I have a persona specifically for acting.

In East Asian cultural environments, male tears are often suppressed.

Men’s tears are rarely shed, and men are expected to bleed without crying…

It all sounds quite tragic for men, but it also creates a certain appeal— the more they resist showing vulnerability, the more one wants to peel away their strong facade, to see their genuine emotions. In the moment of their collapse, to kiss their tears, accept their sharp edges, and embrace their weakness.

With her delicate hand, Tong Zhao gently caressed Han Zhi’s chin, her mind filled with an unspoken dark amusement.

In the close-up, her fingertips lightly traced over his Adam’s apple.

[Ugh, Tong Zhao really has the face of an Omega with the demeanor of an Alpha.]

[Male viewers might be confused—what is an Alpha?]

[For the male viewers up front, don’t leave. I’ve got a file on the topic to discuss with you…]

Han Zhi grasped her wrist and lifted his eyelids, looking at her with an expressionless face.

His eyes, hidden behind his lashes, were deep and intense, as if they might pull someone in, never to return.

“Want to make me cry? That’s a bit of a challenge.”

She touched his cervical vertebra.

The bone, connected to the muscles, held a latent explosive strength like a leopard. Her cool fingertips traced over his muscle lines, which were all describable parts, yet the atmosphere between them was rapidly approaching an unbroadcastable red line: “What about your gentlemanly conduct towards women? Come on, cry for me.”

Tong Zhao chuckled with a provocative and unruly attitude.

Han Zhi found himself somewhat at a loss with this type of behavior, feeling as if he had missed a step. It was a mix of reluctance and anger—why was she so domineering with him? However, his tolerance for women was particularly high. He took the opportunity to pull her into his lap and kissed her ear: “Stop messing around… If I cried, it wouldn’t be anything special. ‘Pear blossoms bring rain’ is used to describe women, right? You’d definitely look better crying than I would.”

“That’s true.”

Tong Zhao agreed.

She herself had used fake crying to achieve her goals before.

Once she was seated in his lap, the audience began anticipating more risqué scenes.

However, nothing of the sort happened. Instead, they exchanged information.

“I know you won’t reveal other girls’ private matters, but it seems you’ve taken care of Chang Xiaonian,” Tong Zhao said confidently, leaving him no room to refute. Han Zhi silently looked at her, knowing that explaining wouldn’t help, and indeed, her statement was true: “So, you’ll need to win me over.”

Although it wasn’t explicitly stated, both were aware of each other’s Sea King cards.

Similar to games like “Werewolf” and “Blackout”, recognizing identities wasn’t the end of the game. Their interests didn’t conflict but instead had the potential for a win-win situation. He needed Tong Zhao’s decisive choice, and she equally needed his.

The most likely outcome was that they would exchange contact details, with mutual selection leading to the successful completion of their tasks.

Han Zhi could have pushed back at this moment.

But he smiled, his expression gentle as he let her lead, appearing as if he was at her mercy: “My Queen?”

“…Ah, so tacky,” Tong Zhao pinched his perfectly straight nose. “Are you deliberately hitting my sore spots? Scumbag.”

“Wronged, Master.”

The more he called her names, the more excessive it became. Han Zhi couldn’t help but laugh, rubbing against her neck like a big dog.

Tong Zhao knew him too well. He wasn’t even remotely like a canine. While wolves understand the need to obey the alpha, this man, under his obedient facade, had a heart as restless and wandering as a stray. If he were to be described, he’d be like a wild leopard that’s hard to tame—comes around for food and then runs off quickly when uninterested. Infuriatingly so, yet he had such a stunning coat and an endearing voice.

At that moment, she heard unusual noises coming from the game room door.

But her attention was quickly drawn back by Han Zhi.

“Let’s talk about your situation,”

Han Zhi noticed a small, particularly cute mole on her neck: “How are things with that young master? He doesn’t seem to be a match for you.”

…

It was exactly the wrong topic to bring up. Tong Zhao wanted to roll her eyes at him.

But she held it in.

