The Ex-Wife of the Scumbag A Who Abandoned the Female Lead - Chapter 33

That night, the guests’ sleep quality varied greatly. Shi Nuocen, as usual, slept soundly, while the Beta actor lay awake all night. As for Ru Xi Cheng, she was too excited to sleep, feeling that her wish might soon be fulfilled!

Her mind was filled with thoughts of when and how the other person would confess, and the more she thought about it, the more exhilarated she became.

Early the next morning, when Shi Nuocen came downstairs, her bare-faced appearance stunned everyone.

“Oh my! Your skin is incredible!”

“Now I finally understand what ‘skin like creamy jade, so delicate it could be broken by a breath’ really means!”

“I’m so envious! Truly blessed with natural beauty!”

Everyone chimed in with praise, and a few female guests couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her cheeks. “So smooth and fine, I don’t even want to let go.”

When Ru Xi Cheng emerged, she caught a glimpse of this scene. Then, noticing someone who seemed completely unfazed, she turned her face away, deciding it was better not to see what irritated her. Her earlier excitement faded slightly.

Starting today, breakfast would no longer be prepared by a chef. Everyone had to make their own. Fortunately, the ingredients and appliances were all available. Shi Nuocen made three simple sandwiches. Since she hadn’t hidden her preferences while serving food yesterday, she continued to be open about it.

“Good morning, everyone! Did you all sleep well last night?” The host arrived on time, stepping lightly in front of the guests.

A non-celebrity guest, who had just taken a bite of bread, choked slightly upon hearing this and quickly drank some water before shyly replying, “I slept quite well. The bedding was very soft.”

Director Liu asked with a smile, “How difficult is today’s task?”

“Well, how should I put it?” The host thought for a moment, then winked at him. “I’m sure it won’t be difficult for Director Liu.”

Then, shifting the topic, she said, “Let’s first reveal the results of last night’s text message pairings.”

“This round, five pairs of guests successfully matched. Aside from the four pairs who exchanged gifts and remained paired, there’s one additional pair; the devilish teacher and disciple, Shi Nuocen and Actress Ru! As for the remaining guests who didn’t match, they’ll have to draw lots again.” As she spoke, she made an exaggerated gesture of regret.

Hearing that Shi Nuocen, a newcomer in the entertainment industry, had managed to pair with a top-tier actress, some guests were surprised and couldn’t help but show envy. However, most assumed the pairing was likely for promotional purposes for Director He’s new film, expecting them to collaborate for a couple more segments before parting ways. No one thought they would remain paired for long not even Actor Zong believed so.

After the lot-drawing concluded, the host pulled out a stack of items from behind her:

“Before we discuss today’s task, please take a look at these printed photos in my hand.”

“What is it? So mysterious,” one guest exclaimed, leaning in for a closer look. “Wow, it’s so beautiful!”

“Of course, this house is very beautiful,” the host said, shaking a photo of a fairytale-style cottage. Then she showed a few more. “There are others too.”

Shi Nuocen glanced at them: there were treehouses, tents, apartments, hotel suites, straw huts, basements, and guesthouses.

“There are eight types of accommodations available. Which type you get to enjoy depends entirely on the efforts of each couple. Today’s main task is as follows: the program team will provide eight check-in locations and a 500-yuan activity fund. Couples can only use the activity fund or any money earned during the check-in process. A friendly reminder to our celebrity guests: you cannot rely on your fame to get by. The deadline is 8 p.m. tonight. Among the eight couples, the ranking will be determined by the number of check-in locations visited. The first-place couple will, of course, have priority in choosing their accommodation.”

The check-in locations were: amusement park, park, Lovers’ Lake, cinema, old street, Lovers’ Bridge, concert hall, and café.

At this point, a guest raised their hand and asked, “What if multiple couples visit the same check-in location?”

The host smiled and replied, “Then it will come down to the amount of activity funds remaining. The activity fund covers entrance tickets, transportation fares, as well as lunch and dinner. So, everyone, you’ll need to budget carefully.”

Just then, Actor Zong pulled up a map on his phone to check the eight locations and couldn’t help but give the host a “you’re ruthless” look. “They’re scattered all over the city, east, west, north, and south. The total cost of tickets for all eight locations is almost 400 yuan. The amusement park happens to be on the central slope of Lovers’ Lake, but as far as I know, the boat tickets for Lovers’ Lake are 80 yuan per person. Although there’s a designated swimming route, Bei Yi can’t swim at all and gets seasick. I could manage on my own, but I can’t go alone, right?”

Hearing this, the host quickly interjected, “Checking in alone is not allowed. You must go together as a couple. After all, this is a dating show.”

Shi Nuocen and his ex-wife exchanged a subtle glance, instantly understanding each other’s thoughts.

As the other guests began packing up to set off, the host suddenly raised his voice and said, “Huh? Did you all forget about the activity fund?”

