It felt like a long time had passed, yet it also felt like only a second had gone by.

The warm touch on Lin Jindu’s forehead suddenly disappeared.

Before Lin Jindu could fully process what just happened, Ji Chengyi’s voice cut in, “A clue!”

Lin Jindu: ?

Lin Jindu: ??

Lin Jindu: …

【Haha, the straight guy is speechless.】

【Mr. Lin: Was that love just now?】

The cameraman looked flustered, “Mr. Ji, this… this doesn’t follow the rules.”

Ji Chengyi argued, “How does it not follow the rules? Do you have a specific spot for kissing? No, right?”

Cameraman: …

Still in a bind, the director’s voice came through the earpiece, “Just tell him.”

With the director’s cue, the cameraman relayed without hesitation, “The password is 085472.”

At the same time, the countdown began: 【10, 9, 8…】

“Mr. Lin! Let’s go!” Ji Chengyi, caught up in the moment, quickly pulled the dazed Lin Jindu towards another escape door.

Entering the password swiftly, the escape door opened.

As Ji Chengyi pushed the door open, the “zombies” outside broke through the main door of the safe room.

The loud growls echoed again, snapping Lin Jindu back to reality.

Seeing the “zombies” closing in, he quickly raised his gun and shot them, ushering Ji Chengyi out of the safe room and swiftly closing the door behind them.

Ensuring the “zombies” was trapped inside, Lin Jindu didn’t dwell on it and immediately took Ji Chengyi’s hand, “Let’s go!”

Exiting the safe room, they found themselves in a narrow corridor lined with rooms stained with blood. Each room had a sealed 1m x 1m window.

In the middle of the corridor lay a nurse with a blood-stained back.

Uncertain if she was a mannequin or a real NPC, and if “zombies” might burst out from the side rooms, Lin Jindu proceeded cautiously.

He warned, “Mr. Ji, be careful near the windows. Something might jump out suddenly.”

Ji Chengyi acknowledged and then suggested, “Should we take a shot at the nurse first?”

He seemed serious, speaking softly, as if afraid of attracting the “zombies.”

Perceiving that Ji Chengyi might be fully engrossed in the game, Lin Jindu smiled inwardly and also lowered his tone, “Alright, I’ll do it. You watch our backs.”

Before Lin Jindu could fire, an alarm suddenly blared through the corridor.

The pale lights switched to flashing red lights.

“What’s happening?” Ji Chengyi frowned.

Sensing trouble, Lin Jindu urged, “I don’t know, let’s run!”

He tightened his grip on Ji Chengyi’s hand and started running. At the same time, he fired two shots at the nurse on the floor.

Fortunately, the nurse was just a prop, not a real NPC.

Relieved, Lin Jindu let out a sigh.

But before he could fully relax, all the room doors suddenly swung open!

“Roar!!” The terrifying growls echoed once more.

Ji Chengyi turned in panic, only to see “zombies” in white patient gowns rushing out from each room.

And they were not just one or two of them.

It seemed like a lot of NPCs were involved in this scenario.

“This place feels like a prison holding ‘zombies’,” Ji Chengyi’s scalp tingled.

【Haha, Mr. Ji, don’t be scared. The haunted house next door probably has more NPCs than yours. Facepalm.jpg】

【This is hilarious. Yao Tong’s side also has many AI characters!】

【Looking at it this way, Dong Shen’s side is slightly more relaxed.】

【Not really! They have wild people on their side! And it’s even harder to escape in the forest!】

【The production team promised me, next time they need extras, please give me a call! I won’t ask for payment!!!】

There were just too many of them.

It felt like a prison full of “zombies.”

Even with Lin Jindu and Ji Chengyi’s quick reactions, there were moments they couldn’t avoid.

Soon enough, the broadcast announced: “Unfortunately, Mr. Ji has been bitten by a ‘zombie’ and is about to turn.”

With that, the “zombies” in the corridor seemed frozen in place, as if time had stopped.

Lin Jindu turned around, furrowing his brows, “You got bitten?”

In his urgency, Lin Jindu even forgot to address Ji Chengyi as “Mr. Ji.”

Ji Chengyi didn’t notice this small detail, only seeing the concern in Lin Jindu’s eyes. He explained, “Don’t worry, Mr. Lin, I wasn’t actually bitten.”

He lifted his foot, “It should be this.”

Lin Jindu lowered his eyes.

Confirming that there was only paint resembling blood on Ji Chengyi’s pants, with no bite marks, Lin Jindu felt relieved.

