Even though he had solemnly sworn to accept any treatment method, holding a bowl of brown soup, Meng felt a kind of indescribable dilemma welling up in his heart. 

Can this thing really cure the illness? 

Will I really not die after ingesting this stuff? 

He had already been tossed around with just a little water, and that water looked clean. Is there really no problem with this weird soup in his hands? 

Meng lifted his head to look at Su Ge, and beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. “Do I have to drink it?” 

“Or should I drink it for you?” Su Ge sensed Meng’s hesitation as he held the bowl of medicine for a whole minute. Meng seemed unsure as he stared at the bowl. 

Actually, it wasn’t just Meng who hesitated; even Rong Shi, upon seeing the medicine being poured out for the first time, took three steps back in quick succession, repeatedly assuring Su Ge that he would just drink boiled water. He even custom-made a set of containers for boiling water, demonstrating through action how repulsed he was by this bowl of soup. 

Apart from Rong Shi, the other aliens, after looking into the bowl of soup, quickly moved together to step back from the shelter, expressing their desire to give up the space for better treatment.

Meng: Heh, aliens. 

With his stomach churning from time to time, Meng now faced only two options: drink the seemingly lethal soup or wait for the organizers to come to their aid. 

“What does it taste like?” After much mental preparation, Meng suddenly felt he wasn’t strong enough. He looked up at Su Ge with a somewhat pitiful expression. 

What does it taste like? Su Ge was stumped by this question. How could she describe the colorful and strangely bitter taste of Chinese herbal medicine to beings who consumed bland nutrient liquids every day? 

“Probably… the scent of nature,” Su Ge thought seriously for a moment, then answered very seriously. 

The scent of nature? 

Meng raised his head and looked outside the shack. It was sunny and bright, with birds chirping and flowers blooming. Everywhere seemed safe and peaceful. If this was what nature was like, then the scent of nature shouldn’t be too bad… 

After hesitating for a few seconds, Meng closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and lifted the bowl to his mouth. He didn’t even dare to breathe, let alone let the soup linger in his mouth any longer. He gulped it down. 

However, just two seconds later, he put down the bowl, his face turning red. Then, the brown soup sprayed out of his mouth. 

“Earthling, you didn’t tell me that nature is so terrifying in your eyes! o(╥﹏╥)o” 

Su Ge, who had wisely stepped aside, successfully saved herself. 

Meng wiped his mouth, feeling a mixture of relief and regret. He weakly smiled at Su Ge. “Sorry for wasting your effort…” 

Facing the situation where the medicinal soup she had painstakingly brewed was wasted by Meng, Su Ge wasn’t angry at all. The next moment, she took out another container of medicine from behind and smiled kindly at Meng. “Don’t worry, there’s more here.” 

Meng: Is it too late to say I quit now? (T＿T) 

Su Ge: Aliens are too naive. Who only brews one bowl of herbal medicine at a time? ︿(￣︶￣)︿ 

The barrage in the live broadcast room went crazy at this moment. 

The barrage on the screen flew past like a tornado, making it almost impossible to see what was written on it. They just zoomed by. 

Of course, if you stopped and carefully watched, you would find that there were mainly a few attitudes. 

The first one: expressing concern. 

【Oh my god, does Meng really trust this Earthling so much? Is it really okay to eat such weird stuff? 】 

【That thing looks like it’s obviously poisonous, how did Meng decide to drink it? What was he thinking? Will he die from drinking this? 】 

【I think we should apply to the organizers to pay attention to this matter, no one has died on this show yet! 】 

…… 

The second kind is a ruthless critiques of Su Ge. 

【Earthlings are murderers! Earthlings must pay with their lives! Earthlings should be humanely destroyed! 】 

【 What are the Earthlings up to? Is she envious of the inhabitants of these planets, and is she plotting to gain their trust only to betray and harm them? 】 

【I think the organizers must have taken bribes to choose Earthlings to participate in this event. I’m waiting to see the organizers fail. 】 

…… 

The third kind, neutral and full of curiosity. 

【I feel that Meng’s condition is very bad. He already had a wound, and now this happens. Can the thing that Su Ge gave him really cure him?】 

【I don’t think there’s much hope. She said this is for treating Earthlings, but Earthlings and Monierians should be different, right? 】 

【Not necessarily. The method used to treat the wound last night was also for Earthlings, but I saw Meng’s wound improve today. 】 

【I suddenly think that the people who participate in this show are not simple at all. If it were me, I would have called the organizers long ago. I couldn’t last a day.】 

…… 

And the last kind, those who are worried about Su Ger’s situation and diligently doing scientific explanations, of course, these are all Earthlings. 

