Liang Shiyu thought to herself that her livestream viewership definitely couldn’t compare to theirs.
Su Tang was practically an ordinary person, while the people on the other side clearly had much higher popularity.
Moreover, Cheng Yuan had also gone over to their side. Of course, she should take every opportunity to interact with her more—even landing a supporting role in Cheng Yuan’s film would count as stepping into the film industry.
Back when the company was selecting participants for this show, it wasn’t as if no one had competed with her for the spot. Another reason she had schemed her way onto this variety show was to get to know Cheng Yuan.
To achieve her goal, she continued in a gentle tone, “I can make lunch for everyone~”
She lowered her posture slightly. If they rejected her even like this, it would be too unkind.
Meanwhile, Sang Ji thought—
Someone’s cooking?
Perfect, that’ll save Shen Ci some trouble.
And so, the entire group followed Sang Ji and the others into the vacation house.
After helping Liang Shiyu wash the ingredients, Cheng Yu and the others couldn’t really do much else.
Only Liang Shiyu remained busy in the kitchen.
【So when Shen Xi and the others bought groceries earlier, who were they planning to have cook? And no one’s going to help out?】
【Didn’t she volunteer to cook herself?】
【Didn’t they just help her prep the ingredients?】
“Host, the female lead is seizing the moment to show off—you can’t lose to her!” System 008 suddenly spoke up.
Lose? At cooking?
What’s there to compete about?
Sang Ji thought—
Its competitive spirit is really strong. What a shame it isn’t the female lead.
Meanwhile, System 001 worriedly said, “What if Shen Xi falls in love with her after eating this meal?”
Sang Ji: “…”
Is there such a plot? I don’t think it was in the book?
Could you please not make up plots on your own?
Is she some culinary goddess that one bite would make someone fall in love?
At that moment, Cheng Yu leaned close to Shen Xi and persistently asked, “Hey, can you tell me how to actually tell you and Shen Ci apart?”
Shen Xi didn’t answer, giving him a look that said, “Are you insane?”
【LMAO, Young Master Cheng really has a dedicated research spirit】
【Shen Xi’s attitude is really bad though】
【I think they’ve probably been asked this question countless times since they were kids】
Shen Ci, meanwhile, sat beside Sang Ji and silently peeled an orange for her.
He thought to himself, hopefully there won’t be so many people tonight, so he can cook for his sister.
Seeing Shen Ci’s action, Shen Xi glanced at the table, plucked a grape, and handed it to Sang Ji, stiffly saying, “Have a grape.”
Sang Ji: “?”
No need to go that far, she has hands.
Then she noticed Su Tang sitting alone, spacing out, so she pushed one of the fruit plates toward her.
“Want some fruit?”
Su Tang: “Thank you, sis.”
Shen Xi & Shen Ci: “??”
Why is sis more concerned about this Su Tang than about them?
As soon as Su Tang picked up an orange, she felt two unfriendly gazes on her.
After a moment’s thought, Su Tang understood.
So immature…
Thinking this, she suddenly gave them a mischievous smile.
It was fleeting, almost imperceptible.
Shen Xi and Shen Ci thought they might have imagined it.
Was that a provocation just now? Right?
This person isn’t as innocent as she appears on the surface at all!
They still didn’t know what Sang Ji had gone to see Su Tang about today. It seemed like she and sis even shared some secret.
Shen Xi and Shen Ci silently placed Su Tang in the highest alert category.
Sis must just be looking out for her because she’s the youngest.
It definitely isn’t because sis prefers a younger sister over younger brothers.
[I’m a bit puzzled, what does Shen Xi giving a single grape mean?]
[I can understand peeling an orange, but what’s the significance of handing over a grape?]
[The significance lies in the fact that Shen Ci gave one, so he had to give one too!]
However, Sang Ji didn’t notice their little interaction with Su Tang, and neither did the live-stream audience.
They didn’t have to wait long before lunch was ready.
The dining table was a six-seater, making it slightly cramped for seven people.
[This side is so lavish! Jiang Siwei and the others worked as waiters and washed dishes at the restaurant all morning and finally got to eat boxed meals!]
[I almost forgot about them]
[The contrast makes it even more pitiful, haha]
Fans of the Jiang siblings felt heartbroken seeing everyone here gathered together eating, drinking, and having fun while they worked so hard.
So, some came over to vent their dissatisfaction, while others in their own live-stream chat were criticizing the production team.
This behavior only made casual viewers even more annoyed.
[Seriously, they earn so much normally, what’s wrong with washing a few plates? Are they being mistreated?]
