The Game Has Begun

"We will come back tomorrow morning to check on the final setup of the lightings." Si Ming said before he left Zhi Yue Art Gallery. Then he shook Cang Yi's hand, and Cang Yi replied, "Sure, I'll be here by 9 AM. By the way, is your assistant coming along with you?"

"Are you asking about Feng Jiu? Yeah, she would be coming tomorrow morning as well." Si Ming replied casually. Cang Yi then nodded his head and replied, "Oh, that's good. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Have a good night."

Si Ming walked back to join the group, who were waiting for him in the lobby area. Then he shook his head lightly and thought to himself, "Good luck to Cang Yi."

Si Ming then drove his car over, and everyone got onto the vehicle. Feng Jiu took Dong Hua's car again, and this time he would be sending her home straight.

Lian Song then winded down the car window before they drove off and winked at Feng Jiu. Dong Hua then stared at him with cold, stern eyes. Si Ming also popped his head out and smirked at Feng Jiu.

Dong Hua then said coldly, "Do the both of you want to work over-time?" Lian Song and Si Ming immediately waved goodbye and drove off. Feng Jiu then walked towards the car park, and she said to Dong Hua, "What are you waiting for? Let's go!" This time, Feng Jiu didn't felt any hesitation, and she felt comfortable instead.

She happily hopped onto the passenger seat, and this time she remembered to put on her seatbelt. Then she said proudly to Dong Hua, "See. I didn't forget anything this time."

She opened her purse and tried to find her phone, as she wanted to check the time on it. Then she realized that her phone wasn't in it, and she exclaimed, "Wait! Don't drive off first. I think I left my phone back in the exhibition hall."

Dong Hua shook his head and replied, "Didn't forget anything, you say? Go ahead, and I'll wait in the car." Feng Jiu then pouted and ran into the Art Gallery. Then she headed straight for the exhibition hall, as she remembered putting her phone down on the registration counter.

"Oh, thank god, my phone is still here." Feng Jiu found her phone, and she was about to leave the hall before someone stopped her. "Why are you still here?" He said.

Feng Jiu instantly turned around to see who was behind her, and she realized that it was Cang Yi. "Oh, Cang Yi. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. I came back to get my phone because I accidentally left it here." She replied politely.

"Oh, that's fine. By the way, I had seen your design drafts, and it's beautiful. I actually saw them before I met you in person, and I have always admired your work. You're very talented, and I have faith that you'll be successful one day."

"Aww! Thank you! I'm glad someone appreciates my work. I hope one day, I'll be able to showcase my talent on the international stage." Feng Jiu replied excitedly.

"I'm sure you would be able to achieve that dream. Let me share a short success story with you. I once had a friend who was as talented as you. But he had a rough life, and he also grew up all alone. Despite being in a tough situation, he didn't give up on his dreams. People often looked down on his work because it was different from others. He put all his heart into designing, and one day, one of the biggest companies in Hong Kong recognized his talents. Now, he's one of the most successful designers that I know of. You remind me of him a lot." Cang Yi said, and he smiled warmly to Feng Jiu.

Then they started to talk more about her hopes and dreams, and then she let all her guards down around Cang Yi. She was so engrossed in the conversation that she totally forgot about Dong Hua, who was waiting for her in the car.

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"Why is she taking so long? Is she okay?" Dong Hua started to feel worried about Feng Jiu, and he parked his car and went into the Art Gallery to look for her.

He headed straight for the Exhibition Hall, as he recalled Feng Jiu mentioned that she left her phone there. As he was approaching closer to the hall, he heard laughter and a lot of talking noises.

Then he called out Feng Jiu's name, and he hastens his footsteps towards the hall. The moment he stepped into the hall, he noticed Feng Jiu and Cang Yi talking happily. He instantly knew Cang Yi was interested in Feng Jiu because of his body language, and Feng Jiu seems to be clueless towards his feelings for her.

Dong Hua felt sour upon seeing them having a good time laughing and talking. Then he said coldly, "What took you so long?" Then he shot a death stare at Cang Yi. Feng Jiu immediately turned back and replied, "Oh my gosh! I totally forgot that you're waiting for me in the car. I'm so sorry, Dong Hua."

