Chapter 34

At 1:30 in the afternoon, the bus pulled up outside the Snow Mountain Resort Villa District.

Thanks to the games they’d played on the ride, the six of them were already much more familiar with one another by the time they disembarked. They chatted freely in front of the cameras, their conversation flowing easily.

They waited in place for about ten minutes until another bus arrived, and the remaining two couples stepped off.

After the three-hour journey, Chen Xiaohan, Lang Yan, and Yu Miyue—the three women—had already warmed up to one another considerably. Laughing and chatting, they walked ahead together while Chen Xiaohan’s husband, Film Emperor Zhou Shi, trailed behind. He had two bags slung over his shoulders and was dragging two massive suitcases by hand.

Zhou Shi and Chen Xiaohan had met at a friends’ gathering, where they’d taken a liking to each other right away. Later, they’d starred together in a TV drama, and their relationship had deepened from there. They’d appeared together on Yu Jiayuan’s show during drama promotions, so the three of them were already acquainted. Yu Jiayuan hurried over to help with one of the heavy suitcases, curiosity getting the better of him. “What’s all this? You brought so much.”

Chen Xiaohan explained, “The one you’re holding has stuff for me and Brother Zhou. The other box is food we packed. Neither of us can cook, so we’re counting on it for all four days’ meals.”

“Wait—we have to cook for ourselves?” Yu Jiayuan blinked, caught off guard.

“Just a guess,” she said with a shrug. “I watched some of Director Guan’s earlier variety shows, and the guests almost always had to fend for themselves in the kitchen. I’m betting it’ll be the same here.”

She waved it off casually. “Better safe than sorry, right?”

She had the air of someone with resources to spare, and she told her two new friends generously, “If you need anything, just come find me.”

Lang Yan, arm hooked through her partner’s, nodded readily. “Will do.”

Yu Miyue was a bit more reserved, offering a shy smile with pursed lips.

They kept chatting as they joined the rest of the group.

Ji Yunzhang was the highest-profile celebrity among all the guests—the biggest star by far. When Zhou Shi and the others arrived, they naturally greeted him first. With his arm draped over Jing Li’s shoulders, they extended their hellos to Jing Li as well.

Zhou Shi and Chen Xiaohan were the next biggest names after Ji Yunzhang. He was a Film Emperor, she a Film Empress, both with stellar reputations, massive popularity, and top-tier resources. Jing Li respectfully addressed them as “Teacher” and greeted them politely.

Lang Yan was a model with a tall, flawless figure and a husky, low-pitched voice that carried a captivating sense of depth and story. Her partner, Yu Miyue, was a dancer. She’d seen a clip of Jing Li dancing in Ding Yixiang’s Set Diary and had been seriously impressed—her first impression of him was sky-high. Now she hurried over to him and extended her hand. “Hi, Jing Li. I’ve seen you dance—you’re amazing at it.”

Jing Li paused for a beat, then remembered Ding Yixiang’s Set Diary. He broke into a smile and shook her hand. “You dance beautifully too. Two years ago, your troupe performed at our school, and your water sleeve routine was absolutely stunning.”

He’d actually attended that performance. Yu Miyue had been one of the leads, and her stage presence and explosive energy had been incredible.

Yu Miyue took great pride in her career. Hearing the praise brought out her confidence, making her seem radiant despite her usual shyness. “Thank you.”

Once the guests had all exchanged greetings and gotten acquainted, Guan Lin approached, bundled up in a thick down jacket and holding a megaphone. She announced the show’s schedule and rules.

She raised her hand first, gesturing toward the five standalone villas behind her. “These five villas will be your accommodations for the next three days, everyone.”

Jing Li quickly scanned all five villas, then tugged at Ji Yunzhang’s sleeve to get him to lean down. He whispered, “Teacher Ji, let’s take the last one. It faces the Snow Mountain directly—perfect view for watching the sunrise.”

Ji Yunzhang didn’t care where they stayed, so long as Jing Li was happy with it.

“Alright,” he said warmly.

The ten guests murmured among themselves, pointing out their preferred villas. Guan Lin waited patiently until they’d finished discussing, then spoke up again, yanking everyone’s attention back to the present.

“Accommodation is free, but the program team won’t cover your three meals. You’ll have to earn ingredients yourselves. We’ll release three tasks each day, each with a set reward amount—you earn what you complete. You can spend the money at the little supermarket over there on your left. It’s not open yet.”

The camera panned to follow her explanation. About a hundred meters away sat a mobile RV with a sign hanging outside that read: Came Supermarket.

“Why’s it called ‘Came Supermarket’?” Shen Ru asked.

