[Wow, so Shen Wanwan had her eye on this vegetable garden from the very start?!]

[Each team has three members, so one meal costs 300 tokens. Not counting breakfast, lunch and dinner would cost 600 tokens per team per day, and for three teams that’s 1,800 coins…
[This is way too expensive!!! ]

[It’s not like it could be cheaper either. Think about it: the other teams all have places to stay, but Shen Wanwan’s group has to buy lodging, and that isn’t cheap.]

[The person upstairs clearly can’t do math. There’s no profit in your calculation.
Right now only Su Tingxuan hasn’t shown up. With just one meal, Shen Wanwan has already taken in 800 coins, enough to book a standard room and still have 300 left! Looks like she deliberately lost the room-picking challenge!]

Meanwhile, after Lin Kexin collected the money, everyone started eating noisily by the vegetable garden.

Zhang Yiran picked up a piece of braised pork and said, moved, “Who cooked this dish?”

Lin Kexin raised her hand a bit shyly.

“I did.
“What’s wrong? Doesn’t it taste good?”

She looked a little nervous.

But Zhang Yiran gave her a thumbs-up.

“With skills like yours, you could go on <Little Restaurant>.”

<Little Restaurant> is a reality show where celebrities run a restaurant, and the invited stars are all famously good cooks.

Flustered and flattered, Lin Kexin smiled, and the others all praised her cooking.

She quietly glanced at Shen Wanwan.

On a race-type variety show like this, it’s actually hard for a female celebrity to show off any special trait.

Before coming, her agent had analyzed from many angles how she could stand out.

That is, to quickly attach a ‘label’ to herself and shine.

She hadn’t expected it to happen so smoothly.

Right now, she actually felt a bit grateful to Shen Wanwan.

At the village entrance, the director was still craning his neck, waiting after hearing what Su Tingxuan had said.

Until a staff came back to report, “Director, bad news! Shen Wanwan set up a buffet, and all the guests are over there buying food!!”

Director : “???”

The staff showed him photos of the lively scene at Shen Wanwan’s stall.

Director: “Good grief!”

He couldn’t help blurting out, “Good grief!” again.

Shen Wanwan really was impossible to guard against!!!

After the meal, Jiang Rong was heartbroken over the 100 tokens she’d just spent. So she decided to follow Shen Wanwan’s example and try the same trick, selling the mosquito repellent spray she’d brought.

“I brought mosquito repellent. If you want to use it, I can sell it to you, 100 tokens. What do you say?”

Lin Kexin was a little tempted.

With mosquito repellent, she should be able to sleep peacefully tonight, right?

But Shen Wanwan rejected it outright.

“No need.”

Jiang Rong was startled, “I’m selling it cheaper than the production team’s price, you know? Aren’t you afraid of being bitten by bugs?”

Shen Wanwan : “I am.”

…Oh.

So she must think the price is too high.

Jiang Rong glanced at Lin Kexin.

“How about this. Since we were in the same drama crew, I’ll give you a twenty-percent discount. 80 tokens!”

Surely that would be tempting!

Lin Kexin really was tempted.

She looked toward Shen Wanwan. After all, they’d just earned 800 coins, so spending 80 should be nothing, right?

But Shen Wanwan’s expression stayed cool and unmoved.

“Don’t want it.”

[LOL, Jiang Rong: I’ve been pitching for ages, why won’t you buy?!]

[Shen Wanwan: You can pitch all you want. If I buy, I lose. Hahaha! ]

Jiang Rong puffed out her cheeks.

Shen Wanwan was too stingy!

When she was earning their money, she hiked the price without hesitation, but now she wouldn’t even bargain for a mosquito repellent!

Irritated, Jiang Rong stuffed the spray back into her pocket.

“Then there’s nothing I can do.” She sighed in mock regret, “Looks like I’ll just have to sell it to someone else.”

[Shen Wanwan may act tough now, but tomorrow morning she’ll be swollen like a pig’s head!]

[Mosquito bites aren’t a joke. If your skin is delicate you can swell up a lot!]

[I feel like Shen Wanwan is doing this on purpose. She’s so pampered, I don’t believe she won’t end up buying mosquito repellent from the show later. Feels like she’s deliberately targeting Jiang Rong…]

Jiang Rong, unable to sell her mosquito spray, was a bit downhearted.

On the way back, she couldn’t help complaining to her teammates.

“What’s with Shen Wanwan? Doesn’t she know how to reciprocate at all?”

They had all just come from the drama crew and hadn’t watched the show before,
so they didn’t know what Shen Wanwan’s personality was like.

Jiang Rong, naturally analyzing it, said, “Normally everyone helps each other, right? Or is the style here all about backstabbing?”

Jiang Yuan quickly waved his hands.

“No, no. Wanwan has always been rather unique.
“If she didn’t buy it, she definitely has her reasons.”

Silent until now, Qi Luozhou suddenly spoke.

“She really doesn’t need it.”

Jiang Rong was stunned and looked at Qi Luozhou, puzzled.

“Why?”

“That vegetable garden is obviously full of bugs…”

Qi Luozhou seemed to think of something and curved his lips in a smile.

Jiang Rong stared, dazed.

She waited a while, but when no further explanation came, she couldn’t help asking again, “Why?”

But this time, neither Jiang Yuan nor Qi Luozhou said another word.

In the vegetable garden, Shen Wanwan was negotiating with the production team to buy a luxury scenic room.

Lin Kexin frantically waved her hands. “Oh my god! Wanwan, isn’t that a bit too extravagant…?”

A standard double room is only 500 a night. You can totally make do!

Why spend an extra 500 just to stay in a luxury scenic room, when it’s only for one night!

Bleeding money! Total loss!

Shen Wanwan raised an eyebrow. “Then you want to sleep in the vegetable garden?”

Lin Kexin instantly choked.

She made a ‘zip-my-mouth’ gesture across her lips.

“…I’ll just shut my damned mouth right now!”

[Hahaha, Lin Kexin: I’m doomed, cursed by the power of money!]

[Ugh, corrupted by capitalism already, huh!]

[But come on, it’s a luxury scenic room, who could say no to that?!]

Shen Wanwan spent 1000 Speed Tokens, and the two successfully checked into the luxury scenic room.

Whether Shao Yuye would come back tonight was still unknown. If he didn’t, it would be an even bigger loss.

So extravagant!

Seriously way too extravagant!!!

Lin Kexin screamed inwardly while following Shen Wanwan into the deluxe villa.

Qi Luozhou’s team, having ranked first in the room-selection round, was already staying here.

When Jiang Rong came out and saw the two of them, she froze for a second.

She thought they’d regretted it and come to buy mosquito repellent, so she said with a proud little tilt of her chin.

“You didn’t want my mosquito spray earlier. Well, I’m back to full price now.”

But the pleas she expected never came.

Shen Wanwan simply replied with a calm “Mm.”

Lin Kexin waved her hand. “No need, Rongrong.”

Jiang Rong blinked.

“No need?”

Lin Kexin said happily, “Wanwan booked the scenic room, we’re staying there tonight too!!”

Bought… the… scenic… room…

Jiang Rong worked hard to digest those five words.

A full 1000 tokens, Shen Wanwan really dared to spend that?!!!

Wait a second. Did part of those 1000 coins… come from her contribution too…?

---

Meanwhile, at the <One Pick> finale venue—

The trainees were in their final rehearsal. Tonight would be their debut night:
nine shining newcomers about to be born.

And as their senior, the one who would witness their rise—the show’s initiator, Shao Yuye—

Was, unusually, pacing back and forth in the backstage lounge, full of anxiety.

After so many years, stepping again onto this stage that had once brought him both joy and heartbreak, such a reaction was understandable.

Brother Li tried to comfort him. “Ah Ye, relax.”

“How can I relax?” Shao Yuye burst out.
“You don’t get it. This episode added more participants and I’m not there.
“My sister is all alone, and with her quiet personality she’s bound to suffer.
“Without me to team up with her, her progress will definitely fall behind.
“I’m worried the other guests will bully her for being alone.
“After all, last time the two of us really gave them a hard time…”

Brother Li: “……”

—So you’re not anxious about this stage at all, you’re anxious about Shen Wanwan.

But honestly…

Shen Wanwan, not good at talking?

She’s way too good at sweet-talking, okay!

Brother Li carefully chose his words. “Ah Ye, your sister should… be doing pretty well, I think…”

—She practically turned the production crew upside down…

Shao Yuye’s pacing suddenly froze.

“‘Should’…?”

Oh no.

His sister really was being bullied!!!

---

The production team set up a little food stall at the entrance of the village.

While they were getting ready, Zhang Yiran’s team and Su Tingxuan’s team had already come over to line up for meals.

Three people to a team, one meal per person, that’s 300 Speed Tokens in total.

This wave alone would draw out quite a lot of the contestants’ carefully saved tokens, and the director was quite pleased.

Sure enough, copying Shen Wanwan’s idea could really bring in money!

“Come on, everyone, line up. The work meals will be ready soon, cash on delivery!”

The director boasted, “No one wants to try a 300-token meal? It’s a super deluxe feast~”

Standing first in line, Zhang Yiran complained, “At that price, what’s there to try? We’ve worked so hard clearing challenges all day. You’re taking all our earnings.”

The director laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, the work meals taste good too.”

Zhang Yiran urged, “Hurry up, will you? I plan to nap after eating.”

Just then, Cheng Huan’s phone gave a sharp *ding-dong*.

This was the phone the production team had issued to the guest helpers. Each team only got one, so they could communicate during the show.

Cheng Huan glanced down and said excitedly, “Shen Wanwan’s selling meals too?”

Just seeing the words buffet made his eyes light up.

“No wonder Shen Wanwan didn’t even bother competing just now, had she already planned to pick that vegetable garden spot from the start?”

Bai Ling was taken aback.

“What?”

Cheng Huan held the phone up for her to see.

—Shen Wanwan: “Organic vegetables, fresh-squeezed juice, exquisite meats and more—buffet, 100 Speed Tokens per person, first come first served!”

The bold message on the screen practically flashed before Bai Ling’s eyes.

At the same time, the phone began to buzz nonstop.

Shen Wanwan was posting photo after photo.

Four meat dishes, four vegetable dishes, a soup, plus a fruit platter and drinks. The spread was so abundant that just looking at it made mouths water.

And the most important thing…

The price was only 100 tokens!

By now the work meals from the production team had finally been delivered.

But after glimpsing that lavish spread, the two-meat-two-vegetable work meal looked utterly pathetic by comparison.

Same price—100 tokens—but the work meal had no fruit and no drinks…

Even Bai Ling felt tempted.

She quietly tugged on Zhang Yiran’s sleeve and handed him the phone.

“Want to go take a look?”

Zhang Yiran was already hungry. He stared at the photos Shen Wanwan posted, his face full of anguish.

He’d already been tricked twice before by Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye, and had sworn never to fall for Shen Wanwan’s schemes again!

But this woman was impossible to guard against!

Now she’d set up a luxury buffet at the exact same price as the production team, completely different experience!

Damn it, only a fool would pass up a bargain like that!

He decided he’d better go claim a spot first!

Over on the other side, the director had laid out the work meals and signaled that Zhang Yiran could pay and eat.