[Instead of feeling sorry for them, feel sorry for yourselves. They’re getting paid handsomely for this variety show, making money effortlessly.]
[It’s just for the show’s effect, it’s not like they can’t handle a little hardship.]
Soon, the chaotic comments were driven away, and the chat returned to showering praise.
[Shiyu is so capable! I really couldn’t make a whole table of dishes like this.]
[It looks delicious too.]
[Truly a perfect goddess, she can do anything well.]
When it came to cooking, Liang Shiyu had naturally put in the effort.
She absolutely didn’t want any obvious flaws to show in front of others.
The meal went fairly smoothly.
As promised earlier, Cheng Yuan and Cheng Yu went to wash the dishes, while Liang Shiyu still wanted to help.
However, Cheng Yuan firmly pushed her out, saying it would be too embarrassing otherwise.
She had no choice but to give up, planning to find another chance to chat with Cheng Yuan later.
After noon, with the sun blazing outside, no one planned to go out.
Shen Xi and Shen Ci were puzzled—
Wasn’t the meal over? Why were they still here?
And why had they started chatting?
Cheng Yu and the others were talking about fun places nearby.
He was an expert in food, drink, and entertainment; acting was just one of his hobbies, and sometimes he only joined a production once every year or two.
Yet, even so, he never lacked for resources, always the envy of fan circles.
After all, even if their own idols had worked hard in the entertainment industry for years, they might not get such good opportunities.
So, even though he wasn’t a top star and had no direct rivals, there were plenty of people who liked to mock him.
The malice wasn’t extreme, but it certainly wasn’t kind either.
Cheng Yu was getting excited: “Actually, there aren’t many entertainment options here. It’s mainly about the mountains and water, good location, and peacefulness.”
He seemed to remember something: “Speaking of which, Yunxia Island isn’t far from here. It’s a shame we don’t know when we can get a reservation; otherwise, that would be real luxury.”
Liang Shiyu chimed in: “You mean Lanjing Hotel?”
[Talk about rich kids, Lanjing Hotel is so expensive!]
[How expensive?]
[The most expensive resort hotel in the country, believe it or not, it costs tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands per night.]
[The entire Yunxia Island was developed for this hotel. Even if you have money, you might not get in—you need a reservation.]
[Who was it that held a wedding on Yunxia Island before, spending tens of millions?]
[It’s a top-tier domestic resort, no worse than those abroad.]
【I remember Jiang Rui posted about it once, right? She bragged about it for a whole year, apparently using some connections to get in】
【She stayed in one that costs tens of thousands per night, but it’s truly luxurious—the service inside is absolutely top-tier】
【Even celebrities rarely get to go, don’t they?】
【But the scenery is really amazing (never been, just saw it in videos)】
【Wow, I just searched it up—it really is the ultimate indulgence】
【Next life, I must be reborn as someone rich!】
Cheng Yu casually mentioned it, sparking a lively discussion in the bullet comments.
Lanjing Hotel isn’t just a resort—it’s a gathering place for top political and business elites.
For most people, it naturally carries an aura of being unattainably exclusive.
Cheng Yu caught a warning glance from his sister and realized it might not be the best topic to bring up here. Just as he was about to change the subject—
Liang Shiyu asked, feigning curiosity, “Sang Ji, have you been there?”
Sang Ji raised an eyebrow.
Were they that close?
Why ask her specifically?
She didn’t feel like elaborating.
Just then, Shen Xi suddenly spoke up, “I’m going for a nap.”
The topic was interrupted, and pressing further would seem awkward.
Liang Shiyu felt a twinge of regret, thinking she shouldn’t have asked so directly.
But she couldn’t resist probing.
She wanted to see if Sang Ji truly was like a favored daughter of heaven—so lofty and effortlessly possessing things most people could only dream of.
Liang Shiyu had always been willing to acknowledge the darkness in her heart. She never saw it as something shameful.
As long as she appeared virtuous and graceful in front of others, that was enough.
If she pretended well enough, no one would know what she truly felt inside.
When she saw Sang Ji’s face—one that could dominate the entertainment industry—and that astronomically expensive wristwatch, she truly felt unbalanced.
A subtle, mischievous urge rose within her, wanting to see Sang Ji fall from the clouds.
That would be satisfying.
…
Seeing this, Cheng Yuan said to Cheng Yu, “I’m a bit tired. Let’s go back and rest too.”
With that, the conversation ended, and everyone dispersed to return to their own villas.
Su Tang thoughtfully glanced at Sang Ji and Liang Shiyu before finally heading back to her villa with Liang Shiyu.