Guan Lin grinned. “Well, you’re already here—might as well pick up a few things.”

She went on, “Outside of tasks, you teachers are free to sightsee or relax as you please. If you head out, our vJ will tag along to film. Oh, and the villas have cameras installed for twenty-four-hour recording.”

Jing Li was genuinely surprised after hearing all that. The setup was basically the program footing the bill for a vacation—they were just touring around. It hardly felt like filming a show at all. The freedom was off the charts.

However, this fit perfectly with the theme of the show: a couple’s travel and leisure slow-paced variety program.

Traveling was all about fun and relaxation, after all. Endless tasks would just wear everyone out.

Seeing that everyone was pleased, Guan Lin smiled faintly and pivoted the conversation. “Alright, now please open your luggage for inspection, teachers. We need to check your bags. No food is allowed beyond snacks, including instant meals.”

Zhou Shi and Chen Xiaohan, who had packed an entire suitcase of instant foods: “…”

Chen Xiaohan and Zhou Shi exchanged a glance, torn between laughter and tears. She whined at the camera, “The Program Team is so mean. They must have spotted all our instant foods—it’s totally on purpose.”

The camera nodded playfully several times.

Chen Xiaohan huffed in outrage. “Even the camera nodded! Isn’t that just infuriating?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

In the end, their suitcase of instant foods was confiscated, along with everyone’s wallets. Since the guests had to earn their own funds, they couldn’t bring money from home.

Once the luggage inspection wrapped up, Guan Lin spoke again. “Everyone’s worn out from the long trip today. We won’t make you do tasks for tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s breakfast ingredients—they’re already stocked in the villa. Please pick your accommodations now and get some good rest.”

They had already decided on their villas. The moment Guan Lin finished speaking, the group dispersed.

Clearly, plenty of them wanted to catch the Snow Mountain sunrise, and many had the same idea as Jing Li about choosing the best view. That left three pairs clustered at the door of the last villa: Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang; Yang Yi and Zhou Yan; Yu Jiayuan and Shen Ru.

No one was about to yield. Yang Yi suggested, “How about a game? Winner gets this one.”

Ji Yunzhang nodded. “What kind of game?”

Yang Yi had considered arm-wrestling at first, but as a martial artist, he figured it’d give him too much of an edge. “Let’s keep it simple—rock-paper-scissors. Pure luck. Sound good?”

Luck was the fairest option. Everyone nodded in agreement.

It seemed heaven itself favored Ji Yunzhang. Not only had he been blessed with a silver spoon, striking looks, and extraordinary talent—even his luck was over the top. He won round after round without breaking a sweat.

Finally, it came down to him and Yang Yi.

Yang Yi was fighting for this villa on Zhou Yan’s account. Zhou Yan adored sunrises; they sparked his creativity.

Before the final showdown, Yang Yi pulled Zhou Yan aside for a lucky kiss, leaving Zhou Yan so embarrassed that he buried his face in Yang Yi’s chest. Jing Li watched for a moment before sidling up to Ji Yunzhang.

“Teacher Ji.”

Ji Yunzhang glanced down, his lips curving into a smile. His voice was lazy and velvety smooth, utterly captivating. “What’s up?”

Jing Li grinned and beckoned him closer with a hooked finger.

Ji Yunzhang leaned down slightly until their eyes were level.

Their height difference was eight centimeters—a perfect gap. Whether bending down, tilting his head, looking up, or craning his neck, it never felt like too much effort.

In short, it was the ideal angle for a kiss.

Jing Li flicked a glance at the follow-cam, then planted a kiss on Ji Yunzhang’s forehead without a shred of guilt.

His eyes crinkled in a smile as he formed a heart with his fingers. “Lucky kiss. You’ve got this, Teacher Ji.”

With that, he turned to bolt.

He was still a little shy, after all.

But Ji Yunzhang caught his hand and loosely clasped it in his palm. Jing Li could have slipped free with ease. He didn’t.

“This will bring even better luck,” Ji Yunzhang said with a soft chuckle.

Jing Li gazed at him, and then Ji added, “Meeting you has been my greatest stroke of luck.”

Ji Yunzhang’s expression was tender, his voice as gentle as morning mist or a midsummer night’s breeze. It set Jing Li’s heart fluttering wildly.

By then, the others who had already claimed their villas wandered over to watch the fun. Chen Xiaohan spotted Jing Li’s flushed ears and teased, “Jing Li, your ears are beet red.”

Jing Li cleared his throat. “It’s hot.”

“Hot?” Lang Yan eyed the thick down jacket and scarf Jing Li had bundled up in, arching a brow. “You don’t look all that warm to me.”

