Category: Reborn to Stew Soup (GL)

Chapter 133: Slapped in the Face

For the button-sewing task at Miss Liu’s, each team could take up to twenty garments per day, two garments for one coin. Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin had spent the afternoon exploring the mountain and the village, searching for tasks. By the time they reached Miss Liu’s, it was already evening. Mi Hongdou estimated that sewing three or four buttons per garment meant at least ten minutes for two garments, so she initially only took ten, planning to return for the remaining ten after dinner.

Unexpectedly, Ji Junxin, using her remaining roasted soybeans, easily bribed Miss Liu, and most of the garments they received were missing only one button, rarely two. And Ji Junxin, despite Mi Hongdou’s protests, insisted on helping, her bandaged fingers surprisingly deft with the needle and thread. The ten garments, which Mi Hongdou had estimated would take about an hour, were finished in just over ten minutes.

So, they asked Miss Liu for the remaining ten.

The second batch was also carefully chosen. When they left, Mi Hongdou’s pouch was ten coins heavier.

She touched the now slightly heavier pouch and looked at Ji Junxin’s, which was flat after the soybean bribe. It seemed that Ji Junxin’s earlier idea of trading food for ingredients wasn’t so far-fetched after all.

Leaving Miss Liu’s courtyard, they ran into Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao. Since Yu Naihao’s act of kindness the night before, allowing Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin to be on the same team a day earlier, there was a strange camaraderie between the two on-screen CPs. They exchanged greetings and learned that Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao had also explored the village and were now completing the tasks one by one. Although they weren’t good at sewing, they decided to do the task anyway.

Just as Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were about to offer some advice about the correlation between food and tasks, Yu Naihao suddenly tugged at Lu Changhuai’s arm. “Let’s go!”

Lu Changhuai, following his gaze, looked down the path behind Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, and said quickly, “We’ll talk later…”

Before he could finish, he was pulled into Miss Liu’s courtyard by Yu Naihao, whose voice boomed, “Quickly, bring us the clothes, quickly, quickly, quickly!”

“Why… so urgent?” Ji Junxin looked at the courtyard gate, confused.

Mi Hongdou, however, having chatted with Yu Naihao earlier during the chicken-feeding task, reacted more quickly. She had also glanced back when Lu Changhuai spoke and saw Jiang Duo walking towards them with a dark expression. So, Yu Naihao was trying to finish the task before she arrived.

Her favorability towards Yu Naihao just increased by 200 points! Mi Hongdou suppressed her smile and quietly explained Yu Naihao’s “whoever earns, keeps” rule to Ji Junxin.

She finished just as Jiang Duo reached them.

Ever since learning about Ji Junxin and Jiang Duo’s past from Qiao Rubai, Mi Hongdou had a strong dislike for Jiang Duo, even finding it annoying when she was simply standing near Ji Junxin.

When Qiao Rubai had told her about the reality show, Mi Hongdou had questioned why they had to invite Jiang Duo, if they couldn’t replace her in “Imperial Secrets.” And Qiao Rubai had said that this unscripted reality show would reveal their true characters, avoiding Jiang Duo was one thing, but the best way was to let Ji Junxin see her true colors.

Mi Hongdou understood Qiao Rubai’s reasoning, but she didn’t agree. Now, facing Jiang Duo, she felt conflicted.

With the cameras rolling, she had to maintain her composure, no matter how annoyed she was.

Jiang Duo, her face dark, stopped at the gate and greeted them. They responded, but unlike their earlier friendly exchange with Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao, the atmosphere was now awkward and tense.

Just as Mi Hongdou was wondering why Jiang Duo, who was clearly there for the task, wasn’t going inside, Yu Naihao’s voice boomed from the courtyard, complaining about a garment with only one button left out of five.

Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin exchanged glances, and then Ji Junxin couldn’t help but chuckle, her tongue peeking out slightly.

Don’t let Jiang Duo see that cute expression!

Mi Hongdou grabbed Ji Junxin’s hand. “Let’s go, time for dinner.”

Ji Junxin, oblivious to Mi Hongdou’s sudden shift in mood, hearing “dinner,” nodded obediently and was about to leave.

“You’re so lucky,” Jiang Duo said, her voice tinged with self-pity. “Yu Naihao insists on doing the tasks separately… the tasks are assigned to the team, what’s the point of competing with your own teammate?…” Her pitiful demeanor and seemingly self-deprecating words were a clear attempt to gain sympathy.

Can’t you see we’re leaving for dinner! And starting your self-pity with “you’re so lucky”! Are we supposed to ignore you? Just ignore you?!

With the cameras rolling, even Mi Hongdou, despite her dislike for Jiang Duo, couldn’t just ignore her.

She stopped, and so did Ji Junxin.

But before Mi Hongdou could think of a way to brush her off, Ji Junxin spoke.

“You shouldn’t have forced Yu Naihao,” she said to Jiang Duo seriously. “They’re very unhappy.”

Jiang Duo, who had been trying to gain sympathy and subtly badmouth Yu Naihao, was stunned.

Where’s the gentle, easygoing foodie who’s so easily swayed?

“But… but Zhang Zijing and I, we can’t do most of the tasks. They’re a strong team, we just wanted to… balance things out, to help the show. Otherwise, the disparity between teams would be too great, it wouldn’t be a fair competition, right?…” Jiang Duo’s initial hesitation turned into a smooth justification, practically claiming that their forced team change was for the sake of the show.

Ji Junxin’s frown deepened, and she couldn’t help but interrupt Jiang Duo’s self-serving explanation. “Here, as long as you work hard, you can earn coins, it’s already fair. You can’t use your incompetence as an excuse to force others.”

Jiang Duo felt like she had been slapped in the face. She hadn’t expected Ji Junxin to be so unsympathetic, and now they were even confronting each other.

Such a forceful retort… Ji Junxin pursed her lips and glanced at Mi Hongdou.

“The rules allowed for forced teaming, so you did. The rules also didn’t forbid separate earnings, so Yu Naihao separated his earnings from yours. Since everyone is following the rules, why are you complaining about him?” Mi Hongdou said, gently squeezing Ji Junxin’s hand.

“I…” Jiang Duo wanted to explain that she wasn’t complaining, just expressing her feelings.

But Ji Junxin didn’t give her a chance.

Brothers fight side by side, fathers and sons fight together, and when it comes to slapping someone in the face, it’s a CP’s job.

“If you had successfully forced me onto your team, I would have also kept my earnings separate. If you did well, I wouldn’t take your credit, and if you didn’t, I wouldn’t help you. Because although I think this reality show is interesting, a unique experience, I don’t want to share it with you.” Ji Junxin finished quickly, didn’t even look at the stunned Jiang Duo, and tugged at Mi Hongdou’s sleeve. “Let’s go, I’m hungry…”

Mi Hongdou, also stunned, didn’t know what to say! It had been such an intense confrontation, and now… her heart melted.

The viewers were also stunned by this sudden shift in tone. So much sugar!

Weren’t you supposed to be criticizing the forced team change? Defending Yu Naihao? Showing solidarity between CPs? Even your confrontation is filled with sugar, is a candy company sponsoring you, Ji Junxin?!

We’ll buy your candy, just tell us the brand!

Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin walked away, and there was no further sound from Jiang Duo. Mi Hongdou’s feelings were complicated. Qiao Rubai had been right.

During the filming of “Imperial Secrets,” after the Nan Tian incident, Ji Junxin had been cold towards Jiang Duo on set, but it was just indifference. This open hostility was new. It seemed that Jiang Duo’s actions during the team reshuffle had truly offended her.

She wanted to share this experience with me… Mi Hongdou thought, touching Ji Junxin’s bandaged fingers, this pitiful yet sweet girl.

She had just wanted to casually brush against Ji Junxin’s hand, but Ji Junxin held it tightly.

We’re being filmed! Holding hands! They’ll definitely overthink this!

Mi Hongdou, conflicted, looked at Ji Junxin, who, holding her hand tightly, asked innocently, “What are we having for dinner?”

Holding my hand so tightly, yet acting so clueless, are you having a split personality?!

“Minced meat and tofu?” Mi Hongdou said, recalling the prices on the Supplies Board. “Or scrambled eggs with firm tofu?”

“Hmm… let me think…” Ji Junxin was torn, she wanted both, but they had to be frugal.

With sufficient skill, a simple dish of minced meat and tofu could be a feast. After finishing her second bowl of rice, Ji Junxin, her stomach full, no longer regretted missing out on the scrambled eggs with tofu.

Well… for now.

There weren’t many tasks in the village, and even fewer suitable for them. Besides the ones they had already done, only the physically demanding water-carrying task and the risky Gomoku task were worth considering.

As for the wood-chopping and corn kernel tasks, those were just self-torture, the effort not worth the reward. Mi Hongdou had wanted to do the laundry task, but Ji Junxin, remembering her sore fingers, firmly opposed it. Between coins and Ji Junxin’s well-being, Mi Hongdou, touching her pouch, which still had a few coins, chose the latter.

After a short rest, they went to do the water-carrying task. Five buckets from the well 200 meters away for five coins. So, even though Mi Hongdou tried to stop her, Ji Junxin insisted on helping.

Fortunately, the task only specified the amount of water, not the number of trips. They just carried less water each time, making multiple trips. Their legs were sore, but their hands were fine.

They earned five coins and thought it was a good task, they could do it again tomorrow.

The CP fans online, however, were heartbroken. They had been counting. Each of them had walked almost 1,600 meters to complete the task. And Jiang Lingling… she had made just two trips, less than 800 meters, carrying all five buckets. And on the second trip, she had just casually carried one bucket in one hand, without even using the carrying pole.

Their worldview was shattered by the Rich Lady’s strength.

Such strength, if they said she worked in construction, they would believe it!

After deducting the cost of the tofu and pork belly for dinner, they still had twelve coins left.

With money, came confidence. Ji Junxin, a self-proclaimed Gomoku expert, suggested playing a few games.

She easily won the first two games.

Just as Mi Hongdou thought she would continue, Ji Junxin pocketed her winnings and returned to Mi Hongdou’s side.

Mi Hongdou was confused.

Ji Junxin, pulling her aside, whispered, “I sensed it during the first game, that boy is a Gomoku expert. But he seemed to be letting me win, perhaps to make me overconfident. He would probably crush me in the third game. Let’s quit while we’re ahead. My… friend gave me some advice about gambling.”

“You know about this?” Mi Hongdou was surprised.

“Of course, I filmed a gambling movie before,” Ji Junxin said proudly. “I learned a lot about it. Many gamblers lure you in with small wins, making you addicted, then you start losing more than you win, and you’re trapped, wanting to win back your losses, unable to leave. Even a small win gives you false hope, followed by a bigger loss. So, gambling is dangerous.”

My foodie has suddenly become a gambling expert… Mi Hongdou was impressed.

“By the way, Miss Ji, can you repeat that for the camera?” a staff member, having just received instructions, asked.

So, Ji Junxin repeated her explanation, then added, “This kind of tactic isn’t just used in real-life gambling, but also on those illegal online gambling sites. Remember, the house always wins.” She paused and looked at Mi Hongdou.

“Except for the shills,” Mi Hongdou added seriously.

The viewers were amused. Even your public service announcements are filled with flirting! Such a harmonious and righteous couple, we have to give you 101 points! The extra point is for being so awesome!

The young man who had just played Gomoku with Ji Junxin, watching the live stream, was heartbroken. As Ji Junxin’s fan, he had just wanted to let his idol win and eat better, why this dramatic interpretation!

What are you even reading! Come back! Let’s talk!

Can’t you feel a fan’s love!

He tearfully typed, “A true CP, their minds so in sync, I have to give them props!”

Seeing the flood of “Props +1,” “Props +2,” “Props +3,” he smiled, wiping away his tears.

Chapter 132: Stir-fried Soybeans

The lonely old woman only had the morning and evening chicken-feeding tasks, so they hadn’t visited her courtyard during their afternoon task search.

Unexpectedly, in the evening, besides the chicken-feeding, there was a new task: “Helping the lonely old woman collect eggs.” One person per team, thirty seconds in the chicken coop, one coin for every three eggs.

The old woman’s courtyard was one of the largest, filled with four chicken coops.

“Can we only collect from the coop we feed?” Ji Junxin asked.

The old woman paused. The show hadn’t specified. “Well… no. But you only have thirty seconds, and you have to start with your assigned coop.”

The crew mentally thanked her for clarifying the rules.

The coops contained chickens, haystacks, a shed, and nests. A few eggs were visible from outside.

Ji Junxin was eager, but Mi Hongdou, worried about the chickens and Ji Junxin’s bandaged fingers, volunteered.

She hadn’t expected much from her first attempt, but she collected twenty-two eggs.

Ji Junxin, holding the basket, was ecstatic. “Amazing! Seven coins and an extra egg! We can afford meat!”

Mi Hongdou dusted herself off. “It seems… there are more eggs than chickens…”

“Yes, I haven’t collected any since yesterday,” the old woman said, taking the basket.

Ji Junxin looked at the basket longingly. “Three eggs for one coin, and we have an extra…”

“What’s in your pouch?” the old woman asked, changing the subject.

“…” Ji Junxin touched her pouch, blushed slightly, and mumbled, “Roasted soybeans…” She glared at Mi Hongdou.

It was Mi Hongdou who had insisted on bringing them, worried about rats. So, Ji Junxin had put them in her pouch.

But the aroma while doing tasks had been tempting, and she had felt a little silly carrying them around.

She had to ask, and Mi Hongdou’s answer was: “To make you smell good,” implying, to tempt you.

Ji Junxin almost strangled her. But with the cameras rolling, she endured!

She had planned to leave the soybeans at home after collecting the vegetables, but the old woman noticed.

How embarrassing!

“Can I try some?” she asked casually, her gaze fixed on Ji Junxin’s pouch.

Ji Junxin couldn’t refuse. “They’re a bit hard…” she said, taking out the bag.

The soybeans were crispy, the old woman’s crunching suggesting strong teeth. After she took a handful, only a few remained.

And Ji Junxin had been saving those!

Mi Hongdou could feel the foodie’s heartache. The live stream comments, after worrying about their tasks, now sympathized with Ji Junxin. Poor foodie… And a comment, “Freedom is precious, Xiaomi is more precious, but for food, both can be sacrificed…” sparked a debate about which was more important to Ji Junxin.

The old woman, looking at the remaining soybeans, felt a twinge of guilt, sensing Ji Junxin’s sadness.

“Here,” she said, ignoring the crew’s signals, “you said you had an extra egg, take it.” She gave the egg to Mi Hongdou, looking at Ji Junxin’s bandaged fingers.

Although losing the soybeans was heartbreaking, Ji Junxin could still calculate.

Profit! Kindness is rewarded!

Their pouches were no longer empty.

They left the egg and vegetables at home and went to the next task: feeding pigs.

It seemed more difficult than feeding chickens, but it was simpler. The pig feed was already cooked. They just had to scoop it and pour it into the trough. The only unpleasant part… was the smell.

Mi Hongdou wouldn’t let Ji Junxin do it. Although not as strong as Jiang Lingling, she always protected Ji Junxin.

After listing reasons – “strain on your fingers,” “potential injury,” “dirty work,” “waste of time” – she stopped Ji Junxin.

The viewers praised Mi Hongdou’s thoughtfulness.

While Mi Hongdou fed the pigs, Ji Junxin quietly approached Uncle Niu, the pig farmer, and took out the bag of soybeans.

After Mi Hongdou finished and received two coins, Ji Junxin, holding the bag, lingered.

“What’s wrong?” Mi Hongdou, seeing the bag, assumed she was sad about the soybeans. “It’s okay, we’ll buy more later.”

Who’s sad?! Okay, I was, but I got an egg, I’m fine now!

“Why didn’t Uncle Niu eat any of our soybeans?” Ji Junxin asked, glancing at him. “If he had, he might have given us a pig.”

“…” Mi Hongdou laughed. “Are you kidding? A pig for soybeans? Hahaha…”

“What’s so funny?” Ji Junxin tugged at her sleeve. “Your soybeans are so delicious, if he tried them, he would at least give us some meat.”

“Stop… it… hahaha…”

“Hmph! He must not like soybeans. I’ll try again next time!” Ji Junxin, having received an egg, now saw a new path to riches. “I’ll get some meat from him!”

Mi Hongdou realized that Ji Junxin was serious.

The viewers were amused. Trading soybeans for a pig… she deserves that “Eating” skill. And our aloof goddess, so cute and relatable!

“You…” Mi Hongdou wiped her tears of laughter and pulled Ji Junxin’s arm. “Let’s go, not everyone will trade for my cooking.”

“Your cooking is the best! I wouldn’t trade it if we weren’t so short on ingredients!” Ji Junxin pouted.

Saying such sweet words so seriously… I want to kiss her… Mi Hongdou bit her lip, tonight’s bathroom rendezvous is necessary…

Ji Junxin’s pouting protest and heartfelt words made Mi Hongdou’s heart flutter, and the viewers savored the sweetness.

Mi Hongdou, blushing, pulled Ji Junxin’s arm. “Silly… let’s go…”

This helpless indulgence… you two…

Compared to Jiang Lingling, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were more cautious with their tasks.

