Chapter 43: World Two [13]

After Shao Qing finished eating and prepared for a nap, Xu Yin came back in a somewhat bedraggled state, carrying some seashells and sea snails. He simmered them haphazardly at the two-person camp to tide his stomach over.

Before Xu Yin could even bring the water to a boil, Zheng Xingxing, already half-full, returned. Seeing Xu Yin, he greeted him cheerfully.

“Teacher Xu, you didn’t eat fish with us. Brother Liu told me to give you this, as a little compensation,” Zheng Xingxing said, handing over a coconut.

Xu Yin instinctively frowned, but upon noticing the cameraman behind Zheng Xingxing, he quickly relaxed. “Thanks. Are you done eating?”

“I must’ve stepped out of the tent with my right foot first today, but my luck still seems terrible. Sorry for dragging you guys down,” Xu Yin sighed.

Taking the coconut, Xu Yin spoke with feigned sincerity: “I wanted to find some seafood to make up for it, but after an hour I only dug up a few dozen tiny shells. I’m too embarrassed to offer them.”

Zheng Xingxing laughed, seemingly carefree. “It’s fine. Today Teacher Shao also shared a grilled fish with everyone. With white rice, it still tasted top-notch.”

“Teacher Xu, are you going fishing again this afternoon?” Zheng Xingxing asked.

Xu Yin’s motion of dropping shells into the pot slowed a beat. “Probably not. I plan to try my luck elsewhere, see if I can find other edible things.”

“My luck is bad today; no point wasting time on fishing.” Xu Yin gave a fake smile. “By the way, I might need the entrenching tool this afternoon. Sorry, I can’t lend it to you.”

Xu Yin had seen through Zheng Xingxing’s intentions. He only allowed himself to step on others to climb higher; he’d never let others step on him to rise.

Zheng Xingxing’s grin stiffened. What did Xu Yin mean? Hadn’t he agreed to lend the tool in the morning? Now he was going back on his word?

“No problem, no problem. It’s your tool, Teacher Xu. Of course you take it if you need it—no need to lend it to me,” Zheng Xingxing said, still smiling.

“Teacher Shao probably won’t need the tool this afternoon. Brother Liu and I can share hers. At worst, we’ll just take turns chopping when one gets tired.”

“Oh, and if you can’t find enough supplies, Teacher Xu, you could learn from Teacher Shao and make your own fishing rod. Then all the fish you catch would be yours.”

Zheng Xingxing paused, then added: “Teacher Shao caught four big fish today using a hand-made rod.”

Zheng Xingxing wanted to get on good terms with Xu Yin so he’d give him a boost, yes. But with backers behind him, Zheng Xingxing wasn’t yet at the point of having to kowtow to Xu Yin.

If Xu Yin was willing to help him, fine; he could be his sidekick for this season.

But if Xu Yin really thought of himself as some big shot and expected Zheng Xingxing to lick his boots and actively curry favor—

Then sorry, Zheng Xingxing wasn’t that down-and-out yet. Without Xu Yin, he’d just wait for the next high-profile flight guest.

Zheng Xingxing and Xu Yin became somewhat strained. Though they didn’t argue in front of the cameras, the director, who loved a good spectacle, kept the live feed pointed at them.

The live-stream viewers had their own capacity for independent thought; they could tell whether the atmosphere between the two was harmonious or odd.

Xu Yin was currently riding high in popularity and had hopes of winning Best Actor as a future film emperor, so his fanbase was large. Plus, Xu Yin had personally bought paid trolls, so the barrage comments supporting him were numerous.

Zheng Xingxing, on the other hand, was an idol who debuted first in a talent show. Though his fanbase wasn’t as big as Xu Yin’s, he had many professional fans.

Moreover, during voting campaigns, Zheng Xingxing had cultivated a batch of die-hard fans. Those fans, when arguing, were each worth three, and they clashed fiercely with Xu Yin’s fans, who had the edge of paid trolls.

Seeing the soaring viewer numbers, the director leisurely sipped juice, kept the cameras on those two, and started inserting ads from the wealthy sponsors.

When combative fans collided, digging up the opposing side’s dirt became standard operation.

Thus, when Shao Qing woke from a blissful nap, Jing Ke informed her that her fortune had returned by one-third. If she went fishing now, she’d catch fish even faster than in the morning.

“I only napped for forty minutes, right?” Sitting cross-legged in her tent, Shao Qing rubbed her eyes, her tone puzzled.

【From the moment you lay down until just now, it’s been only thirty-nine minutes—not even forty.】 Jing Ke said.

【After Zheng Xingxing returned to his camp, he had friction with Xu Yin. Though they didn’t tear each other apart in front of the cameras, their astute fans sensed something wrong and started with cries of “Protect our brother,” then it escalated into a fight.】

【Dirt on both sides was dug up. Zheng Xingxing’s agent saw the opportunity and plans to blow things up for publicity and boost Zheng Xingxing’s profile.】

Shao Qing murmured an acknowledgment, faintly surprised that Zheng Xingxing had fallen out with Xu Yin but not at all shocked that his agent would deliberately fan the flames.

