Chapter 95: Recording

Saturday.

Today marked the official recording of "If You Are the One," the first day of a groundbreaking moment for Spring City Television, as it took its first significant step toward success.

For over a month, nearly everyone at the station had been working tirelessly for this matchmaking program. Finally, the day had arrived to see the fruits of their labor.

Lin Chuan stood in the control booth, observing the recording through the monitors. Three hundred randomly selected lucky audience members sat in their seats, curiously taking in their surroundings. For most, this was their first time at a live recording. Before this, Spring City Television had never produced a proper variety show. As locals, they couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement.

"Xiao Chuan, everything’s ready. We can start recording now," Yuan Ye said as he strode in quickly.

Lin Chuan nodded. "Alright, let’s begin."

Yuan Ye picked up the walkie-talkie and began issuing commands one after another. Although Yuan Ye appeared calm on the surface, in reality, he was even more nervous than Lin Chuan. This was the first time Spring City Television had ever produced such a "large-scale" variety show since its founding, and it was also Yuan Ye’s first time participating in something like this. To say he wasn’t nervous would be a lie.

As his instructions were carried out, the stage lights came on, and the cameras took their positions. The host, Han Bin, walked out with a smile, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the audience.

"Welcome to the grand matchmaking program 'If You Are the One,' specially sponsored by Manfu Foods. No matter where you’re from, what kind of work you do, or what you look like—if you’re single and have the courage to step onto this stage, you may just embark on a warm, romantic date. Hello everyone, I’m your host, Han Bin."

The long opening speech ended, prompting another wave of cheers.

Once the applause faded, Han Bin, composed and poised, continued, "Today marks the debut episode of 'If You Are the One.' Before we begin, let me introduce our love expert, Mr. Su Jun."

As his words finished, the camera quickly shifted to reveal a middle-aged man in his forties. With glasses and a gentle smile, he greeted the audience with a scholarly air.

"And our personality analysis expert, Ms. Yang Na," Han Bin continued. The camera moved to a slightly plump middle-aged woman.

These two experts, both current professors at a certain university, had conducted in-depth research on relationships and personality. Inviting them had required some connections, and the compensation was substantial.

With the experts introduced, the show officially began. Han Bin turned to the camera: "Alright, let’s not waste any time. Let’s welcome our 24 beautiful single ladies."

Music played as 24 young, attractive women walked out in two lines from the passage behind Han Bin. The first few were especially striking, with excellent looks and poise.

The moment they appeared, the atmosphere turned electric. Nearly all the male audience members craned their necks, their eyes nearly popping from their sockets.

Once the women had reached their positions, Han Bin smiled and said, "Let’s greet the audience, starting with number one."

The camera zoomed in for a close-up of the first girl, who had short hair and wore light makeup, waving cheerfully at the camera. "Hi, everyone! I’m Feng Yuchen from Dechuan, 23 years old. My love motto is: 'Better alone than with the wrong person.' Thank you all."

Next, the second girl beside her spoke. "Hello, everyone. I’m Han Xuan, a local from Spring City, 27 years old. My love motto is: 'Looking for a runaway wild horse.'"

A stir swept through the audience, amused by her declaration. Looking for a runaway wild horse? What kind of man is that—reckless, untamed, or perhaps a playboy? The topic immediately sparked animated discussion.

Han Bin laughed and glanced at the second girl. "Han Xuan, could you explain to us what kind of man qualifies as a 'runaway wild horse'?"

The girl blushed and hurried to clarify. "Han Bin, I have this little flaw. I may look gentle and ladylike, but deep down I’m a tomboy. I enjoy playing games usually favored by guys..."

The audience burst into laughter, and Han Bin, resigned, said, "Han Xuan, I asked what kind of man is a runaway wild horse—not about your tomboy traits. And, honestly, you don’t look all that ladylike."

His tone was playful, and the girl wasn’t offended—she grinned sheepishly.

"Han Bin, it’s like this. I think I’m a tomboy..."

"There you go again, mentioning tomboys," Han Bin sighed, prompting another round of laughter.

No one expected the opening segment to be this lively. In the control booth, Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye watched the monitors, pleased with Han Bin’s performance.

On stage, Han Xuan covered her face with her hands, gathering herself before saying, "Han Bin, actually, my love motto is closely tied to my personality. Let me finish—I have tomboy tendencies, so gentle, delicate men can’t handle me. I want someone masculine and assertive, ideally with a touch of rebelliousness."

"So you want someone who can keep you in line. Next time, don’t say 'runaway wild horse'—it makes people rack their brains. Just be direct, release your inner tomboy, and boldly tell everyone you’re looking for a strong, assertive man who can keep up with you."

Han Xuan pouted playfully, "Han Bin, we’re from the same hometown. You’re teasing me too much! I spent days coming up with that motto—it’s meaningful!"

The laughter continued. Han Bin, not wanting to waste more time on this, wrapped up the exchange and turned to the waiting third girl. "Alright, let’s move past the tomboy and wild horse talk. Number three, please introduce yourself."

"Hello, everyone. I’m Wei Linlin from River City. My love motto is..."

Her introduction was more conventional, eliciting no laughter, and the segment proceeded smoothly. When the last female guest finished, the introductory round ended.

Aside from the minor hiccup with Han Xuan, which actually added humor and lightened the atmosphere, the show had started off well. At Han Bin’s cue, all 24 female guests lit their buttons.

As this was the first episode, the rules needed to be explained in detail, especially the hand-holding segment.

On the big screen, an animated short introduced the matchmaking process, accompanied by a narrator’s explanation.

The process was simple: through short videos and live interactions, the female guests got to know the male contestant. By the end, if any of the 24 women kept their lights on, it meant they were willing to go with him. If all lights went out, the man would leave the stage disappointed.

The female guests had already been briefed on the rules before appearing, but the live audience only now understood as they watched the screen.

Han Bin walked to the center of the stage. "The rules are straightforward. I’m sure you all understand now. Also, since today is the premiere, every successful couple will receive a prize—a trip for two to Europe. That’s quite an investment! And listen carefully—the first couple to successfully match today will receive a special blessing."

Cheers erupted through the audience. The female guests excitedly discussed the mysterious blessing among themselves. Could it be even better than the European trip? Everyone was intrigued.

"So, everyone, do your best and try to match with someone you fancy. Now, let’s welcome the first male guest of the day."

As the music played again, the first male contestant appeared.

He had short hair, average height, and unremarkable looks. He wore a black dress shirt, slacks, and leather shoes—an outfit that gave him a somewhat serious air.

"Hello, Han Bin, hello, Mr. Su Jun, hello, Ms. Yang Na," he greeted the host and experts politely.

Han Bin approached, smiling. "That’s it?"

"Uh, that’s it. Is there more?" The contestant looked confused, unsure what the host meant.

Han Bin chuckled. "Why not greet the 24 female guests as well? Make a good impression!"

"Oh, right, right, I’m just too nervous… Hello to all 24 female guests, hello to the audience here, hello to everyone watching at home…"

He was so flustered, he nearly started greeting the entire production team. Han Bin quickly intervened before things went too far.

"Now, introduce yourself: your name, age, and where you’re from," Han Bin said patiently, setting aside his smile.

There was no helping it—this was the first episode, and the first male contestant was inevitably nervous. In such cases, the host needed to guide the process.

The contestant nodded, holding the microphone. "My name is Chen Gong, 29 years old, from Nanling City. My job is—"

"Alright, that’s enough. Your work and relationship history will be shown on the big screen soon. We have to keep some suspense," Han Bin interrupted, handing him a tablet. "Now, please select the girl who catches your eye."