They were supposed to go to the sewing task, but at Ji Junxin’s insistence, they went to the jigsaw puzzle courtyard.

Ji Junxin, her fingers injured but her mind sharp, finally had a chance to shine.

Three out of five puzzles were food-related.

Ji Junxin completed four out of five, an eighty percent success rate, which Mi Hongdou considered excellent. But Ji Junxin was still fixated on the one she almost finished, sulking, even Mi Hongdou’s offer of steamed eggs only earning a weak smile.

When they reached the sewing task, Ji Junxin’s soybean strategy finally paid off.

Not by trading for clothes.

Not every paid actor was as… flexible with the rules as the old woman.

Miss Liu, the young woman in charge of the sewing task, couldn’t resist the roasted soybeans. She couldn’t give away clothes, but she could adjust the difficulty.

The sewing task was just about sewing buttons back on. It didn’t require strength or intelligence, but luck, since the number of missing buttons varied.

Thanks to Miss Liu, most of the ten garments they received were missing only one button.

Both Mi Hongdou and the viewers were impressed by Ji Junxin’s persistence. Effort is key!

“See? I told you, no one can resist your… cooking,” Ji Junxin said, proudly raising an eyebrow at Mi Hongdou as she picked up a needle and thread with her bandaged fingers.

That pause… my teeth! We’re donating! Donating! Donating! the viewers commented.

Pan Xiang, watching, felt exhausted. After Jiang Lingling’s strength-based dominance, were they now going to conquer the NPCs with food? They were supposed to be friends! The struggles of a showrunner…

And Dong Yuannan also didn’t understand… why were the top two missions “Have Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin sleep together” and “Have Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao sleep together”… It’s just sleeping, what’s so interesting?

The heart of a CP fan, he didn’t understand.

Chapter 131: Grinding Tasks

Riding on the popularity of the still-in-theaters Imperial Secrets and Promise in Troubled Times, Reality Online had a much higher starting point than other variety shows. And the initially controversial 24/7 live stream format, with its real-time updates and unedited footage, quickly gained a large audience.

In less than two days, the viewership of Reality Online skyrocketed. Short videos, GIFs, and memes spread across the internet.

Those staying home for the National Day holiday found the perfect way to spend their time, and those traveling found the perfect distraction during traffic jams and long queues.

Unlike other shows that relied on pre-release hype and celebrity guest appearances, the pre-publicity for Reality Online had been low-key and factual. Most people, both inside and outside the industry, were taking a wait-and-see approach.

But even before the first day ended, the show’s potential for success was evident.

The skyrocketing sales of certain brands of bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, seasoning packets, and tool kits… were a clear indication.

And the next morning, thanks to Mi Hongdou’s cooking and Ji Junxin’s praise, the previously unpopular pickled cucumbers were almost sold out. The show’s commercial potential was undeniable.

Qiong Yu, the production company, was flooded with calls from advertisers.

Just as businesses were scrambling to get their products featured on the show, Staff Member #2’s revelation about the paid actors playing villagers sparked another wave of interest, and those with money and a desire for fame started making calls.

This was within Qiao Rubai’s expectations. However, the number of inquiries exceeded her predictions.

“Sorry, President Qiao is in a meeting, you can leave a message with me.” Yang Lianyi scribbled down a note, hung up the phone, and looked at Qiao Rubai, who was on the sofa, looking at her computer. “Why am I answering these calls for you?”

“We’ve been receiving too many calls about collaborations, my secretary is busy with the advertisers. You can switch with her if you want,” Qiao Rubai said, her gaze flitting between several computer screens.

“…” Yang Lianyi smoothed her hair, crossed her legs, and leaned forward. “But I’m here to poach you, not to be poached.” Her words, spoken with a subtle suggestive tone, were undeniably charming.

Qiao Rubai’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a neutral expression. “You don’t look like you’re here to poach, more like you’re here for… babysitting services.” She hugged Yang Miemie, who was sleeping in her lap. “She’s getting heavier and heavier, soon I won’t be able to hold her.”

“Whose fault is that? One minute you’re telling her to eat less, the next you’re sneaking her cake! And who spoiled her into needing to be held and rocked to sleep! I spent the entire night coaxing her, my arms are sore!” Yang Lianyi’s complaints were endless. The usually charming and seductive CEO was now just… a tired aunt.

Qiao Rubai gently patted the little girl, who was snuggled in a brown bear sleeping bag, squirming slightly in her sleep, and shushed Yang Lianyi. “Don’t wake her up.”

The sleeping “Miemie Bear” smacked her lips.

You two are really… something.

This child, such a handful before bed, but once she’s asleep, even thunder wouldn’t wake her! Yang Lianyi thought, exasperated, and then, as the phone rang, reluctantly answered, “Hello, I’m sorry, President Qiao is in a meeting…”

Yang Lianyi, absentmindedly answering calls, wondered how she had become Qiao Rubai’s temporary secretary… She had initially found Qiao Rubai endearing and had wanted to poach her for Mengguan, to add to her collection of “cute things.”

Although she knew that Qiao Rubai, as the head of Qiong Yu, wouldn’t agree, Qiao Rubai’s attitude, her generous offers of collaboration, her willingness to accommodate, had given Yang Lianyi a sliver of hope.

And Qiao Rubai never explicitly rejected her offers to join Mengguan, just gently changing the subject, which only fueled Yang Lianyi’s determination.

After several attempts, the poaching hadn’t progressed, but the partnership between Mengguan and Qiong Yu, thanks to Qiao Rubai, had become stronger. And… Qiao Rubai and Yang Miemie had also become closer. By the time Yang Lianyi realized it, Yang Miemie was constantly talking about Qiao Rubai, even throwing tantrums when she didn’t see her.

Although Yang Miemie wasn’t her biological child, and she wasn’t very good with children, Yang Lianyi still cared about her and didn’t want her, already from a broken family, to be constantly disappointed. And with Qiao Rubai’s welcoming attitude, they had gradually become friends, exchanging house keys, even occasionally staying over…

Yang Lianyi had thought it was just about satisfying Yang Miemie’s desire to see Qiao Rubai every few days.

But she had been too naive!

Taking notes while answering calls, she glanced at Qiao Rubai, holding Yang Miemie. I’m becoming more and more reliant on her for babysitting! I was the one who was supposed to poach her! Something’s not right…

It was… right.

Even if they couldn’t be together, being close was good.

Qiao Rubai touched Yang Miemie’s face. Good girl, you’re my secret weapon against your aunt!

But being together would be even better, right? She looked at the screen, where Mi Hongdou was feeding Ji Junxin fried pig skin, their interaction so sweet, they must be together by now, right?

Ignorance is bliss.

Qiao Rubai looked at Yang Lianyi, who was busy writing. This was the closest she could get, for now, until the truth about their past lives was revealed.

Not knowing was indeed a blessing.

Although the 24/7 live streaming format of “Reality Online” made Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s confession hurried and clumsy, limiting their opportunities for physical intimacy or even sweet nothings, at least there was the bathroom at night…

And precisely because of the show’s rules, their isolation from the outside world, shielded from online comments and external influences, their suppressed feelings intensified, their gazes, expressions, and interactions betraying their unspoken love, every glance, every touch, a spark of joy, a strange and wonderful experience.

While Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were enjoying their fried pig skin, Jiang Lingling, on her task hunt, was fuming.

“There was no fifty-log limit yesterday, why the limit now!” Jiang Lingling, holding the axe, her foot on the chopping block, was clearly unhappy about the new rule.

Uncle Zhang, the NPC who needed firewood, seeing Jiang Lingling’s aggressive posture and remembering her two-hour wood-chopping frenzy the day before, took a few steps back. “Ahem… it’s a… reasonable adjustment, a reasonable adjustment.”

It was, indeed. Jiang Lingling had looked like she could chop wood forever, as long as there were logs and time. Her speed and endurance had surprised everyone, even Pan Xiang. If there were no limit, she wouldn’t need to do any other tasks, she could carry her team single-handedly with wood-chopping alone.

Two hours a day, almost a hundred coins easily earned, she would dominate the game.

When something threatened to break the game’s balance, they naturally had to… fix it.

Jiang Lingling understood this, but she still wanted to argue. Just fifty logs? Only five coins? She had planned to carry her team with wood-chopping!

“It’s okay, even fifty logs is a lot of work,” Bao Yueqiao said, trying to comfort her.

Jiang Lingling felt a little better.

Seeing that it worked, Bao Yueqiao continued, “And chopping down too many trees is bad for the environment.”

Jiang Lingling: “…”

Uncle Zhang mentally gave Bao Yueqiao a thumbs-up and retreated further, adding, “Yes, if there’s no limit, I’m afraid the mountain will be bald by the time we finish filming.” He quickly distanced himself from the increasingly annoyed Jiang Lingling.

Whether Jiang Lingling liked it or not, the rule was there.

Less than ten minutes later, Jiang Lingling, having earned five coins, and Bao Yueqiao, still stunned by her wood-chopping skills, left.

She had never seen a beautiful girl chop wood with such speed, precision, and efficiency, like a wood-chopping machine…

Not just Bao Yueqiao, Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao had also watched, mesmerized, for two hours the night before…

Leaving Uncle Zhang’s courtyard, after a few steps, Bao Yueqiao, still dazed, suddenly said, “Wait, there was also a laundry task there. You chopped wood, I can do the laundry now.”

“What laundry? Ji Junxin’s six radishes are enough to make a pot of soup, you want to add more?” Jiang Lingling stopped. “Lead the way, let’s go to that corn kernel place you and Mi Hongdou went to.”

That task was difficult, but… Bao Yueqiao glanced back at the courtyard, for Jiang Lingling, it probably wasn’t that difficult.

Indeed… it wasn’t.

Jiang Lingling, after hearing the old man’s explanation of the task, snorted.

The task was as Bao Yueqiao described, with one addition: “Each team can take fifty corn cobs per day.”

So, they had also limited the corn kernel task. She had hoped to take advantage before they realized, hmph!

The day before, it had taken Mi Hongdou and Bao Yueqiao an hour to finish ten cobs, completely exhausted afterward.

Today, after witnessing Jiang Lingling’s wood-chopping skills, Bao Yueqiao thought that together, they could probably finish fifty cobs in three hours, well, if they had the energy…

But just as she was about to start, Jiang Lingling stopped her.

“I’ll do it, you wait for me in the shade, it will be quick.” She took out a small stone from her pocket and showed it to the old man. “I came prepared, it’s just a pity you only have fifty.”

The old man, a paid actor, looked confused.

But he soon understood.

The stone was about the length of two knuckles, a finger wide, and one end seemed to have been sharpened.

The cameraman zoomed in on the stone.

The viewers on Jiang Lingling’s live stream recognized it. Wasn’t that the stone she had picked up in the courtyard while making fish soup? She had been rubbing it against the stove, so it wasn’t just… playing with it?

Of course not.

Jiang Lingling held the stone and, like cutting tofu, effortlessly sliced off a row of kernels.

Silence, both on and off screen.

The cameraman’s hand trembled slightly. Was that really a stone, not a blade? …

Just as they were expecting a demonstration of her corn-kernel-removing technique, she sliced off another row from the other side and stopped.

And then… in the next three seconds, the viewers witnessed a magic trick called “corn shucking.”

She twisted the cob with both hands, and all the kernels fell off, leaving a clean cob. What sorcery is this?!

How can Mi Hongdou and Bao Yueqiao, who struggled for ten minutes per cob, even compete!

Jiang Lingling, discarding the cob, looked up at Bao Yueqiao. “It takes about six or seven seconds per cob, faster than chopping wood, right?”

Bao Yueqiao, who had thought it would take them three hours, could only nod dumbly.

“Good, then we can move on to the next task soon. We’ll earn enough coins to buy you some meat,” Jiang Lingling said quickly, picking up the stone and starting on the next cob.

I feel… a strange sense of security? Bao Yueqiao thought, looking at Jiang Lingling’s effortless movements, a complicated expression on her face.

Although the quantity-based tasks were now limited, Jiang Lingling still worked quickly and efficiently.

Pan Xiang, watching the live stream, also looked at Jiang Lingling with a complicated expression. She’s so efficient, good thing I adjusted the tasks, and she’s not obsessed with them, or it would be a problem.

As the chief planner of Reality Online, after filming started, she had finally realized the difference between writing and producing a reality show, especially a live-streamed one.

The characters and worlds she created in her stories, although they seemed to develop a life of their own after a while, were still under her control. She could even use this sense of autonomy to make the characters more vivid and relatable.

And before Reality Online, she had carefully considered the participants’ autonomy, designing various scenarios for the games and tasks. But after filming started, she realized she should have considered more, like… Jiang Lingling, who she thought would just take advantage of the tasks, was actually… a bug!

She was glad she was on site, monitoring the live stream 24/7, so she could make adjustments in real time.

So far, the show’s development was still within her expectations. But she hadn’t expected that while she was focused on the show, her daily updates on Jinjiang would cause a problem.

More accurately, it was her new novel that was the problem.

Her new story was a xianxia novel. Unlike her previous clear-cut characters, this protagonist was more complex.

Someone who, to protect the person they loved, had killed many people.

And while she was busy with “Reality Online,” a particular plot point in her latest chapter sparked a heated debate in the comments section.

She recognized the IDs defending her. She also recognized the IDs attacking her…

For an author, the most disheartening thing was seeing your readers turn against you.

The comments were a battlefield. Pan Xiang, in Dengjia Village, wondered, did I really make a mistake?

Among the familiar IDs, she didn’t see the one who always got the first comment, who always left long, thoughtful reviews, who had gradually become a regular commenter, even a friend.

Perhaps, for an author, the most disheartening thing was a loyal reader suddenly disappearing.

That ID had left a comment mentioning a business trip and not being able to keep up with the updates, but with the heated debate in the comments, she hadn’t reappeared… she must have… silently abandoned the story.

Pan Xiang felt a pang of sadness.

And she didn’t know that the owner of that ID was currently exerting superhuman strength, removing the kernels from the last corn cob.

Still less than ten minutes, five coins earned.

After completing the two familiar tasks, Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao went to meet Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, reporting their progress, pretending not to notice the aroma of fried meat or the seemingly delicious food in the small bowl.

I don’t even want to know what it is! I have to maintain my image on the live stream! Wipe that drool!

The four, reunited, under Jiang Lingling’s urging, left the fragrant courtyard and started exploring the village for new tasks.

A few hours later, they had found all the available tasks.

Besides the chicken-feeding, wood-chopping, laundry, and corn kernel tasks they had already done, there were six more.

One: solving a twenty-piece jigsaw puzzle within one minute for one coin, five attempts per team per day, one player per attempt.

Two: playing Gomoku, five attempts per day, one coin wager per game, winner gets two coins, loser loses one.

Three: sewing buttons, two garments for one coin, twenty garments available per team per day. This seemed like the most manageable task for normal people, simple and with a decent payout.

Four: carrying water, five buckets from a well 200 meters away for five coins, no partial credit, one attempt per team per day. This one wasn’t very friendly to those with average physical strength.

Five: feeding pigs, once a day, two coins, but you had to scoop the pig feed from a pot and pour it into the trough without spilling. The smell… once a day was enough.

After two rounds of exploring the village, they thought they had found all nine tasks, but then Jiang Lingling suggested checking the small river in front of the village for wild fish. They didn’t find any fish, but they did find the tenth task: catching crayfish, five crayfish for one coin, no tools provided.

Ji Junxin, after learning that the crayfish were only for coins, not for eating, was disappointed.

They concluded that, excluding Jiang Lingling, who was like a max-level player in a newbie village, even if they didn’t win the team challenge, by diligently completing daily tasks, they could still earn about twenty coins, enough for some fresh vegetables to supplement the free rice and pickled cucumbers.

This reassured Mi Hongdou, who could easily make a delicious meal with limited ingredients for Ji Junxin.

Having found all the tasks, the four split into two groups, each choosing the most suitable tasks.

Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao went straight for the water-carrying task.

And Mi Hongdou, seeing that it was almost evening, decided to collect the vegetables from the chicken-feeding task first.

She hadn’t expected to find the eleventh task at the old woman’s house…

Chapter 130: Fried Pig Skin

Staff Member #2, with his “tiger” comment, had not only entertained everyone but also inadvertently provided a treat for the “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fans. He deserved a thumbs-up.

Of course, he himself didn’t feel appreciated at all. Surrounded by the laughing Jiang Lingling, Ji Junxin, and Mi Hongdou, and the equally amused but silent crew members, even he, who had blurted out the word “tiger” in a moment of desperation, felt a deep sense of embarrassment.

Oh, there was one who wasn’t laughing… He looked at the confused Bao Yueqiao. She might as well join the laughter!

Although the “tiger” joke was hilarious, finding ginger, scallions, and garlic was the priority. Jiang Lingling wiped her tears and, putting on a serious face, said to the embarrassed staff member, “Don’t worry, I already asked the old woman who owns the chickens, there are no wild animals on this hill, it’s safe. And we’re just going to the foot of the hill, not venturing deep into the forest.”

Since the four of them were now together, their cameramen had also merged into one group. Staff Member #2, one of Ji Junxin’s cameramen, wasn’t sure if Jiang Lingling had actually asked the old woman.