【Is Su Ge using peppermint leaves? When I had diarrhea as a child, no medicine worked. My grandfather used this to boil water for me to drink, and it stopped in a day.】 

【I think Su Ge shouldn’t have stepped in. She’s not a doctor. It’s fine if she uses these things herself, but won’t there be problems if aliens use them? If something goes wrong, Su Ge will be in trouble. 】 

【Let’s be optimistic. Although aliens look different from us, there shouldn’t be much difference in other aspects, right? So, it should be effective. 】 

【Whether for the sake of her home planet or for Su Ge’s own sake, I sincerely hope this medicine works. Even if it doesn’t, it absolutely shouldn’t have any side effects. Don’t let Su Ge get into trouble! 】 

【Su Ge is just too kind! She shouldn’t have stepped in.】 

…… 

Of course, there is also the most special kind, which transcends planets and races, conveying just one message— 

【Hahahaha! Did you see the reactions of people from different planets! 】 

【Hahahaha! Is that really medicine? It looks like a bowl of biochemical weapons! 】 

【Look, Meng’s face turned green! 】 

【Not only Meng’s face, but everyone’s face also  turned green! Except for the Earthlings! Hahahahaha!】 

【Hahahahaha, hail Earth’s traditional medicine! Hail Earth’s Su Ge! Let them experience what ‘good medicine tastes bitter’ means.】 

【I swear, when the Earthling took out the remaining stuff, Meng started crying! I saw him cry! Hahahahaha!】 

…… 

Everything in the world needs time to be tested; there are no exceptions. 

After giving Meng the herbal medicine, Su Ge felt very anxious. She didn’t return to her own residence that night but stayed with Li Ya, insisting on watching over Meng, allowing Li Ya and Lana to rest. 

Of course, Rong Shi stayed as well. 

“You should go rest; I can handle it here myself,” Su Ge sincerely thought that Rong Shi was a good person, responsible and reliable. 

“I’ll stay with you. Meng is a man, and if anything happens, you might not be able to handle it,” Rong Shi smiled and declined Su Ge’s suggestion. He stood behind Su Ge, observing her slender shoulders, feeling a bit perplexed. 

Technically, he could leave. His staying didn’t add much help; others could do what he was doing. But when he heard Su Ge’s decision to stay and watch over Meng all night, he found himself unable to leave calmly. 

Letting emotions dictate his choices was a new experience for Rong Shi. His life had always been very dull, and he probably never acted on impulse. All the emotional decisions and impulses happened after joining this show. 

Rong Shi wanted to understand what was going on. 

Su Ge was always worried about Meng’s condition, but the news was all good. Since he drank the herbal medicine in the morning, his condition gradually stabilized. The stomach pain eased, and the frequency of his bowel movements decreased. After drinking two more bowls at noon and in the evening, he surprisingly slept peacefully through the night without any issues. 

Rong Shi was really amazed by this. He checked on Meng multiple times that night, and each time the results were better. He couldn’t help but say to Su Ge, “This Earth method is really effective.” 

The smile never left Su Ge’s face. She turned to look at Meng lying inside and nodded heavily, “I told you, it’s very effective.” Of course, if she didn’t consider the patient’s taste, Su Ge thought everything was perfect. 

Rong Shi had never known that a smile could become an indescribable scenery. Just like now, sitting by the firelight, Su Ge was bathed in the warm glow, her entire being seemed like a radiant source of light. Her smile seemed to carry the warmth of the sun, and in Rong Shi’s eyes, even his heart felt illuminated. 

This was a novel experience. 

Before meeting this Earth woman, Rong Shi’s life had been as calm as a waveless sea since childhood. Everything was orderly, without a hint of surprise. Even participating in this show was merely to fulfill his duty to the interstellar royal family. 

Rong Shi had never had any expectations for this show, just like every royal task in his past twenty-two years. No matter where he went, he was always the center of attention, always the pillar everyone relied on. Nothing ever changed. 

So predictable that Rong Shi could foresee the ending without even starting. 

But what he never anticipated was meeting an Earthling in this show, a person from a brand-new planet and a brand-new race he had only heard of but never seen before. 

Since meeting this Earth woman named Su Ge, he suddenly noticed something different. Even the unexpected occurrences he once despised now brought a sense of anticipation. 

Watching Su Ge’s smile, Rong Shi couldn’t help but think, probably no one would look at him with that disdainful expression of “you can’t even do this,” nor would anyone give him that surprised look of “didn’t expect you to do well,” and certainly no one would straightforwardly tell him, “You’re not that great.” 

All these unexpected combinations were like strokes of color, painting his previously dull and mundane life into something vibrant. He found this to be quite interesting. 

So, he asked, “Do I need to pay you for making that pottery?” 

At that moment, Su Ge was eating a baked rabbit she had made in the morning. She had managed to eat a leg earlier in the day, and now she was heating and eating the rest. Hearing Rong Shi’s question, Su Ge looked up at him, her eyes gleaming brightly for a moment but then becoming hesitant. 

