The red light on the device above their heads blinked twice. Qiao Huaiyao, who was extremely tired, didn’t notice.
The livestream suddenly appeared on the screen, and the sparsely populated bullet comments instantly flooded the screen.
[“What the heck is this spooky livestream time?”]
[“Ah… it’s worth staying up all night for this!”]
[“Indeed, directors who choose livestreaming times are all shady characters.”]
[“Is this torture for the guests or for us?”]
[“Zhao Jiamo: You didn’t make such a face when you praised me yesterday.”]
…
Bai Jinyan walked back and forth a bit, quickly dealt with his rain-soaked clothes, and only returned to the bedroom after tidying up. The unlit bedroom was very quiet, and you could only hear the faint and steady breathing if you listened carefully.
Bai Jinyan wasn’t particularly sleepy, so he sat at the bedside and turned on a desk lamp to read the script. Meanwhile, the audience in the livestream chat was struggling to stay awake and kept typing.
[“Anyone else still awake at this hour, happened to click into their livestream?”]
[“Why does watching the script feel so uncomfortable? I know Bai Jinyan is afraid of waking up Qiao Qiao, but why doesn’t he just go outside to read it?”]
[“Reading the script = working. When you’re tired from work, it’s nice to look up and see your sleeping wife.”]
[“Totally reasonable!”]
…
Bai Jinyan flipped through the script, and in the dim light of the desk lamp, the flashing red and green lights not far above his head became more conspicuous. Bai Jinyan frowned as if he realized something. He got up, covered the entire camera with his jacket.
This was not the time for non-variety show filming. To cover or not to cover, it depended on the guest’s preference. Without the blinking colors, the room felt even quieter.
Bai Jinyan tidied up Qiao Huaiyao’s blanket, smoothed out the wrinkles at the edges, and tucked it in.
When Qiao Huaiyao woke up again, it was already bright outside. The curtains hanging by the window couldn’t completely block the sunlight from entering. Warm sunlight seeped through the curtains, coloring half of the bedsheet.
Qiao Huaiyao found several unread messages on his phone, all from Zhao Jiamo. It started with a group text reminding everyone to pick up breakfast, then it progressed to messages offering the remaining portions. Qiao Huaiyao noticed that it seemed like some of the later guests hadn’t received their breakfast yet. The last message was about the program’s activities.
Zhao Jiamo: [To all the guests who’ve received their supplies, you must be full of energy. The program team has arranged some physical activities, and we’re going hiking together. Please gather before 2 PM. Make sure to have lunch before coming, as we’ll be having dinner on the mountain, with a campfire picnic. The program team has prepared all the necessary camping gear in advance, and you can use your points to exchange for them. A special reminder, remember to leave some points for rent. If you spend all your points, you might face the risk of being kicked out of your current house.]
Picnic? Qiao Huaiyao raised an eyebrow, interpreting from the director’s message that they would be out until the evening, otherwise, there wouldn’t be any need for tents. He had slept in a bit, and by the time he finished his lunch, it was almost time to gather.
Hiking didn’t require many points, and with the points they had, it was more than enough. Just to be safe, Bai Jinyan carried a backpack. They reached the meeting point by following the marked path, and all the other guests were already there.
Zhao Jiamo waved a small flag. “Now that everyone’s here, let’s not waste any more time and head up the mountain.”
This mountain was also part of the rural tourism activities. It had been artificially developed, and while it provided the joy of climbing, it also ensured safety. Zhao Jiamo had been here early to scout the location, so he led the way like a tour guide, appearing quite professional.
The path had become a bit slippery after the rain, and although it wasn’t too muddy, it wasn’t easy to walk on. Bai Jinyan supported Qiao Huaiyao’s arm and helped him up. “Be careful, take it slow.”
“I’m fine,” Qiao Huaiyao replied confidently. Bai Jinyan walked beside him, one hand hovering near Qiao Huaiyao’s waist but not touching, providing a protective barrier without physical contact.
Behind them, Nie Yihang’s younger brother couldn’t help but comment, “Nie Yihang, look at how they’re being as brothers.”
Nie Yihang glanced at him. “Jealous? Want me to be your big brother?”
Nie Xingfei hesitated for a moment and then said, “Can’t I have a big brother like Brother Bai and Brother Qiao? Just to protect me a little?”
Nie Yihang replied coolly, “Then walk behind me.”
Nie Xingfei: “…”
Broken friendship.
It was challenging for the cameraman to carry the equipment up the mountain, so the production team had sent a drone to film from a high altitude. Flying too low risked hitting branches, so they kept it at an altitude where it could capture the participants and pick up audio.
The viewers in the livestream chat heard the conversation between the two pairs of brothers and were filled with laughter.
[“Hahaha, I’m really moved by this kind of brotherhood.”]
[“Bai Jinyan taking care of his little brother: Be careful, don’t rush. Nie Yihang taking care of his little brother: Today, this bastard, I have to be mean to him.”]
[“I can do it too! I can take care of my little brother better than Brother Bai! Qiao Qiao’s wife, give me a chance! My desire to perform is up!”]
[“The program team brought in Nie Yihang’s brothers just to compare with how good Brother Bai and Brother Qiao are, right? Thanks, I’m truly enlightened.”]
…
The mountain wasn’t too high. The path seemed narrow but had been artificially created. While providing the pleasure of mountain climbing, it also ensured safety.
Qiao Huaiyao climbed the mountain, enjoying the scenery along the way.
The mountain was planted with various plants, but the planting was not organized; seeds were scattered, and their growth depended on luck.
Visitors to the rural tourism site preferred the natural growth environment rather than seeing farmed crops, which didn’t look as picturesque.
Zhao Jiamo had been here before to scout the location, so he acted like a tour guide, leading the way professionally.