Wei Zekai was the most stereotypical straight man she’d ever met, as if he hadn’t fully awakened to his secondary sexual characteristics. Under his handsome face was only a straightforward life of enjoyment—no romance involved. But she didn’t want to lose face in front of her peers, so she took the opportunity, while he was focused on her neck and couldn’t see her expression, to sigh deliberately: “What’s he playing at? He’s such an innocent kid who can’t handle the game. He’s quite cute. I plan to have a serious talk with him.”

Han Zhi, who had been examining the mole on her neck, was stunned by her words: “…A serious talk?”

It was as if he had heard some urban legend.

“Yeah, I like him.”

Tong Zhao said openly, and when she saw him trying to lift his head to look at her, she quickly rubbed her face against his cheek: “It’s the first time I’ve met this type, and I really like him. I have to treat him well.”

This statement couldn’t be called half-truth; it was pure nonsense.

However, with someone like Han Zhi, it’s hard to discern the truth from lies when he can’t see someone’s face. Tong Zhao’s voice was sweet and enchanting, making it difficult for him to make a correct judgment. Moreover, he had to admit… Wei Zekai did have a pretty impressive appearance.

He couldn’t help but ask: “You really like that type?”

“Never tried it before.”

This answer was highly credible to the King of Sea, immediately convincing Han Zhi.

He bit her neck as if in frustration: “Have you tried my type?”

[He’s getting anxious!]

[Unexpectedly, Tong Zhao’s accidental advantage turned out to be superior; she’s ahead this time!]

[I’d call Wei Zekai the ultimate tool man!]

The audience felt it, and Tong Zhao naturally picked up on the subtle details in Han Zhi’s tone.

Although he quickly masked his displeasure in the subsequent conversation, as if nothing had happened, Tong Zhao knew very well. In high-stakes situations, even the tiniest flaw can lead to a total loss. She had only intended to cover up her inability to handle Wei Zekai, but it unexpectedly stirred up Han Zhi’s jealousy.

So, he can be jealous too?

It was a bit cute, and the speed at which he suppressed that emotion was quite amusing.

After catching his little slip, Tong Zhao couldn’t help but smile with a touch of schadenfreude.

Is jealousy a sign of affection?

Not necessarily, but at least it indicates a bit of interest. Tong Zhao completely believed in his self-control, but it was like taking a kill from a strong opponent—it was worth celebrating. She felt a great sense of accomplishment, almost wanting to flip this big leopard over and play with its snowy white belly.

Tong Zhao glanced at him sideways: “Caught red-handed, huh? Do you really like me that much?”

“You…”

Han Zhi glanced at her mischievous smile and knew exactly what she was thinking.

It was impossible to make her stop, so he could only helplessly laugh and hug her: “What’s the next development supposed to be? Director Tong, give me some guidance. Are we heading to the ‘chasing wife cremation ground’? I haven’t chased anyone before. Teach me, and cut me some slack.”

“‘Chasing wife cremation ground,’ seriously.”

Tong Zhao laughed heartily.

She couldn’t understand why this guy had so many words that hit her sore spots!

Han Zhi, defending himself after listening to her complaints, said with justification: “Because I’m a writer.”

“Well, the Chinese literary world is fortunate to have you. It’ll be doomed sooner or later.”

Tong Zhao issued a dismal missive to the literary world.

Han Zhi thought this woman was great in every way except for her foul mouth. Deciding to take action, he lowered his head and kissed her lips. The kiss was intense and hard to part from, but at that moment, the director switched the camera.

[……Director, no more chicken legs for you tonight!]

[Where’s the director’s Weibo? Everyone, flood it with complaints!]

[Reasonably suspecting this is a scam to get VIP members to buy the cut version viewing rights. You think we’ll fall for it? Others might not know, but I’ve been duped. Crying while recharging for this King of Sea couple/Smile/Smile]

The camera cut to just outside the game room, where they encountered He Shun.

“Tong Zhao, are you avoiding me?”

He quickly stepped forward, grabbing Tong Zhao’s hand with a voice full of confusion and anxiety.

The audience, who had been angrily cursing the director, instantly had their attention diverted—

This was definitely a chaotic scene!

Had things gone off the rails?

How would Tong Zhao handle it?