"It's fine. What were you both talking about?" He replied coldly. Cang Yi then stared back at Dong Hua intensively, as he also knew Dong Hua had an interest in Feng Jiu. Both of them weren't willing to back off from staring.

Then Cang Yi replied, "Feng Jiu was just telling me about her dreams, about her wanting to be on an international stage someday."

Dong Hua immediately thought to himself furiously, "She told him that, too? I thought she only told me that." Then he replied coldly, "Oh? She's my staff, so I would definitely groom her into a top designer, and then she would be able to fulfil her dreams. So you don't have to worry about that." Dong Hua was indirectly telling Cang Yi to back off from his girl.

Cang Yi then replied sternly, "I could also help her out since I have many connections in the arts and design industry. She would be able to showcase her work here too." Cang Yi wasn't backing off too, and he was full-on chasing Feng Jiu but in a subtle way.

Then they glared at each other and replied to each other sarcastically.

Dong Hua: It's fine. Tai Chen Group has a lot of connections too. I appreciate your efforts.

Cang Yi: Oh, no worries at all. I'll be more than happy to help.

Dong Hua: We really don't want to trouble you.

Cang Yi: No trouble at all. Feng Jiu is very talented, and I really like her... work. It's my job to help out aspiring talents like her.

Dong Hua: Of course, I know that she's talented, as we work together a lot. It's easier for me to help her out since I know her well and you're just someone she just met.

Cang Yi: That wouldn't be a problem. I'll slowly get to know her better.

Dong Hua: I'm sure Feng Jiu wouldn't want to bother you as well.

Cang Yi: How would you know? Did you ask for her opinion?

Then they both turned and looked at Feng Jiu. She was totally oblivious to the fact that they were arguing through sarcasm. Then she replied casually, "Yeah, Dong Hua is right. I don't like to bother others. Don't worry about it, Cang Yi. But thank you, it's the thoughts that count." Feng Jiu then smiled brightly to both of them.

'Battle Of The Suitors' Round 1:

Dong Hua - 1

Cang Yi - 0

Dong Hua then felt proud that Feng Jiu chose him over Cang Yi and he stared back at Cang Yi with a superior look on his face. Then he smiled back at Feng Jiu and said "It's getting late. Let's go now."

As they were about to leave, Cang Yi said to Feng Jiu, "I heard that you would be coming back here tomorrow morning, so I'll see you then?" Feng Jiu then replied cheerfully, "Sure! I'll see you tomorrow morning. Have a good night!" Dong Hua then dragged her away.

"I have an important meeting tomorrow morning, and I won't be able to postpone it." Dong Hua thought to himself. Feng Jiu then noticed that Dong Hua was deep in his thoughts, and she exclaimed, "What are you thinking of?!"

"I'm thinking about you... and your glutton ways." Dong Hua teased her.

"I'm not a glutton, and I'm just a passionate food lover!"

Dong Hua then replied coldly, "So what were you and Cang Yi talking back there? Both of you seems to have so much fun."

"Oh. We were just talking about my design drafts. Nothing much really."

"Oh, I see. It seems that he likes you a lot." Dong Hua replied.

"Yeah. He said that he admires my work. It's so nice to have someone who understands me." Feng Jiu didn't know that Dong Hua was referring to Cang Yi's feelings for her, and not her work.

Dong Hua felt upset after hearing what Feng Jiu said, and he also thought to himself that she seems to be so comfortable around Cang Yi as well.

Then he silently walked to his car. Through the first ten minutes of the drive, he also kept silent. Feng Jiu then felt the awkward silence, and she thought to herself, "Dong Hua is sure unpredictable, like what Lian Song and Si Ming say. When we were on the way here, he seems to be so open towards me. But now, he's back to being Iceman. I can never understand what he's thinking."

Right at this moment, Dong Hua's stomach growled. Feng Jiu immediately said excitedly, "This time, it's you who gets hungry, not me!" Then she smiled warmly to him.

Dong Hua immediately softens upon seeing her beautiful smile, and he started to forget about his jealousy. "Oh? Are you sure it's my stomach that growls and not yours?"

