The Movie Queen's Silly CEO - Chapter 22
Final Challenge Climbing the Snowy Peak
Day three dawned bright and clear, but as the sun rose, snowflakes began to drift from the sky.
“Attention, guests! Your next challenge is to climb the snowy peak!” the executive director shouted through a megaphone. “See that snow-covered mountain ahead? The summit is your destination. You must complete a round trip before sunset. Once you reach the top, you’ll get a short break and some rations from the crew.”
Climbing a snow-covered mountain was no small feat. Safety was paramount. After the rules were announced, the five guests led by Feng Xi geared up with professional equipment and set off with a local guide and a medical expert.
“Mr. Mu, the road ahead is impassable by car. If we want to follow them, we’ll have to walk,” Chen Ning said, ready with gear. “Shall we go?”
“Yes. I’ve already contacted a professional mountaineering team. If we can’t drive, we’ll switch transportation,” Mu Qing replied, removing his coat and starting to change.
Though the mountain was said to be just over 200 meters tall, vehicles couldn’t go beyond a kilometer or two from its base. Everyone had to proceed on foot.
The guide led the way, followed by Feng Xi’s group, flanked by cameramen and trailed by the emergency medic.
“Ugh, why aren’t we there yet?” Shao Qiushuang exhaled white mist as she trudged behind Feng Xi. “Director! Didn’t you say it was a 20-minute walk to the mountain? It’s been 20 minutes already!”
“I said 20 minutes in a straight line. We’re not walking straight, so it takes longer,” the director panted.
“Liar!” Shao Qiushuang muttered, sipping water from her thermos.
Su Xiu caught up to Feng Xi and asked, “Senior, are you tired?”
Feng Xi shook her head. They hadn’t even reached the base yet—no reason to be tired. Compared to the cameramen lugging heavy gear, their load was light.
After another 20 minutes, they finally arrived at the foot of the mountain. Looking up, Feng Xi couldn’t help but curse.
Who said this was just 200 meters tall? If it was, she’d eat the whole mountain!
“You’re mistaken,” the director quickly clarified. “The snow-covered peak is permanent, but you don’t need to climb that part. Just reach the platform it really is only 200 meters!”
“Are you sure you’re not tricking us?” Shao Qiushuang asked skeptically.
“That depends on your pace,” the director dodged.
Feng Xi asked the guide in English and was told it usually takes under two hours.
“Two hours to climb?” Le Xiaoxiao was stunned. This wasn’t what she signed up for she came to relax and have fun!
“If we go together, probably three hours with breaks,” Su Xiu calculated. “We left at ten, it’s already eleven. If we want to return before sunset, we can’t slow down.”
No wonder the first two days were so easy this was the real challenge.
After a short rest, the director announced the climb. Just then, the hum of engines echoed, and three electric snowmobiles arrived.
Mu Qing stepped off slowly, removed her helmet, and joined the group.
“You’re climbing too?” Shao Qiushuang asked, surprised but not entirely shocked.
Mu Qing nodded. “I heard the view is nice. I wanted to see it.”
Feng Xi felt a strange sense of satisfaction. She didn’t know why, but Mu Qing’s concern made her happy. The more obvious Mu Qing’s care, the happier she felt.
With her face covered, Mu Qing joined Feng Xi. No one questioned her presence after all, sponsors are omnipotent.
Mu Qing’s silent companionship gave Feng Xi a burst of energy. Even Su Xiu felt fired up, flanking Feng Xi on the other side.
Feng Xi wasn’t fragile, but seeing her flanked like royalty made her sigh.
They climbed for over two hours with breaks and finally reached the destination.
“Ugh, so tired,” Shao Qiushuang collapsed into the snow, letting flakes fall on her face.
“Rest for ten minutes, then we’ll shoot the designated scenes,” the director said, adjusting the drone.
Just then, Mu Qing pulled out three self-heating hotpots. “Pick your favorite flavor.”
“Hotpot? You brought these?” Feng Xi was amazed.
“Chen Ning prepared them yesterday. She guessed the crew would only offer bread and biscuits,” Mu Qing explained. “We each carried three boxes Su Xiu and the others will get theirs too.”
This way, Feng Xi wouldn’t be seen as a diva.
Mu Qing was incredibly thoughtful.
“Pick one and start heating it. It’ll be ready after the shoot,” Mu Qing urged.
Feng Xi nodded and chose one, reaching for her thermos.
“Wait, don’t use hot water,” Mu Qing stopped her. “Chen Ning, toss me a bottle.”
Chen Ning ran over, handed the water, and reported that all guests had received food.
“Good job,” Mu Qing said, pouring water into the hotpot.
Feng Xi watched Mu Qing work, then suddenly hugged her. “Mu Qing, thank you for everything.”
Caught off guard, Mu Qing stumbled back. “You’re welcome. It’s what I should do.”
As a devoted suitor, Mu Qing would do anything even hire a chef team to cook on-site if Feng Xi wanted.
“Oh, and this,” Mu Qing handed her a thermos. “Chicken soup, still hot. Your period’s coming soon, right? Don’t get cold.”
Feng Xi was overwhelmed. The aroma made her want to cry.
“Alright, ten minutes are up. Time for photos!” the director shouted, interrupting her emotions.
Feng Xi wanted to respond to Mu Qing’s care, but was interrupted again.
“I’ll go take the photo first,” she said.
Mu Qing, unaware of what he missed, brushed snow off her head. “Go ahead, I’ll watch your stuff.”
“Okay…” Feng Xi smiled and jogged off.
Mu Qing was so clueless how could she not realize what Feng Xi wanted to say?