In a Survival Variety Show, My Lookalike Rival and I Got a Happy Ending - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“Ahem! Good morning, teachers!”

The PD was full of passion, and her expression was blatantly and mischievously “wicked.”

“Today, our show is going to make a big move. Note: it’s a super big move!”

It’s here, it’s here. The PD appears again with her wicked smile.

I know this look; someone is about to be unlucky.

The PD’s smile is truly so wicked ahhh.

Qin Sijing lifted her eyelids slightly. “A five-person-six-legged upgrade version?”

Ximen Ling let out an “ah” and immediately pressed her hands together. “PD, please let it not be five-person-six-legged!”

“Rest assured, we absolutely won’t toss your legs around today. Today, we are filming a two-person deserted island survival promotional video!”

Five pairs of eyes snapped toward her simultaneously.

“I’ve even thought of the trending hashtags!” The PD held up her phone; the tags on it were all “Ling-Ruo.”

Jiang Xunruo blinked, looked at the expressionless Qin Sijing, and then at the expectant Ximen Ling. “Ling-Ruo?”

“It’s the CP (couple) name for you and Teacher Ximen!”

The PD wore a “how can you not even know this” expression.

“The popularity of your CP has been very high lately higher than the real couples on the dating show next door!”

Ximen Ling’s eyes lit up. “Really? Then do Teacher Jiang and I have a CP Super Topic?”

“More than that! Look, there are even fans writing fanfiction about you two!”

The PD, with a strong desire to share, clicked on the fanfiction, nearly starting to enthusiastically discuss all the details of the stories with Ximen Ling and Jiang Xunruo.

Hahahaha PD, how can you ‘open big’ right in their faces?

Sister Qin: Right, just disregard my life and death like that. 

Ximen’s expression is so cute, ahhh Ling-Ruo is truly so ship-worthy. 

Official leadership in shipping ahhh I knew Ling-Ruo was the real deal!

PD, which one are you reading? Please share it quietly.

“PD.” Jiang Xunruo gently interrupted the PD. “Let’s… talk about business.”

“Oh right, business!” The PD put away her phone and slapped her forehead. “After the production team’s market research, scientific analysis, and a democratic vote, finally! It has been decided! Teacher Jiang and Teacher Ximen will be the partners for this promotional video!”

Qin Sijing: “…What?”

Jiang Xunruo: “…What?”

The two spoke at the same time, their expressions blank.

The two have such synchronized expressions. 

Sister Qin: No, PD, say it one more time who did you pick as partners?

Really? Is the Qin-Jiang CP being dismantled? Great ahhh finally decoupled!

Fans, don’t open the champagne halfway… 

Bai and Song’s silent melon-eating expressions, laughing my head off ahhh.

“Are you surprised? Is it unexpected?”

The PD’s eyes sparkled. “This is ‘show effect’! What the audience loves most is this kind of sudden arrangement!”

Qin Sijing glanced at Jiang Xunruo, but addressed the PD. “Then why them? In terms of popularity, the ‘out-of-tier’ number one CP should be someone else, right?”

In terms of popularity, wasn’t the CP between her and Jiang Xunruo the absolute top?

Why… wasn’t it them?

??? Sister Qin asked directly???

? Is this something you can ask? 

Well asked, Sister Qin! 

Bai/Song: Thank god they didn’t pick us. 

Today is the battlefield of Qin, Jiang, and Ximen..

“I knew Teacher Qin would ask!” The PD was prepared and held up her fingers. “First, the Ling-Ruo CP heat is high; second, they coordinate perfectly; and third “

She glanced at Qin Sijing’s leg. “Because your leg isn’t healed yet. You are the ace of our show; we can’t have any mishaps. So Teacher Jiang and Teacher Ximen are the most suitable.”

Qin Sijing: …

Jiang Xunruo: …

Qin Sijing felt her mouth twitch. “PD, my broken leg doesn’t seem to affect filming, does it?”

“Oh, Teacher Qin, you are our ace host!” The PD looked sincere. “How could today’s filming go on without your hosting? You need to handle the stage control and timing this is a technical job!”

Let me translate the PD’s meaning: You have to watch from the sidelines while your partner films a promo with someone else.

 Hahahaha PD, are you really shipping the Qin-Jiang-Ximen love triangle?

Killing the heart while punishing the person ah, PD. 

Sister Qin: Do I need to say thank you?

Qin Sijing wanted to say more, but the PD had already turned to Jiang Xunruo and Ximen Ling.

“Teachers, go prepare! Today we are determined to film an epic island blockbuster!”

She then looked at Bai Qi and Song Yitong. “As for you two, you are responsible for weaving flower crowns. We want that ‘deserted island survival but still romantic’ feeling.”

Bai Qi stared at the materials in front of her, remaining silent.

Song Yitong lowered her head to tidy her sleeves, unsure if she had even heard.

The PD looked at Bai Qi, then at Song Yitong, and asked tentatively: “Um… Teachers, do you need to discuss how to weave them?”

