Chapter 22 Overnight Trending & Unwanted Attention
That night, the village was unusually quiet.
Too quiet.
Arielle lay on her narrow bed, staring at the ceiling made of wooden beams, listening to the distant sound of insects and the faint hum of generators powering the crew’s equipment.
Her body was tired, but her mind refused to rest.
Only if it’s fake.
Lin Yue’s cracked smile replayed in her head.
Arielle exhaled slowly and turned to her side.
Why does she look like someone who hates losing more than she likes winning?
Outside, cameras were finally being powered down for the night—but online, chaos had just begun.
Overnight Explosion
By morning, the show’s official page had blown up.
Very blown up.
Trending clips:
Arielle calmly working in the mud
Zayden catching her without hesitation
Rhett freezing mid-step when Lin Yue stumbled
Lin Yue’s “I’m not very strong” speech
Arielle’s “I’m just good at learning” smile
?? Top Viewer Comments:
“She didn’t even fight, she just WON ??”
“Green tea met her match.”
“Why is the mom the main character??”
“Zayden is DOWN BAD.”
Lin Yue stared at her phone in silence.
Her fingers tightened.
The comments praising Arielle kept refreshing—endlessly.
She smiled.
But this time, it didn’t reach her eyes.
Morning at the Village
“Mother.”
Arielle looked up to see Emrys crouching in front of her, holding a small wooden bowl.
“Breakfast,” he said brightly. “You need energy to continue embarrassing everyone effortlessly.”
She laughed softly.
“You exaggerate.”
Rhett snorted from nearby.
“She really doesn’t.”
Zayden handed her a cup of warm tea without saying anything.
Their movements were natural. Familiar.
Too familiar.
?? Viewer Comment (live screen):
“WHY DO THEY ALL MOVE AROUND HER LIKE NPCs ??”
Arielle blinked at the floating comments.
“They’re still showing this?”
The director’s voice rang out.
“Of course! Morning interactions are gold.”
She sighed.
“I feel exposed.”
“You are,” Rhett said flatly.
“Publicly.”
Lin Yue Makes a Move
Lin Yue approached slowly, carrying two cups.
“Arielle,” she said softly, smiling.
“I brought you tea.”
The area went quiet.
Zayden’s gaze sharpened.
Rhett straightened.
Emrys tilted his head.
Arielle accepted the cup politely.
“Thank you.”
Lin Yue’s smile widened slightly.
“You must be exhausted. Yesterday looked… difficult.”
“It was fine,” Arielle replied calmly.
Lin Yue hesitated, then said gently, “You’re very strong.
People admire that. But sometimes… being too strong can scare others.
”
Arielle met her eyes.
“Oh?” she said lightly.
“I’ve found the right people aren’t scared.
”
?? Viewer Comment:
“OH SHE CLOCKED IT.”
Lin Yue laughed softly.
“You’re very confident.”
Arielle smiled back.
“I’ve lived enough to earn it.”
Silence.
Lin Yue retreated, cup still in hand.
Rhett frowned. “She talks too much.”
Emrys nodded.
“Agreed.”
Lucian Can’t Look Away
In the city, Lucian sat in his office again.
Same position.
Same tablet.
Different feeling.
Arielle was on-screen, laughing quietly with the sons, sunlight brushing her face.
His chest felt… tight.
Then the clip cut to Lin Yue smiling sweetly at the camera.
Lucian’s expression darkened.
Why are you there?
His phone buzzed.
A message from a friend.
“Did you know Lin Yue is trying to get more screen time?”
Lucian’s fingers stilled.
The Director Drops a Hint
Back at the village, the director gathered everyone again.
“Today’s activities will continue as normal,” he said casually.
“But—”
Everyone groaned.
“But,” he repeated happily, “we’ll be welcoming more interaction-focused content.
”
“What does that mean?” Rhett asked.
The director smiled. “You’ll see.”
?? Viewer Comment:
“THIS MAN IS EVIL.”
Arielle’s bad feeling returned.
The same quiet whisper.
Cliffhanger
As the group dispersed, Lin Yue lingered behind, phone pressed to her ear.
“Yes,” she said softly. “I’m already here.
”
Pause.
“No… not yet.”
Her gaze lifted—landing squarely on Arielle’s back.
“I’ll make sure they compare us.”
She ended the call.
Smiled.
The camera zoomed in.
Author’s Note ??
MY LOVES ????????
I’m still in shock because…
WOW.
The love on this story has been CRAZY, and I honestly didn’t expect Pairing Day to cause this much chaos ????.
From the comments, it’s clear that:
? Arielle is officially the people’s favorite
? Green tea has entered her competitive era ??
? The sons are not hiding anything anymore
? And viewers are already choosing sides ??
If you enjoyed this chapter, please VOTE, COMMENT & FOLLOW — it really helps the story grow.
Next chapter ??: ?? Lin Yue starts comparing herself openly
?? Viewers begin fan wars
?? Lucian’s patience starts running out
Also thanks to y'all that voted the previous chapter. I was updating when my battery suddenly went low and then I got distracted...