Buying water required money, but they weren’t allowed to use their own. So, Ji Chengyi and Lin Jindu had to exchange a heart for fifty yuan.

With the money in hand, they went to buy water. Since it wasn’t convenient to share a bottled water, they decided to buy a coconut instead.

Sitting under a sunshade at a long table with the coconut in hand, Ji Chengyi reasonably suspected, “I feel like the production team is intentionally using up our points.”

Sitting down next to him, Lin Jindu said, “It’s alright, we’ll earn them back.”

At this point, Ji Chengyi remembered the unanswered question from earlier in the car, “So, Mr. Lin, what’s your plan?”

Lin Jindu replied calmly, “I think if today’s theme is truly about ‘choice’ and ‘differences,’ as long as we avoid conflicts, we’ll be fine.”

Ji Chengyi then asked, “Avoiding conflicts only prevents deductions, but how do we earn points?”

Rather than answering directly, Lin Jindu asked, “Don’t you think this morning’s itinerary was too relaxed?”

Ji Chengyi pondered for a moment before responding, “I see. The focus today must be on the afternoon activities.”

Lin Jindu nodded, “Exactly, but just to be safe, we should still do our best in the morning tasks to avoid being passive in the afternoon.”

Nobody likes to lose, especially not Lin Jindu and Ji Chengyi. So, Ji Chengyi quickly agreed, “Let’s take a photo first.”

【Haha, I’m laughing so hard! Next door, they’re here for a reality show, but you two seem to have a bug in your relationship task.】

【I’ll just say it! Who’s the one coming up with these photo tasks for them?!】

【Hahaha, finally someone said it! Seriously, these two CEOs taking photos look like my dad, so serious and not caring about anything else. Facepalm.jpg】

Not only did the barrage feel that way, but even Director Li behind the monitor had a numb expression.

Seeing the two of them holding coconuts and each sipping from a straw, Director Li felt like they were celebrating a successful partnership.

With no hint of chemistry, it felt more like a polite formality.

“Don’t assign the CEOs any more photo tasks later; give them more affectionate tasks,” Director Li instructed the staff over the walkie-talkie.

He realized that the photo tasks weren’t suitable for two CEOs who weren’t skilled in photography.

…

Unaware of Director Li’s new directives, after solemnly taking the photos, the two went to the live studio to find their next task.

【Mr. Lin! I suggest you take a course on ‘How to Take Beautiful Photos of Your Wife’!】

【Mr. Ji! How does Mr. Lin’s muscular feel? Is it nice to touch?】

【Can you two kiss, just for me!】

【Please go to the top of the roller coaster and share a kiss.】

【Please kiss each other on the banana boat.】

【Please have Mr. Lin carry Mr. Ji in a princess carry and complete the Leap of Love Bay.】

Like the previous times, this time the two of them consciously avoided tasks that required kissing and focused on completing the Leap of Love Bay task.

Considering that this task would require physical effort from Lin Jindu, Ji Chengyi turned to ask for his opinion, “Mr. Lin, what do you think about this princess carry task?”

Lin Jindu immediately replied, “Mr. Ji’s weight is no burden to me. If Mr. Ji is okay, I’m okay.”

【Still okay? You seem quite happy about it!】

Ji Chengyi continued, “Shall we go ahead with this task?”

Lin Jindu nodded, “Yes.”

With the next task decided, they quickly completed the task of cycling around Love God Street. When they returned the bicycles, they saw Cheng Song waiting on a small bench.

Approaching them with an iPad connected to earphones, Cheng Song asked, “Have you completed the task?”

Ji Chengyi confirmed with a simple “yes.”

Cheng Song then turned to Lin Jindu with a smile, “Mr. Lin, are you going to redeem Mr. Ji’s kiss?”

The use of “redeem” was quite clever, indicating that there would be a price to pay.

Understanding that wasting time on an insignificant card wasn’t necessary, Ji Chengyi reiterated, “Mr. Lin, it really is fine if you don’t get it back.”

Lin Jindu insisted, “I want it back.”

After a pause, he added, “There should be a return for every exchange. I can’t let Mr. Ji suffer a loss.”

Ji Chengyi understood Lin Jindu’s intentions. The lipstick incident was seen as Lin Jindu’s offering, and he felt the need to reciprocate to validate that gesture.

Feeling torn between acknowledging Lin Jindu’s thoughtfulness and seeing him as stubborn, Ji Chengyi sighed softly, “Alright, thank you, Mr. Lin.”

