The villa's soundproofing was excellent, yet that sound still reached everyone's ears.

Bo Jingmo quickly regained his composure, lowering his head to kiss Yu Li's cheek. "Lili, I need to step out for a while. I've turned off your room's cameras—they won't be able to see you."

Yu Li blinked, wrapping her arms around his neck with a playful grin. "Abusing your power, Director Bo? Didn't that thing just remind you to be fair and impartial?"

Bo Jingmo chuckled softly, nuzzling her cheek affectionately as he replied in a gentle tone,

"That's for the referee. Right now, I'm your partner."

Yu Li laughed. "Alright, got it. No need to turn off the cameras—leave them on."

Under his gaze, she narrowed her eyes and parted her lips, her pearly teeth lightly catching his lower lip as an intimate tension swirled between them.

"Otherwise, what will the audience have to watch later?"

...

Though billed as a live-streamed variety show, the viewership remained the same crowd as before. Most viewers were already aware of Bo Jingmo and Yu Li's relationship—they just hadn't expected him to become a referee.

[LOL! So THAT'S where Bo Jingmo went—sneaking off to be a referee!]

[I'm seriously questioning that blanket story now. Did Yu Li really ask for it, or was that someone's personal agenda?]

[The system probably thought sending Bo Jingmo to referee duty would solve everything. Joke's on them—this couple still ended up together.]

When the screen flickered back to life, the feed switched to the bedroom, where Yu Li was alone, crouched on the floor packing her luggage.

Eagle-eyed viewers immediately spotted the telltale marks on her collarbone.

[Wait—HOLD UP. Y'all couldn't wait?!]

[Tsk tsk, and he deliberately left them where they'd show. Classic.]

[100% intentional. Bet he just wanted an excuse for her to change clothes.]

[Can you two remember this is a dating show? First meeting and already this intense? Meanwhile, Jiang Xi and Hou Liang over there are still just chatting and building rapport.]

[Apples and oranges. Theirs is a PG playdate—ours is the adults-only channel. What's wrong with a little kiss between grown-ups?]

[But don't dating shows usually rotate partners later? You're supposed to get to know other participants too...]

...

After surveying the room, Yu Li changed into a simple T-shirt and pants before stepping out.

At the staircase landing, she ran into Yu Jiao, who was just heading downstairs.

The two women locked eyes briefly before Yu Jiao slowly descended.

"Just you? Where's Bo Jingmo?"

"He had something to take care of." Yu Li smiled and extended an invitation. "Want to explore together?"

Yu Jiao paused, then nodded.

"Sure."

The yard had a swimming pool, where they found empty lounge chairs nearby.

Yu Li sprawled lazily against the backrest, gazing up at the sky in perfect relaxation.

Yu Jiao followed her line of sight but found nothing unusual. Just as she was about to look away, a casual voice reached her ears.

"I heard you're quite popular out there. Why join a dating show?"

The question was delivered with such nonchalance, it could've been girl talk between friends.

Yu Jiao hesitated, quickly realizing the subtext—why had she entered this game instance?

Her eyes drifted to the shimmering pool surface. After a pensive silence, the corners of her lips quirked up as she turned back.

"Guess?"

The exact same tone and response Yu Li had given her earlier in the living room, now tossed right back.

Yu Li burst out laughing. She side-eyed Yu Jiao with amused interest, propping her chin on one hand like she was seriously considering it. "Let me guess... This deserves proper thought."

Watching her actually ponder, Yu Jiao grew unexpectedly flustered.

Truth was, she didn't even know why she'd come.

That impulsive declaration to Bai Shaodong had been pure emotion. Only after entering did she realize—what could she possibly achieve here?

The connection between Bo Jingmo and Limu, the truths Bai Shaodong concealed—none of it would surface so easily.

She exhaled heavily, about to tell Yu Li to drop it, when the other woman sighed regretfully.

"Hard to guess, honestly."

"But I can tell you why I'm here."

Yu Jiao froze. "You... why are you here?"

"Mm."

The younger woman leaned in slightly, closing the distance until Yu Jiao could catch her faint fragrance.

Her nose twitched involuntarily as an oddly familiar scent suddenly registered.

Yu Jiao's expression stiffened.

This smell... Where had she encountered it before?

Before she could dwell, Yu Li's voice pulled her back, spoken in a hushed, laughing murmur:

"I came here... to kill all of you."

Instantaneously, Yu Jiao's body locked up completely.

...

Meanwhile, deep in the woods...

A man stood motionless before an ancient tree, his mask once again concealing his face. Dappled shadows swayed across him, deepening the obscurity.

The sea breeze carried sweltering air through rustling leaves, mingling with the distant, shrill screams of a woman unhinged:

"How DARE you agree to be with her?! Bo Jingmo, you're defying my orders!!"

Bo Jingmo lowered his gaze, voice even. "The rules dictated it. I merely complied."

A vine slithered down from the branches, attempting to tilt his chin up—only for him to coldly evade the touch.

The rejection made the vine freeze mid-air before the voice behind it erupted with apocalyptic fury:

"Bo Jingmo! You think I don't know what you're plotting?! Listen well—those players must be eliminated! Especially that Yu Li! She dies TONIGHT!"

The man lifted his eyes indifferently. "I'll act according to the rules. Anything else? Dinner approaches."

The vine let out a derisive snort. "Fine. Go then."

As he turned to leave, a venomous whisper followed:

"Cross me, and I'll slaughter you—no matter the cost."

"When the temporary pairing ends, if that woman still breathes, you WILL abandon her. I'm revoking your referee status."

Bo Jingmo halted mid-step.

Slowly, he looked back. In the murky shadows, his dark eyes gleamed like glacial ice as he bit out:

"Try it."