Chapter 4: Reality Show Recording in Progress

Bai Zhenzhen arrived late due to a flight delay.

After boarding the minibus, she apologized profusely to everyone present. “Sorry for keeping you all waiting, teachers.”

After the four exchanged greetings, the minibus started moving.

Meanwhile, in the apartment…

Meng Chengxiao woke up on the sofa with a headache, the blanket having slipped to the floor. The gloomy weather made the entire room feel chilly.

Rubbing his temples as he got up, Meng Chengxiao immediately noticed a glass of water and a note on the table. He recognized the handwriting it was from Yun Xingcan.

“I’ve gone to participate in the program. What happened to me was a setup, but I have no evidence. You’re not disgusting – it was all my fault. Wait for me to return, and we’ll talk properly.”

Yun Xingcan

These three simple sentences made Meng Chengxiao’s gaze fixate on the word “setup.” He knew it, he just knew it. After investigating for so long without any clues, he had nearly started treating that incident as an accident.

A sense of helpless frustration washed over Meng Chengxiao. Over the past six months, he hadn’t even realized he’d been waiting for Yun Xingcan’s words: “You’re not disgusting.” Now, he finally felt somewhat relieved.

Taking out a cigarette and lighting it slowly, the pungent smoke brought him back to that day’s banquet. He had long forgotten the specific details, only remembering hearing that someone had dragged Yun Xingcan away to force drinks on him, prompting him to rush over.

There seemed to be an extra person beside him at the time, but his sole focus had been finding Yun Xingcan quickly, paying no attention to those around him. When Yun Xingcan finally stood before him – clothes disheveled, upper body soaked with alcohol, looking utterly wretched all he could hear were those words:

“Disgusting.”

Only then did he glance at the person beside him: a strikingly beautiful woman wearing revealing clothes, practically clinging to him.

Disgusting? Yes, quite disgusting.

Before meeting Yun Xingcan, he’d never been without admirers surrounding him daily. Though he only ever pretended with each of them, he was accustomed to being fawned over. This was the first time someone had called him disgusting – and it came from the first person he’d ever truly loved since childhood.

How could the arrogant and proud Meng Chengxiao possibly tolerate this?

“Hello? Book me a flight to Chengdu, Sichuan.”

After six months of torment, with only two days left to get a life-or-death result, he couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to hear the truth from Yun Xingcan’s own mouth, right now.

The minibus traveled steadily toward their first destination. While the other three chatted animatedly, Yun Xingcan – who hadn’t rested well last night – leaned against the window with closed eyes, catching up on sleep. Reason told him he should be socializing with them, but once drowsiness set in, it became impossible to resist.

“Teachers! We’re about to arrive at Yulin Road to find your breakfast, but first we need to play a small game to earn your breakfast funds!”

Yun Xingcan gradually woke as the director enthusiastically began the formal program recording.

“Director, why do we have to play games for meal money? We never had to do this before,” Bai Zhenzhen was the first to playfully protest.

The director grinned slyly. “That’s what makes this season different from the first – more challenging, don’t you think? Doesn’t it sound fun?”

“Not really. We just want to eat,” Lin Ming joined in teasing the director. With his somewhat boyish appearance and soft tone, it sounded like he was acting cute.

“Starry Splendor! You tell us, is this fair? We rushed to catch an early flight, didn’t even have a sip of water, and now the director wants us to play games first. How can anyone treat people like this?”

Yun Xingcan didn’t expect Lin Ming to call on her at this moment and smiled.

“If the director is making us play games, the prize money must be quite substantial.”

“I don’t think so. Based on my understanding of every previous episode, he definitely gives out as little as possible.”

Sun Ying didn’t spare the director any face, directly exposing his pretense.

The director was delighted to see this kind of scene and solemnly took out a hundred-yuan bill, a twenty, and two tens.

“The game is very simple. I have ten numbered cards here, from one to ten. Whoever draws the highest number among the four of you gets the hundred yuan. Conversely, the last two only get ten yuan each.”

As soon as the rules were announced, all four expressed dissatisfaction but quickly restrained themselves everything has its limits.

“I’m definitely getting the highest!”

Bai Zhenzhen confidently drew a card, covering it against her chest so no one else could see.

Lin Ming followed closely, “Not necessarily, maybe it’ll be me?”

“Teacher Sun, please.”

