Chapter 12

A night of rain kept Ruan Xizhi trending on social media the entire evening.

Whether it was her accurate prediction of the rain or her “peak survival moment” on the deserted island, each of these topics was enough to generate massive discussion.

Initially, the production team had planned to pay for trending topics to boost early exposure. However, thanks to Ruan Xizhi’s actions, they ended up saving a huge marketing budget.

The next day’s filming schedule was clear—Ruan Xizhi would definitely get more screen time.

However, even with the sun high in the sky, she still showed no signs of movement.

Even the “King of Sleeping In,” Xing Xiaochi, had already woken up, rubbing his eyes sleepily. But Ruan Xizhi remained motionless.

The only time she moved was when Xing Xiaochi, sitting by the bed, whined about being hungry. Without even lifting her head, Ruan Xizhi lazily pointed to the pile of fruit stacked near the cave entrance before going back to being completely still.

By the time the kids finished their breakfast, it was already nearing 11 a.m.—half the day was gone. The director couldn’t take it anymore.

He personally controlled the drone camera and spoke into the mic, “Miss Ruan, the weather is beautiful outside. Would you like to take a walk?”

Ruan Xizhi had actually woken up a long time ago—she just didn’t want to move. It had been ages since she had a proper rest, and she was determined to savor every moment of it.

Besides, all the effort she put in yesterday? That was precisely so she could enjoy a lazy day today!

The bed was comfortable, the fruit was plenty—why go outside?

Not to mention, the sun was blazing. Who in their right mind would step out into that heat?

She waved her hand dismissively. “No thanks.”

To prevent the two kids from disturbing her perfectly planned lazy day, she even suggested, “How about having some staff take them out to play? I’ll pick them up when I wake up.”

The director: “…..”

Ma’am, do you realize you’re filming a survival show?

【LOL, I wasn’t expecting Ruan Xizhi to be such a slacker.】
【She totally stocked up on food just so she could do nothing today.】
【But honestly, that bed looks super comfy.】
【Not gonna lie, I could watch her lie there all day.】
【She suddenly feels so relatable. I, too, am an expert at doing nothing. 😂】

The director had no choice but to use his trump card. “Later, we’ll be starting a group challenge. We’ll need you to participate.”

Ruan Xizhi vaguely remembered the contract stating that failing to follow the show’s arrangements would be considered a breach of contract.

And a breach of contract meant a fine.

Judging by her current financial situation, she definitely couldn’t afford to pay any fines—especially since she still had alimony to cover.

With a defeated groan, Ruan Xizhi reluctantly rolled around in bed, then slowly sat up. “Fine.”

After a good rest, she felt amazing. She used to rely on coffee every morning to stay awake at work, but now, after a full sleep, even stretching felt great.

Sleep really was a magical thing.

Well-rested, her skin looked especially radiant in the sunlight—her fair complexion tinged with a soft pink, her entire being exuding a relaxed and lazy aura.

The sky had cleared after the rain, and the sun shone brightly.

Hand in hand with the two kids, Ruan Xizhi headed to meet the other contestants. That’s when she realized something strange—despite the vast area, there was only one tent.

The surroundings were a mess, evidence of the chaos from the previous night.

At that moment, the three adults were busy hanging wet clothes and supplies out to dry. The first to notice them was Gu Chengcheng.

“Brother!” Gu Chengcheng’s eyes lit up upon seeing Xing Xiaochi. It seemed that after spending a night apart, he had really missed him. He grinned widely in excitement.

“Come look at the crabs!”

Proudly, he lifted a bucket and gave it a little shake.

As soon as Xing Xiaochi heard about crabs, his eyes lit up. He let go of Ruan Xizhi’s hand and ran over excitedly. “Let me see!”

He had never encountered these things before, and everything in nature was both unfamiliar and fascinating to him.

“Wow, its pincers are huge!” Xing Xiaochi asked Gu Chengcheng, “Did you catch this?”

Gu Chengcheng waved his hand. “My mom caught it. There are a lot more over there.”

Ruan Xizhi walked over, holding Su Tongtong’s hand. Xing Xiaochi pointed at the bucket and said to her, “I want one too!”

Ruan Xizhi replied, “Catch one yourself.”

Xing Xiaochi initially wanted to demand it, but then he suddenly remembered what Ruan Xizhi had told him last night. Pressing his lips together, he admitted boldly, “But I’m afraid of its pincers.”

Ruan Xizhi chuckled. She didn’t expect this little rascal to actually listen to her words.

Seeing that he was at least being honest, she reluctantly agreed. “Alright, I’ll catch one for you.”

Su Tongtong blinked her big eyes. “I want one too.”

Ruan Xizhi pinched the little girl’s cheek. “Alright, you both get one.”

Suddenly, a soft voice spoke up from behind her. “Big sister, can you catch one for me too?”

Ruan Xizhi was startled. Turning around, she saw a girl with two braided pigtails, wearing a small crown and a white dress. She seemed to be the oldest among the kids.

When Gu Chengcheng saw Lu Fei’er, he instinctively leaned toward Xing Xiaochi.

Xing Xiaochi, being sensitive to emotions, noticed something was wrong and whispered, “What’s wrong? Did she hit you?”

She only bit him twice.

Gu Chengcheng shook his head, glanced at Lu Fei’er, and then lowered his head again. “She… she didn’t hit me.”

Xing Xiaochi was an expert at reading people. Growing up with so many nannies, he could instantly tell when someone was being bullied. So Gu Chengcheng was definitely being bullied.

Anyone who bullied his little brother was bullying him too.

Xing Xiaochi had always been a protective leader. He stepped in front of Ruan Xizhi and said with a strong sense of loyalty, “No way! You have a mom—ask her to catch one for you. And she’s not your big sister. She’s my… my…”

Xing Xiaochi struggled for a moment, unable to think of the right term. Finally, he blurted out, “My daddy’s woman!”

Ruan Xizhi: “……”

Ruan Xizhi ruffled his hair. “What do you mean, ‘your daddy’s woman’?”

Xing Xiaochi confidently replied, “Isn’t she? My daddy’s woman is my family’s woman.”

That logic seemed to make sense, but something about it still felt off.

“Hmph! I don’t even care,” the little girl huffed, folding her arms. Her eyes turned red as she said angrily, “Fine, if you won’t help me, I won’t play with you! A bunch of little brats who haven’t even been to kindergarten!”

After saying that, Lu Fei’er stormed off.

【Why is this little girl personally attacking them?】

【The subtext here is: I actually want to play with you guys.】

【Hahaha, even if she went to kindergarten, she’s still just a little kid.】

【I haven’t been to kindergarten either, come play with me!】

Ruan Xizhi had never spent much time around kids before. She didn’t expect them to all have such strong personalities.

None of them were any less stubborn than Xing Xiaochi.

Xing Xiaochi, refusing to back down, shouted after her, “Same to you! I don’t want to play with kindergarteners either! You guys are all noobs! Your test questions are way too easy! Hmph!”

【Hahaha, I can watch this kind of bickering forever.】

【These two are definitely on the same level—king vs. king.】

【“Your test questions are too easy” is such a creative insult, hahaha.】

【Female bully vs. Xing Tianzhu! Fight, fight, fight!】