Asked? He looked at the other crew members, trying to identify Jiang Lingling’s cameramen.

Oh, no need to look, those nodding vigorously were definitely hers.

Hmph! Why didn’t you tell me earlier!

“Wait…” he stopped Jiang Lingling again. “Even without wild animals, there might be snakes, which are also dangerous. For your safety, we have a duty to…”

“The old woman said there are no snakes,” Jiang Lingling said seriously.

Staff Member #2 was speechless. “You believe her?!”

“It sounds more believable than ‘tigers on the mountain’…” Jiang Lingling rubbed her aching cheeks. “That tiger joke is going to be popular for a while.”

The mention of tigers deepened his embarrassment.

“That old woman is a paid actress, not a local villager, how can you trust her knowledge of the mountain!”

He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

After “tigers,” he had now shocked everyone with “paid actress.”

Although they had suspected that Dengjia Village and its inhabitants were created for the show, his confirmation was still… surprising.

“Uh… you’re saying, the villagers are all… actors?” Jiang Lingling, sensing trouble, asked for clarification.

Staff Member #2, having learned his lesson, remained silent, looking at his colleagues.

Their expressions told him… if he said anything more, his well-paying job would be over.

So, Jiang Lingling, with a simple question, defeated him. He turned and fled.

Although he hadn’t answered, his hasty retreat gave Jiang Lingling the answer she needed.

Just as the crew thought that Jiang Lingling would continue towards the hill, she turned back and approached them.

…That intimidating aura… The crew members huddled together, not daring to run.

Jiang Lingling, knowing what Dong Yuannan was thinking, found her cameraman and, standing before him, said to the camera, “Dad, stop trying. They won’t let you join. Having family members on the show wouldn’t be fair… so, put down your phone, I’ll be back in a few days.”

Dong Yuannan, watching the live stream, had immediately called Qiao Rubai when he heard “paid actress.” But after Jiang Lingling’s words, he hung up.

Qiao Rubai, whose call had been rejected, looked at Jiang Lingling on the screen, stunned by her words.

Mi Hongdou was smoothing Ji Junxin’s wrinkled clothes. Hearing Jiang Lingling, she was speechless. No wonder there were rumors about them in her previous life. Such a close father-daughter relationship, even closer than a real family, it was too much for the public to handle. But Jiang Lingling probably didn’t care about public opinion…

Mi Hongdou was right.

Jiang Lingling, after addressing her godfather, turned and saw Mi Hongdou looking at her with a gentle expression. Yes, gentle! Jiang Lingling shivered, feeling goosebumps.

“Hey, don’t think that you can skip going up the mountain just by looking at me like that,” she said seriously. “Remember, no sharing food between teams. Even if you look at me with those puppy-dog eyes, I can’t help you! Don’t worry, even if the old woman’s information isn’t reliable, I’m here!”

“…” Mi Hongdou, whose hand was being squeezed by Ji Junxin, was speechless. One was oblivious, the other jealous, her worldview had been constantly challenged since her rebirth.

And I’m not inviting her for dinner anymore! Two-person world, here we come! Heh!

Jiang Lingling, seeing Mi Hongdou’s gentle expression disappear as she pulled Ji Junxin towards the hill, thought, So she’s afraid of going up the mountain, that’s why she was looking at me so gently! Don’t worry! I’ll protect you! She puffed up her chest and strode forward, leading the way.

The cameramen were tired. After two failed attempts, no one wanted to play rock-paper-scissors to decide who would be the next victim. Live streaming was stressful, and confronting Jiang Lingling on live stream was even more so.

Unable to turn off the cameras, they looked at each other, no one wanting to volunteer. So, they called Pan Xiang.

Pan Xiang, watching the live stream from her hidden location in Dengjia Village, was fuming.

When she designed the tasks for “Reality Online,” she had realized that many of them seemed tailor-made for Jiang Lingling. She figured it was because of the incredibly detailed and dramatic information Dong Yuannan had provided about Jiang Lingling, or perhaps because she had spent too much time analyzing Jiang Lingling while developing the character of Wei Xunqin.

So, she had revised many of the tasks. But some, suitable for Jiang Lingling, like the wood-chopping task that helped them get the Team Change Card, and the corn kernel task that Jiang Lingling was interested in, remained. And there were several other tasks in the village that Jiang Lingling could easily complete, enough to ensure that she… and even Bao Yueqiao… wouldn’t have to worry about food.

Jiang Lingling choosing to go up the mountain was unexpected.

She had anticipated it, but not so soon. Going up the mountain now meant that many of the items on the Supplies Board wouldn’t be used… tsk.

The crew following Jiang Lingling received permission to go up the mountain, but not too high, and they were relieved. No more direct confrontations! Being behind the camera was much safer!

As Jiang Lingling and her companions continued towards the hill, a few uninvited guests arrived at the chicken-feeding grandma’s courtyard.

“Didn’t you say we could watch the live stream in our rooms when they’re not here? Why did you call me out! They’re about to go up the mountain, it’s almost time for the good part!” the chicken-feeding grandma complained as she stepped out of her house, carefully closing the door behind her.

The staff member, pretending not to notice the row of computer monitors in her room, said with a friendly smile, “Madam Wang, you see, we agreed that the chicken-feeding task, twice a day, one coin per feeding. You gave them vegetables this morning… that’s… not quite right, is it?”

“…” The grandma glanced at the cameraman.

The staff member understood. “This camera isn’t live…”

“What’s wrong with giving them vegetables?” she asked righteously. “Those poor children, coming all the way here, not even giving them any vegetables, you’re too cruel. A few vegetables for a coin, it’s not a big deal. And you said, after my favorability towards them reaches a certain level, I’ll have more autonomy in the rewards and tasks.”

“Although that’s true…” the staff member said, his expression troubled, “But it’s only the second day, your favorability increased a little too quickly…”

“Well, it’s just that easy,” the grandma said, nodding.

So you’re proud of that?

The staff member didn’t dare to say it out loud. Although this wasn’t being live-streamed, it would still be recorded and edited…

“Madam Wang, it’s like this. The increase in NPC favorability has to be justified, we have to announce it on the website. Although we didn’t tell the participants, we did tell you. For the chicken-feeding task, each time someone completes it, they gain 2.5 favorability points. And the minimum requirement for autonomy in rewards and tasks is twenty points… Changing the reward to vegetables requires at least twenty points, and if you want to offer something more valuable, like an egg, you’ll need even more… although there’s no fixed number, we did explain this to you earlier…”

“…” The grandma glanced at the camera. “What’s my current favorability towards them?”

The staff member, sweating, flipped through his notebook. “Let me see…”

“Don’t bother,” the grandma said, looking at the thick notebook. “It’s not twenty yet, is it?”

Of course not! Do you think I failed math?

The staff member nodded with a wry smile.

“I remember you said that although there’s a standard rate for favorability increase, like with the chicken-feeding task, we, as NPCs, can also increase it under special circumstances, as long as it’s reasonable.”

The staff member frantically searched his notebook. You’re so meticulous about the rules after all your earlier rule-breaking, are you messing with me?

“Yes…” he finally found it. “But the NPC has to provide a valid reason, which will be assessed by the crew.”

“Oh…” the grandma nodded.

“And we need to record your explanation and post it online…” he added, seeing her seemingly willing to cooperate.

The grandma frowned and walked towards the cameraman.

The staff member, knowing her temper, felt a pang of sympathy for the cameraman. Should I stop her, or run?

Run…

“I…” The grandma faced the camera and adjusted her hair. “Seeing them, they remind me of my own grandchildren… not even having any vegetables to eat, so pitiful… my favorability just… went up to twenty.” Her voice was slow and filled with a feigned sadness and affection.

The staff member, who had expected a dramatic outburst, was stunned, seeing the fake tears in her eyes. Not just the actors, even the paid NPCs were such good actors!

“Is this explanation okay?” She quickly stepped away from the camera and looked at him expectantly.

He couldn’t say no…

But you don’t even have any grandchildren… The staff member, who had read her profile, felt faint.

He let it go. “So… you told Jiang Lingling earlier…” He moved on to his next task.

“I watched the live stream. I said it. It’s true. I used to live near here,” the grandma said seriously.

I can’t tell if you’re lying or not! The staff member gave up and left.

Many viewers of the live stream regularly checked the players’ stats page.

The almost real-time updates were quite interesting. Not just the sometimes ridiculous skills listed (“Eating,” “Rich,” “Strong,” “Chef”), but also the fluctuating inventory, from eggs and rice to fried rice, then to nothing.

And just as Jiang Lingling’s group reached the foot of the hill, a new section appeared at the bottom of the stats page.

After the “Welfare Mission System,” the even more intriguing “NPC Favorability System” was launched.

Gamers knew that different NPCs offered different missions and rewards, and this system also hinted at the possibility of hidden missions.

Similar to the “Player Stats System,” the “NPC Favorability System” listed all the NPCs who had interacted with the players and their current favorability towards each player. For example… the lonely old woman. The other NPCs, not yet interacted with, were just grayed-out figures with asterisks for their information.

The system explained the two ways to increase favorability: through completing tasks, and through the NPC’s own discretion.

Among the few activated NPCs – the firewood-chopping Uncle Zhang, the laundry-washing Aunt Niu, the lonely Grandpa Li – the old woman stood out. Each NPC had a list of players they had interacted with and their corresponding favorability levels. The other NPCs only had two or three, at most four, players listed, their favorability in single digits.

But the old woman had seven players listed (everyone except Jiang Duo), all with a favorability of twenty…

And there was also a short video, the one the staff member just recorded, explaining her sudden increase in favorability due to her “grandchildren.”

Such attention to detail! Shouldn’t it be “I’m cold, I’m heartless, I do what I want”? So much explanation, such a considerate show!

And the show had stated that any discretionary increase in favorability would be recorded and posted, which was great! They wouldn’t miss anything!

So, besides the live stream, which was so captivating that they needed multiple screens, and the Welfare Mission voting, the player stats page, now with the added NPC favorability system, was even more interesting!

We thought this 24/7 live stream would be boring, but this… “Reality Online” is too much to keep up with! The viewers felt both entertained and overwhelmed.

Good thing it’s a national holiday. Good thing we canceled our travel plans.

As for our friends who are traveling alone… who cares about them! We have a live stream to watch!

While the “NPC Favorability System” caused another online frenzy, Jiang Lingling and her “treasure hunting,” or rather, “foraging”… okay, “digging” team, were on the small hill, collecting wild ginger, scallions, and garlic. They even found some fresh, large mushrooms.

Finding the seasonings was already a success, the mushrooms a bonus. Ji Junxin was excitedly listing all the mushroom dishes she had eaten, most of which were impossible to make with their limited ingredients. But seeing her happy expression… Mi Hongdou let her continue.

The small hill, besides lacking dangerous animals, also seemed to lack other resources. They only found a few unidentified plants that looked like edible wild vegetables. Jiang Lingling thought they were safe to eat, but Mi Hongdou stopped her.

This isn’t a true survival situation, no need to be so reckless… She pulled Ji Junxin away.

When Jiang Lingling tried to venture further up the mountain, she was stopped by the crew, who, having learned their lesson, didn’t say much, just blocked her path, forming a human wall.

Even Jiang Lingling couldn’t fight her way through just to explore the mountain… although she could, but… it wasn’t allowed.

So, having only found some seasonings and mushrooms, Jiang Lingling felt… unsatisfied.

She wanted to set some traps for wild game, but she was worried about accidentally injuring a clueless staff member, so she reluctantly gave up.

Staff members are so troublesome.

So, blocked by the human wall, the four returned to the village, their mission only partially successful.

They had originally planned to continue their task hunt, but Mi Hongdou, having acquired the precious seasonings, wanted to prepare the pig skin. So, they split up. Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao went to look for tasks, while Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin returned home.

“Stir-fried pig skin? Aspic? Braised? Cold dish? Soup?” Ji Junxin stood by the stove, her eyes full of anticipation for the small piece of pig skin.

“What do you want to eat?” Although she already had a plan, if Ji Junxin had a specific request… well, she would try her best to satisfy her, Mi Hongdou thought.

“Hmm…” Ji Junxin looked at the pig skin. “Everything you make is delicious, I’ll leave it to you.”

A critical hit…

Although she constantly reminded herself to be more reserved in front of the cameras, after their confession last night, maintaining composure was difficult. Mi Hongdou, hit by Ji Junxin’s words, her gaze softening, looked at Ji Junxin with unconcealed affection.

“Don’t think that you can skip checking the bathroom for me tonight just because you’re looking at me so sweetly,” Ji Junxin said, tilting her head up slightly, her tone a bit arrogant.

Mi Hongdou: “…”

So, after “Don’t think I’ll mince the ginger for you just because you’re looking at me like that,” “Don’t think I’ll dig up the garlic,” and “Don’t think I’ll stay home and let you go do the tasks alone,” there was now a new variation of the “gentle gaze” theme… She was playing with this “gentle” thing too much!

And the “bathroom” theme as well!

Ji Junxin, you’re learning to be a tease!

Mi Hongdou, her mind filled with complaints, could only smile indulgently.

On the live stream, Ji Junxin’s “Don’t think…” series had been turned into memes and emojis, constantly updated. And the viewers were demanding that the show add “Jealous” to her skill list. They had been bombarded with sugar, their teeth aching, and now they were being force-fed vinegar. They felt that after twelve days, they wouldn’t just need dental checkups, they would need dentures!

Bai Bai Dental Clinic was loving this show!

Mi Hongdou, although slightly embarrassed by the vinegar, wasn’t aware of the viewers’ dental woes. Her current priority was preparing the pig skin.

She heated a dry wok, added the washed and dried soybeans, and roasted them until golden brown.

The soybeans were done.

She filled the wok with water, added the pig skin, ginger, scallions, and garlic, and brought it to a boil.

Although the tiled house had a traditional stove, there were a few modern utensils in the kitchen. Of course, the show might have just put them there for decoration.

Regardless, the small mortar and pestle she had found earlier could now be used.

She added some seasonings to the boiling pig skin, then, while it simmered, took a handful of the roasted soybeans and ground them into powder with the mortar and pestle.

She sprinkled a pinch of salt on the remaining soybeans and gave them to Ji Junxin, who had been watching intently.

“Fragrant!” Ji Junxin, deprived of snacks, was appeased.

“The truly fragrant part is coming up.” Mi Hongdou smiled, took out the cooked pig skin, removed the excess fat, diced it, then washed and dried the wok.

She added a little water to the wok, then the diced pig skin, and simmered it over low heat, just like rendering lard, until the water evaporated and the pig skin started to fry.

Soon, the aroma of frying meat filled the courtyard and drifted…

“What the… meat for lunch, and now meat again for afternoon tea?!” Yu Naihao, standing by his thatched hut, sniffed the air, the aroma coming from the tiled house across the courtyard. “If I had known, I would have chosen Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou, that smell is heavenly!”

“Oh?” Lu Changhuai, basking in the sun, raised an eyebrow. He seemed to have heard something interesting.

Yu Naihao, his senses heightened by the aroma of meat, quickly corrected himself. “Hehe, I didn’t say anything, it must be the wind…”

“Let’s buy some meat, you still have coins, don’t you?” Lu Changhuai sniffed the air, understanding Yu Naihao’s reaction, it did smell incredibly good.

“If you’re eating rice and pickled cucumbers for every meal, then so am I,” Yu Naihao said seriously. He didn’t agree with Lu Changhuai’s self-imposed austerity. It was just torturing himself, how foolish!

“…” Lu Changhuai sighed. “Fine, I’ll also… manage my own finances.”

“Good!” Yu Naihao was pleased.

This game has become strange since I teamed up with him, from inter-team conflicts to intra-team conflicts… but, heh, I can’t let some people have it too easy. Lu Changhuai, usually the image of a gentleman, was now plotting.

The pain of a broken CP, those in a happy relationship wouldn’t understand.

The diced pig skin sizzled in the wok, curling and turning golden brown as Mi Hongdou stirred.

“If we had a grill and some charcoal, it would be even better…” Mi Hongdou said wistfully, picked up a piece of fried pig skin, blew on it, coated it in the seasoned soybean powder, and offered it to Ji Junxin. “Here, try it, eat slowly, it’s hot.”

The cameraman stepped closer, wanting a close-up before Ji Junxin took it.

But… he underestimated a foodie’s speed.

Before the viewers could even see the pig skin clearly, it was gone.

What happened to eating slowly! What happened to being careful! If this were a cooking show, it would be an instant fail! Xinxin, you’re no food critic! Foodie!

Fortunately, there was more. Mi Hongdou picked up another piece, coated it in soybean powder, and this time, the cameraman got his close-up.

Then, she fed it to Ji Junxin…

There wasn’t much pig skin, and after three pieces, Ji Junxin refused any more.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? Just three pieces?” Mi Hongdou was confused.

The viewers were also confused! Where’s the usual commentary after every bite, Xinxin! We’re waiting, our mouths watering! We can only watch, not eat, it’s torture!