Feng Jiu then replied, "I heard it loud and clear. It's definitely you this time!" Dong Hua then replied, "Fine, it's my stomach. I'm actually getting a little hungry, for once."

I guess having all those jealousy feelings were draining his energy and making him hungry.

"Me too! Let's go somewhere to eat, and I'll treat you to dinner!" Feng Jiu replied excitedly. Dong Hua then started to smile, and he thought to himself, "Oh, interesting. She's the first girl who wants to treat me to dinner. Not like I would allow other girls to do so anyway."

Then Dong Hua replied sarcastically, "Oh? Did I mishear it? You're not extorting from me, and I still get free food?"

"No, you didn't mishear it. But I'll choose where to eat. In case you tried to rip me off and choose a high-end restaurant!"

"Alright, so tell me where you want to go for dinner."

"Hmm... How about BBQ skewers? I know a good place called 'Hao Chi BBQ Skewers' at Tao Hua Street! Wait, never mind. I don't think you'll eat such stuff anyway."

"Did you forget I grew up alone and poor? I used to survive on instant noodles and bread. I love BBQ skewers, but it's been years since I last ate it. I'm too busy at work, and I haven't had the chance to eat it." Dong Hua replied calmly.

"Okay! Let's go there now then! Don't worry about spending my money, just order anything that you like to eat later on!" Feng Jiu exclaimed excitedly.

Then Dong Hua drove towards Tao Hua Street.

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"We are reaching soon! It's just around the corner." Feng Jiu said. Dong Hua then recognized the place, and he remembered coming here to eat alone a few years back.

They sat down at the outdoor area, where it was cooling and comfortable. Then they ordered a lot of food and some soft drinks along with it.

"Try this, Dong Hua! This place has the best skewers, and I used to come here a lot, with my friends when I was still schooling." Feng Jiu said as she held the skewer up to Dong Hua's mouth to feed him, and she also shook it lightly to gesture him to eat it.

Dong Hua then bit on the meat and then took the stick from her hand. He ate the whole thing, and then he replied, "I miss this taste. I used to come here a lot too. And I always sat alone in that corner." Dong Hua then pointed to a far end corner of the restaurant. It was a single-seat, and the wall partially blocked it from view too."

Feng Jiu immediately remembered something. She remembered back then when she came here with her friends, she would often notice a guy wearing a black hoodie sitting there alone. But she had never seen his face before since his back was always facing her.

Feng Jiu then knitted her brows and said to Dong Hua, "I'm just wondering, did you happen to wear a black hoodie whenever you came here to eat back then?"

Dong Hua widened his eyes with shock, "How did you know that?" Feng Jiu immediately replied excitedly, "Oh my gosh! I think I have seen you here before. Back then, I used to notice a guy sitting there alone, and he was also wearing a black hoodie. We could have met back then!"

Dong Hua thought to himself, "What are the chances? We must be fated." Then he replied, "Better late than never." And he smiled at Feng Jiu.

Feng Jiu smiled back sweetly, "It's nice that you're no longer sitting alone in that corner. Now that you have me, I'll make sure you won't be lonely anymore. We are friends, remember?"

"Yes. Friends." Dong Hua smiled and nodded his head, and then he continued eating.

Feng Jiu didn't forget that she needs to protect her heart, but she also told herself, "I'm happy to be Dong Hua's friend. I mean it still hurts a little knowing that his heart isn't with me, but at least I know he regards me as a friend now.

At the same time, Dong Hua also felt happy knowing that Feng Jiu finally regarded him as a friend and that she no longer 'hated' him. He told himself that it was a good start, from friends then slowly becoming a couple.

Dong Hua and Feng Jiu talked quite a bit over dinner, and they were clearly enjoying their time together. They finished their dinner, and Feng Jiu asked for the bill.

"I'll pay for it." Dong Hua said. Feng Jiu immediately replied, "No! Don't snatch the bill from me. I said that this dinner is my treat." Dong Hua then proceeded to take out his wallet, and Feng Jiu snatched it away to prevent him from paying. Then she quickly took out her phone and scanned the QR code for payment.

