The Second Fall - Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Shura Field

“Yu Mingsong?” Bian Zhi thought for only a second before calling out the name she recognized while looking at Lan Cixing.

Lan Cixing remained silent, pulling down the brim of her hat, trying to hide herself. Last week, to avoid trouble and prevent Rong Yushu from having to switch groups, she had taken Yu Mingsong’s place. This week, with Yu Mingsong’s return, she couldn’t keep using that name forever. After all, she was only Rong Yushu’s person, not an official guest of the program.

Lan Cixing’s attitude was clear. She gave no eye contact, no response, and leaned back slightly.

Bian Zhi shifted her gaze to the Alpha standing nearby. Not just her, but Feng Shi also looked up, meeting Yu Mingsong’s eyes. It was instantly clear: they had been deceived by the Alpha wearing the mask last week. Feng Shi wondered how she could have believed someone would record a show in a mask just because of “the flu.” Even if a mask was explained, how could a hat be?

To her fury, she had been tricked for an entire night last week. Her effort in the partner-swapping competition had been for nothing! Feng Shi’s eyes sharpened with a piercing edge.

Yu Mingsong, naturally, did not back down. Rong Jinhuai had sent her specifically to guard against people like Feng Shi. She looked down with a slight sneer, easily brushing off the hostility in Feng Shi’s eyes. For a moment, the atmosphere was thick with tension.

Rong Yushu, who should have been at the center of the storm, was leisurely relaxed. She didn’t even give Feng Shi a glance; at most, she glanced at Yu Mingsong’s neck before simply closing her eyes and leaning onto Lan Cixing’s shoulder.

Lan Cixing was more nervous than she was, her usual timidity almost breaking. She bit her lip and simply reached out to put her arm around Rong Yushu, pulling her gently toward her own chest. Rong Yushu was perfectly compliant, leaning in softly and pinching Lan Cixing’s waist to tell her to relax.

No matter who Rong Yushu’s official partner was, it wouldn’t change their relationship. Rong Yushu had used her own way to give Lan Cixing the greatest reassurance. Perhaps this was Rong Yushu’s purpose in joining a dating show without telling Rong Jinhuai—waiting for Yu Mingsong to arrive while insisting on bringing Lan Cixing along.

At this moment of confrontation, Lan Cixing suddenly understood this. Her heart gave a thump, as if pushed by someone. Before she could even process the feeling, Yu Mingsong spoke, breaking the bizarre stalemate.

“I am Shushu’s bodyguard,” Yu Mingsong said with a wooden face. When she promised Rong Jinhuai a month ago, she never imagined she’d have to pretend to be a bodyguard on a show—and have her identity stolen. But Rong Jinhuai only had this one sister. And Yu Mingsong only had this one sister-in-law. What else could she do? Her inner self was already like dead ashes.

“Pfft.” At that moment, an Omega who had just boarded the bus let out a snicker. It was clearly picked up and amplified by the microphone, transmitting directly into everyone’s ears.

Feng Shi knit her brows, ignoring Yu Mingsong’s absurd claim for a moment to look toward the sound. She saw Bai Wanyan, a newly risen A-list starlet from a hit idol drama, walking into the bus with a smile in her eyes. She came alone, clearly not having hit it off with the partner she drew last week.

She walked straight toward Yu Mingsong. “Teacher Yu. Did you manage to say that without laughing?” One sentence exposed Yu Mingsong’s true identity.

After all, the three remaining groups of guests had seen last week’s partner-swapping challenge. They were all in the same circle. Although Yu Mingsong hadn’t appeared in public much in recent years—having only one high-profile work last year with heavy makeup and styling—those in the film and television circles wouldn’t fail to recognize her.

Only Feng Shi (who walked red carpets) and Bian Zhi (a model) didn’t recognize her and took the “little bodyguard” talk seriously. People like Bai Wanyan had known the moment they saw Lan Cixing that she wasn’t Yu Mingsong, nor was she Rong Yushu’s official partner. She was likely someone the Rong family sent to protect their little princess. After all, the dating show included the words “Survival.” It was understandable that the Rong family would keep a close watch.

Yet someone actually wanted to challenge the majesty of the Rong family. Bai Wanyan didn’t know what to say about Feng Shi. She loved watching drama and decided to add fuel to the fire. She lightly brushed a strand of hair from Yu Mingsong’s cheek, causing Yu Mingsong to take a step back.

Feng Shi, not being from the acting world, couldn’t hide her expression; her mouth twitched. She didn’t pick a fight with Bai Wanyan but turned back to Yu Mingsong. “If you are Yu Mingsong, then by what right is she here recording the show?” She pointed a finger at Lan Cixing, showing zero regard or respect.

