Chapter 13: Jealousy and Rivalry – Bullying Her to Get Her Attention…

Gu Si glanced at Wen Shijin, his long, almond-shaped eyes narrowing. Unlike his usual self-assured demeanor around Ning Qingyan, his expression was more reserved. If it weren’t for the smear of red mud on his forehead, his voice might have carried more authority as he spoke.

“What? Do you think you can stop me?”

Wen Shijin smiled faintly, delivering a pointed remark:

“Are you really aiming to compete with her for first place?”

Gu Si’s rebellious brows furrowed. Already unhappy that Ning Qingyan had given his plate to Wen Shijin, he was now further irritated by being blocked. Snatching off his earpiece, he responded impatiently:

“I want to compete with her for first place—that’s between me and her. No need for you to act like a fake nice guy.”

As he spoke, Gu Si strode forward without sparing Wen Shijin another glance, radiating an air of defiance. Just as he was about to collide with Wen Shijin, the latter sidestepped gracefully.

Faced with Gu Si’s impatience and warning tone, Wen Shijin remained as composed as ever, his voice calm and steady:

“According to psychology, bullying is sometimes a way to seek attention or to assert dominance. So, which one are you?”

Gu Si’s quick stride paused briefly. He turned back, giving Wen Shijin a disdainful look, his tone brash and arrogant:

“It’s none of your business. Stop meddling.”

With that, he turned and headed straight toward Ning Qingyan.

Wen Shijin lowered his gaze to glance at his wristwatch, then looked at the distance between Gu Si and Ning Qingyan, a slight smile playing at his lips.

Perfect timing.

Not long after, the clear voice of the show’s director rang through the contestants’ earpieces:

“Congratulations to Ning Qingyan for reaching the end of the mud pit first! She wins the second priority rescue choice for the female contestants and the first choice for tonight’s ingredients!”

Live stream comments:

• “OMG, Ning Qingyan’s smile is killing me! Mud cannonballs in action! Biubiubiu!”
• “Guys, it’s not mud cannonballs; it’s flying sludge! I’m dead from laughter.”
• “I was about to say how cool Gu Si was, especially with that backbend, but then he got hit square in the forehead with mud. I laughed so hard I choked.”
• “Why did Gu Si take off his earpiece? What did he say? His cocky expression with that mud on his forehead is just too funny!”
• “Wen Shijin checking his watch at the end—he definitely timed it perfectly to help Ning Qingyan stall!”
• “Two female rescue choices in Ning Qingyan’s hands! Future girlfriend secured?”
• “Who will Ning Qingyan choose? I’m so curious!”

As Ning Qingyan climbed out of the mud pit, covered in red sludge, she noticed the four female contestants seated in chairs with their wrists tied.

The female contestants turned to look at her. The cheerful and playful top singer, Sheng Mingzhu, greeted her with a bright smile:

“Finally, our prince has arrived! We waited so long!”

Feeling self-conscious about her muddy appearance, Ning Qingyan awkwardly scratched her short chestnut-colored hair, her cheeks turning red as she replied:

“Sorry I kept you waiting so long.”

Just as she finished, Gu Si, also emerging from the mud pit, overheard Ning Qingyan, who had been acting aloof earlier, saying such a thing. Clapping the sticky red mud from his hands, he spoke lazily, his tone full of disdain:

“You’ve got two priority rescue choices for the female contestants. Show some confidence, will you? Even if they all want me to rescue them, they still have to wait until you’re done choosing.”

Before Gu Si could finish, Xu Ruanruan, standing not far away, noticed the mud on his forehead and spoke softly with a hint of flattery:

“Brother Gu Si, there’s still some mud on your forehead. Do you want me to wipe it off for you?”

Gu Si, who had been feeling smug about his cool image, froze momentarily when he noticed Ning Qingyan’s back, shoulders shaking as she tried to stifle her laughter.

“Next time you try to look cool, pay attention to your appearance, master,” Ning Qingyan teased, making Gu Si feel even more embarrassed.

He wiped the mud off his forehead in one swift motion, coughed awkwardly, and replied to Xu Ruanruan:

“No need.”

Xu Ruanruan, feeling rejected, looked down with a hint of grievance but didn’t say anything further. She avoided looking at Ning Qingyan, worried he might choose her.

Summary:
The male contestants finished their tasks, and the female contestants awaited their fate. Ning Qingyan, holding the priority rescue choices, faced a tough decision. Who would she pick? Only time would tell.

Live stream comments:

• “My baby is so handsome and cute! What’s up with Xu Ruanruan and Qiao Li not even saying hi? Can they have some manners?”
• “Pick Sheng Mingzhu! Her lively personality matches Yan Yan’s loveable energy!”
• “Lin Qingqing works too! Cool beauty meets sunny loyal dog!”
• “Please don’t pick Xu Ruanruan; she’s so obviously into Gu Si!”