Whoa! You can actually make money while spending it?!
Grandma Sheng Shuwen leaned in as well, her face alight with the gleeful expression of someone who loves a good spectacle. “I think Xiao Nuan isn’t as uninhibited as that masked handsome guy. Didn’t Xiao Nuan study ballroom dancing for years? His waist movements aren’t nearly spicy enough!”
“I think they’re both great, very easy on the eyes.” Grandma Xiao Jiang giggled behind her hand, phone held up as she recorded a video of Wen Han and the others.
Clearly, this “dark history” of Wen Han’s was about to be blasted across the family group chats of the four major families and the social media circles of his three closest buddies.
In the United States, Sheng Luzhi, who had just stepped off his private jet, allowed a rare, faint smile to grace his usually stern features. He silently liked the post on Aunt Xiao Jiang’s social media and casually tagged Jiang Luoze.
In France, Jiang Luoze was taking an elegant sip of a double espresso as he emerged from the pattern-making room of his studio. The moment he picked up his phone, he nearly spat out his coffee.
Jiang Luoze immediately forwarded the video to his good friend, Ai Puxin, whose spiritual life was notoriously barren and who was currently leading a medical team on an aid mission in Tibet.
In the Tibetan region, a cup of butter tea gifted by a local villager sat cold on Ai Puxin’s desk, a film of oil congealing on its surface.
He raised a slender arm to massage his stiff right shoulder, his other hand holding his phone. This was the first moment he’d had all day to check messages.
In the video, Wen Han—who had been raised from childhood to embody the gentle, noble gentleman archetype—was dressed in a trainee’s uniform, engaged in a… dance battle with another “trainee”?
Exhausted from the long day, Ai Puxin couldn’t help but be amused by his friend’s antics.
In the final two seconds of the clip, the camera briefly caught a glimpse of a girl standing beside Old Madam Sheng.
The girl was whispering something into the old lady’s ear. Her features were as delicate and exquisite as a doll’s, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Ai Puxin gave a faint smile, his gaze lingering for just a second longer before he closed the video.
——-
Inside the “Idol 101” Restaurant.
Grandma Ai Minli, listening to the commentary from her old friends, offered a more balanced critique with a smile. “Our Xiao Nuan clearly has a stronger dance foundation. The masked young man moves nicely, but his fundamentals are lacking. Still, he has great potential. He just needs to keep working at it.”
Watching such vibrant young energy, Ai Minli couldn’t help but think of her favorite great-nephew, Ai Puxin.
Despite being young, handsome, and talented, Ai Puxin was unlike the other children in the family. He had neither taken over the family business nor shown any interest in entering the entertainment industry, choosing instead to pursue medicine.
He was the most “old-fashioned” kid in the entire clan.
While other children, including Ai Minli’s own, had thoroughly enjoyed life’s pleasures, Ai Puxin seemed to have no interests outside of his studies and work. His three close childhood friends jokingly called him “spiritually barren.”
As an elder, she only wished for the younger generation to be happy and joyful, or at the very least, to possess the capacity to enjoy life.
By this point, Chu Xingxing had been ushered by the grandmothers into the prime “viewing area.”
Right before her eyes, two handsome men in “Idol 101” uniforms were engaged in a… dance battle?
And they seemed to be going at it pretty fiercely…
Wen Han had been forced by his mother to train in ballroom dance for ten years as a child. For a role, he’d also spent a year learning Popping at a street dance studio. His foundation was evident.
Mainly, Wen Han’s presence was formidable, his movements hard-hitting and aggressive.
The other participant, the masked Jiang Changsheng, was a different story entirely.
Young Master Jiang’s dancing lacked all technique and was overflowing with pure emotion. There was no discernible structure, yet it was incredibly captivating—clearly the style of someone who frequented nightclubs.
Young Master Jiang’s battle performance could be summed up in one capitalized word: “FLIRTATIOUS.”
Never mind the quality of the dance itself.
In terms of physique, looks, height, and overall aura, these two completely overshadowed the local trainees.
Even the handsome guys with abs in the ball-pit pool couldn’t draw the crowd’s attention away.
A large group of new customers rushed over to witness the charged, explosive battle between the two handsome men, some even starting to cheer and pick sides.
The atmosphere was so electric that even the grandmothers started busting out their “devilish square-dancing steps,” joining in the hype.
