After Dumping the Scumbag Top, I Was Relentlessly Chased by a Top-Tier Idol - Chapter 34

Lin Yizhou didn’t overthink it. He leaned over slightly, grabbed the other’s wrist, and pulled him up.

Before the man could stand straight, a weight pressed against Lin Yizhou as the person in front of him lunged into him.

The collision was so sudden that he staggered back a step, barely managing to steady himself.

“Sorry, Captain,” the person in front of him spoke first, before Lin Yizhou could say a word. “I was squatting for too long and my legs went numb. Let me lean on you for a second.”

Lin Yizhou’s heartbeat inexplicably skipped a beat. He froze for a moment, his throat bobbing involuntarily. He calmly patted the other’s back and said, “Can you get up first?”

The current posture wasn’t just “leaning” he was practically being hugged.

Having just finished working, both of their body temperatures were elevated. With the thin summer clothing, he could clearly feel the continuous heat radiating from Shen Xu’s body.

It was like holding a giant heat source…

As if he hadn’t heard the words, Shen Xu didn’t let go. Instead, he silently held the man a bit tighter as he stood up, reducing the strain on the other’s waist. He said with forced gravity, “Captain, wait a second. I feel like if I move even a little right now, I’ll get a cramp.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but the viewers in the livestream surely heard him clearly.

Lin Yizhou: “…”

Thump-thump!

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. It was unclear whose heartbeat was being amplified countless times.

Shen Xu held the man in his arms contentedly, suppressing the curl of his lips. He greedily let his head rest gently on the other’s shoulder and whispered, “Captain, your heart is beating so fast.”

The warm breath falling by his ear felt like a flame added to his heart, making his pulse boil even more.

Lin Yizhou tried his best to keep his breathing steady, his tone remaining calm and composed: “It’s because you fell so suddenly; I was startled.”

“Then I’m truly sorry, Captain,” Shen Xu said nonchalantly. His tone held no trace of apology; instead, he brought up another topic. “Speaking of which, Captain, were you peeking at me just now?”

One second, two seconds, three seconds!

Lin Yizhou released his breath and said, “No, I was checking if your finishing knot was done correctly.”

“Oh?” Shen Xu’s lips curved slightly. “And was it?”

“It was,” Lin Yizhou answered without hesitation this time.

“But I only tied it once,” Shen Xu’s voice rose slightly in a teasing lilt. “Is that enough to be correct?”

Lin Yizhou: “…”

He quickly changed the subject: “Are your legs still numb?”

Shen Xu lingered for another moment before standing straight. He crouched down, his fingertip lightly flicking the finishing knot, and smiled: “Captain, actually, it’s tied quite well.”

Lin Yizhou glanced at the knot and said steadily, “As long as it’s tied. I’m going back first; the fish is going to burn.”

Watching the retreating back, Shen Xu flicked the knot again, watching the end sway gently. He said in a leisurely tone, “You did a great job today.”

Back at the campfire, Lin Yizhou heard Wen Yue tease him: “Captain, did you secretly finish all the remaining work? You were gone so long you forgot you were roasting a fish!”

Before Lin Yizhou could reply, a voice came from behind him, explaining: “Blame me. I squatted for too long and my legs went completely numb. I had to have the Captain help me for a bit, which delayed things.”

This explanation was intended for the audience as well.

Lin Yizhou walked to an empty spot and sat down. He reached out to take the grilled fish from Wen Yue, saying, “I’ll do it.”

Wen Yue dodged his hand and laughed, “No need, I want you guys to taste my skills too. You eat first.”

Lin Yizhou followed suit and didn’t insist.

Pei Yutai’s strange gaze was fixed on Lin Yizhou’s earlobe. As the latter sat down, Pei Yutai reached out to pinch it: “Captain, do you have a fever? You look…”

Before he could finish, his hand was caught mid-air. He slowly looked up to see his Brother Xu looking at him with a fake smile.

Pei Yutai took a deep breath, chanting in his mind: I am a male, I cannot get close to Brother Zhou casually, or Brother Xu will turn into a vinegar jar. He pulled his hand back and consciously scooted over a bit to make room for Shen Xu.

Lin Yizhou’s gaze circled between the two, looking at Pei Yutai with confusion.

Pei Yutai waved his hand: “Captain, it’s nothing. I just saw that your earlobes and cheeks were a bit red. I was worried you might have a fever from the rain last night.”

