When the broadcast announced, “Yellow Team—Zhou Mumu and Zheng Kai are the first to find a water source,” Lin Weiwei was struggling through a dense patch of thorny bushes.
Her foot slipped, and she cried out as she staggered forward half a step. Fortunately, Zhao Lei reacted quickly and steadied her by the waist.
Her pink outdoor jacket was already stained with mud and dead leaves. The carefully styled wispy bangs clung to her forehead with sweat, her “no-makeup” foundation had begun to cake and patch, and the dark circles under her eyes could no longer be concealed.
“Thank you, Brother Lei…” She forced a sweet smile, but inside, it felt as if a massive stone was blocking her chest, leaving her suffocated and restless.
First to find a water source?
Zhou Mumu, that useless girl?
What a joke!
It had to be Zheng Kai’s doing! His acting might be mediocre, but as a former model, his physical foundation was solid. He also liked outdoor activities—knowing some wilderness basics was perfectly normal.
As for Zhou Mumu… Lin Weiwei’s lips curled into a sharp, mocking sneer.
That idiot—what could she do besides putting on a lofty face, refusing social engagements, and rejecting unspoken rules? After seven years in the entertainment industry, she was still an obscure nobody—that alone proved everything!
She had already been dragged through the mud by the entire internet. How could she still steal the spotlight on this show?
Lin Weiwei suddenly recalled an incident three months ago. When company executives had hinted that she accompany a married wealthy businessman to a dinner, Zhou Mumu had happened to pass by.
She had heard everything.
But unlike others, who pretended not to notice, Zhou Mumu had paused and looked at her. There had been something in her gaze that made Lin Weiwei’s skin crawl—
Not contempt.
Not pity.
But a kind of clean, detached scrutiny.
As if saying: Look, this is the path you chose.
That look had made her feel like she was sitting on needles. Even though Zhou Mumu hadn’t said a word, Lin Weiwei had felt as if she had been stripped naked and thrown under the blazing sun, every ugly truth exposed with nowhere to hide.
They were both in the same industry—so why could Zhou Mumu remain spotless? Why could she refuse the unspoken rules, reject drinking parties, and still dare to act like a senior offering “advice” to juniors?
“Weiwei, go to fewer events like that.”
“Weiwei, protect yourself.”
Protect herself?
In this industry, if one wanted resources, wanted fame—how could there be no price to pay? What did Zhou Mumu understand? She was just stupid! An orphan with no parents, dirt poor, yet still pretending to be noble—utterly ridiculous.
Lin Weiwei had been determined to tear apart that “pure white lotus” façade!
So when the wealthy businessman incident had been secretly photographed, and the company suggested finding someone to take the blame, Zhou Mumu had been the first person she thought of.
After all, she wasn’t popular. Once the scandal was thrown onto her, public attention would naturally shift.
Lin Weiwei had personally selected the edited ambiguous videos, the cleverly angled photos, and even fabricated explicit chat records. Watching Zhou Mumu’s name pinned at the top of trending searches, cursed by thousands as someone who had risen through “unspoken rules,” a twisted sense of satisfaction had surged within her.
Weren’t you proud? Didn’t you disdain drinking and sleeping your way up? Didn’t you like to act superior and lecture others?
Then I’ll drag you into the mud—make you filthy, ruin you forever!
They were all in the same circle—so why should you remain clean? Why should you stay untouched? Why should you stand above it all? I’ll make you into someone the entire internet despises!
She would never allow Zhou Mumu to turn things around on this show!
Lin Weiwei clenched her teeth, her cheeks tightening, yet her face still carried a flawless sweet smile. “Brother Lei, let’s hurry and find it too, or we’ll really have to sleep out in the open tonight.”
“Alright, stay close to me!” Zhao Lei tightened his grip on her wrist and quickened his pace.
“Weiwei, look!” Zhao Lei’s eyes suddenly lit up as he pointed ahead excitedly. “Water source!”
Lin Weiwei looked up and saw a stream winding through the forest. Though they were nearly an hour later than Zhou Mumu’s team, at least they were still ahead of the others.