They were acting as if Wen Han was someone else’s son they were rooting against…
The livestream audience was absolutely ecstatic—
【Stop it! You two, stop fighting! Just stop it already!】
【Hahaha, LS sister, how can you send voice messages through text?】
【Whoa! Wen Han totally shocked me, his street dance is amazing! Actor Wen Han, what other surprises are you hiding from me?】
【Damn, Wen Han’s body control is seriously impressive, his core strength is insane! He’s usually so gentle and shy, but now he’s so fierce!】
【I’m different from you guys, I like the masked guy next to him. This sister right here prefers the ones who dance all flirty /runs away covering face】
【Hahaha, me too! The masked guy is so seductive, I swear I can’t look away. I just want to touch his pert little butt (just kidding…】
【Wen Han has solid basics, but in terms of infectious energy, he’s not as good as the masked guy. That guy can move, I swear he danced right into my heart. He’s definitely the nightclub prince type!】
【The masked guy has such pretty eyes. Looking closely, he kinda resembles Jiang Chang’an? Pfft, if we couldn’t see Jiang the Movie Emperor eating instant noodles in the next livestream room over, I’d really think it was Jiang Chang’an moonlighting as a dancer here haha!】
No one present recognized the masked handsome man.
Except for Chu Xingxing.
She was almost certain that the tall man gyrating so seductively was her own agent, Jiang Changsheng.
Good grief, they might as well just let Jiang Changsheng and Wen Han debut as a duo right here and now. She could switch jobs and become their manager instead!
The song ended. Wen Han and Jiang Changsheng were still glaring at each other, neither willing to concede defeat, their eyes filled with mutual fury.
The onlooking customers were thrilled. The evening’s entertainment lineup had been spectacular; dining here was definitely worth the money, especially with these final two “trainees” whose looks and physiques surpassed actual idol standards.
Many older sisters and aunties generously opened their wallets.
Within minutes, the shirt pockets and chest pockets of both Wen Han’s and Jiang Changsheng’s uniforms were stuffed with a colorful assortment of local currency, US dollars, Euros, and crisp red Renminbi notes…
Jiang Changsheng: F**k…
Jiang Changsheng shoved all his tips into Wen Han’s hands and stormed off in a huff.
Wen Han stared blankly at the large wad of cash in his hands: ???
Impoverished Girl Chu Xingxing: Shocked! So much money!!!
The grandmothers’ eyes lit up: Whoa! You can actually make money while spending it?!
Wen Xuelan took the thick stack of multinational banknotes from her son, grinning from ear to ear. She grabbed Chu Xingxing’s hand and said, “Xingbao, how about we come back to the ‘Idol 101’ restaurant for dinner tomorrow night? Who knew Xiao Nuan would end up earning money here? This meal was a total bargain!”
Chu Xingxing silently felt Jiang Changsheng’s glare boring into the back of her head. She laughed it off awkwardly. “Ah? Eat the same thing again? Tomorrow… how about we try a different specialty restaurant instead…?”
——-
At the youth hostel across from the “Idol 101” restaurant.
The cast of Let’s Travel Together had long finished their instant noodles.
After taking turns washing up, they retreated to the separate men’s and women’s dorm rooms, struggling to fall asleep to the relentless “boom-ch-boom-ch” music drifting in from outside.
They had to sleep.
Staying awake any longer would just make them hungry again…
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, they had to take a bus to the pier and head to a nearby uninhabited island to set up camp.
Before her shower, Tian Mengtong received a WeChat message from Jiang Chang’an.
He asked her to meet him outside the hostel entrance at 11 PM so they could go grab some marinated raw seafood together.
As it turned out, Tian Mengtong stood him up.
Jiang Chang’an waited until the early hours in a dark alley next to the hostel, getting bitten all over his legs and arms by mosquitoes, but Tian Mengtong never showed.
It wasn’t that Tian Mengtong didn’t want to go.
All night long, Cookie had clung to her arm like an octopus, refusing to let go. Cookie had also thrown a leg over Tian Mengtong’s body, hugging her like a body pillow.
Whatever Cookie ate to grow up, her grip strength was insane. Tian Mengtong nearly dislocated her own arm trying to pull free, but couldn’t budge it.
Just when she wanted to text Jiang Chang’an back saying she couldn’t make it, her phone died.
And the charging outlet was out in the hallway…
Tian Mengtong: Sob sob sob sob sob my marinated seafood!!!
——-
The first day of Grandma’s Journey inaugural island trip concluded perfectly.
