deniability engaged."
Ruan Yue (Whispering to Shen Ye, eyes sparkling with amusement):
"See? Told you things would get... exciting."
Shen Ye (Expressionless, dead inside):
"I wonder if rocks feel existential dread. Probably not. Lucky rocks."
Just as panic threatened to fully erupt, the main monitor flickered back to life. Hang Mu appeared, no longer the Host, but now styled as a "Game Master" from hell. Big, glowing cyberpunk glasses. Black trench coat embroidered with neon green skulls and the words "PAIN IS TEMPORARY, TRAUMA IS FOREVER." Headset mic crackling with static.
Hang Mu (Grinning like a Cheshire cat who just discovered catnip-laced laser pointers):
"Greetings, survivors! And congratulations! You've successfully completed the tutorial level: 'Minor Inconveniences and Existential Despair'."
(Behind him, a giant graphic appeared: a parody of the 'Among Us' logo, featuring shadowy couples stabbing each other in the back.)
Hang Mu (Voice dripping with fake sympathy):
"Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances," (He winked dramatically) "...your food supply has been... compromised. But fear not! This merely unlocks our FIRST MAJOR EVENT!"
"Inspired by classic tales of paranoia and betrayal, welcome to... 'SUSPICIOUS SPOUSES'!"
"Your task: Identify the Secret Saboteurs among you! Each of you gets ONE accusation. Point the finger!"
"Correctly identify an Agent of Chaos? Rewards! Supplies! Maybe even... a slightly less freezing room temperature!"
"But accuse an INNOCENT spouse...?"
BOOM!
The lights in the dining hall flickered violently, then dimmed to an ominous, icy blue. A bone-chilling gust of wind swept through the room, extinguishing the decorative candles.
Hang Mu (Smile widening into a sadistic leer):
"Then the temperature drops. And keeps dropping.
...Until you're all forced to huddle together for survival. Like adorable, terrified penguins. Or perhaps... desperate, clingy leeches."
(Audience Live Comments):
[HangMuEvilGM]: "Hang Mu woke up and chose VIOLENCE! I love him!"
[AmongUsRomance]: "When Among Us meets The Shining meets a bad date! Genius!"
[ClingyChallenge]: "Forced proximity! YES! Ship wars commence!"
Just as the contestants started shivering uncontrollably, the doors burst open again!
The K-pop group "Frostbite-21" stormed in, now wearing futuristic silver parkas and wielding glowing blue light sticks like weapons. They launched into a high-energy, vaguely threatening performance.
(Sound of aggressive K-Pop techno beat mixed with blizzard sound effects)
Frostbite-21 (Singing/Rapping):
"Secrets burning, ice is forming!"
"Point the finger, heed the warning!"
"Catch the liar, fuel the fire!"
"Or freeze together, desire dire!"
"Expose the truth or face the chill!"
"In this cold game, love can kill!"
"EXPOSE OR DIE! (In My Icy Arms Tonight!)"
(Audience Comments Go Wild):
[FrostbiteSlay]: "OMG FROSTBITE ANTHEM OF BETRAYAL! STAN KINGS!"
[MurderBallad]: "Is this a love song or a threat? Both? I'm confused and terrified!"
[LinlingSurvival]: "Linling better hug Su Yu NOW or RIP CEO!"
[SusDetector9000]: "Okay, betting odds: Ruan Yue 100% sus. Su Yu 80% sus (but too dumb?). Shen Ye 100% victim."
(Contestant Reactions: Panic and Accusations)
The remaining 10 minutes on the accusation timer ticked down rapidly on the main screen. Shivering intensified. Teeth chattered. Logic abandoned ship.
Su Yu (Teeth chattering, internal monologue):
"Okay, okay, act natural. Blend in. Accuse someone random. Maybe... maybe the potted plant in the corner? It looks suspicious."
Linling (Arms crossed, glaring daggers at Su Yu):
"Accuse me, you fool, and I'll use your frozen corpse as a footstool."
Shen Ye (Staring into the void):
"At this point, freezing to death seems like a pleasant alternative."
Ruan Yue (Smiling serenely):
"Games are always more fun with high stakes, don't you think?" (She casually nudged Shen Ye closer).
