The director gathered Ye Fan, Tang Jin, and the others together to make an announcement.

After scanning the group, the director’s gaze lingered on Ye Fan for a brief moment before he finally spoke. “Since the money has gone missing, the production team will temporarily lend you some. However, from this point on, you’ll have to find a way to earn money yourselves.”

Gu Yachen frowned. “But we’re abroad. How are we supposed to make money?”

The director replied, “That’s for you to figure out.”

Gu Yachen shot a glance at Ye Fan, impatience flashing in her eyes. If it weren’t for Ye Fan, they wouldn’t even be in this situation.

The director continued, “Ding Ruoyi is sick, so the four of you will split into two teams to earn money.”

“The entire process will be streamed live. Whatever you do, the audience will see it.”

“Within the allotted time, the team that earns the most money will receive a reward from the production team.”

Gu Yachen made her decision immediately. She turned to Tang Jin and said, “Tang Jin, let’s team up.”

She wasn’t particularly skilled at anything, so if she wanted to make money, she had to rely on others. Tang Jin was young and famous—sticking with her would guarantee plenty of camera time.

Tang Jin glanced at Ye Fan first, as if flaunting her good connections.

Then, she smiled and said, “Sure.”

Ye Fan remained indifferent.

She knew exactly what Tang Jin was thinking, but dealing with someone as childish as her wasn’t worth the effort.

Just then, Li Qiong walked over and looked at Ye Fan. “Ye Fan, let’s team up.”

Although it seemed like Ye Fan had lost the money, Li Qiong didn’t believe she was that kind of person. On the contrary, it was far more likely that the production team had manipulated things behind the scenes—after all, not everything was as it appeared.

Ye Fan nodded. “Alright.”

With that, the teams were set: Ye Fan and Li Qiong in one group, while Tang Jin and Gu Yachen formed the other. Their task was to earn money within the given time frame.

The next morning, Tang Jin and Gu Yachen set out quickly.

Meanwhile, Ye Fan and Li Qiong remained at the production team’s lodging.

After a moment of thought, Ye Fan looked at Li Qiong and said, “Senior Li, how about I go earn the money on my own?”

Li Qiong was taken aback. “Why?”

“Diang Ruoyi is sick. I think someone should stay behind to take care of her.”

Ye Fan had thought it through—Ding Ruoyi’s illness seemed quite serious, and she wasn’t comfortable leaving her unattended. Besides, she had already come up with a way to make money, and she could handle it alone.

The live stream had been running since morning.

Back in China, viewers were glued to their screens, watching the two teams from Let’s Travel! in action.

The screen was instantly flooded with comments.

“What’s Ye Fan trying to prove now? If she really cared, she should’ve been more careful with the money in the first place.”

“Earning money alone in a foreign country without any help? That’s way too difficult. She sure is confident—let’s see if she ends up embarrassing herself.”

“I bet Ye Fan will make empty promises again. No money earned, time wasted. Tang Jin’s team is definitely going to win.”

Most viewers thought Ye Fan was being blindly overconfident—trying to make money on her own seemed completely unrealistic.

Meanwhile, in Austria, Ye Fan and Li Qiong had no idea what the livestream comments were saying.

Li Qiong hesitated.

“If I don’t manage to earn anything, I’ll definitely come running back to you for help,” Ye Fan joked with a polite, easygoing tone.

For some reason, Li Qiong had a strong gut feeling that Ye Fan would succeed—completely defying everyone’s expectations.

Li Qiong nodded. “Alright.”

Meanwhile, Tang Jin and Gu Yachen had already set out.

As they walked, Gu Yachen asked, “Tang Jin, do you have any ideas on how to make money?”

Tang Jin replied, “I haven’t decided yet. What about you?”

Gu Yachen shrugged. “I never really have any ideas.”

A flicker of disdain crossed Tang Jin’s mind. Wasn’t that just a roundabout way of saying she planned to rely on her?

But with the livestream running, Tang Jin couldn’t afford to let her true feelings show. She quickly suppressed them and smiled. “I’m thinking of singing on the street.”

“You can sing?” Gu Yachen’s smile brightened.