Back at the villa, Chu Xingxing invited the grandmothers to sit in a row on the terrace facing the sea. Together, they all enjoyed a comfortable foot soak using the portable foot baths she had gifted them.
Wen Han arrived a bit later and turned off the main lights in the villa’s living room. With no light pollution around them…
A bright moon hung like a mysterious silver lantern, its reflection shimmering on the sea’s surface, casting streaks of silver light that illuminated the seemingly calm, fine ripples of the waves.
The evening breeze rustled through the coconut palms, gently caressing every fine wrinkle on the grandmothers’ faces.
With their feet soaking in the warm water, breathing in the clear, vibrant air, they gazed up at a starry sky long vanished above city limits.
Chu Xingxing, Wen Han, and the grandmothers sat in comfortable silence, quietly savoring the meaning of travel.
The production crew, for once showing remarkable tact, didn’t disturb them.
They left only one cameraman, who filmed the backs of Chu Xingxing, the grandmothers, and Wen Han.
The first day’s livestream for Grandma’s Journey officially ended.
It wouldn’t resume until the next morning.
Viewers expressed high satisfaction with the grandmothers’ trip—
【Grandma’s Journey is truly a hidden gem of a variety show!】
【Heehee, I’m doing the same thing as the grandmas—soaking my feet.】
【Hahaha, the grandmas spent the first half of the evening dancing wildly and the second half soaking their feet at home. This wellness routine is certainly unique, but I love it!】
【I want more! Hope tomorrow morning comes quickly so I can continue following my Xingbao’s livestream hehehe!】
【I love every single grandma in the group! They’re all so adorable! Each little old lady is so interesting and has her own distinct personality.】
【Our Xingbao is the cutest in the whole world, no arguments accepted!!!】
【Big praise for Xingxing and Wen Han, the two “porters.” They’re responsible, well-prepared, and take great care of the grandmothers.】
【Looking forward to the new day tomorrow!】
——-
The next morning, early.
The time difference between T Country and home was only one hour. Chu Xingxing’s alarm went off at 7:00 AM, and she promptly silenced it and got up.
Last night before heading to their rooms, Wen Han had asked her to join him for a morning workout.
Having a gym buddy was always nice, so Chu Xingxing readily agreed.
They planned to meet at 7:15 AM for a fasted cardio run along the beach before returning to prepare breakfast for the grandmothers.
At 7:15 AM sharp, the Grandma’s Journey livestream resumed.
【Good morning, Grandmas!】
【Huh? Only Xingxing and Wen Han?】
【The grandmas must be tired after yesterday’s long journey. Let them sleep in a bit.】
【Chu Xingxing is so disciplined! Working out on vacation, no wonder she has such a great figure…】
【Good morning, Xingbao! Xingbao looks stunning even without makeup. Seeing a beautiful woman first thing in the morning puts me in a great mood!】
“Morning.” Wen Han’s tone was as gentle as ever.
“Morning.” Chu Xingxing mumbled a greeting, a hair tie between her lips as she gathered her hair.
“Five kilometers okay?” Wen Han started his basic stretches, deliberately looking away from her raised arms.
“Yep.”
Chu Xingxing tightened her ponytail and nodded. “Running on sand burns almost twice the energy of running on hard ground. Five K should cover today’s cardio goal.”
“You know your stuff.” Wen Han smiled.
After stretching, they set off into the island morning sun, jogging slowly along the long, pristine white beach.
Chu Xingxing loved beach runs. The sound of the sand crunching underfoot was therapeutic. The softness and unpredictability of the sand also added an element of fun and challenge to the otherwise monotonous cardio, and it was great for training balance.
They ran past the private beach area, and the crowds grew thicker.
People were walking their dogs along the shore in the morning, others were surf fishing, some were foraging at low tide, and still others were out with their kids…
Chu Xingxing felt lucky. Everyone living in this era was lucky.
You often only realize the value of something once it’s gone.
The sunshine, blue skies, white clouds, sweet-tasting air, and the freedom to run outdoors—things modern people take for granted—were an impossible dream in the post-apocalyptic world.
That’s why she cherished them so deeply.
Initially, Wen Han deliberately slowed his pace to accommodate Chu Xingxing.
But it turned out her stamina seemed even better than his, and her explosive power was strong too. She ran the entire distance effortlessly.
What was planned as a five-kilometer run turned into a spirited eight-kilometer dash as they both got into it and picked up speed.
