Chapter 47

The next morning at eight o’clock, Lu Wuqi and Lin Qingxu left their room and appeared in the living room.

Breakfast was provided uniformly by the program team—fairly common fare like buns, fried dough sticks, eggs, soy milk, milk, and white porridge. The guests could choose freely.

“Teacher Fan, good morning.” Lin Qingxu smiled and greeted her before sitting down next to Lu Wuqi.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” Fan Ying asked with a beaming smile.

“Pretty good. The mattress was just the right firmness—I fell asleep soon after lying down.” Lin Qingxu replied. “You can even see a nice view after pulling back the curtains.”

Fan Ying nodded slightly. “Indeed. The greening in the neighborhood is excellent, and there’s a forest nearby.”

Before Lin Qingxu could make a move, Lu Wuqi had already prepared breakfast for her first: a cup of soy milk, an egg, and a steaming hot meat bun.

After taking a sip of the soy milk, Lin Qingxu subconsciously glanced at Lu Wuqi’s breakfast in front of her—just a cup of milk and two eggs.

“Xiao Qi, you’re only eating two eggs?” Lin Qingxu frowned slightly. “Will that fill you up?”

“No problem. I never eat much for breakfast anyway.” Lu Wuqi picked up her glass and took a sip of milk. A ring of white “mustache” quickly formed around her lips.

“Eat another bun. Today’s tasks might be tough—we might even have to haul bricks.” Lin Qingxu said as she stuffed the bun from her hand into Lu Wuqi’s. “If you can’t finish a whole one, eat half.”

“What if I end up eating that half too?” Lu Wuqi asked weakly. She actually wanted to eat more, but the side effects of her medication dulled her appetite, making everything taste bland. The two eggs were already the result of her efforts.

“Then just eat the meat inside.” Lin Qingxu softened her tone, adopting the gentle coaxing voice she used for kids at mealtime. “It’s not like home here—there’s no auntie to make you snacks. Eat a little more, okay?”

“Alright, I’ll try.” Lu Wuqi picked up the bun and took a bite.

Similar conversations and interactions had happened countless times between Lu Wuqi and Lin Qingxu, so neither of them found anything off about it. They even swapped drinks midway through.

But Fan Ying, who was witnessing an adult being coaxed into eating for the first time, was stunned for a good while. Her expression grew complicated as she inwardly celebrated that it wasn’t yet nine o’clock. The program team’s live stream was still showing outdoor shots and hadn’t captured their exchange. Otherwise, they would’ve topped the hot searches in minutes.

–

The program team truly hadn’t prepared any script, but the tasks they’d set up were challenging enough.

First, the guests had to borrow at least two cars from residents in the villa district without spending a single cent. Then, they needed to head to the designated fishing ground and talk the boss into providing the venue and gear for free.

If it had just been free venue and equipment, it might’ve been doable—especially with Fan Ying, the film queen with sky-high national recognition. A signature and photo op probably would’ve sealed the deal.

But the program team didn’t stop there. They boldly upped the ante by requiring the guests to ask the boss for money in return. Specifically, the boss had to agree to buy back whatever fish they caught, at the fishing ground’s standard price per jin.

The money earned from that would cover dinner for all six guests, to be spent at a restaurant designated by the program team.

【Holy crap, isn’t this ultimate mooching? The production team really gets what we wanna see!】

【What we wanna see? Watching the celebs get so awkward they can’t speak, or sell their talents? [Doge]】

【Watch your wording up top. It’s not “selling talents”—it’s “friendly exchange”!】

“Wait, has the production team communicated with the villa district owners beforehand? If not, six of us knocking on doors could disturb a lot of people trying to rest.” After hearing the day’s tasks, Zhu Zixuan was the first to raise her hand with a question.

“We’ve coordinated with property management, and the owners didn’t object once they knew.” The executive director announced through his megaphone. “But no objections doesn’t mean every owner will lend their cars. You folks might need to work a bit harder and visit more households.”

The executive director didn’t spell it out, but the guests all got the implication. This was a villa district where an inch of land cost an inch of gold—villas here ran into nine figures. People who could afford them generally didn’t have any starstruck filters.