Yu Mingsong’s brow knit slightly as she prepared to speak. Honestly, even Rong Jinhuai had trouble controlling Rong Yushu lately. If Rong Yushu wanted to bring someone, and the investors agreed, the production crew couldn’t do anything. What right did Feng Shi have to object?

Suddenly, Rong Yushu opened her eyes and spoke. Her green eyes shimmered with unclear watery light, undulating like sunlight on water, appearing affectionate. She propped herself up from Lan Cixing.

“Feng Shi.” For the first time since the second episode began recording, she called this “old friend” by name.

Feng Shi should have been wary. But Rong Yushu’s voice was too elegant and leisurely, the trailing note rising as if she were calling a sweet lover. Feng Shi took the bait, turning her head with dazed eyes to look at Rong Yushu. Rong Yushu, stared at by several people, remained unbothered and composed. She simply raised her hand.

She beckoned to Feng Shi. Like calling a pet dog.

Seeing this, Lan Cixing bit her lip hard. Her instincts were howling, wailing that Rong Yushu must want to raise another dog. How could she treat someone else like that? Lan Cixing didn’t dare face her inner desire—that even if she were to be a dog, only she could be Rong Yushu’s dog. Why should anyone else get to?

The days of being together had built enough trust that Lan Cixing didn’t lash out. She didn’t even dare blink too much for fear of squeezing out tears. She just stared unblinkingly at Rong Yushu, as if trying to awaken her master’s conscience.

In her peripheral vision, Rong Yushu saw the gloom in Lan Cixing’s eyes. She curled her lips into a smile, though it was unclear if she was responding to Lan Cixing or performing for Feng Shi. Feng Shi was already leaning over the seat, almost getting into Rong Yushu’s face.

Lan Cixing was about to lose it; her breathing was trembling. Her nails dug into her fists, but they were trimmed too smoothly to draw blood, leaving only bulging veins.

Rong Yushu didn’t even blink. Then, the sweetness suddenly vanished. The green eyes looking at Feng Shi turned into a sheet of frost. They emitted a chilling cold, surpassing even a dark pool on an ice plain.

It was a coldness Lan Cixing had never seen. Different from four years ago, and even more different from last night. Lan Cixing didn’t notice her own pupils shrinking; she only focused on hearing Rong Yushu’s words—

“By the right that… she is mine.”

That one sentence made Lan Cixing’s heart go soft. She had heard it many times and had gradually accepted it. But hearing Rong Yushu say it so without hesitation and so bluntly to a rival… Lan Cixing still lowered her head. Her nose felt sour with an emotion she couldn’t understand. It was clearly a good thing…

“Tell me, is she allowed?” Rong Yushu no longer hid her sneer. Her fox-like eyes grew colder and sharper, turning Feng Shi’s face pale. It was truly the first time Feng Shi had been so directly stung by someone she had liked for a long time.

Looking closer, the “Little Alpha” whom Rong Yushu claimed as her own still had her hand on Rong Yushu’s waist. They were so intimate there was no room for anyone else. But Feng Shi had never heard of Rong Yushu having a lover—where did this Alpha come from? No matter how bitter she felt, with cameras rolling, Feng Shi could say no more.

Having spoken, Rong Yushu didn’t give Feng Shi another look, leaning back onto Lan Cixing’s shoulder. This time she leaned with her back. It wasn’t as ambiguous; she just used Lan Cixing as a cushion. But only Lan Cixing could taste the ambiguity within it. Her heartbeat was so soft it felt powerless, yet it beat faster and faster.

Rong Yushu didn’t need her to clear out “rivals.” From Mu Huai to Feng Shi, to Yu Mingsong—not one of them had truly broken Lan Cixing’s heart. So… what exactly did Rong Yushu mean? Lan Cixing didn’t dare blink, much less lower her head. To lower her head would be to think deeply. Thinking deeply might lead to separation. She hoped this moment would be eternal. Then let her thoughts remain unchanged.

Lan Cixing suddenly let out her held breath. Her body relaxed, and she quietly embraced the person leaning against her.

Peace reigned on this side. On the other side, Feng Shi was so struck she couldn’t even keep her back straight. Bian Zhi was tangled in her own world, failing to notice Rong Yushu’s attitude. She was counting on her fingers, trying hard to think: should she pursue this Alpha with the strong aura who was tall and handsome, or should she pursue Yu Mingsong, whom she had felt a crush on just by looking at her file? Bian Zhi’s last relationship hadn’t been happy, and she wanted to find a new partner; she came to this show specifically for that.