The transaction immediately went through, and Feng Jiu stuck her tongue out at Dong Hua. "I win this time!" Then she returned his wallet, and they left to head back to the car. Dong Hua then drove Feng Jiu back home.

"Good night. Thanks for joining me for dinner, it was fun! Drive safe, and I'll see you tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't forget about the coffee." Feng Jiu said as she got off the car.

"I have a meeting early in the morning, so I'll see you at the Art Gallery after that. You don't have to make me coffee tomorrow, but you better be working hard and not let me caught you peeping at guys again."

Feng Jiu immediately replied, "I don't even peep at guys, and I'm hardworking! Go now before it gets too late." Then she turned and left. Dong Hua made sure she walked into the lift lobby before he drove off.

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The next morning, Si Ming came to pick Feng Jiu up to head over to Zhi Yue Art Gallery, and the rest would be meeting them directly.

"So... How was the car trip with Dong Hua yesterday?" Si Ming asked curiously. Feng Jiu then replied casually, "It was okay, and surprisingly not awkward. We even had dinner together."

"Dinner?!" Si Ming exclaimed. Feng Jiu then replied, "Hey, don't think too much. It was just because we both felt hungry. Also, Dong Hua and I are friends now."

"Friends? How did it progress to that stage? I thought you were avoiding him."

"Well. I figured if we can't be lovers, we could just be friends. Dong Hua isn't as cold as what you guys think actually."

Si Ming then shivered and thought to himself, "Oh, you're too naive Feng Jiu. You have not seen how cold and ruthless he is. Even his cold stare could cause fear in people. He's only different when he's with you. Wait, but why is he different to Feng Jiu only? Did he fell for her?"

Then he replied, "Oh? He seems to treat you differently. Maybe he likes you?" Feng Jiu immediately tried to explain, "No, no. Don't misunderstand. We are really just friends, and I know his heart isn't with me. I'm happy being this way anyway, at least I won't have false hopes and get hurt again."

Si Ming then decided that he would continue to observe them before telling Feng Jiu what he thinks about Dong Hua's feelings for her.

Then they arrived at the art gallery. Si Ming told Feng Jiu to head in first while he parked his car.

Cang Yi, who was waiting for Feng Jiu to arrive, happily greeted her good morning. Then he invited her to the pantry area and said, "I bought breakfast for everyone. You can pick which one you want first."

Free food never fails to make her feel excited, and she replied, "Oh, wow! That is really nice of you. I didn't eat breakfast yet, so I'm glad that you already bought some!" Then she excitedly picked out her favourite porridge and started enjoying it.

Cang Yi sat down beside her and started slurping on his wonton soup too. Then he turned over to Feng Jiu, "How long have you been working at Tai Chen group? Do you feel happy working there?"

Feng Jiu then swallowed the food in her mouth and replied, "Oh, it's been just a few months, but I worked six months as an intern back then as well. I really love working here, and we get excellent benefits from the company too."

Cang Yi smiled and replied, "If you ever feel unhappy working there, you're more than welcome to join me here." Feng Jiu smiled warmly, "I will definitely remember that, and if it ever happens, I hope you won't go back on your word!"

"I promise." He said. Cang Yi was smart in his wooing tactics. He also knew that if he came on too strongly, it would probably scare her off instantly. Instead, he chose to do it subtly so that he would have a chance to get closer to her.

Si Ming then walked into the pantry, "I heard there's free breakfast?" Then Cang Yi pointed to the big bag of food and said, "Yes! I bought a lot of food, feel free to have them." Lian Song then came in, along with the rest.

Then they took their food and sat down to enjoy it. Lian Song and Si Ming then sat down beside Feng Jiu and Cang Yi.

"So... how was last night? And where's Dong Hua?" Lian Song raised his brows at Feng Jiu. She then replied, "Nothing happened at all. Dong Hua send me home, and that was it. And he said that he would be coming in later on, as he's having a meeting now." Feng Jiu didn't want Lian Song to know that they went dinner because he tends to blow things out of proportion.

"Oh? He even told you about his schedule now." Lian Song smirked.

"That's only because I need to make him coffee every morning. If not he won't let me know about it too." She explained.

