The high-definition camera focused on the little dumpling's blank face, which seemed about to cry but hadn't.

Netizens who were delighted with the amazing picture were all expressing their gratitude to Master Qingtang for personally creating this wonderful moment.

Jiang Chi returned the camera to the staff and asked Chaochao if she wanted to say hello to the lizard she was destined to meet.

The little dumpling's expression went blank for a moment, then she tugged at her sleeve and refused with a slight hesitation:

"...Maybe we shouldn't—"

But as soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Chi picked her up. Chaochao's bewildered almond eyes darted around and met the pair of black bean eyes on the branch again.

Chaochao: "..."

Jiang Chi said, "Very generous and open."

The little dumpling stiffly and slowly raised its little hand, about to say "hi," when it suddenly remembered the lesson it had learned from greeting the giant pincers bug not long ago, and quickly withdrew its hand.

Finally, under the expectant and encouraging gazes of everyone, and under the clear, cool gaze of the green lizard opposite her, she forced a timid nod and asked, "Hmm... have you eaten?"

The lizard, which had been motionless, suddenly moved its front legs, startling Chaochao. She silently prayed to herself.

My brother said we should be open and honest!

The little dumpling clenched its fist silently, then took the second step in its friendly socializing: "If you haven't eaten, I'll bring you some another day..."

Bring some food.

Before she could finish her greeting, something flashed before her eyes, like a tiny trinket, and then—

Something slippery hit her forehead.

"…………"

An eerie silence fell over the surroundings. It was hard to deny that the voices encouraging Chaochao to greet them earlier were actually their jeering.

She slowly straightened her head, which had been tilted back, and covered her forehead with her little hands, as if she couldn't believe what had just happened.

The force was just right, enough to leave you dazed but not brain-damaged.

She thought to herself, feeling dizzy.

Isn't my friend on the other end being a bit too generous...?

Xiao Qi cried out in her mind with heartache.

Oh dear—its poor little thing, it's either being whipped by a fish's tail or smacked by a lizard. Who's going to take responsibility if its incredibly intelligent brain gets stunned?

The lizard on the opposite branch seemed to suddenly come to life, smacking its mouth as it ate the insects it had just caught.

—I've already eaten.

Chaochao stared wide-eyed in disbelief: "..."

Is it really okay to smash her forehead just for a meal?!

The little creature she accused tilted its head, its rough back slightly hunched, its bluish-gray skin gradually turning into a brown like withered leaves. It emitted two hissing, vibrating sounds, and then swiftly disappeared into the branches and leaves.

Suddenly drawing her sword and looking around without seeing any enemy, Chaochao thought: "?"

He just ran away like that? Gone? Left her all alone?

The little dumpling was furious.

She's going to take this to their central authorities!

She's going to call the police and find the Forest Spirit!

Should we find the police—mouse, rabbit, wolf, or snake—to uphold justice?

The furious hit-and-run victim had already considered every possible avenue for complaint.

The little dumpling's face darkened, and Jiang Chi pursed his lips, feeling slightly guilty: "..."

He seemed to be the biggest snowflake.

"Chao Chao... this lizard probably didn't judge the distance when it was catching insects and accidentally hurt you."

Jiang Chi put her down on the ground and comforted her in a low voice.

Qingqing hugged her: "Yes, it must have been starving for a long time!"

Hearing Qingqing's explanation, the little dumpling was clearly touched, and her gloomy expression gradually turned into a cloudy one:

"is that so?"

Hmm... if that's the case, then it's forgivable.

Oh dear, why is it in such a hurry? She said she would bring it food... What if it starves to death in the next second... Hmm... then it seems there's really no other way...

No, no! It left without saying goodbye!

This is unforgivable!

In the end, Chaochao was still not completely appeased.

As a result, for the last part of the journey, she insisted on walking by herself, refusing to let Jiang Chi carry her at all. Holding a small wooden stick, she pounded away at the front, displaying inexhaustible strength.

Jiang Chi, who was becoming increasingly invisible to the little dumpling: "..."

Should he keep one eye on watch tonight?

...

The team hurried along, especially with the horseman Chaochao's energetic encouragement, and successfully arrived at the temporary shelter indicated on the map before dark.

The forest path became wider and flatter, and after turning a corner, the view, which had been obscured by dense foliage, suddenly opened up.

In front of me was a small, wide patch of green grass, unusually free of the bushes or winding vines that had been everywhere along the way.

Further into the woodland, tall and majestic ancient trees stand majestically.

The enormous treehouse is hidden among its lush foliage, with its exterior walls made of tightly joined natural wooden planks and a wooden staircase spiraling up from the ground, as if it were a mysterious nest that grew naturally from an ancient giant tree.

Qingqing jumped up in surprise: "This is where we're going to sleep tonight?"

Are they going to sleep in the trees?! Ahhhhh!

Hao Guoli: "This is actually where we live?"

Given how outrageous the production team has been in the past, he was prepared to lie in a cave.

Chaochao: "It's Changchang and Leo!!!"

On the open ground under the treehouse, another team, Wu Shang and Teng Yi, had arrived a step ahead and were now resting and waiting on wooden benches.

Leo lay on the stool, wiggling his butt out of boredom, looking quite relaxed.

Changchang, on the other hand, seemed weak and shaken, drinking water from the thermos Wu Shang handed her to calm her nerves.

"We're here!"

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