The Second Fall - Chapter 55

Chapter 55: “I Don’t Want It”

“Four camera angles and they still lost her?” Hearing the news, Lan Cixing looked up, unable to suppress a sarcastic remark.

The program crew’s accompanying staff were distributed throughout the mountain forest, but they didn’t follow the guests constantly to avoid interference; instead, they used drones for filming. Logically, with four camera angles and two backup drones following, someone shouldn’t just vanish.

Many others shared Lan Cixing’s doubts. Currently, the only guests who hadn’t returned were Bian Zhi and Bai Wanyan. There was no news from Bai Wanyan’s side either, so her situation was unknown. Most guests had come for a dating show and hadn’t expected this kind of danger; several who were prone to emotional outbursts were already showing signs of dissatisfaction.

The logistics staffer who rushed out was sweating from tension. “Teacher Bian Zhi ran out of the camera range on her own, and we couldn’t find her after that…”

“That’s no excuse. How was the photography team tracking her?” one guest asked directly. The director’s side seemed panicked as well, failing to control the situation in time, leading to temporary chaos.

Rong Yushu lifted her eyelids and glanced at the host, who was waiting for an explanation. Suddenly, she raised her hand and patted the back of Lan Cixing’s hand.

Lan Cixing leaned down, her words coming out without thinking. “Won’t Sister be angry?”

Rong Yushu gave her a white eye and rolled over, clearly already angry.

Lan Cixing bit her lip, realizing she had said the wrong thing. Tears almost welled up from the sting; just as she was about to explain further, her hand resting on Rong Yushu’s waist was pinched.

Lan Cixing composed herself, stepped out of the filming set, and gave Rong Yushu a hesitant look. Rong Yushu didn’t respond; all that met Lan Cixing’s gaze was a distant, cold back. Even dressed in warm colors, she exuded a sense of frigidity.

However, Lan Cixing understood Rong Yushu’s meaning. Only then did she run toward the leaderless security group.

“It’s about to get dark; the forest will be dangerous. We need to find those two quickly. The guests have to continue recording, so I’ll go with you to search.”

Without waiting for the crew’s arrangements, Lan Cixing directly issued orders to the security team. The security personnel were wearing earpieces, had studied the maps beforehand, and were well-trained. Since they weren’t actually “surviving,” they had flashlights and other equipment, so they weren’t at risk of getting lost. Finally receiving a command, several security guards didn’t think twice and followed Lan Cixing.

Just then, the director’s orders came down, also telling them to find the people first. The guest judges had already arrived, their time was limited, and recording couldn’t be delayed. After a five-minute emergency meeting, the crew decided to let the ten guests who had returned begin the cooking competition first while the security team looked for Bian Zhi and Bai Wanyan.

Lan Cixing’s departure was perfectly timed. The crew didn’t even stop her.

The host received her notification, composed herself, and began reorganizing the scene. As she announced the rules, Yu Mingsong took off her earpiece and whispered to Rong Yushu in a low voice.

“You’re not stopping her? She just went to find someone else like that. It wasn’t even her job.” Yu Mingsong looked at Rong Yushu’s current expression, finding it rare.

Rong Yushu’s features remained indifferent, flat as if devoid of emotion. It seemed she didn’t care. Yu Mingsong truly couldn’t see any fire hidden in those fox-like eyes. But Rong Yushu was, after all, an actress. Acting had long been her daily routine, integrated into her blood. If she performed seriously, Yu Mingsong naturally wouldn’t see any clues.

Yu Mingsong was merely using logic to judge that Rong Yushu was in a bad mood and wanted to twist the knife a little. She couldn’t stand seeing her sister-in-law’s relationship go smoothly.

Rong Yushu raised an eyebrow, her green eyes fixing on the instigating Yu Mingsong. A light sweep—no extra emotion, just a sharp gaze that seemed to slice through Yu Mingsong’s eyes.

Yu Mingsong blinked and took a step back, ready to raise her hands in surrender. Instead, she saw Rong Yushu curl her lips into a sneer. Her tone was steady, making it impossible to tell whom the coldness in her words was directed at.

“If she didn’t go, she wouldn’t be herself,” she said clearly. She understood Lan Cixing better than anyone imagined.

That was why she had pinched Lan Cixing twice. Even though she knew Bian Zhi was interested in Lan Cixing. Even though she knew the crew had other security personnel. Even though she knew doing this was pushing Lan Cixing away. Even Lan Cixing’s hesitation was because of her. But she couldn’t stop Lan Cixing’s kindness.

