Font Size:
Chapter 28: Strip Dance? Is This Something I Can Watch for Free?!
Ning Qingyan blinked lightly, scanning the crowd. Everyone she looked at instinctively straightened up, putting on their best behavior.
Being liked by such a great guy naturally enhanced her charm. Even Lin Qingqing and Qiao Li turned their attention toward Ning Qingyan.
Of course, Ning Qingyan wouldn’t choose a female contestant. While the female guests might not necessarily be into her, she was, after all, a woman disguised as a man, making it impossible for her to respond to their feelings.
However, choosing a male guest was a different story. They were all “brothers,” after all. Treating someone as an older brother wouldn’t require any responsibilities once the show ended. She could just walk away.
Furrowing her brows slightly, Ning Qingyan appeared to be hesitating in the eyes of the others. Finally, as if she’d reached a decision, her expression softened, and she looked toward the warm and gentle man in the room. Her clear voice rang out:
“My favorite guest has to be Brother Wen, the shrimp-peeling master who’s been so good to me.”
As soon as she said this, everyone burst into laughter. A shrimp-peeling master? How much of a foodie was she?
No one expected the cheerful young boy’s soft spot to be food. Thinking back, it made sense. After all, even amidst the two sisters competing for attention, he focused on his meal with admirable dedication.
Gu Si pressed his thin lips tightly together, feeling a tinge of jealousy. What’s so great about peeling shrimp? No matter how well it’s peeled, it’s still just serving others.
On his dining table, he’d never even seen shrimp shells. The top-tier shrimp meat was always prepared by professional chefs, perfectly plump, fresh, and tender, piled like a small mountain. Why would he ever need to peel it himself?
Meanwhile, Xu Ruanruan felt a mix of disappointment and relief. As long as it wasn’t Sheng Mingzhu, it didn’t matter who Ning Qingyan picked. Of course, picking her would be the best.
She couldn’t help but wonder why the boy who used to blush while helping her with her suitcase and even asked Gu Si to help when he was injured now seemed indifferent toward her.
Sheng Mingzhu was also slightly disappointed upon hearing Ning Qingyan’s choice but understood. Given the clear rivalry between her and Xu Ruanruan, picking either of them would have upset the other. Choosing a male guest was the most neutral option.
Huo Qi’s phoenix-shaped eyes momentarily lost focus. While he felt a slight pang of disappointment, he also thought it was inevitable. Sensitive as he was, he knew the weight Ning Qingyan carried alone.
Breakfast was made quietly by Ning Qingyan. During the cooking competition, it was mostly his effort. In the tasting session, everyone ended up eating the dishes he prepared.
Like a small sun, he radiated warmth, and over time, people had grown used to his contributions without a second thought—just as no one considers the sun might tire from shining.
But had anyone given him anything in return? Not really—at most, they offered a few kind words. Who couldn’t do that?
Wen Shijin, however, was different. He delayed Gu Si for him, taught him useful knowledge, shielded him from Gu Si’s pressure, cared for his health, peeled shrimp for him, and even helped clean up after meals instead of merely enjoying his efforts like the others.
Huo Qi couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. To so freely give affection without fear of rejection or pain, one must be full of love—and deserving of it.
As for himself, he knew he could never give so selflessly. He understood too well the pain of being abandoned, the despair of being hated even after giving everything.
Green Tea System: “Huo Qi’s favorability +1.”
Wen Shijin, the chosen one, was mildly surprised. Looking at the boy’s bright, smiling eyes and firm choice, his heart softened. His already elegant features became even gentler, his lips curving in a smile so warm it made hearts race.
Green Tea System: “Wen Shijin’s favorability +1.”
Lin Qingqing, sitting nearby, blushed as she looked at Wen Shijin. For some reason, she found his gentle smile even more captivating than usual, as if it carried genuine emotion and sincerity.
Live Chat Comments:
After Ning Qingyan spun the bottle and it landed on herself, proving her lack of bottle-spinning skills, the director decided she would spin the bottle for everyone moving forward.
When the bottle stopped this time, it pointed directly at Gu Si.
Raising his hand lazily, Gu Si mimicked Ning Qingyan’s earlier gesture. “I suspect Ning Qingyan rigged the spin. I demand someone else spin the bottle to ensure fairness!”
The director responded firmly: “Your complaint is invalid. Ning Qingyan spins perfectly fine. She’ll continue.”
Gu Si: …
Amid the laughter of the group, the director announced: “Gu Si, truth or dare?”
Raising an eyebrow, Gu Si replied confidently: “Dare.”
The room erupted into cheers, the playful atmosphere reaching a peak.
The director’s voice came through their earpieces, brimming with excitement: “The most-voted dare is… perform a strip-and-chair dance for everyone!”
The announcement sent the group into a frenzy of laughter and howls, with Ning Qingyan’s wolf-like howling leading the charge.
The music started, and a drone spotlighted Gu Si. Though the setup was simple, it was enough for the game.
Everyone expected Gu Si to feel embarrassed or hesitant, but instead, he stood up, casually slinging his chair over one shoulder. Unbuttoning the top third of his shirt, his sculpted collarbone and lean chest muscles peeked through.
The director panicked and quickly shouted: “Stop unbuttoning! Or we won’t be able to air this!”
Ignoring the protests, Gu Si transitioned into an electrifying chair-dance routine. His moves were sharp, fluid, and mesmerizing, showcasing his athletic build and rebellious charm.
Live Chat Comments: