Ning Xiaoyu’s expression remained calm the entire time, showing no excitement or joy at meeting her relatives. Ning Xuchen, wearing a gentle expression, said, “Perhaps you’re still not used to our presence.”

Ning Xiaoyu shrugged. “Maybe.”

The smile on Ning Xuchen’s face deepened slightly. “One day, you might realize that having one more family member is always a good thing.”

For example, Ning Yuwei.

Based on Ning Xuchen’s recent investigation, he discovered that Ning Yuwei had done quite a few things behind the scenes to prevent Ning Xiaoyu from rising to fame. However, there was a problem— Ning Yuwei had positioned herself incorrectly.

If she had truly been a child of the Shen family, then suppressing someone like Ning Xiaoyu would have been no issue at all. Even if she couldn’t completely block Ning Xiaoyu, making things difficult for her would have been effortless.

But she wasn’t.

She was merely a daughter brought into the Shen family by Miss Zhang, with no blood ties to them whatsoever. Her so-called powerful eldest brother wouldn’t help her with such things either. So, within the Shen family, her apparent prestige was just a facade.

She enjoyed the title of the Shen family’s young lady, but in reality, she wasn’t particularly close to CEO Shen’s biological children.

And then there was Ning Xiaoyu.

She was Ning Xuchen’s cousin.

No matter what, he wouldn’t just stand by and watch her be bullied.

After all, there was a significant difference between a biological cousin and a stepbrother.

Ning Xuchen stopped thinking about Ning Yuwei and Miss Zhang and turned his gaze toward the man lying in the hospital room—his second uncle.

“So, he’s been in a coma for many years?”

Ning Xiaoyu made a small sound of acknowledgment.

Ning Xuchen looked at her. “I’ve already spoken to Grandpa about your situation. He wants to meet you.”

Ning Xiaoyu shrugged again. “I’m currently filming a reality show. I don’t have much time.”

Time could always be squeezed out if necessary. Otherwise, Ning Xiaoyu wouldn’t be there now.

This was a polite refusal. Ning Xuchen understood immediately.

He chuckled. “Alright, I’ll relay your message to Grandpa.”

After that, the two fell into silence.

The hospital fees Ning Xiaoyu had paid earlier hadn’t been used up, so there was no need to pay again. She sat by the bedside alone for a while before preparing to leave.

Ning Xuchen stood outside the door, not disturbing her.

Just as Ning Xiaoyu got up, she noticed that Ning Zhen’s hand, resting beside him, twitched slightly— just for a moment— before becoming still again.

It seemed as if he was struggling to wake up. Perhaps he really would wake up soon.

Ning Xiaoyu pressed her lips together. “Grandpa came back to the country to find you. Your nephew is right outside the door. I’m not familiar with them, and some things still need you to wake up and handle yourself.

So, wake up soon.”

────ρя


Not long after Ning Xiaoyu returned to Friendship House, the director informed her that someone was looking for her. She didn’t think much of it. After all, many brand representatives had been trying to contact her lately.

But when she stepped outside, she was surprised to see an elderly man with white hair, leaning on a cane.

“You……”

The old man’s wrinkled face carried a kind smile. “You must be Xiaoyu. You’ve grown so much.”

That single sentence was enough to reveal his identity.

Sure enough, not far behind the old man, she spotted Ning Xuchen standing silently, keeping watch.

Ning Xiaoyu had never intended to meet this elderly relative, but he had come to her himself. It seemed he was truly determined to acknowledge her father as his son again.

The old man smiled warmly and took the initiative to explain, “Back then, your father and I were both too stubborn. We have the same temper— both unwilling to admit defeat. He insisted on marrying, and I was determined to oppose it. That’s how we ended up separated for so many years. Come home, child. Everything that rightfully belongs to your father, I’ve kept for him.”

Ning Xiaoyu wondered if this was something she was supposed to hear.

What he had set aside for her father was definitely no small sum.

After a few seconds of silence, she replied, “You should tell him that yourself.”

Thinking of his son who was in a coma, the old man let out a long sigh. His eyes held the wisdom of someone who had weathered life’s storms.

He had seen through Zhang Xue from the very beginning.

Vain and materialistic.

But to say that she had felt nothing for Ning Zhen wouldn’t be accurate.

There had been real love between them once— so real that Ning Zhen had been willing to sever ties with his family for her.

The old man understood his own son.

Warm-hearted, devoted, passionate, talented, handsome. It wasn’t surprising that Zhang Xue had fallen for Ning Zhen.

That was why she had willingly borne him two daughters.

But their love was the most fleeting thing of all— a mere product of hormones. Once the fiery passion was worn down by time and the realities of daily life, how much of that warmth could remain?

Ning Zhen had never been the type to flaunt his background. Perhaps because he had been born into privilege and lacked nothing, he had never considered family wealth to be of great importance.

He didn’t care about social status— only feelings.

He rarely mentioned his identity as the Ning family’s second young master. Since he was low-key and seldom attended social gatherings, not many in their circle even knew him.

At the end of the day, he had been a bit naive— arrogant in his talent, and hopelessly romantic.

The old man sighed deeply. “I raised him too sheltered.”

By default, the vast family fortune would be inherited by the eldest son, while the younger son would simply live off dividends. But those dividends alone were enough to ensure a lifetime of luxury.

When his youngest son left the family in anger, he refused to take anything with him.

Even though Ning Zhen had been a graduate of a prestigious university, he ended up living such a difficult life. It was painful and regretful for the old man to think about.

“If you’re willing, I’d like to host a banquet to let the entire social circle know about you and your father.”

Ning Xiaoyu maintained her usual indifferent expression, her face as blank as a salted fish. “I can’t make that decision for my father.”

Even when faced with such a tempting offer, Ning Xiaoyu remained unmoved, earning the old man’s admiration.

If it had been anyone else, meeting such a wealthy relative eager to reconnect, they would have agreed in an instant.

“Alright, then we’ll wait for him to wake up. But I still think it would be best to hold a banquet for you first. Child, think it over carefully.”

The old man had spoken so much that he was already a little out of breath.

He looked very old, with white hair and a frail appearance. At this moment, Ning Xuchen supported the old man’s arm at the right time and said, “Grandpa.”

The old man waved his hand. “I’m old and useless now. I’ll be leaving first. If you need anything, you can contact me anytime.” He left a business card for Ning Xiaoyu before departing.

As she held the business card and headed back inside, she ran into Ning Yuwei.

Ning Yuwei looked at Ning Xiaoyu suspiciously. “Who was that just now?”

Why was CEO Ning accompanying them? And why did that old man look at Ning Xiaoyu with such a kind and gentle gaze?

It was just like how an elder would look at a younger family member.

Previously, on the variety show, CEO Ning had mentioned that their return to the country this time was to search for a family member.

And he had the surname Ning……

It couldn’t be what she was thinking, right?

No, how could that be possible?

How could her useless father have any connection to CEO Ning?

If there really was a connection, she and her mother wouldn’t have suffered for so many years.

Ning Xiaoyu shrugged. “I don’t know, don’t care, and I’m not interested.”

After saying that, she walked straight to her room.

In her ear, the love system cheered excitedly, 〖Host, well done! You’ve finally learned how to be sarcastic. Congratulations!〗

Ning Xiaoyu couldn’t be bothered with Ning Yuwei. After returning to her room, she flopped onto the bed.

She didn’t know how others would react to such shocking news, but as for herself, she didn’t seem to have any special feelings about it.

Just as she was about to sleep, the love system’s voice suddenly rang in her ears, 〖Girl, ever since your family incident, you have shut yourself off for a long, long time.

But I hope you can love and hate freely. Be happy when you want to be happy, and get angry when you want to be angry, instead of always keeping that deadpan expression, as if nothing can stir your emotions.

If you want to release some feelings, you can:

A. Have a drink with the movie king.

B. Confide in the movie king and hear his thoughts.

C. Quietly watch the stars and moon with the movie king.〗

Seeing these options, Ning Xiaoyu couldn’t help but sigh. “You really know how to seize every opportunity. No matter the situation, you always find a way to push me towards the movie king.”

The love system chuckled twice.

It was all for their own good, after all.

Two lonely souls meeting each other— wouldn’t that ignite a blazing fire?

In the end, Ning Xiaoyu chose option a.

Option b was impossible. She wasn’t in the habit of discussing family matters with others. Whether the other person sympathized with her or just wanted to watch the drama unfold, she had no desire to confide in anyone.

Option c was even more impossible.

Watching the stars and moon was way too romantic and not something a person as emotionally dense as her could do.

With that in mind, she went downstairs to the kitchen, grabbed two cans of beer, and walked straight to the movie king’s door.

She knocked twice, and the door was quickly opened from the inside.

Seeing her, Lu Jingdu raised an eyebrow. “Good night?”

Ning Xiaoyu shook her head. “No, tonight, I’m here to drink with you.”

First saying good night, then showing up at his door with drinks— the implication was obvious.

But for some reason, Lu Jingdu knew that Ning Xiaoyu wasn’t doing this out of genuine willingness.

It felt as if, to her, he was just an unavoidable trouble.

She wasn’t sincerely wishing him good night, nor was she voluntarily seeking him out to drink.

It was as if she had no choice but to complete some kind of task.

But…… a task?

What kind of task?

Lu Jingdu couldn’t figure it out.

Still, since Ning Xiaoyu had taken the initiative to invite him, he was naturally willing to go along with it.

“Alright.”

The two of them took their beers and slowly walked to the seaside.

The night air by the sea was chilly.

Fortunately, Ning Xiaoyu was dressed warmly. She even wore a hat and earmuffs, ensuring double protection against the cold. From a distance, she looked like a fluffy little bear— warm and adorable.

She took a slow sip of her beer.

To be honest, she didn’t really like the taste. Compared to beer, she preferred sweet fruit juice.

Lu Jingdu also took a sip.

Neither of them spoke much or asked any questions.

Some things didn’t need to be said. Adults understood them without words. Drinking late at night— what else could it mean, if not carrying a burden in one’s heart?

When they finished their cans, they walked back along the same path, returning to Friendship House.

Just as Ning Xiaoyu was about to enter her room, Lu Jingdu finally spoke in a calm tone, “Some things…… it’s better to just follow your heart.”

Do whatever you want to do. As long as you’re happy.

Ning Xiaoyu understood the underlying meaning in his words.

She waved her hand and exhaled a breath tinged with alcohol. “Thanks, Bro.”

Lu Jingdu: “……”

〖Love system: ……〗

The love system couldn’t help but inwardly exclaim, What a situation! Truly, what a situation!

After all this time together, the movie king had only been upgraded from a fellow variety show guest to a ‘bro’?

Should it feel happy or sorrowful?

Happy that the movie king had finally left a mark in its host’s life, gaining a slightly higher status.

Sorrowful that its host regarded the movie king as a ‘bro’, which was only marginally better than treating him as a stranger.

But at least there was some progress. The love system consoled itself with that thought.

────ρя

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

Early the next morning, the show’s director announced the latest task.

With a cheerful smile, the director said, “I have good news! Our variety show is collaborating with 《Extreme Survival》.”

Ning Xiaoyu: “???”

Another collaboration?

Previously, they had partnered with 《Hello, Dad》, and now they were teaming up with 《Extreme Survival》?

These three shows were currently the most popular variety programs. If one had to rank them, 《Extreme Survival》 and 《Hi, My Friend》 were neck and neck at the top.