“Come on, dinner time!”

Zhang Yiran looked at the plain, no-frills work meal and quietly made up an excuse:

“No rush.
“We’re not that hungry yet. Let’s take a little walk first.”

The director stared at the unsold work meals in confusion.

They’d been lining up so nicely, why the sudden change of plan?

He looked blankly over at Jin Xiaoyu and the others.

They were having a heated discussion.

Su Tingxuan wore an expression that clearly said ‘Don’t be fooled.’

“Shen Wanwan? Cooking? Sure, she’s got a good sense of aesthetics and can make the plating look nice, but the taste? Forget it, total disaster!”

He’d never actually tasted her cooking, but come on. Shen Wanwan was a pampered rich girl. Her food had to be a nightmare!

Jin Xiaoyu and Ye Tian looked doubtful. “But the photos she posted look delicious…”

Su Tingxuan waved them off. “Anyway, I’m not going. My advice, just buy the production team’s work meal and don’t get duped. Otherwise you’ll waste your money and still not get a decent meal…”

They only had 100 Speed Tokens left, and even that meal money was sponsored by Bai Ling and Zhang Yiran’s team.

He wasn’t about to throw it away.

But Jin Xiaoyu didn’t think it would be as bad as Su Tingxuan claimed.

She had seen Shen Wanwan’s skills with her own eyes.

She turned to Ye Tian. “Want to give it a try?”

Ye Tian nodded. “Of course. Anyone can see that side is a better deal.”

The two of them cheerfully left Su Tingxuan behind and headed off together.

In an instant, only the director and Su Tingxuan were left staring at each other in bewilderment.

Su Tingxuan paid for a work meal.

The director asked curiously, “Where did everyone else go?”

Su Tingxuan, too lazy to explain, simply said, “Just wait. They’ll be back for sure.”

---

By the vegetable garden, Lin Kexin looked at the table covered in lavish dishes and let out a worried sigh.

It had been over ten minutes since they’d sent out the message, yet the group chat was still completely silent.

And to think she’d been momentarily bewitched by Shen Wanwan’s idea, stir-frying eight dishes in a rush until she was drenched in sweat. Now look: not only had they failed to make any money, she’d worn herself out for nothing.

What irritated her most was how Shen Wanwan remained the picture of calm.

She’d set up a sofa under the trees and was sitting there leisurely sipping tea.

Lin Kexin cursed inwardly.

Could Shen Wanwan have tricked her on purpose, just to get her to cook willingly?

The live-stream comments were full of mockery.

[Shen Wanwan really messed up this time!]

[LOL, made Lin Kexin cook so many dishes and in the end no one shows up…]

[You can almost feel Lin Kexin’s resentment through the screen…]

Under the tree, 001 was giving Shen Wanwan a live update: {Your partner seems pretty unhappy with you. She keeps glaring at you.}

Shen Wanwan slowly set down her teacup. “Mm. Let her glare.”

001 was a bit curious: {Aren’t you afraid no one will come?}

After all, while the vegetables cost nothing, if this move backfired, she would not only lose the trust of the new teammate but also get scolded by the livestream chat for trying to be clever and getting a reality check.

Shen Wanwan lightly flicked the little light orb on its head.

“With the same price, would you choose a basic work meal or a lavish banquet?”

001: {…Well, obviously the lavish banquet!}

“Then why ask such a silly question?”

She gave a soft, amused snort and glanced toward the wooden gate standing open by the wall.

001 protested: {What I mean is, they might have already bought the director’s work meals. If they’ve already paid, of course they won’t come…}

It hadn’t even finished speaking when a gentle breeze drifted by.

Shen Wanwan stood with a smile. “See? Here they come.”

001 looked toward the gate. Qi Luozhou and his two teammates were strolling in.

Lin Kexin’s dull eyes suddenly lit up. “God Zhou!”

Qi Luozhou gave a slight nod and, as if it were the most natural thing, came to stand beside Shen Wanwan and took a seat.

Shen Wanwan lazily lifted her eyelids.

Their gazes met for a second. Qi Luozhou smiled faintly, reached for the teapot, filled her cup first, then poured himself a cup.

Jiang Yuan and Jiang Rong also sat down one after another. Jiang Yuan said with a grin, “These dishes smell amazing, we followed the aroma right here.”

Lin Kexin went to fetch bowls and chopsticks. “Don’t complain if my cooking isn’t great.”

Jiang Rong eagerly told everyone, “Kexin’s cooking is fantastic! I’ve had her food a few times on set, it’s delicious!”

Qi Luozhou filled water glasses for Jiang Yuan and Jiang Rong, set the teapot down, and asked Shen Wanwan.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Shen Wanwan thought for a moment. “Not really.”

A breeze passed; a tiny fallen leaf landed in her hair.

“Don’t move.”

Qi Luozhou reached out and gently plucked it away.

Shen Wanwan gave a faint nod.

Jiang Rong, who had been chatting animatedly, paused when she saw the gesture.

So God Zhou was this thoughtful?

She couldn’t explain why, but even though their actions were perfectly normal and not the least bit flirtatious, she felt there was a subtle magnetic field between them—something that left no room for outsiders.

Just then Zhang Yiran and the others came hurrying over.

Even from a distance, Zhang Yiran caught the mouthwatering aroma and felt his stomach growl. When he got close and saw the table full of dishes, he slapped his thigh. Damn, that little walk had been worth it!

The photos Shen Wanwan had sent were far too modest!

The real thing put the director’s work meals to shame!

They quickly paid up as well.

---

The third stop was set to be filmed in Luocheng Ancient Village.

At the end of the previous episode, Jiang Qianfan and Li Yan had unexpectedly become the ones eliminated.

Meanwhile, the team of Su Tingxuan and Jin Xiaoyu, who had originally been in last place, managed to turn things around thanks to prop cards given by Bai Ling and Zhang Yiran.

Though they survived, the audience despised their cliquish tactics, and the internet had already flamed them thoroughly.

But when the new episode aired, viewers rushed into the livestream only to find that the partner-selection process had been revamped!

The production introduced the concept of ‘guest helpers.’

The first two episodes’ ratings had been explosive, and many drama crews, seeing the trend, wanted to ride the wave of hype.

Four guests—two men and two women—stood in a row for introductions. They were from the TV drama titled <Nice to Meet You>.

The male lead, Cheng Huan. The female lead, Jiang Rong. The second male lead, Ye Tian. And the second female lead, Lin Kexin.

They would each join a team, helping them in the challenges.

[What’s this supposed to mean? So this episode is ‘2+1’ teams?]

[I just became a fan of ‘Petty Revenge Duo’ last week, and now there’s gonna be an extra person already?]

[Praying for Brother Ye. Ihope the new guest is someone competitive, at least not a burden…]

[Hey, director, where’s my Brother Ye!!!]

At the moment, all the other contestants had formed pairs, except for Shen Wanwan, who stood there alone.

The director explained: “Shao Yuye had a last-minute work conflict and will be arriving a day late. For now, we’ll start partner selection.”

Jiang Rong and Lin Kexin had already discussed it beforehand: one would choose Qi Luozhou’s team, the other Shao Yuye’s.

Lin Kexin chose to join Shao Yuye and Shen Wanwan’s group.

She had heard beforehand that Shen Wanwan wasn’t very capable, and that in the early stages she had even clashed with Shao Yuye, and later relying entirely on him to carry her.

So when Lin Kexin was assigned to Wanwan, she deliberately added a friendly remark, “It’s fine, I’ll help carry you to victory!”

Shen Wanwan nodded with interest. “Alright.”

Lin Kexin winked at her playfully. “It’s fine.”

Jiang Rong chose to team up with Qi Luozhou and Jiang Yuan.

Qi Luozhou…

Jiang Rong’s little heart was pounding like crazy. Blushing, she greeted him.

“God Zhou! I’m so happy to be in the same teamas you!”

Qi Luozhou gave her a lukewarm glance and nodded politely.

Jiang Yuan was a bit more enthusiastic. He reached out his hand. “Hello, hello, finally our team has a girl!”

The live barrage burst out laughing.

[God Zhou: You ditched me to pick Shen Wanwan earlier, I haven’t even settled that score with you.]

[Hahahaha, forgive Jiang Yuan! He’s really pitiful. Look, every other group is boy-girl, only he and God Zhou have been stuck as a guy-guy duo!]

[Hahaha, Jiang Rong and Jiang Yuan, the names even sound like a perfect match!]

Jiang Rong stood beside Qi Luozhou.

Qi Luozhou, keeping a straight face, glanced in Shen Wanwan’s direction, only to find she wasn’t looking their way at all.

Cheng Huan, a tall and handsome guy at 1.85m, chose to team up with Bai Ling and Zhang Yiran.

The lively and outgoing Ye Tian joined Jin Xiaoyu and Su Tingxuan.

Shen Wanwan, half-turned, was chatting with 001 about the team selections.

“Interesting. Which-number male lead is Cheng Huan?”

001 dutifully reported, {Male No.10. Hardly any scenes, just a tool character to highlight the heroine’s charm.}

Shen Wanwan raised her eyebrows.

Next came the house selection segment.

Winning teams got first pick of rooms.

The options were a luxury scenic room, a standard single, a rustic homestay, and a farmhouse courtyard with a vegetable patch.

Just from the names, it was obvious the scenic room was the best.

Jin Xiaoyu, a pessimist by nature, added to Su Tingxuan’s very weak performance in challenges, was worried. “If we end up with the worst house, can we buy a room with Speed Tokens?”

Production: “Yes. A standard room costs 500 tokens per night, scenic room 1000.”

500. 1000!

And that’s just for one night!

Totally daylight robbery.

Jin Xiaoyu looked at the meager 100 Speed Tokens in her hand and burst into tears.

The director added, “Also, starting this episode, the show will no longer provide meals. If you want to eat, you’ll need to spend Speed Tokens to buy food!”

After the past few episodes, they’d realized Shen Wanwan was the biggest bug in this game.

The Speed Token economy, which was supposed to be balanced, had been completely overturned by her money-making tricks, making it absurdly easy to buy props.

So they had to raise the difficulty.

Since both Li Yan and Jiang Qianfan had been willing to pay 100 coins to buy meals from Shen Wanwan before, it was perfectly reasonable for the production team to set food costs at 100.

The entire cast wailed in misery.

The new guests hadn’t expected to face such harsh trials the moment they joined. Their nerves went taut, as if bracing for war.

The director, speaking, subconsciously glanced at Shen Wanwan.

—Surely now she won’t be able to profit off the others anymore?

But Shen Wanwan still looked calm, unbothered.

Heh.

In fact, even the director couldn’t help but feel curious. With these restrictions, would Shen Wanwan finally be stumped, or would she find a new loophole?

Then the rules were announced.

Each team had to transport water with a container. The first to fill the 3-liter water column set by production would win first pick of rooms.

The containers were assigned according to the previous round’s rankings, and all leaked to some degree.

Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye, after being ganged up on by other teams, had finished second last time. Their container was the second-largest—a gourd ladle with a crack near the front.

Lin Kexin took the ladle and was dumbfounded.

“How are we supposed to carry water with this?”

