The dirt flew up in the motocross arena, making Bai Ling’s throat itch.
Gritting her teeth, she struggled to lift a large, heavy tire and pushed it forward. Her arms were already aching and numb.
Her teammate, Jin Xiaoyu, looked equally miserable. As she pushed a tire forward, she complained in a melancholic tone:
“That was such a good card. Why did you give it away? We could be soaking in the hot spring right now!
“I heard the setup is amazing, with food, drinks, and entertainment included!”
Just moments ago, the production team had delivered some bad news.
Zhang Yiran’s team had thrown a penalty card at them—
They had to move all the scattered tires from the go-kart track to a designated area before they could proceed to the next challenge!
Jin Xiaoyu was horrified the moment she heard about the penalty.
“Zhang Yiran is so annoying! We’re just two girls, how are we supposed to move that many tires?”
And even if they could, the tires were filthy!
Seeing how pitiful the two girls looked, the following director kindly reminded them, “Bai Ling, don’t you have a hot spring card? If you use it, you can clear this penalty immediately and go relax in the hot spring this afternoon. Plus, to make up for the lost time, you’ll get to skip two more levels.”
But Bai Ling no longer had that card.
So, she and Jin Xiaoyu had no choice but to accept the brutal penalty.
Every time Jin Xiaoyu exerted force, she let out a frustrated complaint:
“Even though you drew that card, we’re still a team. Next time you want to be generous, can you at least discuss it with me first?!”
Listening to Jin Xiaoyu’s constant reprimands, Bai Ling deeply regretted her decision.
Only now did she realize that card was an SSS-tier card. Not only could it skip levels, but it also came with luxury perks!
If she had known, she would have traveled back in time to shut her own mouth.
“Xiaoyu, I’m sorry! I really didn’t know the card was this useful. I swear I won’t do this again. At the time, I just felt bad for Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye because of what happened, and since she fell into the water and got chilled, I wanted to comfort her…”
The more Bai Ling explained, the worse she felt. Unconsciously, she applied too much force while pushing the tire, sending it rolling forward—
With a loud *thud*, it slammed straight into Jin Xiaoyu’s thigh.
Jin Xiaoyu, who was already half-bent forward carrying a massive tire, stumbled from the impact and fell face-first onto the ground, eating a mouthful of rubber.
Bai Ling panicked and rushed over to help. “Xiaoyu, are you okay?!”
Jin Xiaoyu’s white dress was now covered in mud, and her face had a black smudge. She had built her fanbase with a pure and adorable image, yet now, her complete downfall was being captured by the show’s cameras.
On the verge of breaking down, she let out a shriek, “Bai Ling, are you actually a spy from another team?!”
<Extreme Challenge> was a large-scale competitive reality show.
The show invited 12 celebrities, pairing them into teams of two to experience local cultures while competing in various challenges. At the end of each episode, the team with the slowest progress would be eliminated. The game focused on a mix of racing, luck-based card draws, and sabotage—similar to Monopoly.
With its live-streaming format, audiences could follow their favorite teams in real-time. This buzz made the show a hit before it even aired. When the production team later announced top-tier stars Shao Yuye and Qi Luozhou as contestants, it became the must-watch variety show of the season.
Now, it was the third day of the first season’s recording, and the show had been trending nonstop.
After an exhausting afternoon of intense competition, everyone dragged themselves back to the dining hall, completely drained.
Especially Bai Ling and Jin Xiaoyu.
Completing the penalty task had pushed them to their limits, leaving them no energy to advance further. Their progress had stalled, and with their bodies aching and spirits crushed, Jin Xiaoyu couldn’t hold back her tears.
As Bai Ling comforted her, she asked the production team, “We’re covered in dirt. Can we shower and change before eating?”
Unfortunately, the answer was disappointing.
“Sorry, but there’s a mini-game during dinner. You can clean up afterward!”
Jin Xiaoyu completely lost it.
“Director, look at me! How am I supposed to eat like this?!”
The director tried to console her. “I’m really sorry. We’ll try to adjust the schedule better next time. Please bear with us for now…”
It was out of his hands.
With twelve participants, even the smallest requests could throw the schedule off balance.
Bai Ling and Jin Xiaoyu, covered in dust and dirt, walked into the dining hall.
But they weren’t the only ones who looked miserable—
Everyone was equally exhausted. After a long afternoon of challenges, their once-polished appearances had been replaced by smeared makeup, sweaty faces, and messy outfits.
The moment Jin Xiaoyu spotted Zhang Yiran, she pointed at him and cried out in frustration, “This is all your fault! You threw that penalty card at us! Are you happy now that we look like this?!”
Zhang Yiran, a former gymnastics athlete turned entertainer, was known for his playful personality. He laughed heartily. “Whoa, what happened to you two? Just got back from farm work?”
Jin Xiaoyu huffed and nodded toward Bai Ling. “Ask her!”
Bai Ling felt awkward. She was about to explain how she had given the hot spring card to Shen Wanwan when—
A rumbling stomach interrupted her.
Jiang Qianfan urged, “Hey, is everyone here yet? Where are Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye? Are they still stuck at the challenge we cleared yesterday?”
“How’s their progress? I saw they moved ahead by two levels on the board. I guess they solved their issue this morning?”
Just as the words left his mouth, a clear and melodious female voice rang out—
“I’m here.”
Everyone turned their heads in unison toward the source of the sound.
The crystal chandelier overhead illuminated the dining room as bright as daylight. Stepping forward in high heels, Shen Wanwan wore a long red velvet gown. Under the lights, her fair skin exuded a soft, rosy glow.
With crimson lips and jet-black hair, her bright eyes seemed to hold a thousand stars.
