Chapter 138: Survival on a Deserted Island

Yu Xin frowned, her gaze complex as she looked at Su Wanning. After hesitating for a long time, she finally managed to say, “You really have a clear head. I originally thought it was already rare for him to treat you this way, but after you mentioned it, I’m starting to think it’s nothing special.”

As expected, best friends talking together always end up discussing men.

“It’s exactly like our dorm late-night chats—so familiar!”

“Yin Shanshan next door never talks about such down-to-earth stuff.”

“Don’t pit one against the other, okay? Train boxed meals aren’t down-to-earth enough?”

“Su Wanning is truly grounded.”

“It’s not that,” Su Wanning said, leaning back on the sofa, sighing. “This meal was indeed expensive. Just think how many skewers of lamb it could have bought…”

Yu Xin scowled, her brows knitting together. “How did I never realize you were this kind of person before…”

Nearby, Da Xi’s stomach grumbled loudly. He walked over, tugging at Su Wanning’s arm, coaxing, “Aunt Su, I’m so hungry. I want to eat lamb skewers too.”

Su Wanning, who had been resting with her eyes closed, suddenly remembered something upon hearing this. She jumped up from the sofa, her face lighting up with joy.

“I’ve got it! Let’s go!”

With that, she took Da Xi’s hand and headed for the door. Yu Xin hurried after them, calling out, “Hey, where are you two going? What if President Qin hears?”

“Do you want to come? We’ll keep our voices down. Let’s go!”

Su Wanning led Yu Xin, Da Xi, and the poor cameraman from nearby, all bent over and tiptoeing as stealthily as thieves, opening the door quietly and inching their way toward the exit.

Fortunately, the presidential suite was spacious, and no sounds came from the adjacent rooms. Surely, Qin Jingchen hadn’t heard anything.

Once outside in the corridor, Su Wanning straightened up, took a deep breath, and patted her chest in relief. “Finally out.”

“Aunt Su, where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see soon enough!”

Su Wanning led them directly to the beach, which was lively even at night. The cool evening breeze swept away the daytime heat. Around them, countless men and women were partying—some dancing, some cheering, some clinking glasses—full of lively, down-to-earth energy.

Following the enticing aromas, Su Wanning found a barbecue stand by the sea.

“How did you know there’d be barbecue here?” Yu Xin asked in surprise.

The owner had set up a small tent by the shore, with a few rickety tables and chairs. In front was a charcoal grill, sizzling with meat. The scent of oil mixed with fresh spices, along with the smoke, teased their appetites irresistibly.

Yu Xin, who had been talking about dieting, couldn’t help but glance longingly at the grill.

“I figured there’d be barbecue by the sea. Beautiful scenery and barbecue—that’s the perfect combination!”

Su Wanning waved her hand toward the owner. “Thirty lamb skewers, please!”

This was the Su Jie they knew and loved.

Just their style!

Meanwhile, in the room, Qin Jingchen’s phone buzzed softly, receiving a message from his assistant:

“Madam and Yu Xin have gone to the beach for barbecue.”

Qin Jingchen stared at his phone. Su Wanning and the cameraman remained in the room, so everyone watching the livestream saw the president’s knowing smile. That smile instantly captivated thousands of young women in the chat.

“Oh my god, President Qin is so handsome!”

“Su Wanning, stop eating barbecue and come back to your room!”

“The emperor’s not worried, but the eunuch is!”

…

After a restful night at the hotel, early the next morning Yin Shanshan and her group arrived at their destination. The production team arranged for everyone to head to the shooting location.

Su Wanning’s group arrived at the seaside and boarded the ferry arranged by the crew.

The scenery slipped by, the sea breeze salty and fresh. Yu Xin chatted with Su Wanning on deck.

“Just yesterday we were on the beach with fine wine, and now looking around, it all feels like a dream.”

“This is what we’re supposed to be doing—enduring the production team’s torment.”

Su Wanning leaned back against the ferry railing, openly complaining about the crew.

Wang Zan stood quietly beside them.

At that moment, Qin Jingchen emerged from inside, coming over to Su Wanning. Naturally, he slipped an arm behind her back, as if ready to protect her from falling.

“Oh my god, so considerate! I’m jealous!”

“Who’s jealous, I won’t say.”

“Are these two really still dating?”

“President Qin is so handsome, Su Wanning so beautiful; together they look like a painting—so perfect!”

“Rich, handsome, and affectionate—where else would you find a husband like that?”

Su Wanning only realized someone had appeared beside her after she opened her eyes. Startled, she nearly lost her balance and almost fell over the railing. Luckily, Qin Jingchen caught her in time.

“Thank you.”

Still shaken, she straightened up and, after thanking him, noticed that Qin Jingchen’s arm was still around her waist. Their pose was undeniably intimate. Nearby, Yu Xin covered her mouth, giggling at them.

Su Wanning shot Yu Xin a glare and quickly slipped out of Qin Jingchen’s embrace, feeling a bit flustered.

“Why did you come out here?”

“The kids were playing games inside. I came to check on you.”

“Oh.”

Their awkward exchange ended as the ferry reached their destination—a nameless island off the coast.

“This island has no name. Our production team had to work hard to find it and got approval from the local government to shoot the show here. The island retains its original charm; everything around is untouched. This house was temporarily built by the crew a few months ago for filming.”

Wang Zan introduced the setting to the camera as everyone admired the island. It was more of a small oasis than an island.

Not very large, the house had two stories with a spacious yard in front. Mostly wooden, it was set some distance from the beach.

Surrounding the house were lush plants—not just coconut trees but many unidentifiable species.

The beach was piled high with the crew’s filming equipment and various cases.

Everyone’s luggage had been shipped here by boat and stacked on the shore. Meanwhile, Yin Shanshan’s group arrived as well.

Fang Wei let out a sigh of admiration. “This place feels like a paradise, far from the noise of the city.”

Yin Shanshan nodded in agreement. “It’s like being in a dream.”