Chapter 8: Did You Save My Life in a Past Life?

When the camera zoomed in on his face, a striking, chiseled countenance appeared on every screen—cold, sculpted features, a rakish smirk brimming with untamed confidence. The camera angle was merciless, a so-called death angle. Yet from any perspective, that god-crafted face was flawless, not a single blemish to be found.

Half angel, half devil—his rebellious, untamable visage was paired with a pair of soulful, almond-shaped eyes, as if two utterly contradictory hues had fused and collided to create an even higher order of beauty.

It was this that made Yi Linglin, who had been chatting with ease and poise just moments before, unable to restrain herself when she saw him. She blurted out his name, “Song Wang—”

[Holy hell, the frog really did turn into a prince—a prince so gorgeous I just want to pounce on him.]

[Calm down up there. Honestly, I just want to sleep with him first.]

[This lifetime, I must date someone like this, must date someone like this, must date someone like this…]

[Am I the only one feeling bad for the ex? She actually turned down a date with this godly hunk?]

[Are you all only looking at his face? This is Song Wang! Do you even know who he is?]

[Search engines are on the scene: Song Wang, eldest grandson of the illustrious Song family of the capital, rumored to have Manchu aristocratic blood, a scion of wealth and power, the family’s influence spanning politics and business. Graduated with a double degree from MA University at eighteen, founded MG Games at nineteen, first game brought in three hundred million yuan in its first month. According to the latest stats, he’s now ranked tenth on the national rich list.]

[Oh, by the way, he just turned twenty-five.]

[At twenty-five he’s topping the rich list with a limitless future, and at twenty-five I can’t even pay my rent and utilities—my life is a stagnant pond.]

[I thought maybe I could be his sugar mommy, but when I look down and see twenty million in savings, I realize I’m just a pauper.]

[Above comment is out of line. Jealousy is a crime, you know.]

Online, Song Wang’s arrival caused a frenzy. In no time, he topped the trending searches, and MG Games, his company, was flooded with inquiries.

Back at the dating show, while Song Wang became the center of attention, his cool, faintly smiling gaze landed on Su Nian, who had her back to him. She remained utterly indifferent, as if nothing could disturb her, focused solely on her task.

Still the workaholic she always was.

Song Wang’s thin lips curved ever so slightly as he wheeled his black suitcase into the Love Cabin.

Everyone present was attractive, but Song Wang’s presence was like a blinding light—impossible to ignore, yet no one dared approach too close. He didn’t greet anyone, as if he couldn’t care less about playing to the crowd. He was unapologetically himself, walking with a swagger that was both rebellious and arrogant.

“Song Wang—”

As he wheeled his suitcase past Yi Linglin—

After calling his name and getting no response, Yi Linglin couldn’t help but call out again. Song Wang turned slightly, his almond eyes tinged with mild confusion as he looked at her. There was no extra emotion, yet it left the usually unflappable, socially adept Yi Linglin blushing and at a loss for words.

“Well, I didn’t expect you’d actually join the show. Our previous interview collaboration was—very pleasant—” For the usually poised goddess, this was the least reserved Yi Linglin had ever been.

But Song Wang’s confusion only deepened. He stared at her for three seconds before replying coolly, “Sorry, which platform are you a reporter for?”

He genuinely had no memory of her.

As the nation’s “first-love face,” Yi Linglin had always been pursued by men. She never dreamed that Song Wang wouldn’t even remember her name.

Though she felt wronged, her host’s instincts kicked in and she quickly composed herself, introducing herself, “Mr. Song, you meet so many people, it’s no wonder. I’m the host for Yuzu Channel—my name is—”

“Excuse me, can I get by?”

Before she could finish, Song Wang’s voice cut in. His tone was polite, not the least bit rude—as if she really was just blocking his way.

“Sorry—”

A flush of embarrassment flashed across her face, and she stepped aside, looking a little aggrieved.

[It’s so rare to see the goddess Yi take the initiative—could Song Wang be the one who got her on the show?]

[So what if he is? He doesn’t seem interested in her.]

[Wait, am I seeing this right? Is Song Wang heading toward the ex?]

The viewers were not mistaken. Song Wang stopped just a few steps away from Su Nian.

“Demon Queen?”

The probing tone prompted Su Nian to look up at him for the first time. Perfect features, sculpted face and physique, and that aura—exactly like her real-world nemesis.

Unable to best her in business, he’d slyly tried to dig for her taste in men. He’d constantly tried to charm her with his looks. A scheming scoundrel, trying to turn her into a love-struck fool—he was the very definition of shameless.

But if he could call her by her alias—could he be the “Question Mark Guy”?

“Question Mark Guy?” Su Nian echoed in the same probing tone.

Song Wang: ?

His alias was supposed to be the “Straightforward Iron Man.” What was this about Question Mark Guy? Did Su Nian call other male guests too?

Song Wang felt a mix of annoyance and amusement, and his voice carried a trace of grievance when he spoke, “Why did you turn down my invitation?”

At those words, the other guests—and the viewers—were all stunned.

[Why does it feel like Song Wang’s questioning her like he caught his girlfriend cheating? That’s a lot of resentment.]

[Seriously, Song Wang is perfect, but did fate nail shut the window to his soul? Why is he into the ex?]

[I think Yi Linglin’s about to cry.]

[The ex must feel smug now—if she seizes the chance, she could experience the classic ‘ex chasing his wife after a breakup’ plot.]

[You all read too many novels. With someone like Su Nian, our En-ge would never go back to his ex.]

Li Ming’en indeed wasn’t the type to go back—he was fuming instead. Just seeing how Song Wang treated Su Nian, it was clear they were close. Did this mean that, apart from him smearing her reputation by accusing her of cheating, she had actually cuckolded him?

Li Ming’en was seething. How could that wicked woman two-time him like this!

“Nian Nian, you and Mr. Song—did you know each other before?” Li Ming’en finally couldn’t help himself, speaking with a forced smile and using a deliberately intimate nickname.

Su Nian’s lips twitched as she shot back at him first.

“You talking to me? Sorry, I don’t understand dog language.”

Then, turning to Song Wang with a look of feigned confusion, she added,

“Did you save my life in a past life? Why can’t I refuse your invitation?”