Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye. Jiang Shunnian and Nono watched the first season of the show together, captivated by its heartwarming and hilarious moments. They were both looking forward to their own adventure.
The program had no fixed script—just a few games outlined. The specific games and travel destinations remained top secret.
On the day of filming, the crew arrived early to start shooting. Jiang Shunnian had just set breakfast on the table when the door knocked.
“Daddy, I’ll get the door!” Nono volunteered eagerly, darting over and tiptoeing to open it.
Facing the camera without a hint of shyness, Jiang Yunnuo greeted them brightly. “Good morning, uncles and aunties.”
His soft, milky baby voice and stunning looks instantly won them over.
Jiang Shunnian followed, smiling. “Hello, you’re here so early. Have you eaten?”
The crew members shook their heads in unison.
“I made extra. Want to join us? Will it hold things up?”
Jiang Shunnian knew they had a packed day of filming ahead, so he’d gotten up over an hour earlier than usual to prepare breakfast.
“It won’t hold us up. Did you make this, Teacher Jiang?” the cameraman asked in surprise.
Jiang Shunnian nodded. “Yes. Ever since Nono came along, I’ve been teaching myself to cook.”
“Can we film it?”
“Of course.”
The cameraman shot the breakfast spread before they all sat down to eat.
Nono played the perfect little host, eagerly feeding them crab roe soup dumplings. The crew devoured them without looking up, praising between bites. “Teacher Jiang, your cooking is incredible—better than any chef!”
After a quick breakfast, filming resumed. A staffer handed Jiang Shunnian a card with their first destination. It wasn’t named directly but presented as a simple riddle for the kids to solve: Crescent moon, little sharp tooth. Pick two characters to form a word.
Nono recognized the characters. He pondered for a moment, then answered swiftly. “Crescent!”
“Correct! Our first stop is Crescent Island. Nono, you’re so smart! Now please head downstairs to the car.”
Crescent Island lay south of S City, about a three-hour drive including some highway stretches. The other guests had moved to S City for easier filming.
Once in the car, Jiang Shunnian buckled Nono into his safety seat before securing his own belt.
Cameras were already installed in the vehicle, but not everything would make the final cut, so Jiang Shunnian relaxed a bit.
Nono buzzed with excitement, chattier than usual. “Daddy, is Crescent Island shaped like a crescent moon?”
“Probably,” Jiang Shunnian replied.
“Will there be yummy seafood? Can you make me octopus balls?”
Jiang Shunnian held back a laugh. “Of course. Whatever Nono wants, Daddy will make.”
“Thank you, Daddy!”
As the car hit the highway, the smooth ride and warm sunlight made Nono drowsy. His eyes soon fluttered shut.
His long lashes folded like a butterfly’s wings—peaceful and beautiful. The quiet camera captured it all.
Exhausted from his early rise, Jiang Shunnian held Nono’s little hand and drifted off too.
In post-production, their adorable sleeping faces got a soft filter, making them look like little angels.
They arrived at the destination refreshed. Nono had woken earlier but stayed quiet beside him.
They were among the first. Soon, the other father-son pairs arrived. Jiang Shunnian recognized two: Chen Hesheng and Li Jiaming, both award-winning actors in their forties, exuding refined, big-shot vibes.
Lu Chen was slightly less popular—a former supporting actor specialist, now semi-retired.
The two film emperors knew each other and shared a friendly hug. Jiang Shunnian approached with Nono. “Teacher Chen, Teacher Li, Teacher Lu—honored to meet you. I’m Jiang Shunnian, an actor.”
They weren’t close with him, so greetings stayed polite.
But their kids lit up at the sight of Nono, rushing over with thumping footsteps. A little boy reached to touch his face. “Are you a doll come to life?”
Nono blinked. “I’m a real boy.”
“No way—only dolls look this perfect!” a little girl shot back. “I have tons of pretty dolls, and you look just like them!”
Nono’s big eyes had a golden tint, giving him an almost unreal beauty.
Entertainment kids were already striking, but Nono outshone them.
Kids love beauty instinctively. They swarmed him. Youyou, the oldest and tallest among them, declared boldly, “You’re so pretty. When I grow up, I’ll marry you.”
Youyou was Film Emperor Chen Hesheng’s pampered daughter. He scooped her up in alarm. “Youyou, you can’t just say you’ll marry someone!”
“But he’s as handsome as Daddy,” she replied innocently. “Mommy says to find a husband who’s handsome.”
Chen Hesheng: “…”
Suddenly exposed for coasting on his looks—what now?
Everyone else: “…Pfft.”
The kids’ antics livened the mood.
On the ferry, the children squealed with delight at seagulls flying alongside. The crew provided ham sausages and bread crumbs for feeding.