The broadcast immediately announced: “Congratulations to Red Team—Lin Weiwei and Zhao Lei, for completing the task second!”
The livestream comments exploded with celebration:
【Weiwei is amazing! She finally found water!】
【Brother Lei is so reliable, protecting Weiwei the whole time!】
【Second place is already incredible—don’t be discouraged, Weiwei!】
Lin Weiwei flashed her standard sweet smile at the camera, but there was not a trace of joy in her eyes—only a stubborn determination.
She wanted to win.
She had to win against Zhou Mumu!
By the stream, the production staff had already delivered their reward: a two-person tent and two thick sleeping bags.
Zheng Kai watched as Zhou Chaochao’s fingers moved deftly, inspecting the tent components with precision—checking joints and support rods meticulously. He couldn’t help but step closer.
“You… have you trained in wilderness survival before?”
“No.” Zhou Chaochao didn’t even look up, her hands never stopping. “I’ve read a few related books.”
It was only half true. In the special forces, wilderness survival had been a required course—but those experiences were something she would never reveal to anyone.
Zheng Kai clearly didn’t believe her, but although he frowned slightly, he didn’t press further. His feelings were complicated—pleased about taking first place, yet frustrated that his teammate was the widely hated Zhou Mumu.
The livestream comments were still arguing:
【The production team must’ve taught her beforehand!】
【She’s just putting on a show—wait till she messes up!】
【Why do I feel like she actually knows what she’s doing? That water-finding was too professional】
At that moment, the broadcast sounded again, more serious this time:
“All guests, please proceed to your respective water source points immediately. The production team will distribute additional basic supplies! In ten minutes, the real wilderness survival challenge of Seven Days in the Wilderness will officially begin!”
Soon, the other four teams arrived one after another. This stream was the best water source in the area, so all five teams ultimately gathered here.
Lin Weiwei followed Zhao Lei to the supply station, her eyes lighting up instantly.
The table was filled with survival tools: fishing gear, bird traps, portable water purifiers, large military canteens, moisture-proof mats, and even a small pack of seasoning.
Host Song Zhe stepped forward to explain the rules:
“Each team may choose two additional items. Key point—this is your only supply opportunity for the next seven days besides your initial gear. Choose carefully!”
Lin Weiwei immediately grabbed Zhao Lei’s arm, speaking quickly:
“Brother Lei, let’s pick fishing gear! We can catch fish and improve our meals, and then a moisture-proof mat—sleeping will be much more comfortable!”
Zhao Lei nodded indulgently. “We’ll do as you say.”
The other teams quickly made their choices as well.
Chen Yu and Su Qing chose bird traps and a water purifier—safe and practical.
Sun Xiaoya persuaded Li Haoran to pick fishing gear and seasoning—clearly thinking about tastier meals.
Liu Yue and Wang Hao chose a large water canteen and a moisture-proof mat—prioritizing basic survival.
Finally, it was Zhou Chaochao’s team’s turn. All eyes turned toward them, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Zheng Kai spoke first, confident. “We’ll take fishing gear, and then—”
“No fishing gear.” Zhou Chaochao interrupted coldly, her tone firm and unquestionable.
Zheng Kai froze. “Why? Isn’t having fish to eat a good thing? It’s better than chewing energy bars!”
“The current here is too fast—you won’t be able to stand steady to fish,” Zhou Chaochao said calmly, her gaze sweeping over the stream. “And in late summer, fish stay in deeper waters. There’s nothing to catch near the shore. We’ll take the military multi-purpose shovel and that coil of paracord.”
She pointed toward the corner. The two items looked plain and unremarkable compared to the fishing gear.
The comments exploded:
【Is she stupid? Passing on food for two random tools?】
【Trying too hard to act cool—just wait till she starves!】
【Wait… what she said actually makes sense? The current is strong…】
Song Zhe grew interested and asked, “Zhou Mumu, could you explain your choice?”
Zhou Chaochao glanced at the camera, her tone concise and matter-of-fact:
“The shovel can clear paths, dig traps, and process food—multiple uses. The paracord can build shelters, reinforce tents, create traps, and serve as a lifeline in emergencies. It’s far more practical than fishing gear.”
