The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 69
The group gradually returned, and upon hearing that Xiao Wenjin was treating everyone to roasted whole lamb for lunch, they were all overjoyed.
Having worked up a sweat from horseback riding, everyone decided to freshen up in their rooms first.
Fortunately, the yurts were equipped with bathing facilities otherwise, they’d have been miserable.
After quick cleanups, they emerged from their rooms and followed Xiao Wenjin to the dining area.
This was also a yurt, but unlike the others, its roof was made of glass, filling the space with natural light. Looking up, one could see the blue sky and white clouds exceptionally comfortable and relaxing.
Soon, a chef brought in a fully roasted lamb and placed it at the center. The rich aroma of meat instantly filled the entire space.
“So fragrant!”
The group unconsciously swallowed their saliva as Xiao Wenjin chuckled, “Dig in first. There’ll be lamb soup later, perfect for warming up.”
Xiao Wenjin had the chef carve the lamb and distribute portions. Wearing gloves, everyone happily indulged.
After finishing the roasted lamb and a steaming bowl of lamb soup, they patted their full stomachs contentedly.
Too stuffed to return to their rooms immediately, Ye Qinglan and Ning Yunshu decided to stroll around the ranch instead.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, amidst lush green grass with distant flocks of sheep dotting the landscape like patches of white, the serene environment was utterly soothing.
Ye Qinglan spontaneously stretched and sighed, “No wonder Uncle Xiao says they’ll retire here someday. This environment really is perfect for that.”
Ning Yunshu tilted her head. “Do you like this kind of setting, sis?”
Ye Qinglan smiled. “It’s truly beneficial for relaxation, after all.”
After a thoughtful pause, Ning Yunshu said, “I actually own a ranch in Australia too.”
Ye Qinglan turned in surprise. “Do all rich people just casually own ranches?”
Ning Yunshu rubbed her nose. “That’s unfair, it was originally the Ning family’s property. I just inherited it.”
Ye Qinglan burst out laughing. “Alright, alright.”
Ning Yunshu whispered, “If you like it, we could visit Australia sometime. How about it?”
“Hmm?” Ye Qinglan considered. “That might have to wait. The next few years will probably be too busy.”
Ning Yunshu shrugged. “No rush. My ranch isn’t going anywhere. We can go whenever you want.”
Ye Qinglan’s eyes curved into crescents. “Promise you won’t go back on your word later.”
“I’d never dream of it, I want you to come more than anything,” Ning Yunshu said bluntly.
Ye Qinglan instinctively glanced around for cameras.
Ning Yunshu laughed. “It’s break time now, sis. No need to worry the body cams are off, and there aren’t any drones following us.”
“So you’re getting bolder, huh?” Ye Qinglan teased.
Ning Yunshu pouted. “I’m just speaking from the heart.”
Ye Qinglan pulled her close and planted a light kiss on her cheek.
“Let’s seal the deal then. The deposit’s paid, so you can’t back out of taking me there later,” Ye Qinglan said with a smile.
Ning Yunshu touched the kissed spot on her cheek, grinning foolishly.
“I’ll definitely bring it, definitely bring it.”
Looking at her silly expression, Ye Qingran couldn’t help but laugh.
After strolling around for a while and feeling they had digested their meal, the two finally returned to the yurt.
They tidied up a bit, took an afternoon nap, and only got up when it was time to gather in the afternoon.
Stepping out of the yurt, they saw Xiao Wenjin waiting for them.
“Ladies, awake now?” Xiao Wenjin asked first.
“Why are you here? Didn’t you rest at noon?” Ye Qingran couldn’t help but ask.
“I was preparing the props you’ll need for this afternoon. Since it was almost time, I thought I’d come wake you up,” Xiao Wenjin explained.
“But since you two are already up, I’ll go call the others.” With that, she glanced at them, waved, and prepared to leave.
She left quickly. Watching her retreating figure, Ye Qingran muttered, “Oh no, I forgot to ask what this afternoon’s activity is.”
Ning Yunshu chuckled. “It’s fine, we’ll find out soon enough anyway.”
“True.” As she spoke, Ye Qingran covered her mouth and yawned.
“Didn’t sleep well?” Ning Yunshu asked.
“It’s nothing, just still a bit groggy from waking up,” Ye Qingran shook her head.
Soon, under Xiao Wenjin’s calls, everyone gradually got up and gathered at the meeting point, where the host announced the afternoon’s activity.
“Fishing?” Ye Qingran was slightly surprised upon hearing the host’s words.
Xiao Wenjin explained from the side, “There’s a lake deep in this pasture, perfect for fishing.”
Ye Qingran nodded. “Ah, I see.”
“The water quality there is excellent, and the fish are plump. How much you catch will determine how much you have for dinner,” Xiao Wenjin said with a smile.
The participants in the show all led fast-paced lives, and few had the patience to experience an activity like fishing. The production team had clearly anticipated this and decided to involve everyone.