At that moment, Captain Su, who was well-acquainted with the program team’s tactics, immediately grew wary. “No way, it can’t be that harsh! Don’t tell me we have to complete tasks just to get the activity fund?”

“Of course not. The next small segment is an opportunity to increase your funds.”

Everyone perked up with interest at the host’s words.

“It’s a simple Q&A session to test how well you know each other. Each person will answer eight questions. For every correct answer, you earn one point. The couple with the highest score will receive 80 yuan. For each lower ranking, the reward decreases by 10 yuan. In other words, the last-place couple gets no bonus funds.”

After hearing this, Actor Zong immediately grabbed Queen Bei’s hand and said, “Darling, we must do our best so we can afford an extra chicken leg for both lunch and dinner!”

Everyone was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter and helping them calculate: “One chicken leg costs 10 yuan. For two people and two meals, you’ll need at least 40 yuan!”

Actor Zong quickly clasped his hands together in a gesture of plea. “Whether my darling and I get to eat chicken legs depends on everyone going easy on us.”

Shi Nuocen chuckled and said, “We’ll try our best, we’ll try our best.”

But when the Q&A session actually began, no one held back. After all, the earlier banter was just in jest, and everyone knew it.

When it was Shi Nuocen’s turn, the first question was: “Was Actress Ru’s first role in a TV drama or a movie?”

Shi Nuocen hesitated, “…A movie?”

“Wrong!” the host said regretfully. “Next question: which of Actress Ru’s films has the highest rating?”

“…The next one?”

“Huh?” The host was momentarily stunned.

Shi Nuocen quickly explained, “I mean the best is always yet to come.”

“Wrong. Next question: Actress Ru’s…”

Six questions in a row were answered incorrectly. Shi Nuocen hung her head, not daring to look at her ex-wife beside her. Fortunately, she managed to answer the last two questions “favorite color” and “favorite dish” correctly, barely scraping together 2 points.

Netizens initially found it hilarious, but as it went on, they grew increasingly puzzled.

[Huh? I thought Cen was Actress Ru’s biggest fan? How could she get so many wrong?]

[Maybe she’s just a fan of her looks.]

[This doesn’t make much sense to me!]

When it was Ru Xi Cheng’s turn, to avoid raising suspicion, she deliberately answered two questions incorrectly, earning 6 points. Even so, seeds of doubt were planted in some viewers’ minds.

Their combined score was 8 points, ranking them 5th out of the eight couples and earning them a 30-yuan reward.

Among them, one couple the acclaimed actor and his partner performed exceptionally well, each answering 5 questions correctly for a total of 10 points, securing 3rd place. “Perfect! We’ve saved our chicken legs!”

“Look at you, so easily satisfied!” Everyone burst into laughter.

After receiving their funds, the eight couples set off.

Shi Nuocen and Ru Xi Cheng discussed their plan and decided: “We’ll go to Lovers’ Bridge first, then the Old Street, followed by Lovers’ Lake. Places like the amusement park, cinema, and concert hall can wait until last.” According to the program’s requirements, they likely needed to complete amusement rides, watch a movie, and enjoy a musical performance to successfully check in.

Ru Xi Cheng had no objections to the order of locations, but the key question was: “How do we get there?”

Shi Nuocen crooked her finger. “Follow me!”

So Ru Xi Cheng trailed behind her, walking until they finally arrived at a bicycle rental spot by the roadside.

Shi Nuocen took out her phone, scanned the code for a green bicycle. The kind with a passenger seat; hopped on first, propping herself up with one leg on the ground, and gestured with her lips. “Hop on.”

Ru Xi Cheng sat sideways on the back, knees together and feet dangling. Shi Nuocen glanced at her posture and chuckled, “I thought you’d sit astride. Hold on tight, we’re setting off!”

With a push of her foot, the bicycle surged forward. Ru Xi Cheng glanced at the cameraman nearby and, feeling shy, only grabbed the edge of Shi Nuocen’s clothes.

Shi Nuocen felt the slight tug but paid it no mind, smiling faintly. Her eyes sparkled as she suddenly picked up speed!

“There’s a slope ahead!” Ru Xi Cheng tensed up upon seeing the downward incline not far away.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this. No need to panic.” Shi Nuocen smiled, not slowing down at all.

The bicycle sped forward! Ru Xi Cheng gasped and immediately wrapped her arms around Shi Nuocen’s waist as they zoomed down the slope together!

The wind rushed toward them, lifting their hair and fluttering the edges of their clothes, their strands intertwining and sleeves dancing gracefully.

[So romantic!]

[Screenshot! Screenshot!]

Half an hour later, they arrived at Lovers’ Bridge. Walking onto the bridge, they were quickly astonished by the endless red ribbons and love locks hanging from the iron chains along the bridge.

The locks bore many blessings, such as “Eternal Unity” and “Together Forever.”

In the bustling crowd, there were couples arriving together to hang locks, as well as lonely individuals sadly unlocking them alone.

The elderly woman selling locks spotted one of them, rubbed her eyes in disbelief, and sighed with emotion, “Young man, it really is you. This must be the twentieth time or so, right?”