As for now, he knew exactly which “vinegar jar” caused it without even thinking.

Lin Yizhou’s hand tearing the fish meat paused. His voice was flat: “I’m fine, it’s just a bit hot.”

Pei Yutai cooperatively fanned the air with his hand: “True, I feel like this weather could roast a person alive. Right, Brother Xu?”

Shen Xu said indifferently, “I don’t know. You can go try standing under the sun tomorrow and see if you get cooked.”

Pei Yutai: “…”

Tsk, how uncooperative.

Time passed quickly while enjoying the food. After a short rest, everyone tacitly continued repairing the wooden shed.

With the combined efforts of the whole team, the shed was finished before the sun fully set.

The sunlight vanished, replaced by flickering stars.

The dancing firelight illuminated everyone’s faces. Pei Yutai covered his mouth and yawned, his voice sleepy: “Big brothers and sisters, I want to sleep.”

Shen Xu patted his shoulder and looked at the group: “The night before last, the Captain and I took turns on watch. Tonight it’s the kid’s and Teacher Jiang’s turn.”

Hearing this, Pei Yutai looked at Jiang Siyuan and yawned again: “Brother Jiang, I’m so sleepy right now. I’ll go sleep first. Can you wake me up later for my shift?”

Jiang Siyuan nodded and smiled, “Sleep peacefully.”

Pei Yutai nodded, got up, went into the shed, and fell asleep immediately.

Shen Xu looked at Jiang Siyuan: “Then we’ll have to trouble Teacher Jiang to keep a good watch.”

Jiang Siyuan poked at the fire, the corners of his eyes lifting slightly as he said slowly, “As I should.”

Seeing Lin Yizhou about to say something, Shen Xu directly grabbed his wrist and pulled him up toward the shed: “Captain, you should rest too.”

Lin Yizhou looked at their hands and pulled his back: “I can walk myself.”

Shen Xu stopped and stood aside, gesturing for Lin Yizhou to go first.

Lin Yizhou glanced at him and didn’t hesitate. He walked to the far left of the shed, where the firelight was visible, and lay down on his side facing the wall.

Soon, the sound of rustling came from behind him. He turned around and happened to lock eyes with Shen Xu.

Shen Xu propped himself up, looking at him with eyes reflecting the warm firelight. He lay down lazily and said, “Captain, goodnight.”

Lin Yizhou looked at the distance between them. Shen Xu had only left him enough room to turn over and lie flat; if he did, their shoulders would touch. He looked up, somewhat puzzled: “You’re sleeping this close to me?”

Shen Xu gave a natural “Mm.”

Lin Yizhou frowned slightly: “There’s plenty of space.”

Shen Xu turned onto his side and lowered his voice, almost as if whispering in his ear, his words direct and clinging: “I know, but those spots are too far from you.”

Lin Yizhou: “If someone is too close to me, I won’t be able to sleep.”

Shen Xu curled his lips slightly: “Is that so? You slept quite soundly last night, Captain.”

Lin Yizhou: “…”

“Don’t worry.” Shen Xu stopped teasing him and turned onto his back, lying down properly. His voice was thick with exhaustion. “I won’t bother you, and you won’t bother me.”

“Go to sleep. Goodnight.”

Lin Yizhou looked at him and said nothing more. After all, where Shen Xu wanted to sleep was his own freedom.

At six o’clock the next morning, smoke curled from the extinguished fire. The sound of a branch snapping underfoot echoed outside the shed. Lin Yizhou opened his eyes instantly, his hazy vision clearing in a second. He saw Shen Xu holding his hand, carefully trying to put it down.

As if sensing his gaze, the other man looked up.

Their eyes met. Shen Xu was startled for half a second before his peach-blossom eyes instantly crinkled into a smile. “Awake?”

Lin Yizhou reacted quickly, pulling his hand back and sitting up. “Did I… again?” Hang on you?

The rest of the words circled his lips but he couldn’t bring himself to say them.

Shen Xu nodded slightly and laughed: “I was trying to make sure someone wouldn’t feel too burdened, but I guess I got caught anyway.”

“It’s still early, do you want to sleep more?” He naturally shifted the topic.

Lin Yizhou shook his head. He glanced at the staff members who were leaving after turning on the cameras, then stood up. “I’ll go check if there are any coconut crabs where we left the coconuts last night.”

Shen Xu stood up as well. “I’ll go with you.”

