The Film Queen Is Cold and Ruthless, Only Sends Money - Chapter 35.2

She had meant to share it in their group chat when she first saw it.

At the time, she had to hold back because she was still under the gag order, but now she remembered it again.

Liu Yangran blinked. “What is it?”

Su Yun and Jiang Zhi also turned to look at Lin Yan because of her words.

Lin Yan: “Do you remember when you came back from your farming task and found your tools had been taken by Su Xue’s group?”

Her words immediately stirred different thoughts in everyone present.

Su Xue and Jing Zhaozhao recalled how they had avoided Liu Yangran’s group while laboriously digging holes, only for both groups to end up falling into the mud pit, truly a lose-lose situation!

Su Yun, on the other hand, guessed what Lin Yan was about to say.

Why did the editing team include everything in the show? Weren’t they supposed to focus on key moments due to limited airtime?

How did even her subtle suggestion to Su Xue about taking the other group’s tools make it into the final cut?!

Ye Ying hesitated before asking, “Is there some hidden story behind this?”

“Of course there is!” As she said this, Lin Yan’s gaze landed on Su Yun. “Do you really think Su Xue and her group could’ve come up with this idea on their own? There must’ve been a mastermind behind it.”

Su Yun: “…”

She had been ready to explain, but Lin Yan’s words saved her the effort.

[Hahahahahaha! Director Lin, I get what you mean, but isn’t that a little too obvious?!]

[For a moment, I can’t tell if Director Lin is trying to expose Su Yun or compliment her.]

[Director Lin, just admit it, you’re already in awe of Su Yun’s intelligence! Even now, you couldn’t resist calling her a ‘mastermind’!]

[Honestly, Director Lin, are you just jealous that Su Yun helped Su Xue but didn’t help you? Hahahaha!]

Su Xue, who had been ready to enjoy the drama, was caught off guard by Lin Yan’s words and immediately retorted, “Why couldn’t Zhaozhao and I have thought of it ourselves? Director Lin, don’t underestimate us!”

Especially since Su Yun’s actions had been meant to help them Su Xue would never reveal the truth.

Jing Zhaozhao, reluctantly dragged into the argument: “Xue’er is right.”

When in doubt, just support the other person!

That was a trick she had learned from Jiang Zhi a few days ago.

Though she didn’t have the authority to delete group messages or mute members, she could at least offer verbal support.

Lin Yan: “…”

Her excitement had gotten the better of her, and with the gag order lifted, she had blurted out her thoughts without filtering them.

“Of course you could’ve thought of it yourselves,” Lin Yan hastily backtracked, trying to explain. “I was just shocked when I saw the footage.”

“If you admit we could’ve thought of it ourselves, then what does Su Yun have to do with it, right?” Su Xue pressed.

Lin Yan: “You’re right.”

She’d rather have the gag order back.

Meanwhile, the actual parties involved Liu Yangran and Ye Ying were happily enjoying the drama.

At this point, watching Director Lin flounder was far more entertaining than finding out who had helped Su Xue.

Su Yun, completely unaffected, turned to Jiang Zhi and said, “With Director Lin like this, I don’t think watching the edited version is all that necessary anymore.”

Jiang Zhi chuckled. “Maybe it’s better not to have seen it at all.”

[I’m dying of laughter! The exchange between Su Xue and Director Lin was already hilarious, but how did Su Yun and Jiang Zhi manage to take it to another level?!]

[At this moment, there should be an animation: Su Yun and Jiang Zhi’s two lines transform into two arrows, hitting Director Lin right in the heart, hahaha!]

[Director Lin three minutes ago: This matter directly concerns all three teams. If I let them fight among themselves like the snipe and the clam, I can just sit back and reap the rewards. What a genius move!

Current Director Lin: Oh, why did I have to open my big mouth?!]

Director: “It seems everyone really enjoyed the first episode and learned a lot from it. I’m confident that in the upcoming second mission, you’ll all be more composed and better equipped to complete your tasks.”