“Even if it were Feng Shi who was in trouble today, she would still go,” Rong Yushu said casually, her entire being shrouded in an ethereal aura. How heavy her heart actually felt, Yu Mingsong couldn’t tell. She only knew that making this decision was definitely not easy for Rong Yushu.

It was strange. Her sister-in-law, recognized by everyone as a domineering “little devil,” actually had such a kind-hearted side. And she could endure to this extent for one person. Yu Mingsong estimated that if it were anyone else—even a close friend—doing this, Rong Yushu would have kicked them away and lost her temper on the spot. Other people’s safety usually had nothing to do with Rong Yushu, let alone a rival’s. Not adding fuel to the fire was already an act of kindness for her.

Perhaps this Alpha really was special to Rong Yushu. Special enough that such a spoiled and forceful person was willing to let go.

Seeing Rong Yushu’s gaze turn cold again, Yu Mingsong felt mischievous again. She leaned against Rong Yushu’s shoulder. “That’s easy to say. But aren’t you jealous?”

In the past, Yu Mingsong’s pleasure was to make her lover’s younger sister lose her cool. Five years ago, Rong Yushu would have glared at her for being so annoying. Now, Rong Yushu only raised her eyes, looking Yu Mingsong up and down with a smile.

“You’ve been getting along quite well with Bai Wanyan today.”

Yu Mingsong immediately raised her hands in surrender. “I was wrong, I give up.” She only received a scoff from Rong Yushu.

The crew considerately prepared six stoves for the twelve guests. It was even in a point-bidding mode. The quality of the stoves varied. Whoever bid higher got the best stove. Stove No. 1 was like a proper kitchen, while Stove No. 6 was just a mound of dirt without even a pot.

The crew was also being tricky, not telling them the rewards or punishments for the cooking competition. A few minutes after the host started announcing the rules, a voice came through the earpiece saying Bian Zhi and the others had been found, and everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. The guests also received this news; though they didn’t know if it was a lie to appease them, they could at least pretend to be at peace.

The host first announced the point rankings. With Lan Cixing as a “cheat code,” Rong Yushu successfully ranked first with a total of 278 points. There was a massive gap between her and the second-place Feng Shi.

Feng Shi also had a “cheat”; she had seen the script and maps beforehand, knowing the rules and distribution of collectibles. Even so, exploring alone, she only got 157 points, over a hundred less than Rong Yushu. Below that was another gap; third place barely had 100 points. As a result, even a loser like Yu Mingsong, who picked things randomly and lost many points, ranked fifth. The lowest currently was the Alpha who returned latest, with only 32 points. Bian Zhi and Bai Wanyan’s scores were not yet known. The host announced the rankings based on this list for now.

“…However, since Teacher Rong’s group has two people, the points must be halved.” Just at the last moment, the host saw the words on the prompt board. It was clearly something the director had added at noon.

All eyes fell on Rong Yushu. Everyone thought she was going to challenge the crew. Instead, they saw her change her posture and lie back down quite lazily.

“…It seems Teacher Rong has no objection. Everyone can refer to the new point rankings to decide your bidding strategy. A friendly reminder: points used for bidding are non-refundable.”

Having announced the crew’s cruelty, the host muted her mic to give the guests space to discuss. After the points were halved, Rong Yushu’s 139 points still ranked her second. Only Feng Shi was higher, so several gazes fell on Feng Shi. After the first episode, everyone realized Feng Shi seemed to know the script, so her high score wasn’t surprising. Knowing her competitive nature, the guests had mixed expressions, staring at the stoves and wondering what she was thinking.

Feng Shi clenched her fists. She actually hadn’t known this episode would involve individual actions. Clearly, the individual aspect was a last-minute change by the crew. If she had known, she would have used a different strategy. With individual tasks, how was she supposed to get close to Rong Yushu? That Alpha with Rong Yushu wasn’t even a guest, so no matter who Rong Yushu’s partner was, that Alpha would be there. It was even more troublesome than Yu Mingsong.

She adjusted her expression and stole a glance at Rong Yushu. Rong Yushu was still leaning on the lounge chair, her eyes unreadable. If she didn’t want them to, no one could understand her emotions. Feng Shi composed herself. Thinking everyone would need a stove, she could make an offer to Rong Yushu.

“Teacher Rong.” Feng Shi stepped closer, not missing the look Yu Mingsong gave her. She immediately glared back; when their eyes met, Yu Mingsong looked away. She really didn’t know what this Alpha’s deal was. Wouldn’t she be unhappy seeing Rong Yushu’s bodyguard? Why wasn’t she doing anything? She had to take matters into her own hands.

