Chapter 141: Frightened to Death

In the end, everyone chose their rooms again, though the results were no different from the director’s original assignments.

Back in their room, Yin Shanshan remained silent, her expression clearly displeased. Fang Wei, who was helping her tidy the bedding, noticed her mood and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Yin Shanshan didn't even look up as she continued to smooth out the sheets.

Seeing this, Fang Wei grew even more worried. "Is something bothering you? Or do you not like the room? How about we swap? Mine is by the window."

Fang Wei’s offer was born of genuine kindness and concern, but it struck a nerve with Yin Shanshan. She looked up, her tone sharp with irritation. "We chose these rooms fairly and squarely. Why would I not like it? Saying things like that is just going to make the netizens misunderstand me."

As soon as Yin Shanshan spoke, the live stream comments were filled with condemnation of Fang Wei.

"To be honest, Fang Wei really lacks emotional intelligence. No wonder she retired from the industry before."
"Is personal attacking really necessary? Wasn't she just trying to be nice?"
"But Fang Wei saying that makes it look like Shanshan has an issue with the production team. It’s just stirring up drama."
"I think Fang Wei did it on purpose."

Hearing this, Fang Wei waved her hands in a panic. "I didn't mean it like that! I just... I saw you weren't talking, and I was worried."

But the more she explained, the worse it got. Yin Shanshan offered a magnanimous smile. "It’s okay, I know you meant well."

This remark effectively cemented the public perception of Fang Wei as someone with poor social skills. Fang Wei shut her mouth and returned to making the bed in silence. The room was unnaturally quiet, while outside, the atmosphere was lively. The children were all playing in the courtyard, darting between the kitchen and the chicken coop.

Su Wanning was upstairs organizing her room. In truth, she and the children didn't have many belongings—everything they needed could be pulled straight from their suitcases—so she headed to the balcony after only a few minutes.

Night was falling. The sunset cast a brilliant red glow across the horizon, the sun resembling a goose egg as it dipped slowly toward the coastline. Qin Jingchen appeared behind her at some point, standing beside her to take in the view. Neither spoke. The night sea breeze brushed past, carrying a gentle warmth that washed away the day's exhaustion.

The cameraman stood silently in the room, lens fixed on them. From the viewers' perspective, they saw only Qin Jingchen quietly guarding Su Wanning as they stood before the breathtaking sunset.

"Handsome man, beautiful woman, and a stunning view—this scene is absolutely lethal."
"I’m screenshotting this to use as my desktop wallpaper!"

Just as everyone was admiring the rare beauty, a loudspeaker blared from downstairs. "Will everyone please gather in the courtyard."

Accompanied by the crackle of static, the announcement repeated three times, shattering the romantic mood. Soon, everyone gathered in the entertainment area, where Wang Zan stood holding a box of flashlights, handing one to each person.

"These are your tools. It’s about to get dark, and behind us lies a stretch of untamed, natural forest. A reminder: the tide will rise tonight, so please stay away from the shoreline. We have hidden your dinner ingredients and other treasures within the woods behind you. Each of you has one hour to go in and hunt for them."

"How exciting, is this a real-life version of *Survivor*?"
"Looks more like *Wilderness Survival* to me."
"I love treasure hunts!"
"It’s so dark, and that forest hasn't been cleared at all. What if there are poisonous insects or snakes? The production team is being so reckless."
"The kids are so young—won't there be accidents?"

Even the netizens thousands of miles away were worried, let alone the guests present. After the director finished speaking, all the guests wore grave expressions, save for Tian Boyu, whose face held a hint of anticipation.

Su Wanning glanced down at her young children, then looked at Qin Jingchen beside her, sighing inwardly. She still remembered the incident from when they had taken the children up the mountain at night to gather herbs. This time, the situation was even worse, and she was burdened with a "dead weight" (a tagalong); managing three children at once was enough to give her a headache.

Fang Wei looked anxious. She held her son Xiaotian’s hand tightly and asked the director, "Won't there be any accidents in the woods? Director, the children are still very young. If we forgo the rewards, can we opt out of this game?"

Before Wang Zan could answer, Xiaotian tugged on Fang Wei’s hand, crying and fussing. "No, Mom! I want to play the game with everyone! If you take me, there won't be any danger!"

Unable to resist her son's pleading and tears, Fang Wei ultimately relented. At the director's command, each group of guests was led to different entrances to enter the forest.

This expedition was organized by family, with Su Wanning’s group being the largest.

"Su Wanning has her husband to protect her; she shouldn't be scared, right?"
"This is so unfair. Everyone else is managing their kids alone; Su Wanning is basically playing with cheat codes."
"I heard President Qin invested a huge sum into the show, so of course the producers have to cater to them."
"Rigged! It’s all rigged!"

The group entered the woods, their flashlights cutting through the darkness as they walked with unsteady footing. Seeing the comments, Su Wanning suddenly had an idea and stopped in her tracks.

"I don't think this is fair. Our family is so large, and you’re here, too." Su Wanning looked at Qin Jingchen, coaxing him. "Look, the netizens think it's unfair as well. If we keep going like this, we're going to get roasted."

"Then what should we do?" Qin Jingchen took the bait, his brow slightly furrowed as he asked.

Su Wanning suppressed the urge to laugh and pulled her son toward her. "How about this: I’ll take our son as one group, and you take our daughter. We’ll split up; that’ll be fairer."

Upon hearing this, Niannian immediately looked up at Su Wanning, protesting indignantly, "Mommy, why are you taking big brother instead of me?"

Su Wanning crouched down, patiently soothing her jealous daughter. "Because Mommy is very scared, and big brother is a little gentleman—he can protect me. Daddy is a big gentleman, and he can protect Niannian. Both of us will be very safe."

Niannian was sensible and readily accepted the explanation.

Qin Jingchen still looked worried. "Will this be alright?"

"Of course it will. Look, the netizens don't have any objections. Here’s what we’ll do: you two go ahead, and I’ll have the director send another cameraman!"

Su Wanning patted Qin Jingchen on the shoulder, just like one of the boys.