Why Do All the Male Protagonists Look at Me Like That

[BL dating show, ensemble cast, everyone has a crush on the protagonist, no secondary couples, jealousy and romantic rivalry, sweet and satisfying story with a universally adored bottom + possessive, jealous top who’s obsessed with his wife]

Zhai Xingchen wakes up inside a novel about a dating show for the rich. Its eight contestants are nearly all stunningly beautiful and wealthy, making it the ultimate dating show.

For example, Contestant No. 1 is notorious, gloomy, and so intimidating that everyone avoids him. He’s only interested in financial data, yet his face is devastatingly handsome. One casual smile is enough to make hearts race. He’s a walking clothes hanger, the future head of a business empire, and the kind of man who can swipe his bank card without a second thought.

Contestant No. 2 is a domineering, charismatic straight man, 191 cm tall, with a tiny waist and sculpted muscles. He’s destined to become famous around the world, but for now he’s starting his own business. In a year, he’ll suddenly strike it rich, and before long he’ll be the young owner of a publicly traded company.

Contestant No. 3 is a cool and reserved gentleman who always buttons his shirt all the way to the top. He’s extremely particular about cleanliness, but beneath the surface he has a twisted, burning heart. He’s a renowned professional esports player in China.

The other contestants are all rich kids, too. There’s the passionate, glamorous queen of a bottom,

the restrained, reserved, highly educated bottom,

and the dignified, steady, mature bottom, among others.

But Zhai Xingchen is a cannon-fodder character in the dating-show novel. He does the most work and gets the least screen time. From beginning to end, he never receives a single message expressing romantic interest. He’s a thoroughly disposable tool character.

Ah, this character is perfect for him!

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Zhai Xingchen diligently plays his role as a tool character, determined to be the contestants’ little matchstick of love: burning himself up to light the way for others.

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When someone is hurt by Contestant No. 1’s coldness, he comforts them: “He’s only so gloomy because his childhood was unhappy. Don’t you want to be the only light in his life?”

When everyone thinks Contestant No. 2 is too greasy and domineering, he explains: “Don’t you think he’s full of kingly charisma? He’s bound to be extraordinary. I believe in him!”

As for Contestant No. 3: “Isn’t his cool, abstinent look so enticing? Don’t you want to rip his shirt open?”

Thanks to his efforts, the show becomes a huge hit.

Contestant No. 1: “He’s the only light in my life.”

Contestant No. 2: “He’s the only one who understands me.”

Contestant No. 3: “What I’m thinking can’t be aired, even if I say it out loud.”

Contestants No. 4, 5, 6, and 7: “I love him.”

Zhai Xingchen: “…Huh?”

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When the show first airs, viewers say: “The contestants don’t seem like the dating type.”

Later, they say: “Every episode is a jealousy-fueled showdown. So thrilling!”

“This is way too sweet! I’m blushing!”

The production team: “We really did our best to cut out the most over-the-top parts. We are, after all, a primetime variety show.”

+ Viewers: “Don’t cut anything! What paid content could possibly be too much for us noble VIPs to watch?”

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A note for anyone worried: Everyone has a crush on him. Not one of them will get away.

All contestants are over 20.

There are no villains in this story. Everyone is beautiful and kindhearted.

The bottom is a Mary Sue, skilled at everything: cooking, dancing, skydiving, playing instruments, horseback riding, painting, and more.

Theme: Good people get good things in return, and good deeds are always rewarded.

All the author’s stories feature pure one-on-one love. The top and bottom are each other’s one and only love in this lifetime. +

The male lead gets the home-court advantage in this Jinjiang story, so don’t ship the wrong pair!

Completed story of the same type: “Why Do My Roommates All Look at Me Like That?”

Ongoing story of the same type: “Why Do All the Rich and Powerful Men Look at Me Like That?”

Theme: Good people get good things in return