Xu Jie & Ning Rou: Already engaged in a frantic, whispered argument, pointing accusingly at each other.
"It was you!" "No, it was YOU!"
Zhao Feng: Now protectively shielding Miya from the cold, both looking terrified. Miya muttered,
"Even if we freeze... at least it's... together?"
(Frostbite-21 continues their aggressive ice-themed dance break, occasionally throwing handfuls of fake snow directly at the shivering contestants.)
(Final Seconds: The Accusations)
Chaos erupted as the clock neared zero. Fingers pointed wildly.
Xu Jie yelled, pointing at Jian Hao: "HIM! HE LOOKS SHIFTY!"
Miya timidly pointed at Ruan Yue: "S-she smiles too much..."
Ruan Yue, with lethal sweetness, pointed directly at Ning Rou: "Her nail polish clashes with the decor. Highly suspicious."
Zhao Feng seemed to accuse a particularly menacing-looking bread roll.
(Audience Live Comments):
[TotalChaos]: "THEY'RE JUST RANDOMLY ACCUSING! THIS IS GLORIOUS!"
[ColdLogic]: "My brain cells are freezing just watching this."
[VoteTheWarmOne]: "Strategy: Accuse whoever isn't visibly turning blue yet."
The timer hit zero. The accusations were locked in. The screen flashed bright, angry red.
"MISSION FAILED!"
"ALL ACCUSATIONS INCORRECT! NO SECRET AGENTS IDENTIFIED!"
"INITIATING PROTOCOL: FORCED CUDDLING!"
WHOOSH! An even more intense blast of arctic air flooded the room. Frost began forming on the windows. Frostbite-21 launched into their final chorus, "Cling To Me (Or Become An Ice Sculpture)", complete with dramatic fog machine effects.
The room became a frantic scramble of bodies desperately seeking warmth. Contestants grabbed onto their designated partners like drowning sailors clinging to driftwood. Dignity was abandoned. Survival was key.
(Back in Su Yu and Linling's Room - Slightly Later)
Su Yu, having lost all sense of shame or self-preservation, was now FULLY attached to Linling in the bed. Arms wrapped around her, face buried somewhere near her shoulder blades, leeching heat like a human parasite. He was shivering too hard to care about propriety or potential stabbing.
Su Yu (Mumbling deliriously into her pajamas):
"So warm... Must protect... the precious... furnace..."
Linling lay stiff as a board, radiating waves of pure, unadulterated fury. Suddenly, she felt... something... distinctly male... poking insistently against her lower back through the layers of blankets and expensive silk.
Her eyes snapped open. Her expression went from icy disdain to volcanic rage in 0.2 seconds.
Linling (Voice dangerously low, grinding out each syllable):
"Su. Yu. Explain. Yourself. NOW."
WHACK! With reflexes honed by years of dealing with unwanted advances (and possibly Kendo practice), she delivered a slap across his face that echoed in the freezing room. Su Yu went tumbling off the bed, landing in a heap on the frigid floor.
Su Yu (Clutching his cheek, tears of pain and cold welling up):
"NO! WAIT! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE! HYPOTHERMIA! SURVIVAL INSTINCT! MY BODY BETRAYED ME!"
(Audience Live Comments):
[RIP_SuYu_AGAIN]: "AHAHAHA HE GOT SLAPPED FOR UNCONSCIOUS CUDDLING!"
[LinlingJustice]: "QUEEN! Put the horny popsicle in his place!"
[FrozenAndConfused]: "Su Yu's body: 'Warmth!' Su Yu's brain: 'Danger!' Linling: 'Violence!'"
(Meanwhile, Shen Ye & Ruan Yue's Room)
Shen Ye attempted to maintain a respectable two-foot distance on the bed, building a small pillow barrier between them. Ruan Yue simply smirked, tackled him like a linebacker, pinned him beneath her, and cocooned them both tightly in the duvet.
Ruan Yue (Purring against his ear):
"Just conserving body heat, darling~ Efficiency is key."
Shen Ye (Staring blankly at the ceiling, soul leaving his body):
"I am no longer a magician. I am furniture. A human space heater for a deceptively adorable spy. My ancestors weep."
(Audience Live Comments):
[ShenYeHostage]: "Blink twice if Ruan Yue is holding you against your will, Shen Ye!"
