Chapter 1The Ex-Factor

During a reality show livestream, the current "It Girl" deliberately tried to embarrass me.

She dared me to call the top celebrity, my ex-boyfriend, and provoke him live: [I'm getting married tomorrow!]

His response? [You want a wedding gift? Keep dreaming.]

Thirty seconds later: [I'm willing to be the side piece. Video call me if you dare, I'll prove I'm better.]

Me: ???!!!

...

Damn it, ex-boyfriend, who messed with your settings?!

* * *

I lost the game on the variety show, so I had to accept the punishment from the winner of the last round.

Bella, the current "It Girl" of Hollywood, rested her chin on her hand, pretending to think deeply.

Finally, she flashed a dazzling smile.

"Call Julian, and tell him—"

"You still like him, but you're getting married tomorrow~"

???!

My vision went black.

Provoking Julian, the top star in the industry, on a live broadcast? Is this something a human being would come up with?

Did a coupon explosion fry your brain?

Seeing my lack of reaction, she switched to a cutesy, whining tone.

"I wanna see! I love this drama! Come on, call him!!!"

I politely refused.

"We don't really know each other that well. How about another dare?"

Bella pretended to be angry and playfully slapped my shoulder.

"Oh stop it, you guys definitely know each other.

"Last night, Julian mentioned you while we were chatting.

"It's just a game, we're all friends here, let's have some fun~"

Friends?

He's my ex-boyfriend, and I met you thirty minutes ago. Where's the friendship?!

[Hahaha, Bella has such a great sense for variety shows!]

[This is kinda awkward, Chloe looks so uncomfortable stuck in the middle.]

[Ugh, your fave is so fragile. If she can't play, she shouldn't be on the show. Does she understand entertainment?]

[Totally, super sensitive much?]

[Bella explained they all know each other well, it's just a joke.]

[OMG! Am I the only one shipping them? Bella and Julian were chatting last night!!!]

[Maybe they were chatting in the same bed, under the same covers hehehe! Whispering sweet nothings every night!]

I ignored the deluge of shipping comments and was forced to pull out my phone.

Everyone here is sharp.

What kind of game are you playing, little girl?

You just want to see me get rejected after confessing my feelings.

Then you can have a sweet interaction with Julian and sell your "couple" image, right?

I'm such a sucker!!!

I held my breath and pressed dial. The ringback tone echoed through the hall—

[My head is so itchy~]

[I'm growing long hair~]

[I'm growing long hair~]

[Hehehehe~~~]

???!

Damn, isn't this the stupid audio clip I recorded for fun when I had COVID and lost my voice years ago?

He still has it?!

Ahhh, is he sick?!

Why would he set this ghostly thing as his ringback tone?!!!!