Even one trip would drench her, and even with the best care, hardly any water would be left by the time she got back.

Looking at the other groups:

Qi Luozhou’s team, ranked first, got a big clay jar, but its leaks were even worse.

Bai Ling and Zhang Yiran, third place, received a disposable paper cup with a hole in the bottom corner. They’d have to carry it tilted at all times.

As for Jin Xiaoyu and Su Tingxuan, in fourth, they got a soup ladle with just a tiny hole. If they ran fast enough, not much would leak—but the ladle was so small that filling 3 liters would take endless trips.

Since Shao Yuye was missing from Shen Wanwan’s team, production sent the strongest staff member to temporarily sub in.

At the whistle, everyone bolted.

Lin Kexin, clutching the gourd ladle, was fired up. “Even if we don’t get the scenic room, at least let’s win a standard one. Wanwan, let’s do this!!”

She ran a few meters, scooped water, and came back, only to find Shen Wanwan talking to the crew.

“Where’s my sofa? Bring it over for me.”

Lin Kexin accidentally splashed herself with water while using the gourd ladle.

She could only watch as the production crew carried over a sofa for Shen Wanwan, who leisurely sat herself down on it…

And clearly had no intention of moving.

Lin Kexin: “?”

Was Shen Wanwan always this carefree before?

Didn’t she care about rankings anymore!!!

What, were they going to sleep in the vegetable garden tonight?!

Lin Kexin was just about to word something to snap Shen Wanwan out of it, when Shen Wanwan beckoned to her.

“Leave it, come sit down.”

Lin Kexin: “……”

Wait. Shen Wanwan really was planning on throwing in the towel?!

Shen Wanwan didn’t care about getting scolded, but Lin Kexin couldn’t accept it.
So with resentment in her heart, she could only run back and continue scooping water.

Sure enough, the livestream comments were filled with curses.

[Seriously? Shen Wanwan just went into passive mode?]

[Why does it feel like she’s acting all high and mighty toward the new guest… letting the guest and staff work while she just sits there… emmmm]

[Ugh, Shen Wanwan is so annoying. Is she just planning to freeload? Poor Lin Kexin, what bad luck to end up partnered with her. I’m done!!]

Naturally, the two of them ended up in last place, and were assigned the one plot nobody else picked—a small farmhouse with a vegetable garden.

The place was shabby enough that even Lin Kexin wrinkled her nose.

Seriously.

Hadn’t Shen Wanwan always been known for being spoiled and delicate? Why would she agree to live in such a vegetable garden now?!

And with all those vegetables growing, there had to be bugs everywhere…

Just thinking about it made Lin Kexin’s scalp tingle.

She was a little mad at Shen Wanwan now, “Why didn’t you at least try harder just now? Now we’re stuck sleeping in a vegetable garden tonight!!!”

The livestream comments were scolding nonstop too.

Some even went over to the chat of a talent show to call out Shao Yuye.

[Brother Ye, get back here quick! I’m fed up with Shen Wanwan being such a useless teammate!!!]

[If you come over tonight, you’ll be feeding bugs. Just don’t come!]

[Brother Ye, seriously, listen to us. Don’t come tonight! Delay it as long as you can!】

Meanwhile, Shen Wanwan only raised an eyebrow.

“What’s the rush.” Not a trace of panic on her, she only asked Lin Kexin, “Do you know how to cook?”

“Huh?”

Lin Kexin had no idea what she was getting at.

“I can stir-fry a few home-style dishes…”

Shen Wanwan nodded in satisfaction.

Lin Kexin was baffled.

It felt like her cooking skills were earning more approval from Shen Wanwan than all her earlier hard work…

The two went to inspect the house together.

In reality, it was much, much bigger than the photos showed.

The owner was a farmer, who proudly introduced his vegetable plot to them.

All fresh seasonal produce, and he even raised chickens and ducks.

He generously told them, “Eat whatever you like, cook whatever you want!”

Anyway, the production crew had already settled the money.

Lin Kexin was dazed. She was starting to understand why Shen Wanwan hadn’t lifted a finger earlier.

…Shen Wanwan had lost on purpose.

But just for the sake of a few meals, to choose a vegetable garden like this?

That was way too unworthy a trade!

They were all girls. At least the sleeping environment should be decent, right?

At that moment, the crew announced it was mealtime.

“Fresh Chinese lunch, 100 Speed Tokens per set, hurry!”

It was really just simple boxed meals.

Nothing like the lavish feasts from before.

If you wanted those, sure, but you had to pay extra.

Three hundred each!

After struggling all morning, everyone was exhausted and only wanted to eat.

Just then, Shen Wanwan slowly put up her own sign, and told Lin Kexin to shout it out in the group with the production crew.

“Organic vegetables, fresh fruit juice, premium meats, buffet style, 100 Speed Tokens per set, first come first served.”

Lin Kexin: “???”

What the heck?

Was Shen Wanwan planning to go head-to-head with the production crew?!

---

Shao Hongyuan had been working overtime at the company until late at night, already exhausted.

When he received Shao Jia’s call, he thought his daughter was simply missing him.

Who would have thought that, on the other end of the line, Shao Jia was sobbing uncontrollably, crying her heart out so much that Shao Hongyuan felt his head pounding.

Shao Jia desperately explained to him that she hadn’t meant to steal her brother’s things, that she had only wanted to take a look. But her brother had gotten furious…

With his head already throbbing from stress and weighed down by work matters, Shao Hongyuan only caught bits and pieces of what she said.

But that didn’t stop him from angrily calling Shao Yuye.

“Jiajia said you came back tonight?

“Why are you quibbling with a little girl? She just wanted to look at something, and you called her a thief?!

“After all these years, isn’t her affection for you enough? Jiajia truly treats you as her brother…”

On the other end, Shao Yuye’s voice was icy.

“Are you done with the nonsense?”

That should have been the last conversation between him and Shao Hongyuan.

From that day on, Shao Hongyuan and that troublesome family would no longer have any place in his life.

Shao Hongyuan froze.

He could clearly sense the shift in Shao Yuye’s attitude.

But tonight he was too furious, too desperate for a vent.

“Is that how you talk to your father?! Believe it or not, one day I’ll throw away all of your sister’s things!”

This time, Shao Yuye’s reaction wasn’t as sharp as before.

On the phone, he replied flatly with just one sound, “Go ahead.”

That made Shao Hongyuan explode in his office.

Good heavens!

Good heavens!

Good heavens!

The boy had really grown wings!

Fuming, he stormed back home and immediately decided to toss out everything in that room.

But when he opened the door—

Damn it.

The room was spotless.

Not even a strand of hair left behind.

Shao Hongyuan was completely dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, Shao Yuye’s car pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex.

He had temporarily left Shen Wanwan’s belongings in the car.

It was already very late, and he was worried that moving them in would wake her up.

By the time he got home, Shen Wanwan was already asleep. The house was quiet.

But the living room light was still on.

It was left on for him.

He stood there, pupils flickering slightly.

At last, he drew in a deep breath, feeling lighter than ever before.

From now on, the road home would no longer feel lonely and cold.

Because somewhere in this world, there would always be a light left on for him.

---

The next morning, after breakfast, Shao Yuye told her he was going to record a talent show. He was one of the initiators, serving as senior mentor and host, encouraging young dreamers.

After Brother Li picked him up, Shen Wanwan went back home for a bit.

The TV was showing the first season <One Pick> which Shao Yuye participated in.

Shen Mingzhen was sitting in front of the TV, tears streaming down her face.

Even she didn’t know what had come over her.

Perhaps, just as her daughter had said, this really was her biological son. And yet, for all these years, she had completely forgotten him, leaving him alone in Shao Hongyuan’s house, while she herself lived a carefree life here…

The mere thought of it filled her with crushing sorrow.

And yet her heart was blank.

She knew why she was crying, but she couldn’t reconcile herself with the grief enough to truly feel it.

Turning her head, through tear-filled eyes she saw her daughter.

“Wanwan…
“That child… has he been doing well all these years?”

Shen Wanwan handed her a tissue and sat down beside her, wiping her tears away.

“No.”

Shen Mingzhen broke down in sobs.

“How could I have forgotten him…”

What was even more unbearable was—

The harder she tried to remember the past, the less she could recall.

Shen Wanwan gently stroked her back.

“There’s still plenty of time.”

As long as there is love in her heart—

One day, those deleted memories will come back, bit by bit.

After soothing her weeping mother, Shen Wanwan shared another piece of shocking news.

She told her about her upcoming marriage to Qi Luozhou.

Shen Mingzhen was stunned, “Wanwan… why the sudden decision to marry?”

Shen Wanwan replied, “It just feels right.”

“Marriage is a serious matter, it can’t be taken lightly.” Shen Mingzhen said solemnly, “You’re still young, there’s no rush for this kind of thing.”

She was afraid Wanwan was only saying this out of spite for Su Tingxuan, acting on impulse.

But Shen Wanwan’s attitude was firm, “Mom, I’ve already decided.”

From a very young age, Wanwan knew she was the kind of person who absolutely needed material support.

That awareness reached its peak after Mingzhen married Shen Rong.

Her stepfather held a very high status among the wealthy circles of the capital, something even many old-money families could not compare with.

Wanwan enjoyed all the conveniences that came with money and status.

At parties, she had to stand in the center. At shows, she had her exclusive VIP seat. And every day, endless global limited editions would be delivered to her doorstep…

Of course, around her there was also always a circle of so-called ‘plastic sisters,’ smiling eagerly when they met, but ready to trample her underfoot at the slightest bit of gossip.

Yet Wanwan didn’t feel trouble. In fact, she relished it.

She had no desire to live as an ordinary person.

Nor did she ever want to live an ordinary life.

Even if Shen Mingzhen and Shen Rong had no expectations for her, she was determined to marry into a family of equal standing.

Marriage might not be necessary for her right now, but it was still one more jewel in her crown of vanity. In this circle, people compared everything. Sometimes she found it tedious, but most of the time she enjoyed watching others burn with envy.

Qi Luozhou was an excellent choice.

An affluent family background, a glamorous profession, and a handsome face.

Each quality was enough to completely crush ordinary men.

Shen Mingzhen stayed silent.

When Shen Wanwan was little, she had almost no opinions of her own, likely because her mother and brother always had everything arranged for her.

Only after Shen Mingzhen divorced Shao Hongyuan did Shen Wanwan’s strong-willed nature fully emerge.

So if she said “I’ve already decided,” it meant she had thought it through.

Shen Mingzhen’s own marriage had been a mess. She knew she couldn’t give her daughter any truly good advice, so she could only sigh softly.

“As long as you don’t regret it yourself.”

“Mm.” Shen Wanwan reassured her mother, “He’s a good man.”

Although she hadn’t had much contact with Qi Luozhou, Shen Wanwan could clearly sense that he was someone with a very definite sense of purpose.

His goals aligned with hers.

Both of them needed a marriage partner as a social tool.

And according to what 001 had told her, as the ‘male lead,’ Qi Luozhou possessed all the best qualities imaginable. Shen Wanwan wasn’t worried about unexpected complications.

Of course, if something did happen—the kind of thing Shen Mingzhen was worried about—

She was willing to take responsibility for her own mistakes.

