Even after boarding the program crew’s boat, An Ruosu and He Huainan hadn’t fully recovered from Wen Ruqiao’s “epitaph” remark.
It was simply too shocking.
Who could have imagined that Wen Ruqiao, with her gentle and harmless divine beauty, would say something like that!
About an hour later, a beautiful island came into view, like a colorful gemstone set in the vast, boundless sea.
This “Island Survival” was a long-running variety show on Tomato Live, already in its sixth season.
The first season had been the most popular, but its popularity gradually declined afterward. The latest season adopted the new format of a live-streamed variety show, but unfortunately, it had little effect.
Left with no choice, the program crew followed the same path as most variety shows—inviting celebrity idols.
The main star of this episode was He Huainan.
He had gained some popularity early in his career with a historical romance drama, but unfortunately, he faded into obscurity for several years afterward. Recently, he successfully revived his career with a supporting role in a fantasy drama, and now he enjoys high online popularity and a dedicated fanbase.
For a declining variety show like this, inviting him was already the most cost-effective choice.
An Ruosu was a semi-obscure girl group member, while the originally planned An Qi was even less known—purely brought in to fill the numbers due to the program crew’s limited budget.
The program crew’s goal was simple: the two female guests would serve as background decoration, preferably stirring up some gossip with He Huainan so that fan conflicts could bring some extra heat to the show.
The live stream ran all day, starting as soon as they landed on the island.
The staff explained some precautions, such as no phone usage, no inappropriate remarks, and no mention of non-sponsor brands, among others.
An Ruosu and Wen Ruqiao were each assigned only one cameraperson, while He Huainan had a full three camerapeople around him.
“Everyone, we’re about to dock…” The staff member’s words were cut short as the walkie-talkie suddenly crackled to life.
Whatever he discussed with the other end, a powerful engine roar soon approached from a distance.
Everyone instinctively turned toward the source of the sound.
The program crew’s boat was already considered luxurious, but compared to the sleek, snow-white yacht, it suddenly seemed rather low-end.
The yacht cut through the waves, quickly pulling alongside the program crew’s boat.
Up close, it was even more impressive. On the deck alone, there were seven or eight camerapeople, equipped with the most professional and high-end gear on the market. Additionally, there were makeup artists, stylists, and accompanying doctors…
He Huainan’s expression shifted.
This was the setup of an S+ variety show. How could a show like “Island Survival” afford this…
What shocked him even more was that the program’s director was also on that yacht, chatting and laughing with someone!
Only ordinary staff had been sent to pick up the three of them. Who could possibly warrant the director personally going to greet them…
As if to satisfy their curiosity, a figure emerged from the yacht’s cabin door.
Everyone instinctively turned to look at that figure. Even Wen Ruqiao, who had been woken by the noise, drowsily glanced over.
The surroundings were noisy, but as that person appeared, it felt as though an invisible hand had pressed the pause button, plunging the scene into sudden silence.
What entered everyone’s sight was a young man around 183 cm tall, with an excellent body proportion—both the slender, youthful build of a teenager and the broad shoulders and long legs of a mature man.
But what drew the most attention was his strikingly handsome face.
Whether in silhouette or features, adding a single stroke would be excessive, subtracting one would be insufficient—so perfect it seemed as if the Creator had favored him alone.
The azure sea and sky merged into a seamless line, the sea breeze seemed to soften, gently brushing through his soft black hair. Seagulls circled overhead, as if pausing just for him.
An Ruosu covered her mouth in excitement: “It’s actually Lu Minglang! Is he here to film ‘Island Survival’ too?”
Wen Ruqiao rubbed her eyes, the corners glistening with a hint of moisture: “Is he really that popular?”
“You don’t even know Lu Minglang??”
An Ruosu’s tone was full of disdain, but Wen Ruqiao was simply too beautiful—her just-awakened eyes innocent and bewildered. As a devoted fan of good looks, An Ruosu gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, and patiently began to explain to Wen Ruqiao.
“He’s a top-tier idol! Haven’t you seen his legendary rain-soaked stage performance? Haven’t you heard any of his songs? Even my little cousin in kindergarten can sing them! Oh my, he’s even more stunning in person…”
Wen Ruqiao: “He is quite good-looking.”
She had never paid much attention to the entertainment industry, and having spent the past few years abroad, she knew almost nothing about domestic celebrities.
Still, Lu Minglang’s appearance did align with her aesthetic preferences—though he looked slender and fragile, the type who probably couldn’t carry a heavy load or lift much, and likely would burst into tears at the thought of dissecting a small frog or rabbit.
Suddenly, An Ruosu’s shriek echoed in her ears: “Ahhh! Lu Minglang is coming onto our boat! H-he couldn’t be here for me, could he…”
Wen Ruqiao deliberately shifted aside, leaving space for An Ruosu and Lu Minglang to converse.
Seeing An Ruosu so thrilled, He Huainan’s expression darkened.
Lu Minglang’s arrival meant he would no longer be the main star of this episode.
Who would willingly settle for being a supporting act?
Yet when Lu Minglang actually approached, He Huainan was the first to stand up and greet him.
He extended his hand: “Hello, Minglang. It’s our first meeting—I hope we can get along well.”
Although they weren’t live-streaming, the nearby cameraman dutifully raised his camera, striving to capture as much footage as possible for later editing into the main episode.
Logically, He Huainan had debuted earlier and could be considered a senior, so he didn’t need to be so deferential to Lu Minglang.
Still, his humble gesture left a favorable impression on those around him.
Yet Lu Minglang’s attitude was cold and aloof. He merely gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
He Huainan’s hand hung awkwardly in mid-air.
He gritted his teeth in frustration—how dare Lu Minglang disrespect him like this?!
An Ruosu shyly tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear: “Senior Lu, I’m An Ruosu. You can call me Susu…”
Lu Minglang had specifically come from the yacht to this boat, and no matter how she thought about it, she believed it must be because of her.
After all, a short video of her dancing had recently trended on a popular platform.
However, Lu Minglang acted as if he hadn’t seen her. With two long strides, he stopped in front of another slender figure.
The young top-tier idol was cold and proud, his every movement exuding an air of nobility. Yet when he opened his mouth, a hint of Husky-like silliness slipped through: “H-hello, sis… ahem, haven’t you eaten either?”
For a moment, everyone around them was stunned!
A top-tier idol of the entertainment industry had actually come over to greet a young girl?
An Ruosu was utterly dumbfounded!
Why would Lu Minglang approach Wen Ruqiao? Wasn’t he here for her?
“Hello.” Wen Ruqiao smiled politely, a trace of suspicion flickering in her deer-like eyes. She was certain she had never met Lu Minglang before, yet his gaze seemed to look upon her as if she were an acquaintance.
But that wasn’t the main point. The main point was… he seemed to look rather unintelligent…