"Make him coffee every morning?! What is your relationship status now?!" Lian Song almost spat out his food. Cang Yi also stared at her, waiting for her answer.

"You're overthinking again! We are just friends, nothing more. It's a long story, and it's nothing important. Just continue eating, and then we can start working."

Lian Song then squinted his eyes and looked towards Si Ming. "Friends?" He thought in his head, and Si Ming smiled and nodded his head lightly.

Then Feng Jiu quickly got up to prevent Lian Song from asking more about it, and he started her day at work. Cang Yi also excused himself and went back to work.

Si Ming and Lian Song then started drinking their 'tea' again.

"Spill the tea, Si Ming! I'm sure you know something." Lian Song said.

"Fine, fine. I could never escape those eyes of yours. So they had dinner last night, but Feng Jiu said that they were just friends."

"Most couples start with friends." Lian Song winked.

"Yeah. Except yours. You need to step up on your game with Cheng Yu." Si Ming replied sarcastically.

"You too, Si Ming. Yu Xi would be married to her fiance before you even get her, at this rate that you're going." Lian Song replied sarcastically.

Then both of them shook their heads and replied at the same time, "Sigh. Love. Girls."

"By the way, did you notice that Cang Yi seems to be interested in Feng Jiu, too?" Si Ming asked.

"Great minds really do think alike. I noticed it since yesterday, and I also noticed how jealous Dong Hua was. I guess it's about time to sit back and enjoy this 'battle of suitors' game show." Lian Song said sarcastically.

"I guess your dream did come true after all, the day where you'll see Dong Hua fighting with someone over a girl. This iconic moment would forever be remembered." Si Ming smirked.

"This time, it would be more interesting to watch. When Ice meets Fire, who would emerge as the final winner?" Lian Song raised his eyebrows, and he started to smirk.

"Stay tuned to the next episode to find out." Si Ming replied. And they both started laughing out loud.

Then they cleared their trash and went back to work.

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The gossip duo then watched Cang Yi hovering over Feng Jiu, like flies on a plate of uncovered food. Si Ming then commented, "He shouldn't be called Cang Yi, he should be called 'Cang Ying.'

苍蝇 - Cāngyíng means 'Flies' in Mandarin.

Lian Song then whispered to Si Ming, "Wait till the pest control arrives." Then they smirked at each other.

Right at this moment, they noticed someone familiar walking into the exhibition hall, and it appeared to be Dong Hua.

Lian Song immediately nudged Si Ming to look at his direction, and he said sarcastically, "Pest Control is here. The 'Suitors Game' has begun. May the best man win." Then they raised their eyebrows at each other while staring at Dong Hua's reaction.

Dong Hua's face turned black immediately, upon seeing Cang Yi and Feng Jiu working together. Then he thought to himself, "I kept my eyes off her for 2 hours, and now she has another man in her harem." The gossip duo snickered upon seeing jealousy written all over Dong Hua's face, and then they decided to eavesdrop into their conversation.

Lian Song covered his face with a file, and slowly slide bit by bit towards them. Si Ming pretended to look up at the lightings while he slowly moved towards them too.

Feng Jiu then noticed Dong Hua, and she smiled brightly at him. "Oh, you're here. Did you eat anything yet? Cang Yi was nice enough to buy us some food so that we won't be hungry. It's in the pantry if you want to eat it."

Dong Hua then pretended to be calm and turned to Cang Yi, "Oh? That was nice of you to get us food, and I think it would be nice for me to return you the favour. I'll get my assistant, Chong Lin, to send over some 'Sweet and Sour Fish' to you next time. It's my signature dish."

Lian Song and Si Ming choked on their saliva upon hearing that, and they started coughing. Dong Hua then noticed them eavesdropping and said coldly, "Both of you would get a chance to eat my 'Sweet and Sour Fish' too. You both liked it and also think that it's nice, right? Tell Cang Yi how nice it was."

Feng Jiu chuckled when she heard that, as she knew how bad the fish was.

Lian Song then nervously swallowed his saliva and said, "Yeah... The most delicious dish I've ever eaten. The flavour is deep, and the efforts put into this dish would definitely move you to tears. What's special about this dish is that Dong Hua added extra vinegar in it. You're fortunate to be able to eat his famous signature dish, and not everyone has the chance to do so."

