Newlywed Reality Show

[The title and blurb have been revised. Please see the author's note in Chapter 1 for details.] He Qinghe and Fu Chen married after being introduced by their families. Their families had business ties, so they were well matched and knew each other well. After the wedding, they treated each other with courtesy and respect. They never argued, discussed everything together, ate on time, let each other know when something came up, and exchanged gifts on their anniversaries. He Qinghe thought their life would remain this peaceful, until he and Fu Chen became guests on a variety show about married couples. * The wealthy couple: Fu Chen x He Qinghe Audience: "This couple is so rich. One is a domineering CEO, the other a young master from a wealthy family." "A legendary business alliance marriage?" At first, everyone was very interested in the wealthy couple. But when the show aired, they realized it wasn't like that at all. "This CEO is way too rigid. He gets up on time and eats on time every day. Every move is like he's following a program. He never smiles, like a robot. So boring." "The other one's the opposite. He smiles no matter what happens. He's pretty, and his smile is gentle, but he seems like a lifeless, exquisite doll." "Put the two of them together and they're so polite. They can eat at the same table without saying a word. So boring." The audience dubbed them the "Polar Couple," mocking how they treated each other with icy courtesy. * The Polar Couple ranked at the bottom in popularity on the show. He Qinghe felt a little down and began to wonder if there was something wrong with his marriage. He suggested that Fu Chen move out temporarily so they could both think about their future. Fu Chen, who rarely smiled, suddenly took his hand and said seriously, "I don't think there's anything wrong between us." "You're wonderful. I'm happy I married you." He Qinghe saw the tips of his usually distant and reserved husband's ears turn red. * Later, viewers began spotting little moments of sweetness between the Polar Couple. The more they looked, the more they found. It was unbearably sweet. Coming soon: Rising Through the Ranks by Spitting Blood The Su family's fortunes have dwindled in this generation, and few family members remain. All they have left is a house and a few acres of farmland, making them a tempting target. A local bully came to seize the Su family's property. With only the old, weak, women, and children at home, they had no power to stop him. As the bully was about to run rampant, the Su family had no choice but to carry out their eldest young master, Su Mi, who had been bedridden with a chronic illness. The young master leaned back in a reclining chair. His face was white as paper, his hair black as ink, and his delicate features made him look like an immortal from a painting. He gazed at the crowd before him and parted his thin lips. Before he could say a word, he spat out a mouthful of blood. Scarlet blood stained his pale skin, blooming at the corner of his lips like a red plum. Everyone who saw the scene had the same thought. ...So beautiful. Not one of the bullies dared approach him. Su Mi: ...This body I transmigrated into is way too weak. * News that Su Mi had driven off the bandits all by himself spread throughout the city. The local magistrate came to ask him for advice. Su Mi: I can't do it. I'm too weak. I need to lie down for a while. As he spoke, he spat out another mouthful of blood and promptly passed out. Magistrate: Young Master Su looks so beautiful, even unconscious... No, Young Master Su has devoted himself body and soul to the people of the city and exhausted himself devising a plan. What noble conduct! * Su Mi kept rising through the ranks, eventually reaching the emperor. During court, he couldn't help spitting up blood again. All the officials: Chancellor Su is a man of noble character who has given everything for the country. We humbly ask Your Majesty to reward him. Su Mi: Could the emperor give me that jade pillow from the palace? I heard it's warm in winter and cool in summer, and very comfortable to sleep on. The emperor steadied Su Mi. "Chancellor Su is so virtuous and capable, I can't think of how else to promote you. The only position left vacant is the empress's. Would you be willing to accept it?" Theme: Don't worry about what others think. Live your own life.