Then he looked up at the cameraman, “So, does this mean we’ve failed the game?”

The cameraman replied, “It’s a kind of failure, but not exactly. If you both want to continue, please follow me.”

Lin Jindu didn’t respond, instead looking at Ji Chengyi.

Ji Chengyi wanted to continue but didn’t want to make things too complicated for Lin Jindu. He suggested, “Shall we go and see what’s next?”

Lin Jindu, perceptive as ever, could sense Ji Chengyi’s emotions. He nodded, “Sure.”

Ji Chengyi smiled, a hint of pure joy in his eyes.

【Ahh, Mr. Lin, you’re so caring towards Mr. Ji!】

【It’s clear that Mr. Ji really enjoys thrilling activities.】

【Escape rooms are quite stress-relieving, suitable for someone like Mr. Ji who keeps his emotions in check.】

Led by the cameraman, they entered a small dark room where staff members were waiting.

Seeing them enter, the staff member went straight to the point, “Mr. Lin, only you can save Mr. Ji. Will you do it?”

Ji Chengyi looked to Lin Jindu.

Without directly answering to save or not to save, Lin Jindu asked, “How can I save him?”

“If you choose to save him…” the staff member explained, “Mr. Lin, you need to do a two-minute plank or twenty push-ups with added weight.”

…It was the same routine as yesterday.

Ji Chengyi inquired, “Is there anything else?”

“Yes,” the staff member responded.

“What?” Ji Chengyi asked.

The staff member replied, “A ten-second intimate kiss or face-to-face push-ups.”

Ji Chengyi: ?

“Face-to-face push-ups?” Ji Chengyi didn’t quite understand how that worked.

The staff member clarified, “It means you lie on a yoga mat, and Mr. Lin does push-ups facing you.”

【This one, this one, this one!!!】

【Is this face-to-face push-ups taken from the adjacent romance show?】

【Come on, if you’re copying, copy it all! Let’s have a water bed!!!】

Ji Chengyi didn’t understand the audience’s intentions, only asking, “So, this doesn’t require added weight, right?”

The staff member nodded, “That’s correct.”

Ji Chengyi nodded and then turned to Lin Jindu, “Mr. Lin, what do you think about this?”

Lin Jindu didn’t find it appealing, but instead of directly refusing, he suggested, “Let’s go with the weighted push-ups.”

Ji Chengyi didn’t say anything, quietly observing Lin Jindu.

After a day of cycling, carrying, and running

Lin Jindu also couldn’t understand why Ji Chengyi was being so dense.

Face-to-face push-ups…

It was obvious that this was intentionally designed to take advantage of the other person.

Moreover, push-ups inherently involve downward pressure, and in the process of lowering, he would inevitably come into contact with Ji Chengyi’s body.

Although Ji Chengyi had kissed him without permission earlier, Lin Jindu didn’t see it as offensive.

But the face-to-face push-ups were crossing a line of indecency and rudeness.

Lin Jindu didn’t want Ji Chengyi to be put in such an awkward situation, so he insisted.

“Mr. Ji, listen to me, okay?” he looked at Ji Chengyi, enunciating clearly.

【Wow! This line from Mr. Lin is so romantic!】

【Although it’s regrettable, I’m on Team Mr. Lin!】

【I’m crying! Mr. Lin is really showing respect to Mr. Ji!!】

After a moment of contemplation, Ji Chengyi sighed softly, “Mr. Lin, are you serious? Weighted push-ups are even more exhausting than yesterday’s weighted squats.”

Lin Jindu nodded, “I am serious.”

Glancing at his watch, he added, “Mr. Ji, we’ve already spent two minutes here.”

Hearing this, Ji Chengyi didn’t push further, “Then, thank you, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Jindu replied, “No problem.”

He then asked the staff, “Do you have a mat?”

“Yes, we do,” the staff member replied, laying out the mat.

Adjusting the tether in his hand, Lin Jindu signaled, “Come over, Mr. Ji, let’s get this done quickly.”

With the mat ready, Ji Chengyi followed Lin Jindu to the mat.

“I’ll get into position first, and then Mr. Ji, you can sit on my back,” Lin Jindu rolled up his sleeves, revealing the smooth muscles in his forearms.

Ji Chengyi nodded, “Understood.”

The staff member reminded from the side, “During the exercise, Mr. Ji’s feet should not touch the ground to assist Mr. Lin.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Chengyi was about to frown.