“It’s delicious!” Ji Junxin quickly explained, seeing the confusion. “The pig skin is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, the soybean powder makes it incredibly fragrant, and it’s so chewy, I could eat this all day!” The combined aroma of pig skin and soybeans was even better than the roasted soybeans earlier, although those were also good… but the crispy, non-greasy, chewy pig skin was definitely superior!

Mi Hongdou looked at the fourth piece, which Ji Junxin had just refused.

“You haven’t eaten any yet, you eat first,” Ji Junxin said, her voice soft and a little whiny.

Mi Hongdou’s slightly hurt feelings were instantly soothed by the CP’s sweetness. It’s hard to get used to being more important than food… She ate a piece of the sweet, crispy pig skin.

Oh, you said there was no sugar added.

We understand the unspoken sweetness!

The viewers were momentarily silent. We were just drooling over the food, ready to lick our screens, and now… more sugar…

Regardless, across the country, after the earlier surge in fatty pork sales, now the sales of pig skin also started to increase.

The pork vendors, working during the holiday, were puzzled. Why did those people who asked us to remove the pig skin earlier come back and buy it now?

The world is a strange place…

Chapter 129: Tigers

The rice and pickled cucumbers were ready-made, and the fish soup cooked quickly on the stove.

Bao Yueqiao ate her fish soup with rice and pickled cucumbers, praising Jiang Lingling’s cooking.

Jiang Lingling, slightly embarrassed by the praise, took a sip of the soup. Good thing you haven’t tasted Mi Hongdou’s cooking.

After lunch and a brief chat with Bao Yueqiao, Jiang Lingling, figuring that the other team should have finished eating by now, took Bao Yueqiao to visit.

And then…

Jiang Lingling watched, heartbroken, as Ji Junxin finished the last of the egg fried rice and then, urged by Mi Hongdou, the last of the bok choy and lard bits soup.

Ji Junxin, don’t wipe your mouth! Explain yourself! You usually eat so fast, why so slow today! After seeing your lunch, how can I face myself! How can I face Bao Yueqiao!

In the small courtyard, filled with the aroma of meat, Jiang Lingling’s silent accusation went unnoticed. Bao Yueqiao, however, discreetly gulped.

The “Rich Lady” fans online were also heartbroken. Where’s the extravagance? Where’s the “I’ll buy this whole place”?… How pitiful…

“Let’s go find some tasks this afternoon. We’ve been here for a day, and we haven’t even explored the village yet,” Mi Hongdou said, clearing the table, inviting Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao.

“So far, we’ve mostly done the chicken-feeding task. And Mi Hongdou and I also did the corn kernel task… I don’t think we should do that one again…” Bao Yueqiao’s hands ached just thinking about it.

“What’s wrong with the corn kernel task?” Ji Junxin hadn’t heard the details, but Bao Yueqiao’s reaction didn’t seem positive.

“It’s called ‘Helping the lonely old man remove corn kernels’,” Mi Hongdou said, washing the dishes. “You have to remove the kernels from ten dried corn cobs by hand for one coin. But it takes about five minutes per cob, and it gets harder as you go, it took us almost an hour yesterday, it’s a very inefficient task.”

“Actually, it’s not bad, I’m planning to try it after chopping wood,” Jiang Lingling said seriously.

Bao Yueqiao: “…”

Ji Junxin: “…”

Mi Hongdou flicked the water from her hands. “Okay, I take that back, it’s an inefficient task for normal people.”

Jiang Lingling nodded, satisfied.

The live stream viewers, the foodies busy buying meat, vegetables, and eggs, the CP fans busy voting, and the “Rich Lady” fans, glued to their screens, waited for Jiang Lingling to dominate both the wood-chopping and the corn kernel tasks.

“Is ‘Helping the lonely old man remove corn kernels’… the actual name of the task?” Bao Yueqiao, who had done the task, asked, confused. “Or just a description?”

“It’s the name, after we talked to the old man, the crew held up a board with the name written on it, probably for editing,” Mi Hongdou replied, drying the dishes.

“Uh…” Ji Junxin glanced outside hesitantly. “Then the sign I saw earlier, ‘Helping the lonely old woman feed chickens,’ that was also the task name?”

“The crew isn’t very creative with their task names. Such uninspired names, if it weren’t for the coins, I wouldn’t even bother,” Jiang Lingling complained. “They should learn from other shows.”

I wholeheartedly agree!

In a house in the village, with its doors and windows closed, Pan Xiang sneezed repeatedly. I must have caught a cold last night, leaving the window open… as the chief planner of “Reality Online,” I should drink some Banlangen.

While Mi Hongdou was cleaning up, the four exchanged information.

They had done four tasks so far.

One with a daily limit: feeding chickens, twice a day, one coin per feeding, now with the option of trading for vegetables.

Three with no limits: chopping wood (ten logs for one coin), removing corn kernels (ten cobs for one coin), and washing clothes (four pieces for one coin).

Besides the chicken-feeding, which was easy, the other tasks, although repeatable, required too much effort for a decent payout. The wood-chopping and corn kernel tasks were basically only doable by Jiang Lingling. And although the laundry task seemed easy, just look at Ji Junxin’s bandaged fingers.

Compared to Jiang Lingling, who was eager to chop wood and remove corn kernels, the other three needed to find new, more manageable tasks.

After their discussion, Mi Hongdou finished cleaning up, and they left the house.

Jiang Lingling pointed at the small bowl of pig skin on the counter. “Aren’t you going to do anything with this? It will spoil without a refrigerator. Or are you not using it? If not, just throw it away, it will attract rats.”

“I want to use it, but we used up all the ginger and scallions that came with the chicken yesterday. After buying everything today, I realized… we don’t have any coins left for seasonings. I’ll have to earn some more before I can use it…” Mi Hongdou glanced at the pig skin, then at Jiang Lingling. “You got ginger and scallions with your fish, right? Use them sparingly, I think they’re quite expensive on the Supplies Board, and they’re not even edible, I don’t want to waste coins on them…”

Jiang Lingling shrugged helplessly. “That tiny piece of ginger and those few scallions? I used them all for the fish soup.”

“But… we still have another fish,” Bao Yueqiao said, pointing at their house across the courtyard.

“It’s okay. Ginger and scallions, we don’t need to waste coins on them. It’s only a little past one, I know where to get them for free, follow me.” Jiang Lingling checked the time on the cameraman’s watch and strode towards the gate, beckoning the others to follow.

“Is she going to rob the crew?!” Ji Junxin grabbed Mi Hongdou’s hand and followed excitedly.

So you missed Jiang Lingling’s extortion of the crew with the tool kit yesterday, you must be regretting it… Mi Hongdou thought, letting Ji Junxin pull her along, as Jiang Lingling led them, like a general leading her troops.

The three of them left, and although she didn’t quite understand what was going on, Bao Yueqiao naturally followed.

The cameramen had a bad feeling. This Jiang Lingling, something was about to happen…

As expected, Jiang Lingling didn’t go towards the village, but towards the four thatched huts at the edge of the village.

Their premonition intensified.

The four, led by Jiang Lingling, walked past the huts and headed straight towards the small hill in the distance.

The cameramen whispered among themselves as they filmed. After a heated discussion and a round of rock-paper-scissors, one of them stopped and took out his phone. Another one, his face pale, hurried to catch up and, trying to stay out of the shot, called out weakly, “Jiang Lingling…”

Jiang Lingling, focused on her mission, ignored him. The three following her glanced back at the staff member, then, urged by Jiang Lingling, turned and continued walking.

They knew where to get free ginger, scallions, and garlic. The best response to the staff member’s call was… to ignore him!

I lost at rock-paper-scissors, how frustrating! The staff member raised his voice, “Jiang Lingling!”

He shouted with all his might.

This time… none of them even turned around. They just walked faster.

It was rare for the four to be in the same frame outside of challenges, and the number of viewers watching their live streams had been increasing since Mi Hongdou started washing dishes. The staff member’s earlier weak call had gone unnoticed, but this desperate shout of “Jiang Lingling” was clearly audible through their microphones.

“I think I hear someone calling the Rich Lady!”

“Did she drop something?”

“No way, that sounded so desperate, like he was being abandoned…”

“Agreed…”

“Yes…”

“Exactly…”

“Look, she didn’t even turn around, so cold! I love it!”

“So even a rich lady can be heartless, but she’s so cool, I have to give her props!”

“So no one cares who’s calling her?”

“It’s fine, if he can’t cry in her luxurious RV, he can always laugh on someone else’s bicycle~”

“Bowing down to that comment…”

“Bowing down +1”

“Bowing down +2”

“Bowing down +3”

…

“Did we mishear? Or is there a problem with the audio? The other three didn’t react either.”

“True friends support you even when you’re being a jerk!”

“Although something seems off, it’s kind of… exciting…”

“My worldview is broken after reading these comments…”

“Don’t cry, it’s just the viewers’ imagination, she wouldn’t ignore him.”

“Right, she’ll turn around and slap him.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

…

One of the cameramen was monitoring the comments. Seeing this, he put away his phone. It was probably best if his colleague, who was chasing after Jiang Lingling, didn’t see these comments, hahaha!

They were now less than a kilometer from the foot of the hill. Jiang Lingling and her companions quickened their pace, hoping to reach it before the staff member caught up.

Just as the ignored staff member was about to burst into tears, another one, having made a phone call, caught up and pushed him. “Why haven’t you stopped them yet! Are you planning to wait until they come back down?”

The staff member who had been monitoring the comments glanced at the two. How pitiful, good thing I’m just reading comments, oh ho ho ho~ Urged by his colleague, the staff member who had been ignored twice, smoothed his hair and clothes, took a microphone, and stepped in front of the camera.

Hearing the heavy footsteps behind her, Jiang Lingling thought, Here it comes. She knew the show wouldn’t let them go so easily. She glanced at the hill, now so close, her fighting spirit ignited!

“Wait… where are you going? You can’t go there!” The staff member who had been chasing them panted, blocking Jiang Lingling’s path.

So our earlier guesses were wrong…

The viewers, having just recovered from the earlier drama, were now eagerly watching.

“Betting one french fry, this staff member is doomed.”

“I’ll raise you a bag of sweet chili sauce, he’s definitely doomed, the question is, will she throw him or just roast him verbally?”

“Although I want to see her throw him, this is a family-friendly show, no flying people allowed…”

“Whenever it’s Jiang Lingling’s turn, the viewers’ imaginations run wild.”

“So now, no one cares where they’re going, or why they can’t go there?…”

“We’re more concerned about this poor man’s fate…”

“Concerned +N”

“Counting from N, what should I type? Hmm.”

“Concerned +N+1”

“I’m… speechless.”

The viewers’ attention, always easily diverted, then refocused. Jiang Lingling, blocked by the staff member…

“Where can’t we go?” she asked cautiously, wanting a complete victory.

“You can’t go up the mountain!” He pointed at the small hill.

“Why?” Jiang Lingling asked, her tone challenging.

“Because…” the staff member hesitated, glancing at the cameramen.

The other crew members, showing no support, just stared at him with expressionless faces.

Those bastards! I’ll practice rock-paper-scissors eight hundred times a day when we get back! He turned back to Jiang Lingling, then, seeing her calm demeanor, his own bravado crumbled. “Because… you just can’t.”

“Because the rules say so?” Jiang Lingling started digging the trap.

The staff member nodded vigorously.

Jiang Lingling smiled, watching him fall into the trap.

“But the rules only said we can’t go past the warning tape on the right side of the village, not that we can’t go to the hill behind the village,” she said innocently, burying him with dirt.

“This! This is a new rule!” The staff member, his face covered in metaphorical dirt, tried to maintain his composure.

“You can’t just make up new rules. Important rules have to be announced by the director, right? Are you trying to steal your boss’s job? Are you trying to get famous by appearing on camera! Are you trying to replace the director! Answer me!” Jiang Lingling pressed her advantage.

The staff member shook his head and stumbled backward. He didn’t know how to retort… it must be the cameras! He quickly retreated behind them.

Silence.

The “Rich Lady” fans in the comments were impressed, but also slightly critical. Too many rounds, she should have finished him in one blow!

With the staff member defeated, Jiang Lingling, not wanting to waste any more time, turned to lead her team on their quest for… ginger, scallions, and garlic.

The cameramen quickly played rock-paper-scissors and chose a new representative, Male Staff Member #2.

#2, angrily biting his fist, took the microphone from the defeated #1 and bravely stepped forward, blocking Jiang Lingling again.

His decisive actions and determined gaze filled everyone, both on and off screen, with anticipation.

The online bets increased from one french fry to three because of his heroic demeanor.

“You… you can’t go up there,” he said, looking directly at Jiang Lingling, seemingly unafraid.

Jiang Lingling raised an eyebrow.

He clenched his fist and shouted, “There are tigers on the mountain!”

Silence.

Not just on set, but also in the live stream comments.

Then… an eruption of laughter from the crew.

Followed by more laughter from everyone else.

Male Staff Member #2’s face turned crimson.

“Pfft…” Jiang Lingling, who had been planning a similar tactic, couldn’t maintain her serious expression. Whether there were even scallions and ginger on that small hill was questionable, but tigers? How ridiculous!

Ji Junxin, clinging to Mi Hongdou’s arm, laughed so hard that she almost collapsed against her. Mi Hongdou, also laughing uncontrollably, put her arm around Ji Junxin’s waist to steady her.

Meanwhile, the live stream comments exploded.

“There are tigers on that little hill, hahaha!”

“This staff member is crazy… hilarious!”

“I just fell off my chair laughing, the most adorable staff member of the year!”

“Is Jiang Lingling too powerful? They’re resorting to tigers now, hahaha!”

“Tigers on that little hill? There’s a white dragon under my building…”

“A white dragon or a white dragon horse?”

“Whatever! If there can be tigers on that small hill, why not a dragon under my building!”

“This is going to be my go-to joke for the next year…”

“Stop laughing, everyone, look! Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin are flirting!”

“Holy shit! They are!”

“When did Xiaomi put her arm around Xinxin’s waist?!”

“Ahhh! A hug! Public display of affection on the second day, are you going to show us your marriage certificate on the twelfth day?!”

“Show us the certificate!”

“Show us the certificate +N!”

“Show us the certificate +N+1!”

“Show us the certificate +N+2! The ‘N+1’ comment is so last year!”

“Is this show crazy? I almost died laughing at the tiger thing, and now I’m being bombarded with sugar, I can’t breathe!”

“Look! The hug just got tighter!”

“Ahhhh!!! I’m dying…”

“Are you okay up there? …”

“Are you okay up there? …”

“Are you okay up there? … Hang in there, be strong!”

“Magic potion!”

“Resurrection!”

“A withered tree blossoming again!”

“Thank you for the four-character idioms… I’m alive…”

“Are they hugging even tighter now? Tell me I’m not seeing things!”

“So much sugar, I’m also dying!”

“Dying +10086!”

…

This new wave of sugar was because, during the earlier “show us the certificate” frenzy in the comments, Bao Yueqiao, clueless as ever, had said, “Is it dangerous to have tigers so close to the village?”

Are you serious?!

The viewers, already amused by the “tiger” incident, were now stunned by Bao Yueqiao’s serious concern.

Ji Junxin, already weak from laughter, collapsed against Mi Hongdou.

Mi Hongdou, also amused by the “tiger” and Bao Yueqiao’s reaction, couldn’t help but laugh, as Ji Junxin, losing her balance, leaned against her. Mi Hongdou, afraid she would fall, instinctively tightened her hold.

And so, the CP fans online, along with Ji Junxin, also collapsed.

Amidst the new wave of laughter, Bao Yueqiao still looked confused.

Jiang Lingling, unable to stand it any longer, patted Bao Yueqiao’s shoulder. “It’s… pfft… it’s okay. Tigers… pfft, hahaha… if a tiger comes down the mountain, I’ll… chase it away.” Although she wanted to comfort Bao Yueqiao, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Shouldn’t we have more security then? No, security guards aren’t as strong as you. But fighting a tiger with your bare hands… shouldn’t you make a weapon?” Bao Yueqiao asked seriously.

“Hahahaha…”

Now Jiang Lingling’s HP was also zero…

Chapter 128: Welfare Missions

The crispy, oily, and fragrant pork lard, sweet and savory, instantly captivated Ji Junxin, who had been eating rice and pickled cucumbers for three meals straight.

Ji Junxin looked at the small amount of lard in the bowl, carefully savored each bite, and after reluctantly swallowing, felt revitalized.

“Delicious…” she said, licking her lips, and offered a spoonful to Mi Hongdou, who was whisking eggs.

Mi Hongdou turned her head away. “You eat… mm…”

Mi Hongdou, her mouth now full of lard, licked her teeth where the spoon had touched. This is… complicated.

“Is it good?” Ji Junxin asked, her eyes shining with anticipation, as if she was the one who made it.

Idiot…

Mi Hongdou smiled and nodded.

Ji Junxin, pleased, chuckled and then ate a tiny piece herself.

Tsk…

Mi Hongdou naturally saw it. She had just given her a spoonful, and Ji Junxin only ate a tiny bit.

It was both heartwarming and a little sad. Mi Hongdou, touched, looked away and whisked the eggs faster. “We’re having egg fried rice for lunch, go wait at the table, it’s smoky here.”