Because in terms of clout and fame, Zheng Xingxing couldn’t match Xu Yin. If their fans were seen fighting on even footing, that would help Zheng Xingxing’s standing.

After a round like this, Xu Yin’s name would be linked with Zheng Xingxing’s for a while. Anyone with a decent memory who heard the former would think of the latter.

【During the fan fight, they brought you up. Zheng Xingxing’s fans used your morning fishing results to mock Xu Yin as a noob.】

“I recall Zheng Xingxing only caught three fish too, right?” Shao Qing, suddenly dragged in, frowned slightly.

Being used as the comparison against which others are measured during fan wars was no good thing; she might end up catching flak.

【Yes, but Zheng Xingxing’s fans thought this contrast made Xu Yin look even more useless. The fact that you lent the entrenching tool to Liu Chang was also used to compare you with Xu Yin—since Xu Yin reneged and now won’t lend it to Zheng Xingxing.】

Shao Qing couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing that, a bit baffled by Xu Yin’s line of thinking.

Could it be that Xu Yin, thinking he had more fans than Zheng Xingxing, considered himself the senior and expected Zheng Xingxing to follow him around like a lackey?

Shao Qing didn’t intend to seriously ponder that question. She got up, straightened her clothes briefly, and stepped out of the tent.

At two in the afternoon, the sun still hung high in the sky. Strolling around without sunscreen would likely give her a different skin tone by the next day.

Having already braved the sun for a beachcombing session, Shao Qing didn’t plan on repeating yesterday’s task. Instead, she turned her attention to the basic tools provided by the production team.

A multi-function knife, windproof lighter, climbing rope, tactical flashlight, water bottle clip, whistle…

Each of these items seemed useful on its own, but taken together, it felt like she could survive even if something was missing?

Seeing Shao Qing staring at the toolbox, Jing Ke spoke up: 【Do you need some suggestions? About what you can do this afternoon?】

“What good ideas do you have?” Shao Qing asked. “I’ve got fish soup for tonight, and I haven’t finished the shellfish, so I’m not planning to fish.”

【You could make some simple traps. If you’re lucky, you might catch small animals like pheasants or wild rabbits.】

【Of course, if you think killing small animals is too cruel, you could keep them penned up. That would also get you plenty of screen time and attention.】

“I don’t follow Buddhism or any rule against killing. If I can catch a pheasant, there’s a chance for beggar’s chicken.” Shao Qing swallowed involuntarily after speaking.

Grilled fish was great, but grilled chicken would definitely taste amazing too.

【Setting up small traps is very simple. Just bring the multi-function knife; I can teach you.】

“Only that? Should I bring a pack of cake as bait?” Shao Qing asked.

【No need. Just pick some berries they like as bait. That’s easy to find; I’ll tell you the locations directly.】

Shao Qing had only watched some supplementary videos and had no systematic research on this. Fortunately, Jing Ke’s guidance was meticulous and earnest—from twisting ropes out of tree bark to whittling branches into the right shapes with the knife, and finally assembling everything properly.

Making the first trap took Shao Qing over half an hour. By the second and third, her movements became practiced, and she finished two in half an hour.

“Are three traps enough? Should I make a few more?” After discovering she’d picked up a new skill, Shao Qing felt eager.

This trigger-type trap was just that simple. Given ten minutes, she could make another.

【In principle, it’s sufficient. All three traps are set in areas where pheasants roam. Given your current luck, at least one will catch something; maybe even two.】

“So I can take it that I’ll definitely have roast chicken tomorrow?” Shao Qing asked.

【Yes, you can.】 Jing Ke affirmed.

“Then three it is. One pheasant will last me quite a while.” With that confirmation, Shao Qing immediately dropped the idea of making more traps.

If she ended up catching two pheasants tomorrow, one would inevitably wind up in someone else’s mouth.

Shao Qing was not one to work for free, and more importantly, she didn’t want the other guests to develop the habit of coming to her for food.

If she gave out food for three days straight, not only the other guests but even the live-stream viewers would start treating it as a given—no catch at noon? Don’t worry, Shao Qing will surely have extra to share.

Once that habit formed, Shao Qing would become the typical miserable drudge for the rest of the days, doing thankless, exhausting work.

Abandoning further trap-making, Shao Qing, at Jing Ke’s suggestion, turned to tinkering with handicrafts.

During the shoot, building a cabin on the island with her own strength was nearly impossible—there simply wasn’t enough time.

But a miniature cabin was a different story. Using the multi-function knife, she could craft suitable materials, and simple assembly would complete it.

Shao Qing knew roughly how mortise-and-tenon structures worked, and Jing Ke could look up any parts Shao Qing didn’t know online. With simple coordination, they could make a palm-sized cabin.