On the way back, Wen Han suddenly slowed his steps.
Chu Xingxing stopped too, following his gaze into the distance. She laughed softly.
“What a cute little girl.” Chu Xingxing shaded her eyes from the sun, her own eyes crinkling into a smile.
A delightfully chubby baby, her hair tied up in two little sprouts pointing skyward, sat majestically atop her father’s shoulders.
The little dumpling couldn’t have been more than a year or so old, still babbling incoherently.
The plump baby stretched out her dimpled little hands, patting her father’s head rhythmically as she babbled away.
The father carefully steadied his daughter’s chubby legs, even calling out cadences.
Looking further down the beach, two boys around seven or eight years old were lying on the sand doing sit-ups.
It seemed like a father out for morning exercise with his two sons and little daughter.
The two older brothers were playfully making funny faces, making the little dumpling perched on their father’s shoulders giggle with delight.
How wonderful—a little girl cherished and adored.
Chu Xingxing envied families like this, families that treasured their daughters like precious jewels.
For a very long time, she had dreamed of being born a boy.
If she were a boy, she could receive the same equal love from her parents that her two younger brothers enjoyed.
“That’s the family makeup my mother envied most.”
Wen Han raised a hand to shield Chu Xingxing from the sun for a moment, shaking his head with a smile. “If it weren’t for their desperate wish for a daughter, I probably wouldn’t exist.”
“Huh?” Chu Xingxing looked up at him, puzzled. “Why?”
Wen Han explained, “When Ms. Wen Xuelan had me, she was already a high-risk, older mother. She’d suffered a major hemorrhage giving birth to my second brother. My father couldn’t bear to see her take another risk. His intention was to… terminate the pregnancy.”
“Ah, I can understand that.” Chu Xingxing nodded, fanning herself lightly.
Wen Han continued, “But then, some aunt or another dragged her to a fortune teller. The fortune teller insisted she was carrying a girl. Only because of my mother’s persistent insistence did I manage to survive.”
Chu Xingxing suddenly understood. “So when you were born and the family found out it was a boy, they were cold-hearted (disappointed), and that’s why they named you Wen Han (Wen Cold/Disappointed)?”
“I strongly suspect that played a part,” Wen Han laughed.
“So…” Chu Xingxing looked worried and asked hesitantly, “Your family… they didn’t treat you differently, did they? I mean, since you weren’t the daughter they’d hoped for?”
Wen Han shook his head, smiling. “No. ‘Cold-hearted’ was just a joke. When I was born, my eldest brother was nineteen and my second brother seventeen. They’d already left home for school. I was practically raised as an only child.”
“That’s good then.” Chu Xingxing let out a small sigh of relief.
Whether it was favoring sons over daughters, or daughters over sons—neither should exist in this world.
“You were worried?” Wen Han was a bit surprised, but his heart tightened.
He hadn’t expected such a small thing to make Chu Xingxing worry about him. A strange, swelling ache spread through his chest.
“Not worried,” Chu Xingxing thought she’d overstepped and quickly denied it, deliberately lightening her tone. She blinked and called him by his nickname. “Really not worried, Xiao Nuan.”
It was the first time Wen Han had been called by a pet name by a girl. Heat spread from his earlobes to the rims of his ears.
“Xiao Nuan, Ms. Wen Xuelan is really trendy. Miracle Nuan Nuan Travels the World?” Chu Xingxing was getting a kick out of teasing him.
After having her fun, she took off running.
Wen Han felt like ants were crawling over his heart—a ticklish, unfamiliar sensation.
Utterly helpless, he could only chase after her, issuing a half-hearted “threat.” “If you keep this up, I’ll start calling you Xingbao like Ms. Wen Xuelan does!”
The two cameramen following them were already panting like oxen, managing only to capture distant shots.
Just as they caught up, before the camera could even stabilize, the pair took off running again.
The two cameramen exchanged miserable glances: What did we do to deserve this?
【I only heard Wen Han say he’d call Xingxing ‘Xingbao’ like Ms. Wen Xuelan does? What did Xingbao say before that? I can’t read lips!】
【Raise the flag of “Star Cold Brilliance” forever!】
【The early bird gets the sugar, hehehe, so sweet!】
【Xingxing and Wen Han really are in sync. They both love sports and fitness /starry eyes】
【I am an absolute sucker for size differences! Ahhh, Actor Wen Han’s broad shoulders can completely shield Xingxing. If they hugged, or if he lifted her onto his shoulder… tsk tsk, these two are totally hitting all my XP spots!】
【The mental image! And Wen Han’s broad… chest… looks very bury-able /runs away covering face】
——-
Chu Xingxing and Wen Han returned to the villa.