After his opening remarks, the director first introduced the location for this mission, Jinguang City.

Located further north, Jinguang City was a stark contrast to the watery villages and low tile-roofed houses of Herong County. The architecture here was distinctly unique vibrant in color, taller in structure, with pointed spire-like tops, exuding a strong ethnic charm and atmosphere.

Director: “Jinguang City’s tourism industry has flourished over the past two years, attracting many visitors who come specifically to take photos and check in. For our second episode, we’ll be spending time here, immersing ourselves in the city’s distinctive culture and scenery.”

As the guests listened to the introduction, they glanced around at the surrounding buildings.

The production team had gathered them in a relatively open area, with the bustling downtown visible behind them. The streets were packed with tourists taking photos, creating a lively atmosphere.

However, Xu Zhi was the first to ask, “Director, aren’t we going to our accommodations first?”

Last time, though the living conditions had varied and they’d even witnessed the tragic demise of a door at least there had been rooms.

But today, there wasn’t even a hint of lodging.

Following the show’s usual antics, Su Xue made a reasonable guess: “Could it be that those who don’t complete the mission will have to sleep on the streets tonight?”

“That sounds absurd, but if it’s Dear Them, it’s totally on-brand,” Su Yun remarked.

[That sounds absurd, but if it’s Dear Them, it’s totally on-brand!]

[Hahahahaha! By the time they finish the mission, the guests might actually start missing the fourth room from the last episode!]

[Gotta say, the architecture behind them is stunning. The production team really picked a great location!]

Director: “Of course, our production team has prepared comfortable accommodations for everyone. However, to reach your rooms, you’ll need to rely on your own efforts.”

“Rely on our own efforts?” Liu Yangran repeated, a sense of foreboding creeping into her voice. “Why do I already have a bad feeling about this?”

Lin Yan: “Same.”

Just as they were speculating, a vehicle pulled up from their left.

The overall shape resembled the most common sightseeing cars found in tourist areas, but its design was far more extravagant. Layers of deep pink, blue, green, and other colors created a dazzling graffiti-like effect, adorned with decorative flowers on the sides, making it look exceptionally festive.

At the sight of the car, they all fell silent, but their widened eyes betrayed their excitement.

As the vehicle drew closer, the sound of Jinguang City’s ethnic folk music spilled out from inside so infectious that it made everyone’s toes tap along to the rhythm.

[This car is so cool! I want to experience what it feels like to ride in it!]

[Production team, did you secretly go out and secure funding these past two weeks? The budget’s looking thick, how else could you afford to roll up in a car like this?!]

[“That tractor from last time is completely incomparable! So grand production team, be honest, did renting this vehicle use up all the budget for the rest of the show?”]

The guests’ reactions mirrored those of the netizens. At first, they were stunned, but after a few glances, Lin Yan suddenly realized, “This probably isn’t our ride.”

Maybe it was just passing by. Given the show’s budget, it didn’t seem likely they’d rent something like this for them.

“Now that you mention it, you might be right,” Ye Ying withdrew her gaze. “Let’s just wait for the director to announce the next task.”

As soon as they finished speaking, everyone turned their attention to the director, quietly waiting to hear the next assignment.

In this scorching heat, they’d much rather return to their rooms sooner.

The production team, who had prepared multiple camera angles to capture the guests’ excited reactions for the grand entrance of the cool ride: “…”

The driver, who had been prepped that the guests might get overly excited and was advised to circle the venue a few extra times: “Seems like there’s barely anyone here.”

When the car stopped in front of them, the director reluctantly spoke up, “This is indeed our show’s vehicle, no need to doubt it. Your next task is also related to it.”

One second later.

Everyone in front of the director instantly vanished, crowding around the car instead.

“I wanted to touch it earlier but held back,” Liu Yangran examined the vehicle. “The curtains here even have embroidery.”

“Really?!” Su Xue leaned in for a closer look. “I can’t believe our show actually managed to get this. It’s hard to trust!”