She dragged out her words, “No need… I guess…” 

Rong Shi’s eyes were filled with amusement. This Earth woman was clearly quite unhappy about not receiving any payment. Just from her tone, he could sense her hesitation. She seemed like a small creature holding onto a treasure, torn between resolutions, only to reward herself with a single nut, then regretting it deeply, almost to the point of tears.

“Just this once,” Su Ge grudgingly conceded. Considering Rong Shi had once given her a nutrient solution, she felt it would be ungrateful to ask for payment. Besides, she didn’t want to leave an impression that Earthlings were a mercenary species. 

After pondering for a moment, she added seriously, “You can pay me next time.” 

Rong Shi almost laughed out loud. As he looked at Su Ge’s slightly messy ponytail, he found his hand lightly resting on her fluffy hair, giving it two gentle ruffles before he even realized it. 

Su Ge: … 

Rong Shi: … 

Realizing what he had done, Rong Shi quickly withdrew his hand as if he had touched a hot iron, “Sorry…” 

Although his hand retracted, the sensation of her soft, slightly prickly hair lingered in his palm. It was an odd, unfamiliar touch that seemed to spread from his hand to the depths of his heart, leaving an itchy feeling behind. 

Meanwhile, Su Ge was thinking, “I haven’t washed my hair in days. Is it too oily? Too sweaty? Did he touch it out of curiosity? Oh my gosh, my image as a refined and delicate girl is falling apart. I need to sort out my personal hygiene quickly!” 

No matter what, the sun would always rise. 

Or, on this unfamiliar desolate planet 756, one might say, no matter what, light would always come, and morning would always arrive on time. 

At dawn, Li Ya’s camp became lively again, especially when everyone noticed that Meng’s condition had improved significantly, leading to more conversation. 

The previous night, since Rong Shi and Su Ge were on watch duty, Li Ya stayed at Rong Shi’s camp while Lana went to Su Ge’s camp. 

Rong Shi’s camp wasn’t much different from everyone else’s, but Su Ge’s camp was something else. From the moment she entered, Lana’s eyes couldn’t take it all in. Early the next morning, upon returning to Li Ya’s camp, she immediately grabbed Su Ge’s hand and sincerely asked, “Su Ge, can we swap camps?” 

“No,” Rong Shi answered for Su Ge before she could respond, “Once a camp is chosen, it can’t be changed.” 

Actually, Lana hadn’t really planned on swapping camps; she was just asking for fun. Her main concern was another matter: “Then help me build a house!” 

Su Ge raised her eyebrows, and a meaningful look appeared in her eyes: “It’s not impossible.” 

“So?” Lana was no fool; she blinked and understood the implication. 

“So, what price are you willing to pay?” When it came to easy money, Su Ge always took advantage. If she couldn’t do it herself, she would definitely call friends to help. 

Lana blinked again, seriously considering what she could offer in exchange. Finally, she hesitated and pointed to her clothes: “How about this outfit? This is the latest design from the Galactic Alliance this year, with the finest color combinations. It costs a lot…” 

Su Ge looked at Lana’s outfit, which had a green base with large red patches and numerous yellow and purple embellishments, resembling a bedspread at her grandma’s house. She quickly averted her eyes. 

A solitary figure gazing into the distance with a cigarette in hand.JPG—the aesthetic of the Galactic Alliance… 

“A gentleman does not take other’s preferences.” Su Ge smiled politely. 

“What do you mean?” 

“I don’t want that.” Su Ge unceremoniously and righteously rejected the unbearable aesthetic: “And your outfit is not worth a house.” 

… 

While Lana’s deal was still in the works, Su Ge’s other business opportunities came knocking. 

Li Ya and Ron had been extremely interested in the ceramic jar Su Ge had since yesterday. Especially after the incident with Meng’s stomach, everyone present realized one thing: the water on this planet couldn’t be drunk directly; it needed to be boiled and disinfected. 

Currently, Su Ge was the only one who had mastered the skill of boiling and disinfecting water. Ron silently calculated that instead of always asking Su Ge for boiled water and being at her beck and call, it would be more cost-effective to buy a jar and boil the water themselves. It might be expensive this time, but it would be worth it in the long run. 

So, he proactively placed an order: “Su Ge, how can I get a vessel like the one you had yesterday?” 

Li Ya quickly followed up: “Yes, how can we get a jar like that? Do you still need to build a house?” 

Zigmadar and Sela immediately chimed in: “Or is there something else you need at your place?” 

Su Ge: Look, isn’t this business coming to her door? 

After some bargaining, four men along with Lana and Meng settled on a final price for Su Ge’s pottery: they would dig a well in Su Ge’s residence. Honestly, she felt exasperated every time she had to carry water back, so having a well in her residence would be ideal if possible. 