【Mr. Ji, you’re so clueless! Mr. Lin clearly doesn’t want your kiss to end up in another man’s hands!!】

【Exactly! Mr. Ji, run! Mr. Lin is starting to fancy you!!】

Curious about the redemption process, Lin Jindu looked at Cheng Song.

Cheng Song tapped his iPad and explained, “It’s simple, Mr. Lin. You just need to watch a video and answer three questions.”

Without asking about the video, Lin Jindu reached out, “Okay, give it to me.”

“Not so fast,” Cheng Song teased, “I haven’t asked Mr. Lin yet. Mr. Lin, why are you so insistent on getting back Mr. Ji’s card? Are you unwilling to let a card imprinted with Mr. Ji’s lip print stay in another man’s hands?”

Lin Jindu: …

【Haha, Cheng Song, you’re really bold!】

【Cheng Song, this question feels like a bombshell about to explode.】

“Mr. Lin, do you not like being a host?” Lin Jindu’s voice was calm, like a quiet night without wind, but there was a strong undertone of threat in his words.

Cheng Song: …

“I like it, Mr. Lin.” Cheng Song immediately complied, opening the iPad respectfully and handing it to Lin Jindu, “Here you go, Mr. Lin, this is the video you’ll watch later.”

Lin Jindu took the iPad and put on the earphones.

Ji Chengyi wanted to watch with him but was stopped by Cheng Song, “I’m sorry, Mr. Ji, this video is for Mr. Lin’s eyes only.”

Ji Chengyi pursed his lips, “Alright.”

Without saying a word, Lin Jindu started playing the video.

On the screen, two different videos appeared side by side.

On the left was a movie he didn’t recognize, and on the right…

On the right was a personal montage of Ji Chengyi.

…Every frame was a high-definition close-up of his face.

Lin Jindu: …

He didn’t know what to say.

But before he could react, a soft and soothing voice came through the noise-canceling headphones, calling out, “Mr. Lin.”

One after another.

Each call was clear.

Each call was pleasant.

Lin Jindu had heard his title “Mr. Lin” being called countless times by different voices.

He had heard Ji Chengyi call it many times too.

Because he had heard it so many times, he didn’t feel much before.

But now, he couldn’t help but find those two words oddly pleasing to his ears.

Lin Jindu was getting more and more into it.

【What’s going on?! What is Mr. Lin watching? Why can’t we see it too!】

【Mr. Ji, can’t you just go over and show us the screen!】

【They’re not watching something inappropriate, right? Mr. Lin’s expression doesn’t seem right!】

At this moment, Ji Chengyi wasn’t looking at his phone and had no idea what the viewers in the comments were imagining.

After about two minutes, Cheng Song’s voice sounded again, “Alright, Mr. Lin, have you finished watching? I’ll start asking questions now.”

Lin Jindu: …

He didn’t even glance at the movie on the left.

Lin Jindu didn’t take off his earphones, remaining composed, “Can I watch it again?”

Cheng Song apologized, “I’m sorry, Mr. Lin, you can’t watch it again.”

Lin Jindu: …

Ji Chengyi turned and asked, “What video is this? Is it difficult?”

Lin Jindu didn’t know how to respond.

Instead of answering, he just looked at Cheng Song and asked, “What’s the passing rate?”

Cheng Song replied, “It’s a hundred percent.”

Lin Jindu: …

He pursed his lips and inquired, “And if I get it wrong?”

Cheng Song, with an unexpected but mischievous smile, said, “Hehe, if you get all the answers wrong, three love hearts will be deducted from today’s score.”

The love hearts were earned together by the two of them.

As he couldn’t make the decision alone, Lin Jindu turned to Ji Chengyi, “Mr. Ji?”

Not one to easily give up, Lin Jindu was curious about how difficult the video Lin Jindu watched was, as he had given up without even trying. But seeing that Lin Jindu seemed hesitant to respond, he didn’t press further.

Simply nodding, Ji Chengyi agreed, “No problem.”

Lin Jindu then turned his gaze back to Cheng Song.

“Alright.” Cheng Song tactfully returned the card imprinted with Ji Chengyi’s lip print to Lin Jindu, “Congratulations, Mr. Lin, for successfully redeeming Mr. Ji’s kiss.”

Taking the card, Lin Jindu passed it back to Ji Chengyi, saying, “Mr. Ji, here you go.”

Ji Chengyi accepted it and put it in his pocket, saying, “Thank you, Mr. Lin.”

Cheng Song teased, “Mr. Lin, why did you give the card back to Mr. Ji? Aren’t you supposed to keep it for yourself?”