But Lin Jindu chuckled.

Although he didn’t say anything, his disdain for cheating was crystal clear.

Realizing her mistake, the staff member hurried to apologize, but Lin Jindu didn’t give her a chance.

Kneeling down on the mat, he assumed a perfect push-up posture.

【Wow! Mr. Lin looks so sexy kneeling down!】

【I can’t imagine what it feels like to sit on Mr. Lin’s back!】

Not only the audience dared not imagine, but Ji Chengyi was also a bit hesitant.

Just a month ago, Lin Jindu was an untouchable figure in the industry.

But now, here he was, leaning against Lin Jindu’s broad back, with Lin Jindu saying, “Get on, Mr. Ji.”

Ji Chengyi followed suit and sat on Lin Jindu’s back.

Since his legs couldn’t touch the ground, he folded them up as he sat down.

In the process, Lin Jindu felt a gentle touch against his back.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Jindu didn’t dwell on the sensation but simply said, “Mr. Ji, sit comfortably. I’ll start now.”

Ji Chengyi held onto the fabric of Lin Jindu’s shirt on both sides: “Okay.”

【Haha, Mr. Ji is so cute, holding onto just a bit of fabric like a child!】

【I’ve never sat on a man’s back before. I’d love to experience that with Mr. Ji.】

【Laughing, I bet even if you had the chance to experience it, you wouldn’t dare to sit.】

Lin Jindu started as soon as he said he would, without any hesitation or delay.

Ji Chengyi couldn’t help but admire him. Although he could do twenty push-ups, handling over a hundred pounds of added weight was still challenging.

He had worried that Lin Jindu might struggle halfway through, but now he realized he didn’t fully understand Lin Jindu’s strength.

Sitting steadily, Ji Chengyi even had the presence of mind to observe Lin Jindu’s arm muscles.

Lin Jindu

In addition, Ji Chengyi also keenly felt the changes in Lin Jindu’s back muscles.

Taut.

Solid.

Like a powerful guard dog…

After silently counting to twelve, Ji Chengyi suddenly heard a light panting breath beside his ear.

The breath wasn’t heavy, but it resonated clearly in Ji Chengyi’s eardrums.

Unexplainably, Ji Chengyi started feeling warm…

【Ah, I’m done for! Mr. Ji’s ears are turning red!】

【Oh my goodness! I can’t help but let out a big sigh!】

【Mr. Lin, stop doing push-ups! You should do it to Mr. Ji!!!】

【Mr. Lin’s waist strength is impressive. I can’t even imagine how powerful he would be in bed…】

When the twenty push-ups were quickly completed, Ji Chengyi didn’t wait for Lin Jindu to speak; he swiftly got down.

The small dark room was air-conditioned to eighteen degrees.

As Ji Chengyi left, taking his genuine warmth with him, Lin Jindu’s lower back was enveloped in a cool breeze.

Furrowing his brows, Lin Jindu couldn’t help but grimace.

Unaware of Lin Jindu’s change in expression, Ji Chengyi calmly approached to support him, “Mr. Lin, are you okay?”

Relaxing his brows and concealing his emotions, Lin Jindu breathed slightly, “I’m fine.”

Observing the fine sweat on his forehead, Ji Chengyi turned to the staff member, “Do you have water?”

“We do,” the staff member handed a bottle of water to Ji Chengyi.

Taking it, Ji Chengyi then passed it to Lin Jindu, “Mr. Lin, have some water. You’ve worked hard.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ji.” Lin Jindu wasn’t particularly thirsty, but seeing the rosy tips of Ji Chengyi’s ears, he suddenly felt parched.

Without further ado, he took the water, unscrewed the cap, and took a big gulp.

Ji Chengyi noticed that Lin Jindu was the type to get very dehydrated with physical exertion.

Yesterday, after finishing the squats, Lin Jindu had drunk half a bottle of water, and it seemed the same today.

“Congratulations on completing the challenge,” the staff member saw Lin Jindu drink the water and interjected, “Now that Mr. Ji is back to normal, you can continue back into the game.”

Looking at her, Ji Chengyi asked, “Can we get more bullets?”

“Um…” The staff member hesitated, as she hadn’t received instructions to provide additional bullets for the two CEOs.

Seeing her hesitation, Ji Chengyi blinked gently, his expression gentle, “Is it possible, little fairy?”

The staff member: …

With just that, the staff member immediately nodded, “Yes! Just wait a moment, I’ll go get the bullets for you.”