Lin Yan’s earlier composure completely disappeared as she repeatedly exclaimed, “So cool!” proof enough of how much she adored the car.

[?! I really thought they weren’t interested, but turns out they were just pretending!]

[+1, you all had me fooled! I knew no one could stay calm in front of this car! No one!]

[Remembering how they thought this wasn’t the show’s ride is still hilarious hahaha! Production team, reflect on whether the first episode really made them think you’re broke!]

Su Yun was equally curious about the car. After she and Jiang Zhi inspected the exterior, they lifted the curtain to peek inside.

The seats were also embroidered, and the car was equipped with air conditioning and various decorations. The rush of cool air was a world apart from the sweltering heat outside.

However, Su Yun noticed something off. “There are only four seats?”

Jiang Zhi: “The director mentioned earlier that this car is related to the task.”

Seeing the number of seats now, it was clear, only half of them would get to ride in it.

[I knew it hahaha!! The contrast is just too stark!]

[Sitting in an air-conditioned car, I can’t even imagine how blissful that would be!]

[Production team: Every penny I spend will definitely serve its purpose!]

After they spoke, the others also gathered around and noticed the limited seating. “I knew the production team was up to no good.”

Still, no one left, taking advantage of the director’s explanation to enjoy the rare cool air.

Director: “I’m sure you all love this car. It’s a special tourist vehicle approved by Jinguang City to promote local tourism.”

The exterior of the vehicle draws inspiration from the local murals of Jinguang City, and inside, it showcases the city’s specialty products. It has been warmly welcomed by tourists and has become one of Jinguang City’s distinctive features.

Guests who win the upcoming game segment will have the opportunity to board our sightseeing tour bus and head to their accommodations.

The game rules are as follows: Guests can freely divide into two teams of four members each. You will then have two minutes to board the bus, including loading your luggage.

Once the two minutes are up, we will tally the number of guests and suitcases remaining on the bus for each team. Each person and each suitcase will count as one point.

The team with the highest total score wins and earns the chance to ride our sightseeing tour bus.

After hearing the rules, the guests naturally split into two teams based on their standing positions: Team Su Yun and Team Su Xue, and Team Liu Yangran and Team Lin Yan.

After all, according to the rules, the goal was to get themselves and their luggage onto the bus as much as possible. It had little to do with physical strength or intelligence, it all came down to one word: “snatch.” There was no need to waste time overthinking the team divisions.

Director: “Since everyone is ready, we’ll now begin the two-minute countdown. Start!”

As soon as the director gave the signal, they sprang into action, pulling their luggage with the intensity of a 100-meter sprint.

Su Xue was the first to reach the left side, firmly securing a spot and placing her suitcase there in an attempt to block Liu Yangran from boarding.

Lin Yan wasn’t about to be outdone. Working with Xu Zhi, she quickly hoisted their suitcases onto the bus.

Cornered, Liu Yangran had no choice but to change direction, but fortunately, the bus had plenty of boarding spots.

[The production team is so sneaky! They’re counting down the two minutes second by second! I’m getting nervous just watching!]

[They’re putting in so much effort to get on the bus! The competition is intense!]

[Hahahahaha, Jiang Zhi actually took down Team Lin Yan’s suitcase from the side! Is this really the same award-winning actress Jiang I know?!]

[Only one minute left! I can’t even tell which team is going to win!]

Not only were the live-stream viewers dazzled, but even the guests playing the game were getting disoriented. Suitcases were being loaded and unloaded repeatedly in a chaotic back-and-forth.

Lin Yan had already managed to get on the bus when she spotted a suitcase in front of her. Without hesitation, she tossed it aside and gave it a push.

The wheeled suitcase slid far away in an instant!

Before Lin Yan could even celebrate, she heard Ye Ying shout, “Director Lin, that was my suitcase!”

Talk about friendly fire!

