The Road to True Love: Overcoming Obstacles in the Showbiz

The talk show host leaned forward with a microphone, eyes gleaming. "And what about your romantic history?" The question hung in the studio's artificial brightness.

"None," I declared, straight-faced.

A derisive snort came from my left. Jackson Tucker, the Oscar best actor-angled his sculpted jaw toward me. "Am I truly so forgettable?"

His baritone dripped with mock hurt. And the audience erupted.

Jackson wasn't done. "Or is this about me suggesting you focus on parenting?"

My manicured nails bit into my palms. Was he serious? Everybody was watching the show now!

This was beyond absurd.

01

My name was Luna James.

Fresh off the plane from abroad, some casting agent had spotted me at her first glance.

One supporting role later, and suddenly I was "the industry's fresh poison."

With my distinctive looks and impressive performance, I became an overnight sensation.

The fame tsunami hit fast. And I reached the peak of popularity.

Soon after, a famous program director invited me as a guest on his show.

How could I miss such a great opportunity for exposure?

And now, here I sat, on a nationally televised talk show, sandwiched between cinema's golden boy and the industry's current darling.

One of them was Jackson Tucker... that name sounded so familiar.

The show was live. Unscripted.

But the production team was quite bold.

No safety net. No rehearsals. Just rolling cameras and the unrelenting pressure of performance.

The producers had made no secret of their desire for drama.

"Your dedication to your craft is unparalleled," the host praised Jackson.

He was only 25 years old, but he had already revolutionized the film industry by winning the Best Actor Award three times.

Jackson's response was polished, effortless. "An actor should always strive for better."

The humility in his words was obvious.

Then came the question. "Many fans have left messages wanting to hear about your romantic experiences. Any past relationships you'd like to share?"

Jackson paused slightly, "Sure."

"First thing first, have you ever been in a relationship before?"

"Once."

The studio held its breath. Somewhere in the audience, a sharp gasp cut through the silence.

The very Jackson Tucker had been in a relationship!

The live chat exploded with excitement. although Jackson's fans were heartbroken.

"So, what is your current relationship with your partner?"

"Unfortunately, I was dumped."

Hearing this, I couldn't help but sneer.

What was the truth?

"Why didn't you just show your face, say it out loud, Jackson? What was holding you back and preventing you from telling the truth?" I thought.

Jackson's fans must be furious. cursing the "ex-girlfriend" who dumped their idol.

No need to scroll through the internet, it was definitely happening now. That was why the fans group was usually known as a cult.

"Let's leave it at that. Maybe the other guests have something to say too?" Jackson shifted the topic.

The host quickly caught on and turned to look at me.

Sure enough, the more you feared something, the more it happened. That was the Murphy's Law.

"Jackson makes a good point. Then we should focus on our special guest, Luna James. So Luna, I heard this is your first show, but the netizens have already been voting for you as the Best Supporting Actress this year! What do you say?"

Suddenly being called out, I immediately smiled at the camera.

"All I want to say is, thank you all for your support!"

The host nodded, "Speaking of the romantic relationship. Any romantic tales to tell?"

This was privacy, right?

"None," I said, my voice steady, my expression unreadable.

The host nodded again.

Jackson let out a quiet, derisive laugh. "Am I truly so forgettable?"

The silence that followed was deafening.

The host was puzzled, and the other guests were waiting for more gossip.

Jackson tilted his head, his gaze fixed on me. "Or is this about me suggesting you focus on parenting?"

The entire audience looked at me in shock.

What the hell was he doing? Everyone was watching the show!

With Jackson's words, the previously quiet live chat room exploded.

The internet, I knew, was already alight with countless speculations.

02

Although the situation was awkward. I kept my composure, my smile unwavering.

Scorpios. They never forgot a slight.

He was definitely taking personal revenge.

There was no way he didn't know that this was being broadcast live.

Spreading rumors about me in front of the entire nation? That was vile.

If I had known he was coming, I wouldn't have been here.

Thinking about the multiple cameras filming me, I had to maintain my composure.

I looked at Jackson.

Damn, his looks were wasted on him.

He really held grudges!

"Mr. Tucker," I said, my voice low, deliberate, "there are laws against slander."

As a new rising actress just starting to gain recognition, I finally had a chance for exposure.

But his few words almost ruined all my efforts.

I was trying to suppress my wrath.

He seemed to notice too.

His apology was smooth, practiced. "A misunderstanding. I was just rehearsing a scene. Sorry about that."

He was a good liar, a really good one, wasn't he?

Three years ago, I had made the mistake of confessing my feelings for him.

I never thought that three years later. with just a simple sentence, I became the same fool again.

"Miss James, your performance," Jackson mused, his gaze lingering, "the way you portrayed betrayal-it was compelling."