Aside from a veteran film queen like Teacher Fan, most owners probably wouldn’t even recognize the rest of them. They’d have to humble themselves to have any shot at borrowing a car.

“Any other questions about the tasks?” the executive director asked.

“No money allowed? What if a friend of mine is willing to lend us a car? Would that count as cheating?” Lin Zhi asked.

The executive director had anticipated that loophole and replied calmly, “We’re only allowing requests to owners in this district. If Teacher Lin Zhi’s friend happens to be one, we won’t interfere.”

“Any owner’s car will do?” Lu Wuqi followed up.

“Yes, as long as it’s an owner. But only one car per request.” The executive director said. “If there are no more questions, you can start. We’ll only provide lunch during the fishing.”

【I looked it up—that fishing ground is private. Betting the production team dug a pit there, with nested tasks like that ring toss from last episode.】

【That said, I kinda wanna see the celebs hit snags and overcome them. Real challenge makes it fun to watch.】

【I swear I’m a Xiao Xinyi fan, but I really wanna see him dance to beg for favors! The ab-revealing kind!】

“We’ve got six people—one car won’t fit us all. How about splitting into two groups and heading out separately?” Lin Zhi said with a smile. “That way, even if one group lags, we won’t come away empty-handed.”

“Sure, how should we group up?” Zhu Zixuan asked.

“Little Zhu, you know Teacher Qiqi, so you three should have more to talk about. Me, Teacher Fan, and Little Xiao in the other group?” Lin Zhi suggested, acting like it was all for Zhu Zixuan’s sake.

“I don’t mind.” Zhu Zixuan, not one for overthinking, saw no issue with the arrangement. She was even happy to avoid grouping with the two seniors.

Xiao Xinyi picked up on something, but as a beneficiary, he stayed quiet.

“Little Lin, can you three young ones manage? Want me to join you? We could group by gender?” Fan Ying spoke up proactively.

Fan Ying had a good impression of Lin Qingxu—she knew the actress had clawed her way up on talent alone—so she extended an olive branch.

“Thanks, Teacher Fan.” Lin Qingxu accepted straightforwardly without hesitation. “But this grouping feels a bit unfair to Teacher Lin Zhi and Teacher Xiao Xinyi.”

“Teacher Fan makes a great point. Grouping by gender is a solid idea.” Lin Zhi said with a gracious smile on camera, not a hint of displeasure showing.

“It’s hardly unfair. Whatever money we earn gets pooled for everyone. Getting to the fishing ground faster would actually help us nail the final task and have dinner.”

If Lin Qingxu hadn’t seen Lin Zhi’s true face off-camera, she might’ve bought it right then—along with the live viewers, who’d peg him as the perfect senior.

【Teacher Lin Zhi is so thoughtful—opened up the big picture in one go!】

【Who cares about groups? We’re all one team!】

【Still, it does kinda screw Teacher Lin Zhi over. The group with Teacher Fan Ying will borrow cars easy.】

“Indeed.” Lu Wuqi said. “Teacher Lin Zhi’s words make a lot of sense. I’ve learned something.”

“Oh, no—I’m just stating facts.” Lin Zhi replied humbly.

Lu Wuqi smiled. “Xuxu, give me a call.”

“Hm?” Lin Qingxu blinked, then caught on to her girlfriend’s intent. “Right now?”

Lu Wuqi nodded with a smile and pulled out her phone, waiting for the call from her girlfriend.

Seeing this, Lin Zhi frowned instinctively. Something felt like it was slipping from his control.

The moment the caller ID popped up, Lu Wuqi answered. With full ceremony, she held the phone to her ear and stepped back several paces.

“Ahem, does Teacher Xiao Qi have any spare cars at home? I’d like to borrow one.” Lin Qingxu asked solemnly, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked at Lu Wuqi.

“Of course. I’ll take you to the garage in a bit to pick one out. Drive off with whichever you like—no need to talk about ‘borrowing.'” Lu Wuqi replied, her lips curving into a beautiful arc.