Witnessing this scene, Su Yun, who was busy stuffing suitcases onto the bus, turned to Jing Chaochao beside her and asked, “Is Director Lin actually a mole planted in our team?”

She hadn’t even known about this, what excellent undercover work!

[Hahahahahaha, is this what they call ‘throwing blindly in the heat of the moment’?!]

[Director Lin: What? A suitcase? Toss it! Not a single suitcase shall remain on this bus!]

[This is hilarious! How can such a simple game feel like a spy thriller? There’s action, strategy, and ambushes everywhere!]

[Su Yun: Thank you, Director Lin, for the free point! After we win, we’ll honor you with the title of Honorary Team Member!]

The two minutes passed quickly. As the countdown reached the final three seconds, the space inside the car was almost entirely occupied by suitcases and people, leaving no room for anything else.

Three seconds later, the director called for a pause: “Everyone, stay where you are. We’ll tally up the scores now.”

[I’ve been counting too, but it’s so chaotic in the car, I can’t keep track!]

[Right now, Lin Yan, Su Xue, Jing Zhaozhao, and Ye Ying are still in the car. In terms of numbers, both teams are tied!]

[But some of their suitcases look really similar, I can’t even count them properly!]

Director: “For the number of people, both teams earn two points. The suitcases left in the car belong to Su Xue, Jiang Zhi, Xu Zhi, and Ye Ying. Each team can earn another two points.”

[It’s a tie! Does that mean we’re getting a tiebreaker round?]

[The teams are so evenly matched! Let’s have another round, it’s so fun watching them play!]

[Hahahahaha of course Liu Yangran’s suitcase isn’t here, it’s still way far from the car!]

After tallying the scores, the director was about to announce the tiebreaker rules when Su Yun suddenly spoke up.

Su Yun: “Director, you missed one suitcase.”

Hearing this, the director looked back into the car. “There really are only four suitcases inside.”

Before she could finish, Su Yun pointed to the roof of the car.

Even a slight glance toward the sunlight made one instinctively squint.

But what made Lin Yan’s eyes sting even more was the suitcase on the car roof, half-covered by the side curtain.

Once everyone had seen it, Su Yun cheerfully retrieved her suitcase from the roof and asked, “Director, doesn’t that mean our team wins?”

Director: “Team Su Yun wins and earns the opportunity to ride the sightseeing tour bus.”

[!!!! When did Su Yun sneak her suitcase onto the roof?!]

[I was ready for a tiebreaker didn’t expect an even better twist!]

[Hahahahaha look at the other team, they’re all staring at the roof like they’re hoping another suitcase will magically appear!]

[Team Su Xue is so happy! As expected, following Su Yun and Jiang Zhi means never losing!]

Realizing that no more suitcases would materialize on the roof, Lin Yan had no choice but to accept defeat.

Still, she couldn’t help asking Su Yun, “How did you even think of putting your suitcase up there?”

Standing by the car, enjoying the cool breeze from inside, Su Yun explained, “Because when the director explained the rules, she never specified that the suitcases had to be inside the car—just that they had to be ‘on the car.’ And the roof happened to be big and empty.”

Exploiting loopholes was a habit of hers when playing games, and it carried over here.

As long as the director didn’t explicitly forbid something in the rules, she took it as fair game.

So when the countdown started and everyone else rushed into the car, she moved a little slower. With Jiang Zhi covering for her, she quietly placed her suitcase on the roof.

She made sure to keep her movements subtle if the others had noticed, the roof would’ve become a battleground too.

That was how she secured the winning point.

Liu Yangran: “Impressive.”

Beyond that, she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

She could only look enviously at Jing Chaozhao and Su Xue their teammates had the sense to secretly hide the boxes, while hers only knew how to push her box farther and farther away!

The game ended, and Su Yun, Jiang Zhi, Su Xue, and Jing Chaozhao boarded the comfortable and stylish tourist sightseeing car.

The remaining four stood under the scorching sun, turning to the director and asking, “Then how do we get there?”

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