---

Shen Wanwan asked, “It’s so late, where are you going?”

Shao Yuye casually made up a lie.

“Going to exercise.”

He wasn’t good at lying, his whole body felt awkward the moment he said it. Without another word, he rushed out of the house.

Shen Wanwan narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze landing thoughtfully on the empty bowl on the table.

Shao Yuye ran downstairs, bought a bottle of water from the vending machine, and chugged it in one go.

Only then did he feel alive again.

…He had been on the verge of dying of thirst.

Turns out, love couldn’t fill one’s stomach.

With noodles that salty, anyone would need at least three liters of water afterward.

He tossed the empty bottle into the trash can with a perfect basketball-style shot.

With a *clang*, it got in perfectly. Shao Yuye admired it with satisfaction, about to leave, when he suddenly felt a chilly gaze from not far away.

Instinctively, he looked up.

And there she was. Arms crossed, staring straight at him. Shen Wanwan.

Caught off guard, Shao Yuye nearly shouted, “Holy shit,” in his head.

Shen Wanwan’s voice was cool: “Exercising?”

Shao Yuye scratched his head awkwardly. “…About to start.”

“Oh…” Shen Wanwan nodded meaningfully. “So before exercising, you like to chug a whole bottle of water?”

“Exactly!”

At this point, even though lying wasn’t his strength, he had no choice but to double down.

“Gotta drink a bottle first to get warmed up~”

Shen Wanwan suddenly burst out laughing.

But almost immediately she grew flustered, glaring at her brother in embarrassment.

That was not the kind of sound a proper lady should make.

“Enough.”

She quickly composed herself again. “Let’s go home.”

Shao Yuye also straightened his face in an instant. “You go ahead first.”

Under the streetlamp, the shadows carved his features into sharp relief, his face looking even more defined.

In a calm tone, he said, “I’m going to see Shao Hongyuan.”

Shen Wanwan let out a faint “Oh,” then added, “Best to cut ties early.”

She rubbed her eyes wearily. “I won’t wait for you.”

In the next second, Shao Yuye buried the anger in his eyes and replied gently.

“Mm, no need to wait.”

The servants hadn’t expected him to return at this hour.

When Auntie Li opened the door and saw him, she was still a little stunned. “Young Master?”

It was already late at night.

Shao Yuye wore a black baseball cap, most of his face covered by a mask. With the light behind him, his figure almost melted into the darkness.

He gave Auntie Li a polite nod and strode upstairs.

She quickly said, “Madam has already gone to bed, and Master isn’t back yet. Young Master, what should I prepare for your breakfast tomorrow?”

Without stopping, Shao Yuye answered.

“No need.
“I won’t be coming back anymore.”

Auntie Li froze.

Shao Yuye entered his room.

He didn’t have many belongings—just daily necessities, all of which fit into one large suitcase.

Meanwhile, a dozen bodyguards filed in behind him, swiftly clearing out the room that had once belonged to Shen Wanwan, packing everything into boxes and carrying them downstairs.

The noise woke Shao Jia.

Still half-asleep, she opened her door, only to be stunned by the sight.

Dozens of men in black suits carrying box after box down the stairs.

Confused, she asked, “What are you doing?”

No one responded.

She turned helplessly to Auntie Li. Auntie Li pointed upstairs. “The Young Master has returned.”

Just then, Shao Yuye came down the stairs. Shao Jia looked at him as if seeing her savior, crying out, “Brother!”

From above, Shao Yuye looked down at her, his eyes cold and contemptuous.

“You think you deserve to call me Brother?
“Hand it over.”

Shao Jia’s heart clenched. She forced herself to ask:

“Brother, what are you talking about?”

Shao Yuye drew in a long breath.

He’d been in a good mood today. He really hadn’t wanted to deal with her.

But this illegitimate daughter was just like her mother, always stealing.

From that room, a photo was missing, along with the diamond tiara that belonged to his little sister.

“The things you took from my sister.
“Hand them over!”

Shao Jia trembled at his shout.

She’d seen him argue with their father before, shouting until the house practically shook.

But this time, his fury was even greater.

She stumbled back a step, waving her hands weakly. “I didn’t—”

“Didn’t?” Shao Yuye arched a brow and said coldly, “I don’t have the energy to play games with you. Hand it over now, and I’ll let this go.”

He stepped forward, closing in on Shao Jia one step at a time. With one hand pressing down on her shoulder, he forced her back toward her own room.

His absolute height advantage cast a shadow over Shao Jia’s face.

The muscles in the grown man’s arm were solid and powerful, veins standing out and running all the way to his wrist.

Shao Jia struggled, but then heard Shao Yuye’s voice turn even colder.

“If I have to call the police…”

Her calves trembled uncontrollably as she screamed, “I didn’t take it! I didn’t take it! Brother, I didn’t take it!”

Xu Qingxin was startled awake by her heart-wrenching cries. When she opened the door and saw the scene, she was so frightened that she rushed over, scooping the sobbing Shao Jia into her arms protectively.

“Yuye…” she said nervously. “It’s the middle of the night. What’s gotten into you? Whatever it is, we can sit down and talk it out…”

But Shao Yuye only gave a low laugh.

That laugh made Xu Qingxin’s skin crawl. Hugging Shao Jia even tighter, she heard him say icily, “Ms. Xu.”

It was easy to be accused of bullying when facing a 16-year-old girl whose emotions were unstable.

But against Xu Qingxin, it was different.

“Do me a favor and discipline your daughter,” Shao Yuye said coldly. “She insists on being a thief instead of a decent person.”

“What did Jiajia steal? Yuye, don’t make false accusations… There must be some misunderstanding.”

This pitiful act was what Xu Qingxin excelled at.

Shao Yuye’s lips curled. “The cameras recorded everything.”

Shao Jia’s face instantly went pale.

“You should take a good look,” he said flatly. “See what kind of daughter you’ve raised, stealing from my sister.”

“I’m not a thief!” Shao Jia protested. “I just… I just thought that tiara was really pretty.”

And it truly was.

Her father had never bought her anything like that…

She only wanted to touch it, to show it off to her classmates, not to keep it forever…

Her pitiful appearance perfectly imitated Xu Qingxin’s white-lotus act.

Shao Yuye sneered. “Taking something without permission is stealing.”

The evidence was irrefutable.

And with the way Shao Jia looked on video, sneaky and furtive, even Xu Qingxin couldn’t bring herself to argue that she was ‘just a child who didn’t know better.’

Afraid Shao Yuye might use force, she twisted Shao Jia’s arm herself.

“Hurry up and return it to your brother!”

Crying miserably, Shao Jia went back into her room and brought out the little crown.

Even when handing it back, she looked reluctant.

Shao Yuye raised a brow. “And the photo.”

Shao Jia fidgeted, voice barely above a whisper, “I lost the photo…”

He didn’t believe her.

The surveillance showed she had taken both items before he returned.

“Now,” he ordered.

Her hands trembling, Shao Jia handed over the photo.

One glance was enough to send Yuye’s blood pressure soaring.

The picture had already been cut up. Where Shen Wanwan had originally been, Shao Jia had pasted in her own childhood photo instead.

“I just wanted to have a photo with my brother…” Shao Jia wailed.

Shao Yuye looked at the patched-together photo and laughed coldly.

“Fake is fake.”

He tossed it into the trash can.

But he kept the single, damaged photo of Shen Wanwan clenched tightly in his palm.

Xu Qingxin pushed Shao Jia’s head down.

“Quick, apologize to your brother.”

“…I’m sorry, Brother.”

“I’m not your brother.”

Straightening up, he said.

“Since you’re so desperate for siblings, I can help you get in touch with them.

“Not just a brother.” He gave a mirthless smile and said lightly, “You’ve got plenty of half-siblings.”

Xu Qingxin’s face instantly turned pale.

Taking everything with him, Shao Yuye strode out of the house.

Auntie Li, who had worked in the Shao household the longest, watched his retreating back.

She suddenly remembered. The Young Master had left like this once before.

Black clothes, black hair, and the curtain of rain outside.

He had stepped out alone, carrying nothing with him.

Even though he seldom returned afterward, sometimes he was forced back by the Master’s threats.

But this time was different.

She didn’t know why, but…

This time, Auntie Li had a strong feeling—

The Young Master would never come back again.

---

Shao Yuye’s audition in the morning lasted all the way into the evening.

His acting was still a bit raw, with plenty of areas needing refinement. But what Zhang Zhifeng valued was precisely that kind of purity. He decided to keep Shao Yuye around and gave him a lot of guidance on performance, even helping him work through a few key plot points.

Brother Li was practically beside himself with excitement.

“Ah Ye! There’s hope! I really think you’ve got a shot!”

But Shao Yuye didn’t take it to heart at all. This was far from a done deal.

On the ride back, he even started wondering if he’d taken on too many gigs lately?

It used to be understandable. Working hard every day for his career.

But now that he’d found his sister, it was a whole different story.

Shao Yuye said, “Brother Li, don’t schedule anything for me in the near future.”

Brother Li had long been immune to this young master’s impulsive whims, but he still tried to persuade him patiently:

“Ah Ye, I urge you to think this through carefully. This is a critical turning point in your career. You can’t afford to mess up!
“There are fewer and fewer stages left for idols now. If you don’t seize this chance to transition, do you really plan on being an idol at forty or fifty?!
“Even if, best case, you can still sing and dance at that age, can you be sure you’ll still have that many fans? This business of selling youth, it’s not sustainable when you get older!”

In Brother Li’s view, Zhang Zhifeng’s project was a golden opportunity.

As long as the audition went well, once they signed the contract and Shao Yuye put in a good performance, <Last Shot> could be the first real step in his transition.

“I was just saying, no big deal.”

Shao Yuye gave Brother Li a pat on the shoulder and said sincerely, “Brother Li, all these years, I’ve relied on you, really. I remember everything you’ve done for me.”

As he spoke, he pressed his other hand to both their chests in a heartfelt gesture.

This display of genuine emotion had Brother Li so touched he was about to say something, when Shao Yuye continued.

“So, in honor of our years together… I’m skipping training the day after tomorrow!
“Just one day!”

“……”

The tears that had just welled up in Brother Li’s eyes instantly vanished.

“You little brat!”

When did he learn to use sugar-coated bullets and big sticks at the same time?!

Still, it was just skipping one training session, Brother Li let it slide.

With fewer stages available for idols in the country now, Shao Yuye had still been diligently practicing every day, afraid that if a stage opportunity came up again, he’d be rusty and let fans down.

These past few years, he’d been so obsessed with work that he hadn’t had a proper break in ages.

As the nanny van was about to pull into the neighborhood parking lot, Shao Yuye’s gaze involuntarily shifted.

He slowly rolled the window down halfway.

The cool night breeze, tinged with dampness, drifted into the car.

Just then, a familiar black Maybach passed by smoothly.

When the rear windows on both sides aligned, Qi Luozhou turned his head slightly, and the contours of his face were gradually illuminated by the streetlights outside.

Their eyes met. Suddenly and unexpectedly.

Qi Luozhou was the first to raise a faint, unreadable smile.

Shao Yuye: “……”

Damn it.

What kind of feeling is it to run into your arch-nemesis in your own neighborhood, and then have him give you a mild smile?