【Huh, why did it stop? I wanted to hear more】
【I’m curious too】
【Shen Xi! Napping, my foot!】
【But why did Liang Shiyu specifically ask Sang Ji?】
【Maybe because she looks the wealthiest?】
【But Sang Ji’s attitude seemed a bit odd, like she didn’t want to say much】
【Maybe she hasn’t been and feels embarrassed to admit it? After all, she has a wealthy public persona】
Because of this small question, speculation began to swirl online again.
Seeing everyone leave, Shen Ci secretly let out a sigh of relief.
He finally felt like he could breathe again.
He asked Sang Ji, “Do you want to rest, sis?”
Sang Ji wasn’t tired and shook her head.
A faint smile touched Shen Ci’s lips. “Then, do you want to watch a movie together?”
Just like when they were kids.
Hearing the conversation, Shen Xi, who had pretended to head upstairs, walked back and sat on the sofa beside Sang Ji.
Sang Ji asked him, “Weren’t you going to nap?”
Shen Xi replied expressionlessly, “Not tired anymore. Let’s watch a movie.”
Shen Ci fell silent for a moment before asking, “What do you want to watch, sis?”
Sang Ji had no particular preference. “You choose. Whatever you like is good.”
Shen Ci had loved watching all kinds of movies and reading literary works since childhood. Perhaps that was why she chose to become an actress.
Come to think of it, she had never asked about the reasons behind it.
Upon closer reflection, it was indeed quite strange.
Shen Ci clearly disliked interacting with others and expressing herself, yet she chose the profession of an actress—a career that constantly kept her in the public eye.
It seemed she truly hadn’t cared enough about them.
Perhaps their tragic endings in the book were partly her fault.
Just as Shen Xi fell into the female lead’s gentle trap due to a lack of familial love.
If the original female lead had genuinely been a gentle and healing person, she could understand why Shen Xi fell for her.
But she didn’t think Liang Shiyu was anything like her surface appearance.
System No. 008 spoke up: “Host, don’t blame yourself~ That kind of ending was forced by the plot. Before the host awakened, no matter the truth, it would remain hidden beneath the surface plot, leading to a predetermined outcome.”
System No. 001 chimed in, not wanting to be outdone: “But now, with the host’s efforts, the situation can definitely be turned around.”
Huh?
Was she being comforted by two not-so-bright systems?
Speaking of which, what exactly were these two systems for?
They didn’t seem very useful.
The two systems: “…”
They didn’t want to be friends with her anymore!
The movie lasted two hours, and the audience watched along with them for the entire duration.
The venue was quiet, but the live chat was buzzing with discussions.
Yet everyone felt that this atmosphere was quite nice.
Once the weather outside cooled down a bit, the staff notified the guests to gather on the beach.
Before coming out, everyone changed into the sportswear and sneakers prepared by the production team.
The outfits were, of course, from Xinyi, as they were the exclusive sponsor.
They were also wearing the new products being promoted this season.
When the group stood on the beach, even the viewers in the live stream were impressed.
【Everyone suddenly looks so youthful and energetic—it’s a treat for my eyes!】
【I didn’t know sportswear could look this good—I’m tempted.】
【Wait, they released new designs? My wallet is in danger again.】
【Xinyi is truly my favorite sportswear brand.】
【Um, did Jiang Rui know the sponsor was Xinyi before coming here?】
【Now that you mention it, wasn’t her company the biggest seller of counterfeit Xinyi products before?】
【Is she feeling awkward right now?】
【Don’t underestimate her thick skin. She always claimed she wore genuine products while selling fakes.】
【Selling fakes isn’t the main issue—some brands aren’t worth their price. The problem is she sold Xinyi counterfeits at the same price as genuine ones, calling them “affordable alternatives.”】
【??? How could she do that?】
【This is mostly the fault of unscrupulous merchants. When Xinyi was hugely popular abroad, it hadn’t opened stores in China yet, so resellers inflated prices, making hot items two or three times the original price.】
【No wonder I always thought this brand was expensive.】
【It’s definitely not cheap, but the design and materials are top-notch, and they often have promotions now—totally worth it.】
【Huh? Why does it seem like everyone here is familiar with this brand except me?】
【Probably because it only recently opened stores in China. It was all the rage abroad a couple of years ago—almost every celebrity and fashion influencer wore it in street photos, and it became a must-have for fashion and fitness bloggers in China too.】
【Friends, if you want to buy the same style, hurry up and grab it now—I just saw the stock is almost gone】
Fans from various circles who want to get the same style: !!