As for Yu Mingsong, hearing Rong Yushu’s words, her expression was poor. Others thought she was struck by heartbreak. Only she knew that once the matter between Rong Yushu and Lan Cixing was exposed, she, Yu Mingsong, would be punished by Rong Jinhuai.

Yu Mingsong tried to save the situation. She attempted to sit next to Rong Yushu, making it three in a row. Rong Yushu glanced at her and knew exactly what she was thinking. She decisively moved… into Lan Cixing’s arms.

Lan Cixing was still dazing when the beauty suddenly threw herself into her embrace. Surrounded by warmth and softness, Lan Cixing’s breathing stalled for a moment. Looking at Yu Mingsong trying to squeeze in next to them, her gaze didn’t even contain hostility.

Yu Mingsong’s face grew worse. A space had been cleared. But if Rong Jinhuai saw this, she would die an even more miserable death. Yu Mingsong gave Rong Yushu a look and moved to sit in the row behind.

“Hi~ Sister Yu.” Bai Wanyan gave a sweet greeting beside her. Yu Mingsong shuddered. She had worked with Bai Wanyan before, playing sisters in a drama. It was fine for Bai Wanyan to call her that, but… Yu Mingsong shifted a tiny bit further away. If Rong Jinhuai saw this scene, she would also die miserably. Bai Wanyan leaned toward her, not minding the distance; if anything, her interest was piqued.

In the front row, Feng Shi bit her lip, wanting to call home to complain. Bian Zhi peeked back, clearly not giving up. Rong Yushu remained in Lan Cixing’s arms, refusing to come down. The two of them insisted on sharing one seat; even the director couldn’t do anything.

Yu Mingsong’s heart felt blocked. She shouldn’t have promised Rong Jinhuai to come to this show! She should have let Rong Jinhuai come see Rong Yushu herself!

Only the director, who had just reached the broadcasting room in the back and saw the “Shura Field” on the screen, clapped her hands in delight. This was the dating show she wanted to film! She decided to tell the planners to add more similar plots.

The bus drove for over an hour before the group finally entered the mountains. The host greeted them at the entrance and announced today’s workflow.

“Today’s task is to collect ingredients. Within the time limit, find edible materials for a special purpose later. You don’t need to build housing manually today; the program crew has prepared a ‘Sweet Cottage’ for everyone.”

To prevent this group from getting too immersed in romance and ignoring the survival aspect, the host—under the director’s pressure—added a reminder: “There are clues for hidden tasks during the period. Once all are found, there will be a mysterious grand prize~”

The six groups of guests had a lukewarm reaction. They were clearly more interested in romance, looking at people they wanted to team up with. Especially Rong Yushu’s “external help.” Lan Cixing gripped Rong Yushu’s wrist so tightly it turned red, refusing to let go, insisting on shielding her in front of herself. She didn’t even hide it from the cameras.

Yu Mingsong also started walking toward Rong Yushu. Everyone knew Rong Yushu couldn’t cook. Today’s task clearly tested the collected ingredients and the results produced. She had to help.

At that moment, the director barked an order at the host, who hurriedly stopped Yu Mingsong. “Today’s activity is not in groups; it uses an individual scoring method. Everyone’s starting position is different. If you happen to meet your ‘heart-throb’ guest on the way, you can search for ingredients together.”

Yu Mingsong’s foot stopped in mid-air. She looked at Lan Cixing, who was holding Rong Yushu tightly. She could only rely on Lan Cixing now.

Rong Yushu acted as if she hadn’t noticed the crew was targeting her and her “little dog,” whispering a secret to Lan Cixing. She hadn’t taken off her mic, and her voice rang clearly in the broadcasting room. “Good child, I want to eat chicken stew with mushrooms today.”

The director’s face went blue. No one in the studio dared to speak. Lan Cixing’s voice rang out again. “I’ll go look. The crew should have placed some chickens; I saw them last time.”

The director’s face turned black. Three seconds later, the director began to wail. “Hide those chickens, ducks, and fish better! You can’t let her find them easily!”

While it was called “Survival,” it was still a variety show. The crew wouldn’t actually let a group of actresses and models survive in the true wild; they were prepared. But Lan Cixing was a bodyguard—according to Rong Yushu, one who had been to a special forces training camp. She was a walking cheat code.

If the crew also made it convenient for the guests, how could the others play? After hearing the director’s wail, the logistics staff silently began to move. They moved the penned chickens away from the planned route for Rong Yushu’s group.

