Chapter 18

The live broadcast hadn't started yet, but many viewers were already watching. Live Rooms One through Three showed a few scattered comments, but Rooms Four and Five were flooded, comments covering the entire screen. This was mainly because their hosts weren't ordinary people—a top actress who had recently given birth, and a sharp-tongued top actor. Room Five had even more comments than Room Four, for rather complicated reasons.

First, Janet had taken a break for over half a year due to pregnancy and childbirth, causing some fans to lose interest. Her popularity couldn't compare to Charlie's, as he had remained active in the entertainment industry.

Second, Charlie had created a pre-show buzz by selecting a fan via an official Twitter raffle to join him on the show. His live room filled with not only his fans but also curious onlookers who'd seen the trending news. Everyone, whether longtime fan or curious onlooker, was eager to see which fan had won.

Who was it? How could they be so lucky to join top actor Charlie in a reality show? The mysterious silhouette in Room Five kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

[I'm rooting for Chuck! You can do it, Chuck!] [I'm curious to see what the fan Chuck picked looks like.] [I heard it's a girl!] [Ugh, I'm so frustrated! I even prayed before the raffle! Why didn't luck favor me?] [Chuck is so sweet to his fans, love him!]

But some, particularly Janet's fans, were upset. The top actor and actress were supposed to be on equal footing, yet Charlie had boosted his online presence by bringing a fan instead of a family member. Janet's fans felt this was unfair, suspecting the show favored Charlie at Janet's expense.

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Therefore, many of her fans were in Room Five, making snarky comments and criticisms.

63%

[Charlie is disgusting. If he doesn't have family, he shouldn't join this show. What's the deal with picking a fan? Are fans his family?] [Everyone else brought family members, but he had to be different. Another day of being grossed out by Charlie, ugh!] [I really don't get the director's logic. There's no principle at all. The show's name clearly states family, but they allowed Charlie to bring a fan. It's sickening!]

Janet's fans were harsh, prompting immediate backlash from Charlie's fans.

[Who says fans aren't family? We and Chuck are like family!] [I bet those are Janet's fans. Maybe their idol doesn't consider them family, so they're here in Chuck's live room to bark?] [Ha! You're good with words. Keep it coming. I love this!] [It's hilarious. Some people's idols don't treat them like family, so they come to Chuck's stream to bark, woof woof!]

Meanwhile, Charlie and Rebecca walked out of the airport, immediately encountering the waiting crew and live broadcast cameras. Rebecca felt nervous.

Charlie ruffled Rebecca's hair. "It's okay. There's no need to be scared," he reassured her, leading her to the camera.

Smiling skillfully, Charlie greeted viewers. "Hello everyone, I'm Charlie, and this is my fan, Becky!" He turned to Rebecca. "Say hi to everyone, Becky. It's really easy. Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Room Five exploded; viewers went wild.

[Ahhhh, my Chuck is here! Chuck is here!] [Wow, the lucky fan is gorgeous. Are we sure she's just a fan and not an idol or celebrity?] [I'm screenshotting this. Isn't Chuck's fan way prettier than that over-praised actress from the other room?] [She really is beautiful. I was stunned. I thought Chuck finally started dating!] [Such a good-looking pair. The fan is as attractive as Chuck. They look amazing together!] [Is it just me, or does anyone else also think Becky and Chuck look a bit alike? They could be siblings!] [This is what a true fan looks like!] [Did you all notice how much Chuck dotes on Becky? He calls her so affectionately, reassures her not to be scared, and promises to protect her!] [He's truly doting. I wish Chuck would call me that affectionately, too! I want Chuck to reassure me and say he'll protect me too!] [I'm secretly recording this. I'll save Chuck's voice and listen to it later. That way, it will feel like Chuck is calling me affectionately, comforting me, and telling me he'll protect me!]

Rebecca, seeing the comments, felt her heart race. She quickly calmed down, smiled, and greeted everyone. "Hello everyone, I'm Becky, Chuck's fan. I'm so happy to be chosen to join this show with Chuck."

Relieved, she breathed a sigh of relief. This lasted only a moment; Charlie gently patted her head.

"Great job, keep it up. No need to be nervous," he encouraged her.

Rebecca smiled warmly at him. Room Five's viewership rapidly increased from about twenty thousand to nearly eighty thousand in minutes, the comments flooding in.

[I was just a few seconds late. What did I miss? Why is Chuck looking at this beauty so tenderly? Is Chuck dating? Is she his girlfriend?] [Ahhhh! Chuck is so sweet to Becky. I'm so jealous! How I wish I were the chosen fan!] [Becky is so shy and adorable. I've started to like her already in just a few minutes! What should I do?] [I'm a fan of good looks. I think this show is worth watching. Charlie and Becky are so good-looking. I love it!]

Meanwhile, Janet, at the airport, deliberately dawdled, watching the livestream on her phone. Rooms One to Three were uninteresting. She watched Room Five. When Rebecca and Charlie appeared, Janet's hand froze; her mind went blank. She stared, feeling it was all an illusion.

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