“It doesn’t smell smoky, it smells good!” Having confessed the night before, unable to be openly affectionate because of the cameras, the suppressed feelings only intensified. Ji Junxin wanted to cling to Mi Hongdou and wasn’t leaving.

Mi Hongdou sniffed the air. The lard did smell good.

People nowadays valued healthy eating, and lard had long been replaced by healthier oils like peanut oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. The more health-conscious even used olive oil. Unlike in the past, when resources were scarce, now, with just a little money, you could eat whatever you wanted, food was no longer as precious.

Lard was considered too greasy and unhealthy, rendering lard was considered messy, and even the aroma was now deemed too rich. Even pork itself was often considered less healthy than fish, less flavorful than shrimp, less protein-rich than beef… It was understandable, times changed, and so did people’s preferences. Normally, Mi Hongdou wouldn’t let Ji Junxin eat something as greasy as lard. Well, maybe a small bite as a treat, but not a whole bowl.

But times were different now. Thanks to the show…

It had been more than a day since they had anything greasy, and even Mi Hongdou felt a craving, let alone Ji Junxin. So, since Ji Junxin didn’t want to leave, Mi Hongdou didn’t insist. Even just the aroma is a treat.

After scooping out the crispy lard bits, there was only about half a bowl of lard left.

A thin layer of oil remained in the wok, which she couldn’t scrape out, perfect for frying rice.

The rice was the free rice from the show, fresh and not day-old, just aired out a little while she prepared the meat. Freshly cooked rice wasn’t as good for fried rice as day-old rice, but… she couldn’t be picky now…

She added the rice to the wok, stir-fried it quickly, then poured in the seasoned egg mixture and stir-fried again. Soon, the aroma of egg fried rice replaced the earlier scent of lard.

It felt like… the estate test shoot…

The same traditional stove, the same lard-infused egg fried rice, the same Mi Hongdou… It’s nice, Ji Junxin thought, her face slightly flushed.

When Mi Hongdou served the rice, she saw Ji Junxin staring at her intently.

Fine, stare all you want, such a loving gaze, but we’re being filmed…

Mi Hongdou, enjoying the attention, her heart fluttering, forced herself to remain calm and handed the plate to Ji Junxin. “Here, take this to the table.”

Ji Junxin’s gaze, interrupted, she took the plate and went to the table.

Mi Hongdou, relieved, also felt a twinge of regret. Live streaming could be annoying!

In the entertainment industry, manufactured, even real, romantic relationships between co-stars were common. And whenever such rumors surfaced, there would always be some die-hard, rational fans who insisted it was all media fabrication.

During the release of “Imperial Secrets,” although many viewers had interpreted the relationship between the young Empress and Miao Qianye as romantic, and both Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou’s Weibo pages were flooded with yuri comments, many of Ji Junxin’s fans insisted it was just clever marketing.

And when the “Sweet Red Bean Soup” group, shipping the real-life Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou, emerged, these rational fans were adamant, Our Xinxin doesn’t engage in such hype! Absolutely not!

As for Mi Hongdou’s fans… well… they were all CP fans, rationality wasn’t their forte.

Before the premiere of “Reality Online,” many of Ji Junxin’s fans were still holding onto their rationality. But after the live stream started, these rational voices gradually… diminished…

Especially after the first night, when Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin started their unrestrained flirting. The sugar-high fans could no longer be rational.

After all that sugar, who can be rational?

In just a little over a day, the CP fans had become even more convinced, their initial “OMG! Are they flirting?” turning into “More sugar!” and then to… “So sweet, I need a moment…”

Even though Mi Hongdou had abruptly ended Ji Junxin’s adoring gaze, the cameras, capturing everything, didn’t let the viewers miss that moment of deep affection.

“Covering my eyes, Xinxin has fallen…”

“Covering my eyes too, that gaze is too sweet!”

“Also covering my eyes, being shown affection while watching a reality show as a single dog, this isn’t scientific!”

“Open your eyes! If you can’t even handle this, how are you going to survive the next ten days of even sweeter moments!”

“That makes sense…”

“Struggling to open my sugar-coated eyes, a single dog continues to eat the sugar, tears streaming down my face.”

“Brave!”

“Strong!”

“Fearless!”

“Pressing on!”

“Facing death without flinching!”

“Unwavering!”

“Ever forward!”

“Reckless abandon!”

“After watching the Chinese Idiom Competition, Mom no longer has to worry about me not being able to write 800 words for my essays!”

“I’m not good with idioms, but I can sing! Let us single dogs learn to enjoy the sugar, our mouths open, waiting for every sweet moment~”

“After that adaptation of ‘Forget Your Worries,’ I’m dead.”

“Speaking of dying, I went out to buy meat with my phone, but I didn’t bring enough money for eggs! I also want egg fried rice! I’m dying…”

“Want to eat +1”

“Want to eat +2”

“Want to eat +3”

…

The egg fried rice was done, the wok clean. Mi Hongdou added a little lard, stir-fried the remaining bok choy from breakfast, added water, and started making soup. Although she had used lard, the bok choy made it seem a bit bland, so she added a spoonful of crispy lard bits and the remaining egg mixture, thinned with a little water.

So, today’s lunch for Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s team was egg fried rice with bok choy and lard bits soup!

For those lacking grease, the freshly fried lard bits were a welcome treat. But they weren’t starving, just craving something greasy, so a small amount was enough.

Ji Junxin only ate two pieces, not because she didn’t like them, but because there wasn’t much, and she wanted to savor them…

She had initially felt a little reluctant seeing the lard bits in the soup, but after trying it, the lard, having absorbed the soup, was no longer crispy, but chewy, a different kind of deliciousness. Not greasy, yet still rich and flavorful, even more fragrant than when freshly fried.

Ji Junxin’s heartache instantly vanished.

The viewers, watching the live stream while shopping for meat at the market, commented, where can we find eggs and bok choy! Fortunately, we brought enough money!

Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou, with their thirty coins, finally had a decent meal. Yu Naihao, although only winning ten coins, also had a decent lunch. No lard-infused egg fried rice, but he had vegetable fried rice with a perfectly fried egg. Although his cooking skills were average, he enjoyed the meal, hehe, why? Because Jiang Duo was eating plain rice and pickled cucumbers! Hahaha!

Jiang Duo, after four meals of rice and pickled cucumbers, watching Yu Naihao happily eating his fried egg, thought, he really doesn’t care about his image! Treating his female teammate like this, does he even want fans anymore!

Actually, Yu Naihao hadn’t lost any fans, on the contrary, his reluctance during the forced team pairing and his declaration of “separate earnings” had even attracted a new group of… “anti-scumbag” fans…

Both Jiang Duo, who wanted to make amends and improve her relationship with Yu Naihao, and Zhang Zijing, who was still trying to befriend Lu Changhuai, weren’t successful.

Zhang Zijing, after completing the morning chicken-feeding task, now had four coins. He traded them for bok choy and made soup, inviting Lu Changhuai to join him.

And then… he was politely, but firmly, rejected.

Watching Lu Changhuai sitting far away, silently eating his rice and pickled cucumbers with a deadpan expression, Zhang Zijing felt like he had punched cotton, his anger unresolved, his frustration mounting.

It’s all Jiang Duo’s fault! Forcing that team change, I didn’t even complain about her incompetence, I was willing to be on her team, and she had to go after Ji Junxin. And after failing, she chose Yu Naihao. Zhang Zijing, sipping his bok choy soup, angrily blamed Jiang Duo, conveniently forgetting that he had also agreed to her plan and had also hoped to use the show to get closer to Lu Changhuai.

This show was supposed to boost my popularity, and now… He glared at Lu Changhuai. Why can’t he be normal! Yu Naihao can be a good CP and gain fans, why can’t we!

Fortunately, Lu Changhuai, focused on ignoring the taste of his food and filling his stomach, didn’t notice Zhang Zijing’s glare or his thoughts. Otherwise, the usually calm and collected Lu Changhuai might have lost control and thrown his rice at him.

The same show, the same CP dynamic, the yuri fans were constantly being fed sugar, while the BL fans, their CP broken up, were mostly joining the “anti-scumbag” camp… how tiring.

While the yuri fans were busy washing their faces and buying meat, vegetables, and eggs, and the BL fans were busy joining anti-scumbag groups, the “Welfare Mission System” for Reality Online officially launched.

More accurately, the final component of the system, the public voting function, was finally online.

The “Welfare Mission System” announcement the day before, with its crowdfunding and charitable aspect, had been widely shared and discussed. And because of its interactive nature, the mission submission page had been flooded with requests.

The submissions were reviewed by the staff, and a selection of approved missions, all tasks that could be completed within 24 hours, were posted on the website for voting.

Thirty missions were listed, voting ending at 9 PM, the top five to be sent to Dengjia Village. And a new rule was added.

“In the spirit of charity, everyone has a responsibility. After the top five missions are selected, if any celebrity hasn’t been assigned a mission, the most popular mission involving that celebrity among the remaining submissions will also be sent to Dengjia Village.”

This simple addition, seemingly harmless, was clearly meant for two specific people, the more perceptive viewers noticed.

Qiao Rubai is such a good person, the people at Dajin Entertainment thought.

Qiao Rubai, hearing this, could only chuckle awkwardly.

Compared to the new rule, the viewers were more interested in the thirty listed missions.

Although the submissions were varied and often outlandish, the ones selected by the show, to protect the celebrities and maintain order, were more… normal.

But even so, with the low barrier to entry – one yuan, one vote, both interactive and charitable – the viewers were still excited.

They eagerly scanned the thirty missions, then… were stunned.

“There’s something strange mixed in with the missions!”

“My eyes must be playing tricks from all the sugar!”

“Is the show officially shipping them?”

“Don’t be delusional! It must be a mistake, they accidentally posted a rejected mission!”

“Definitely, they’ll fix it in a few minutes!”

“Uh… I already voted.”

“Me too…”

“Voted +1”

“Voted +2”

“Voted +3”

…

“It must be a mistake! Why are you all so excited! I’m going to vote too!”

“Such a magical mission, it must be a system error… who even submitted this? … A dream come true for us viewers!”

“Ahem, if you’re talking about ‘Have Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin sleep in the same bed tonight,’ I voted for it…”

“I submitted ‘Have Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao sleep together’…”

“Hey! I also submitted a similar one, ‘Have Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou share a bed’!”

“What a coincidence, I also submitted a ‘Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou sleeping together’ mission, although the wording was different.”

“I submitted the ‘LuYu sleeping together’ mission…”

“LuYu +1”

“Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin +1”

“LuYu +2”

“LuYu +3”

“Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin +2”

“Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin +3”

“Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin +4”

…

“How many of you submitted such missions, knowing they would never be chosen?!”

“Don’t ask, I’m voting, I’m from Sweet Red Bean Soup, I’ll also vote for your LuYu mission, you poor, broken-hearted CP fans”

“LuYu fans will repay you! We’ll make sure both ‘sleeping together’ missions are in the top five!”

“Didn’t they say it was a mistake… why are you all so excited, aren’t you afraid of being disappointed? Call me the rational fan!”

“Through wind and rain, this little pain is nothing! Wipe away your tears, don’t be afraid, at least we still have dreams~~~”

“We live for sugar! Don’t be afraid, don’t cry, let’s be brave!”

“Okay, before the idiom master arrives, I’m going to vote. Yes, I’m the rational fan, now call me the irrational fan!”

“Just thinking about tonight’s sugar makes me want to cry tears of joy…”

“Crying together in a hug!”

“Crying together in a cuddle!”

“Crying together in a passionate embrace!”

“A lonely single dog quietly joins the cuddle puddle.”

…

Was it a mistake, or had the show gone crazy, tell us!

The viewers were in a frenzy over the two most eye-catching missions among the thirty.

Meanwhile, in Dengjia Village, the four teams, struggling with basic survival, were oblivious to the “Welfare Mission System.”

Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao were in Ji Junxin’s old tiled house. Jiang Lingling had killed a fish, planning a simple lunch of fish soup and rice, then chopping wood, and a better dinner later.

But as soon as she finished cleaning the fish, the aroma of meat, not just stewed meat, but fried meat, drifted over from the house across the courtyard.

Even Jiang Lingling, a seasoned foodie, couldn’t resist the allure of Mi Hongdou’s cooking, and she clutched the raw fish, her mouth watering.

Bao Yueqiao, who hadn’t tasted Mi Hongdou’s cooking before, unconsciously drifted towards the door, following the aroma.

I know we can’t share food, but I just want a sniff… she thought, embarrassed by her own behavior, but unable to stop herself.

Fortunately, Jiang Lingling was faster and slammed the door shut.

Bao Yueqiao stopped, relieved, reminded of the story of the Pied Piper.

Looking at Jiang Lingling, who was calmly scaling the fish, Bao Yueqiao thought that no matter what, this person was truly reliable!

Jiang Lingling, however, smelling the aroma, remembering Mi Hongdou’s cooking, was practically drooling…

She had closed the door not because she was afraid of Bao Yueqiao embarrassing herself by going over there, but because… if Bao Yueqiao tasted Mi Hongdou’s cooking, she would definitely complain about her own fish soup!

In fact, she hadn’t even started cooking yet, and she was already disdaining her own skills.

Ji Junxin is so lucky… Jiang Lingling thought, swallowing her saliva.

Insert close-up of Ji Junxin’s blissful, dumpling-stuffed cheeks here!

Chapter 127: Crispy Pork Lard

For the viewers who had embraced this new form of entertainment, the camera-less bathrooms were the biggest complaint about Reality Online.

Initially, they had been quite understanding, thinking that bathrooms were private spaces. But then, after the Team Change Card incident and the surge in Mi Hongdou/Ji Junxin shippers, the “cockroach incident” in the bathroom made them realize how frustrating it was to have blind spots in a 24/7 live stream!

This frustration intensified when Ji Junxin mentioned cockroaches again the next morning.

The memory game challenge offered a temporary distraction, giving the crew, who were bearing the brunt of the criticism, a brief respite.

But this respite was short-lived. As soon as the challenge ended, Ji Junxin’s fall reignited the viewers’ obsession with the bathroom. When she mentioned the bathroom again, the crew’s hearts sank. As expected, when she asked to go to the bathroom to check her injury, the live stream comments exploded with demands for cameras in the bathroom, a torrent of messages that made the crew want to cry.

No filming in the bathroom, no audio or night vision at night, these were the show’s non-negotiable rules. Even with the exploding comments section, the crew stuck to their principles.

The viewers, although spamming the comments with their demands, knew it was futile, just expressing their wishes.

Although there were no cameras in the bathroom, there was still audio.

As Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin entered the bathroom and closed the door, the viewers turned off the audio for the other cameras, focusing on their microphones.

A brief silence, then,

“Put on some medicine…” Mi Hongdou’s voice.

Another long silence, then,

“Let me see your knee.” Mi Hongdou again.

More silence.

“There’s some bruising, do you want ice or ointment? There’s safflower oil, I can rub it on for you.” Still Mi Hongdou.

Followed by silence.

Why isn’t Ji Junxin speaking? Did she turn off her mic? No, even if she did, Mi Hongdou’s mic would still pick up something! So she hasn’t spoken at all? Why? Is she seriously injured?! The viewers flooded the comments with questions, even the demands for bathroom cameras decreased.

Then Mi Hongdou spoke again. “Does it still hurt?”

A brief pause, then, “Does it still hurt?”

The short pause between the two questions made the viewers imagine the scene: Mi Hongdou, squatting down, anxiously examining the injury, while Ji Junxin, silently crying… How pitiful!

Just as their imaginations ran wild, they heard Ji Junxin’s first words since entering the bathroom.

A soft, pained whimper… “It still hurts…”

Ji Junxin’s fans clutched their hearts. So pitiful! She didn’t turn off her mic, she was just crying too hard to speak! The earlier silence, was she just nodding and shaking her head in pain? Waaaah…

The demands for cameras decreased further, replaced by a flood of sympathetic messages: “So pitiful!” “Don’t cry!” “We’ll always support you, Xinxin!” …

While the viewers imagined Ji Junxin’s suffering, the two in the bathroom had already progressed from a knee kiss, to jumping away, to almost chipping a tooth…

The viewers, their hearts aching for Ji Junxin, didn’t notice the prolonged silence from the bathroom.

As the saying goes, silence is golden, but sometimes, it’s just… awkward.

While most viewers were still expressing their sympathy for Ji Junxin’s pained whimper, some noticed that even Mi Hongdou had fallen silent.

This lack of cameras is really testing our imaginations!

As they sat there, staring at their silent computers, their minds racing, a soft “Mmm~” suddenly came through their speakers, a soft, breathy sound that seemed to break through suppressed restraint, followed by a faint echo, an involuntary release…

The viewers, who had been typing sympathetic messages, their hearts aching for Ji Junxin’s bruised knee, were stunned by this sudden sound. Their fingers froze on their keyboards, typing random strings of characters like “yyyyyyyy” and “aaaaaaa.”

Then, they quickly deleted them.

Their trembling fingers typed new messages, flooding the comments section.

“Did you hear something from the bathroom?”

“That moan… what was that!”

“No, it should be ‘mmm~’ not ‘mmm…’”

“You’re right, the ‘~’ is more accurate!”