I was taken aback.

I couldn't tell if it was praise or provocation.

In the drama, I played the second female lead, the male lead's idealized love.

The male lead loved her deeply.

But unfortunately, she died in the end.

Did he like that version of me?

Was he wishing me dead?

What was more ridiculous was that Jackson had been my untouchable ideal of love. three years ago.

Always visible, never within reach.

My infatuation for him was public knowledge.

He must have known.

Perhaps in his eyes, I was merely an insignificant passerby in his world.

"Thanks for your praise. But acting is just acting. How could scripts mirror reality?" My words carried pointed meaning.

Jackson's lips twitched before curving into a faint smile.

I didn't want to respond to his eerie compliment.

Yet I had to thank him, grudgingly.

His calculated remarks had successfully convinced the audience and host that we were merely performing typical celebrity couple fan service.

03

Post-show exhaustion weighed heavy on my bones.

#JacksonLuna

#JacksonFanService

#JacksonRomanticPast

#JacksonRomanticHistory#

#LunaFrankRemarks

Whatever. I needed sleep.

When I awoke, my agent burst in waving her phone.

"Luna! Your hashtag with Jackson is trending!"

Still groggy, I nodded absently, and then froze.

Damn. We had shipping fans now?

What delusional fantasy were they seeing?

I'd been trying to avoid him at all costs.

"I'd rather die than get entangled with him!"

My agent was stunned.

Jackson Tucker-the industry's golden boy, countless actresses would kill for this fabricated connection.

"Luna," she probed, "there's history between you two, isn't there?"

My agent's probing gaze fell on me.

I shook my head sharply. "We're strangers."

Her speculative gaze lingered. "Really? You better not lie to me. If there's anything to leverage, we should milk this opportunity."

"Absolutely not." My voice turned glacial.

The agent sighed.

I'd ride any coattails but his.

"Since you lack dating experience and have high popularity now," she continued brightly, "I've signed you for a romance reality show!"

What did she do?

Had she missed the part where I'd fabricated my relationship history? And my social anxiety?

"All civilian participants. Just relax," she assured. "Great for public image. And the paycheck is stellar."

Hearing the price was great, I changed my mind instantly.

It was just a dating show, right? How hard could it be?

Maybe I'd even find some charming nobody.

"These are definitely all non-celebrities? Jackson's not involved?"

My agent laughed like I'd suggested the moon was made of cheese.

"Jackson Tucker on a dating show? He's refused all variety programs since debut. He won't be there. I'd actually hope he would join. That way, we could stir up more topics. What a pity."

That would be a nightmare for me.

With Jackson absent, I could finally relax.

04

On the program's premiere day, I arrived punctually at the set.

The guests assembled-three men, three women-exchanging polite greetings.

My breath caught. Among the female participants stood Donna Patel, the rising sweetheart.

What was an A-list starlet doing on a civilian dating show? Had her career plummeted so dramatically?

Oh well, it was none of my business.

Then again, money talked.

The live broadcast, titled Happily Ever After, began with director-mandated introductions.

Male Guest 1 began, "Larry Sutton, 22, medical student. I love reading and corgi-walking."

Male Guest 2 said, "Dean Yates, 22 years old, professional model. I enjoy gym sessions and watching cinema."

The final one spoke, "I am Braydon Hall, 24, freelance artist. My hobbies are marathon running and cooking."

An eclectic mix, each with distinct appeal.

Then it was the female guests' turn.

The first girl talked, "My name is Joanna Bailey, 22, makeup influencer. I am also a chronic chatter-box."

The second one, Donna, required no introduction-all dimpled smiles and designer chiffon.

I was the final one.

"Luna James, 23. Aspiring actress."

My practiced bow sent male palms clapping.

I felt flattered, and Joanna suddenly invaded my personal space, fingers hovering near my cheekbones. "Wow, your skin's flawless! You're not even wearing foundation!" Her gasp fogged my glasses.

"Your contouring is exquisite," I deflected, noting her Instagram-perfect highlight.

Joanna was thrilled, "Really? I put on makeup especially for this."

I nodded and looked at the others.

Currently, we were all just getting to know each other, mostly chatting and sharing some food.

Though I'd never admit it aloud, the male recruits were aesthetically... sufficient.

"Miss James," Larry smiled like a pediatrician reassuring a child, "any favorite cuisines?"

I was taken aback. "I'm not picky."

Larry was also momentarily surprised.

His blink of confusion ignited the live chat.

"OMG, Luna is so adorable!"

"Hey, it seems like the doctor guy has a crush on Luna, doesn't it?"

"I agree!"

"Are they going to be the first couple of the show?"

......

Larry just exchanged a few words with me, and they were already rooting for us as a couple?

But honestly, why did he keep smiling at me?