Shao Yuye’s hair practically stood on end as he returned home.

When the elevator arrived at his floor and he stepped out.

He almost thought he’d gone to the wrong place.

The previously clean and bare doorway now featured a person-tall money tree, brazenly adorned with several very expensive brass coins.

He silently backed into the elevator and double-checked the floor.

18th.

No mistake.

It was his place.

In the time it took to go back and forth, the hallway light—motion-sensor controlled—had dimmed.

For the first time, he noticed a glow of light seeping out from the gap beneath his front door.

A strange feeling surged in his chest. He stood there as if struck by lightning, staring at that glow for quite a while.

Until the elevator doors closed with a *ding*, triggering the hallway lights again—

He took a deep breath, entered his passcode, and opened the door.

Shen Wanwan was lounging lazily on the sofa, watching TV.

Hearing the sound, she sat up. “Brother, you’re back.”

The entryway was cluttered with shopping bags of all sizes, practically blocking any path through.

Shao Yuye stared, dumbfounded, still in a daze.

“What is all this?”

“Clothes, pants, shoes, ties… Too much to remember.”

Shen Wanwan couldn’t recall exactly.

“I was too lazy to open everything, you do it.”

“You bought these for me?!”

Shao Yuye felt as if all the blood in his body was rushing in reverse, starting from the nape of his neck all the way to the crown of his head, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

Damn.

He had a sister now!

And she’d even bought him so many gifts!

After changing his shoes, he heard her ask, “Have you eaten?”

Shao Yuye: “No.”

He’d been stuck on set all day and had planned to just grab some instant noodles and call it a day.

But right now, the most important thing was opening gifts. He didn’t feel hungry at all as he sat cross-legged in the entryway, ready to start unpacking the shopping bags.

“You should’ve said something earlier.”

Shen Wanwan shot him a reproachful look and walked toward the kitchen.

Shao Yuye caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye and assumed she was heading to the bathroom.

Alone, he happily unwrapped each shopping bag.

They were all luxury brands, and Shen Wanwan had great taste.

She had bought him a complete set of items from head to toe, even down to more than a dozen tie clips.

Despite already unwrapping for nearly half an hour, he was only halfway through the mountain of bags.

Just then, a faint aroma of food drifted to his nose.

Shao Yuye froze.

He turned his head. Shen Wanwan, wearing heat-resistant gloves, was bringing out a steaming hot bowl of freshly made beef noodles. The rich aroma filled the entire space, making his stomach growl with hunger.

“Come eat, now.”

Shen Wanwan only knew how to cook this one dish—it was something her mom had taught her.

Shao Yuye didn’t move.

Shen Wanwan frowned and urged again, “Hurry up!”

It was rare for her to cook.

Shao Yuye stood up, his throat bobbing involuntarily.

One word suddenly surfaced in his mind—

…Home.

After the age of nine, after witnessing the destruction of his original family, that beautiful word had become abstract.

But now, in this moment, it became real again.

The indoor lighting was a cool white.

Her expression was calm and indifferent.

But with just her presence, the entire home felt warm.

Shen Wanwan handed him the chopsticks. “You’re not allowed to say it’s not good!”

She had plated it beautifully.

White noodles, vibrant green vegetables underneath, a perfectly round fried egg on top, with neatly sliced beef arranged to the side.

The four colors blended harmoniously. It was visually appetizing.

Shao Yuye sat down and took a huge bite.

Her cooking wasn’t great.

She’d added way too much salt. It was ridiculously salty.

But he kept eating, bite after bite, ravenously.

Shen Wanwan smiled faintly. “Why’re you eating so fast? No one’s fighting you for it.”

Shao Yuye didn’t respond. He ate every last noodle, even drank the soup—

Then let out a loud, unrestrained burp.

Shen Wanwan wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Do your fans know you act like this at home, without the slightest idol image?”

Shao Yuye praised her: “The noodles were delicious.”

Afraid she might not believe him, he quickly added,

“Really, really good!”

Shen Wanwan accepted the compliment as only natural, giving a small nod.

Because he had eaten so fast, his stomach still felt the hunger pangs.

But he knew, his belly was already completely full.

Along with it, the heart that had long wandered without a home also felt full and warm.

Finally, he took a photo of the empty bowl and posted it on Weibo.

@ShaoYuye: [(photo.jpg) Lucky day.]

The ‘Yu Yu’s quickly flocked in—

[Was today Brother Ye’s lucky day?]

[What good thing happened to him today?!]

[I don’t know what good thing happened, but I’m just so happy for him anyway!!]

[Hope Brother Ye is happy every single day! 💐💐]

After reading the comments for a while, Shao Yuye suddenly put his phone down and said seriously, “I’m heading out for a bit!”

He couldn’t wait another second!

---

Although Qi Luozhou was already walking fast enough, Shen Wanwan still felt he was moving too slowly.

And that unbearably awkward “Look over here!” had already pushed the atmosphere to its peak.

001 dutifully reported in her ear.

{They’re all looking at you~
{Oh no, maybe they’re looking at the male lead too.}

Qi Luozhou came to a stop in front of Shen Wanwan. His long lashes lowered slightly, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.

“What do you need me to do?”

Shen Wanwan met his eyes and calmly made her request.

“Touch my hair.
“And look at me with affection.”

Qi Luozhou let out a low chuckle and cooperated without hesitation.

His movements were incredibly gentle as he softly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

When those charming, peach blossom eyes gazed at her, there was tenderness—and a touch of flirtation.

No wonder he was the youngest Best Actor in history.

His performance was flawless, as natural as breathing.

Behind Shen Wanwan, a chorus of envious gasps sounded.

Such a reaction delighted her immensely.

Since they loved watching drama and gossiping so much…

Then she’d give them a good show.

Right at that moment, Qi Luozhou very obligingly reached out his hand.

His fingers were long, palm slender and graceful.

Shen Wanwan, quite satisfied, placed her hand in his.

The two walked off hand in hand, looking every bit the picture of a couple madly in love.

Everyone watched them leave, and finally someone couldn’t help but murmur:

“Who was that?”

“What’s Shen Wanwan’s relationship with him?”

“He’s so handsome. That side profile just now—wow. He even kinda looked like God Zhou!”

“So… Shen Wanwan actually dumped Su Tingxuan, didn’t she?!”

Once inside the elevator, Shen Wanwan withdrew her hand.

In the confined space, just the two of them, there was no longer a need to continue the act.

Once they got into Qi Luozhou’s car, her expression completely relaxed.

The scent inside the car, like the man himself, was pleasant.

With the black-tinted windows shut tight, blocking any curious eyes from the outside, Shen Wanwan crossed her arms and leaned back against the seat, letting out a displeased tsk.

“Are you laughing at me?”

She’d been bothered by that faint smile on his lips since earlier.

Sure enough, the corners of the man’s mouth curved up even more.

“No. I just think you’re very cute.”

Shen Wanwan didn’t appreciate being called cute one bit.

But she couldn’t be bothered to correct Qi Luozhou. Staring at the street scenes flowing past the window, she fell silent for a moment, then decided to lay everything out up front:

“As you can see, I’m a vain woman.
“I won’t allow anything imperfect to happen to me. Whether it’s appearances or reality, I want both.”

She paused here and finally turned to look at him directly.

“Qi Luozhou, you still have a chance to back out now.”

Qi Luozhou met her gaze, his eyes steady and dark.

She had beautiful eyes too—rounder in shape, which made her look innocent and pure.

But the sharpness in her expression masked those softer traits, giving her an aggressive edge.

They stared at each other for a long time, neither looking away. Finally, his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and he let out another low laugh.

“Same.”

Same? What does that mean?

Shen Wanwan frowned in annoyance.

Qi Luozhou leaned back with a relaxed posture and said casually.

“As you can see, I’m also a shallow man.”
“Whether it’s appearance or reality, I want a wife who’s beautiful enough. We’ll respect each other after marriage. I won’t interfere with what you like to do, and as for what you want…
“Aside from love, I can give you everything.”

At this, Qi Luozhou’s voice paused briefly.

“You still have a chance to back out now.”

001 was about to protest that the male lead wasn’t supposed to be like this!

In the book, he was a master of sweet talk!

But before it could speak, it felt Shen Wanwan’s mood shift.

She was pleased.

It was obvious, his words had pleased her.

{So strange. Why are you happy? Isn’t ‘I love you’ supposed to be what women love hearing most?}

If rolling her eyes weren’t so unladylike, Shen Wanwan would’ve given 001 the biggest eye-roll ever.

“What’s so great about hearing ‘I love you’?”

Love had no place in her life.

Everything else, on the other hand—the more, the better.

“Qi Luozhou.”

Shen Wanwan’s tone rose slightly at the end, clearly in a good mood.

“Deal.”

---

Half an hour later, a black Maybach drove into a lavishly decorated garden villa.

Qi Luozhou helped Shen Wanwan out of the car.

“Now it’s your turn to cooperate.”

He held out his hand to her.

Shen Wanwan stepped forward and took his hand. Just as she moved, Qi Luozhou interlaced his fingers with hers, clasping her hand tightly.

Before they entered, Shen Wanwan double-checked with him.

“Anything I should be careful about?”

Qi Luozhou gently tapped the back of her hand with his fingertip, as if to give her strength.

“Just… don’t be scared.”

Oh?

Shen Wanwan gave a small nod and followed him inside the villa, head held high.

In general, the dynamics of wealthy families were notoriously complicated, and internal scheming was common.

But who was she?

Shen Wanwan had never been afraid of such settings.

They entered together.

But the expected storm didn’t arrive. As the butler announced that the Young Master had brought his girlfriend back, a noblewoman in an emerald-green qipao quickly emerged.

“Wanwan, you’re here!”

The woman grabbed Shen Wanwan’s hand, then pulled her into an enthusiastic hug.

“Oh, Luozhou is just too much! You’ve been dating for two years, and he only now tells me. Sons are never thoughtful. But soon, we’ll be one big family…”

Shen Wanwan: ?

The ever-proud Miss Shen had entered with her guard up, ready for battle—but hadn’t anticipated this kind of welcome.

She visibly froze in the woman’s embrace, glancing nervously at Qi Luozhou.

Shen Wanwan had always been someone who could resist aggression but was defenseless against kindness.

If someone came at her hard, she’d go harder.

But if someone softened up, she’d melt.

Qi Luozhou explained at just the right moment, “This is my mother.”

Shen Wanwan politely said, “Hello, Aunt.”

Qi Luozhou’s mother beamed with joy, chatting excitedly.

“Oh, Wanwan, you’re so beautiful!
“You’re still quite young, aren’t you? How did Luozhou manage to snatch you up like that…”

Shen Wanwan suddenly felt that this marriage alliance, from every angle, seemed quite fitting.

Her mother and Qi Luozhou’s mother would probably have plenty to talk about.

It was Father Qi who finally spoke up, “Alright now, don’t keep Wanwan standing there. Come in, have a seat.”

Only then did Mother Qi let go. “Oh dear, I just got so excited seeing you… Come, come, come, sit down!”

Both of Qi Luozhou’s parents were well-maintained and amiable, which made the whole meal go surprisingly smoothly.

