Chapter 10 (Full marks)
Are these two still secretly talking? They only stop acting when no one else is around, right?
[Maybe I'm just getting too old to handle the artificial sweetness anymore, but this kind of seemingly silly rivalry, where the two sides actually know each other's preferences inside and out, is just so much to my liking.]
[Is this supposed to be a fight? Ling Zhao is practically ready to put a collar on himself and hand a rope to Mu Jiu.]
[Wow, the chef can cook with just a few words, it's so delicious!]
[As expected, the atmosphere in the live stream was so much better without the top-tier CP fans around -w-]
Fang Yucheng and Meng Shuning were not in the small house, and their fans had all moved to the outdoor live broadcast room.
Immediately, viewers drawn by Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu's silly interactions began to pop up.
Not only that, some omnivores who love variety shows even adhered to the principle of eating a little bit of everything, making their presence felt in the live stream.
Inside the cabin, Mu Jiu watched with great curiosity as Ling Zhao turned her wrist around and carefully examined the wound on her fingertip.
In fact, the wound had healed last night, and getting it wet was no big deal, but the other party obviously didn't think so.
Even if you look better, you should still be careful today.
After checking her wound, Ling Zhao conveniently pulled an apron from the corner: "It's too smoky here, you can wait outside."
Mu Jiu raised an eyebrow and obediently went around to the outside. She lazily propped her head up at the dining table, watching her partner, who was 1.8 meters tall, had silver-gray hair, and looked extremely intimidating, wearing an apron and busy cooking for her in the kitchen.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, only the soft sound of chopping vegetables could be heard.
[Is Ling Zhao's technique really that professional? She can even flip the wok?]
Aside from his appearance, his actions were as reliable as those of a seasoned chef in a Chinese restaurant.
[I'm getting hungry, but I just finished my takeout.]
Doesn't everyone think the chemistry between these two is incredibly sweet? Even though I'm hungry too, *slurp*
[Hey, is anyone checking the live stream upstairs? Is Xiang Wan crying?]
The upper and lower floors are separated by a staircase.
Inside the bedroom, Xiang Wan covered her head. At first, no one paid attention, but after a comment mentioned hearing what sounded like crying, more and more people gathered around.
Although not as well-known as Fang Yucheng and Meng Shuning, Xiang Wan debuted as a child star and has a good public image.
Seeing Xiang Wan like this, many fans were worried and started commenting "Don't cry, Wan'er".
If I find out which damned man made Wan'er cry, I'll definitely settle the score with him!
[I never imagined that Xiang Wan, such a gentle and strong person, would lose control like this.]
She seemed off this morning; I never imagined she was so upset.
I don't know how much time passed, but suddenly there was a knock on the dormitory door.
"...Would you like some water?"
Mu Jiu's voice came from outside the door: "I know you don't have an appetite, but it's almost past lunchtime. Would you like some of the cake I bought yesterday?"
The tip of the blanket twitched slightly.
Mu Jiu stood outside the door, and after hearing no sound from inside for a long time, he hesitated whether to open the door and go in, when he heard Xiang Wan's muffled voice: "Yes."
It seems the other party's condition isn't too bad.
Mu Jiu breathed a sigh of relief.
Xiang Wan, peeking out from under the covers, looked like an insecure hamster.
Her eyes were slightly red and swollen, but her expression was indifferent. Mu Jiu didn't ask any questions, but simply sat quietly by her bedside, watching her finish the cake bit by bit.
Xiang Wan: "It's too sweet."
Mu Jiu didn't refute her, but simply replied casually, "Then I'll buy matcha flavor next time."
Xiang Wan sniffed and pulled another tissue from the bedside table. Mu Jiu was hesitating whether to considerately pretend he hadn't seen anything.
Then Xiang Wan's voice came again: "Why are you all acting like nothing happened?"
Mu Jiu paused for a moment: "What do you mean?"
Don't you hate your ex?
Xiang Wan, huddled in the cup, looked listless and lacked energy: "Why do you two seem to be able to get along like that after you broke up?"
[She spoke my mind. It didn't seem like they'd broken up; rather, it felt like they were still dating.]
[+1, anyway, when I broke up it was a complete mess, and I never wanted to see my ex's disgusting face again.]
However, not everyone breaks up acrimoniously, right?
I can still be friends with my ex after breaking up, as long as things are cleared up.
While the argument continued in the live stream, the room remained silent.
Mu Jiu lowered his eyes, his expression unchanged: "Is this why you're in a bad mood today?"
"I just..."
The nasal tone from crying was more pronounced, gradually taking on a hint of suppressed brokenness.
Xiang Wan hesitated for a moment before speaking dryly: "...I really hate who I am right now."
According to the script in the TV series, the most painful moment for the protagonist is when she sees her best friend getting along well with her ex-boyfriend.
But... to be honest, Mu Jiu didn't quite understand this.
She has only been able to take on some extreme supporting roles for many years, where the emotional ups and downs are always dramatic. She doesn't have much experience with everyday emotional situations.
Many literary and artistic works emphasize that the opposite of love is hatred, and when love is broken, hatred will also grow at the same time.
According to her description of the breakup phase, the "emotional intensity" between her and Ling Zhao wasn't that strong, so there was no question of hatred.
but……
Mu Jiu looked at Xiang Wan thoughtfully.