Larry's relentless grinning forced reciprocal facial exertion. Out of manner, I could only put on a smiling face.

Geez, my zygomatic muscles screamed.

"Your smile is mesmerizing," he suddenly complimented me.

Obviously. I'd sacrificed seven facial nerves maintaining my elegant smile, no wonder he was captivated.

05

"Luna, what do you usually enjoy doing?" A lazy, sultry voice suddenly whispered in my ear.

It was the model guy, Dean.

"Uh, watching legal dramas."

I began to be panicked, and guessed my social anxiety had flared up again.

Live chat erupted.

"Oh wow, I love legal dramas too. I can't believe I share the same interest with Luna!"

"I love her taste. Hope she keeps shining!"

"Ahhh, this model guy is really my type!"

"Luna is really popular with the younger guys! Who could resist her beauty?"

I took a deep breath as Dean scooted closer to me.

I nervously glanced at my hands.

"Am I... intimidating you?" he asked with grievance.

His puppy-dog pout triggered my guilt.

"No, it's just... just socially inept," I admitted.

"Then I'll talk enough for both of us. You can just rest assured to be my audience."

His wink could power small appliances.

I examined him. He was quite handsome, with features like a mixed-race model and over six feet tall.

He should be an idol, not just a model.

The director clapped. "Time for task draws! Matching pairs complete challenges with your partner. If you fail, there will be face penalties."

I knew it couldn't be this easy.

Looks like the show wanted to create some real dramas.

I was the last to draw, and my drawn card was to capture 3 couple portraits using prescribed romantic poses.

......

I held the task card, lost in thought.

"What do you think? It seems we are quite fated!" Dean brandished his duplicate card like a winning lottery ticket.

With the task card revealed, I gained a new wave of fans rooting for us as a couple.

The internet promptly combusted. Related trending topics exploded one after another.

#LunaAndDeanCouple#

#CharmingModelAndShyActress#

#DeanAndLuna#

#Luna'sNaturalBeauty#

Evidently, I'd been cursed with viral magnetism.

06

The filming location hummed with the controlled chaos of a final scene wrap.

Jackson stood motionless as the stylist dabbed at his forehead, his phone screen illuminating the dark circles beneath his eyes. The trending hashtags burned brighter than the set lights to him.

A cold smile appeared on his lips.

"Shy actress?" Jackson couldn't help but chuckle.

Three years ago, when she was boldly pursuing him, she didn't seem shy at all.

"Luna and Dean, huh? You have to admit that they do make a good couple," the stylist casually remarked, but Jackson's expression grew darker.

His thumb hovered over an image of Luna resting her chin on Dean's shoulder, and he glared at the image.

"Heartless woman," Jackson said coldly.

He had thought her feelings for him were genuine.

Yet here she was, cozying up to some model on national television.

And to think he'd given up his chance to study abroad because of her words, entering this very industry instead.

Against his better judgment, Jackson clicked on the live stream of Luna's dating show.

There she was, just as radiant as three years ago.

"What is she doing?" he muttered.

The stylist peeked over. "It's a dating show. They're probably doing some couple challenge. She'll be trending again after this."

Jackson's grip tightened around his phone. "Couple photos? How tasteless."

"But fans love this stuff," the stylist chuckled. "Who knows, they might even become a real couple."

A chill ran down Jackson's spine.

He had sworn never to appear on variety shows when he entered this industry.

That had been his one condition.

Yet just as his career began to take off, Luna had vanished overseas without a word.

Later, he found out she had gone abroad for three years.

It seemed that she had completely forgotten him.

For three years, not a single message had been sent to him.

All her bold declarations of love might as well have been a joke.

And now she was back, coincidentally in the same industry, even working on the same projects.

But on set, she avoided him like the plague.

Jackson felt bad.

She owed him an explanation.

"Look, I told you, Luna is trending again!"

Jackson clicked on the trending topic and it was a series of photos.

Jackson stared at them.

In the picture, Luna smiled up at Dean, her chin resting on his shoulder.

Jackson's gaze turned cold. "Just debuted and already so careless with her image," he muttered.

The stylist, sensing Jackson's foul mood, quickly excused herself.

"Alright, you can leave. I want to rest," Jackson said. The stylist nodded and left.

Jackson stared at the trending photos, hesitated for a moment, then dialed a number.

"This is Jackson Tucker. Does your show need another male guest?"

......

07

The director on the other end nearly dropped his phone.

Jackson Tucker? On a dating show? The man who famously refused all variety programs?

With him on board, the show's ratings would be guaranteed.

"Yes! Absolutely!" the director emphasized.

"Sorry about this abrupt proposal."

"It's fine. We're thrilled to have you join us!"

Jackson hung up after brief arrangements.