They had overheard Ji Yunzhang’s line about meeting Jing Li being his best luck, and they couldn’t help sighing inwardly. Who could resist sweet talk like that?

Jing Li fell silent.

He ducked behind Ji Yunzhang, trying to hide.

Fortunately, Yang Yi and Zhou Yan stepped up.

Yang Yi said, “Teacher Ji, let’s do this.”

Ji Yunzhang kept hold of Jing Li’s hand, looking utterly at ease. He gave a light nod, and they both threw at the same time—rock against scissors. Ji Yunzhang won.

Yang Yi looked regretful, but Zhou Yan tugged at him and rose on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “It’s fine.”

Yang Yi ruffled his hair.

After enjoying the lively scene, Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang headed into the villa, while the others dispersed to wander around nearby. It was still early for dinner, and taking a nap wasn’t really an option.

Each couple had a dedicated cameraperson trailing dutifully behind them.

Inside the villa, the underfloor heating was already running, filling the space with warmth. A plush carpet covered the floor, soft and comfortable underfoot.

The layout wasn’t huge—just three bedrooms upstairs on the second floor. Downstairs held the living room, an open kitchen, a bar counter, and a small storage closet.

They carried their luggage up to the master bedroom, unpacked and settled in quickly, then Jing Li pushed open the balcony door and stepped outside.

The balcony was fully enclosed, walled off on three sides by floor-to-ceiling glass. It held two single armchairs and a little side table, all set up for guests to soak in the view.

Jing Li sank into one of the chairs comfortably. He gazed at the distant Snow Mountain for a moment, then turned to beckon Ji Yunzhang over. Once he had settled in beside him, Jing Li leaned close with barely contained excitement. “Quick, look—the scenery is gorgeous.”

In the distance, the Snow Mountain rose majestic and towering, its pristine snow eternal and unmelting. The crystalline peaks gleamed under the blue sky and sunlight, austere and holy, breathtaking in their beauty.

Ji Yunzhang spared it only a single glance before his eyes returned to Jing Li’s face, lingering there intently. “It is beautiful.”

He meant the mountain’s vista—and Jing Li himself.

~~~

Night fell early here. By a little past three, the sun was already dipping toward the horizon.

The others trickled back in from their outings one by one. No one knew who started it, but soon all four couples had gathered outside Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang’s villa. Zhou Shi rang the doorbell.

Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang were still lounging on the balcony. Hearing the chime, they finally stood, headed downstairs, and opened the door.

Zhou Shi stood at the front, grinning. “Teacher Ji, Jing Li—we’ve come to pay a visit.”

Of course visitors were welcome.

They stepped aside to let everyone in.

Ten people at once meant not enough sofa space, so they all just plopped down on the carpeted floor. Chen Xiaohan shrugged off her coat and unwound her scarf, then piped up. “Let’s play a game.”

She beamed, her true motives plain as day. “Losing team has to cook dinner for the whole group. Sound good?”

Shen Ru let out a chuckle. “Teacher Chen, that plan of yours is a little too on-the-nose.”

Shen Ru was actually older than Chen Xiaohan, but industry hierarchy ruled—in entertainment circles, you didn’t call someone by name or “sis” without the rank to back it up. “Teacher” was the safe, perfect fit.

Chen Xiaohan winked at her breezily. “What can I say? Brother Zhou and I can’t cook to save our lives. Gotta find some way to not starve, right?”

“Then maybe we should start by asking who actually can cook?” Lang Yan suggested.

Chen Xiaohan clapped her hands. “Smart!”

She pointed to herself and Zhou Shi. “Brother Zhou and I are total kitchen demolishers.” Then, to the group: “You guys?”

Yu Miyue and Zhou Yan both shook their heads. “Not us.”

Shen Ru shrugged. “Mine’s just okay.”

Lang Yan nodded. “Same here. We don’t cook much.”

Yang Yi gave a gentle smile. “I can manage. Back home, cooking’s on me.”

Yu Jiayuan nodded. “Same in my family—I handle the kitchen. I’m from G Province, so I’m killer at soups.”

Chen Xiaohan turned to Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang. “And you two?”

Jing Li thought back to Ji Yunzhang’s skills in the kitchen, a smile tugging at his lips and faint dimples appearing—a touch of sweetness he didn’t even notice. “Teacher Ji’s an excellent cook.”

Ji Yunzhang watched him, warmth blooming in his eyes. “Jing Li’s an excellent cook too.”

Everyone else had talked up their own talents. These two? They praised each other.

Somehow, every single person there felt stuffed full of sugar.

Even with their own partners right beside them?

They’d lost.