For a moment, everyone was struck by her beauty, unable to look away.
There was a fresh elegance about her, even carrying a faint, delicate fragrance.
From the tips of her hair to the tips of her toes, she radiated refinement.
As she passed by Bai Ling and Jin Xiaoyu, the two looked utterly disheveled, like a pair of little servant girls.
Shen Wanwan had a reputation for being spoiled, everyone had heard of it. But they also knew that Shao Yuye never indulged her. The two had always been at odds, and just this afternoon, they had both fallen into the water, ending up in a miserable state.
So how was it that after just a few hours, she appeared even more radiant than before?
Even the livestream audience had to acknowledge her beauty:
[To be fair, Shen Wanwan really is stunning!]
[Her skin is so soft and fair! Ahhh, I’m a woman, and even I envy her!]
[Lmao, is this all Shen Wanwan’s fans have to brag about? Of course she looks good, she stole Bai Ling’s hot spring pass! While everyone else was working hard, she was off enjoying herself. No wonder she looks flawless. Honestly, she’s so manipulative!]
[Exactly! Anyone with eyes can see Bai Ling was just being polite, but Shen Wanwan shamelessly took advantage of it. No matter how pretty she is, I can’t bring myself to like her. Ugh.]
Seated at the table, Shen Wanwan calmly accepted the admiring gazes around her.
001, however, was entirely focused on the man sitting across from her, Qi Luozhou.
{Oh my gosh, it’s the male lead! He’s so handsome!}
Shen Wanwan took a sip of water without expression. “Fangirl.”
001 protested : {Don’t you think so too?!
{And he’s not just handsome! He’s the eldest son of the Qi family, the biggest port conglomerate in the Imperial Capital belongs to them. He’s been keeping his identity a secret while working in the entertainment industry. Low-key, humble, rich, and gorgeous—he’s perfect! I’m in love!}
Shen Wanwan lazily scoffed, “Why is everyone playing the ‘hidden rich heir’ card these days?”
First Shao Yuye, now Qi Luozhou.
{There’s a difference! Your brother hid his identity because of his tragic family history. The male lead is just low-key.}
Shen Wanwan’s fingers, which had been idly tapping the table, paused for a moment.
The little light ball continued excitedly : {The female lead is a Cinderella type, so obviously, she needs a ridiculously powerful and charismatic male lead. Later on, she’ll use his influence to suppress you and your brother multiple times. That’s what makes the story satisfying.}
001 hesitated, feeling as if it had just heard a cold laugh.
But perhaps it was just imagining things.
{Anyway, it’s great that you’re not interested in him. Just make sure you don’t fall for him! He’s the female lead’s official partner, and anyone who tries to steal her man never ends well! Remember, Qi Luozhou is the male lead, and he’s also your brother’s sworn enemy. Your brother absolutely despises him, so there’s no reason for you to get involved with him!}
Shen Wanwan looked at the man sitting across from her.
With thin lips and a straight nose, his sharp, defined features were striking.
Especially his slightly upturned, fox-like eyes, carrying a hint of effortless charm.
She had seen plenty of handsome men over the years and had high standards for beauty. But she had to admit, Qi Luozhou was worthy of his title as the male lead. He embodied elegance and allure.
He was chatting with Jiang Yuan, his deep voice resonating like ice cubes clinking in a glass—clear, magnetic, and tinged with casual indifference.
As if sensing her gaze, Qi Luozhou lifted his eyes. Their gazes met and lingered in the air, neither one looking away. Qi Luozhou raised a brow slightly, the corner of his lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile.
If it had been anyone else under his gaze, they would likely be blushing and flustered by now.
Shen Wanwan, however, remained unbothered as she continued her internal conversation with 001.
“Hm. He is handsome.”
If Shao Yuye was fire—passionate and fierce.
Then Qi Luozhou was water—elusive and unpredictable.
Seemingly calm and still, yet impossible to fully grasp.
She mirrored his expression with a subtle curve of her lips.
Her bright, almond-shaped eyes shimmered.
001 : {…}
Wait, what was with that intrigued expression?
Why did it feel like she was getting even more interested after all its warnings?
Just then—
A belated arrival entered the dining room.
Like Shen Wanwan, Shao Yuye had also soaked in the hot springs and enjoyed a massage. He looked especially refreshed.
001 wiggled excitedly : {Your brother is here!!}
Only then did Shen Wanwan shift her gaze to Shao Yuye.
With long strides, he walked over without sparing her a glance. Even after sitting down, he didn’t so much as flicker his eyes in her direction.
Shen Wanwan didn’t mind. If she didn’t know the truth, she probably wouldn’t have looked at him either.
{That’s your brother! Ahhh, just tell him! Once you reunite, he won’t be so cold to you anymore!}
Indeed, despite their years apart, her childhood memories remained vivid. Her brother had adored her.
If there was only one piece of candy in his pocket, no matter how much he wanted it, he would peel off the wrapper and push it into her mouth. He’d turn away in heartache but still act stubborn, saying, “I don’t even like candy.”
The memory softened her gaze, a small smile playing on her lips.
Seeing her smiling like that, Shao Yuye felt a chill down his spine.
Hah.
Who knew what scheme this woman was planning now?
His voice was laced with irritation as he turned to her. “Don’t think giving me a rest card will change anything.”
001 urged frantically : {Quick, tell him you’re his sister! Then you’ll unlock his exclusive doting mode!}
Shen Wanwan sipped her sweet coconut juice.
Looking at the man beside her, cold and full of hostility, she suddenly felt a little conflicted.
Tsk.
Was this really her biological brother?
For some reason… she wasn’t so eager to reunite with him anymore.