Thanks to the other person's reminder, she remembered something she had forgotten—
Even the most amicable breakup won't last if you still care about each other.
In the course of our time together, we will recall happy memories as well as unhappy ones.
There will be familiar interactions, but also unnatural hesitation and evasiveness.
Torn between wanting the other person to be happy, yet not wanting them to be happier than themselves.
But the feeling was too complex, and I still need to think about how to present this part of the emotion.
At this stage, Mu Jiu can only use her template of comforting words.
"Although I don't know what you've been through, I can tell you've had a tough time. It's precisely because you're so kind that you feel like hating yourself."
Mu Jiu lowered his eyes and tucked the blanket around her: "But you've done enough."
She didn't know if her words would be of any use to the other person.
But after listening, Xiang Wan remained silent for a long time.
It wasn't until Mu Jiu was about to take a nap that he heard the other person quietly thank him.
——
Time passed slowly, and afternoon arrived. The people who had gone out gradually returned to the cabin.
Around 4 p.m., the production team suddenly issued a notice that a beach volleyball match would be held that afternoon.
Even without direct sunlight, the outside temperature was 31°C, so the news sparked heated discussions as soon as it was released.
"Really? Playing volleyball in this heat?"
Deng Minzhou's eyes widened in surprise: "Does the production team know that the beach temperature is high enough to fry an egg?"
"Men's beach volleyball..."
Guo Zifu clapped her hands happily: "I was just thinking that the ultraviolet rays are still very strong at this time of day, and I don't want to go out at all."
Meng Shuning: "But the notice says everyone has to gather on the beach, so there's no way to avoid it if we go out."
Guo Zifu: "No way—I just took off my sunscreen!"
Whether voluntarily or not, all eight people in the cabin came to the beach near the cabin.
With the sea breeze blowing, everyone exclaimed in surprise at the scorching temperature under their feet, and then let out a joyful shout when they saw the rolling waves.
The on-site director and relevant staff were already waiting on the beach.
When everyone had arrived, the executive director tapped the microphone to signal everyone to be quiet.
"Thank you to all the guests for coming to this beautiful beach on this hot summer day. Next, we will announce the rules of this beach volleyball tournament."
"There are four male guests in total, who will compete in pairs. The highest score is 10 points, and the winners will advance to the finals. The ladies can freely choose which contestant they want to support."
"The ultimate champion of this volleyball tournament has the right to choose their next date, and the female guest cannot refuse."
"Then why isn't it a competition for women, and why are male guests being chosen instead?"
Guo Zifu retorted indignantly, "The production team is biased!"
"Our female guests also have the opportunity to make their own choices."
The executive director spoke as if he had expected this: "The order of each segment is determined by drawing lots, and it will be your turn next time."
"Alright, since you have your plans, I'll let you off this time."
Guo Zifu pretended to wave her hand, but after exchanging a glance with Meng Shuning, she couldn't keep a straight face and burst into laughter.
In contrast to them, on the other side, Xiang Wan was crossing her arms and looking down, seemingly lost in thought, while Mu Jiu was simply observing the scene before her with a thoughtful expression.
The temperature difference is also significant for men.
Deng Minzhou eagerly pulled Fang Yucheng to participate in the lottery first, while Ling Zhao followed the team with an indifferent expression, and Qi Youxiang looked like he couldn't stand the high temperature and followed the team limply.
Whether they liked it or not, the order of the preliminary rounds was quickly announced.
The matches are Fang Yucheng vs. Deng Minzhou, and Ling Zhao vs. Qi Youxiang.
The two groups were assigned to two different beach volleyball locations.
"I didn't expect to run into you in the first game."
Deng Minzhou patted Fang Yucheng on the shoulder with a smile: "I won't hold back."
Fang Yucheng subtly withdrew his gaze from the other group: "I won't hold back either, let's all give it our all."
Seeing that Deng Minzhou was already excitedly preparing to go on stage, the production team quickly added, "Before the competition, please have the gentlemen go to the locker room to change into the clothes we have prepared for everyone."
Qi Youxiang: "Clothes?"
A group of male guests entered the dressing room prepared by the production team with blank expressions.
After receiving the fan from the program crew, Mu Jiu gazed towards the sea.
The salty, humid air made thinking somewhat sluggish, and the perception of time seemed slower and longer.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but when she looked up again, she suddenly saw a figure in front of her.
Floral shorts?
No, it looks like beach shorts.
She looked up inexplicably and saw Ling Zhao standing not far away with his arms bare.
His usual style of dressing is casual and loose, so he doesn't look very strong; in fact, he might even seem a bit thin.
But now, his smooth and well-defined muscle lines are clearly visible.
Unlike the muscles that Fang Yucheng and Deng Minzhou next door had built up in the gym, he exuded a hidden, untapped power.
If I had to describe it, it would be a combination of sturdiness and a perfectly balanced aesthetic.
Perhaps it was because her gaze was too direct, but Ling Zhao also looked over at her.
In his bewildered gaze, Mu Jiu's eyes slid over his chest, abs, and back muscles, then he solemnly squinted, raised his hands, and gestured a 10.
Full marks.
A note from the author:
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I worked overtime again tonight, so it got a little late.
In short, thank you, little angels, for stealing other people's nutrient solution to nourish me [pity].
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