The audience grew excited.
The production team wouldn’t be that kind-hearted. Previously, when Xiao Ou and the others had starved for two days and two nights, they hadn’t been given any food. Now, suddenly offering alcohol—they were definitely up to something!
Aunt Liu brought out the family’s grill pan, first laying down a full layer of pork belly, smiling so widely her teeth showed: “This grill pan has been gathering dust. After so many seasons, this is the first time it’s been used!”
Thinking back to the three permanent residents’ previous misery, everyone burst into laughter.
Besides grilled meat, Aunt Liu also made pickled fish and spicy blood tofu stew, and prepared sashimi with tuna and baby octopus.
Aunt Liu smiled as she placed two plates of sashimi in front of Wen Ruqiao: “Ru Qiao, I heard from Xiao Lu that you love eating this. Here, have more.”
Lu Minglang gave her a grateful look.
“Thank you.” Wen Ruqiao immediately immersed herself in eating. She enjoyed everything she ate, and just watching her eat was enough to whet one’s appetite.
Who wouldn’t love a well-behaved girl who enjoys her food?
Aunt Liu’s smile never faded as she kept using serving chopsticks to pick up food for Wen Ruqiao.
She didn’t forget to pour a glass of beer for Lu Minglang either: “Here, Xiao Lu, drink up, let loose!”
Liquor gives courage. The more you drink, the more your true feelings come out.
“Does Ru Qiao drink?” Da Hai asked.
Wen Ruqiao waved her hand: “I don’t handle alcohol well.”
“Hey, we’re all family here, what does it matter!” Aunt Liu said casually, pouring a glass for Wen Ruqiao as well.
Wen Ruqiao took a sip and found that besides the faint aroma of hops, there was also a slightly sweet fruity fragrance. Without realizing it, she took a few more sips…
The production team had prepared craft beer, which had a higher alcohol content than regular beer.
Before even finishing one glass, Lu Minglang was already slightly tipsy.
His fair, handsome face flushed with a rosy hue, looking as white as fine jade under the lights, his gaze gradually growing hazy.
Seeing the timing was about right, Aunt Liu gave Xiao Ou a meaningful look.
Xiao Ou understood immediately and suggested everyone play Truth or Dare.
“The rules are simple: whoever draws the King can ask the Joker a question or have them do something.”
This game had often been played on “Island Survival” before, and it always made for great viewing. Combined with today’s explosive news of a top idol seemingly interested in an unknown newcomer, the live-stream audience was filled with anticipation.
In the first round, Da Hai drew the King, and Xiao Ou drew the Joker.
Da Hai went easy on him, just making Xiao Ou do twenty push-ups.
In the second round, Aunt Liu drew the King, and An Ruosu drew the Joker.
Aunt Liu smiled and said, “Ruosu, just treat this place as a stage. You’re here to promote your song, and we’re all your fans.”
Some viewers in the live stream thought Aunt Liu asking An Ruosu to sing and dance was the behavior of a sleazy middle-aged man, but in reality, An Ruosu was especially grateful to her.
There weren’t many stages in China for idols to promote their songs, so every performance opportunity was precious.
So even though it was just a small courtyard on an island, without professional lighting or sound equipment, An Ruosu still took it very seriously.
As soon as the accompaniment music started, she quickly got into character, switching her expression to a sweet, professional mode.
“…
If you suddenly sneeze
That must be me thinking of you
If your phone wakes you up in the middle of the night
Ah, that’s because I care
…”
She had always followed the energetic girl-next-door route, which naturally suited the style of this song.
After finishing the song and dance, the pavilion was filled with applause.
The live-stream audience also saw the sparkle in her.
【Wow, so sweet!】
【Wow, her breath control is so steady, and her timing is spot on! Who wouldn’t call this absolutely amazing after seeing it?】
【I’m genuinely moved by the sister’s dedication to her craft! With a stage in her heart, she can shine brightly anywhere!】
The guests naturally showered her with praise. The camera panned to Wen Ruqiao, who rested her chin in her hands, her eyes curved into crescents:
“Approved, granted a sachet. The Phoenix and Luan Spring Favor Carriage will come for you tonight.”