After the staff member left, Lin Jindu looked at Ji Chengyi with surprise, “Mr. Ji, still using charm tactics?”

Feeling ashamed, Ji Chengyi replied, “It’s something my assistant taught me. Sorry to amuse you, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Jindu did chuckle a bit, but not out of amusement.

“Not at all.”

He said seriously, “I find it very endearing.”

Ji Chengyi corrected him, “Mr. Lin, you used the wrong word. ‘Endearing’ is used for girls.”

Lin Jindu countered, “Isn’t ‘endearing’ used to describe endearing people?”

Ji Chengyi: ?

Ji Chengyi found Lin Jindu’s response a bit odd and looked at him.

Lin Jindu didn’t explain because he also found himself a bit strange.

In the past, he would never use the word ‘endearing’ to describe an adult man.

However, just now, he had the urge to call Ji Chengyi ‘endearing.’

It wasn’t to belittle him or feminize him intentionally; it was just a pure feeling of finding him endearing.

As they sat quietly, the staff member returned with a bucket of water bullets.

After reloading, the two returned to the prison ward they were in before.

The group of “zombies” in the hospital ward corridor remained motionless, waiting for them.

To prevent the two from being taken down immediately upon their return, the cameraman allowed them a ten-second head start.

“Are you both ready? I’m going to start the timer,” the cameraman looked at them and asked.

Lin Jindu tightened his grip on Ji Chengyi’s hand, eyes locked on him.

Ji Chengyi nodded in response.

Their eyes met for half a second, and then they bolted!

Cameraman: ??

Cameraman: “…”

“Are you…?” Before the cameraman could finish, Lin Jindu turned back and said, “You can start timing now.”

Cameraman: …

There was nothing the cameraman could say; she just accepted her fate and started the countdown.

【Haha, I can’t believe the two CEOs couldn’t handle it and resorted to cheating!】

【How is that cheating? He’s just trying to make his wife happy.】

As the ten-second countdown ended, the “zombies” began madly roaring and chasing after the two who were running away.

Hearing the sound, Ji Chengyi raised his voice and shouted to Lin Jindu, “Mr. Lin! They’re catching up!”

Detecting the excitement in his voice, Lin Jindu couldn’t help but get infected by it, “You shoot! I’ll find the Cultivation Chamber!”

“Got it!” Ji Chengyi turned back to shoot, showing no signs of panic; he was completely immersed in the moment.

But as he played on, the background music suddenly changed to a more jarring, howling sound!

【Oh my goodness! It scared me!!】

【What the heck! This sudden change in the scene is too unexpected!】

The barrage of comments was filled with shock, but Ji Chengyi didn’t quite understand.

Turning around to look, he was about to ask, “What’s goin…”

“No need,” Lin Jindu interrupted, positioning himself like a wall beside Ji Chengyi, “You go first, Mr. Ji.”

With that said, Ji Chengyi understood; Lin Jindu must have something frightening behind him.

The eerie tone in the background music was likely to accompany the appearance of that thing.

Ji Chengyi wasn’t that curious.

If Lin Jindu didn’t want him to see, then he wouldn’t look.

Without delay, Ji Chengyi took a step forward.

As he walked, he surveyed his surroundings.

Lost in shooting earlier, he hadn’t noticed they had already run out of the hospital ward prison area.

Now, everything around them was in ruins, like an emptied armory.

Looking ahead, Ji Chengyi spotted a blue light sign fallen on the ground.

He tugged on Lin Jindu’s hand, “Mr. Lin, the Cultivation Chamber.”

Lin Jindu glanced around and, seeing nothing particularly frightening, pulled Ji Chengyi inside.

The Cultivation Chamber was a mess, with various documents scattered on the floor.

Several body molds lay haphazardly on a few chairs.

“Mr. Lin!” Ji Chengyi nudged Lin Jindu’s hand, “There’s a freezer over there!”

Following Ji Chengyi’s gaze, Lin Jindu indeed saw a freezer emitting a faint blue light.

Near the freezer, there was a person lying down.

The posture suggested they were holding onto something.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Jindu suspected that the serum might be in their embrace.

But before he could speak, the familiar sound of “zombie” growls erupted from behind.

Acting decisively, Lin Jindu said, “Mr. Ji, you shoot. I’ll check what’s in their arms.”

“Got it!” Ji Chengyi responded promptly, aiming his gun at the “zombies” in the corridor outside.