“What’s the reaction from the live-stream audience, seeing me doing crafts here?” Shao Qing asked while fiddling with the little wooden sticks.

【It’s okay. Zheng Xingxing and Xu Yin’s fans are still attacking each other; the battle is white-hot. By comparison, the audience actually enjoys watching you do crafts. It’s great for slacking off—very interesting.】

“Really? I thought their fans, seeing me so leisurely, might turn their spears on me.” Shao Qing was slightly surprised by Jing Ke’s answer.

【Both sides have gotten fired up, biting each other and refusing to let go. They probably can’t spare the effort to drag a third party in.】 Jing Ke’s tone had a subtle difference from before.

Shao Qing was actually right. When the live feed showed her leisurely doing crafts, Xu Yin’s agent behind his fans had indeed thought of a way to redirect the conflict.

But how could Jing Ke stand idly by and let Shao Qing be attacked by paid trolls?

So Jing Ke pulled a little trick and caused Xu Yin’s agent to lose internet access for a while.

That way, he couldn’t communicate with the troll farm in time, and the paid trolls would only fire at Zheng Xingxing’s fans.

Shao Qing smiled. Having been in the entertainment industry for so long, she knew exactly what was best for an artist. Neither Xu Yin’s nor Zheng Xingxing’s agent was stupid. Zheng’s agent might be happy to see the fan war escalate for the heat, but Xu Yin’s agent would never do that.

He would only try to crush Zheng Xingxing’s fans as quickly as possible. If that failed, he’d shift the conflict and pull more people in, turning it into a multi-faction brawl.

Shao Qing vaguely sensed something, but since Jing Ke didn’t speak up, she pretended not to know. Saying one less “thank you” was fine, too.

Time soon reached evening. Shao Qing’s dinner was cake paired with delicious fish soup.

Holding her bowl, Shao Qing sat next to Yu Hongjun and shared that she’d set traps, possibly catching a pheasant.

“Sister Hong, if a pheasant actually gets caught, could I trouble you to work your culinary magic again?” Shao Qing blew on her fish soup and gave Yu Hongjun an obedient smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll prep the bird myself—pluck and gut it. All you need to do is cook it normally.”

“Mm-hmm, if your traps are really that good, I’ll go all out. We’ll prep the ingredients together—some innards taste pretty good, too.” Yu Hongjun smiled.

She now saw Shao Qing in an increasingly favorable light. Forget beggar’s chicken—even if Shao Qing hauled in a shark, Yu Hongjun wouldn’t mind being the working cook.

“Alright, it’s settled then.” Shao Qing’s eyes curved, and she sipped her bowl of fish soup.

Mmm, delicious, so good!

Unlike Shao Qing, who was already dreaming about tomorrow’s meal, Xu Yin returned that afternoon equally disheveled, his haul a pitiful dozen-odd shells and two fist-sized wild taros.

Suffice to say, these ingredients would likely end up as some barely edible, nameless dish in Xu Yin’s hands.

After dark, the live stream ended. The assistants of the six guests arrived at camp with additional supplies.

Once the cameramen had gone to rest, Xu Yin immediately tossed aside the unappetizing stuff in his hands and took from his assistant a prepared bowl of instant dry-tossed noodles, slurping them down eagerly.

Xu Yin’s assistant watched him, hesitating to speak. It wasn’t until he finished eating and wiped his mouth that the assistant carefully broached the subject.

“Teacher Xu, during today’s live stream, your fans got into it with Zheng Xingxing’s fans. It didn’t stop even after the stream ended; they’ve simply moved the battlefield to online platforms.”

“Zheng Xingxing’s fans?” Xu Yin instinctively frowned. “And? Didn’t Brother Ming handle it?”

“Brother Ming is still dealing with it. Zheng Xingxing’s fans skew very young and are experts at obnoxious pestering, so it’s tricky.” The assistant chose his words carefully.

“Brother Ming’s take is, if we get entangled with fans like that, shaking them off is tough. It’d be better to bury the hatchet. During tomorrow’s shoot, Teacher Xu could interact a little with Zheng Xingxing and smooth things over.”

Xu Yin’s brows furrowed deeper. “Me? Back down to Zheng Xingxing? Impossible.”

“Give me the phone. I’ll talk to Brother Ming myself.” Xu Yin was not the type to swallow his pride; three years of smooth sailing had swelled his temper.

“We’re not even on the same level. If I lower my head, won’t I just become his stepping stone?”

“Forget that. You get in touch with the production team and rig a supplies box with more stuff for me tomorrow. I don’t want to work myself half to death like a fool every day.”

“Brother Ming, we’re on the same boat. The higher and farther I go, the more money you make, right?”

“If it really can’t be done, then pay more. I want the production team to take better care of me. My image absolutely can’t be ruined by a variety show.”

Xu Yin made one demand after another, determined to change his hand-to-mouth existence.