It was also a way to cultivate patience and tranquility.
The fishing gear had already been loaded onto the vehicles, so without further delay, everyone boarded and set off for the fishing spot.
After about half an hour’s drive, a vast lake came into view.
The azure waters and swaying reeds made everyone marvel once again at the beauty of the surroundings.
Upon reaching the designated spot, everyone collected their fishing gear, and Xiao Wenjin personally demonstrated fishing techniques.
True to Xiao Wenjin’s words, the water here was exceptionally clear, so clear that in the shallows, one could even see small fish swimming about.
Soon, Xiao Wenjin hooked her first fish, a palm-sized crucian carp. She placed it in the creel and then turned to the group with a smile. “See? It’s easy.”
Everyone immediately rolled up their sleeves, each finding a spot nearby to set up their gear.
Ye Qingran and Ning Yunshu didn’t wander far either, sitting down beside Xiao Wenjin. After baiting their hooks, they prepared for their first fishing attempt of the day.
Ning Yunshu scattered some bait to attract fish, and the two sat side by side, holding their rods and watching the floats, chatting quietly now and then as if afraid loud voices would scare the fish away.
The others, however, were much livelier, discussing how to bait, how to cast, and the proper posture for throwing the line.
In short, it was quite a lively scene.
Ye Qingran kept her eyes fixed on the float until they grew sore, but there was still no movement.
Unable to resist muttering, “Are there really fish down there? Is this the exact spot where you just threw the bait?”
Ning Yunshu also looked puzzled: “This is the spot. How strange.”
“Where are the fish? Hey, Xiao Wenjing, you didn’t secretly hire someone to hang fish underwater for you, did you?” Ye Qinglan said, glancing at Xiao Wenjing.
Xiao Wenjing: “???”
Xiao Wenjing: “That’s slander! Outright slander!”
Ye Qinglan wore a skeptical expression, but Xiao Wenjing lifted her chin smugly: “Well, I do have good luck.”
“Tch.” Ye Qinglan immediately scrunched her face in disdain.
“Yeah, yeah, the whole world knows your nickname is ‘Little Koi’ now,” Ye Qinglan replied with blatant insincerity.
Xiao Wenjing’s face darkened.
“How did that nickname spread? I hope you know what you’ve done.”
Ye Qinglan blinked innocently: “I was just promoting our studio. With a boss as lucky as you, who wouldn’t believe they’ll make it big?”
Xiao Wenjing raised a hand to stop her: “No, please. The studio already has one diva like you that’s more than enough to keep me busy.”
“The studio needs to grow. It can’t just rely on me alone,” Ye Qinglan reminded her.
“No rush for now. I don’t have any artists in mind to collaborate with yet. Besides, I’m not a charity. Your success today is all your own, I just rode the coattails,” Xiao Wenjing shook her head, clearly not planning to expand anytime soon.
Ye Qinglan sighed helplessly. After all, Xiao Wenjing’s family was wealthy enough to fund the studio indefinitely. Plus, with acting gigs and investments from business moguls like Ning Yunshu, their small studio would never want for anything.
As they talked, Ning Yunshu’s float suddenly jerked. She quickly grabbed the fishing rod, alternately reeling in and letting out the line to tire the fish.
Ye Qinglan noticed immediately and abandoned her bickering with Xiao Wenjing to help Ning Yunshu. Holding a landing net, she cheered, “Come on, pull it closer yes, yes, just like that! Watch me!”
Working together, they soon landed a one-and-a-half-pound grass carp.
Grinning ear to ear, Ye Qinglan shot a triumphant look at Xiao Wenjing. “So? Pretty impressive, huh?”
“Impressive, impressive,” Xiao Wenjing deadpanned, clapping half-heartedly.
“Tch, so insincere,” Ye Qinglan scoffed before running off to show off their catch to others.
Xiao Wenjing looked utterly resigned and turned to Ning Yunshu. “I hope she remembers who her boss is. Speaking of which, why don’t you rein her in?”
To her surprise, Ning Yunshu just shrugged. “It’s fine. She’s great as she is. Besides, as if I could control her anyway.”
The two exchanged a glance and fell into silence.
The live chat erupted with laughter.
Why do they look like two victims who’ve suffered under Lanbao’s tyranny?
Lanbao: Boss or not, you’re still getting called ‘Little Koi.’
Two Alphas subdued by one Omega, I’m dying of laughter.
Sorry girls, but I ship all three of them now.
Calm down, sis! Shipping everything will ruin you!
No way!!! The law won’t allow it! Besides, Lanbao and Xiao’s friendship dynamic is already perfect! Childhood friends for the win!
Of course, everyone who was engrossed in fishing had no time to pay attention to the livestream’s excitement. Spurred by Ye Qinglan’s impressive catch, the others eagerly cast their lines, each silently praying they’d hook a fish soon, preferably one bigger than Ye Qinglan’s.
After all, being shown up like that was downright unbearable!