She didn’t hold back her admiration for Tang Jin.

Tang Jin couldn’t be bothered to entertain Gu Yachen.

She had known all along that the show would set up a money-making challenge. The production team had even arranged for extras to help her out—all she had to do was follow the plan.

Arriving at a shop, Tang Jin picked up the pre-arranged sound system and microphone.

She set up the mic, tested the audio, and began to sing.

At first, only a few people stopped to watch, but gradually, the crowd grew. Many were genuinely curious about who she was, but the majority were just hired extras from the production team.

Soon enough, the money in front of Tang Jin started piling up.

Watching the scene, Gu Yachen felt relieved that she had chosen to team up with Tang Jin. She had known Tang Jin would find a way to make money.

Meanwhile, the livestream chat was buzzing with comments—fans and hired bots alike were doing their best to hype up Tang Jin’s success.

“Tang Jin had that body double scandal before, but she seems pretty low-key now.”

“Can we focus on the actual situation? This is a reality show, and Tang Jin is singing pretty well. Coming up with this way to make money is impressive enough.”

“Sure, she’s not on the level of a professional singer, but she’s already making money—that’s what matters.”

“Tsk tsk, Ye Fan hasn’t even made any progress yet. Looks like she’s doomed to lose this time.”

Having been in the industry for years, Tang Jin had a large fanbase. Despite the body double controversy, her die-hard supporters still stood by her.

The comment section was flooded with praise for Tang Jin. Some questioned how she had drawn such a large crowd so quickly, but those doubts were quickly drowned out by other messages.

Seeing the growing pile of money in front of her, Tang Jin couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.

Ye Fan, let’s see how you compete with me this time.

…

The moment the director announced the money-making challenge, Ye Fan already had an idea in mind. In her world, she was a composer and naturally skilled in various instruments.

So, she planned to play the violin on the street to attract an audience.

But first, she needed to borrow a violin.

Stepping out of the house, Ye Fan set off to find a music store. Austria, known as the City of Music, had a rich cultural atmosphere, and music shops were plentiful. She decided to start by visiting one and asking around.

Spotting a violin shop, she paused at the entrance.

Meanwhile, the livestream comments were buzzing.

“Wait, why is Ye Fan going into a music store? Since when does she play an instrument?”

“You guys are overthinking this. Just because she walked into a music store doesn’t mean she knows how to play. Maybe she’s just asking for directions.”

“But Ye Fan does have an elegant vibe. Maybe she actually studied music.”

Ye Fan stepped inside the store, where a foreign woman stood behind the counter. She explained her request—she wanted to borrow a violin. The woman refused.

Ye Fan wasn’t discouraged. She had expected some people to turn her down. Without hesitation, she left and set off to try another shop.

As she continued walking, she glanced around and spotted a grand building up ahead. Through the large windows, she caught a glimpse of beautifully crafted pianos inside, along with violins hanging on the walls.

After a brief moment of thought, she stepped inside.

Behind the counter stood a blue-eyed, blond-haired man.

Ye Fan greeted him politely, “Hello, may I borrow a violin?”

His name was Ben.

Ben looked at Ye Fan and noticed that she was a beautiful Chinese girl. Instead of refusing outright, he asked, “Why do you need to borrow the violin?”

Ye Fan explained, “I’m recording a show where I have to earn money within a set time. I need the violin for that. Can you lend it to me?”

Ben thought for a moment before responding, “I can lend you the violin, but I have one condition.”

Ye Fan listened attentively.

“There’s a music teacher in my shop,” Ben said, pointing to a woman nearby. “She’s from the Vienna English Academy. If you can play better than her, I’ll lend you the violin.”

Ben was also curious to see how well this Chinese girl could play.

Without hesitation, Ye Fan agreed, “Alright.”

Ben picked up a violin and handed it to her.

Ye Fan’s eyes flickered slightly as she looked at the instrument.

Back when she composed music, she often used various instruments. Since arriving in this body, this was the first time she had touched a violin, and the feeling in her heart was beyond words.

Ye Fan held the violin, her fingers gently brushing over its body with care and reverence.