Tong Zhao glanced at her captured wrist. Although she didn’t struggle to provoke him, her inner voice was already cursing him out: [Crazy. Why not just talk if you want to? Why grab me?]

The production team remained unmoved and even found it somewhat amusing.

With Han Zhi’s previous example, the crew had already realized that ordinary people couldn’t handle these two sea kings. A few words were enough to appease them, almost at a level of brainwashing worthy of a multi-level marketing leader. If their views weren’t so warped, developing a harem might not be out of the question.

Assistant director: “The highlight should be the sea kings teaching how to establish a harem, right?”

“He Shun is no match for Tong Zhao.”

“It’s hard to say. He Shun is obviously a very possessive man. Chang Xiao Nian has gained confidence and self-awareness under Han Zhi’s influence, and her infatuation with him has faded. This allows her to remain calm about his pursuit of other female players,” the screenwriter analyzed, convincing others.

Just as everyone behind the scenes and the audience were convinced that Tong Zhao could easily handle He Shun, she did not resort to her usual tactics of softening, acting cute, or feigning distress. Instead, she narrowed her eyes coldly and said, “Avoid you?”

He Shun did not notice her unusual expression and questioned her with a sense of righteous indignation: “You haven’t talked to me since the end of the class. I wanted to find you, but you were always with that rich young man. I didn’t have a chance to talk to you. If it weren’t for following you… never mind, that’s not the point. You owe me an explanation. Also, what were you doing in the game room with him?”

Before their relationship was defined, He Shun had already shown a strong sense of control over his “little girlfriend.”

Having tidied up the board game toys and preparing to leave, Han Zhi was called out just as he was about to step out the door. His handsome face showed an awkward expression, like he’d stepped on his tail, which was quite amusing.

The camera pulled back, capturing all three of them in the frame, creating a scene reminiscent of an idol drama’s chaotic moment.

Han Zhi: [Ah, this…]

Han Zhi: [Let’s observe for now. If there’s any violent behavior, I’ll need to protect the queen.]

[So good at acting, Brother Zhi!]

[I think he just wants to annoy Sister Zhao. Clearly, she doesn’t like being called ‘queen’ by him, haha…]

[These two are hilarious, jumping from a restricted scene straight into a comedy.]

Han Zhi: [Sigh, I hope Tong Zhao performs normally and I don’t have to step in.]

Immediately, Tong Zhao took action to show him that not only was she performing well, but she was also exceeding expectations.

She looked at He Shun with a calm demeanor, a mix of novelty and pity.

Tong Zhao chuckled lightly.

“Do you think you’re worthy to boss me around?”

This was the first time Tong Zhao’s thoughts and spoken words matched in their cold and arrogant tone.

He Shun clearly didn’t expect this side of his delicate and fragile goddess, and he was left stunned by her previously obsequious and now contemptuous attitude. Tong Zhao observed his expression for a moment—

She and Han Zhi were clearly not on the same path. Han Zhi would never treat his suitors like this, and as for the imperial concubine? Apart from being the supreme ruler, everyone else was only fit to kneel and serve her: “Alright, for humanitarian reasons, I’ll let you die understanding the truth. I’m already fed up with your self-praise while tutoring students and your visible disdain for women. Every time you criticize those two women, I almost throw up.”

“But,” He Shun struggled to accept, “I was just speaking the truth.”

“Ah, consider this a free lesson from me. Listening to you is like putting money in your pocket. Criticizing other women in front of your beloved? Do you think I’d be pleased? No, I’d just think you’re of low class.”

Tong Zhao didn’t have much liking for the other two female players either.

The “true self” of Concubine Chen had always been forged in the palace’s fierce struggles, with competitors of the same sex deeply ingrained in her subconscious. This was her extreme and one-sided part. But for someone like He Shun…

What to say?

It was like a eunuch pointing fingers at the concubines—no matter if the target was just an occasional attendant, the concubine still wanted to give him a good kick, sending him to the torture chamber; it was a matter of principle.

Taking advantage of He Shun’s shock, Tong Zhao freed her wrist from his grip and rubbed her delicate white wrist.