Their timing was perfect; the grandmothers were just waking up.
Breakfast was a joint effort by Chu Xingxing and Wen Han, with some friendly assistance from the grandmothers.
After breakfast, they held a small travel planning meeting.
They finalized the itinerary for the second day on Pearl Island.
The sunshine was lovely today, but the temperature was a few degrees cooler than yesterday, with lower humidity, making it feel much more comfortable.
Chu Xingxing suggested dedicating the entire day to an island tour.
Pearl Island wasn’t large. Circling the island and visiting a few key natural attractions would take roughly six hours.
Furthermore, an island tour was the best way for the grandmothers to get a comprehensive, firsthand feel for Pearl Island.
She planned to arrange visits to more specific attractions over the following three days, based on the grandmothers’ preferences.
“That sounds wonderful!” Ms. Wen Xuelan was clearly delighted with the plan and asked excitedly, “Are we going to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, Deer Antler Forest Trail? And the Abandoned Railway transformed into the Mine Mountain Forest? Will we also visit the Wilderness Waterfall nearby?”
Chu Xingxing looked at Ms. Wen Xuelan with admiration. “Wow, treasure, you’ve done your homework! Impressive!”
Wen Han was also surprised. His mother wasn’t usually one for nature.
In his memory, Ms. Wen Xuelan was far more interested in frequenting the VIP rooms of luxury brand boutiques. Even when traveling, she disliked natural attractions, complaining about the sun and heat.
“Mom, are you sure you want to hike mountain trails?” Wen Han was clearly skeptical.
Wen Xuelan waved dismissively. “I checked. These places don’t have rugged mountain paths. If you stick to the planned routes, it’s not tiring at all. Local eighty-year-old men go trekking there. Why can’t we fabulous seventy-year-old young-at-heart grandmothers do it?”
【Hahaha! Grandma Wen is so witty! ‘Eighty-year-old men’ vs ‘fabulous seventy-year-old grandmothers’—too cute!】
【I absolutely love listening to Ms. Wen Xuelan’s commentary. It’s so refreshing!】
Wen Han chuckled helplessly. “It’s fine, just… it’s strange to see you suddenly so interested in natural attractions.”
Wen Xuelan’s smile suddenly seemed a little sheepish. “It’s nothing. You just don’t know everything about me.”
Chu Xingxing didn’t think much of it and gave a brief introduction. “We’ll be visiting all those places. The first stop is Deer Antler Forest Trail.
The trail is twenty-five kilometers long, built entirely according to standards that minimize ecological impact. The scenery along the way is like something out of a fairy-tale forest.
You can see many unique Pearl Island wildlife species, like Pearl Deer, Pearl Water Deer, Pearl Macaques, and other small animals. Later, the path passes by a stunning coastline.”
【Deer! I have zero resistance to wild animals like that!】
【Friendly reminder: be careful of macaques and protect your belongings (don’t ask how I know, learned from bitter experience)…】
【Monkeys are a bit scary, but the deer are super cute. I love deer the most!】
【Deer Antler Forest Trail—even the name sounds lovely. Another day of virtual travel with Xingxing and the grandmas, happy!】
Jiang Yao looked bewildered by these attractions. “I’ve never even heard of the places Sister Lan mentioned. I thought coming to an island was just about sunbathing.”
Ai Minli put on her reading glasses and said seriously, “I just looked it up. The three spots Xiao Lan mentioned are off-the-beaten-path destinations for experienced travelers.
Most people just eat, drink, and relax on Pearl Island. Only tourists seeking a deeper experience do the island circle and head into the hills.
But the roads on the east side of Pearl Island are better than the west side, and visibility is good during the day, so it’s safe. I’m quite interested in these places too.”
As always, it was the eldest sister, Grandma Sheng Shuwen, who made the final call. “It’s decided then. Since we’re here, let’s visit those three places today and circle the island while we’re at it.”
“Okay! Let’s get ready to go!”
Chu Xingxing raised her guide flag high. The stress-relief toy caterpillar attached to it seemed pumped up too, its eyes jiggling wildly.