When they found out that Shen Wanwan’s father was Shen Rong, Father Qi even gave Qi Luozhou a surprised look.

The Qi and Shen families were about equal in wealth, with the Qi family perhaps holding a slight advantage.

But the Qi’s had never intended for their son to marry into any elite family.

Even back when Qi Luozhou had refused to take over the family business and insisted on becoming an actor, his parents had fully supported him.

Soon enough, Father Qi smiled warmly.

“Luozhou is truly lucky to marry someone like you.”

Qi Luozhou sat upright beside them, sipping his tea.

Shen Wanwan nodded as if it were only natural.

---

After they left the Qi residence and got into the car heading home, Shen Wanwan grumbled:

“Qi Luozhou, your family was a huge disappointment!”

Qi Luozhou raised his eyebrows. “Hm?”

Shen Wanwan pouted, “I was all geared up for battle!”

Qi Luozhou nodded knowingly.

“Didn’t realize that’s your preference.
“I’ll tell them to act differently next time.”

He said this in his usual calm and serious tone, which made Shen Wanwan burst out laughing.

“I suddenly feel very satisfied.”

His family had simple dynamics.

His parents were harmonious.

It was… pretty great.

“Qi Luozhou, my parents are really nice too.”

As she smiled, her eyes sparkled with light.

“Mhm,” Qi Luozhou looked into her eyes. “I’ll propose as soon as I can.”

---

After hanging up the phone, Shen Wanwan asked 001: “How long will it take for my mom to remember?”

001 answered truthfully : {I don’t know.}

But the fact that she reacted shows that being forced to forget caused her pain.

Strictly speaking—

This wasn’t forgetting.

This was a plot-forced deletion of memory.

But memories have roots.

They’re interconnected and inseparable.

Even if all memories related to Shao Yuye were erased cleanly, the joy and sorrow once caused by him will never disappear.

They still lingered in a corner of her memory.

Shen Wanwan was deep in thought.

A couple of knocks pulled her back to reality.

Shen Wanwan: “Come in.”

Shao Yuye opened the door and poked his head in from behind it.

He was holding a floor mat and a pillow in his arms.

“Want to chat for a bit?”

After so many years apart, there was just so, so much he wanted to say to his little sister.

Shen Wanwan nodded. “Okay.”

Shao Yuye made a floor bed beside her bed.

The floor was hard, nowhere near as comfortable as the bed, but he didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

He told her about his recent schedule.

“I’ve got an audition tomorrow, it should finish pretty quickly. I’ll come back and cook for you.”

Shen Wanwan said, “No need for dinner tomorrow. I’m going shopping in the afternoon and having dinner with someone in the evening.”

Shao Yuye had wanted to ask what she was buying and who she was meeting.

But then he realized how nosy that would sound.

He responded with a solemn “Oh.

“The day after, I have a variety show recording…”

The two of them chatted on and off into the late night.

Until Shen Wanwan stopped replying, and her steady, even breathing filled the room.

In the darkness, Shao Yuye’s lips curved into a smile.

How wonderful.

His little sister was so close, so very close.

He didn’t have to worry about waking up tomorrow and finding she had vanished.

He finally closed his eyes and slept soundly until morning.

Shen Wanwan was still asleep.

She looked especially cute when she slept.

The sharpness and coldness she carried while awake had mostly disappeared, making her look soft and adorable, completely non-threatening.

Shao Yuye couldn’t resist pulling out his phone to take a stealth photo.

He fiddled with filters for a while, held up his phone and tested different angles like he was handling a piece of fine art—painstaking and precise—before finally pressing the shutter with utmost care.

She looked absolutely stunning in the photo.

So soft, so cute!

Shao Yuye felt like he might melt from the cuteness.

He wanted to send the photo to his team’s group chat to show off.

But after a moment’s thought, he decided against it.

Those teammates of his were all guys.

Tsk.

Forget it.

Those dog men don’t deserve to see how pretty his sister looks.

Shen Wanwan still hadn’t woken up.

Shao Yuye put away his phone and tiptoed out of the room to make her breakfast.

Even though he was full of enthusiasm and set out to cook the best breakfast in the world—

What actually made it to the table was just rice soaked in hot water, cooked in an electric clay pot.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t even porridge, just water-logged rice.

Still, Shen Wanwan supported him by taking a photo and posting it on Weibo.

@ShenWanwan : [The best breakfast I’ve ever had. (photo.jpg)]

Soon, comments started pouring in—

[Wasn’t Shen Wanwan always marketing herself as some rich heiress? Why’s her breakfast look so pitiful?]

[I think I live better than Shen Wanwan. I even had an egg this morning, LOL.]

[Maybe that rich heiress thing was fake after all?]

Shao Yuye looked at the comments and was practically fuming.

He thought it looked okay!

It really wasn’t that bad!

Still, in the end, the siblings’ breakfast had to be saved by Brother Li.

Brother Li happened to be picking Shao Yuye up for his audition.

As soon as Shao Yuye left, Shen Wanwan got a call from Qi Luozhou.

“Will you come home with me tonight?”

“Mm, I’m going to pick out a gift this afternoon.”

Since they were going to become family eventually, Shen Wanwan uncharacteristically made the effort to care about Qi Luozhou’s family’s preferences.

“Is there anything they like?”

Qi Luozhou chuckled softly on the other end. “Anything you pick, they’ll like.”

Shen Wanwan was quite pleased by the compliment.

Qi Luozhou said, “Send me the address of the shopping mall. I’ll come pick you up this afternoon.”

Shen Wanwan agreed.

Considering that the gifts were for elders, she went to the shopping mall on the west side of the city.

As a regular of luxury brands, she enjoyed full VVIP treatment.

By the time Shen Wanwan stepped into the shopping mall, the exclusive service staff was already waiting for her.

“Hello, Miss Shen. My surname is Cheng, I’m the store manager here. I’ll be accompanying you on your visit today. Is there anything specific you’re looking for?”

Shen Wanwan glanced at the name tag on her chest. “Manager Cheng, I’d like a brochure that includes all the products.”

She couldn’t even be bothered to browse around.

After easily finalizing the gifts for Qi Luozhou’s parents, she sat in the lounge area for afternoon tea, chatting with 001.

001 was dying to explore the place.

But as her exclusive guide system, it couldn’t stray far from Shen Wanwan. It could only perch curiously on her shoulder, marveling at the extravagance since the moment they walked in—

{I thought only actresses walked red carpets.}

{Even the counters are arranged like an art gallery.}

{There’s actually quite a crowd here. How come there are so many rich people? Was everyone’s money blown in by the wind?}

{I know I’ve got no experience, but take me for a spin, please!}

Shen Wanwan took a small sip of tea. Unable to resist the pleas of the wide-eyed little light orb on her shoulder, she got up and strolled around with it.

While passing a certain counter, she unexpectedly overheard two women gossiping.

“I heard Shen Wanwan got dumped.”

“What? Really? Wasn’t Su Tingxuan really into her? Always doting on her hand and foot.”

“Ha, I heard it was Su Tingxuan who broke it off with her.”

“Well, with that nasty temper of hers, who could put up with her long-term?”

Shen Wanwan’s steps faltered slightly.

She was standing in a blind spot of the display area.

She could see the two women clearly, but they couldn’t see her.

Everyone moved in the same social circles; they all knew each other.

News of her broken engagement with Su Tingxuan had already spread through the circles.

Many people, both openly and subtly, were mocking and belittling her.

The woman in red said gleefully, “I also heard Shen Wanwan went on that variety show just to win Su Tingxuan back. But you saw the livestream, he barely acknowledged her.”

The woman in green quickly chimed in, “Yeah, but she got lucky. That show invited Qi Luozhou and Shao Yuye…”

“So what if she met those two top-tier stars? They have nothing to do with her. The only one connected to her is Su Tingxuan, and he’s not even popular…”

The woman in red was almost laughing out loud. “With Shen Wanwan’s background, marrying Su Tingxuan was already marrying down. And then he dumped her… I could just die laughing…”

Just as the woman in green was about to respond, the crisp sound of high heels striking the floor rang out.

Both women froze and looked up.

A young woman in a pale apricot dress walked out from around the corner, lips curling into a cold sneer.

Although the lights in the showroom were meant to spotlight the merchandise, in that moment it felt like they all focused on her alone.

Her fingers were long and fair. The crystal clutch in her hand was a national limited edition that they couldn’t even dream of owning.

Her black hair slipped from her neck with a graceful movement, revealing a hint of flawless skin.

She was strikingly beautiful—radiant, bold, dazzling.

But at that moment, the women in red and green had no room left to admire her looks.

They both fell silent, scalp tingling, sensing the oncoming storm.

Shen Wanwan looked at them coldly, her gaze aloof as she towered over the woman in red.

“Jiang Xiaoli, right?”

The woman in red shrank back timidly and said in a small voice: “It’s Wang Xiaoli.”

Dead. Completely dead.

The young miss of the Shen family was never one to suffer silently.

As expected, Shen Wanwan’s aura pressed down hard as she stared at her.

“Oh, Li Xiaoli.”

This time, Wang Xiaoli didn’t dare correct her again.

Shen Wanwan asked casually, “How are things between you and your fiancé lately?”

Wang Xiaoli instinctively answered, “Huh? Pretty… pretty good.”

Shen Wanwan gave a drawn-out “Oh,” and said meaningfully, “The moment he heard my engagement with Su Tingxuan was off, he started texting me every day, saying he couldn’t eat or sleep just thinking about not being able to be with me…”

Wang Xiaoli’s face turned white in an instant.

Shen Wanwan smiled understandingly. “I thought maybe something was wrong between the two of you.”

Wang Xiaoli’s expression visibly collapsed.

The girl in the green outfit next to her was clearly holding back laughter.

This Wang Xiaoli had just been mocking others, but turns out her own fiancé wasn’t anything special either.

But the green-outfit girl didn’t get to laugh for long…

Shen Wanwan turned her head to look at her again:

“And as for you—”

Shen Wanwan paused for a moment. She really couldn’t remember what the girl in green was called.

Forget it.

Her name wasn’t important.

“I remember your dad came to our house recently… asking for investment.”

Cold sweat instantly broke out on the girl’s forehead.

If Shen Wanwan decided to withdraw the investment because of this…

She hurriedly said, “Miss Shen, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said that about you. I’m sorry…”

Shen Wanwan curled her lips coldly, not even bothering to listen to her apology, and turned to leave.

Not far away, quite a few people had witnessed the commotion. Just moments ago, those two girls were all cocky and full of energy.

No one knew exactly what Shen Wanwan had said, but somehow both of them now looked like wilted eggplants, completely deflated.

Soon, gossip-seekers came to dig for details, and after learning what had happened, they all started scolding Shen Wanwan instead.

“What’s Shen Wanwan so smug about? Isn’t she just riding on her family’s wealth?”

“No matter how much she talks back, it won’t change the fact that Su Tingxuan dumped her…”

“She’s just jealous! Her personality’s awful, no wonder no man would like her…”

But before those words had even finished, a handsome figure suddenly caught their attention.

Even though his face was partially hidden by a baseball cap and mask, the man’s natural air of nobility made it clear he came from an extraordinary background. Every gesture of his radiated grace and elegance.