“Something the matter?” Rong Yushu’s voice showed no abnormality, seemingly not upset that the bodyguard had left of her own accord to find another Omega. Perhaps the bodyguard wasn’t that important. Maybe just a lover.

Feng Shi felt this was a good opportunity and took off her earpiece. “Teacher Rong, our points are the highest. we can completely monopolize the stoves. That way, the other guests won’t be able to finish the competition and won’t get their points.”

Feng Shi’s idea was good—if Rong Yushu were willing to cooperate. Third place only had a hundred-odd points. She and Rong Yushu together had nearly three hundred. If they collaborated and spent a hundred points to buy out the six stoves, the remaining guests couldn’t take them back. They didn’t have enough points, and they couldn’t possibly cooperate; if anyone tried to team up, she and Rong Yushu could easily sow discord or win them over.

“Sounds good. How much do you want me to contribute?” Rong Yushu naturally saw through this. The portion of their points exceeding one hundred added up to less than a hundred. If she spent too much and ended up with fewer points than Yu Mingsong, she would lose priority in choosing a room later. Besides… who said you couldn’t cook without a stove?

“We each contribute half, how about that?” On the surface, Feng Shi wasn’t taking advantage of Rong Yushu. A fifty-fifty split was appropriate for a partnership. But Rong Yushu’s points were already about twenty less than Feng Shi’s. Feng Shi’s cooperation was not sincere.

Rong Yushu glanced at Feng Shi and suddenly curved her lips into a smile. “Sure.” Rong Yushu smiled beautifully, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. Feng Shi didn’t know her well and thought she had truly been persuaded, accidentally letting a look of victory slip into her eyes.

Even after Feng Shi left, Rong Yushu didn’t drop the smile. Yu Mingsong didn’t know what they had discussed, but seeing Rong Yushu’s expression, she instinctively shuddered. The last time Rong Yushu looked at her like that, she was interrogated by Rong Jinhuai for two days. Yu Mingsong honestly tried to minimize her presence. After Lan Cixing left, Rong Yushu’s mood had worsened significantly. She had even poked fun at Rong Yushu earlier, making her the easiest target. She’d better stop wandering in front of Rong Yushu and annoying her.

There were only five minutes to decide on a bidding strategy. Feng Shi only spent half a minute negotiating with Rong Yushu; after that, she made a round and spoke to two other guests. She had a strong desire to win, likely related to the room selection later. Rong Yushu maintained her smile, propping up her chin, her gaze fixed on Feng Shi. To an observer, it looked like she was paying close attention to her. The cameraman, not wanting to miss any drama, aimed the lens at Rong Yushu’s features. He even thought to himself that Rong Yushu was perfect for playing the kind of cold-hearted “scumbag Omega” who looks deeply affectionate on the surface.

The host announced that time was up. Feng Shi was the first to raise her paddle. “I bid fifty points to bid for all six stoves together with Teacher Rong.” The crowd erupted. Except for Rong Yushu, who knew her plan, the other guests were shocked. They hadn’t realized points could be traded for everything and thought Feng Shi was cheating. But since the host didn’t stop her, they realized you really could bid for everything at once. Without stoves, how could they cook? Feng Shi was essentially cutting them out of the next round.

The third-place guest instantly became the center of attention; several people were eager to discuss with her and pool points to outbid them. Feng Shi looked at the third-place guest. “If Teacher Si contributes twenty points, you can join us.” The other guests became even more restless, wanting to whisper but hindered by the cameras, microphones, and Feng Shi’s sharp gaze. Several people looked at Rong Yushu, waiting for her to speak.

Rong Yushu still had a smile as she looked at Feng Shi, receiving a pursed-lip smile in return. Then she spoke, against the collective heartbeat of the crowd.

“In that case, I’ll bid fifty-one points for the first stove.”

Rong Yushu had rejected Feng Shi’s invitation to cooperate. Feng Shi’s face turned slightly green, frozen in place as if struck by lightning. She never imagined Rong Yushu’s agreement was only superficial.

The third-ranked “Little Flower” Si reacted instantly and followed up. “I bid thirty points for the second stove.”

The other guests watched for the moment, but it was enough for the host to announce the results. “Teacher Rong and Teacher Si have made bids. Teacher Feng, you’ll need at least eighty-two points to bid for all the stoves.”

A bead of sweat rolled down Feng Shi’s temple. She had thought Rong Yushu couldn’t possibly refuse such good terms and thus hadn’t considered other plans. Now she was anxious and uneasy; meeting Rong Yushu’s smiling fox-like eyes, she finally understood. Rong Yushu’s smile was not a sign of friendliness. It was merely a trap set by a fox to lure her in. Rong Yushu was actually so heartless toward her that she wouldn’t even cooperate.

