Chapter 105: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

At first, Mingming had maintained a polite and courteous demeanor, merely lying eagerly on the table nearby, his eyes fixed on Nian Nian as she ate her candies. But when he realized the next candy was meant for Daxi, Mingming could no longer restrain himself.

"Nian Nian, why don't you let me have this candy first?"

Mingming's gaze remained locked on the candy, refusing to shift. Nian Nian frowned.

"No, there's only one left. It should go to a girl."

"But I want it so badly!" Like a crouching tiger ready to pounce, Mingming practically drooled, reaching out to snatch the candy.

"Mingming, if you keep doing this, I won't play with you anymore!" Nian Nian stamped her feet in anger, puffing up her cheeks in a threat.

Little Tian, who had just angered his sister, now seized the opportunity to showcase his gallantry and began to wrestle with Mingming for the candy.

"You can't eat it; it's Nian Nian's."

The two boys tussled, and Suisui, observing from the side, cast a subtle glance in Mingming's direction.

Nian Nian, the darling of the group, was surrounded by everyone in the center. Mingming immediately raised his hands in surrender.

"Alright, alright, I won't eat it. Is that not enough?"

Feng Rui, witnessing the scene, nearly dropped her jaw in surprise.

"So even the little tyrant has his day—heroes can't resist beauty."

Nian Nian took back the candy, glanced at Mingming, who was practically drooling, and finally divided the candy into four, so each child could taste a piece.

The candy was already small and, split amongst them, left only a fragment the size of a fingernail. Yet Mingming cherished it, carefully biting into it.

Instantly, the fragrance of cotton candy mingled with the taste of nuts, soft and crunchy, bursting in his mouth. The wondrous flavors and textures intertwined, awakening his palate.

"This is amazing!" Mingming's eyes sparkled.

Fang Wei laughed, "This isn't a beauty's trial—it's a gourmet's test."

Even Su Wan Ning couldn't stand it, offering, "Is it really that good? Next time, I'll make some for you."

Mingming nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please! It's the best candy I've ever tasted!"

Feng Rui scoffed from the side, "That's because you've been away too long. You never even look at the imported candies and chocolates your father brings from abroad."

Mingming insisted, "This one is just special!"

As evening fell and twilight settled on the shore, the group finally drove their vehicles, one after another, to the campsite prepared by the production team.

It was a dedicated RV camping area, and their spot was halfway up the mountain.

The scenery was indeed beautiful, but the last stretch of mountain road was difficult to navigate in the deepening dusk.

After such a long journey, everyone was weary, though the children clamored for food. With no other options, the guests decided to use the ingredients they had prepared to grill meat.

The parents bustled outside the RV, preparing everything, but the weather did not cooperate. A muffled thunder rolled overhead, and fine raindrops began to fall.

"It's raining!"

The rain grew heavier, and only then did everyone realize they hadn't brought a tent canopy.

"Fang Wei, I told you we should bring a canopy when we left, but you insisted the weather would be fine. What do we do now?"

Yin Shanshan complained in a playful, almost teasing manner, though she wore a smile. Fang Wei, however, visibly felt guilty.

She had indeed vetoed Yin Shanshan's suggestion to bring a canopy.

As the rain intensified, the charcoal stove they'd just lit was extinguished, and the food left outside risked getting drenched.

Su Wan Ning watched the scene, finding Fang Wei's apologetic demeanor particularly grating.

Mingming, a superstar returning home with countless fans, yet Fang Wei always seemed oblivious to her own brilliance, forever timid and careful in front of others.

With this in mind, Su Wan Ning quietly slipped away in a certain direction.

Before long, the owner of the RV campsite returned with a massive canopy, running back alongside Su Wan Ning.

Meanwhile, the others rushed to salvage their belongings from outside, the scene chaotic.

"No need to worry, everyone. I borrowed a canopy from the campsite owner."

The owner was amiable, and upon learning they were filming a show—and could do free publicity for the campsite—he happily agreed to lend the canopy, even assisting with setup.

Soon, a large shelter stood beside the RV, shielding everyone from the now pouring rain and offering a sense of security.

"This is wonderful! Now we can eat outside again!" Fang Wei smiled, oblivious to the fleeting disdain in Yin Shanshan's eyes behind her.

The grill was relit, the meat placed back on, and the atmosphere quickly returned to joy.

During the meal, Su Wan Ning quietly avoided the cameras to meet Vincent, who had hurried back from the production team.

"I found out!" Vincent announced mysteriously as soon as they met.

Vincent had stayed with the crew for several days, hoping to help cover the police investigation into who had deliberately filmed and spread rumors last time.

Su Wan Ning perked up, "Who was it?"

"A factory worker, temporary contract. No background, just recently joined the crew—apparently wanted to earn some money selling to paparazzi."

Su Wan Ning was silent for a long moment before asking, "Do you believe that?"

Vincent snorted, "Who am I? Would I believe such nonsense?"

That settled it.

"I don't believe it either," Su Wan Ning agreed.

Vincent sighed, "I've told the police as much. They've interrogated him many times, but the worker refuses to reveal the mastermind. There's nothing to be done but to penalize him and move on."

Su Wan Ning nodded, "It's likely all arranged in advance. We won't get anything from him."

"So what now? Do you have any suspects?"

Su Wan Ning glanced toward the production team. At that moment, Yin Shanshan was outside grilling, wearing a poised smile, her every gesture elegant.

"You suspect her?"

Su Wan Ning raised an eyebrow, her tone enigmatic, "Sometimes suspicion is enough for conviction. Wait and see."

With that, she strolled toward the RV. The director, seeing everyone had nearly finished eating, produced the game props he had prepared.

"This candy is from the 'Squid Game.' Everyone gets a piece and a needle. Whoever can carve the designated shape out of their candy first wins!"

The children, thrilled by the game, scrambled to choose their favorite shapes.

Suisui picked a triangle, while Mingming chose the most complicated, a five-pointed star.