Nono was thrilled too. Held by Jiang Shunnian, he waved a sausage aloft. A gull swooped in to peck.
“Daddy, the seagulls are so pretty!” Nono cheered.
Upon landing on Crescent Island, everyone marveled at the scenery: golden fine sands, azure waters, and a pebbled beach where translucent stones sparkled like gems.
The host, Village Chief, welcomed them and explained one kid had caught a cold last night and would join next episode.
“Kids, time to hand over snacks and toys,” Village Chief said with a grin.
The children had been prepped, but watching their stuff get taken still made their lips quiver.
Nono cooperated well. He’d known no toys, but even his Rubik’s Cube—from his suitcase—was confiscated.
It was his latest learning tool, taught via videos daily. Custom-made for his small hands.
“Village Chief Uncle, the Rubik’s Cube isn’t a toy,” Nono pleaded, tugging his pants, devastated. He had mild OCD; unfinished puzzles bothered him deeply.
Village Chief hesitated. A Rubik’s Cube was borderline—not purely a toy, more educational, and pros were smart kids.
This was the first one, and Nono’s bag even had study materials.
Jiang Shunnian scooped him up. “We’ll learn something else, okay?”
Nono nodded reluctantly, eyes lingering on the cube with longing.
Village Chief felt like a villain—for a second—then pocketed it.
Next: a house-selection game. Nono had guessed first, so Jiang Shunnian picked tug-of-war opponents.
They’d tug for the best house.
Jiang Shunnian: “…”
He’d slimmed for a role and hadn’t bulked up fully—slimmest dad, but youngest.
He eyed them and chose Lu Chen, Lubao’s dad—thirty-eight, taller, but well-maintained.
Jiang Shunnian figured his workouts would win it. But at the pull, Lu Chen’s strength yanked hard. Despite straining, Jiang Shunnian held a minute before sliding over.
“Teacher Jiang, good game,” Lu Chen smiled.
“You’re impressive, Teacher Lu.”
Sweaty and spent, Jiang Shunnian got a towel from Nono.
Li Jiaming beat Chen Hesheng; cross-matches followed. Shockingly, Jiang Shunnian even lost to Chen Hesheng.
They got the worst house. En route, guilt gnawed at him—Nono had shone, but he’d failed.
“Daddy.” Nono sensed his mood, tilting his head up. “As long as I’m with you, sleeping outside is fine.”
Jiang Shunnian hugged and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Nono.”
Their new place was basic: one room, plank bed, outdoor kitchen.
He swapped sheets just as lunch call came.
Lunch was a lavish seafood feast—fresh and delicious. The kids beamed.
Village Chief chuckled. “Crew provides only breakfast. Afternoon games decide dinner—dads’ skills on the line.”
Tension rippled through the kids.
First game: Dads blindfolded, kids directing scoop nets for pond seafood. Two minutes; live critters darted fast, testing directions.
Other dads fumbled hilariously—empty nets, one slipped on a scallop.
But Nono’s logic and clarity shone. While others yelled “left/right,” he predicted fish paths and relayed precisely.
Jiang Shunnian netted the most. The others gaped, later asking his child-rearing secrets during break.
Jiang Shunnian scratched his head awkwardly. “Nono’s self-taught.”
Silence fell. Their elite resources paled against Nono’s smarts.
With the most catch, Jiang Shunnian suggested group dinner prep. All agreed—they’d have just steamed it otherwise.
They watched in awe as he made shrimp dumplings, braised mackerel, garlic scallops, spicy kelp, all mouthwatering.
By dinner, night fell. Guests sat together, but one taste silenced chatter—they shoveled rice lest it vanish.
Oreo, Li Jiaming’s son, gushed, “Uncle, your food is amazing! Can I sleep with you tonight? Next to Nono’s fine.”
Classic ulterior motives.
Youyou bristled. “No way—Nono’s mine!”
Lubao raised a hand. “Then I’ll bunk with Uncle Jiang. Hehe.”
Squabbles reignited; dads hauled them off.
Day one wrapped.
That night, video calls to moms were allowed. Kids melted into sweet angels, sharing fun—raving about Jiang Yunnuo and Jiang Shunnian’s cooking.
Back in their room, Nono started studying. Crew, stunned, added a dedicated camera for footage—perfect for extras.
When asked about a call, Jiang Shunnian paused, then shook his head.
Nono never pried about moms. He knew others had both parents—but his own father likely had no clue about him.
![How Miserable is a Straight Man Playing a Tool Character in Restricted Novels [Quick Transmigration]](https://i1.wp.com/dobynovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/lar.jpg?resize=151,215 "How Miserable is a Straight Man Playing a Tool Character in Restricted Novels [Quick Transmigration]")