[YandereWifeGoals?]: "Okay Ruan Yue is terrifying but also... kinda goals?"
[RIP_Gentleman]: "He tried so hard to be respectful. He failed so hard."
(Montage of other couples clinging together miserably: Maya and Zhao Feng hugging awkwardly upright like statues; Ning Rou literally using Xu Jie as a mattress; Jian Hao looking moments away from suffocation under Qing Qing.)
(Screen Flicker in Each Room - Game Master Hang Mu Returns)
Hang Mu's smug face appeared on the monitors, interrupting the cozy (or terrifying) scenes.
Hang Mu (Grinning like he just won the lottery):
"Greetings, survivors! Feeling... closer? Excellent! Now that you're all warmed up and potentially traumatized, it's time for your real challenge! Forget cuddling, forget accusations! It's time... FOR A GAME!"
"Congratulations! You are the very first beta testers for LU CORPORATION'S revolutionary new Full-Dive VRMMORPG: 'Chronicles of Legacy: Shattered Bonds'!"
"Your Goal: Simple! Navigate the beginner zone, defeat the Novice Village Tyrant Boss, and try not to die! Or betray each other. Or both! Good luck!"
Suddenly, the screen switched. Secretary Han appeared, looking crisp, professional, and utterly devoid of human warmth.
Secretary Han (Adjusting glasses):
"This broadcast is an official Lu Corporation project update. We extend our... gratitude... for your mandatory participation in this crucial beta testing phase. Your feedback... and suffering... will be invaluable." (A tiny, cold smile flickered).
From off-camera, a sharp, imperious voice snapped:
"HAN! IS MY LATTE FOAMED TO EXACTLY 68 DEGREES CELSIUS?! THE SYNERGY REQUIRES PRECISION!"
The camera wobbled, then panned clumsily, revealing Madam Yunqiao (Su Yu's Mom/HSE CEO) lounging on a velvet chaise lounge like Cleopatra. And beside her, Lu Zhenhai (Former Chairman/Current Secretary Husband), dressed in a surprisingly well-fitting secretary's uniform, nervously presenting a coffee cup on a silver tray.
Madam Yunqiao (Taking a sip, dismissing the camera):
"Acceptable. Proceed with the... peasant entertainment."
(Audience Live Comments - MELTDOWN):
[MOMMY_CEO?!]: "WAIT THAT'S SU YU'S MOM?! SHE'S THE REAL FINAL BOSS!"
[LuDynastyChaos]: "Lu Corp is officially run by the craziest, most dysfunctional family EVER!"
[SecretaryDaddy]: "LU ZHENHAI IS A SECRETARY NOW?! I CAN'T BREATHE!"
(Back in the Room - Su Yu)
Su Yu stared at the screen, mouth agape, watching his own mother orchestrate his descent into VR hell while his father served her coffee. The betrayal felt... biblical.
Su Yu (Whispering blankly):
"Mom...? You sold me... to your own company... as a beta tester... for a game probably designed by my traitorous interns...? Is this... peak capitalism?"
Hang Mu (Reappearing on screen, practically vibrating with excitement):
"Enough family drama! VR Headsets and Haptic Suits are hidden within your rooms! Find them! Gear up! For the glory of Lu Corporation... and your own survival... LET! THE! GAME! BEGIN!"
Instructions flashed: Locate VR gear. Suit up. Prepare for digital immersion/suffering.
(Into the Virtual World - Su Yu)
Su Yu located the sleek VR headset and surprisingly comfortable haptic suit. He geared up, feeling a mix of dread and morbid curiosity. As the headset activated, a holographic interface flared to life.
[SYSTEM]: ENTER YOUR CHARACTER NAME:
Su Yu, fueled by spite and residual CEO energy, typed without hesitation:
The_Real_Boss
Accepted. Character creation wheel spun wildly – knights, mages, assassins, fluffy bunnies with laser eyes...
Su Yu (Sweating slightly):
"No, no, just... standard? Business casual? My actual suit, maybe?"
The options vanished. The system flickered.
[SYSTEM]: ACCESSING OWNER PROFILE... LU SIYAN. OVERRIDE INITIATED. WELCOME BACK, ADMINISTRATOR.