However, the latter was still on the rise, with promising prospects, while the former had passed its peak in popularity.

The director enthusiastically continued, “In difficult and harsh environments, you can truly test whether a friend is reliable and worth keeping.

If the freshwater supply is only enough for one person, would you choose to share or keep it for yourself? If survival resources are insufficient, what choices would you make?

Now, let’s go! We’re heading to the rainforest to spend three exciting days with the cast of 《Extreme Survival》!”

────ρя


On the plane, Ning Xiaoyu planned to close her eyes and rest, but Shen Yueyue had no intention of sleeping.

She had known from the contract that there would be crossovers with other shows, but collaborating with 《Extreme Survival》 was beyond her expectations.

Extreme Survival! Just from the name, you could tell how tough it would be.

Human nature would undoubtedly be magnified in this challenge.

Shen Yueyue sighed heavily and glanced at Ning Xiaoyu, who had already fallen asleep and was looking completely at ease.

Once again, she found herself envious.

How could Ning Xiaoyu manage to sleep so soundly at a time like this?

────ρя


After landing, the two groups of variety show guests met up.

The section of the rainforest they arrived at wasn’t the harshest for survival, and there was a professional rescue team on standby at all times.

After all, the production team wouldn’t actually risk the guests’ lives. Plus, the area had decent signal coverage, allowing for continuous live streaming, which further reduced the level of danger.

Each guest received a large survival kit containing various essential items, including a compass, GPS tracker, and walkie-talkie.

However, the food supply was extremely limited, meaning the guests would have to find their own food.

Upon arriving in the rainforest, Ning Xiaoyu ignored everything else and focused solely on finding something to eat.

She was grouped with Lu Jingdu and Shen Yueyue. The other guests were mixed into teams with the cast members of 《Extreme Survival》, leaving only Ning Xiaoyu’s group acting independently.

Shen Yueyue knew she was probably being a third wheel, but in a situation like this, dignity was the least of her concerns. Sticking with the salted fish queen for survival was the priority.

Wearing her signature deadpan expression, Ning Xiaoyu led her two teammates as they wandered around the rainforest.

Shen Yueyue, feeling uneasy, asked, “Xiao Yu, do you think we’ll get lost? Or run into danger?”

Ning Xiaoyu waved a hand dismissively. “No worries. We’ve got GPS and walkie-talkies, plus there are three rescue personnel tailing us closely. What danger could there be?”

She had once watched a documentary about this rainforest out of boredom, so she had a rough idea of its terrain.

Now, she was simply curious to see how accurate the documentary’s information was.

Using her compass, she followed a specific direction.

Just as the rescue team members were about to stop her from going further, a group of primitive-looking people suddenly appeared in front of them.

They were covered in body paint, holding bows and arrows, and speaking in an unfamiliar language as they chattered at Ning Xiaoyu’s group.

Shen Yueyue instinctively clutched Ning Xiaoyu’s arm.

She had also seen documentaries before and knew that even in the 21st century, some indigenous tribes still lived in primitive conditions. But knowing it and encountering it firsthand were two entirely different experiences.

Would they still follow ancient tribal customs? Had they developed a structured civilization?

Shen Yueyue’s mind raced with questions.

Meanwhile, Ning Xiaoyu simply patted her stomach and made a gurgling noise to mimic hunger.

Then, using exaggerated gestures, she mimicked eating and gestured expressively, saying, “Hungry. Food.”

【???】

【When the other group first appeared, I was scared for a second. But then the salted fish queen just went and did this?!】

【I’m freaking dying! LMAO!】

【I swear, this woman never disappoints! She’s literally using sign language to beg for food from the indigenous people!】

【Not to mention that the cast of 《Extreme Survival》 has been here for ages and never ran into these tribes. Should I say the salted fish queen has good luck, or good luck?】

【Bravo! With those gestures, congratulations to the salted fish queen— she’s officially blended in with the tribe!】