——-
Hearing they planned to circle the island, the production team had specially prepared two 4-seater mini SUVs.
The mini SUVs were better for climbing slopes, smaller than standard vans, yet powerful enough, making them perfect for the island tour.
This meant they would have to split into two vehicles.
Effectively, each “porter” would be responsible for two grandmothers.
Before Chu Xingxing could even ask for preferences, Ms. Wen Xuelan, clutching her camera, was the first to step beside her. “I want to ride with Xingbao!”
“Are you saying you don’t want to ride with me?” Wen Han was exasperated by his own mother, rubbing his forehead.
“It’s not that I don’t want to, I just prefer Xingbao,” Ms. Wen Xuelan stated willfully.
Chu Xingxing had no objection. Noticing Grandma Sheng Shuwen was also nearby, she said, “Alright, alright, you’ll ride with me then. Grandma Sheng, would you like to join us?”
“OK.” Sheng Shuwen efficiently opened the car door and settled into the passenger seat.
Wen Xuelan sat in the back seat behind Chu Xingxing.
Jiang Yao and Ai Minli got into Wen Han’s car.
With the GPS set, Chu Xingxing’s car led the way as the two vehicles headed towards the UNESCO-honored Deer Antler Forest Trail.
It took Chu Xingxing and the others an hour to drive from the private beach villa to the entrance of the Deer Antler Forest Trail.
The route happened to pass by Pearl Island’s port, where there was a convenience store. Worried the grandmothers might get hungry before lunch, Chu Xingxing and Wen Han stopped to buy some snacks, rice balls, and sandwiches to tide them over.
As luck would have it, just as they got back in their cars, they heard a sound like a tractor roaring past, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Fortunately, the windows of Chu Xingxing’s and Wen Han’s cars were rolled up.
Once the dust settled, Chu Xingxing saw a large agricultural tractor had pulled up ahead of them.
Crammed inside the tractor like sardines were the eleven dusty, bedraggled cast members of Let’s Travel Together.
It looked like they were being transported to board a boat for the uninhabited island.
Chu Xingxing felt a flicker of amusement. But since poor little Cookie was among the cast, she felt it wouldn’t be right to laugh, so she held it in.
Knowing Cookie’s social skills, she probably wouldn’t suffer too much during these few days of island survival.
But for another cast member, Tian Mengtong, the situation was less certain.
The pampered young lady was already mentally and physically shaken. Only the preferential treatment from Jiang Chang’an kept her from throwing in the towel entirely—quitting the whole thing and walking off the show.
However, Tian Mengtong had received a WeChat message yesterday from her new agent, Xiao Xiang, with some good news.
The role of the street-dancing girl she’d auditioned for in Shining Flowers was basically confirmed as hers. She was just waiting for the official joining notice.
Brother Xiang had also instructed the team to start distributing promotional posts through various marketing accounts to build hype for Tian Mengtong.
Tian Mengtong had taken the opportunity to complain to Brother Xiang about the grievances she’d suffered at Chu Xingxing’s hands.
Xiao Xiang was already aware of these issues, as Chen Dong had briefed him.
Xiao Xiang subsequently promised Tian Mengtong that once Chu Xingxing’s scenes were filmed, he’d pull strings to have her screen time cut to a minimum. He assured her a nobody like Chu Xingxing wouldn’t be allowed to steal Tian Mengtong’s spotlight.
Lost in thought, Tian Mengtong felt her phone vibrate.
Just as she was about to pull it out to check the message, a black plastic bag appeared in front of her face.
The follow director was going from person to person collecting phones and had just reached Tian Mengtong. “Sorry, Teacher Tian, I need to ask you to hand over your phone. It will be returned when the livestream ends.”
“Give it here!” Cookie, having just surrendered her own phone, casually nudged Tian Mengtong’s phone into the bag.
Tian Mengtong suppressed her temper and glared at Cookie. “Why did you hit my hand?!”
“Huh?” Cookie was baffled.
She was sure she’d only nudged Tian Mengtong’s phone. She hadn’t even touched her hand!
“You… hit me. It hurts…”
Tian Mengtong bit her lip, looking wronged. She cradled one hand with the other, subtly rubbing the back of it to make it redder.
Tian Mengtong had noticed the camera wasn’t focused on their hands just then. She was purely retaliating for Cookie making her look foolish in public yesterday.
She was naturally petite and slender. This display of delicate vulnerability instantly tugged at the heartstrings of several male cast members.