Su Yu (Panicking):
"LU SIYAN?! WHO IS THAT?! NO! WRONG GUY! ABORT!"
Too late. A cascade of glitching blue and black energy enveloped his avatar. His appearance forcibly changed.
[AVATAR LOCKED]:
* Outfit: Shadow Syndicate Business Attire (Black, vaguely menacing)
* Gloves: Azure Data-Gloves (Glow faintly)
* Aura: Unstable Glitch Effect (Blue/Black particles)
[STATUS]:
* Name: The_Real_Boss (Admin Override: LU SIYAN)
* Linked NPC Status: ACTIVE - Linling (Designation: ???)
* Special Ability: [SYSTEM REWRITE] (Admin Privilege) - Currently Locked.
(Linling's Side - Character Creation)
Linling donned her headset, expression stormy. Her system immediately flashed warnings.
[SYSTEM]: WARNING! DUPLICATE PROFILE DETECTED: 'Linling'. INITIATING SPECIAL ROLE ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL.
Three dramatically different avatars spun before her:
* Empress of Eternal Frost: A stunning, tyrannical ice queen who famously backstabbed King Lu Siyan and stole his throne. (Default Villain Route)
* Devoted Wife Linling: A saccharine-sweet, doe-eyed NPC programmed for unwavering loyalty and baking skills. (Maximum Suffering Route)
* Player Mode: Standard player character. (Boring Route)
Linling (Gritting teeth so hard they might crack):
"That infuriating block of ice coded me as BOTH his wife AND his murderer?! The sheer nerve!"
After contemplating Option 1 with murderous intent, she begrudgingly selected "Player Mode."
Linling (Muttering darkly):
"Fine. Player Mode. Makes it easier to hunt him down personally."
(Other Contestants Choose Their Classes):
* Ruan Yue: Assassin (Specialty: Stealth, Backstabbing, Looking Innocent)
* Shen Ye: Elementalist (Specialty: Dramatic Poses, Sighing, Accidental Collateral Damage)
* Xu Jie: Paladin (Specialty: Tanking Hits, Defending Honour, Complaining About Watches)
* Ning Rou: Priestess (Specialty: Healing Allies, Cursing Enemies, Sweetly Threatening Smiles)
* Zhao Feng: Berserker (Specialty: Charging In Recklessly, High Damage, Low Strategy)
* Miya: Archer (Specialty: Long-Range Support, Tactical Retreats, Apologizing Profusely)
* Jian Hao: Bard (Specialty: Buffing Allies, Annoying Enemies with Bad Music, Running Away)
* Qing Qing: Rogue (Specialty: Pickpocketing, Setting Traps, Blaming Others)
(Arrival in 'Chronicles of Legacy' - Novice Village Square)
FLASH! A column of glitching blue light deposited Su Yu dramatically in the center of a quaint, peaceful village square. NPCs instantly began cheering, throwing pixelated flowers, bowing reverently. "The Administrator has returned!"
Before Su Yu could even process the unwanted adoration... WHOOSH! Another portal opened nearby. Linling stepped out, clad in sleek, black starter combat gear, her eyes immediately locking onto Su Yu like heat-seeking missiles.
Linling (Internal Monologue):
"Target acquired. Commencing Operation: Punch The Smug Look Off His Stupidly Handsome Face."
She lunged—
BZZZZZT! A shimmering blue barrier erupted around Su Yu, repelling her instantly.
Su Yu (Startled, scrambling back):
"WHOA! Hostile player! Why?! What did I do?!"
Before Linling could retort, a system message slammed into Su Yu's vision:
[ADMINISTRATOR DEFENSE PROTOCOL: ACTIVE]
[PROTECTION LEVEL: MAXIMUM]
[Cannot be harmed by non-Admin players within designated Safe Zones.]
Simultaneously, on Linling's screen:
[SYSTEM]: Attack Failed! Target Invulnerable!
[RECOIL DAMAGE SUSTAINED: 10 HP!]
[CURRENT HP: 90/100]
Linling stumbled back, momentarily stunned, radiating pure fury. She charged again—
BEEP BEEP BEEP! RED ALERT!