To prevent guests from meeting too easily, the crew provided eye masks. Guests were to be blindfolded and led by staff to their respective starting positions. The director originally didn’t want Lan Cixing to follow, but considering the danger level wasn’t low and something might actually happen to Rong Yushu alone, she had to yield.

Lan Cixing was even more afraid to let Rong Yushu walk alone. Such deep forests had many snakes and insects, and there wouldn’t be staff watching every second. She was more nervous than Rong Yushu herself.

After putting on the eye mask, Rong Yushu remained as indifferent as ever, showing no fear of losing her sight. Lan Cixing struggled behind her for a few steps before finally grabbing her hand. “Sister, hold onto me.” Even though she was blindfolded and couldn’t see the road, Lan Cixing insisted on being capable. Rong Yushu wouldn’t let her off; hearing this, she leaned her weight onto her. Lan Cixing caught her steadily, as if she could still see her.

During the fifteen-minute walk, the staff lost focus, and the two almost tripped. Lan Cixing precisely found Rong Yushu in the chaos and held her tight.

“…Are you sure her eye mask is on properly?” the director asked, feeling numb. The path given to them was the most difficult, hoping to guard against the “cheating” Rong Yushu. That was why it required a fifteen-minute walk. Who knew Lan Cixing would provide a surprise halfway through?

“Definitely. Otherwise, why would they trip?” The logistics leader leaned in to look. She simply felt the bodyguard knew Rong Yushu too well to recognize her position even through a blindfold. The director didn’t want to believe it but had no choice, slumped in her chair like a salted fish.

Finally, they removed the eye masks at the designated spot. Lan Cixing took the empty basket and water bottle, put her arm around Rong Yushu’s waist, and prepared to start searching for ingredients. Rong Yushu was truly leisurely, leaning against Lan Cixing, ignoring the path ahead as if nestling in. She really wasn’t here for survival; she was here for a vacation.

Lan Cixing explored for a while, picking some berries, and was about to reach for some new red fruit. Rong Yushu glanced at them and spoke. “Don’t take those.” Outsiders thought she just didn’t want to eat them. The director waited for Lan Cixing’s reaction. They weren’t that kind; some wild fruits couldn’t be picked, and picking them would deduct points.

Lan Cixing obediently pulled back her hand. “Poisonous?” She was Rong Yushu’s dog; of course, she was obedient. If she knew what the director was thinking, she might have laughed at her.

“Mm. The ones over here are fine.” Rong Yushu’s posture was so casual that the director only reacted once she spoke. She really could recognize fruits. Conversely, Lan Cixing was slightly inferior in this area. The director sat on the floor with a thump. The planners and logistics leader silently mourned for the director.

The time for collecting ingredients was four hours total. Lan Cixing estimated the sun would set just as time ran out. They would likely have to find torches. Along the way, she picked up some usable branches. Rong Yushu was held by her for a while, but then seemed to grow bored of leaning and straightened up to pick wild flowers.

The director… the director had stopped caring about these two “cheaters.” Thus, she didn’t notice that Rong Yushu was more relaxed than before. Lan Cixing noticed this and quietly hooked Rong Yushu’s hand.

“Hmm?” Rong Yushu casually handed the spices she had picked to Lan Cixing.

“Sister.” Lan Cixing approached like she was wagging a tail. Rong Yushu’s relaxation was a signal. “What does Sister think we should do?” Receiving the signal, Lan Cixing wanted nothing more than to carry Rong Yushu straight to the finish line to rest. Even if their repellent worked, the weather was hot. Rong Yushu was covered in sweat, making Lan Cixing’s skin feel greasy where they touched. But collecting ingredients definitely gave points. They only learned last time that points could be exchanged for everything.

“So obedient.” Rong Yushu curled her fox-like eyes, took a wild green onion, and poked Lan Cixing’s nose, flattening the “puppy” nose and sliding it. Lan Cixing blinked, actually put down the basket, and couldn’t help but hug Rong Yushu. It was a shame she didn’t have a tail. Rong Yushu looked at the girl in her arms with shining puppy eyes and laughed, patting her head.

“Actually, it doesn’t matter who is in the group, does it?” That was why she walked slowly. However, her appetite still had to be satisfied; Rong Yushu casually picked some useful spices. The crew was so prepared they even put rosemary by the road; most likely, they wanted the guests to prepare all cooking tools themselves—including the basket in the set that looked like a pot.