Lowering her head slightly, she rested the violin on her shoulder. Slowly, she raised her other hand and placed it on the instrument.

Her gaze remained fixed on the violin, her profile calm and serene, exuding a quiet beauty.

The livestream chat instantly flooded with new comments.

“Not gonna lie, just standing there, Ye Fan already has a commanding presence.”

“Why are you all hyping her up? Looking the part means nothing—she might just be a total amateur.”

“Just saying… she looked pretty legit.”

Ye Fan took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her slender, fair fingers began to move.

At that moment, a beautiful melody filled the air, drifting gently like a whisper in the wind.

The notes were crisp and ethereal, each one ringing with clarity. It was like a cool night breeze brushing against everyone’s hearts.

Ben closed his eyes, fully immersed in the music.

Even the livestream chat quieted down—comments slowed as listeners became captivated by Ye Fan’s playing.

The noise and commotion seemed to fade away, replaced by the serene stillness her music brought.

After a while, Ye Fan lowered her hands and set the violin down.

Ben snapped out of his trance, opening his eyes with a lingering sense of wonder. He hadn’t expected this young girl to play so well.

With a smile, he said, “Young lady, you play beautifully. The violin is yours to borrow.”

Ye Fan offered a sincere thanks. “Thank you.”

“If you need any help, just let us know,” the woman beside Ben offered.

The livestream chat instantly exploded with comments, flooding the screen at an incredible speed.

“I take back what I said—Ye Fan really surprised me! She’s amazing!”

“Maybe she only knows how to play this one piece. If that’s the case, it’s not that impressive.”

“Ye Fan is so beautiful. Watching her play the violin is like looking at a painting. Absolute goddess!”

“No matter how well Ye Fan plays, Tang Jin has already made a ton of money. She’ll never catch up to her!”

Although there were still voices of doubt, the negative comments gradually began to fade.

Ye Fan couldn’t see the livestream chat and had no idea how others were reacting to her performance. She simply focused on what she was doing.

Holding the violin, she walked to a spot near the music store. She glanced around—the street wasn’t crowded, with only a few people passing by.

She quickly withdrew her gaze, unconcerned by her surroundings. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her grip on the violin.

Her slender, fair fingers rested on the instrument, their pale complexion contrasting starkly against the violin’s polished ebony surface.

Clearing her mind, Ye Fan let everything else fade away. In this moment, nothing existed except the music.

The streets of Austria basked in warm, golden sunlight, with delicate rays dancing in the air.

Ye Fan stood quietly, her slender figure straight and poised. Her long, dark hair cascaded down both sides of her face, giving her a gentle, tranquil presence.

She closed her eyes, her expression one of deep concentration and unwavering focus.

Everything else faded away—nothing else mattered.

Then, she drew the bow across the strings.

At that moment, a rich, melodic tune filled the air.

…

Meanwhile, back in China.

The bedroom door was wide open. Dudu lay sprawled out on the big bed, his face buried in the blanket. His small body remained still, except for the occasional lift of his tiny feet.

Another day without Mommy. He missed her so much.

Turning his head to the side, Dudu pouted, his little face full of discontent.

In the kitchen, Aunt Li was cooking. Every now and then, she peeked out to check on Dudu. With the door open, she could keep an eye on him at all times.

As the meal neared completion, she lowered the heat and stepped out of the kitchen.

Aunt Li had been following Ye Fan’s situation closely. Yesterday, news of Ye Fan losing money on the show had spread like wildfire.

Having spent so much time with her, Aunt Li knew Ye Fan wasn’t the kind of person to do something like that.

Ye Fan was always incredibly attentive to Dudu—there was no way she would be careless, especially while filming a show.

Today, Ye Fan would be livestreaming, and Aunt Li wasn’t sure whether to show the video to Dudu or not.

She knew how much Dudu missed his mother.

Every day, he would watch Ye Fan’s videos over and over again, countless times.

After a moment of hesitation, Aunt Li took out her phone and opened the live-streaming platform for Let’s Travel.

At first, she lowered the volume—she didn’t want Dudu to hear it just yet.