She had basically concluded that Wei Zekai was the judge, and at worst, someone with the last name Chang or Zhong, though it was unlikely. If it were Chang Xiaonian’s doing, she probably would have reported her name in the app by now. Based on her observations over the past few days, He Shun’s behavior didn’t seem like that of someone holding a special identity card.

“Do you remember what you said to me? Chang Xiaonian’s desire to marry into a rich family is too obvious; no man would like such a materialistic woman. Zhong Muxi’s looks are average and too gloomy, and at her age, she should be doing more housework to show herself, otherwise, she’ll waste her whole life.”

At this point, Tong Zhao paused: [Does saying this make it seem like I’m venting on their behalf?]

This thought hit her sore spot, causing goosebumps to rise on her arm.

[Imagining Concubine Chen defending her sisters in the harem hahahaha]

[ Let me touch her face!]

[Director: The character setting has collapsed!]

Never mind how others interpret it. Seeing the men’s worldviews crumbling, she couldn’t help but mock him with a delighted expression: “Do you think you can control everything and have already handled me? Let me give you a piece of advice: treating all women as fools will only make you look like a bigger fool.”

The offensive language was toned down.

But from Tong Zhao’s tone and expression, the audience perfectly received the message she intended to convey.

He Shun, realizing he had been fooled, was enraged: “You… you deliberately approached me to mislead me! I treated you so well, and now I will expose you to others. As long as the judge knows your true colors, you’re out of the game!”

“Yes, indeed,”

After laying it all out, Tong Zhao’s smile didn’t fade. She took a step forward and asked softly, “So, who do you think will believe you? Is it Wei Zekai, who has climbed to twenty stars with me in duo mode, or those two girls you look down on? Do you really think they haven’t noticed your disdain for them? Fool, playing this kind of game without building good relationships and exchanging information with others, it’s quite laughable.”

He Shun’s expression stiffened.

Indeed.

He looked down on those two women, and their relationship with him was also weak.

They politely addressed him as ‘Teacher He’ on the surface. During their last event, they almost had a fight. He kindly advised Chang Xiaonian to be more practical and not live in her own world, but she was ungrateful and said it was her own business.

Tong Zhao: [In love, isolating yourself is the worst mistake.]

Tong Zhao: [In tactics, belittle the enemy, but in strategy, respect them… Sigh, though I can’t really criticize him for this. In the realm of same-sex relationships, my connections are either cold or antagonistic.]

She pouted.

The comments flooded with female fans expressing their admiration.

Ah, they really like Sister Zhao!

He Shun, unable to tolerate it any longer, swung his arm to give her a piece of his mind. Observing from behind, Han Zhi couldn’t stay still and quickly stepped in to block He Shun’s raised hand. Tong Zhao, completely expecting this, sarcastically addressed Han Zhi from behind him: “So you’re getting all worked up just because I hit a nerve? Do you want to fight? I’m sending Han Zhi to handle you!”

She was almost about to say, “Pikachu, I choose you!”…

Han Zhi’s lips twitched.

This woman’s genuinely unpleasant personality always made him unable to suppress a smile.

Upon seeing Han Zhi, He Shun’s assumptions and suspicions quickly connected.

His pride and self-esteem wavered as he cursed, “…What a pair of dog-men and women!”

With that, He Shun shook off Han Zhi’s restraint and stormed out.

Han Zhi, who had been scolded, turned to the cause of the trouble: “Isn’t it easy to smooth things over with him? Why bother?”

“Difficult, extremely difficult,” Tong Zhao shook his hand playfully, acting spoiled: “It’s nearly impossible for me to hold back from giving him a scolding. Oh my god, did you see how he came to question me—why should I put up with it? He’s not even my boyfriend and thinks he has any authority over me.”

Han Zhi nodded in understanding: “Sounds very infuriating.”

When it comes to infuriating people, Tong Zhao is truly a master at provoking hatred.

However, Han Zhi strangely had little empathy for men. It was as if he was born to think from a woman’s perspective, only wanting to protect the girls’ interests.

Tong Zhao noticed his skepticism and raised her right hand for him to see: “Look, my wrist is red from where he grabbed me.”