Bai Qi: “No need.”

Song Yitong: “No need.”

The two spoke simultaneously again and then shut their mouths simultaneously. The air was so quiet one could hear the waves hitting the shore.

“Okay, then I’ll leave it to you two~” The PD smiled.

Most familiar strangers, why do you bother?

Does the distance really have to be this far?

The tacit understanding is there, but they just don’t want it to be.

PD: I’m so awkward, save me.

Ximen Ling excitedly pulled Jiang Xunruo. “Let’s go, Teacher Jiang, let’s go prepare.”

Jiang Xunruo stood in place and didn’t move.

She kept looking at Qin Sijing, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something.

The camera immediately panned over, and the monitor captured the image of the three people in a standoff very clearly.

Qin Sijing took a deep breath and squeezed out a standard professional smile. “Why aren’t you going? You’ll delay the filming schedule later.”

“Okay Captain, we’re going now!” Ximen Ling didn’t notice anything unusual at all and pulled Jiang Xunruo away.

Sister Qin, my heart aches for you…

Clearly smiling, but her eyes look so lost.

Ximen: Am I the only one genuinely happy? 

Stop over-analyzing Sister Qin’s expression, okay? Sister Qin and her fans can’t wait to set off firecrackers to celebrate. Great, hurry up and decouple!

The filming location was set near the Yuetao coastline. Qin Sijing, leaning on a crutch, sat on a temporarily built hosting platform.

“Teacher Qin, this is your scepter.” A staff member handed over a tree branch with a microphone tied to it.

“…Scepter?”

“The PD said this gives more of a wilderness survival feeling.”

Hahahaha the production team is doing bits again.】

Can’t you let our Sister Qin go? Please let her go!

The production team is just grabbing Ling-Ruo with one hand and Qin-Jiang with the other, disgusting!!!

Qin Sijing took the scepter and tried to swing it, nearly flinging the microphone off.

Is Sister Qin venting her anger?

Almost murdered the microphone.

Hahaha I think the person to be murdered is someone else.

The PD’s voice came from the distance, “All departments attention! Promotional film Me and the Deserted Island, Scene 1, Take 1, Action!”

Qin Sijing looked up.

Jiang Xunruo was wearing a white windbreaker, her hair tied back naturally. It was a simple outfit, but she looked beautiful in it.

Ximen Ling, wearing a black windbreaker, ran out of the coconut grove.

“Ah! Why is someone fainted here?!”

Jiang Xunruo lay on the beach, eyes closed, without any expression.

Qin Sijing: “…”

Ximen’s exaggerated acting hahahaha.
The production team is unbelievable; even the promo is filmed so hilariously.
Do you still remember you’re a survival show?!
Sister Qin’s mouth is twitching hahahahaha.

Even the PD couldn’t take it anymore. “Cut! Teacher Ximen, your reaction right now doesn’t look like you found a fainted person, it looks like you found some treasure!”

“Then shall I try again?” Ximen Ling felt a bit embarrassed.

“Alright, again!”

The next scene was even more ridiculous. According to the script, the two needed to walk hand-in-hand on the beach watching the sunset.

Although it was morning now, it could be edited in post-production.

Ximen Ling stared at Jiang Xunruo’s hand, her ears slowly turning red.

Jiang Xunruo gently reminded her, “Teacher Ximen, you can relax a bit.”

“I…” Ximen Ling said “I” for a long time before finally squeezing out, “Okay.”

The PD watched them walking awkwardly hand-in-hand, her brow furrowing.

Where… where was the romance?!

“Forget it, forget it. Don’t hold hands, just walk normally.”

PD: Never mind, let each other go.

Ximen: Holding hands is too much pressure.

Sister Qin has been staring. 

Why isn’t Host Qin smiling? Does she have something on her mind? 

Don’t cue her, Sister Qin is naturally not a fan of smiling.

Sister Qin’s expression management is about to collapse. 

Help, what kind of ‘crematorium’ (shura field) is this?

Qin Sijing lowered her head, holding a pen, and noted down the process on the schedule. Her profile lines were tense, and every word she wrote seemed to pierce through the white paper.

Beside the hosting platform were Bai Qi and Song Yitong, sporting the same expression as Qin Sijing.

Bai Qi held the vines, weaving very slowly. Song Yitong, on the other hand, was progressing smoothly; the flower crown was beautifully and delicately woven.

“Teachers, how is the weaving going?”

The PD ran over to inspect the work, and her expression noticeably froze. “Teacher Bai, is this… a flower crown?”

It didn’t look like one.

The size was a bit like a bracelet, and it was just a single vine ring with not a single flower on it.

“Yes.”

“Then… where are the flowers?”

“Haven’t put them on yet.”

Song Yitong came over at this moment and handed over the flower crown in her hand. “PD, can this be used?”

“Yes, yes! I can definitely use this!” The PD acted as if she had found a treasure.

In the end, only Jiang Xunruo wore a flower crown.