“Are we really discussing the proper punctuation of a moan! I heard Xinxin’s voice! Someone explain! What was that!”

“Timidly raising my hand, I think I heard it from Mi Hongdou’s mic. Please tell me I’m not alone…”

“You’re not alone, I’m watching on two computers, but I think… it’s just us two.”

“Joining the queue, we’re probably three…”

“Running to catch up, we’re four…”

“Piling on, we’re five…”

“Enough with the ‘we’! It’s a whole group of us! So why did we hear Ji Junxin’s moan from both her and Mi Hongdou’s mics?!”

“Hehe, why indeed?”

“See: the relationship between distance and sound propagation.”

“On the importance of posture.”

“So, we’re a group, but I still want to know… why the moan?…”

“I don’t even want to know… my teeth hurt…”

“Toothache +1”

“Toothache +2”

“Toothache +3”

…

“Just came back from dinner, seems like I missed something, so, are you saying someone moaned because of a toothache?”

“You’ll regret having dinner.”

“Regret +1”

“Regret +2”

“Regret +3”

…

“So, what was it?”

“I don’t dare to know…”

“I don’t dare to imagine…”

“I don’t dare to ask…”

“Don’t dare +N”

Just as the comments were becoming increasingly suggestive and cryptic, Mi Hongdou’s mic came to life. “That’s what you get for being clumsy, now that I’m rubbing medicine on it, does it hurt?”

The comments paused.

“I’m the one who went for dinner, so, are you saying Ji Junxin moaned because of the medicine?”

“Hehe”

“Hehehe”

“Hehehehehe”

“Hehehehehehe…”

“Such a clumsy cover-up, poor Mi Hongdou.”

“To the one who went for dinner, don’t cry, some moans… once missed, are gone forever…”

“There’s an idiom I could never quite use correctly, and now, its time has come…”

“Covering up the truth”

“Deceiving yourself”

“Protesting too much”

“Trying to hide the obvious”

“Giving yourself away”

“OMG… you guys should join the Chinese Idiom Competition!”

“Why are we so calm… too much sugar?”

“No… I’m just stunned, it’s my first time having concentrated sugar.”

“Concentrated sugar is too delicious, I’m still in shock.”

“We probably misheard, let’s just silently savor this concentrated sugar.”

…

Regardless of the viewers’ complex emotions as they savored the “concentrated sugar,” Ji Junxin, who had unintentionally provided the treat, wanted to jump into a pool and disappear.

The two kisses last night hadn’t been silent, they had even been… more intense, more unrestrained. But… the microphones had been off! And she hadn’t been the only one reacting.

Ji Junxin was mortified. Such a chaste kiss, just lips touching lips, and she had… how embarrassing! And she had been so… quick to react… If it were just Mi Hongdou, then… well, it still wouldn’t be okay. But there was an audience! Ji Junxin covered her mouth, her eyes reddening again.

Mi Hongdou, her breathing unsteady, her mind reeling from Ji Junxin’s soft moan, had almost lost control, wanting to hold her tighter, to kiss her deeper. She was a little dizzy.

They were both adults, and Ji Junxin was the person Mi Hongdou had loved for so long. Having finally realized their mutual feelings, Mi Hongdou, as if hit by a lottery win, still felt a sense of unreality. Especially… Ji Junxin’s unexpected boldness, both surprising and exciting. And after her initial boldness, Ji Junxin would quickly become soft and pliant, her coquettish surrender so alluring that Mi Hongdou wanted to give her the world, just to savor this moment of intimacy.

Afraid of losing control, Mi Hongdou had intended just a quick, comforting kiss for the bruised knee, then a quick retreat. Who knew… she had overestimated Ji Junxin’s… resistance.

Such a quick reaction… how tempting…

But… reacting like that with the microphones on… how embarrassing!

Hmph! And someone heard it! A twinge of annoyance helped Mi Hongdou regain some composure.

She steadied herself, looked away from Ji Junxin, who now looked incredibly alluring in her pitiful state.

“That’s what you get for being clumsy, now that I’m rubbing medicine on it, does it hurt?” she said, winking at Ji Junxin, and then, for added realism, took out the safflower oil.

Although she wasn’t sure if the audience had heard, or what they imagined… she could still try to salvage the situation.

Someone like Pan Xiang, with her wild imagination, could probably come up with a better excuse. But massaging Ji Junxin’s injured knee and having her moan in pain was the best she could think of.

Whether the audience would buy it… she could only hope.

Mi Hongdou warmed the oil in her hands, rolled up Ji Junxin’s pants leg, and started massaging her knee.

Ji Junxin sniffed the oil, pouted, her face red, but she didn’t refuse.

After a few rubs, Mi Hongdou signaled for Ji Junxin to moan.

Ji Junxin hesitated, then, following the script, let out two soft moans.

“Too hard? I’ll be gentler,” Mi Hongdou quickly added.

She felt a little more relaxed. This should explain the earlier moan… at least, it was a plausible excuse. The audience wouldn’t overthink it…

On the live stream page, however, Ji Junxin’s two dutiful moans stunned the viewers.

“So, the correct punctuation here is ‘mmm…’”

“Poor Xinxin, that sounded so awkward.”

“Completely different from the earlier moan, so unconvincing, she should have created a better… atmosphere.”

“Are you suggesting another kiss?”

“No… one dose of concentrated sugar a day is enough, I can’t handle more!”

“Actually, I could have another dose.”

“Concentrated sugar is so good, I want more, what’s Bai Bai Dental Clinic’s number again?”

“Bai Bai Dental Clinic: 139xxxxxxxx, Address: xxxxxxxxx, Jiang City. Mention your ‘Reality Online’ comment ID for a 15% discount~”

“Kudos to Bai Bai for the discount!”

“Bai Bai is really going all out…”

“Xinxin is the one going all out, trying to fix the loophole…”

“Trying to cover up her own slip-up”

“Unfortunately, the cover-up failed, the tone was all wrong”

“Poor Xiaomi, her script ruined”

“Are you stupid… it’s clearly Mi Hongdou who benefited, why pity her!”

“Oh, poor Xinxin, so you’re the neko!”

“Poor Xinxin +1…”

“Poor Xinxin +2…”

“Poor Xinxin +3…”

…

“Suddenly realizing I’ve chosen the right CP, feeling a little lost.”

“Don’t worry, Sweet Red Bean Soup welcomes you, concentrated sugar is even better in soup~”

Speechless… the viewers decided to eat their meals in front of their computers, they didn’t want to miss anything like that viewer who went for dinner earlier. After all, these sweet moments would definitely be edited out of the TV version, hmph!

The two, thinking they had successfully covered up the moan, quickly left the bathroom after applying the ointment to Ji Junxin’s knees.

They glanced around, trying to appear calm. The crew members’ expressions seemed normal, it seemed the incident had blown over…

Great! Time for groceries!

The cameramen, following them, discreetly touched their phones, glancing at the two happy figures. They’re so sweet…

Ji Junxin’s thirty coins from the morning challenge had rescued them from poverty. They were rich now.

But it was only the second day of “Reality Online,” and coins were hard to earn. Even with their newfound wealth, they had to be frugal.

Mi Hongdou wanted to buy ingredients that could last, after all, it was only the second day, and they still had to eat three meals a day. Both coins and food, sustainability was important.

Ji Junxin had no objections, letting Mi Hongdou decide. Her obedient and slightly clueless demeanor, combined with the earlier moan, made the CP fans’ noses bleed…

Ji Junxin, thinking about what they would eat for lunch, was oblivious to the online frenzy.

At the Supplies Board, Mi Hongdou hesitated. In a world where an egg cost five coins… thirty coins wasn’t much. A fish cost forty… even if she wanted to make something nutritious for Ji Junxin, she couldn’t afford it.

And the small, discounted starter pack of seasonings was almost gone. The salt, MSG, and sugar were just a pinch each, the oil just a few drops. She had used very little seasoning for the chicken soup, which was why there was enough left for breakfast. But for stir-fries, it would only be enough for one meal.

After much deliberation, Mi Hongdou spent twelve coins on two liang of fatty pork. Compared to lean pork or pork belly, which were more expensive, they needed the fat for cooking.

Thinking about Ji Junxin, who had been eating bland rice and pickled cucumbers for days, Mi Hongdou reluctantly spent another five coins on an egg.

Seventeen coins gone… most of their wealth, exchanged for a handful of ingredients.

The viewers, watching the live stream while eating their own lunches – chicken legs, braised pork, short ribs, smoked fish – frowned at that small piece of fatty pork.

It looks so unappetizing! Why not pork belly, at least it looks like meat! And we thought she would make something delicious…

Mi Hongdou, calculating the most cost-effective way to buy seasonings, had no idea that her precious fatty pork was being criticized. After another long hesitation, she spent twelve coins on small packets of salt, MSG, and sugar, about 100 grams each. Although twelve coins seemed like a lot, it was more cost-effective than the single-use starter pack. She figured that if they were careful, these seasonings would last them for the rest of the show.

Thirteen coins left, then one. Mi Hongdou had initially wanted to keep it, but seeing the dried soybeans, she couldn’t resist and, after some haggling, traded her last coin for two handfuls.

So, the newly rich team was penniless again.

But Ji Junxin didn’t seem worried at all, just constantly asking Mi Hongdou what they were having.

Mi Hongdou, carrying the meager ingredients, kept her in suspense, which only intensified Ji Junxin’s curiosity and clinginess.

The viewers silently swallowed their sugar-coated chicken legs, honey-glazed braised pork, candied short ribs, and honey-smoked fish… We seem to have acquired a new skill…

Mi Hongdou thought that with so few ingredients, revealing the menu beforehand would ruin the surprise. But Ji Junxin was persistent, following her closely, and once they were home, she practically glued herself to the kitchen counter.

Well… having her around isn’t so bad… Mi Hongdou thought, keeping her mouth shut.

Two liang of fatty pork, with skin. She removed the skin, washed the fat, and diced it into small, even pieces.

She started a small fire in the traditional stove, added a little water to the wok, then the diced fat.

As the water evaporated, the fat started rendering, and both Ji Junxin and the viewers realized that she was making lard.

Indeed, in the harsh environment of Reality Online, rendering your own lard was much more cost-effective than buying oil. Smart move, getting the fatty pork, thumbs-up!

Unlike the viewers, who were impressed by her frugality, Ji Junxin, smelling the aroma of rendering lard, felt her stomach rumble, her mouth watering.

It had been a while since they had anything greasy, and even Mi Hongdou had to admit, the lard smelled particularly good today.

When the water was gone, Mi Hongdou reduced the heat, stirring the pork bits, which were shrinking and turning golden brown, the aroma intensifying.

As the lard accumulated, and the pork bits became crispy, she added a pinch of salt, gave it a final stir, turned off the heat, and scooped out the crispy bits.

Ji Junxin, the dedicated foodie, casually drifted closer.

The amount of lard rendered from that small amount of fat was even smaller. But that glistening, golden liquid looked… incredibly tempting. To someone craving something greasy, it was irresistible, just the smell was intoxicating.

Mi Hongdou, seeing Ji Junxin’s almost dazed expression, understood.

She sprinkled a small amount of sugar into the bowl, stirred it quickly, and handed it to Ji Junxin. “Blow on it, it’s hot.”

Happiness came so suddenly…

Ji Junxin took the bowl, carefully scooped a piece of crispy lard, blew on it repeatedly, and then… offered it to Mi Hongdou.

So now, in the foodie’s heart, I’m more important than food! Mi Hongdou felt a strange sense of triumph and ate the offered lard. “You eat the rest, I’ll start on the other dishes.”

Tsk, a bit too much sugar, a little sweet, but still delicious! The crispy, fragrant lard, sweet and savory, was incredibly addictive. Mi Hongdou’s mouth and nose were filled with the aroma.

Ji Junxin… Ji Junxin’s eyes narrowed in satisfaction as she ate, feeling nourished after days of bland food.

The viewers put down their chopsticks.

They had just been bombarded with sugar, everything tasting sweet…

And now, this lard… suddenly, their own food seemed unappetizing!

We also want lard! Freshly rendered, crispy lard with salt and sugar!

“Going out to buy pork!”

“Buy pork +1”

“Buy pork +2”

“Buy pork +3”

…

Chapter 126: Where Are You Kissing?!

The Dengjia Village where they were filming Reality Online was a small village. After spending a day there, most of them could tell that something was… off. Building an entire village just for a twelve-day reality show was quite extravagant.

And why build a new village instead of using an existing one? That was the question they had. But with their living standards reduced to plain rice and pickled cucumbers, they no longer cared.

Perhaps because it was built specifically for the show, the village, as they had seen, was quite small, only a dozen or so houses.

Dengjia Village was surrounded by mountains on one side and open fields on the other three. They had arrived at an open space near the village entrance the day before. The tiled houses and thatched huts provided by the show were near the back of the village. Beyond the village, there was a small hill.

The area to the right of the village was cordoned off with warning tape. Before letting them explore, the crew had warned them not to cross the line, the penalty being 200 coins. Although curious about the structures visible in the distance, they looked at their meager pouches and suppressed their curiosity.

The team challenge today was held on the open space to the left of the village, with the platform, the haystacks, and the boards. Since they hadn’t been there yesterday, it must have been set up overnight. But regardless, this elaborate setup had ultimately benefited Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou.

The challenge location being outside the village, if they returned to the bathroom to check Ji Junxin’s knee, they would have to walk a long way, which could worsen the injury.

Was she really hurt, or just pretending… was it a real injury, or just an act? Mi Hongdou couldn’t figure out Ji Junxin’s intentions.

“It’s too far to go back, let me check it first,” she said, squatting down to examine Ji Junxin’s leg.

Ji Junxin, her eyes still teary, took two steps back.

Mi Hongdou: “…” Doesn’t want the wound to be seen?

A crew member ran over and handed them a first-aid kit.

Mi Hongdou took it and beckoned Ji Junxin. “Let’s go back.”

Ji Junxin reluctantly followed.

“Um… need any help?” Jiang Lingling, feeling like a third wheel, finally found a chance to speak.

Mi Hongdou, looking at Ji Junxin, who was limping slightly, hesitated.

Ji Junxin glared at Mi Hongdou and then politely declined Jiang Lingling’s offer to carry, piggyback, or even lift her back.

The online viewers mentally high-fived Ji Junxin for rejecting the unwanted help.

Mi Hongdou, frowning and sneezing, caught up and supported Ji Junxin, holding the first-aid kit.

“Should we have a doctor check on Ji Junxin?” a concerned staff member asked.

The director turned off his loudspeaker. “It was just a fall on flat ground, it can’t be that serious, probably just a bruise. We can have a doctor check later if there’s a problem.”

“But…” the staff member started.

Another staff member showed her his phone, refreshing the live stream page.

The screen was flooded with comments like, “Xiaomi, don’t be a coward, don’t let anyone else carry your wife!” “Xinxin, don’t cry, Mi Hongdou will kiss it better!” “What good is kissing? Licking makes it better!” “That’s dirty, but I like it!” “Plus one!” “Plus two!” “Plus three!” … “We demand bathroom cameras!” “Cameras plus one!” “Plus two!” “Plus three!” …

Okay… the staff member thought, a doctor is probably unnecessary. Love cures all, it seems.

The second staff member, a secret member of the “Sweet Red Bean Soup” group, put away her phone, satisfied, and went to tell the doctor to check on Ji Junxin later.

For CP fans, love can indeed cure all. But… a doctor is still needed.

As they walked back, Ji Junxin’s tears stopped, and her limp gradually disappeared. Mi Hongdou, relieved, figured it wasn’t a serious injury.

But while Ji Junxin’s leg seemed fine, Mi Hongdou’s problems were just beginning.

On the way back, she kept asking, “How are you feeling?” “Does it still hurt?” “Can you walk?” “Should I get a doctor?”

Ji Junxin just kept walking, answering with nods or shakes of her head.

At first, Mi Hongdou thought she was just in pain and didn’t want to talk. But when they reached their house, and Mi Hongdou eagerly went towards the bathroom with the first-aid kit, Ji Junxin stopped.

“What’s wrong?” Mi Hongdou pulled her hand. “Let’s go to the bathroom.”

Ji Junxin pouted and didn’t move.

Mi Hongdou froze, then felt a jolt.

Isn’t this the classic start of a tantrum? Unhappy, stubborn, pouting, just missing a “hmph”!

Mi Hongdou glanced at the cameras, then at the cameramen… This was stressful!

Why is she throwing a tantrum? No, the question now isn’t ‘why,’ but ‘what to do’…

Ji Junxin wasn’t exactly throwing a tantrum, she was just unhappy and didn’t want to go to the bathroom. Her leg wasn’t hurting much anymore, she could walk fine, hmph!

Just as she was sulking, about to return to her own room, she felt something brush against her palm, a ticklish sensation.

She looked at her hand, which was being held by Mi Hongdou, then realized that it wasn’t “something,” it was Mi Hongdou’s finger.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any cockroaches in the bathroom in broad daylight, and I’m here,” Mi Hongdou said, looking at her with a gentle smile, her finger tracing patterns on Ji Junxin’s palm.

