A Beat Behind

[The full text costs three yuan, please support it. Revising at a leisurely pace, and my new novel is out, please add it to your favorites.]

[First-chair violinist X rising tech mogul | Second male lead takes the lead | Fake romance turns real]

On Valentine's Day, Shu Ruqing got a call from her boyfriend.

"I'm only acting when I go on that dating show. Don't get the wrong idea. You're the one I love."

"My agent booked the gig, so I have no choice but to go."

"You'll believe me, won't you? You love me so much."

"I believe you..."

"...my ass!"

Shu Ruqing sneered and immediately agreed to appear on the show after the production team invited her.

"You want to go on a dating show? What a coincidence. So do I."

"Just not with you."

She'd come to her senses.

Was a domineering CEO or a handsome younger wolfdog not good enough for her?

Rather than wait for a scumbag to change his mind, she could toss him straight into the trash.

Nothing felt better than showing off a loving relationship in front of your scummy ex-boyfriend.

So, before filming began, she paid one of the male contestants to pretend to be her boyfriend.

He was tall, handsome, gentle, considerate, sweet-talking, and obedient. Apart from being a little clueless at first, Shu Ruqing was quite satisfied with him.

When the show ended, she was perfectly happy with their contractual romance.

She was about to call it quits and give him a five-star review while she was at it.

"We're through."

She'd barely said the words when a refund from her "fake boyfriend" suddenly appeared on her phone.

The man wrote with utmost sincerity: "I'm sorry. I was in a car accident on the way here and only just woke up. But luckily, the production team replaced me..."

Shu Ruqing hadn't finished reading when she looked up and saw Xu Huaize, his face dark, hooking a finger under her chin.

"You flirt with me and then think you can leave? Not a chance."

"...?"

What do you mean, you mistook me for someone else? Wait, aren't we client and contractor? I'm tired of your looks and want to move on to the next guy. I'm not your girlfriend, okay?!

*

Everyone knew that Xu Huaize, a man whose thoughts were impossible to fathom, was perfect in every way, yet no woman could catch his eye.

Even on a dating show, he remained indifferent to the female contestants, whether dazzling or sweet and innocent.

As for Shu Ruqing, everyone was convinced theirs was just a business pairing. They'd split up as soon as the show ended.

Until one day, behind-the-scenes footage from the show suddenly came out.

The usually reserved and aloof man cornered Shu Ruqing, his eyes burning and his voice low and husky. "The cameras are still rolling. Can't we keep talking a little longer?"

Everyone: !? So he was the one clinging to her and playing up their couple image.

I'd only just managed to see you again. I'm not breaking up with you.

[Reader's Notes]

1. Sweet and satisfying romance set on a dating show. The civilian leads don't enter the entertainment industry. 90% anti-piracy protection.

2. A mischievous first-chair violinist who flirts without realizing it X a wicked, scheming fox with irresistible charm. The male lead's fake romance turns real. The second male lead chases his ex in vain.

---- Please add my upcoming fantasy romance, The Spoiled Supporting Actress Joins a Stepmom Reality Show ----

Ruan Mianmian was reborn.

Only then did she learn that she was a cannon-fodder supporting actress in an entertainment-industry novel. According to the original plot, she was about to appear on a celebrity parenting show, where her wholesome image as everyone's dream wife would completely fall apart, earning her the scorn of countless online commenters.

Ruan Mianmian: ...How is calling me kind and virtuous, and saying I'd make a good wife, an insult? You can't just insult people like that!

Now she had money, free time, and beauty. This time, Ruan Mianmian decided to live for herself.

And so...

On the first day of the show, the production team asked all the moms to dress up to meet the kids.

The others wore elegant gowns or head-to-toe designer clothes. Ruan Mianmian was the only one who carefully picked out a Lolita outfit, dressed even more flamboyantly than the children on stage. She actually challenged the production team: "Didn't you say to pick our most expensive clothes? This is it."

Viewers: ? Is there something a little off about this mom's vibe?!

On the second day, the families all met up for a meal.

The others either chose dishes carefully or asked the kids what they liked first. Ruan Mianmian, however, briskly ordered several dishes that one of the children couldn't eat. The child pouted and was about to cry, but she retorted without a hint of shame: "We're eating together. Why should we only order what you want?"

Viewers: ?? Wait, that actually kind of makes sense?!

On the Nth day of the show, a child secretly brought home a bag of junk food late at night.

When Ruan Mianmian found out, she grabbed the child with a stern look and demanded to confiscate it.

The viewers began to look forward to it.

Had Ruan Mianmian finally realized her role and decided to teach the child not to eat too many snacks?

But instead, Ruan Mianmian tore open the packaging and declared fiercely:

"No eating all of it by yourself!"

Viewers: ??? How old are you? Why are you fighting a kid for snacks?!

But for some reason... this kind of mom seems pretty charming, too.

*

[The Daughter's Perspective]

After being reborn, Jiang Ziyin transmigrated into the body of a six-year-old orphan.

Housing prices hadn't soared yet. Her mother, Ruan Mianmian, was still young, and Fu Zenian, the cold-faced, bad-tempered boy who was her mother's rival in a marriage alliance, was still a little kid.

There was still time to change everything and avoid all that suffering.

Don't give up your dreams for me. Don't bend over backward because of me.

This time, let me take care of you, Mom.

After all, you're a little princess, too.

[Reader's Notes]

1. A dual female-lead story with both mother and daughter reborn. The mother is a spoiled little princess, and the protagonist is a little CEO; each has a love interest. A warm family story. The protagonist's romance only begins when she is an adult. The reborn orphan and her mother are not related by blood, but they will still become family.

Theme: Everyone should take life seriously.