Chapter 1

My best friend tricked me into appearing on a reality TV relationship counseling show.

Her male friend pointed at me, crying and shouting that I was stringing him along despite not liking him, calling me a gold-digger.

"I'm not from a wealthy family. I saved up every penny. I've been pursuing her for two years - two years! Every time I sent her money, she accepted it quickly. But it took her three days to reply to my messages!"

The host's words dripped with sarcasm: "You're not getting any younger. If you don't like him, just say so. Why string him along? This is how good men get worn down."

I looked to my best friend. She turned away, muttering: "Jiaojiao, this really isn't right. Either be with him or return the money. You can't have it both ways."

The audience was ready to pelt me with eggs.

But when I revealed the truth, their expressions changed in an instant.

I was an avid follower of the top-rated relationship advice show that aired every week. So when my best friend Sophia handed me a ticket, I was so excited I hugged her and planted two kisses on her cheek.

Sophia gently pushed me away with an awkward smile. "Make sure you get there on time, okay? These tickets were really hard to get. And dress up nicely!"

I held up four fingers in a solemn vow: "I promise I'll be there on time!"

On the day of filming, I put on my best makeup, practiced my expressions in the mirror dozens of times, and chose a light blue dress for the occasion.

I arrived early at the entrance, where a staff member checked a list and said curtly: "Follow me."

She led me to a waiting room and told me: "Wait here. We'll call you when it's time."

I didn't think much of it, assuming Sophia's connections had gotten me VIP treatment. I contentedly poured myself a glass of water and settled in.

A short while later, a staff member came to get me. As we walked, I grew confused: "Are you sure this is the right way? Isn't there another entrance?"

The staff member gave me a little push forward, muttering: "Stop playing innocent. You weren't so innocent when you were scamming people out of money!"

I was completely baffled.

Bright lights suddenly shone on me as all eyes in the room turned my way.

I instinctively wanted to turn back.

The host's voice boomed: "Please welcome our next guest, Chloe!"

Through the glare of the lights, I finally noticed Sophia and Gregory sitting on the other side of the stage.

I walked over to her, confused: "Sophia, what's going on? Why are you here too?"

Sophia avoided my gaze as the host barked: "Chloe, please sit on the opposite side."

In that moment, I realized I was today's main guest on the show.

The host quickly changed his demeanor, addressing the others in a coaxing tone: "Mr. Gregory, our show aims to resolve relationship conflicts fairly and justly. Please share your concerns - I'm sure everyone will give you a fair hearing."

Gregory lowered his eyes and heaved a deep sigh, the picture of an honest man wronged. His demeanor instantly elicited sympathy from the audience.

Audience members called out encouragement:

"Speak up, brother! How long are you going to let this woman string you along? Nice guys always get taken advantage of!"

I narrowed my eyes at the man in the audience egging things on, then calmly studied Gregory.

In all our previous meetings, he had dressed like a millionaire - suit, tie, leather shoes, slicked back hair, the works. Now he wore a cheap, wrinkled t-shirt.

He pursed his lips, his eyes instantly reddening. "At this point, I just want the money I spent on her back. I've given up on love. Chloe, if you didn't like me, why did you keep stringing me along?"

His words caused an uproar in the audience.

"Look how nicely she's dressed! I saw that dress in a store last week - it costs over $300. I could never afford that."

"Gold digger, for sure. This guy probably isn't her first victim. She must have scammed a lot of money by now."

"I can't stand women like this!"

I opened my mouth to explain, but the host cut me off: "It's not your turn to speak yet. You'll have a chance to respond later."

Gregory continued his tearful accusations, pointing at me:

"I don't come from a wealthy family. I saved up that money bit by bit. I pursued her for two years - two years! Every time I sent her money, she accepted it quickly. But it would take her three days to reply to my messages!

"I've sent her money over 30 times!"

The host's eyes flashed coldly: "Ms. Chloe, is this true?"

I shook my head: "He did send money many times, but-"

The host impatiently cut me off again, his words dripping with sarcasm: "So Mr. Gregory's account is accurate. You're not so young anymore - if you weren't interested, you should have said so directly. Why string him along? This is how good men get worn down and used up."

I looked to Sophia, but she turned away, muttering: "Chloe, this really isn't right. Either be with him or return the money. You can't have it both ways."

I could feel the hostility radiating from the audience - contempt, anger, like they wanted to pelt me with rotten eggs.

I never imagined I'd find myself in a situation like this.

Gregory, emboldened by the audience's support, wiped away his tears and sat up straighter.

He made an impassioned plea, his eyes full of sorrow: "Chloe, I still have feelings for you. Can you give me a chance? If you're willing to be with me, I'll forgive everything. What's mine is yours - both my money and myself. I'll give you control of all my future earnings too."