Aunt Li was worried that if Ye Fan didn’t perform well, people would criticize her, and if Dudu saw it, he would surely be upset.

But the more she watched, the bigger her smile became.

Quickly, she turned up the volume and hurried into the room, holding her phone. “Dudu, look! Your mom is on!”

The moment Dudu heard the word Mom, he immediately lifted his little face from the blanket. Sitting up straight, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Where? Where? Where’s Mommy?”

Aunt Li placed the phone in front of him. On the screen, Ye Fan was playing the violin with her eyes closed, the graceful melody flowing from the speakers and filling the room.

Dudu’s eyes widened in awe—he didn’t dare blink.

Tilting his head up, Dudu looked at Aunt Li, his chubby little finger pointing at the screen.

“Grandma, is Mommy really in there?”

Seeing Dudu suddenly light up—completely different from his earlier demeanor—Aunt Li couldn’t help but smile as she ruffled his soft hair.

“Your Mommy did such a wonderful job. Everyone’s praising her.”

At those words, Dudu beamed even brighter, his tiny voice brimming with pride. “Really? I knew Mommy was the best!”

Just then, Aunt Li remembered the food still cooking in the kitchen. She quickly adjusted Dudu’s posture. “Stay here and watch, sweetheart. Grandma needs to check the kitchen.”

Nodding eagerly, Dudu lay on the bed, his eyes glued to the screen.

Satisfied that he was engrossed in the video, Aunt Li quietly slipped out of the room.

Dudu lay on the bed, his little chin propped up in his hands, afraid to miss even a single movement of Ye Fan.

The longer he watched his mother, the more he missed her.

As time passed, his eyes grew red, tears welling up at the corners—hovering, threatening to fall.

Mommy always said boys shouldn’t cry so easily.

But he couldn’t help it.

His small hands clenched into fists. He bit down on one, trying to hold back the tears—yet they only pooled thicker, heavier.

Then, with a soft plip, one dropped onto the screen.

Tears blurred Dudu’s vision.

He rubbed his eyes—if he kept crying, he wouldn’t be able to see Mommy anymore. With a small hand, he wiped the teardrop off the screen, desperate not to miss a single moment of Ye Fan.

But then—had he pressed something by accident?

The livestream suddenly closed.

The piano music cut off.

Ye Fan vanished from the screen.

Dudu froze, his damp lashes still clinging to unshed tears. His face went blank with confusion. Where did Mommy go?

A heartbeat later, the dam broke.

Sobs burst from him, tears falling like unstrung pearls—plip, plip, plip—unstoppable.

“Mommy!” His voice cracked with desperation as he called for her, over and over.

Hearing the distress in Dudu’s voice, Aunt Li rushed from the kitchen. She found the little boy sitting cross-legged on the bed, his face flushed scarlet from crying. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he gasped for breath between sobs.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Aunt Li asked anxiously, her heart sinking at the sight.

Dudu could only point a trembling finger at the darkened screen, his tiny chest heaving with hiccuping breaths. “M-Mommy…” he managed between shuddering gasps, “Mommy… gone!”

With quick hands, Aunt Li restarted the video. As Ye Fan’s familiar face reappeared on screen, Dudu’s panicked breathing began to steady, though occasional hiccups still shook his small frame – lingering aftershocks from his storm of tears.

Not daring to leave him alone again, Aunt Li settled herself on the edge of the bed. She fetched a warm washcloth from the bathroom, its comforting heat soothing against Dudu’s tear-streaked face as she gently wiped away the evidence of his distress. Gradually, beneath the tender ministrations, the tension drained from his small body, leaving peaceful exhaustion in its wake.

To comfort Dudu, Aunt Li kept the video playing without interruption.

The little boy cradled the phone in his hands with utmost care, afraid any sudden movement might make his mother disappear again.

Tentatively, he extended one plump little finger, lightly tapping the screen where Ye Fan appeared. His tiny hand hovered uncertainly over the display.

His expression wavered between longing and hesitation as he gazed at his mother’s image, his wide eyes brimming with quiet yearning.

When will Mommy come home?

I miss Mommy so much.

=^_^=