Lin Xu, T University's widely recognized prodigy. His photos have appeared on the campus message board for years, mostly accompanied by confessions about his stunning looks.
Not only is he an excellent student, he's also polite and well-mannered, making him the dream lover of everyone on campus.
When the Heartbeat Signal production team sincerely invited him to join the show, he turned them down without a second thought.
Just as he turned to leave, the assistant beside him muttered without thinking, "What a shame. The pay for this one is especially good."
Lin Xu paused, a smile curling his lips. "How about we talk it over in more detail?"
--
In the public eye, Fu Tan is an untouchable top-tier star in the entertainment industry, with an air of elegance and distinction.
Only a handful of people close to him know that he has a private habit utterly at odds with his public image.
Whenever he has a spare moment, he reliably tunes in to the livestream of a certain gaming streamer.
As a longtime fan, he never misses a single stream. Until one day, he sees a shocking announcement on streamer Lin Xu's Weibo.
The streamer he follows is taking a whole month off.
Just then, a childhood friend comes knocking. He's preparing his first dating reality show, Heartbeat Signal, and tries every possible way to persuade Fu Tan, a top-tier star, to lend the show some star power.
Fu Tan has no interest at all, but his friend turns around and tells his family. They were already anxious that Fu Tan still wasn't dating, and now they seize their chance.
After a barrage of persuasion and pressure, Fu Tan reluctantly agrees to join the show.
"Well, that's fine," he thinks.
The streamer's break happens to coincide with the filming period. By the time the show is over, his little streamer should be back.
--
Filming begins on the dating show Heartbeat Signal. Fu Tan, appearing as a major guest, causes a sensation, while Lin Xu quietly joins as an ordinary participant. When they first meet, Lin Xu is courteous and greets Fu Tan of his own accord.
"Hello, Mr. Fu. I'm Lin Xu."
"Hello."
Fu Tan gives him a cursory glance, releases his hand after a brief handshake, and remains aloof. Lin Xu has heard plenty about Fu Tan's personality, so he doesn't mind the momentary coldness.
He assumes the two of them won't have much to do with each other. That is, until Lin Xu accidentally gives himself away during a game on the show.
The gaming jargon he habitually uses is the signature catchphrase of the streamer Fu Tan has followed for countless days and nights, the one who never shows his face.
Fu Tan freezes on the spot, his gaze darkening. That night, he makes his way to Lin Xu's door, pins him in a corner against the wall, and leans close.
"Lin Xu, want to be my CP?" he asks.
[Reading Guide]
1. An alternate world where same-sex couples can marry
Theme: I'm going to pursue my wife, no matter what
