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You Need to Be Shameless to Get Close to Xiao Yan…
Gu Si became increasingly pleased as he watched Huo Qi’s frustration. The more irritated Huo Qi got, the more satisfied he felt. Especially when he recalled how Huo Qi had stubbornly tried to compare himself to him yesterday, saying, “You don’t need to do anything; I’ll give you half a pound of chicken.” Seizing the opportunity, Gu Si mercilessly added fuel to the fire:
“Being abandoned is normal. After all, Xiao Yan is so likable—surrounded by little sisters, big brothers—you name it, there’s no shortage.”
The words “no shortage of brothers” hit Huo Qi right where it hurt. He turned his gaze coldly toward Gu Si.
Their eyes met. Gu Si narrowed his long, fox-like eyes slightly, staring straight back at Huo Qi with a fearless expression. He raised an eyebrow, looking utterly arrogant.
Huo Qi remained expressionless and mockingly retorted in a flat tone:
“So, you’re one of those so-called ‘brothers’ she doesn’t lack?”
The moment the words “one of them” left Huo Qi’s lips, Gu Si’s smug expression instantly froze. Damn it! Huo Qi had hit his sore spot!
Seeing Gu Si’s reaction, Huo Qi’s lips curled slightly, and as if he had just thought of something, he added in a low voice:
“For all you know, you might just be a substitute for one of those so-called ‘brothers.’ What’s there to be so proud of?”
With that, Huo Qi turned and sprinted into the deep forest.
Gu Si was instantly triggered and bolted after him, yelling:
“Get back here and explain! What do you mean I might be a substitute? A substitute for who? Who the hell is worthy of me standing in for them?!”
But Huo Qi ignored him completely, running even faster. Gu Si, stubborn as ever, refused to let it go and chased after him furiously, determined to uncover the so-called “substitute truth.”
Viewers who had tuned in to a livestream that was originally meant for a different purpose were suddenly treated to this intense drama. The previously quiet screen, which had only an occasional comment, instantly exploded with a flood of bullet chats:
“Holy crap! Is it really okay to see such an explosive scene this early in the morning?!”
“As a Gu Si x Qingcheng CP fan: I’m speechless. Before, we’d watch Gu Si get jealous and whine loudly. Now he only dares to sulk behind the scenes. I CAN’T TAKE THIS ANYMORE! Gu Si, are you useless? Huh?! Show your jealousy in front of Xiao Yan, damn it!”
“As a Hong Yan x Huo Shui CP fan: That ‘one of them’ comeback was gold! Huo Qi, you nailed it! Hahaha! Who else could he be a substitute for? Obviously, our Huo Qi!”
Wen Shijin stood on a reef, skillfully spearing fish with a harpoon.
He had grown up in a remote village by the mountains and rivers. If a rural person could do something, he could do it; if they couldn’t, he had learned it to survive.
Calculating the perfect angle, he exerted just the right amount of force, and with precision, he speared a fish in one swift motion. Watching its tail still flopping, he couldn’t help but recall his childhood in the village.
“A widow attracts gossip. Get back home before you bring bad luck.”
“Her family told her to abort the child. When she refused, they cut ties with her. Who knew she’d be so stubborn, choosing to live alone in that rundown house at the foot of the mountain?”
“She’s waited all these years, but no ‘mystery man’ ever came for her. This woman’s life is over.”
“An unmarried mother? Who knows who the father of that bastard child is?”
“Don’t play with him. Got it? He’s just some bastard.”
Wen Shijin had once longed for the father his mother spoke of—the one who was “definitely coming back.” But eventually, life’s hardships had worn that hope away.
Especially when he was recruited into an elite private high school in the capital as the province’s top scholar. The father who was “definitely coming back” turned out to be a well-respected professor at the very same institution. A professor who had been married for years and already had a son older than him.
But now, since Wen Shijin was “of the Wen bloodline,” they couldn’t let him remain an outsider. So, from their high horse, they demanded he return and “reclaim his rightful place in the family.”
Wen Shijin lowered his gaze. A fleeting darkness flashed through his eyes but quickly dissipated, replaced by his usual gentle demeanor.
Lifting his hand, he targeted the liveliest fish in the water and, with a swift motion, speared it cleanly.
Watching the fish struggle vigorously, Wen Shijin’s lips curled slightly. This type of fish made the best soup—perfect for someone suffering from post-exhaustion muscle soreness.
He returned to shore, cleaned the fish with practiced efficiency, and placed it into a clean bowl. The smaller fish went into a bucket.
With everything prepared, he carried the bucket and bowl toward the cooking area he had set up the previous day.
Roasting small fish was quick and easy, but most of his focus was on the large fish. He added fresh mushrooms and wild herbs to the soup to neutralize the fishy smell.
“Left hand grilling fish, right hand making fish soup? Is this what a perfect husband looks like?!”
“Do men like this really exist in real life? He can fish, cook, and he’s smart and gentle? I need to marry him!”
“From the moment I saw his worn-out white sneakers, I knew he came from a poor background. No wonder he’s so skilled at survival. His role in the show must either be ‘the underdog who succeeds’ or ‘the hidden talent.’ They always win the prize money.”
“Why did the production team cast Wen Shijin in a dating show? This isn’t some ‘poverty to riches’ reality program. Did they just throw in a poor guy to chase after rich female celebrities?”
“Are you kidding? Wen Shijin is the most well-mannered and respectful guy on this show! He’s never even tried to flirt with the female guests. Aside from answering Lin Qingqing a few times, he’s barely spoken to any of them! How does that translate to gold-digging?!”
“I don’t hate poor people, but if you’re broke, why come on a dating show? Who are you fooling? If this were a normal matchmaking event and the guy didn’t own a car or a house, which woman here would even consider him?”
“Excuse me, but just for his face alone, I’d date him—even if I had to pay for everything.”
Ning Qingyan was awakened by the delicious aroma of fish soup. Ever since her rebirth, her senses had become much sharper. Starving, she quickly got up, washed up at the shore, and followed the scent to the makeshift kitchen.
Seeing Wen Shijin grilling fish, her eyes lit up, and she ran over excitedly.
“Brother, your fish smells amazing! I could smell it from my tent!”
Wen Shijin glanced at her running figure and frowned slightly. “Slow down. Your muscles are still sore from exhaustion. Running will make it worse.”
Ning Qingyan immediately slowed her pace and obediently walked over.
Green Tea System: ‘Wen Shijin’s favorability +1.’
Just as she was about to grab a grilled fish, Wen Shijin caught her wrist.
“Drink the fish soup first, then eat the grilled fish,” he said gently.
At that moment, Gu Si came panting over, exhausted from chasing Huo Qi. With no gifts to offer, he shamelessly plopped down beside Ning Qingyan, rested his head on her shoulder, and whined:
“Xiao Yan~ I’m too tired to lift my hands. You’ll have to feed me.”