Chapter 99: Free Advertisement (Wishing Everyone a Happy Little New Year)

The first recording of "If You Are the One" lasted more than three hours before it finally concluded. During this time, not only did the first female contestant ignite the spotlight, but a couple also successfully paired off. Unfortunately, the last two male contestants, though their personal qualities were not lacking, ultimately left alone.

Even so, this was quite remarkable. For the very first episode to feature both a spotlight moment and a successful pairing could be considered an auspicious start for "If You Are the One."

Beyond that, Lin Chuan’s unexpected appearance undoubtedly became the focal point of this episode. Before the show even aired, it sparked a wave of excitement online.

Major social media platforms, forums, and message boards were all discussing one topic—Lin Chuan appeared at the matchmaking scene and debuted his original song, "Let’s Get Married."

As soon as these posts surfaced, they immediately attracted widespread attention. People inquired about the details of the situation, while some bewildered netizens were puzzled by the headline, not fully grasping its meaning.

Since "If You Are the One," the matchmaking show, had yet to officially launch, many were unfamiliar with the name, some not even aware it was a dating program. When they first saw such a headline, their instinct was to assume Lin Chuan went on a blind date himself...

"No way, did our Brother Chuan really go matchmaking? Impossible, someone must be spreading rumors."

"Agreed. Brother Chuan already has a child—how could he be matchmaking? Probably some commercial performance, nothing to get excited about."

"I doubt the truth of this news. Matchmaking? Nonsense! What era are we living in? Who still goes on blind dates? It’s hilarious."

"Reading your comments, I have to chime in. First, who says matchmaking doesn’t happen nowadays? Just the other day my aunt tried to set me up with a girlfriend. Second, you say Brother Chuan has a child, so he can't go matchmaking. But I’d like to ask, does anyone know for sure if he has a wife? If not, why shouldn’t he go on a blind date? He’s a man, after all..."

"Well said! You’ve spoken right to my heart. I support Brother Chuan matchmaking, whether or not he has a wife..."

"Seriously, are you all fans of Brother Chuan? Or anti-fans? Supporting him matchmaking regardless of his marital status—where are your morals, your bottom line? Is the marriage law nothing to you?"

Such arguments appeared across message boards and forums, all revolving around the same question: should Lin Chuan be matchmaking?

As a result, interest in "If You Are the One" gradually waned, nearly disappearing altogether.

But at that moment, a user named "Truth Emperor" quietly emerged, bringing with him a trove of photos and firsthand reports, capturing the attention of countless netizens.

These photos were all taken on the set of "If You Are the One," with clear images. The twenty-four female contestants were visible, as well as the host Han Bin, and even a close-up of the third male contestant.

According to "Truth Emperor," the photos were secretly taken during the recording of "If You Are the One," along with a brief account of the scene. However, when it came to Lin Chuan, not a word was mentioned. Instead, a single photo with a pixelated face was uploaded, and just as quietly as he had appeared, "Truth Emperor" vanished once more.

Upon seeing these images, the previously arguing netizens were suddenly bewildered.

Especially the last photo. Despite the pixelation, some fans familiar with Lin Chuan immediately recognized him.

"Yes, that’s definitely Brother Chuan. I’ve watched all his competitions and seen him perform live. I know him too well, especially the way he holds the microphone..."

"Oh my, it really is Brother Chuan."

"Ugh, why did ‘Truth Emperor’ pixelate the photo? I can’t see Brother Chuan at all..."

"So, Brother Chuan appeared on ‘If You Are the One’ to bless the first paired couple? He wasn’t matchmaking himself?"

"Obviously! I said from the beginning, Brother Chuan would never go matchmaking, but you all wouldn't believe me. Now what?"

"Not necessarily. Who says ‘Truth Emperor’ is telling the truth? You’re too easily fooled."

"Are you brainless? ‘Truth Emperor’ posted the photos, and that’s definitely Brother Chuan. I was there myself, I swear on my honor that he’s telling the truth. If you don’t believe it, just wait for ‘If You Are the One’ to air and see for yourself."

"Agreed! I was one of the three hundred lucky audience members. I went just for fun, and had no idea Brother Chuan would show up—it was such a surprise. Don’t listen to those idiots; Brother Chuan was definitely there..."

"Wow, I’m so jealous you got to see Brother Chuan live. When does ‘If You Are the One’ air? I can’t wait!"

"Exactly! When will this show be on TV? Which channel?"

"Uh... Could someone below answer?"

...

In the office at Spring City Television, Lin Chuan looked at the post by "Truth Emperor" online, his face filled with a helpless smile.

"Yuan Ye, you’re ‘Truth Emperor,’ aren’t you?" Lin Chuan said.

"Haha, you caught me! Pretty good, right? Thanks to me, ‘If You Are the One’ is now almost as famous as those big network shows," Yuan Ye replied smugly.

"Not bad—another round of free publicity. By the way, how’s the editing for the first episode?" Lin Chuan asked, smiling and nodding.

"Almost done. As you requested, I’ve cut the three-hour recording down to an hour and a half," Yuan Ye replied, his smile turning serious.

"Good. Starting tomorrow, run the promo for ‘If You Are the One’ in every time slot. We need everyone to see it as soon as possible," Lin Chuan instructed.

"No problem," Yuan Ye said, a hint of anticipation shining in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious apartment, a bald man sat on the sofa, reading the online discussions about "If You Are the One" and Lin Chuan, a cold smile flickering across his face.

Next to him was a seductive woman in pajamas, leaning against him. "Hmph, it’s just a matchmaking show. I bet it’ll be canceled after two episodes," she said.

"Why?" the bald man asked, surprised.

"Brother Zhu, think about it—they can’t even afford advertising, and have to piggyback on Lin Chuan’s fame to promote themselves online... I’d bet they don’t even have sponsors," she said with a laugh.

"Haha, if that’s really the case, then things are about to get interesting. When the time comes, I’d like to see what Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye have to say for themselves," the bald man sneered.

"Heh, Brother Zhu, when you go to the station, be sure to take me along. I want to see Lin Chuan and Yuan Ye crying for myself, and snap a couple photos to post online and make them famous," the woman teased.

"No problem, we’ll go together then, haha..." The bald man rubbed his barren scalp vigorously and burst out laughing.