“I don’t want them bothering you.” Lan Cixing leaned against Rong Yushu’s chest, silently sticking her ear to it as if she could hear her heartbeat. Lan Cixing’s heart hadn’t been calm all day. At this moment, she heard a few thumps, and only after her head was lightly stroked did she realize it was just her own heartbeat.

“Then go get some water.” Rong Yushu smoothed the “puppy’s” hair, receiving a sweet, simple smile. She stroked the puppy’s eyes until they squinted. The only cameraman assigned to this group watched the two finish their display of affection before they walked straight to a nearby stream to get water. The cameraman also felt like breaking down.

“As expected, they were prepared.” Lan Cixing easily found the drinking water the crew had hidden there. She had enough strength and endurance; she didn’t just leave two bottles but packed and took everything drinkable. Rong Yushu… well, she considerately helped share the burden: a grass basket. Inside were light items: herbs, mushrooms, and berries.

Later, for the solo interviews: Rong Yushu played with her nails while listening to the host ask if she felt guilty letting her bodyguard carry heavy items. Rong Yushu only gave the host a glance, scaring her with her aura so much she couldn’t speak. “My person carrying my things—what’s the problem? I didn’t even make her carry me.” This was only Rong Yushu’s interview. When Lan Cixing was interviewed a few episodes later, she was even more righteous: “You want Sister to carry heavy things? She has never done such tiring work. She only gave it to me because she trusts me.” Lan Cixing was quite guarded, her puppy eyes rounding as she looked at the host. “You aren’t thinking of sending someone else to take over my job, are you? Let me be clear: I am her person. To change that, you have to ask her permission.”

Back to the present, the crew was just writing interview questions. Lan Cixing and the others had followed the water source, opened up a path, and found the chickens hidden by the logistics staff.

“This is hard to carry.” Lan Cixing had no knife and nothing to tie the wings with. She looked at the struggling chicken in her hand and felt troubled. Rong Yushu picked up some eggs and walked over to Lan Cixing, squatting with her and staring at their dinner in thought. “How about just killing it? We can stop its breath.” Rong Yushu was even more ruthless than Lan Cixing.

“The meat quality will change. Let’s look for a knife.” Lan Cixing gripped the chicken and easily carried it around. They actually found a cleaver left far away by the crew. “I think the crew can change the name of the show.” Lan Cixing’s method of killing the chicken was quite efficient, not leaving much pain.

“A Collection Game?” Rong Yushu watched from the side, showing no avoidance, appearing to watch with interest.

“Makes sense.” Lan Cixing spent ten minutes dressing the chicken and put it in the back basket. The director had just come to when she heard their mockery of the show’s setup and fainted again from anger.

Four hours passed quickly. Lan Cixing was finally struggling to carry the load, but she reached the finish line. The two of them had avoided people along the way, focusing on collecting. Several baskets were full. They were the first group to arrive. According to the cameraman’s observation, they also had the highest count. After moving individually, many things were inconvenient; other groups couldn’t match the efficiency of these two “cheaters.” The director had already urgently discussed with the planners how to restrain them. Now she was full of confidence, just waiting for the remaining guests.

One by one, guests arrived. Only Bai Wanyan, Bian Zhi, and another Alpha were left. As everyone gathered, they chatted with the host about the subsequent arrangements.

“There’s a campfire dance tonight. The crew is quite conscientious; the party includes segments for exchanging notes and materials.” The host explained in detail to the guests surrounding her. Then she saw in the distance Lan Cixing had brought a lounge chair and was rubbing Rong Yushu’s back. The host silently looked away. She didn’t want to hear the director’s wail again and chose “out of sight, out of mind.”

“As for the house, it’s a surprise. Like other activities, I can’t give you spoilers now. But I can tell you now: there will be a cooking competition later. A surprise guest will come to judge you.”

Lan Cixing listened to the “spoiler” while kneading Rong Yushu’s shoulders.

“Cooking?” Yu Mingsong also heard it and, reluctantly, finally walked toward her partner. She really didn’t want to be a third wheel. But Rong Yushu couldn’t cook; if she didn’t help, Rong Yushu would complain to Rong Jinhuai.

“Teacher Yu, the cooking competition is an individual project. Hmm… Teacher Rong, the director said your bodyguard cannot help you—that would be cheating, and you’d only get an open-air grass hut.”

Several guests looked together at the “Little Princess” whose fingers had never touched household chores. Everyone knew Rong Yushu was raised in luxury with three-star chefs at home; how could she possibly cook? Looking at the bodyguard’s grim face, there was drama to watch.

Suddenly, a logistics staff member rushed out, looking unwell. “Has anyone seen Bian Zhi? The tracking drone lost her!”

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