Chapter 11: The "Earthly Delusions" Couple

As Song Wang's icy aura drew nearer, Su Nian's brows furrowed so tightly she could have crushed a fly between them. She admitted this face was truly unbeatable—features exquisitely carved, sharp and defined, flawless skin unmarred by the slightest imperfection. Like a masterpiece sculpted by the goddess Nuwa herself, after eighty-one painstaking days. Yet men, as a species that only slowed her money-making pace, were never her cup of tea. Even the most handsome tricks couldn't sway her.

"If you don't move away, I'm afraid I won't be able to resist slapping you," Su Nian said coolly, lips parted with indifference. There was not a hint of being bewitched by masculine beauty. It was as if the man before her wasn't a peerless Adonis but merely a wax figure.

[“To slap him! Haha, is this the fighter-jet of straight women?”]
[“No effect, absolutely no effect.”]
[“Su Nian, move aside, let me try—I can do it!”]
[“Such a waste, such a waste—I would have hugged him and started nibbling already.”]
[“Nibbling is a bit much, let’s stay reserved—I’d just sweep him up like a whirlwind.”]

The online commentary was becoming increasingly inappropriate. Yet Song Wang, confronted with Su Nian's straightforward rejection, didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled, his mood visibly brightened as he lazily straightened up, plucking a peach blossom from her hair. Su Nian—it really was you!

The smile on Song Wang's thin lips grew dazzling, and watching this man seemingly under some spell, Su Nian wondered if he was losing his mind. How could someone be insulted and still grin so foolishly?

"Such a cliché approach—I suggest you stop using it. Even if you're handsome, you’re still at risk of a day trip to the police station," Su Nian lectured, her brows knitted in exasperation, looking every bit the stern teacher.

[“Come on, Su Nian, that’s no fun—this is a romance show, let people show their charm!”]
[“Is this a distortion of values or a collapse of morals? Is Su Nian really just one of the girls?”]
[“I can’t stand it—just want to see sweet romance, not iron-willed rejection. If it weren’t for Song Wang’s looks, I couldn’t last a second.”]
[“Bet Song Wang regrets picking such a steely straight woman as his date.”]

Contrary to the netizens’ speculation, Song Wang, after probing, found his answer confirmed. Outwardly he remained cool and aloof, but inwardly he was a joyful puppy rolling in delight.

"Mm, I humbly accept your advice," Song Wang nodded in agreement, showing not a trace of impatience at her lecture.

He played along perfectly. Then he turned his divine face to the camera, offering a real-time example. "Just now I demonstrated an incorrect way to strike up a conversation. Gentlemen, please learn from this—respect women, lest you be mistaken for a scoundrel."

The word “scoundrel,” emerging from Song Wang’s lips, did nothing to tarnish his image—in fact, it carried an inexplicable allure.

[“Handsome, receptive, willing to reflect—I take back my earlier comments about Song Wang being cold and unapproachable.”]
[“Ah, a man who respects women is instantly more likable!”]
[“Attracted by his looks, captivated by his character—I declare myself firmly in Song Wang’s fan club.”]
[“Suddenly, I feel like the ex-girlfriend’s behavior was actually a positive example.”]
[“Girls truly need to bravely say no to harassment, even if the guy is as good-looking as Song Wang—bad people don’t have it written on their faces.”]
[“Thanks to the ex and Song Wang for demonstrating proper flirting etiquette.”]

With their exemplary demonstration, Su Nian and Song Wang gained a new wave of fans for their “Mortal Delusions” couple pairing. Their segment was uploaded by eager viewers to major websites, becoming a model lesson in male etiquette, for men everywhere to learn from.

Su Nian had no idea about the netizens’ spontaneous actions. Nor did she know that Song Wang’s “active cooperation” had reshaped her image in the public eye—from the “unromantic iron-willed woman” to the “guiding star of healthy romance.”

After accepting Song Wang’s reflection, their candlelit dinner officially began. The show’s producers had clearly spared no expense: besides a private outdoor waterside seat, there was a violinist and a champagne-rose cart, all set for the ultimate romantic atmosphere.

Unfortunately, Su Nian, allergic to romance, couldn’t help but rub her nose and sneeze several times as the champagne-rose cart rolled in. Song Wang noticed this immediately, gesturing to the attendant to wheel away the rose cart, leaving only the champagne.

Once the roses were gone, Su Nian recovered. Then she watched as Song Wang picked up a red rose from the vase and flicked it into the water with a swift motion.

[“What did the flower do to deserve such rough treatment?”]
[“As a detective, I sense something’s off—first the rose cart gets taken away, now the vase rose is tossed. Blind guess: the ex-girlfriend is allergic to pollen.”]
[“She’s allergic to pollen, so Song Wang removes all the roses. Such quiet consideration—it’s like a novel come to life.”]
[“Still don’t get it—how did the ex, a so-called ‘used shoe,’ win Song Wang’s favor?”]
[“That’s harsh—no need to be jealous. Everyone has their tastes, and I think their looks are perfectly matched.”]
…

"You—"

Watching the rose drop vertically into the water, Su Nian showed a trace of confusion. She was allergic to pollen, but the original Su Nian wasn’t. So, how did Song Wang know?

Meeting Su Nian’s inquiring gaze, Song Wang answered without batting an eye, “Sorry, I’m allergic to pollen.”

Su Nian breathed a sigh of relief—it wasn’t because of her.

"I understand."

The fans who had been enjoying the couple’s chemistry suddenly found their sweet moment shattered by Song Wang’s explanation.

[“Haha, I knew it—no matter how pretty the ex is, a guy like Song Wang couldn’t possibly be so obviously lovestruck.”]
[“What a mix-up, what a big misunderstanding.”]
[“Anyone shipping this couple can disperse now.”]
[“I wish I could jump into the water and retrieve the flower Song Wang threw away.”]
[“I wish I could swap places with the ex and have a candlelit dinner with Song Wang.”]
…

It was probably the fastest “untangling” of a couple in history—within a blink, Song Wang’s admirers happily started imagining themselves in her place.

The courses arrived one after another: champagne paired with tomahawk steak and Caesar salad. Both displayed impeccable table manners, and with the camera pulled back, the scene was as beautiful as a painting.

[“I’ve noticed—the ex is most beautiful when she’s not speaking.”]
[“Why does their meal give me such a sense of balance and harmony? Are my eyes deceiving me?”]
[“I work at an eye hospital, come in for an urgent appointment next Monday.”]

Su Nian thought that after this dinner, she would finally be able to return home for her beauty sleep. But at the crucial moment, the producers handed the dating guests a task card. The mission was called “Speak Without Reservation.” Ostensibly, it was to help the guests understand each other better, asking some questions. In reality, the questions were all traps, designed to satisfy the audience’s curiosity.

Su Nian and Song Wang each flipped through their cards. When Su Nian saw the first question directed at Song Wang, her calm expression cracked.