Ji Junxin could tell the difference between an unintentional touch and a deliberate caress, just like she understood the hidden meaning in Mi Hongdou’s words… a clear invitation…

And because she understood, she felt…

A warmth spread through her, and she bit her lip, suppressing the rising desire, mentally cursing Mi Hongdou, then obediently let herself be led into the bathroom.

Click, the lock turned, a private, soundproof space.

Mi Hongdou reached for her pants leg, Ji Junxin pulled back and turned away.

Mi Hongdou looked confused, Ji Junxin turned her head further, a haughty expression on her face.

Mi Hongdou pointed at her leg, making a gesture of rolling up her pants, Ji Junxin continued to look away, still haughty.

Mi Hongdou sighed and offered the first-aid kit. Ji Junxin took another step back, still looking away.

Mi Hongdou: “…”

“Put on some medicine…” Mi Hongdou, still being filmed, could only say appropriate things.

Ji Junxin turned her head slightly, a silent accusation in her eyes.

Mi Hongdou surrendered.

“What did I do? Are you angry?” she mouthed silently.

“You were willing to let Jiang Lingling carry me!” Ji Junxin mouthed back.

Mi Hongdou was shocked and silently protested, “I wasn’t!”

“You hesitated! You almost agreed!” Ji Junxin’s silent accusation was clear.

It was because I was worried about your leg! I only hesitated, I didn’t agree! Mi Hongdou wanted to argue, but looking at Ji Junxin’s slightly red eyes, her heart softened.

What was the point of arguing? What was there to gain from winning against the person she liked? And besides… she really shouldn’t have hesitated!

“I was wrong…” Mi Hongdou mouthed sincerely and gently pulled Ji Junxin’s arm.

Ji Junxin fell into her arms.

Mi Hongdou, who had just wanted to get her attention, looked at Ji Junxin, who nestled against her, seemingly finding a comfortable position. “…”

“Let me see your knee,” she said, gently pushing Ji Junxin away.

Ji Junxin, still pouting, stood up straight and let Mi Hongdou roll up her pants leg.

Both legs rolled up, Mi Hongdou was relieved. One knee was slightly red, the other had a small bruise, nothing serious. To be safe, she gently pressed on Ji Junxin’s kneecaps. Ji Junxin said they didn’t hurt, and Mi Hongdou was relieved.

“There’s some bruising, do you want ice, or some ointment? There’s safflower oil, I can rub it on for you,” Mi Hongdou said, rummaging through the first-aid kit.

Ji Junxin sniffed the safflower oil and firmly refused.

“Does it still hurt?” Mi Hongdou put it away.

Ji Junxin moved her leg, shook her head, then, her eyes darting around, nodded.

“Does it hurt or not?” Mi Hongdou was confused.

“It hurts…” Ji Junxin said softly, then mouthed silently, “Then… what should we do?”

Mi Hongdou: “…” Why mouth “what should we do” silently! It makes it sound… suggestive!

After last night, the bathroom had become a place of… memories. And Ji Junxin, repeatedly bringing her here… And now, that silent, suggestive question… Mi Hongdou thought she understood.

Bending down, amused and exasperated, she gently touched Ji Junxin’s bruised knee, then softly kissed it.

Ji Junxin, as if electrocuted, jumped back.

Mi Hongdou, straightening up, her teeth almost chattering from the sudden movement, looked at Ji Junxin, who was clutching her knee, her face flushed, as if she had just been… molested.

What the…

They looked at each other, the same thought in their minds.

“Why did you kiss…” Ji Junxin started, then stopped, her face burning, her lips pressed together, pointing at her knee.

“Didn’t you just ask ‘what should we do,’ meaning ‘kiss it and make it better’?” Mi Hongdou mouthed, also shocked. She had thought she was finally on the same wavelength as Ji Junxin, but…

That was indeed what she meant… Ji Junxin’s face turned even redder. “But I meant…” She mouthed the words, pointing at her lips.

So kissing your knee is more embarrassing than kissing your lips? Mi Hongdou couldn’t understand Ji Junxin’s logic.

When Mi Hongdou kissed her knee, she had been reminded of the birthing scene, the strange sensations, she couldn’t tell Mi Hongdou even if they were now a couple! Ji Junxin’s face was burning.

Ji Junxin’s blushing face, her lowered head… Mi Hongdou’s mouth felt dry. She had no resistance to Ji Junxin’s subtle (or not so subtle) advances.

But… she didn’t need any resistance, did she?

She leaned closer, Ji Junxin’s scent, familiar and alluring…

Ji Junxin, embarrassed by the memories of the birthing scene, had closed her eyes. Now, her flushed face, her long lashes fluttering slightly, she looked incredibly tempting.

The microphones are still on, I have to control my breathing, I’ll just give her a quick kiss, I have to be rational… Mi Hongdou didn’t dare to put her arm around Ji Junxin’s waist, afraid of losing control, she just gently held her clothes and leaned closer.

Their lips touched, a chaste kiss, even more so than their first.

“Mmm~”

A soft moan escaped Ji Junxin’s lips, and their eyes met.

Ji Junxin quickly covered her mouth.

Chapter 125: Feeding You Sugar

While Mi Hongdou was surveying the competition area, Ji Junxin, having just finished the sweet and savory pickled cucumbers, was thinking about the even more delectable Mi Hongdou…

“Do you think there will be cockroaches in the bathroom tonight?”

Ji Junxin’s soft voice was like a kitten’s paw gently scratching at Mi Hongdou’s heart.

Mi Hongdou, her heart racing, turned around, intending to tease Ji Junxin for her lack of focus, but she met Ji Junxin’s suggestive gaze.

Ahem… Mi Hongdou cleared her throat and gave in. “Don’t worry, if there are any, I’ll kill them for you.”

“Just like last night?” Ji Junxin’s eyes lit up, her lips curving into a smile, a captivating sight.

This expression reminded Mi Hongdou of their kiss in the bathroom.

Brief, exciting, addictive…

She now understood the meaning of “once you’ve tasted it, you can’t forget it.”

But! They were being filmed! Several cameras on them! Why were these people so oblivious! Was she the only one with any sense of propriety? And she wasn’t even an idol yet!

Mi Hongdou calmed herself down, suppressing the tingling in her heart, the heat in her body, the memories of last night. She had been careful with her breathing, hopefully, they hadn’t caught her earlier quickening breaths…

Ji Junxin tugged at her sleeve, her silence a subtle prompt.

…”You’re such a tease,” I want to say that so badly!

“Yes, just like last night,” Mi Hongdou said, surrendering to Ji Junxin’s silent pressure.

The viewers shipping them were swooning. It was a serious discussion about pest control, but why so sweet!

Ji Junxin’s hopeful tone, “Just like last night?”

Mi Hongdou’s blushing face, her hesitant “yes” after Ji Junxin tugged at her sleeve,

This sweet interaction, are you sure you’re talking about killing bugs?

No! We don’t believe it!

We need cameras in the bathroom!

The crew, reading the comments, thought, Please, don’t make us do that!

So, thanks to Ji Junxin’s one sentence, everyone, both on and off screen, was now anticipating the night.

Regardless of their individual agendas, the 9 AM team challenge began on time.

“Good morning! Did you sleep well? Enjoy your breakfast? If not, it doesn’t matter, the game that will change your destinies is about to begin!” The director’s voice, as always, was incredibly annoying.

The four teams stood by a two-meter-high wooden platform, facing forty or fifty haystacks. Mi Hongdou glanced at the band-aids on Ji Junxin’s fingers. Regardless of whether this game would change their destinies, Ji Junxin’s safety was her priority.

Fortunately, the director’s explanation of the rules reassured her.

“There are fifty-five haystacks, each with a wooden board on top. Fifty of the boards have matching pairs of images, the other five are unique. At the beginning of the game, you’ll have some time to memorize the images, then we’ll turn the boards face down. And then, it’s a test of your memory! Each team will draw lots to determine their turn order. Find a matching pair, earn one point. If you’re wrong, no points, and the board stays face down. The game ends when all fifty matching boards are face up. The team with the most points wins thirty coins, second place ten coins, third place two coins, and last place, nothing.”

“Isn’t this just a real-life version of Lianliankan(Puzzle Board Game )?” Yu Naihao, the gamer, nudged Lu Changhuai excitedly. “I’m good at this! I’m a diamond level player, just one step away from the highest level!”

Lu Changhuai: “…”

Yu Naihao’s excitement vanished. “Damn it! We’re not on the same team!”

“Ahem…” Lu Changhuai coughed, subtly warning him to be more restrained.

Yu Naihao shut up, but seeing Jiang Duo, couldn’t help but snort.

Jiang Duo felt a headache coming on… It was just a silly CP, she had broken them up, it wasn’t that big of a deal, did Yu Naihao have to be so dramatic! She had thought his earlier comment about keeping their earnings separate was just an angry outburst, after all, this was a live stream, and he still cared about his image.

But when he returned after a task and made his own breakfast, not even offering her any, Jiang Duo realized he was serious! She panicked. She hadn’t wanted to be on Zhang Zijing’s team because he was incompetent, and they were both terrible cooks. But now, with their earnings separate, how could she compete with Yu Naihao? And he definitely wouldn’t cook for her! She would be stuck with rice and pickled cucumbers! Why had she chosen him then!

She overheard Yu Naihao’s confident words about being good at Lianliankan. Regardless of his actual skill level, Jiang Duo decided to try her best. Proving her worth was one thing, but… the prize money was also a strong motivator!

Although the top three teams would all receive rewards, the difference between first and second place was twenty coins. After yesterday’s hardships, the importance of coins was deeply ingrained. The four teams climbed onto the platform, all aiming for first place.

As they stood on the platform, the director yelled, “Game start!” and a group of crew members rushed out, flipping over the boards, revealing the images.

Silence. They all stared intently at the boards, trying to memorize the images and their locations.

But after just ten boards, their memories started to blur.

After all the boards were face up, the director announced, “Okay, you’ve all seen the images, you have eighty seconds to memorize them, starting now.”

Eighty seconds…

Mi Hongdou’s gaze quickly scanned the images: chicken legs, steak, instant noodles, dumplings, steamed buns, youtiao… While trying to memorize them, she couldn’t help but mentally complain about Qiao Rubai. A supposedly unscripted and impartial reality show, but a memory game with food images, wasn’t that a bit of a… bias towards her foodie friend? …

Well, that was a valid complaint.

During the eighty seconds, Mi Hongdou glanced at Ji Junxin, who was frowning, staring intently at the boards, her expression troubled.

Could it be… she ate too much for breakfast and doesn’t want to see any more food? Mi Hongdou felt a pang of sympathy for Qiao Rubai’s plan.

Eighty seconds passed quickly.

As the crew members rushed out and flipped the boards face down, everyone felt a little dizzy. Yu Naihao, the diamond-level Lianliankan player, tapped his hand rhythmically, muttering to himself.

“Okay, you’ve seen the boards. Now, for the next stage, each team can only send one player. You should know your teammates by now, so you have thirty seconds to discuss. Those not participating, please step down.”

The viewers had been amazed by the simple yet detailed drawings of food, even making them hungry despite having just had breakfast. And the show’s cruelty reached a new level. After all, the actors had been eating so poorly these past two days, and now a memory game with such tempting images, how cruel!

While the general public criticized the show’s lack of compassion, Ji Junxin’s fans, looking at the “Eating” skill on her profile, smiled knowingly.

Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s discussion was brief. Although Ji Junxin was hesitant at first, Mi Hongdou’s confidence reassured her, and she stayed on the platform, while Mi Hongdou stepped down.

Then Jiang Lingling also stepped down.

“You’re not participating?” Mi Hongdou was surprised. Jiang Lingling had a good memory for lines, after all, not everyone could handle Pan Xiang’s daily script revisions.

“She said it looked fun, so let her play. Winning or losing doesn’t matter,” Jiang Lingling said with a smile. “I can chop wood later.”

Mi Hongdou: “…”

I suddenly envy her strength! I also want to carry my team with wood-chopping!

Unlike the two harmonious teams, after a brief, silent standoff, Zhang Zijing and Lu Changhuai played rock-paper-scissors. Zhang Zijing lost and stepped down. And after a brief argument between Jiang Duo and Yu Naihao, imitating the other teams, they also played rock-paper-scissors, and Jiang Duo stepped down.

So, only Ji Junxin, Bao Yueqiao, Lu Changhuai, and Yu Naihao remained on the platform.

The viewers now understood that this game wasn’t just about memory, but also about teamwork and… choosing the right player.

And before the memory test, there was also… luck. The order of their turns, determined by drawing lots, would affect their performance. Those who went first had a slight advantage.

The order: Yu Naihao, Lu Changhuai, Bao Yueqiao, and Ji Junxin.

After the eighty seconds and the team discussions and the drawing of lots, their memories were hazy. But they all felt confident about the first round.

And indeed, in the first round, they all found matching pairs, eight boards flipped face up.

Ji Junxin was the last to go in the first round. She found a pair of eggs and, passing by Mi Hongdou on her way back to the platform, winked triumphantly.

Mi Hongdou gave her a thumbs-up. Ji Junxin pouted and went back to the platform.

Mi Hongdou: …What?

In the second round, although less confident, after some thought, the first three still managed to find matching pairs, six more boards flipped. When it was Ji Junxin’s turn, she unhesitatingly found the two boards with porridge.

So, while they were struggling, you were thinking about this? Mi Hongdou naturally understood the significance of porridge and eggs to them, Ji Junxin’s deliberate choice both amusing and heartwarming.

This time, when Ji Junxin passed by, Mi Hongdou didn’t give her a thumbs-up, just a look of fond exasperation.

Ji Junxin, satisfied, returned to the platform.

The “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fans were swooning. Can you guys please focus on the game? Even flipping boards, you’re feeding us sugar, how are we supposed to watch! We’ll all need to go to Bai Bai Dental Clinic!

Why do I remember that advertisement so clearly…

After two rounds, sixteen boards were flipped, and the images they could still remember were either already matched or taken by others, the difficulty increasing.

Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao successfully completed the third round, but when it was Bao Yueqiao’s turn, the first mistake of the game occurred.

After she flipped two boards, the director declared it a mismatch, no points.

Bao Yueqiao was stunned. “I flipped two dumplings, how is that wrong?!”

Ji Junxin gently pulled Bao Yueqiao, who was about to jump off the platform, and said, “Ahem… one is pan-fried, the other is steamed. Look closely, the one on the right has a crispy bottom, that’s the pan-fried one. The one on the left has no crispy bottom, but those lines suggest it was steamed…”

Bao Yueqiao, pulled back by Ji Junxin, stepped away from the edge. But Ji Junxin’s explanation made her want to scream… those two identical dumplings, they had to look at the bottoms? During those eighty seconds, they barely had time to look at the images, what was Ji Junxin even looking at?!

Bao Yueqiao stared at Ji Junxin, then carefully examined the two dumplings on the boards.

“Yes, Ji Junxin is right, you have to pay attention to the details. And there are other boards with similar details,” the director said.

So it’s really like that! There are such details! How are we supposed to play this game! Bao Yueqiao’s confidence crumbled.

Even the gaming expert Yu Naihao and the usually calm Lu Changhuai were stunned!

Who would look at the bottom of a dumpling in a memory game! Such minute details!

Well… someone would.

The three of them looked at Ji Junxin, their gazes a mix of admiration and disbelief.

Whenever the four teams were together, the main cameras would be broadcast on the live stream’s main page. The viewers were laughing, the comments filled with demands to add “foodie” to Ji Junxin’s “Eating” skill. A simple “Eating” wasn’t enough for someone who could distinguish between steamed and pan-fried dumplings!

Meanwhile, a viewer who had been watching Bao Yueqiao’s individual live stream captured the two dumplings and, after some editing, created an image called “Find the Imposter,” with one pan-fried dumpling hidden among thirty steamed ones. The image, along with Ji Junxin’s earlier explanation, quickly spread online.

Initially, Ji Junxin’s fans had protested the “foodie” label. But now, with the image and the video, a new wave of “foodie fans” emerged. Seeing their idol’s popularity increasing, the old fans gave up. And they also wanted to see Ji Junxin’s reaction when she saw the new label… (￣▽￣)~*

Ji Junxin’s success led to the fourth round. Twenty-two boards were flipped.

In the fourth round, Lu Changhuai succeeded, while Yu Naihao made a mistake similar to Bao Yueqiao’s, flipping two bowls of noodles, one with straight noodles, one with curly noodles.

This mistake, after Bao Yueqiao’s dumpling incident, wasn’t surprising. But Yu Naihao, the diamond-level player, was still a little discouraged, especially with Lu Changhuai and Ji Junxin’s perfect scores.

Lu Changhuai looked at Yu Naihao meaningfully.

Bao Yueqiao, returning for her turn, was now lacking in confidence. She had already forgotten some of the images, and after her earlier mistake, her mind was blank, she could only rely on luck.

Passing by the other four, she looked at Jiang Lingling with a worried expression.

“Don’t worry, just have fun! Winning or losing doesn’t matter! We can chop wood later!” Jiang Lingling cheered her on, pumping her fist.

Bao Yueqiao’s frown eased slightly.