Cookie, being big-hearted and not one for scheming, saw Tian Mengtong on the verge of tears and genuinely thought she might have accidentally bumped her.
Before any of the male cast members could speak up, Cookie generously held her own hand out to Tian Mengtong. “Sorry, I really didn’t mean to. Here, you can hit it back.”
Cookie’s round eyes were earnest and serious, her tone devoid of any whining.
After waiting a few seconds with no response from Tian Mengtong, Cookie simply slapped the back of her own hand herself.
Smack.
A crisp sound.
The back of Cookie’s hand instantly reddened.
The male cast members’ sympathies immediately flipped. Where they’d been about to defend Tian Mengtong, their gazes now clearly conveyed “Whoa,” “Unbelievable,” “Drama queen,” “She already punished herself, what more do you want?”…
Honestly, Cookie didn’t feel much pain; it just made a loud noise.
She had always had a high pain tolerance. While others cried during dance stretches, she never reacted at all.
Tian Mengtong was stunned. She’d never met anyone so harsh on themselves.
In her shock, she forgot to keep nursing her hand and instinctively let go.
The cameraman, never one to miss a good “drama” moment, helpfully zoomed in for a close-up of both their hands.
Cameraman: Hey, wait a minute???
Why was only the back of Cookie’s hand red???
The comments section exploded instantly—
【I am fuming! Are they bullying Cookie just because she has fewer fans? Tian Mengtong’s hand is pale and clean! Where’s the mark from being hit?】
【My heart aches for Cookie. Even if she accidentally brushed her, it wasn’t intentional. Can’t Tian Mengtong just communicate normally?】
【Does everything have to be solved with tears /rolls eyes. I really can’t stand people who well up over every little thing. So melodramatic!】
【It’s such a small thing! With a personality like Tian Mengtong’s, she’ll never have real girlfriends!】
【God, imagine being besties with someone like Tian Mengtong. You’d have to walk on eggshells constantly. It wouldn’t be a friendship, you’d be her handmaiden!】
【Now I completely believe Chu Xingxing was wrongfully accused of being a ‘toxic bestie’ on that other show. With Tian Mengtong being this fake, how could someone as straightforward as Chu Xingxing possibly bully her? More likely Tian Mengtong was the bully!】
Instinctively, Tian Mengtong looked to Jiang Chang’an for help.
Whether in her past life or this one, Jiang Chang’an had always sided with her unconditionally.
After slapping her own hand red and seeing no reaction from Tian Mengtong, even the easygoing Cookie felt wronged. After all, she was still just a teenager.
Cookie thought: I apologized! I even let her hit me back! What more does she want?!
How could there be a girl this difficult to appease in the world? So annoying!
Cookie pouted, let out a little “hmph,” and turned away, hopping off the tractor from the opposite side in a huff, not wanting to deal with Tian Mengtong anymore.
Jiang Chang’an had already gotten off. Hearing the “dispute” between the two girls, he frowned and walked towards them.
“It really hurts…” Tian Mengtong held up her hand towards Jiang Chang’an, whining softly, expecting comfort.
Instead, she found him completely ignoring her and walking to the other side of the tractor.
Jiang Chang’an raised his hand and gently patted Cookie’s slightly messy hair, like one would pet a puppy or kitten. “Silly little thing? Who told you to hit yourself? Does it hurt?”
The audience’s collective reaction was basically: WTF?
【Ah… this…】
【Umm, am I the only one finding this a bit off? The words are a bit ambiguous, but Jiang Chang’an’s attitude… well, you can’t really fault it. It’s like he’s talking to a child.】
【I don’t know if I’m overthinking, but Jiang Chang’an’s on-screen image has always been pretty good. I can’t be sure.】
【Why is Jiang Chang’an suddenly showing concern for Cookie? Isn’t he in a promoted CP with Tian Mengtong?】
【It’s just… a little weird. Let’s watch and see?】
Chu Xingxing and the grandmothers, watching from their car, were equally baffled by this turn of events.
The other onlooking cast members: WTF? What’s with Jiang Chang’an? Isn’t he supposed to be exclusively favoring Tian Mengtong???
Jiang Chang’an’s fan club, after a few seconds of stunned silence, quickly mobilized—
【Brother Chang’an is so kind, looking after the youngest member of the group.】
【Ah, I want Brother to call me ‘silly little thing’ too, jealous of Cookie!】
【Our Brother Chang’an is just this nice to everyone. So warm!】
The phrase “silly little thing” completely flummoxed Cookie.
