Serena never really liked watching TV; she always thought that if she had the time, it would be better spent studying the antiques she adored.
However, when she was talking to Xavier earlier, she had already turned on the TV to appease him.
Fortunately, she was sitting on the couch and, for once, directed her gaze at the TV a few meters away.
The TV station was airing an entertainment program, with several young, cute, and pretty girls as the guests.
Serena recognized their faces, but she couldn't remember their names at all.
They must be the popular new-generation stars.
She didn't think much about it or care who they were.
She just wanted to distract herself by watching the show and get her mind off the emotional turmoil triggered by Clint's sudden visit.
The show moved to the rapid-fire question section, and the host announced the rules of the game: "Next, I will spin this wheel behind me. The names of the guests are on the wheel. When it stops spinning, whoever the pointer lands on will answer the question. No matter what I ask, you must answer truthfully. Understood?"
The pretty girls spoke in unison, "Understood!"
"Great! I'll begin spinning now!" The male host grabbed the edge of the wheel and gave it a strong spin.
The large wheel behind him started turning.
After a few seconds, the wheel slowed, and the pointer gradually stopped beside the name 'Celia Ryder.'
The scene shifted to a black-haired beauty with an oval face and a Italian-style look.
The beauty covered her mouth and giggled, then stood up and walked to the center of the stage to join the host.
The male host greeted her with a broad smile, "Welcome, Miss Ryder."
Celia waved to the audience with a charming smile, "Hello, everyone!"
"Everyone must know Miss Ryder. She's already starred as the lead in several popular dramas at a young age. She comes from a prestigious family and is the younger sister of Christan Ryder, one of the hottest celebrities in the Vernon entertainment industry."
When the name Christan Ryder was mentioned, the audience immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
Serena tilted her head, puzzled. "Christan? Who is he?! He seems quite popular!"
When the audience's cheers subsided, the host continued, "Miss Ryder, you're our first lucky guest today. According to the game rules, it's now time for you to answer my questions. Make sure you answer truthfully! Are you ready?"
Celia raised her delicate hand, brushed her hair back from her shoulder, and smiled sweetly. "I'm ready!"
"Great!" The male host glanced at the card in his hand, his expression mysterious. "Our first question is a bombshell! Miss Ryder, are you single?"
A few scattered teasing shouts could be heard from the audience.
Celia nodded. "Yes, I am single."
"Ha! Did you hear that, gentlemen? Our beautiful Miss Ryder is still single!" The male host winked, stirring the atmosphere. "Now, the next question is one that Miss Ryder's fans, especially the male fans, will want to hear!"
"Miss Ryder, what are your standards for a partner? In other words, do you have an ideal type in mind?" He quickly added, "Remember, you must answer truthfully!"
Celia's eyes softened, her lips pressed together in a shy manner. "I... I do have someone I've liked for many years..."
At this point, the audience was in an uproar.
The male host was also surprised. "Miss Ryder, are you serious? You've had someone in mind for years?"
"Yes!" Celia nodded.
"My goodness, who is this lucky man to have such good fortune?!"
"He..." Celia hesitated, and after repeated prompting from the host, she pouted playfully and said, "He hasn't accepted my feelings yet..."
At this, the audience went wild.
Not only did the audience below start whispering, speculating about the man who hadn't accepted Celia, but even the guests and crew on stage couldn't help but gossip about it.
For Serena, the TV program served mainly as a form of hypnosis.
In the past, if she ever had trouble falling asleep, she would grab a blanket and head to the living room.
Once the TV was on, it wouldn't take long before she'd drift off to sleep.
Now, though the show's content was intense, she couldn't muster any interest, and her body was already heavy with sleep, drifting off.
Just then, the doorbell rang with a crisp 'Ding dong! Ding dong!'
Serena, in her dazed state, initially mistook it for the sound from the TV and didn't pay attention.
After a while, the person outside seemed to lose patience and started banging on the door.
"Serena! Serena?! Are you inside? Don't scare me, answer me quickly! Serena?!"
Serena suddenly snapped back to reality, tilted her head, and listened carefully, finally realizing that she wasn't dreaming-someone had actually come.
She shakily got up, walked to the door without even asking who it was.
When the door opened, she didn't see the person clearly, but immediately felt a rush of wind and found herself in a warm embrace.
In a moment of disorientation, she stood still, letting the person hold her tightly.
"Serena, you scared me to death!"
Blinking, Serena regained her senses and asked in surprise, "You... How did you get here?! Shouldn't you be at the clinic?"
"You were crying. How could I not come?" Xavier rested his face against her neck, greedily inhaling her faint, almost imperceptible fragrance.
"I... I'm fine!" Serena hesitated, then gently patted his firm back. "See? I'm watching TV!"
Xavier didn't even look up. "From now on, I'll protect you and never let you cry again!"
"..." Serena's heart raced uncontrollably, and she struggled to hold back the flutter in her chest. "Okay, okay, you're holding me too tight. I'm almost suffocating!"
Xavier finally loosened his grip.
Serena quickly turned and walked toward the couch, not daring to meet his gaze.
The man followed her, "It's rare! You actually have time to watch TV! Let me see what show can even hold my Serena's attention!"
He casually sat next to her, leaning back as if he were at home, fully relaxed.
On the TV, Celia, facing the camera, shyly said, "Since the question came up, I'll take this opportunity to reveal a secret I've kept in my heart for many years."
"Hey! It's her!" Xavier grinned, looking excited.
"You know her?!"
"Not really, but I've seen her a couple of times! A few years ago, when she just started out, she was at a gathering organized by my friend."
"Oh!" Serena didn't ask further, resting her head on her hand, already feeling drowsy.
The show continued, and thanks to Celia, the live viewership reached a peak not seen in nearly a year during this time slot.
All major news platforms had already saved front-page spots, just waiting for her to reveal the name of that man...
***