【Haha, Cheng Song, you really enjoy teasing them.】

【Promise me, Cheng Song, we’ll meet again tomorrow, okay?】

【Huh? I don’t understand Mr. Lin’s actions. Why did he give the card back to Mr. Ji? Shouldn’t he keep it for himself and steal a few kisses in the lonely night?】

【I don’t get Mr. Lin, but the commenter above seems to understand some weird, possessive behavior.】

Ignoring Cheng Song, Lin Jindu looked at Ji Chengyi and said, “Let’s go, Mr. Ji, to Love Bay.”

Love Bay wasn’t far from Love God Street. They arrived in less than a minute.

Ji Chengyi thought Love Bay was an artificial beach, but to his surprise, it was an indoor 3D gallery.

Even more surprisingly, the gallery offered three different scenes to experience: an adventure in a desolate house, a tour of the galaxy, and a leap in Love Bay.

Lin Jindu asked Ji Chengyi, “Which one do you want to go to?”

Ji Chengyi’s gaze swept over the first two themes and finally settled on the sunny beach, “Let’s go to Love Bay as the comments suggested.”

蔺谨独 glanced at the sign and lightly tugged on the tether, “Let’s go this way.”

Side by side, they walked towards the Leap of Love Bay theme gallery.

Upon reaching the entrance, they both stopped and turned to each other.

“Mr. Lin, how should I hold you comfortably?” Ji Chengyi asked.

Looking at the tether, Lin Jindu replied, “Mr. Ji, turn around so the tether hangs on your left side.”

“Alright.” Ji Chengyi obediently turned around, then looked back at Lin Jindu.

As the barrage comments mentioned, Lin Jindu indeed adjusted the tether to avoid it rubbing against Ji Chengyi.

Seeing Ji Chengyi adjust the tether to the front, Lin Jindu effortlessly lifted him up, bending slightly.

Though it was the second time being carried, Ji Chengyi felt awkward. He didn’t even dare to put his hand around Lin Jindu’s neck, keeping them in front of him.

Lin Jindu lowered his gaze as if wanting to say something. However, after a moment of hesitation, he decided to remain silent and carried Ji Chengyi into the gallery.

Inside, it was a small room with glass walls.

The room was dark with no lights, only a faint light circulating on the glass walls.

Observing the surroundings, Ji Chengyi remarked, “Mr. Lin, this setting feels like a cave.”

“Right.” Lin Jindu nodded, pointing to the glass beneath their feet, “Mr. Ji, look down.”

Ji Chengyi leaned over and saw that they were standing on a wooden boat in the room. At the bow of the boat, a scruffy little boy was steering the helm.

If not for Lin Jindu’s prompt, Ji Chengyi might have missed seeing him altogether.

The boat floated in the deep, dark waters, with the sound of flowing water and the wind creating a realistic ambiance.

“Most likely, the boat will emerge from the cave later,” Lin Jindu said, looking at Ji Chengyi, “If you’re scared, you can close your eyes.”

Ji Chengyi met his gaze, “Mr. Lin, have you forgotten that Ko has already developed the fifth generation of VR glasses?”

The implication was that the 3D technology before him wasn’t impressive enough. It was unlikely not to be startled, especially with advanced technology available.

Lin Jindu smiled knowingly, “True.”

He added, “Sorry for overthinking it.”

Ji Chengyi was about to say it was okay when suddenly there was a loud bang in his ears.

The jarring sound made Ji Chengyi tense involuntarily.

As he looked up, the scene that had been slowly rotating moments ago suddenly accelerated.

In the blink of an eye, the wooden boat surged out of the bright opening!

Although Ji Chengyi had experienced VR many times before, the sensation of free-falling still triggered a visual panic, making him feel weightless.

Before he could close his eyes instinctively, a voice sounded in his ear, “The scene is well done.”

The voice was calm and clear, with a slight tremor in the chest against his arm, giving off a reassuring and steady feeling.

The illusionary feeling dispelled Ji Chengyi’s weightlessness, and he started watching the scene as guided by the voice.

Just as he looked up, a massive shark with its jaws wide open suddenly leaped out of the sea.

Ji Chengyi: …

Lin Jindu: …

【Wow! That voice gave me goosebumps!】

【Oh my goodness, this is terrifying, my phone almost flew away!】

【Mr. Ji, quick, come here! I need a hug!】

Lin Jindu, always rational, knew everything before them was fake. Despite the changing visuals, he remained calm and composed, without any fear.