The director immediately began promotional preparations, knowing this would send ratings through the roof.

The award-winning actor was breaking his tradition. So he was absolutely interested in one of the female guests on the show.

Even if that wasn't the case, the program was already benefiting from the buzz.

The director immediately started promoting the news of Jackson's upcoming appearance, and the show's popularity soared.

Within hours, #JacksonJoinsDatingShow was trending.

There are more hashtags coming with it.

#ShowWithFlip# #JacksonJoinsDatingShow#

Jackson and the show quickly became a hot topic online.

Jackson's agent burst into his dressing room. "Have you lost your mind? A dating show? Your female fans will riot!"

Jackson simply smiled. "I don't belong to anyone. But someone on that show belongs to me."

The agent's eyes widened. "Who?"

"If I'm lucky enough to win her back," Jackson said, "you'll be the first to know."

The agent sighed, realizing Jackson was serious.

There were only three female guests on that show-one newcomer, and two actresses Jackson had worked with before.

Plus, he had worked with both of them before. Could it be the newcomer?

"Donna had that crush on you, leading to some rumors. But you are never interested in her, right?" the agent mused. "Then there's Luna James - but she clearly avoids you like the plague!"

Jackson's eyes flashed. "How do you know she doesn't like me?"

The agent finally understood.

So, Luna was the woman who held a special place in his heart.

This guy was really good at keeping secrets; without some probing, it would have been hard to guess.

"So it's Luna," he murmured. "But if she liked you, why would she avoid you?"

Jackson looked away. "She used to be crazy about me. Frankly speaking, I'm not sure about it." All you need to know is that you can't imagine how much she used to like me..."

So there indeed was a history between them.

"You can't force these things," the agent warned. "Especially when she's already paired up with someone else."

Jackson's voice was firm. "She won't fall for Dean. She might fool others, but she can't fool me."

......

08

The next morning, Luna nearly dropped her phone when she saw the news.

"Jackson's joining the show? Today?"

What was going on?

Didn't he say he'd never do variety shows?

Men were fickle creatures.

Just her luck to have him show up here.

Meanwhile, laughter echoed from nearby.

Down the hall, Joanna was squealing with excitement while Donna preened, clearly thinking Jackson was coming for her.

Donna called me over to share her joy. "Did you see the trending news? Jackson is joining the show tomorrow! Why do you think he suddenly decided to do a variety show? When he debuted, he was adamant about never doing variety shows. It's so strange."

Luna couldn't help but scoff. A man like Jackson always had a fine appearance but a corrupt interior.

Clearly, Donna didn't realize it. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and surprise.

I knew that look all too well-it was exactly how I felt three years ago.

It seemed Donna had a crush on Jackson.

My relationship with Donna was somewhat complicated.

Especially this time, I played the second female lead but overshadowed Donna's main role.

It was clear Donna wasn't fond of me, often acting passive-aggressively during the scenes together.

I didn't mind; I would take actions if necessary.

After all, Donna hadn't really provoked her yet.

"Hey, do you think Jackson has a secret crush on one of us three? It's definitely not me, so it must be one of you two."

Joanna's comment made me tense up instinctively.

Despite not wanting to overthink, Jackson's sudden participation made it hard not to.

Could he still think I had lingering feelings for him?

No, no, how could he know I liked him?

He never responded to my feelings.

Maybe he was here for Donna, given their past rumors.

My heart was suddenly restless.

"Come on, who is it that captured the heart of the famous Jackson Tucker?"

I felt anxious, while Donna subtly hinted, "I did mention to him once that he should try variety shows. I just didn't expect him to join a dating show."

Joanna was thrilled, her eyes shining.

"Really? Jackson joined the show because of something you said? Spill it, are you two secretly dating?"

Donna's lips curled with a hint of pride. "For a few times, but we're not together yet."

Joanna was instantly impatient. "Oh, it's only a matter of time! He's clearly here for you!"

Donna looked flattered and shy, playing her part convincingly.

I couldn't bring herself to expose her.

I could guess part of the reason why Jackson entered the entertainment industry.

Back then, I confessed my feelings for him countless times, always sticking by his side.

I told him, "You're so good-looking, you should be a big star. If you become my boyfriend, everyone will be envious!"

Jackson's face was cold at the time. "You like a big star so much? That's so naive."

I remembered clearly; he called me naive.

From then on, I never mentioned the entertainment industry or celebrities in front of him because he didn't like it.

After a certain incident, three years later, I returned to the country.

Jackson had transformed into a top star in the entertainment world.

Life had a funny way of turning things around.

09

The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed.

She tidied up and prepared to call Joanna, who had promised to teach me how to cook.

As I opened the door to leave, the door across from me opened.

The person inside stepped out, and I froze in place.