As the words fell, a pitch-black silhouette slowly materialized at the center of the living room.

The shadow gradually took shape, revealing a tall man in a perfectly tailored silver suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His long legs were encased in dress pants, and his hair was meticulously combed back.

The man wore a black-and-gold mask covering his entire face, leaving only his dark, fathomless eyes visible. Delicate golden threads embroidered with spider lily patterns glimmered faintly in the sunlight, exuding an aura of mystery.

He stood quietly before the group, looking down with a pocket watch in hand. His voice, mechanically processed, emerged cold and monotone.

"I am the judge for this event. Pleased to meet you all. Next, I will announce the rules."

"Since this is your first meeting, you now have thirty minutes to get acquainted. Afterward, teams will be formed through anonymous voting. Everyone may write down their desired partner's name on a card."

"If pairing succeeds, you'll temporarily form a duo."

"Note: Conversations must remain limited to general introductions and normal chat. You cannot reveal your preferred partner or inquire about others' choices. Violations will result in penalties."

"Those who fail to pair up and remain single afterward will also face punishment."

After finishing the rules, the man asked calmly, "Any objections?"

At that moment, a lazy female voice piped up:

"Yes, actually."

All eyes turned to see a stunning woman propping her chin on her hand, smiling as she inquired, "Judge, what exactly are the penalties?"

Clad in a striking red dress that cascaded across the sofa like peony petals, the off-shoulder design revealed delicate collarbones and rounded shoulders. Her slit skirt offered glimpses of slender, porcelain calves as she lounged elegantly.

A strand of hair slipped down her shoulder as her full, red lips curved into a smile as enchanting as a soul-stealing siren's.

The judge's dark eyes lingered on the woman's barely concealed décolletage, his fingers twitching slightly despite his outwardly calm demeanor. Yet his mechanically altered voice betrayed no emotion.

"The penalty is elimination from this recording," he stated.

Though phrased lightly, the words carried ominous weight. Everyone present understood that being "eliminated" likely meant permanent removal from the biological circle.

After some perfunctory self-introductions, the participants exchanged glances from their seats.

Jiang Xi and Hou Liang shared a look - they would obviously pair up, but... what about Jianmu?

Tian Jianmu quickly realized the issue. To guarantee pairing with someone familiar, he'd need to secure a commitment.

His gaze drifted toward the unfamiliar man and woman chatting opposite them - clearly already acquainted and unlikely to separate. Yu Jiao would undoubtedly team with her own members too.

That left only one option: Yu Li.

Turning toward the smaller sofa, Tian Jianmu saw the woman idly twirling a lock of hair, appearing utterly disinterested in her surroundings.

Clearing his throat, he ventured, "So... you're Yu Li, right?"

Yu Li paused, raising her eyes to scrutinize Tian Jianmu before smiling cryptically.

"That's right... Mr. Tian."

Tian Jianmu chuckled awkwardly. "No need for formalities - just call me Jianmu."

"Oh?" She rested her chin on her hand, smirking. "But you seem so much older than me. Wouldn't that feel strange?"

Each barbed comment carried unmistakable hostility.

Tian Jianmu wondered why she insisted on being difficult. Didn't she understand they needed to pair up? Who else would team with her if not him?

Dismissing her as an immature junior, he maintained his gentle tone: "No matter. 'Mr. Tian' works too. I noticed your suitcase earlier - must've been heavy in this heat? I can carry it upstairs for you later."

Yu Li arched an eyebrow at this.

Tian Jianmu's instincts screamed warning.

Sure enough, Yu Li sighed dramatically:

"Wow, Mr. Tian... you're such a nice guy."

Tian Jianmu: "..."

Damn. The dreaded nice guy card.

He studied Yu Li with mixed feelings, unable to comprehend her refusal. Even if she hated Peace in real life, this was a game scenario - cooperation meant survival.

Plus, teaming with an advanced player like him was hardly a bad deal.

At least she wasn't pretending to agree only to betray him later, he consoled himself.

Sighing, he turned toward Yu Jiao instead.

Yu Jiao: "..."

Obliged by the live broadcast, she adjusted her glasses and met his gaze.

"Yes, Mr. Tian?"

Tian Jianmu smiled. "Somehow, Yu Jiao, you strike me as exceptionally intelligent. Were you always top of your class?"

Yu Jiao: "..."

This was shaping up to be her most agonizing game yet.

Forcing a smile, she replied, "Not particularly. You seem quite accomplished yourself, Mr. Tian."

"Flattery!" Tian Jianmu's smile widened ingratiatingly. "I've always enjoyed smart company. I'm certain we'd get along splendidly."

Yu Jiao's eye twitched at this peacock-like display. Clearly, he'd locked onto her as his backup option.

[OMG Tian Jianmu's killing me! Rejected by one, immediately switching targets.]

[Tian Jianmu: Everyone please team with me~ Come on! (Reaching hands)]

[Can't blame him - everyone else already has partners.]

[Wait, isn't Yu Li also alone?]

[Where's Bo Jingmo? This is a dating show! Did the system purposely split up that power couple?]

[Damn system! Probably scared they'd dominate as a team and make the ending obvious.]

[But if Yu Li refuses Tian Jianmu, she'll be solo... And she's not even socializing, just lounging with her water.]

[Gotta say though... those legs... so pale and long... wanna lick...]

[Ew perv, get out.]

[Like you weren't looking too!]

As the comments flowed, suddenly, a blanket drifted down to cover the woman's legs.

Instantly, both the chat and the players fell silent.