Feng Shi wasn’t just struck by the game; she was hurt even more emotionally. It was more painful than seeing that Alpha being intimate with Rong Yushu. Feng Shi bit her lip hard, really not wanting to lose this round. She shot a resentful glance, which happened to hit the innocent host. The host quickly stepped away to avoid the crossfire. Composing herself, she heard Feng Shi speak. “I bid fifty-two points for the first stove.” The difference between the remaining stoves and a pile of dirt wasn’t much; she couldn’t control them. No matter what, she had to take the first one.

“Sixty,” Rong Yushu said lightly, hitting Feng Shi’s mind.

“Seventy!” Feng Shi had lost her reason; otherwise, she should have stopped to think if it was worth it. Her breathing was rapid, and her gaze was a bit off. The other guests didn’t dare look at her, focusing instead on the smiling Rong Yushu.

“Seventy points once.”

Rong Yushu unhurriedly waited for the host to strike the gavel.

“Seventy points twice.”

Only then did Rong Yushu pick up the microphone nearby and lazily gave it a shake. “I can’t compete with Teacher Feng’s points. I think I’ll stop bidding.”

“Seventy points three times. Congratulations to Teacher Feng for winning the use of the first stove. Teacher Feng can go prepare dinner.” The host announced the end of the bidding.

Feng Shi’s expression turned quite “colorful”—red one moment and purple the next. She was clearly fuming to the extreme. Yet she couldn’t lash out. When Rong Yushu bid fifty-one for No. 1, her strategy had already failed. As she followed the staff toward the first stove, Feng Shi still didn’t understand why Rong Yushu was targeting her so much. Wouldn’t it be better for them to win together as partners? Ultimately, she couldn’t take that Alpha’s place; she just wanted to be a little closer to Rong Yushu. Why couldn’t even such a humble wish be granted? Feng Shi looked back, wanting to see Rong Yushu’s expression, but only saw her lying on the lounge chair, her posture lazy and her expression bored. Not even a single glance was spared for her.

Rong Yushu didn’t participate in the stove bidding at all. The surrounding guests who won stoves had already left, and those who didn’t were using their wits to build their own. Rong Yushu still made no move. She even refused Yu Mingsong’s invitation. She just sat there, washing the vegetables she had picked. It seemed she was waiting for Lan Cixing.

At this moment, Lan Cixing had just reached the cliff where Bian Zhi was. Bai Wanyan was with her. The two had met halfway, and Bian Zhi had then moved away from the camera. She was a bit lost and wanted someone to walk with. But Bai Wanyan didn’t know the way either; they went further and further off track. When they looked back, the drone was gone. They tried to go back but took a wrong turn. Finally, they were trapped by snakes.

When Lan Cixing saw them, she shouted, startling the snakes that were in a standoff with the two. A green-headed snake flicked its tongue and peered toward Lan Cixing. Bian Zhi was already too scared to move, not daring to scream for fear of startling the snakes. Lan Cixing looked down and met the eyes of several snakes. Truly several. No one knew what these two girls had done to attract a group of snakes.

The two security guards behind Lan Cixing were also startled, their legs trembling, unable to move. “…” Fortunately, the ones she brought were two professional bodyguards with training. How could they be so scared of non-venomous grass snakes?

“It’s okay, they’re not poisonous,” Lan Cixing said to reassure them. She casually took the wooden stick she had brought, poked it into the ground, and easily subdued one of them. The remaining few were provoked and tried to jump and attack. Lan Cixing threw a net over them, and the snakes couldn’t move.

“You two, wake up. Go get Teacher Bian and Teacher Bai first.” Lan Cixing looked at the non-venomous grass snakes without any fear. These snakes were small and even more timid; they usually wouldn’t easily attack a giant creature like a human. Even if they bit, it would only be a small wound. She was thick-skinned and didn’t fear such a small injury.

Nudged by Lan Cixing, the two bodyguards snapped out of it and hurriedly crossed over the net to rescue the trembling Bian Zhi and the equally shaken Bai Wanyan.

“Don’t be afraid. these things are dull and usually don’t attack. Did you pick up some eggs?” Lan Cixing stood in front alone, looking thoughtfully at the snakes.

“Yes, yes… we saw some clean eggs by the road and thought they were… chickens eggs put there by the crew…” Having narrowly escaped, Bian Zhi truly started crying. She hurriedly rummaged through her basket and pulled out the eggs she had picked before encountering the snakes.