【Huh? Am I growing a brain?】

【What “huh”! Rich lady sis, look at me! I wanna borrow a car too!】

【No way it’s this coincidental. Scripted?】

【How could it be scripted? Did you see Xiao Xinyi’s eyes bulging? His acting sucks—he couldn’t fake that realism!】

【Weren’t you a Xiao Xinyi fan upstairs? Not cool commenting like that on the man himself.】

【No biggie, I’ve switched walls. My idol’s now rich lady sis—goal is her pampering!】

【My wife turns out to be a rich lady? Love her even more now!】

“Teacher Qiqi, you have a villa here?” Xiao Xinyi swallowed hard, his gaze toward Lu Wuqi shifting instantly.

Villas here were worth over a hundred million each! Was Lu Wuqi some hidden heiress?

Damn, he’d reacted too slow! Someone who went to high school with Zhu Zixuan and made her wary couldn’t come from ordinary stock. Was it too late to buddy up now?

“Mm.” Lu Wuqi calmly pocketed her phone and returned to her girlfriend’s side, taking her left hand. “There should be five or six cars in the underground level two. Pick whichever you like.”

“Here?” A hint of surprise crept into Lin Qingxu’s voice. No way it was that perfect?

“Yep. The place we’re staying is my villa.” Lu Wuqi said with a light chuckle. “Though I prefer living in the Haishi New City Villa. I only come here for a few days when I need inspiration.”

“So, did Teacher Qiqi know the program team’s tasks in advance?” Lin Zhi couldn’t resist chiming in, phrasing it like a joke. “They’d need the owner’s permission to rent the place, right? Did you pull some strings?”

“I had no idea before arriving. All my seldom-used properties are managed by a professional team.” Lu Wuqi replied evenly, her gaze on Lin Zhi as calm as a still lake, without a ripple.

“And once here, I didn’t see the need to tell everyone it’s my house.” Lu Wuqi added, explaining further for the live audience. “My private area is the third floor, off-limits to guests. I haven’t even gone there myself. So no strings pulled.”

“Besides, the director already clarified: as long as the lender’s a district owner, it’s not cheating.” Lu Wuqi continued, a faint curve at her lips.

“I agree with what Teacher Lin Zhi just said—we’re a team, and dinner funds are shared. So please keep at it, Teacher Lin Zhi and Teacher Xiao Xinyi. I’ll take Xuxu, Teacher Fan… and Zhu Zixuan ahead.”

What could he say when she shoved his own words back at him?

Lin Zhi naturally didn’t argue—especially not against his own recent statement.

Plastering on his approachable smile, he reverted to his good-tempered self. “Teacher Qiqi’s right. Please look after Teacher Fan, then.”

“Teacher Fan’s still young. I think I need her guidance more than she needs looking after.” Lu Wuqi shot back, neither yielding nor aggressive.

【Uh, not sure if I should say this, but… does it feel like my Qiqi doesn’t like Teacher Lin Zhi much?】

【I have this feeling too, but Teacher Lin Zhi’s condition seems a bit off today. His words just don’t sit right.】

【What are you talking about? Teacher Lin Zhi just doesn’t like guests who take the back door. Don’t forget, Intimate 72 Hours is all about being real and unscripted, okay? If someone pulls strings behind the scenes, that’s breaking the rules!】

【No, didn’t Qiqi Wife already explain it? She had no idea before arriving that she’d be staying in a property under her own name, right?】

The arguments in the live chat didn’t interrupt the stream’s continuation. But after spotting the six cars parked in the garage, the chat topics quickly veered off course, turning into debates over which car looked the best.

As he followed them into the underground garage, Lin Zhi still clung to a faint hope. He figured Lu Wuqi probably wasn’t the real owner of the villa. More likely, the company backing her had paid off the production team to craft her an image as a glamorous heiress from a wealthy family.

This sort of thing wasn’t uncommon in the entertainment industry. Managers pulled out all the stops with marketing tactics to boost their artists’ fame.

But when the Xiao Yang Bodyguard approached with a box full of car keys, that last shred of hope in Lin Zhi’s heart shattered completely.

He seemed to have unintentionally offended a seriously rich second-generation heiress…