Though they hadn’t seen his face, that didn’t stop anyone from immediately concluding—

He must be really good-looking.

Someone couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Wow, he’s kind of hot!
“Anyone want to go ask for his number with me?!
“He’s seriously so handsome! I’m falling in love again!!!”

People who came here generally weren’t short on money.

But a man with that kind of presence was a rare find.

Several people looked tempted, clearly wanting to approach and ask for his number.

One person even boldly called out, “Hey, handsome! Look over here!”

But the man acted like he didn’t hear a thing, and walked straight toward Shen Wanwan.

When Shao Yuye was nine years old, his birthday wish was for his mother to come and take him away.

It was the same at ten, eleven, and twelve.

Back then, he was still young, and all he could think was, if only Shao Hongyuan hadn’t cheated.

At least then, he would still have a complete family.

A father, a mother, himself, and his little sister.

A family of four, living in harmony.

If only Shao Hongyuan hadn’t cheated… if only Shao Hongyuan hadn’t been such scum…

If only his parents hadn’t divorced…

If only… his mother could come back and take him away!

But he soon realized, there are no ‘ifs’ in this world.

His mother had taken only his little sister.

Which meant, he was the one she abandoned.

And who would, after all those years, go looking for trash they themselves had thrown away?

Once he came to terms with that, Shao Yuye let it go.

…In truth, he had already become different from the children in normal families at the age of nine.

And later, he became the ‘orphan whose parents died’ on his résumé.

Fans felt heartbroken reading this, but Shao Yuye himself acted like nothing was wrong.

Everyone thought he was more fragile than he really was.

He didn’t need a father. He didn’t need a mother.

All he needed was his little sister.

His innocent little sister.

The one who had screamed and cried that she didn’t want to be separated from her brother, even as their mother dragged her far, far away.

Countless emotions surged in his chest. Shao Yuye clenched his jaw, breathing rapidly, his pupils flashing with deep anger.

He had thought he’d grown numb over the years, that he’d trained himself not to react anymore to that word.

But the moment his sister said ‘Mom,’ he couldn’t stop his mind from conjuring up Shen Mingzhen’s face.

Back then, their mother had really been gentle.

She used to personally drop him off and pick him up from school every day. No matter what he did, she’d praise him and say he was amazing.

When she smiled, her eyes curved beautifully. Sometimes, she’d even act coy and say, “My darling son doesn’t love me anymore. He doesn’t want to be close to me.”

He’d complain about how annoying she was, but his body would still instinctively lean in and kiss her on the cheek.

—“Alright, alright.
—“Your son loves you.”

The more Shao Yuye remembered, the more he couldn’t control his trembling body.

Everything in front of him seemed to go dark, as if countless hands were reaching out from every direction to drag him into a bottomless abyss.

—It must be because I wasn’t good enough that Mom didn’t want me.

That thought had haunted him for many years.

Until a warm embrace pulled him back.

Shao Yuye froze. The light returned to his vision, and his gaze slowly focused. He saw the girl in front of him.

Shen Wanwan was gently holding him, her soft hand lightly patting his tense back.

She didn’t say a word, and yet all the deep resentment and bitterness in his heart were soothed, quieted bit by bit by her tender gestures.

He bit his lip and tried to make his voice sound calm: “I don’t want to see her.”

Shen Wanwan’s tone was neutral: “Up to you.”

Shao Yuye’s throat bobbed. There was still something stuck there, something he wanted to say but didn’t know how.

Shen Wanwan motioned for him to leave.

It was about time for them to head back.

Shao Yuye’s steps unconsciously slowed.

He walked behind Shen Wanwan, silently watching her back.

For a moment, he wanted to ask her to stay.

Because behind the joy of something lost being found again… was fear and unease.

More painful than loss is regaining something, only to lose it again.

But Shao Yuye quickly forced those thoughts away.

He didn’t want to be a burden to his sister.

He had just finished convincing himself of that when Shen Wanwan suddenly opened the door to his nanny van.

Brother Li, who was waiting inside, greeted him with a smile: “Ah Ye!”

Then his gaze shifted upward, and met Shen Wanwan’s cold, aloof face.

Brother Li faltered.

To be honest… he was a little afraid of Shen Wanwan.

Even though Shen Wanwan was a full twelve years younger than him,

Her confident and assertive aura always carried an overwhelming sense of pressure.

It made people instinctively want to do as she said.

When Shao Yuye saw her getting into the car, he was momentarily stunned.

“What are you doing?”

Her own car was still waiting over there.

Shen Wanwan asked him back, “Aren’t we going home?”

Brother Li immediately perked up. He knew this drill. He had driven her before, and eagerly volunteered, “Same address as last time?”

Shen Wanwan gave him a cool sideways glance. “You don’t even know where your own artist lives?”

Brother Li: “……”

Huh?

—Your own artist?

Who?

Ah Ye?!!

Wait a minute, Shen Wanwan is going home with Shao Yuye?????

Even though the two were biological siblings and Brother Li wasn’t the least bit worried anything ambiguous would happen between them, still…

Shen Wanwan is going home with Shao Yuye!!!

He stared at Shao Yuye in shock.

Shao Yuye was already smiling, the corners of his mouth lifting. He was clearly delighted inside, but still put on a proud act:

“There are no housekeepers at my place. I can’t pamper you like some heiress. And I don’t plan on hiring one either. If you’re coming back with me, you better be mentally prepared…”

Shen Wanwan remained calm and indifferent:

“Then learn. What’s there to be proud of?
“If you don’t even know how to do housework, how can you be my brother?”

Brother Li went silent.

No wonder she was a rich young lady. Her train of thought really was different.

Isn’t a little sister supposed to be her older brother’s little sweetheart?

But Shao Yuye also didn’t seem to think the way most people did.

His eyes suddenly lit up, as if he’d just had a great epiphany. He slapped his thigh. “Right! Why didn’t I think of that!”

He was going to cook for his little sister!

Shen Wanwan smiled in satisfaction.

“Brother is the best.”

Those four words made Shao Yuye feel refreshed from head to toe, from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes.

He was going to study all eight major cuisines tonight!

Tomorrow, he’d prepare a full Manchu Han Imperial Feast for his sister!

Watching all of this unfold, Brother Li could only sigh helplessly.

—Seriously, Ah Ye, I suspect you’ve been ripped of at a karaoke bar. I have evidence.

The car soon arrived at the parking lot of Shao Yuye’s residence.

Brother Li looked around to make sure no paparazzi were tailing them before letting the two out of the car.

But Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye were both completely relaxed. One lazy and carefree, the other utterly unconcerned.

Only Brother Li remained anxious the whole time, nervously safeguarding their journey, and in the end, he even got mocked by Shao Yuye for it.

Working-class Brother Li felt utterly drained.

Shao Yuye’s apartment wasn’t as spacious as Shao Hongyuan’s, but it was fully and completely his.

He didn’t have to worry about running into an annoying stepmother or stepsister at home.

All the windows were one-way glass. He could see out, but people outside couldn’t see in.

That provided a great deal of privacy.

No one usually lived in the apartment, but a cleaning lady came by regularly, so it was kept spotless.

Shao Yuye enthusiastically led her to a room.

Even though he had always lived here alone, he had specifically left a room for his sister when he bought the place.

He opened the door.

The room had a warm, romantic princess theme. It was clearly designed and decorated with great care, he had put his heart into it. On the wall was even a childhood photo of the two of them.

Shao Yuye looked a bit awkward, and also a little nervous. “Do you like it?”

{I love it!!}

—{I really, really love it!!!!}

On Shen Wanwan’s shoulder, 001 was practically losing its mind.

—{I want a brother like this too!}

Shen Wanwan hadn’t expected that her brother had already prepared everything for her.

She looked at the photo of the two of them—

Her thoughts instantly drifted back to the year she wore a little crown, held a diamond scepter, and lived carefree.

She blinked lightly.

“Thank you, Brother.”

He missed her even more than she’d imagined.

---

It was already late at night.

When Shen Wanwan came out of the bathroom after her shower, Shao Yuye was studying recipes.

Tomorrow morning, he was going to cook for the first time, to show off his amazing skills to his little sister.

After returning to her room, Shen Wanwan sent a message to Shen Mingzhen.

“Mom, I’m at Brother’s place. I found him.”

Two minutes later, Shen Mingzhen’s video call came through.

Her voice carried a sense of confusion.

“Wanwan, what do you mean by Brother?”

Shen Wanwan reminded her, “Shao Yuye.”

Shen Mingzhen still sounded puzzled:

“Shao Yuye… that name sounds familiar? Is he that partner of yours on the show?
“I remember he was a really cute young guy.
“You’re at Shao Yuye’s house right now? Send Mommy the address. It’s not safe for a girl to be at a guy’s place this late at night. I’ll have someone pick you up…”

001 gently reminded Shen Wanwan beside her:

{Your mother’s memories have also been erased by the plot… so she doesn’t remember your brother at all. You need to awaken her memories as much as possible!}

This was more or less what Shen Wanwan had anticipated.

Shen Mingzhen had completely forgotten Shao Yuye’s existence.

Even though she had been watching Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye complete missions on the show together, she didn’t recognize him as her own son at all.

As they continued talking, Shen Mingzhen suddenly noticed a family photo on the wall behind Shen Wanwan.

“Hey, the little girl in that photo looks like you when you were young…
“Back then, your eyes were so big and round, absolutely adorable…”

Shen Wanwan said, “That is me.”

Shen Mingzhen was surprised: “Huh?”

Shen Wanwan turned her phone’s camera toward the photo.

She spoke slowly and clearly: “The one next to me is Brother.”

But Shen Mingzhen thought she was joking: “You’re my only daughter, where would a brother come from…”

Just as the words left her mouth, a sudden sharp pain stabbed through Shen Mingzhen’s head.

She froze.

In the distant haze of memory, it was as if a childish boy’s voice was calling her: “Mom—”

Shen Wanwan sent her the results of the kinship test.

“See for yourself.”

On the other end, Shen Mingzhen stared at the report as if struck by lightning.

Something deep in her mind seemed on the verge of breaking through.

But when she tried to grasp it, she found nothing.

Without realizing it, two silent tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

She touched her face in surprise.

“Why… why am I crying?”

---

On the final morning’s ‘battle declaration’ segment, Shao Yuye spread his arms arrogantly and said, “Being in first place really is boring.”

Zhang Yiran, still brooding over the 200 coins he lost last time, immediately responded, “Then stop winning for a bit and wait for me to clear three more rounds. Let’s have a rematch.”

Shao Yuye shot him a calm sideways glance and replied coolly:

“Shut up, second place.”

Zhang Yiran: “…Damn it!”

Damn!

He immediately gathered the other teams and suggested, “Brothers, how can we let this slide? Should we band together and punish them a little?”

Li Yan had been thinking the same thing and asked right away, “How do we punish them?”

Zhang Yiran grinned and said, “Throw all your debuff cards at them! I don’t believe we can’t drag him down!”

Zhang Yiran thought this would force Shao Yuye to rein it in a little.

But Shao Yuye just grinned arrogantly. “Go ahead, use everything you’ve got if you dare!”

Well then.