Si Ming then nodded his head and added on, "Yeah. Definitely lucky. The moment the fish touches your lips, it would feel like heaven's kiss, unforgettable and long-lasting for sure. I'd highly recommend it to anyone, and the dish did not disappoint. It met and surpassed my expectations."

Si Ming then had put on a nervous smile and turned to Dong Hua, "My blood pressure has been pretty high lately, and my doctor advised me to cut down on my salt intake. If I may be so bold, I'd like to request not to eat your signature dish." Lian Song also said, "Yeah. I'm on a diet lately too, so I need to watch my food intake."

Dong Hua was satisfied with their answers, as to how they described his dish to Cang Yi. He then decided to be merciful today, and let them off from the torturing punishment. "That's unfortunate to hear. I guess, all for Cang Yi then." Dong Hua replied with a smile.

The gossip duo then wiped the cold sweat off their foreheads. Lian Song then told Dong Hua, "I'll head over to the vending machines to get some snacks." Then he dragged Si Ming away, and they both quickly ran out of the hall.

"Phew. 'Pest Control' almost killed us." Lian Song said. Then the gossip duo stood in front of the vending machines, deciding what to buy. Si Ming then replied, "What snacks should we get?"

"Get Salt and Vinegar Chips. You know, 'Salt' and 'Vinegar', it definitely sounds like someone we know. Let's hurry up and get the snacks so that we can head back to continue watching our 'game show'." Lian Song raised his eyebrows and smirked.

Si Ming then shook his head lightly and replied, "You're really not afraid of death. Oh right, the only 'thing' that you're scared of is Cheng Yu." and he chuckled.

"Oh, don't forget to get tea as well." Lian Song said to Si Ming, and they both laughed out loud.

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Back to the other side, Cang Yi then replied to Dong Hua, "Oh? Since it's your signature dish, I would definitely have to try it." Feng Jiu tried her best to hold back her laughter. Then her saliva went down the wrong way, and she started to choke on it.

Cang Yi immediately patted on her back, trying to help her stop choking. Dong Hua's eyes lit up with fire, and he wanted to stop him from touching Feng Jiu. Before he could do so, Feng Jiu moved her body away from Cang Yi's hand and replied, "I'm fine now. Sorry about that. I need to go to the washroom, do you know where the nearest one is?

Cang Yi then replied, "Yeah, I'll show you the way to the nearest washroom. Come with me." Dong Hua then tried to stop them by saying, "It looks like you're still busy here. I'll bring her there instead."

"Oh, no worries, it won't take long. The art gallery is pretty big, and you might lose your way there. This is my territory, and I know the way around here." Cang Yi then smiled at Feng Jiu.

Feng Jiu then thought to herself, "Bet Dong Hua thinks that I'm trying to slack at work! He better not go back on his word on the free meals just because of this!" Then she turned to Dong Hua and replied, "Don't worry, I won't take long. Cang Yi is right, he knows the way, and this would reduce time wasted." Then she nudged Cang Yi to bring her to the washroom, so she could also return back to work quickly after that.

Cang Yi smirked at Dong Hua and raised his eyebrows, trying to tell him that he won this time around.

'Battle Of The Suitors' Round 2:

Dong Hua - 1

Cang Yi - 1

Dong Hua then said to Feng Jiu, "I'm coming along with you both. I suddenly felt like going to the washroom too. Thank you, Cang Yi, for showing us the way." Then he looked over to Cang Yi and smirked. The both of them then subtly tried to walk beside Feng Jiu.

The gossip duo then bumped into the three of them at the entrance of the hall, and they pretended to be busy with eating and avoided eye-contact with Dong Hua.

After they left, the gossip duo smirked at each other. "Hmm... I think we forgot our tea, let's head back out." Then the gossip duo silently followed after them, and they were acting like secret agents, hiding behind walls and statues along the way.

Current Score from Episode 1:

It was a tie between the two contestants.

Stay tuned for the next episode of the reality show, 'Battle of Suitors'.