Chapter 55

After the guests came ashore and underwent medical checks, the production team provided them with new earpieces to ensure the livestream functioned properly and allowed viewers to stay updated on their current situation.

Seeing that the guests were safe and sound, the livestream chat became lively again, with different CP (couple pairing) fans engaging in heated debates. Meanwhile, Ning Qingyan, who found himself in a love triangle, was just about to slip away when Qiao Li grabbed the corner of his shirt and casually asked:

“What’s this? The moment I arrive, you want to leave? Could it be that you think I’m ruining the atmosphere between you and your fairy-like big sister?”

“What fairy-like big sister? Qingyan’s CP is with me, isn’t it? What does this have to do with you all?”

On the other side, Xu Ruanruan and Sheng Mingzhu walked over with the medicine prepared by the medical team to prevent colds. Seeing the situation unfold, Xu Ruanruan instinctively declared her claim:

“Hey, can you stop constantly talking about CPs? It’s really funny. The show hasn’t even reached its final episode yet—who Qingyan’s CP is hasn’t been decided yet.”

Sheng Mingzhu found Xu Ruanruan’s pretentious act unbearable and sarcastically retorted.

At that moment, Huo Qi and Gu Si approached, only to witness the scene of multiple women vying for Ning Qingyan’s attention. Each had different thoughts.

Gu Si frowned. The once clueless boy about romance had now managed to captivate nearly all the female guests. A sour feeling rose in his heart, and he felt staying here was pure torment. Unable to bear it any longer, he turned around and let the medical staff take him for a check-up.

Huo Qi, on the other hand, was much calmer. In his heart, he was already certain that Ning Qingyan liked him. Other than feeling a little jealous about the number of girls surrounding him, he wasn’t worried about any real competition.

Thinking about the promise made in the ocean, Huo Qi’s ears turned red. Now that he was back on land and his rationality returned, he felt embarrassed beyond words. What had possessed him to say such things in the heat of the moment? Overcome with shame, he quickly followed Gu Si to get checked by the medical staff.

Ning Qingyan, who had his back turned to them, naturally didn’t notice their reactions. Facing Qiao Li’s interrogation, Lin Qingqing’s frown, Xu Ruanruan’s declaration of ownership, and Sheng Mingzhu’s sarcasm, he felt extremely awkward.

Still, keeping his expression steady, he coughed weakly and said, “Sisters, I just crawled out of the sea. My clothes are still soaking wet, sticking to my body—it’s freezing and uncomfortable. Speaking with you like this is quite improper, so I thought I’d go change first and then come back.”

Hearing this, the female guests immediately remembered how he had jumped into the sea to save someone, swimming tirelessly for a long time. Now he must be exhausted and cold, yet he was still standing here comforting and explaining things to them.

Thinking about this, they looked at the weak, drenched boy before them and couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache. Almost in unison, they said:

“Qingyan, hurry up and change your clothes!”

“Yes, go change your clothes first, little brother!”

…

Relieved, Ning Qingyan nodded, said, “I’ll go change now,” and immediately escaped the scene.

At first, he walked at a normal pace, but the farther he got from the ladies, the faster he moved. In no time, he reached the entrance of his tent.

Livestream Comments:

“Hahaha! This is the first time our Qingyan has been in such a situation—he can’t handle it at all!”

“From episode one until now, who would have thought that the least popular male guest among the female guests would make such a comeback?”

“As someone who ships Ning Qingyan with everyone, this is heaven for me!”

“Put ‘Ning Qingyan is amazing’ on the screen!”

“Ning Qingyan is amazing!”

“Ning Qingyan is amazing!”

…

After successfully escaping the chaos, Ning Qingyan lifted the tent flap—only to be greeted by an utterly nosebleed-inducing sight.

Inside the tent, Wen Shijin was changing his clothes.

The man, gentle and elegant as jade, had skin that gleamed like polished white jade. His physique was slender but not overly thin—he had just the right amount of muscle, neither excessive nor lacking.

The only pity was that he had already put on his pants and was now buttoning up his shirt, fastening the buttons halfway. The faintly visible pinkish hue of his skin, combined with his refined, noble features that resembled an aristocratic young master from ancient times, was nearly fatal to the senses.

Ning Qingyan immediately covered his eyes—but the gaps between his fingers were noticeably wide, revealing his bright, clean peach blossom eyes.

Noticing her, Wen Shijin’s ears instantly reddened. In a flurry, he buttoned up the rest of his shirt.

“Next time, knock before entering. Understood?”

Though Wen Shijin’s tone was calm, his voice carried a unique gentleness reserved for Ning Qingyan. After speaking, he pressed his lips together in a restrained, serious manner.

His composed, well-mannered demeanor, combined with the lingering image of his barely clothed state, created an intense contrast—both alluring and restrained at the same time.

Ning Qingyan nodded as he entered the tent, then quickly explained, “Brother, I thought everyone was at the medical station for a full-body check-up. I didn’t expect someone to be inside. I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Then why didn’t you go for a check-up?”

As Wen Shijin spoke, he glanced down at Ning Qingyan’s wet clothes sticking to his body. Frowning, he turned and walked toward the tent entrance.

“I was quick with my check-up,” Ning Qingyan replied. By the time he finished speaking, Wen Shijin had already stepped outside and thoughtfully pulled the tent flap closed.

“Change your clothes first. I’ll stand guard for you.”

Wen Shijin’s warm voice came from outside the tent, allowing Ning Qingyan to breathe a sigh of relief. He quickly changed out of his wet clothes.

Even though it was summer and not too cold, the damp clothes clinging to his skin were uncomfortable. Having Wen Shijin keeping watch at the entrance reassured him, and he swiftly put on dry clothes before stepping out.

Seeing that Ning Qingyan’s hair was still half-wet, Wen Shijin frowned again and gently used a dry towel to wipe it dry for him. Since he had been in the water, it was essential to prevent catching a cold.

After wiping his hair, Wen Shijin naturally ran his fingers through his now neatly arranged hair. Satisfied, he smiled softly and said,

“Alright, let’s go.”

Green Tea System: “Wen Shijin’s affection +1.”

Ning Qingyan’s eyes lit up slightly. Nodding, he walked with Wen Shijin toward the dinner prepared by the production team.

After everything that had happened, Wen Shijin’s dinner had long gone cold. Since they had fallen into the water and been exposed to the chill, the show’s director kindly arranged for a hot meal with nourishing food.

Each of them also received a bowl of medicine to prevent colds.

…

As night fell, the sound of waves grew louder, and the guests returned to their tents.

Ning Qingyan, exhausted from the day, curled up in his sleeping bag. Just as he was about to drift off, he sensed a gaze on him.

Turning slightly, he met Huo Qi’s deep gaze.

Thinking about the promise made in the ocean, Huo Qi’s ears turned red again. His long lashes trembled, and his Adam’s apple bobbed nervously.

“I never go back on my word… so, you can trust me.”

Ning Qingyan swallowed hard.

Wait—wasn’t that just a joke?!