“Are you sick? You’re the silly little thing! Your whole family’s silly little things!”
Cookie jumped away, rubbing the goosebumps on her arms and muttering a curse. “Shit…”
Jiang Chang’an just looked nonchalant, turning back to patiently comfort Tian Mengtong for a few moments.
Tian Mengtong hung her head, her expression crestfallen.
Indeed, Jiang Chang’an’s feelings for her now weren’t love.
Cookie hadn’t been wrong about one thing: Jiang Chang’an really was sick.
In her past life, Tian Mengtong only discovered after marrying Jiang Chang’an that a childhood role he’d struggled to leave behind had left him with a serious psychological condition—White Knight Syndrome.
Whenever he encountered any woman who seemed wronged, vulnerable, or traumatized, Jiang Chang’an couldn’t control his urge to care for them. This continued even after their marriage.
And it was precisely because she craved Jiang Chang’an’s “special treatment” that Tian Mengtong always played the “victim” in front of him in this life.
Because Tian Mengtong knew: as long as she appeared wronged and pitiful enough, Jiang Chang’an couldn’t help but be good to her.
The catch was, it only worked if she was the sole “damsel in distress.”
——-
Meanwhile, inside the mini SUV.
Chu Xingxing, hands on the steering wheel, hadn’t started the car yet. She was still worried about Cookie.
After excusing herself to the grandmothers, pretending to use the restroom, she managed to pull Cookie aside behind the convenience store.
Covering her lapel mic, Chu Xingxing patted Cookie’s shoulder and advised, “Cookie, you handled Jiang Chang’an perfectly just now. Good job standing up for yourself. No matter what man it is, if anything they do—any action, gesture, or word—makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, push back firmly. You can even hit back. And if you can’t win physically, shout for help from people around you, okay?”
“Don’t worry, Xingxing!” Cookie’s mood, volatile as always, had already rebounded completely.
Cookie wasn’t the type to take things lying down. If anything, she was a bit too reckless sometimes.
Cookie threw a flurry of punches in the air, roaring like a little lion cub. “Next time Jiang Chang’an tries to pat my head, I’ll yank out his bangs! Oh wait, they might be a hairpiece. Maybe I’ll just go for the back of his head instead.”
“Sounds good.” Chu Xingxing chuckled.
She pinched Cookie’s slightly chubby cheek, finally feeling reassured.
“Stay safe on the uninhabited island. Be careful of mosquito bites.” Chu Xingxing slipped her portable insect repellent spray into Cookie’s pocket.
“But then what will you use?” Cookie asked, worried.
Chu Xingxing smiled. “I’ll just buy another bottle at the convenience store. Our team’s budget is generous, remember?”
“Ah! Xingxing, so flex!” Cookie teased, but she obediently tucked the repellent spray into her inner pocket.
Just before leaving, Cookie winked at Chu Xingxing with a mischievous grin. “After the trip, we still have to go to the gym together! I’ll teach you how to dance then~”
Chu Xingxing looked confused. “Why? What dance? I’m so stiff, I’ll never learn…”
“Heehee, you just haven’t found the right teacher. I’m super good at teaching! Stick with me, and you’ll definitely learn!” Cookie executed a seductive body wave, then bounced away.
Cookie had watched a fan-edited compilation video of Chu Xingxing dancing on Bilibili during breakfast.
As the main dancer of her group with fifteen years of dance training, Cookie couldn’t allow her good friend to dance like that!
Cookie loved going clubbing to dance. She’d thought with Xingxing’s athletic talent, she could groom her as a “dance buddy.” Turned out…
She’d expected a pro, but got a total newbie.
Even though Xingxing’s casual moves were already sexy, they were nowhere near the standard of JAM’s formidable main dancer, Cookie!
Cookie was determined to put Chu Xingxing through rigorous training.
Even if she couldn’t make Xingxing the King of Asian Dance, at least the King of the Sanlitun Dance Floor would do.
——-
The cast of Grandma’s Journey, having thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle, continued their journey.
The two cars arrived at the entrance of the Deer Antler Forest Trail one after the other.
Chu Xingxing’s car led the way, passing through a long, dimly lit tunnel.
Faced with the sight before them, both drivers and passengers alike widened their eyes and couldn’t help but hold their breath, gasping in awe, “Wow…”