Her calm, confident explanation made the choice seem undeniably logical.
Zheng Kai opened his mouth to argue, but the words died on his lips. After all, her performance earlier had been flawless—he found himself reluctantly convinced.
After supplies were distributed, Song Zhe raised his microphone, his voice rising sharply:
“Now, I officially announce—the real extreme challenge of Seven Days in the Wilderness begins! From this moment on, the production team will provide no further assistance. Food, water, shelter, safety—all depend on you! Seven days—those who endure until the end will be the final winners!”
A wave of tension swept through the scene.
Suddenly, Lin Weiwei raised her hand, her voice soft and innocent:
“Teacher Song Zhe, I have a question… If two teammates really can’t get along due to personality or lifestyle differences, what should they do?”
As she spoke, her gaze subtly flicked toward Zhou Chaochao, the implication unmistakable.
The comments immediately followed her lead:
【Weiwei is hinting that Zhou Mumu is hard to get along with】
【Zheng Kai is so unlucky being paired with someone like that】
Song Zhe smiled. “The rules allow free regrouping. If you’re dissatisfied with your partner, you may negotiate swaps with other teams or choose to survive alone. As long as you last seven days, it counts as victory.”
Lin Weiwei’s eyes lit up, barely concealing her satisfaction.
She immediately turned to Zheng Kai, stepping closer with small, delicate steps. Tilting her head, she smiled sweetly, her eyes as innocent as a startled deer.
“Brother Zheng Kai, you’re amazing—finding water so quickly! My sense of direction is terrible. Without Brother Lei earlier, I would’ve gotten lost…”
Her voice softened with admiration. “For the next tasks… could you take care of me more? I’m a little scared…”
Zheng Kai was caught completely off guard.
Lin Weiwei, the company’s prized star, usually polite yet distant, was now approaching him proactively, speaking so sweetly.
“O-of course!” His ears turned red instantly. “Don’t worry, Weiwei—I’ll take care of you!”
Her smile deepened. She glanced at Zhou Chaochao, who stood watching coldly, a flicker of smug provocation flashing in her eyes—
See, Zhou Mumu? Men all fall for this. With your cold attitude, who would sincerely treat you well?
She said nothing more, turning back to Zhao Lei. But before leaving, she added:
“Brother Zheng Kai, if you feel uncomfortable with Zhou Mumu, you can come find me anytime. I think we’d get along really well!”
The provocation was blatant. The comments erupted again:
【Weiwei is so kind, thinking about Zheng Kai!】
【Zhou Mumu must be really hard to deal with】
Zheng Kai gave a vague response. Watching Lin Weiwei’s sweet figure, then glancing at Zhou Chaochao by the stream organizing supplies alone, his heart filled with awkwardness.
When he returned, Zhou Chaochao had already cleared the campsite ground and was using the shovel to level uneven stones.
Without looking up, she instructed, “Go collect dry firewood. Enough for tonight. Don’t pick branches off the ground—they’re too damp. Look for ones that have fallen from trees but haven’t touched the ground.”
Zheng Kai froze. “I… I have to collect firewood?”
“Who else?” Zhou Chaochao finally looked at him, her gaze calm but firm. “You chose to stay in this team. That means you take responsibility. If you don’t want to, you can go switch with Lin Weiwei now. No one’s stopping you.”
Her bluntness left no room for dignity. Zheng Kai’s face flushed red and pale in turns.
“…Who said I wanted to switch!” he snapped stubbornly. “Collecting firewood is nothing!”
He turned and stormed into the forest, frustration burning inside.
Just as rumored—this Zhou Mumu was difficult, cold, and completely lacking in warmth!
Lin Weiwei, on the other hand, was gentle, sweet, and adorable. Being on her team would be easy and pleasant…
As he gathered branches absentmindedly, he couldn’t help glancing toward the Red Team’s campsite.
Lin Weiwei was sitting on a clean rock, resting. Zhao Lei was busy setting up the tent, while she handed him water and spoke softly with a smile. The scene looked warm and harmonious.
Compared to the cold atmosphere on his own side, Zheng Kai’s thoughts unconsciously drifted further and further toward Lin Weiwei.