The man’s face was marked with bitterness and exhaustion. “Love hasn’t been going well for me. What can I do?”

“The feng shui of our Lovers’ Bridge has always been quite good. It shouldn’t be like this,” the old woman murmured, shaking her head.

Shi Nuocen and Ru Xi Cheng stepped forward and inquired about the prices of the red silk ribbons and locks. The cameraman had told them that to complete the check-in, they had to hang one of these items and walk across the entire bridge.

However, neither option was cheap. Just then, the old woman noticed their figures and her eyes lit up. She enthusiastically offered them a suggestion: “You’ve come at just the right time! A TV station is filming a promotional video here, and they need temporary actors to wear traditional wedding attire without showing their faces. I heard they still need a few more people. All you have to do is walk along the bridge once, and you’ll earn 100 yuan each. That’s 200 yuan for both of you, enough to buy the best lock we have here!”

Shi Nuocen immediately thought this was a brilliant idea and, pushing Ru Xi Cheng from behind, headed straight for the designated makeup area.

Ru Xi Cheng wore a mask, sunglasses, and a hat all the necessary disguises while Shi Nuocen only wore a hat, as she was still an unknown newcomer. Their low-key attire went unnoticed, and the person in charge, impressed by their figures and demeanor, agreed to let them join.

Shi Nuocen took two sets of costumes and led Ru Xi Cheng to a corner. While keeping an eye on the passing crowd, she helped Ru Xi Cheng change into the ancient wedding dress. After a moment, she suddenly burst out laughing. “What kind of luck is this? How come you have to wear a bridal gown two days in a row?”

“How should I know?” Ru Xi Cheng couldn’t help but shoot her a sidelong glance.

Once dressed in the vibrant red wedding attire, they wore thick red veils that let in only a faint glimmer of light, making it impossible to see ahead. Holding hands and guided by a red silk ribbon, they stepped onto the bridge.

With their vision obscured, their other senses heightened. Shi Nuocen felt Ru Xi Cheng’s fingers tremble slightly, as if she could sense the other’s heartbeat through their touch. The moment felt strangely magical, and she couldn’t resist gently squeezing the delicate hand in hers, then lightly tracing her nails back and forth on the back of Ru Xi Cheng’s hand. Soon, her playful fingers were met with a reciprocal squeeze.

Amidst the festive music, the two engaged in a subtle, playful exchange with their hands.

After the filming ended and they received their payment, they had enough to buy the best lock to hang on Lovers’ Bridge, with 20 yuan left over. When it was time to head to the Old Street, they unanimously decided to “splurge” and take a taxi!

The Old Street, located in the northern part of the city, was easily accessible and featured blue-tiled roofs and white walls, exuding an ancient charm. It was a popular spot for leisure and entertainment. The cameraman had said that taking a photo at each of the five iconic locations on Old Street would complete the check-in.

In front of a statue named “Embrace,” they hugged each other, and Shi Nuocen even lifted Ru Xi Cheng horizontally, spinning her around in circles.

Later, they went to Lovers’ Lake, where the check-in task was to recite an appropriate ancient poem facing the lake.

The two followed Lover’s Lake to the park, completed their check-in, and had lunch at a café by 1 p.m. By this point, they had already checked in at five locations, leaving only the amusement park, concert hall, and cinema. Their remaining budget was three hundred yuan.

As the esteemed actor Zong had pointed out, if they chose to take the boat, it would cost eighty yuan per person, one hundred and sixty for both which would definitely exceed their budget. If they opted to swim, they would only need to pay for the changing room, ten yuan per person.

She and her ex-wife had originally planned to swim across, especially since they had brought their swimsuits, swim caps, and goggles.

But now, gazing at the vast expanse of the lake, Shi Nuocen thought for a moment and suggested to her ex-wife, “How about this: I’ll swim across, and you take the boat. Don’t worry, I’m a good swimmer. I can definitely make it.”

Her ex-wife glanced at her, lifted her chin, and said, “I can do it too.” With that, she strode ahead first.

[Oh my god! Did I hear that right? Actress Ru is actually going to swim across!]

[So excited! We get to see the gorgeous beauty in a swimsuit!]

Before entering the changing room, Shi Nuocen quietly asked the cameraman, “How are we ranking right now?”

The cameraman gave her a thumbs-up, and she understood.

“Please show your ID cards,” the front desk attendant said, looking at the two of them, especially Ru Xi Cheng, whose face was completely covered.

When the attendant took the ID cards and saw the photos and names, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh my!”

Her outburst drew the attention of several people nearby. The attendant quickly composed herself and loudly explained, “Sorry, my eyes played tricks on me. Nothing’s going on.”

As the surrounding gazes gradually drifted away, she suppressed her excitement and asked, “Are you really Actress Ru and the stunning Cen? Are you filming a dating show? I’m a huge fan of both of you! Don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret! At least for today, I won’t say a word!”