The flower crown suited her quite well; the small white flowers made her look incredibly gentle.

The PD slapped her thigh in excitement, “Yes, yes, yes! That’s the feeling! Teacher Ximen, help Teacher Jiang adjust the flower crown; let’s capture a few natural interaction shots!”

After adjusting the flower crown, the PD had the two sit back-to-back on the sand. This posture made them very close.

Qin Sijing stared at the scene before her and suddenly felt the sea breeze was a bit strong, making her heart flutter with unease.

“PD, how much longer for this segment?” She raised the microphone. “We’re a bit short on time.”

The PD quickly checked the time. “Soon, soon! Almost done!”

After filming the promo, Qin Sijing turned around almost immediately to go rest, but she was stopped by the PD.

“Teacher Qin! Aren’t you going to look at the final cut? It was filmed quite well!”

“No need,” Qin Sijing waved her hand with her back to the PD. “You guys decide.”

After the promo, there was a tacit understanding challenge. The first challenge was “Charades.”

Ximen Ling would act, and Jiang Xunruo would guess.

Qin Sijing held the word “Partner” above her head. Ximen Ling immediately nodded to show she saw it.

PD, look at the questions you’re giving!
Is the production team trying to tear apart Qin-Jiang? Ahhh so tragic, I can’t bear to watch.
Help, I don’t dare look at Sister Qin’s expression anymore.
Don’t you dare tear apart Qin-Jiang, or I’ll blow up the show immediately!!!!!

Ximen Ling pointed at herself with her finger, then pointed at Jiang Xunruo. “What is our relationship?”

Jiang Xunruo hesitated. “…Teammates?”

“Close! A bit closer!”

“Friends.”

“Wrong!”

“CP?”

“Wrong again!”

Qin Sijing reminded them, “Thirty seconds left.”

Jiang Xunruo looked at Ximen Ling’s expectant eyes. She didn’t want to say that word at all, but this was a tacit understanding that she shouldn’t be uncooperative like this.

She looked at Ximen Ling’s urgent eyes, then at Qin Sijing’s frost-cold face on the hosting platform. She lowered her eyes and answered softly: “…Partner.”

“Right, right, right!!!!” Ximen Ling clapped her hands happily. “It’s partner!”

Qin Sijing: …

At this moment, Qin Sijing clearly heard the sound of her heart shattering.

Fine.

She admitted that Ximen Ling was her partner right in front of her face.

Very fine.

The filming finally ended, and Qin Sijing immediately returned to the tent with her crutch without looking back.

She was just about to lift the tent flap to rest when she heard Ximen Ling’s enthusiastic and lively voice behind her.

“Captain Qin!”

“Teacher Ximen?” Qin Sijing was a bit puzzled. “Your tent doesn’t seem to be over here.”

“Oh, I’m here to help Teacher Jiang move her things!”

“Move things?”

“Yeah, the PD just said Teacher Jiang’s tent is fixed and told her to move back. Teacher Jiang said wait a moment because she has some items to organize, so I said I’d help!”

Ximen Ling spoke as if it were a matter of course, completely failing to notice Qin Sijing’s gradually shifting expression.

“Sharing Teacher Jiang’s burdens is part of my duty.”

Qin Sijing was silent for a moment, then revealed a standard smile. “Mm, then move them.”

“Okay!”

Actually, Jiang Xunruo had very few things she only had a sleeping bag at Qin Sijing’s place. Ximen Ling soon came out carrying the sleeping bag.

“By the way Teacher Qin, Teacher Jiang are going to stay at the PD’s place tonight to watch the edit of the promo with me, so you and Teacher Bai and Teacher Song go ahead and eat dinner first.”

“Mm.”

Qin Sijing used her crutch to lift the flap and lay down in her sleeping bag to rest.

Her left leg sent pulses of hidden pain, but compared to the stifling pain in her heart, this bit of pain was not even worth mentioning.

When a person is down, their memory is always exceptionally good.

Qin Sijing thought back to every bit of the recent days.

Jiang had said the first impression was too thin and she wanted to get to know Qin again.

When Qin broke her leg, Jiang was the first to rush up anxiously. When Qin couldn’t walk, Jiang carried her on her back.

She remembered that gentle and indulgent sentence.

“If you want a hug, then hug.”

She also remembered the image of Jiang and Ximen Ling walking side-by-side on the beach.

And she remembered Jiang saying that Ximen Ling was a very reliable and easy-to-get-along-with teammate.

Qin Sijing closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Jiang Xunruo was indeed very good to her, and she had indeed chosen her as a partner.

But that was probably because of the old accounts between them she wanted reconciliation, wanted to make amends.

Now that the goal had been achieved, she could naturally choose someone truly compatible.

Like Ximen Ling, whom she had praised for being sunny, lively, and easy to get along with.

Qin Sijing stared at the top of the tent and said to herself word by word in her heart: “Fine, then let’s not continue being partners.”

In any case, she could complete the survival challenge by herself.