Romance Novel Selection (Red and White Volumes)

Author: Zhang Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: Not available
Features: Li Ming is a well-known TV host who has recently put a lot of effort into planning a variety show called "Capture the Heartbeat." The show, when stripped bare, isn't really original—it's a copycat from Taiwan, essentially TV matchmaking and selling love. Many TV stations across the country have launched similar programs one after another. Li Ming feels it's too late for him to start, so if he wants to do it, he'll do it in a bold and unconventional way to stand out and instantly attract viewers who enjoy this kind of show.
For the first few episodes, he worries about the show being a flop, fearing that people in this city are too conservative and not bold enough in their speech. He needs to find a few familiar faces to hype up the atmosphere. He thinks of his close friend Hou Deyi and calls him to meet at a café. Hou Deyi arrives on time with his girlfriend, Fang Ye, waiting for Li Ming outside the café. Li Ming rides his motorcycle with a girl, waving far off to signal them.
There’s no parking space in front of the café, so Li Ming looks around and finally finds a place to leave his motorcycle. The girl is wearing a very short skirt and sits astride the motorcycle, her smooth thighs drawing attention. Li Ming leaves the motorcycle and walks over with her. Fang Ye smiles and says, "Li Ming, why does every time I meet you, the girl you bring with you is different?"
Li Ming says seriously, "Don’t joke around. Xiao Tao and I are just colleagues."
Hou Deyi replies, "In this day and age, everything is a working relationship."
Li Ming says, "Stop talking nonsense, or Xiao Tao might get angry with you."
They all enter the café. Li Ming is a regular there and greets the owner loudly upon entering. The girl Li Ming calls Xiao Tao casually takes a seat first, pulls out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, and asks Fang Ye if she wants one, then asks Hou Deyi as well. Fang Ye glances at Hou Deyi, who shakes his head vigorously and looks at Xiao Tao with a smiling, flattering expression.
Li Ming asks for a cigarette, lights it, and then lights one for Xiao Tao, saying, "This place is a no-smoking zone. Look at that no-smoking sign."
Everyone turns to look, and indeed, on the wall, there’s a very prominent anti-smoking public service announcement.