Chapter 145

The live room buzzed with excitement. Comments from the audience included: "He's so cute!", "Preston, come to my arms!", "This little brother seems to know his stuff!", "Who wouldn't be charmed by his cuteness?", and "Right now, give me a little brother! I'm super strong right now!"

A voice then boomed from the speakers: "Welcome to Devil Island, an undeveloped, primitive island. For the next week, you will live here and find your match. Every night at eight, there will be a romantic vote. If a man and a woman vote for each other, they will be paired and taken to Angel Island for a wonderful date. The next morning, matched guests will return to Devil Island. This process will repeat nightly until the end of the week. Guests can try different partners each day. At the end of the week, if a couple chooses to pair up, they will become an official couple and split the show's $16 million prize. Dear guests, do your best to find your ideal partner and fully express your love. I wish you all success! Bye." The mechanical voice abruptly ended.

Most guests were bewildered. Jessie exclaimed, "What kind of show is this? Isn't it supposed to be a beach vacation?" Ethan, wearing sunglasses beside her, added, "I don't know either. They told me it was a vacation show, too."

Alex, however, seemed intrigued. "Things are getting interesting," he said. Abby pouted beside him. "Mr. Anderson," she complained, "what's so interesting about forcing us into relationships?" Alex smiled. "What are you worried about? You won't lose no matter who you end up with."

Abby, flustered and angry, retorted, "Hmph, I wouldn't choose anyone, especially not you!" Secretly, though, she was happy. She knew the show had invited high-profile individuals. It was advertised as an island vacation, but she knew it was a dating show. She'd paid to get in touch with the assistant director responsible for guest selection. Alex was right; she wouldn't lose by falling in love with anyone there.

Preston, however, was an exception. Among the male guests were a film star, the most powerful man in Betrico, and Alex, a top period drama actor. Preston was an ordinary student from Friyx and a little-known model. Abby was most interested in Jonathan, but he seemed difficult. She was confident she could win him over, having captivated countless hearts with her innocent persona over the years. She'd handled tougher individuals before.

Nina looked worried. "Do we have to date? What happens if we don't?" The show's team seemed to hear her. A mechanical voice echoed: "If pairing isn't successful, guests will stay on Devil Island. Resources are scarce; you'll have to fend for yourselves."

Audience comments included: "It's funny. I suspect the mechanical voice belongs to Jason, who seems to be enjoying this," "When Jason directed the survival game show, he was a famously crazy director. Guests were driven to depression, some to insanity. Can such a mad director bring excitement and not horror to a romance show?", "Should this show be renamed 'Love or Die,' 'Dating or Caveman Life,' or 'The Director is Making Me Date'?", and "I guess I'm a bit of a weirdo because I'm looking forward to this. A dating show on a deserted island? That's a first!"

(Page Break)

Chapter 145 (Continued)

Cynthia was surprised. Freddie had said it was an all-expenses-paid vacation. She'd imagined sipping coconut water in the Maldives, not being stranded on a deserted island, especially since she wanted to avoid Preston. She was shocked to find both Preston and Jonathan there.

Preston approached Cynthia, lowered his head, revealing a dimple, and whispered, "Cynthia, all my votes go to you every day."

Cynthia's face was expressionless. Her voice was flat. "If you dare vote for me, I'll smash your head."

Preston wasn't intimidated. "Cynthia, don't be so fierce. Let's have some fun." Cynthia wasn't having any fun. "I want to quit the show," she announced, raising her hand. "Jason, I want to quit. I'll cover the penalty." She knew the penalty was around $6 million, but she could afford it. Staying would mean falling into Whitney's trap, which was far worse.

Silence followed her announcement. She called out several more times, but there was no response.

Audience comments included: "The show's staff is so biased. Even Nina's tiny voice gets a response, but nothing for Cynthia's loud calls," "Why does Cynthia want to quit? Is she upset with Preston?", "Preston feels so hurt. What can we do?", and "It's the classic 'she runs, he chases' drama—so cheesy, but I'm obsessed!"

After a while, a drone appeared. The robotic voice said, "Hello, everyone, I'm your love assistant. You can't leave unless there's a life-threatening emergency. Today's task is to be self-sufficient. Find your ideal partner and vote tonight. We've left basic supplies along the path."

They followed the drone to a spot under a coconut tree. Several large packages contained tent materials. Preston suggested building shelter. Jessica asked about food. The voice responded, "You're on your own." Jessica was disheartened. Nina tugged on Jonathan's sleeve, worriedly asking, "Jonathan, what should we do?"

(SEND GIFT)