Indeed, there were red marks on her fair wrist from where He Shun had grabbed her. Her pale skin made the bruises even more conspicuous.

The Empress had never been subjected to such grievances and immediately showed her displeasure.

Seeing the girl’s wrist injured, Han Zhi’s already limited sympathy turned into genuine concern for Tong Zhao. He sighed, “Let’s go, I’ll take you to get some medicine.”

“But you have to cooperate with me in the act,” Tong Zhao pressed on.

Han Zhi knew she was likely to bruise easily but also recognized she was genuinely upset, so he indulged her: “Alright, as a seasoned actor, I’ll play along with whatever you need.”

Tong Zhao smiled, pleased with the response.

At the time, no one expected that this would turn out to be a prophetic statement.

Returning to the current situation:

He Shun was furious, his anger making him stomp heavily with each step.

He had feelings for Tong Zhao, an elevated admiration, slightly pleased by this little beauty’s admiration of him. He enjoyed making her dance around him and was thrilled with even the smallest favors. He had never expected that she was actually deceiving him the entire time!

He was confident that he would not become prey to the “sea king.”

It was just a woman’s trick.

In the presence of an experienced and successful man like him, he could see through such things at a glance.

Tong Zhao was so well-behaved, unable to hide anything from him, her face easily reddening.

It was probably that ambitious woman who got the female Sea King card! Unfortunately, he was a man she could never control. The young and impulsive Wei Zekai might have a chance, but He Shun had little regard for Chang Xiaonian.

However, however…

He Shun’s mind was in complete disarray.

Viewers of variety shows instinctively love moments of genuine emotion, whether it involves someone’s misfortune or not. It feels authentic and engaging. It’s like some old American reality shows, which often staged dramatic confrontations and outbursts in front of the camera, airing crass lines that would make educated and respectable people cringe, yet still managed high ratings.

No matter how civilized the times become, the public’s appetite for drama remains unchanged.

He Shun walked into the public area of the lounge.

Wei Zekai was nowhere to be found, and the two girls were watching TV.

He was somewhat displeased, assuming that Wei Zekai was hiding away to play games again, missing in crucial moments. However, on second thought, having only the two girls was not so bad. They seemed to have always disliked Tong Zhao. He once overheard Chang Xiaonian call Tong Zhao a “green tea.”

He Shun approached them and, with a serious demeanor and a determined tone, made a shocking revelation:

“Tong Zhao is the sea king among us. She deceived my feelings!”

……

………

Chang Xiaonian and Zhong Muxi, sitting closely on a small sofa, looked up at He Shun.

Zhong Muxi was not talkative, but Chang Xiaonian couldn’t hide her confusion and curiosity: “Huh?”

Chang Xiaonian: [Are we even that close?]

Tong Zhao was right; their relationship was not good at all.

The identity of the female sea king did not threaten the interests of the two girls.

Chang Xiaonian thought it was rather foolish for a man like He Shun to seek their help to seek justice after being emotionally hurt.

Not only did she not sympathize, but she also found it somewhat amusing.

[Doesn’t he look down on women a lot? How can he be deceived by a woman and then seek help from another woman?] Chang Xiaonian’s inner thoughts voiced a portion of the audience’s sentiment: [What does it have to do with me? Help, every time he speaks, it just makes Brother Zhi look even better. I hope my future boyfriend isn’t like this guy, please.]

If He Shun had arrived a bit earlier, Chang Xiaonian might have shared his antagonism.

After all, in many black-and-white online novels and short videos, green tea bitches and white lotus flowers are universally condemned.

However, after receiving Brother Zhi’s care, she had become more forgiving towards flowers and plants. She felt a bit embarrassed about her previous behavior of gossiping behind Tong Zhao’s back. Although she couldn’t apologize directly, at least she didn’t feel the impulse to join in the bashing when others tried to slander Tong Zhao.

“Don’t you understand this at all?”

Although He Shun was already aware that women typically react slower than men, he was still a bit impatient: “She intentionally seduced me and then revealed her true colors after I confessed to her…”

Zhong Muxi asked with curiosity: “What exactly are these true colors?”

He Shun, enraged, replied: “She rejected me!”