However, as the gaping jaws kept approaching, without a second thought, Lin Jindu tightly embraced Ji Chengyi’s back, burying his face in his neck and urgently said, “Close your eyes, don’t look.”

Still reeling from the shock of the shark’s appearance, Ji Chengyi was then pulled into Lin Jindu’s arms.

Feeling a bit dazed, Ji Chengyi’s breath hitched, and his heart raced irregularly, overwhelmed by a sense of security from the voice resonating in the darkness.

In that moment, Ji Chengyi felt his heartbeat suddenly speeding up uncontrollably in his chest.

Subconsciously, he gripped the fabric on Lin Jindu’s chest.

【Wow, Mr. Lin’s words are so reassuring!】

【Ahh, Mr. Lin is so good at this! The embrace is oozing with tension!!!】

【Subconscious reactions don’t lie, so Mr. Lin, when will you confess?】

When the terrifying shark scene finally passed, Lin Jindu slowly released Ji Chengyi.

This time, Lin Jindu didn’t apologize for his actions.

He simply asked, “Mr. Ji, are you okay?”

Ji Chengyi nodded slowly, “Mm.”

Oddly, Ji Chengyi didn’t say thank you either.

Lin Jindu remained silent.

Ji Chengyi also stayed quiet, gazing at the screen in peace.

In the serene dim space, only the background music reverberated continuously.

The scene resembled an ocean adventure, with scenes of sailing through storms and escaping shark jaws.

No other unexpected occurrences happened.

Ji Chengyi maintained a neutral expression throughout, showing no signs of panic or distress.

Towards the end, he remembered something and asked Lin Jindu, “By the way, Mr. Lin, we don’t need to take photos for this segment, right?”

Lin Jindu met his gaze and replied, “No, we don’t.”

As the background music faded, a childlike voice rang out, “That’s it! You’ve reached the end! Please disembark now!”

Hearing this, Ji Chengyi quickly said, “It’s over, Mr. Lin, please let me down.”

“Let’s get out first,” Lin Jindu turned towards the door, walking out, “It’s better to leave now before they find fault with us later.”

Ji Chengyi thought Lin Jindu had a point. After all, the production team could be quite tricky.

【Is it the production team finding fault or do you just want to hold me a little longer? Mr. Lin-zǐ, you better explain!】

【Mr. Lin: How did you know I have a wife to hold?】

They exited the gallery.

Lin Jindu finally released Ji Chengyi.

Steadying himself, Ji Chengyi said, “Thank you, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Jindu didn’t respond to that, glancing at his watch. “We still have half an hour left. Mr. Ji, would you like to do two more tasks or just relax?”

Ji Chengyi didn’t have any specific plans, so he replied, “Let’s do the tasks.”

They went on to complete three more tasks.

By the time it was half past eleven, they made their way to the park’s restaurant to meet with the others.

When they arrived, the other three groups of guests were already seated.

“How was your experience, Mr. Ji?” Yao Tong asked, sipping on a cool orange juice.

Ji Chengyi pulled out a chair and sat down, “It was pretty good.”

Just as he finished speaking, Cheng Song appeared, “Hello everyone! Did you have a good time this morning?”

The responses were scattered, “It was enjoyable.”

Cheng Song smiled, “Did anyone argue with each other?”

Although it seemed like a general question, it was directed at Yao Tong and Shao Wenlun, who were quietly at odds with each other.

Yao Tong insisted, “No arguments! Just hurry up and organize lunch! We’re starving!”

Cheng Song didn’t tease them further and turned to the group, “Alright, since everyone is hungry, let’s announce the rankings for the tasks.”

Glancing at the board, Cheng Song then looked at Ye Fei, “Fei-ge, who do you think came first?”

Ye Fei modestly replied, “Anyone could have.”

Turning to Ji Chengyi, Cheng Song asked, “Mr. Ji, what do you think?”

Ji Chengyi gave a diplomatic response, “I think it might be Mr. Ye and Mr. Dong.”

Cheng Song then inquired, “Have you ever considered the possibility of you and Mr. Lin coming in first place?”

Ji Chengyi remained composed, “Based on probability, I’ve thought about every group.”

Cheng Song: …

Deciding to move on, Cheng Song looked at the board and announced, “Alright, let me announce everyone’s rankings.”

“In third place, we have Yu Heyan and Chi Xingwen. As the second most popular duo in the live broadcast room, they score two points. They completed one task from the barrage comments, earning an additional point, bringing their total to three.”

Yu Heyan remained expressionless.