An Ruosu playfully continued the joke: “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty~”
The live stream audience also joined in on the fun.
【Never expected Qiao Mei to be a fan of “Empresses in the Palace” too!】
【Lu Minglang: Is this my blessing or my curse? In the end, I was the one who was wronged.】
【It’s merely a case of “Wanwan resembling Qingqing”! Cuiguo, slap her mouth for me!】
【Huh, why do I feel like Qiao Mei might be a little tipsy? Her smile is so sweet!!】
【Watson, you’ve spotted the key point!!】
…
Not only the live stream audience but also the guests on-site began to notice.
“Qiao Jie, are you drunk?” Xiao Ou waved a hand in front of Wen Ruqiao’s face. “How many fingers am I holding up, sis?”
Wen Ruqiao didn’t answer, only grinning foolishly, her smile so sweet it could melt hearts.
Even Aunt Liu and Da Hai raised their glasses from afar, exchanging knowing smiles.
If they were twenty years younger, they might not have been able to resist that girl’s smile.
Lu Minglang looked worried, his large hand hovering protectively behind Wen Ruqiao’s back, afraid she might stumble.
An Ruosu quickly suggested, “How about I take Ru Qiao back to her room?”
But Wen Ruqiao refused to leave, pointing at the cards on the table. “Continue.”
Her voice, softened by alcohol, lacked its usual cool rationality, sounding instead soft and sticky, like freshly steamed milk pudding.
“Haha, since Ru Qiao wants to keep playing, let’s continue,” Aunt Liu declared.
A new round of cards was dealt.
Xiao Ou asked, “I have a King. Who has the Jokers?”
Lu Minglang revealed his card, his tone resigned. “I’m the Little Joker.”
“What about the Big Joker?”
“Not me.”
“Not me either.”
After asking around, no one claimed the Big Joker.
Everyone turned their gaze toward Wen Ruqiao.
Drunk and sluggish, Wen Ruqiao fumbled with her slender, delicate fingers for a long time, unable to flip her card over.
An Ruosu finally helped her pick it up. “Ru Qiao, you’re the Big Joker. What do you want the Little Joker to do?”
Wen Ruqiao blinked, her long, thick, curled lashes casting lovely shadows like tiny fans. Suddenly remembering something, she pointed to the empty space where An Ruosu had danced earlier. “I want to see…”
“Sure, sure! We’d also love to witness Brother Lu’s god-tier performance!” Xiao Ou chimed in, egging him on.
Though slightly buzzed, Lu Minglang was far from drunk.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he walked to the front of the pavilion.
A simple open space somehow transformed into a stage with him standing at the center, radiating the aura of a true C-position performer.
Lu Minglang asked Xiao Ou to play a song, and the live stream was instantly flooded with comments from fans.
It was his breakout hit, an incredibly challenging song that few could master.
The moment he struck his opening pose, his every move elicited screams. Cool, confident, sharp, and commanding—this wasn’t the tearful, puppy-like version of Lu Minglang seen around Wen Ruqiao, but the King of the stage, in complete control!
But as soon as the music started, before Lu Minglang could finish the first eight-count sequence, Wen Ruqiao shook her head. She seemed a bit impatient, her voice soft and mumbling. “Not this one, not this one…”
Lu Minglang stopped, gazing at her in confusion.
Wen Ruqiao gestured animatedly with her hands. “The one from earlier, ‘Love You’~ da-da-da~ la-la-la~~”
“Pfft…” Everyone burst into laughter simultaneously.
Lu Minglang froze. Did Xiao Qiao want to see him… perform a girl group dance?
His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and his fair, slender neck instantly flushed crimson.
Chestnut: I mean, whose little sister doesn’t love messing with her brother, right? Right?