With that declaration, the guys on set got fired up.

“You said it yourself!”

In no time, everyone threw their debuff cards at him.

A whopping dozen or so debuffs, Shao Yuye was instantly dumbfounded.

What the hell! That’s way too many!

There were ones that banned him from jumping for the next five rounds, ones that stopped him from speaking, and even one that required them to collect 100 pinecones from Bamboo Mountain before advancing to the next stage, and so on.

What kind of ridiculous debuffs are these?!

So many in number, and so varied in type.

It nearly blinded him.

But he and Shen Wanwan had plenty of buff cards too, and could use them one by one to cancel out the negative effects. Still, with it being the final stage, burning through so many item cards like this… wasn’t exactly a wise move.

But if they didn’t…

Doesn’t that mean they can’t keep going in the challenge?!

Shao Yuye instantly broke down!

Shen Wanwan gestured for him to stop competing.

“Let’s just stop here for now.”

They had already gotten far enough by level 36, enough to coast for a day.

“How could we stop now?!”

Shao Yuye thought to himself: I’ve been in the industry for years and faced way trickier situations than this, I’ve never backed down!

“Don’t panic, I’ll think of something.” Shen Wanwan gave a little smile. “Since they want to play, let’s play along with them.”

Shao Yuye was stunned.

—Play how?

The livestream chat was also full of questions : [How are they gonna play?]

Shen Wanwan asked, “Do you have a driver’s license?”

Shao Yuye nodded. “Yeah.” Still confused, he asked, “Are we driving somewhere?”

Shen Wanwan nodded. “Mm-hmm. Go talk to the director and buy a vehicle to get around.”

Since her brother would be driving, she figured he should choose the ride himself.

Shao Yuye still looked puzzled.

And the viewers in the livestream were all just as confused.

[So… what’s the car for?]

Even though he had no idea what trick his sister was planning, Shao Yuye still went to ask the production team.

They currently had 900 Speed Coins. Not enough for a four-wheeled electric car yet, but more than enough to get a two-wheeled scooter or motorcycle.

But then… Shao Yuye’s gaze uncontrollably drifted…

Toward another kind of vehicle entirely.

Ten minutes later, Shao Yuye drove back to pick up Shen Wanwan, in his chosen ‘car’.

Shen Wanwan was watching the real-time livestream provided by the crew, replying to fan comments one by one.

“No plans to take on any acting roles for now.”
“Just gonna finish this variety show first.”

The moment she said that, a loud honk sounded behind her.

She turned around—

—and was caught off guard by the sight of a shabby little tricycle decked out in Ultraman stickers.

Shao Yuye sat in it looking smug, throwing her a wink.

“Hop in!”

Shen Wanwan visibly twitched at the corner of her mouth.

“…Don’t tell me this is the vehicle you bought.”

Shao Yuye looked innocently at his ride.

“What’s wrong with it?” He did a little circle in the trike. “It’s electric!”

“…”

Shen Wanwan just imagined herself sitting in that thing—

—and the air immediately turned suffocating with awkward silence.

The livestream chat exploded in laughter:

[Hahahahaha! Brother Ye: Look at my ride, it’s Ultraman!]

[There’s no Ultraman trap Shao Yuye won’t fall into, not even a busted little Ultraman tricycle!]

[I’m dying! Shen Wanwan always looks so calm, this is the first time I’ve ever seen her so done.]

[Wanwan : “Excuse me?! An electric trike?! Where am I supposed to put my rich heiress dignity??” This expression is too cute omg LOL! ]

Shen Wanwan had to take two deep breaths to suppress the urge to scold her brother on the spot.

But the guy was totally clueless, and even sweetly coaxed her: “Can’t help it! Let’s just make do, okay?”

Shao Yuye revved the engine loudly.

“Hop on.”

“I’ll take you for a ride!”

Shen Wanwan: “…”

If looks could kill—

She’d have already riddled Shao Yuye with bullets.

And to make it worse, that clueless little light orb kept chirping:

{Wow! Let’s ride! Let’s ride!
{Brother is amazing!!! I want to ride the Ultraman trike too—just thinking about it is so cool!}

If this were just a regular teammate…

Shen Wanwan would’ve walked away on the spot.

But this was her Brother.

Her actual, blood-related, older brother.

With his innocent and childlike gaze.

So Shen Wanwan spent 20 Speed Tokens to buy herself a little step stool.

That way she could gracefully get onto the backseat without awkwardly climbing up and baring her teeth.

The little sofa they’d bought earlier finally came in handy too. At her insistence, staff hauled it up and strapped it onto the trike.

Only then did Shen Wanwan feel the ride was barely acceptable. She sat down with an air of pride.

The livestream chat burst out laughing again:

[Elegant. Absolutely elegant. That was elegance incarnate.]
[Hahahaha (the last shred of the rich heiress’s dignity).jpg]
[This livestream is killing me today!]
[Brother Ye is definitely the comic relief here, but who knew he and Shen Wanwan would have such amazing chemistry together! ]

Shao Yuye revved the engine again.

“Alright, tell me—where do you wanna go?”

After throwing all their debuff cards at Shao Yuye, Zhang Yiran smugly basked in his small victory.

At the moment, they were on level 33.

Taking advantage of the time Shao Yuye was tied up by the debuffs, he and Bai Ling should be able to get ahead smoothly.

Level 33 was called ‘Plucking the Tiger’s Whiskers’, but in reality, it was an upgraded version of ‘Red Light, Green Light’.

The ground was covered with a black-and-white smooth mat.

A staff member dressed in a tiger mascot suit stood with his back to the players, acting as the caller.

Contestants could only move forward when his back was turned, but only by stepping on the black tiles. Stepping on a white tile meant failure.

The black tiles on the mat were extremely small.

Most of the time, contestants could only stand on one foot.

They had to reach the ‘tiger’s back and pluck a whisker within two minutes to pass.

This was already Zhang Yiran and Bai Ling’s third attempt at this level.

The round started off well; within just thirty seconds, Zhang Yiran had already covered half the distance.

At that moment, Bai Ling suddenly asked, “Do you hear something?”

Zhang Yiran turned around. “What sound?!”

As soon as he spoke, a loud engine noise came roaring closer.

The two of them looked off into the distance in the direction of the sound.

They saw—coming into view—a vintage Ultraman-themed electric tricycle.

It rumbled loudly, the sound aggressive and over-the-top.

But that wasn’t the main point…

The real kicker was who was on that tricycle—

Shao Yuye, wearing sunglasses, a stalk of foxtail grass between his lips, gripping the handlebars with both hands as he steered…

And behind him sat Shen Wanwan, elegant and poised, lounging on a soft sofa even while riding a tricycle.

The audience in the livestream was stunned speechless by the absurd scene.

Then they burst into laughter—

[Help! This scene is so ‘beautiful’!]

[Why are Shao Yuye and Shen Wanwan riding around instead of playing the level?!]

[LMAO sorry, but the two of them on that trike seriously look like a village tyrant and the village belle!]

[Please be more precise—it’s the handsome village tyrant and the gorgeous village belle, LOL!]

Zhang Yiran was completely dumbfounded.

What the hell…

What kind of dramatic entrance was this?!

Thankfully, Bai Ling reminded him they had a game to finish.

Zhang Yiran snapped back to reality and continued hopping forward.

Just as he was one step away from the tiger-suited staff, one foot raised high and arms spread wide in a ‘great eagle spreads its wings’ pose—

Shen Wanwan struck with lightning speed, playing a Freeze Card.

The director announced, “Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye have used a debuff item on you!”

“Please hold your current pose for ten minutes! If you fail, you’ll be punished with a forehead flick!”

Zhang Yiran : “…”

He finally understood, Shen Wanwan was out to kill him.

Bai Ling’s expression was also pained.

Though both her feet were on the mat, in order to stay within the black tiles, she had to tiptoe. Before long, her calves began to tremble.

Meanwhile, Shen Wanwan leisurely reclined on the sofa and ordered another afternoon tea set.

While Zhang Yiran and Bai Ling were suffering, she and Shao Yuye were happily enjoying their pastries.

At that moment, Shao Yuye finally understood why she had made him buy the tricycle.

So this was to go door-to-door enacting precise, targeted revenge!

Brilliant!

His sister was brilliant!

Truly worthy of being his sister!

He puffed out his chest with pride.

Naturally, Zhang Yiran and Bai Ling failed.

They also failed the Level 33.

After suffering their forehead flick punishment, just as they resumed the game, Shen Wanwan hit them with a Slippery Floor Card.

Lubricant was poured onto the already unstable mat.

Every jump caused their feet to slip. Without strong core muscles, it was easy to fall.

Zhang Yiran shouted, “Hey, aren’t you two going too far?!”

Shao Yuye snorted, “And throwing cards at us earlier wasn’t too far?!”

Zhang Yiran tried to argue back at first, but there was no use. Shen Wanwan’s attacks were always perfectly timed.

Victory was always right within reach—but never attainable—

It was torture!

He completely lost it.

“The two of us aren’t the only ones who used debuff cards on you! Why don’t you spread the love around?!”

At this point, how was anyone supposed to clear the level?!

Fair point.

Shen Wanwan kept a strict eye on the time. Seeing that they’d already been delayed here for over twenty minutes, she signaled to Shao Yuye to turn the car around.

“Let’s go. On to the next team.”

Shao Yuye wasn’t done playing yet. “Come on, let’s stay a bit longer.”

Shen Wanwan curled her lips coldly. “We’ll come back later.”

The livestream chat was practically dying of laughter:

[Are you two on a tour or what?!]

[Hahaha let’s guess who the next unlucky victim will be!]

After Shao Yuye turned the car around, he gleefully sent another debuff item card to Zhang Yiran’s team.

Sure enough, a minute later, a heartbroken cry came from behind them—Zhang Yiran.

Shao Yuye curved his lips into a smirk, not bothering to look back.

—A real man never looks back at explosions.

They repeated this tactic with several teams in the back.

Wherever their flashy little Ultraman car passed, debuff cards followed in its wake.

The chat was almost blinded by their antics.

[Hahahahaha I’m seriously about to die laughing in this stream!]

[Shen Wanwan and Shao Yuye’s moves are just too slick!]

[Suddenly I think Shen Wanwan really is the perfect match for Shao Yuye. I hereby dub them the ‘Petty Revenge Duo’!]

[Hahahaha yes!!! So savage!! But I’m loving it! Today’s karma score: -10086 hahaha!]

And just like that, this episode of <Extreme Challenge> officially came to a close amid laughter and cheers.

Hashtags like #Shao Yuye#, #Shen Wanwan#, and #Petty Revenge Duo# all shot up the trending charts, their popularity holding steady at the top.

Once the entire competition was over, Shen Wanwan had someone pack up their luggage and load it into the car. Then she turned to Shao Yuye.

“Do you want to come back with me?”

Shao Yuye raised an eyebrow. “Hm?”

Shen Wanwan paused for a moment. “Do you want to see her?”

“See who?”

But even as he asked, the answer had already surfaced in Shao Yuye’s heart.

“Mom.”

When she spoke that distant, now almost unfamiliar word, Shao Yuye’s heart gave a hard, uncontrollable thump.

—Mom… huh?

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