The two left the shed quietly. They checked the spots where they had placed the coconuts, but unfortunately, they found nothing.

Walking along the beach toward the base camp, the waves lapped against the fine sand with a gurgling sound.

Shen Xu walked on the outer side. He gazed at the horizon for a moment before turning to the person beside him: “Captain, do you want to go swimming?”

Lin Yizhou’s footsteps faltered. He looked up, somewhat shocked.

Meeting his gaze, Shen Xu’s eyes were steady. His smile faded into a serious expression as he said, “Do you want to… give it a try? I will absolutely, definitely ensure your safety.”

It was a question filled with the asker’s hopeful expectation, and a promise the asked had never heard before.

The sea breeze blew in gusts, swirling between the two as if trying to entangle people who hadn’t yet drawn close.

For a split second, Lin Yizhou was startled to realize that Shen Xu seemingly didn’t know about his fear of deep water, but in the next second, he realized that Shen Xu actually wanted to help him cross that hurdle in his heart.

Strangely, at this moment, he really wanted to ask: How much do you actually know about me?

If it’s just superficial, then stop saying you like me.

If you know everything, then why do you still like someone like me?

He felt himself to be broken. Even if someone were willing to pick up the pieces and put them together, they wouldn’t be able to find the final shard.

If he fell again, it would only make him more pathetic.

After a moment of eye contact, Lin Yizhou looked away. His hands at his sides clenched into fists. He slowly looked toward the ocean where the waves danced, but he quickly retracted his gaze and shook his head slightly: “No.”

How could he quiet his pounding heart and ensure it never skipped a beat for this again?

Refusing should be enough, right?

Just as he was about to speak, Shen Xu cut him off: “If you ever want to go swimming one day, you must absolutely must remember to call me.”

“I’m very free. I’m available whenever you call.”

His tone was light and upbeat, carrying the characteristic fearlessness of youth, as if he could strike down and disperse all the fears in the world.

The words Lin Yizhou wanted to clarify were swallowed back into his stomach. He looked at the other man, infected by his smile, and unconsciously curled his lips slightly. He didn’t agree, but he didn’t refuse either.

There was still plenty of fish left from yesterday’s catch, and the picked coconuts hadn’t been finished either. It was enough to satisfy the team’s meals for at least two days.

After breakfast, Pei Yutai said: “Captain, should we head into the mountains today to take a look?”

Their current location was close to the coast, but the distance to the foot of the high peaks was an unknown.

“Besides, we can see if there’s anything good to eat in the mountains, or if there are lakes or streams! That way we’ll have water to drink.”

Pei Yutai’s voice was full of eagerness.

Lin Yizhou looked at him, then at the others, stating his thoughts: “Tomorrow we have to follow the production team’s arrangements. Based on past seasons, the tasks they set are very taxing on physical strength and energy. My suggestion is that everyone rests well today to prepare for the survival challenges ahead.”

“I agree.” Shen Xu said as he slung an arm over Pei Yutai’s shoulder, his tone leisurely. “If your adventurous heart is itching, don’t worry for the next ten days, Director Tu will have a variety of adventures ready for you.”

The next morning, the guests gathered on the beach again, ready to accept the second stage of the survival challenge.

Director Tu held his megaphone, his voice excited: “Congratulations to everyone for surviving the three days of self-survival. For the next ten days, the program team will lead you through challenges from both nature and man-made sources. I hope you can all persevere.”

“If anyone cannot hold on and wants to withdraw midway, you can tell me at any time. The team won’t force anyone and will ensure your safe departure. Of course, I still hope everyone can make it to the end.”

“In the upcoming challenges, various team configurations may occur. But no matter how things change, the existing teams will not be broken up. Therefore, in all challenges, every guest is fighting for both their team and themselves. After all, there is only one winner for the ‘Best Survivalist’ title. I hope you all give your best effort.”

“Before announcing today’s task, let me introduce three new partners who will be joining us.”

“Please welcome our first new guest.”

As the words fell, a young man stepped out from behind the staff. He wore a white shirt and loose, knee-length white shorts. With black hair and black eyes, he had a gentle smile on his face and two dimples by his mouth, giving off the vibe of a gentle “White Moonlight” (first love).

The boy bowed politely to everyone and then walked to the director’s side, his voice high and clear: “Hello everyone, I am…”

The end of his sentence trailed off as his gaze slowly shifted toward Pei Yutai, who had looked up with a face full of shock.

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