Pottery-making and digging a well both take time. Since there was no payment involved, Rong Shi stayed to look after Meng while the others worked on digging the well and Su Ge focused on making pottery. Everyone was busy and content.

Just as the midday sun began to shift to the west, a stranger’s loud voice rang out at the safety point center: “Is this the safety point? Rong Shi! Are you here?” 

The voice was quite penetrating, even catching the attention of those busy inside Su Ge’s residence. They all put down their tasks. 

Lana hesitated slightly. “I think I heard someone speaking.” 

“You didn’t hear wrong.” Ron climbed out of the well, washing his hands in a basin as he walked towards the safety point. “Let’s go see.” 

Su Ge’s residence was a distance from the center of the safety point. When they arrived, they saw Rong Shi already there, accompanied by two strangers. 

They were both tall with dark, shiny skin and long hair tied up in tight curls at the back. Their limbs were strong and muscular, clearly indicating athleticism. 

The other was a woman, not short herself, at least 1.75 meters tall. Her muscles looked quite powerful, and her short hair was messy, with quite a few dry twigs and leaves caught in it. But the most striking feature was her eyes. 

They were white and glowing, but from Su Ge’s perspective, it seemed as if she had no eyeballs. From a distance, it looked like a pair of incandescent light bulbs attached to her face, giving off an eerie and captivating vibe. 

Since leaving Earth, Su Ge felt that her horizons had truly expanded. If these aliens appeared on Earth, they would undoubtedly attract attention, even if they weren’t surrounded by a crowd. But now, after she glanced at them with interest, she was drawn into the conversation between them and Rong Shi. 

“…They were in the forest, and when they came to find us, they encountered strange creatures. We fought together, but later, we got lost.” 

“How many of you were together?” 

“It was just the two of us at first, but then we met Abing and Flynn. Later, we also met Nalita and Saro. We were originally traveling together, and then we met Guagaka and Glaki.” 

“After the eight of you split up, were you the only two who made it here?” Rong Shi frowned. He and Su Ge had traveled through the forest, so he was very familiar with the situation there. Without knowing the direction, it was almost impossible to cross the entire forest without getting lost. 

“Yes, we were walking at the back, while Abing and the others were walking in the front, but somehow we couldn’t find them anymore. We ended up wandering in the forest, never expecting to eventually arrive at a safe point.” The female extraterrestrial, Yilan from the Roberta Star, spread her hands, with a hint of relief. “Thankfully, all of you are safe here. Otherwise, it would have been terrible.” 

“So…” Rong Shi was about to continue, but suddenly a very loud voice came from inside the small tent at the safe point, grabbing everyone’s attention. 

“Participant Ursa from the Kray Star has requested assistance from the organizers, and according to the rules, will be eliminated and removed from the program.” 

“Participant Polydus from the Linie Star has requested assistance from the organizers, and according to the rules, will be eliminated and removed from the program.” 

“The remaining participants, due to the delay in rescuing their two companions, have unfortunately been eliminated and will be subjected to a reduction of two bottles of nutrient fluid as punishment.” 

The announcement was repeated several times, ensuring that everyone on the 756 Wild Star heard it clearly. Along with these announcements, a beam of light enveloped everyone, appearing and disappearing swiftly, as if it had never existed. 

After the light disappeared, all the extraterrestrials began to check their nutrient fluids. As expected, the remaining nutrient fluids in their hands had all decreased by two bottles. 

As for Su Ge, since she didn’t have any nutrient fluid at all, there was no decrease in what she had. However, she felt that according to the organizers usual style, she wouldn’t be able to escape this punishment. If she were to acquire nutrient fluid in the future, it would be directly deducted, even though she had never possessed it before. They would surely find other ways to deduct from her. 

By now, the faces of each person weren’t looking very good. The nutrient fluids in their hands were limited, and they had already consumed some over the past few days. What was left was already not much, and now, having two bottles deducted, the remaining amount was truly scarce. What would they do if it ran out? 

Aliens are also species, not gods. They can’t survive without food. If they run out of nutrient fluid, the biggest problem they face would probably be how to replenish their energy. 

Instantly, this issue surged into everyone’s minds like a curse, weighing heavily on their mood. 

Finally, Rong spoke up, “Now is not the time to dwell on these issues. Our immediate concern is to find the others as quickly as possible. If anyone else gets eliminated for whatever reason…” 

Rong Shi didn’t finish his sentence, nor did he need to. At this moment, the crisis of running out of supplies felt like a huge black terror looming over everyone’s heads. 

Su Ge, who didn’t have this pressure, scanned the faces of all the aliens. Suddenly, she felt a shared sense of tension. Would the aliens come and compete with her for food if they didn’t have nutrient fluid?

(￣_￣)