Whatever Bao Yueqiao felt from Jiang Lingling’s words, the online viewers felt a surge of… something. So protective! So boyfriend-like!

Don’t worry, I’m here! Just have fun!

Rich lady… do you need a girlfriend… the kind who can distinguish between steamed and pan-fried dumplings? (￣w￣=)

Bao Yueqiao, entering the haystack maze, successfully found two matching rice cakes!

Passing by Jiang Lingling on her way back, she smiled sweetly, and Jiang Lingling smiled back.

Next, it was Ji Junxin’s turn.

Ji Junxin ran down the platform, her pace slowing as she approached the other four, almost stopping in front of them.

“Tired?” Mi Hongdou asked, concerned.

Ji Junxin’s face darkened slightly. She shook her head, glancing at Mi Hongdou repeatedly, lingering as if drawn to her.

Jiang Lingling looked at Ji Junxin, then at Mi Hongdou, they’re so silly!, she wanted to laugh.

To prevent herself from bursting out laughing, she nudged Mi Hongdou and then said to Ji Junxin, “Good luck!”

Then she looked at Mi Hongdou meaningfully.

Mi Hongdou seemed to understand.

“Good work, I’ll make you something delicious later,” she said, instinctively using the words she often used to coax Ji Junxin during “Imperial Secrets.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it. They had zero coins… what delicious food? …

But Ji Junxin, seemingly not noticing the logical fallacy, lingered for a moment, then happily skipped away.

Even the die-hard “Sweet Red Bean Soup” fans were now covering their faces. They had seen fans begging for sugar, but this was the first time they saw one of the CPs asking for it. And not just the sugar itself, but the act of asking, it was too sweet!

Finally, I can change my signature from “My heart is so bitter…” to “My mouth is so sweet…” But Xinxin, are you sure this is okay… you seem… a bit… neko-ish!

And then, Bai Bai Dental Clinic’s trolls reappeared, as expected, whenever there was sugar. And for some reason, the CP fans found a strange sense of… genuine care in the advertisement.

Ji Junxin successfully completed the fourth round, maintaining her perfect score, along with Lu Changhuai. Yu Naihao and Bao Yueqiao each had one mistake. Twenty-eight boards were flipped.

Perhaps because of the earlier encouragement from Jiang Lingling and Mi Hongdou, when Lu Changhuai passed them, Zhang Zijing, striking a pose he thought was cool, said sincerely, “Good luck, don’t feel pressured.”

Since forcing Lu Changhuai onto his team, Lu Changhuai had become cold and distant. Although he hadn’t explicitly said they would keep their earnings separate like Yu Naihao, Zhang Zijing could sense his disapproval.

So, he hadn’t expected a response to his encouragement. He was just trying to appear friendly and supportive in front of the cameras. Lu Changhuai’s silence would only highlight his own kindness and make people forget about his earlier forceful team change.

But Lu Changhuai didn’t follow his script. When Zhang Zijing offered his encouragement, Lu Changhuai stopped, smiled genuinely, and said, “I’ve already flipped all the ones I remember, so, thanks to your words, I can relax now.”

Zhang Zijing suddenly had a bad feeling.

As expected, in the fifth round, Lu Changhuai made his first mistake.

And after four perfect rounds, starting from the fifth, he was like someone whose brain had been replaced, one mistake after another, his score plummeting.

Four perfect rounds, then four rounds of complete failure. Compared to Lu Changhuai’s sudden decline, Ji Junxin’s performance was incredibly stable, maintaining her perfect score despite some hesitation in the later rounds.

By the end of the eighth round: Lu Changhuai, four points. Yu Naihao, seven points. Bao Yueqiao, four points. Ji Junxin, eight points. Forty-six boards were flipped, two pairs remaining.

And after eight rounds, they were all tired. This game, initially a test of memory, had now become a test of endurance, running back and forth between the haystacks. Bao Yueqiao and Ji Junxin’s legs were aching. Fortunately, the game would soon be over.

In the ninth round, Lu Changhuai, after some hesitation, chose the wrong pair. Yu Naihao then successfully found a match, earning his eighth point, tied with Ji Junxin. Now, with only one pair left, Bao Yueqiao’s choice was crucial.

Bao Yueqiao chose wrong… and almost cried in frustration.

Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao were nervous. If Ji Junxin made a mistake, there would be a tenth round, and Yu Naihao still had a chance. If she was right, the game would end.

After a moment, Ji Junxin, her legs aching, flipped the two boards with fried rice, ending the game. Ji Junxin won, with a perfect score of nine, followed by Yu Naihao with eight. They received thirty and ten coins respectively. Lu Changhuai and Bao Yueqiao were tied with four points, so after their consent, the show split the third-place prize, giving them one coin each.

Ji Junxin, clutching her small, bulging pouch, happily ran down the platform towards Mi Hongdou, “Money for groceries…” she said, then, her legs giving way, she stumbled and fell to her knees, just two steps away from Mi Hongdou.

The viewers, who had been praising Ji Junxin’s amazing memory, now clutched their own knees in sympathy, it looked like a painful fall…

It was, and Ji Junxin’s eyes filled with tears.

Just two steps away, unable to catch her in time, Mi Hongdou felt a pang of regret. She rushed to Ji Junxin, carefully helping her up, her voice full of concern. “It’s okay, it’s okay, I’ll rub it for you…”

Ji Junxin brushed her hand away, tears streaming down her face. “I think I scraped my knees, help me back to the bathroom.”

Mi Hongdou’s hand froze, and she looked at Ji Junxin’s teary eyes, her own feelings complicated.

Please don’t let it be… what I think it is… Mi Hongdou thought, worried.

Chapter 124: Steamed Pickled Cucumbers

Mi Hongdou had heard from Ji Junxin about Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao’s failed attempt to get the Team Change Card, which had been snatched by Jiang Lingling and Ji Junxin, including the detail about Yu Naihao helping them get the last coin. Mi Hongdou had a good impression of Yu Naihao, especially after his outburst when he and Lu Changhuai were forced onto the same team by Jiang Duo and Zhang Zijing. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

So, when Yu Naihao complained, “Your team isn’t like that too, right? Sister Ji worked so hard washing clothes yesterday,” Mi Hongdou assured him that her team wasn’t like that.

Then she watched as Yu Naihao’s complaining expression turned into one of envy and resentment. He turned his head away and snorted.

…Did I say something wrong again? Mi Hongdou nervously fiddled with the vegetable leaves. And with at least three cameras on you, is that arrogant attitude really appropriate?

Fortunately, Yu Naihao’s mood swings were as quick as they came, and they started chatting while mixing the chicken feed.

The topic, naturally, was about their miserable situation, having to eat plain rice with pickled cucumbers in a world where even chickens ate vegetables.

After complaining and then diligently chopping the vegetables and mixing them with rice for the chickens, they each received one game coin from the old woman.

Mi Hongdou put the coin in her small pouch, which remained… flat.

Yu Naihao, watching her dejectedly touch the pouch, chuckled. “Your team seems poor.”

“We are… that coin just brought us from zero to one,” Mi Hongdou said, tying the pouch.

But… she quickly realized something.

“Hahaha, so poor.” Yu Naihao shook his equally flat pouch. “I also just reached one.”

Mi Hongdou: “…”

What’s so funny about that…

But… Mi Hongdou calculated. If Lu Changhuai and Yu Naihao hadn’t wasted their money, they should have had more than ten coins left before the team change. Which meant that they had probably also pooled their money, like her and Jiang Lingling, hoping to get the Team Change Card. But… they had encountered the unstoppable Jiang Lingling…

Thinking this, Mi Hongdou looked at Yu Naihao with sympathy and a tinge of guilt.

Perhaps because her gaze was too direct, Yu Naihao became embarrassed.

“Those vegetables for the chickens, that was almost half a jin, and although vegetables are cheaper than meat, they still cost four coins per jin on the board, our combined coins aren’t even enough for a jin…” Yu Naihao abruptly changed the subject, then realized he was still complaining about their lack of money… it was hard not to, when survival was the priority.

Mi Hongdou glanced at the vegetable patch outside. “It’s a pity that the tasks only give you coins, not vegetables.”

“They do.”

A slow voice came from behind them.

They turned around and saw the old woman, who had just given them the coins, pointing at the vegetable patch. “Give me back the coin, and you can each pick five vegetables.”

Although her tone was indifferent, even slightly disdainful, her words were clear and… generous.

Mi Hongdou quickly calculated. The vegetables in the patch looked good, and she could choose the larger ones. Five vegetables should be more than half a jin, a much better deal than exchanging coins.

As she was calculating, Yu Naihao waved his hand in front of her face. “Five vegetables, is that even a quarter of a jin? Is it worth it?”

Clearly someone who has never shopped for groceries.

“You want to trade too? I’ll help you pick, five vegetables should be about half a jin, a much better deal.” The generous Mi Hongdou paused. “Do you know how to cook?”

“Kind of… I also want to trade, who wants to eat just rice and pickled cucumbers!” Yu Naihao eagerly handed the coin to the old woman. “Trade, trade, trade!”

Didn’t you just have braised duck for two meals… why criticize rice and pickled cucumbers…

Regardless, Mi Hongdou carefully selected five large vegetables for Yu Naihao, then picked five for herself and returned to her house.

This detour left her with no time for more tasks. The priority now was breakfast, then the morning team challenge, which supposedly had a reward of at least thirty coins.

The small, discounted starter pack of seasonings still had some left after making the chicken soup. But the only other ingredient was… bok choy…

So, even after being reborn, I’m still faced with the “clever housewife can’t cook without rice” dilemma.

The staff member in charge of distributing the free rice, pickled cucumbers, and other necessities, seeing Mi Hongdou approach with a cameraman, and realizing she was here for… rice, not cooked rice, was speechless.

“Our rice is freshly cooked, these two pots were just made, not leftovers, see…” He awkwardly showed her the rice cookers, even opening the lids.

“No… I don’t want cooked rice. Just give me a handful of raw rice.” Mi Hongdou calmly closed the lids. “I want to make porridge, it’s better with raw rice. And rice is free anyway, so I’m saving you the water. Or do you want to pay me for the water?”

The staff member: “…”

The live stream viewers: “…”

They all thought of Jiang Lingling, who had just swindled five coins from the show.

The staff member quickly gave Mi Hongdou a small bag of rice without mentioning cooked rice again.

So, the breakfast ingredients went from just bok choy to bok choy, rice, and pickled cucumbers…

Not exactly… a feast…

The viewers who had seen “Imperial Secrets,” and those who had witnessed Jiang Lingling enjoying the chicken soup yesterday, were still interested in Mi Hongdou’s cooking.

Mi Hongdou hadn’t cooked last night, which disappointed the foodies online. But with Ji Junxin switching teams, the number of CP fans increased, and everyone, whether a CP fan or not, figured that… they would definitely see Mi Hongdou cook today.

After all, she was now part of a CP!

The next day, Mi Hongdou did wake up early, she did gather ingredients, she did start cooking. However, those three ingredients… didn’t look very promising! The foodies were disappointed.

Mi Hongdou, oblivious to their disappointment, was focused on making something different from the rice and pickled cucumbers Ji Junxin had had for the past two meals.

She soaked the rice. She thinly sliced the pickled cucumbers, added MSG and sugar, and a few drops of sesame oil.

After putting the rice and water in a pot, she placed a steaming rack on top and put the seasoned pickled cucumbers on the rack to steam.

While the porridge simmered, she washed and chopped the bok choy, separating the leaves and stems, mincing the stems.

When Ji Junxin finished washing up and came out, Mi Hongdou was just taking the steamed pickled cucumbers off the stove. The aroma of porridge filled the courtyard, and Ji Junxin unconsciously quickened her pace.

Ji Junxin’s timing was perfect. The pickled cucumbers were done, she added the chopped bok choy to the porridge, stirred for a few minutes, added seasonings, and breakfast was ready.

She added the last few drops of oil to the porridge, her starter pack of seasonings now completely empty.

If I don’t earn any coins today… I can’t even steam pickled cucumbers… Mi Hongdou thought, a little worried.

Ji Junxin, oblivious to her worries, her eyes fixed on the steaming bowl of vegetable porridge, a mix of green and white, incredibly appetizing.

Mi Hongdou, while answering Ji Junxin’s question about the bok choy, reminded her that the porridge was hot.

The viewers watched as Ji Junxin, after blowing on the porridge, scraped the surface with her chopsticks, then quickly took a bite.

The viewers felt their own tongues burning…

But the next second, they saw the surprise in Ji Junxin’s eyes.

What’s so surprising about vegetable porridge?

“Delicious!” Ji Junxin’s usually gentle voice was now bright with joy, her gaze towards Mi Hongdou… unspeakably sweet.

The viewers, who had been complaining, were now bombarded with sugar.

So much unexpected sweetness…

“Try this.” Mi Hongdou gave Ji Junxin some steamed pickled cucumber.

Ji Junxin took a large bite of porridge and cucumber.

Isn’t it hot! Can’t you blow on it first! The viewers, seeing the steam rising from her bowl, thought, so, that “Eating” skill wasn’t for nothing!

“Sweet!” Ji Junxin finished the bite, licked her lips, her eyes shining even brighter. “This is the free pickled cucumber? Yesterday it was so salty, and a bit… raw. But this is sweet and fragrant, delicious!”

Mi Hongdou, seeing Ji Junxin lick her lips, felt her throat tighten. She quickly looked away and took a bite of the cucumber. “Is it too sweet?”

“No, it’s delicious,” Ji Junxin said seriously. “Everything you make is the best!”

Mi Hongdou blushed.

The viewers, still licking the metaphorical sugar from their faces, were bombarded with another wave.

Just then, a small army of internet trolls flooded the comments section with a synchronized message: “Watching live streams can be hazardous to your health, too much sugar? Don’t worry, Bai Bai Dental Clinic welcomes you…”

Then, before the viewers could even complain, they disappeared.

Like a sudden burst of sugar from a CP, a fleeting sweetness.

After a moment of silence, some viewers expressed their admiration for the cleverly timed, almost endearing advertisement.

So, Bai Bai Dental Clinic successfully advertised without any backlash. The owner was pleased.

The internet trolls had achieved unexpected success. But the official sponsor of the show wasn’t so happy.

Watching Ji Junxin happily devour a plate of pickled cucumbers with her porridge, Jiang Meiwei, the supplier of the pickled cucumbers, after yesterday’s tool kit incident, felt another blow.

Yesterday, everyone had reluctantly eaten the pickled cucumbers, their complaints echoing online.

But now, the same pickled cucumbers, just slightly modified by Mi Hongdou, had Ji Junxin, who had barely touched them yesterday, eating them with relish… the quality of their product had clearly been questioned…

Jiang Meiwei felt conflicted… although she felt a little insulted by Mi Hongdou, watching this, she also wanted to try Mi Hongdou’s method, it might increase sales…

Compared to the blissful, sugar-filled breakfast of Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou, the other teams’ breakfasts were less exciting.

Yu Naihao, having drawn bok choy, made a simple porridge with rice and chopped vegetables, eating it with the unseasoned pickled cucumbers. Simple and bland, but looking at Jiang Duo, who only had rice and pickled cucumbers, he felt slightly superior. At least I have bok choy!

Lu Changhuai and Zhang Zijing, with their sixteen coins, calmly ate their rice and pickled cucumbers. Although they hadn’t explicitly discussed it, Lu Changhuai, still annoyed, wasn’t planning to cook. He hadn’t even bothered with the vegetables Yu Naihao mentioned earlier. They could survive on rice and pickled cucumbers, he didn’t need anyone to cook for him, hmph!

Although not as exciting as Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou, Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao’s team was much more harmonious than the other two. After Mi Hongdou’s reminder, Jiang Lingling had also traded for bok choy and, imitating Mi Hongdou, made vegetable porridge. It tasted… well, not bad, in her own opinion.

Bao Yueqiao, now on Jiang Lingling’s team, was feeling dejected, thinking that her well-intentioned act had backfired, wasting Jiang Lingling and Ji Junxin’s 100 coins. Jiang Lingling, while eating, reassured her, saying that she would chop wood after the team challenge, they would have coins, they would have meat.

As Jiang Lingling, in her usual manner, vowed to take care of her teammate, a small group of viewers, watching the live stream, started shipping Jiang Lingling and Bao Yueqiao.

Ji Junxin was the main force at breakfast, finishing three bowls of porridge and most of the pickled cucumbers. Mi Hongdou, wanting to preserve Ji Junxin’s image, tried to stop her. But Ji Junxin gave her a pitiful look, and Mi Hongdou surrendered.

Their interaction, one acting pitiful, the other scooping porridge with a look of helpless indulgence, was captured and turned into short videos and gifs, spreading online thanks to the CP fans.

Regardless of their breakfast choices, the 9 AM team challenge arrived.

So… what is this platform outside the village? And those forty or fifty haystacks, what are they for?

Mi Hongdou regretted letting Ji Junxin eat so much… what if the challenge involved strenuous physical activity?

As she was staring at the haystacks, trying to guess, Ji Junxin approached her, tugged at her sleeve, and whispered, “Do you think there will be cockroaches in the bathroom tonight?”

Seriously, while I’m thinking about the challenge, that’s what you’re thinking about?!