[SYSTEM WARNING - SU YU]: Proximity Alert! Linked NPC 'Linling' Detected Nearby!
Before either of them could react, another figure materialized beside Su Yu – a perfect digital replica of Linling, but with wide, sparkling anime eyes and an expression of pure, unwavering devotion. This NPC Linling instantly glomped onto Su Yu's arm.
NPC Linling (Voice sickeningly sweet, nuzzling his shoulder):
"Husband! You're finally here! I missed you SO much! Did you bring me presents?!" (Sparkles literally emanated from her.)
Su Yu (Staring in horror, utterly dead inside):
"....Send help. Send therapy. Send a tactical nuke."
A new pop-up appeared on the real Linling's interface:
[SYSTEM]: LINKED NPC VARIANT ACTIVE: 'Sweet Wife Linling'.
Affinity Level: 100/100 (Dangerously Obsessed).
Special Ability: 'Unescapable Devotion Cling' (Target cannot move freely while skill is active).
[SYSTEM]: Perspective Sync Option Available:
[Switch to Linked NPC View?]
[Remain as Player?]
Linling (Veins visibly throbbing in her temple):
"SWITCH?! TO THAT... THAT BRAINLESS SIMPERING IDIOT?! I'D RATHER DELETE MY ACCOUNT!"
Enraged, she stormed forward, grabbed the NPC Linling by the digital collar, and attempted to throw her across the village square.
-1 HP! (The NPC took minimal damage but looked utterly bewildered).
System Warning (Blaring in Linling's ears):
[WARNING! ATTACKING LINKED NPC DETRIMENTAL TO PLAYER SYNC! ALL DAMAGE IS SHARED! CEASE HOSTILITIES!]
NPC Linling sat up, lower lip trembling, big tears welling in her enormous digital eyes.
NPC Linling (Sniffling pitifully, pointing at the real Linling):
"W-who are you?! Why do you have my face, mean lady?! Husband, did you replace me?! Did you find someone younger?! AM I BEING ABANDONED?! WAAAAAAAH!" (She burst into loud, ugly, pixelated tears, clinging tighter to Su Yu's leg).
The surrounding Villager NPCs immediately turned hostile. Grannies brandished rolling pins. Farmers hefted pitchforks. The butcher sharpened his cleaver ominously.
Villager NPCs (Shouting angrily):
"MAKING YOUR POOR WIFE CRY?!"
"SHAME! SCUM! TWO-TIMING HUSBAND!"
"APOLOGIZE! BUY HER FLOWERS! RENEW YOUR VOWS!"
"GET HIM!"
Su Yu, paralyzed by the clingy NPC and surrounded by an angry mob, felt his sanity fraying at the edges.
(Nearby Rooftop - Spectator Mode)
Perched casually on a rooftop overlooking the chaos, Ruan Yue elegantly peeled a virtual orange, occasionally tossing peels down onto the angry mob below. Shen Ye stood beside her rigidly, arms laden with her shopping bags (virtual, but heavy with implied servitude). He looked like a tragically beautiful coat rack.
Ruan Yue (Munching thoughtfully, observing the Su Yu/Linling(s) drama):
"Hmm. Fascinating. Note to self: Emotional manipulation is far more effective than direct assault. That fool deserves this public humiliation."
Shen Ye (Stared blankly at the horizon, a single tear escaping):
"My character class is 'Magician.' My current role is 'Pack Mule/Emotional Support Statue.' Is there... is there a respawn button for my dignity?"
Ruan Yue (Smiling sweetly, patting his cheek):
"Nonsense, darling. Your suffering provides excellent entertainment. Now, hold still while I finish this orange."
(Audience Live Comments - Pure Joy):
[NPCWifeFTW]: "AHAHAHA THE NPC WIFE IS MORE CLINGY THAN A VIRUS!"
[RIP_SuYu_Sanity]: "Bro trapped between two Linlings and an angry mob! Best reality show EVER!"
[JusticeForShenYe]: "Free Shen Ye! Let the man cast ONE spell!"
[RuanYueBestVillain]: "Ruan Yue just eating snacks watching the world burn is my spirit animal."
[LuMomTrolling]: "I BET SU YU'S MOM DESIGNED THIS NPC! ULTIMATE TROLL!"