Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation    Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After Xu An walked away, Jing MO turned to Xia Xin with a serious expression and said, âKeep your distance from Xu An; sheâs not to be trusted.â
Xia Xinâs tone was tinged with jealousy, âShe doesnât seem interested in getting close to me. It looks like sheâs more interested in getting closer to you.â
Caught off guard by her own words, Xia Xin paused. She thought, âAm I jealous? No, it must just be discomfort at seeing someone getting too close to my big brother.â
Lost in his thoughts, Jing MO didnât notice the jealousy in Xia Xinâs tone. His gaze followed Xu An as she retreated.
On her way to find Zhao Nan, Xia Xin was intercepted by Xu Ping, âMiss Xia, could you lend me a hand? This equipment is heavy, and I need to transport them to a temporary tent. Itâs not far.â
Always willing to help, Xia Xin agreed readily.
The equipment was indeed heavy. As Xia Xin picked them up, she focused intently on her path, vigilant not to trip over any stones.
Before she knew it, Xu Ping had led her away from the crowd. Sensing danger, Xia Xin set down the equipment, preparing to retreat.
Xu Ping, abandoning his equipment too, tried to block her. He said, âMiss Xia, leaving halfway through helping isnât very honorable, is it?â
Eyes narrowing, Xia Xin scanned her surroundings for any weapon within reach. Noticing a wasp nest above Xu Pingâs head, a plan formulated in her mind. Using her control powers, she directed the wasps to sting Xu Ping, simultaneously diverting his attention. She said, âMr. Xu, I suddenly remember having some other matters to attend to. Iâm sorry, I canât help you any further. Iâll find someone else to assist you.â
Just as Xu Ping lunged toward Xia Xin, he was stopped by a swarm of wasps. Seizing the opportunity, Xia Xin fled.
From behind a tree, Xu An emerged. Spraying some liquid on Xu Ping, the wasps dispersed.
Rubbing the spots where he was stung, Xu Pingâs eyes darkened. He said, âSheâs highly vigilant. This failure makes any future moves difficult.â
Xu Anâs icy gaze followed the direction in which Xia Xin had vanished and said, âOnce the shoot starts, sheâll be under our control. We can handle her then.â
Xu Ping hesitated and asked, âAre you sure we should take action against her? It might be hard to explain to the young master.â
Already walking towards the camp, Xu An spoke without looking back, âOur mission is to bring her back, by any means necessary.â
The initial allure of this reality show was its outdoor setting. Each participant had to choose an animal companion for the journey. The selection ranged from kittens and puppies to donkeys and hedgehogs, and even a white stoat.
Knowing his pet dog Boboâs temper, Jing MO opted for a hedgehog, to avoid any jealousy from Bobo upon his return.
Xu Zhi, ever the gentleman, let Xia Xin choose first.
Xia Xinâs eyes were drawn to the snow-white stoat, but Xu An suddenly suggested to the director, âFor comedic effect and higher viewership, Xia Xin should choose the stubborn donkey.â
Convinced, the director relayed the idea, and Xia Xin, despite her preference for the stoat, had no choice but to select the donkey.
Seeing Xia Xinâs affection for the stoat, Xu Zhi picked it as his animal companion.
The nearby mountains of Azuralis were numerous, yet the director had chosen a wild, unexplored mountain. Without any man-made stone steps, the paths were all natural trails created by animals. A perpetual mist made the ground damp, and each step on the soft mud felt uncomfortable.
Moreover, the forest floor was rife with strange plants. Some had thorns pointing upwards from their roots, easy traps that could scrape or cut anyone who wasnât careful.
The trio was tasked with surviving in the mountains for two days, equipped with tents and essential survival gear. Each of them would be accompanied by a camera operator to live-stream their adventure.
Looking down at the thick layer of mud caking the soles of her shoes, Xia Xin felt grateful for her choice of a donkey. If need be, she could even ride it.
The donkey snorted as if in agreement, âIâll carry you, but only if you keep me fed. No food, no work.â
Smiling, Xia Xin stroked the donkeyâs long neck and said, âYouâre a little glutton, arenât you? Donât worry, I wonât let you go hungry..â