The two eggs were indeed about the size of chicken eggs. Combined with the crew’s habit of scattering materials around, it wasn’t surprising they had mistakenly picked them up. Seeing the snakes get agitated at the sight of the eggs, Lan Cixing realized it was all a misunderstanding.

“Giving them back to you. We didn’t mean to steal them. Can you let us go now?” Lan Cixing carefully placed the snake eggs on the ground. She tentatively loosened the net. The largest grass snake quickly grabbed the two eggs and shot off like a rocket, slithering away from the humans’ territory. Being so small, they were much more afraid than the humans. Seeing the snake king leave, the other snakes also dispersed. They moved so fast that the arriving drone didn’t even record it all. Lan Cixing let go of the branch. The snake she had caught first gave her a look before leaving. It seemed to have spirit.

Turning back, Lan Cixing met the tearful eyes of the two guests. “…I’ve just seen a lot of them; it’s really nothing.” Lan Cixing was a bit embarrassed by their gaze. She had been to a military academy and had dealt with venomous snakes. This scene was minor.

“But you’re so amazing, you subdued them all at once…” Bian Zhi’s tears were like a string of pearls. She grabbed the nearby bodyguard, almost pulling him down, her steps unsteady. She then looked up at Lan Cixing, seemingly wanting her help.

“Back at the camp, our instructor even had us catch these kinds of grass snakes to grill and eat,” Lan Cixing said casually, which scared Bian Zhi’s hand back. As a result, Lan Cixing didn’t notice Bian Zhi’s attempt to get close and instead called over another colleague who had returned to support her.

Back at the site, Bian Zhi’s eyes were still on Lan Cixing, watery and seemingly affectionate. “Miss Bian likes her,” Bai Wanyan whispered, leaning close to Bian Zhi. It gave the little model another fright.

Bian Zhi almost jumped. “Don’t, don’t talk nonsense! There are cameras here!” She hadn’t decided which Alpha to pursue yet. Although Lan Cixing had just descended like a hero to save her from peril. The “suspension bridge effect” really made Bian Zhi’s heart react, beating violently until it felt sour and swollen. But… Bian Zhi looked toward Lan Cixing. Lan Cixing had already entered the recording site and walked straight toward Rong Yushu without swerving. Bian Zhi’s eyes were tinged with loneliness. Even if she was moved, Lan Cixing probably wouldn’t look at her, right? After all, that was Rong Yushu.

Bai Wanyan saw everything clearly and just blew into her ear. “! Little Wanyan, what are you doing!” Bian Zhi shuddered, her heart aching and bringing more tears to her eyes. “Nothing. She seems to have been rejected. Why don’t you go try?” Bai Wanyan stepped away, settling her heels, and gave Bian Zhi a hint.

On the other side, Lan Cixing walked straight toward Rong Yushu. Her Shushu must be angry; she had to coax her. The crew loved to be mean, not letting her help and calling it cheating, punishing them to sleep in a grass hut. Others thought Rong Yushu was just sitting there doing nothing because she couldn’t cook. Only Lan Cixing knew that Rong Yushu definitely could cook; she was just being temperamental and waiting for her.

From the last episode, Lan Cixing knew points could be traded for everything. Seeing that Rong Yushu wouldn’t even give her a glance, she went straight to the host. “Can I bid with my points to help Sister Rong stir-fry?” On the way back, Lan Cixing learned her and Rong Yushu’s points had been halved; she now had over a hundred points. Lan Cixing didn’t even call her “Teacher” or “Boss” anymore, calling her “Sister” intimately in front of the camera. Everyone knew what “Sister” implied.

The guests who were cooking all paused their hands upon hearing her voice. The host looked toward Rong Yushu. Only Rong Yushu, at the center of the storm, showed no reaction whatsoever. Her eyes were cool and distant, her gaze empty, as if the person Lan Cixing called was not her.

“How much do you plan to bid?” the host composed herself. The planning team allowed Lan Cixing to bid. After all, Lan Cixing could be considered a “guest.” If Rong Yushu chose a luxury room while Lan Cixing had to sleep by the road, it would make for great TV.

“All my points. If Sister wants me, then all my points are hers.” Lan Cixing was so determined, her eyes incredibly clear, as if she were Rong Yushu’s pure and loyal servant. No matter the time, she would put Rong Yushu first. The host was moved and was about to speak.

Rong Yushu moved her lips.

“I don’t want it.” Two simple words.

It was so fast that no one saw Rong Yushu speak, as if the words were everyone’s illusion.

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