Yun Xingcan gave the third chance to Sun Ying, who also drew a card. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately revealed her card.

“Looks like your luck isn’t too great.”

On the card, the red number 10 stood out prominently.

The remaining two who hadn’t drawn their cards sighed exaggeratedly and turned their attention to Yun Xingcan.

Yun Xingcan casually drew a card and revealed it directly.

Number 9.

Aside from 10, there was no number higher than that.

Yun Xingcan smiled apologetically at the other two.

“Sorry, you two.”

Lin Ming and Bai Zhenzhen wore identical expressions, looking utterly defeated as they revealed their cards.

One was a 6, the other a 2.

“Seems like sometimes you shouldn’t be too confident.”

Sun Ying teased the two sighing figures beside her, while Yun Xingcan generously handed her card to Bai Zhenzhen.

“Take this one, let’s swap. Girls should eat well.”

Bai Zhenzhen didn’t expect Yun Xingcan to be so generous and was quite moved, putting on a solemn expression as if swearing lifelong brotherhood.

“I’ll remember this.”

“Mm!”

Lin Ming sulked on the side.

“Starry Splendor! We’re the real buddies! Why didn’t you swap with me?”

“Are you a girl?”

Lin Ming whimpered and wailed, “So girls are more important than buddies after all.”

Lin Ming’s words made everyone present freeze for a moment, but Yun Xingcan remained calm and unfazed.

“This is just gentlemanly manners. Who told me I’m such a refined gentleman?”

Yun Xingcan’s words instantly lightened the mood, and Bai Zhenzhen and Sun Ying nearly burst out laughing.

Someone actually boasting about being a refined gentleman what kind of ancient-style young master had wandered into their reality show?

“Well then, this refined gentleman, let me treat you to breakfast.”

Sun Ying waved the red bill in her hand, offering very generously to pay.

But the director added from the side, “No treating allowed.”

“You didn’t say that beforehand, so it doesn’t count.”

Sun Ying, acting like a big sister, pulled Yun Xingcan to her side.

Bai Zhenzhen chimed in, “You’re cheating, you didn’t say it earlier.”

“Alright, alright, but lunch won’t be like this. Of course, we’ll also increase your meal budget.”

Once everything was settled, the four of them got off the car to find food.

Yulin Road was crowded, with many people coming to take photos and check in.

The streets were lined with onlookers and numerous excited fans shouting their idols’ names.

Though no one called for Yun Xingcan, he still greeted the crowd like the other three members.

Not for any particular reason he simply didn’t want to stand out.

Sun Ying and Bai Zhenzhen walked ahead hand in hand.

Yun Xingcan didn’t want to stand too close to Lin Ming, but since the other had marked him as a target, he always ended up nearby.

“Starry Splendor, I was busy with schedules during your hospitalization and couldn’t visit. I sent gifts on my behalf did you receive them?”

“Yes, I did. Thank you.”

“Glad to hear it. I’m so happy you can stand by my side again.”

“Mm, I’m happy too.”

Yun Xingcan smiled beautifully, but only he knew how hard he was grinding his back teeth.

Of course, Lin Ming wasn’t faring much better.

“Why did you ever think of racing on mountain roads back then? Don’t do that again it’s too dangerous.”

While Lin Ming’s words sounded concerned, their content was another attempt to tarnish Yun Xingcan’s reputation.

“I was in a hurry and driving a bit fast when the car suddenly malfunctioned. Thankfully I survived. This reminds us all to maintain regular vehicle inspections to avoid unknown accidents.”

“Exactly! Let this be a reminder to all drivers always check your cars before use.”

Lin Ming could barely continue the conversation. If not for the task Meng Chengxiao assigned him, he wouldn’t have stayed near Yun Xingcan, let alone allowed him to share camera time!

“Lin Ming, Starry Splendor! There’s popular sticky rice here, and shredded potatoes next door. What would you like?”

Yun Xingcan’s eyes lit up at the mention of food, and he quickly stepped forward.

After checking the price list showing exactly ten yuan for the sticky rice, he generously bought himself a portion.

“Sorry sisters, I’ll eat first. My money only covers one portion, so I can’t treat you.”

Lin Ming bought shredded potatoes from the neighboring stall and, following Yun Xingcan’s lead, politely purchased only his own share after the customary pleasantries.

As the wealthiest present, Sun Ying went to a nearby stall and bought corn juice for all four of them.