Chapter 11
After a few days, the male streamer Curry, whom Shen Tang had previously collaborated with, made it to the top searches again. The reason was that many people complained that the fruit they received was rotten.
However, the hot search was quickly suppressed, and Shen Tang could only watch the topic disappear helplessly.
Is this the power of capital? Even public opinion can be controlled.
Shen Tang couldn't help thinking more deeply, and her whole person felt somewhat dispirited.
Tao Sister was a little worried, "Mistress, has something happened?"
"I just realized that some people don't even want their conscience for the sake of making money." After speaking, Shen Tang didn't wait for Tao Sister to comfort her, and adjusted her mood by herself, "Forget it, I won't think about them anymore. Tao Sister, I have an appointment later, so I won't be back for dinner tonight."
"Okay."
Shen Tang made an appointment with Qi Yue to go to the spa together. The two first went to eat and watch a movie before going to the spa.
"Yo, who's this? She still has the nerve to go out?"
Shen Tang looked back. The woman speaking had fiery red lips, big curly hair, was wearing a dress that showed off her figure, and was very eye-catching.
She was quite beautiful, but she didn't seem to be very smart.
Shen Tang tried hard to remember who she was, but couldn't recall it at all.
"You are..."
The woman was furious, "Don't you remember me?"
Shen Tang was extremely embarrassed, "Should I know you?"
The woman took a deep breath and explained, "I'm the new artist brought by Brother Wang. Brother Wang said you are useless, after so many years you still haven't become popular, so he has given up on you."
Shen Tang looked her up and down, oh, so she was that new unlucky one.
She still reminded her, "Brother Wang is not a good person, you—"
"Hmph!" The woman rolled her eyes, "Brother Wang told me everything, you don't need to sow discord anymore."
Shen Tang: "......"
Fine, she wouldn't be the bad guy here anymore.
The woman glanced at her watch, "Alright, I still have things to do, I won't waste time here anymore."
After speaking, she left, leaving Shen Tang standing in place looking at each other with Qi Yue.
The corner of Shen Tang's mouth twitched, "Yueyue, what do you think she came to do?"
Qi Yue shook her head, "She probably just doesn't like you."
As expected, heaven was fair. It gave her beauty, but took away her intelligence.
Shen Tang touched her face. Fortunately, she had both wisdom and beauty, hahaha!
After the spa, they also did a makeover. By the time they finished, the sky was already dark.
Shen Tang kept staring at herself in the mirror.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm so beautiful."
Qi Yue: "......"
"Let's go, I'll take you to a nice place."
Unexpectedly, the so-called nice place turned out to be a bar.
Only the rich and powerful could get into this bar. You had to have a membership card to enter.
This was Shen Tang's first time in a bar in both lifetimes. She followed Qi Yue closely.
There were handsome men and beautiful women inside. Huh? There was even her cheap ex-boyfriend.
Shen Tang quickly averted her eyes and hid her face.
Experience showed that it was better to stay away from fools like him.
The two came to a private room. The waiter asked softly, "What would the two ladies like to drink?"
Shen Tang's eyes widened.
【Holy crap! Are the waiters here all so handsome?】
【With this looks, he's even better than some traffic celebs. Great figure too, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. Ah, I'm dead!】
Gu Huaian, who was in the next private room, frowned. How could he still hear that woman's voice here?
Although he hadn't tested it, he could be certain of one thing - Shen Tang must be nearby!
【I wonder if there are any male models here, hehehe......】
Upon hearing this lecherous thought, Gu Huaian couldn't sit still.
He stood up and looked around.
Fu Xici, who was sitting nearby with crossed legs, lazily lifted his eyelids to glance at him, "What's wrong?"
"Looking for someone."
Gu Huaian quickly saw Shen Tang. He strode over with his long legs.
At that time, Shen Tang was already blushing from the alcohol.
"Yueyue, you really are my bestie. I haven't touched abs before. I must touch some before I die..."
Qi Yue disgustedly pushed Shen Tang away, "Don't seek immortality."
Shen Tang: "......"
"Wahhh, I don't care, I just want to touch abs, I must touch abs!"
Qi Yue regretted it. She didn't expect Shen Tang to have such a low alcohol tolerance. After just one drink, she was already talking nonsense from being drunk.
Just then, someone walked over. When Qi Yue saw clearly who it was, she was shocked. Why was Gu Huaian here?
Since Gu Huaian was here, where was he?
Qi Yue's heart started pounding uncontrollably. This also caused her to overlook Shen Tang.
In her drunken daze, Shen Tang saw an extremely handsome boy. Her mind was full of abs at the moment, so she pounced over and started touching.
"Handsome, let me touch your abs?"
Gu Huaian's face instantly darkened and he hauled Shen Tang away.
Qi Yue was so frightened she immediately sobered up. In their circle, who didn't know about Gu Huaian? Offending him wouldn't end well.
"President Gu, I'm sorry, my friend is drunk..."
"I'm not that drunk..." Shen Tang struggled to cling onto Gu Huaian.
"Shen Tang!"
"President Gu knows my friend?"
"Hahaha!" A familiar voice sounded nearby. Qi Yue looked over, and it was indeed him.
Although Fu Xici didn't know what relationship Gu Huaian had with the woman clinging to him, one look was enough to see they had a complicated relationship.
After all, he usually didn't let women get close to him.
Fu Xici blinked his peach blossom eyes and said to Qi Yue, "They know each other, let's not disturb them."
Qi Yue hesitated a little, but this was the first time Fu Xici spoke to her directly. Her cheeks instantly turned red.
Thinking of Gu Huaian's style, Qi Yue felt he probably wouldn't do anything to Shen Tang, so she obediently followed Fu Xici back to their private room.
It was near enough that they could still see clearly.
Qi Yue ordered the waiter to send over a hangover soup, before she felt at ease chatting with Fu Xici.
Gu Huaian's face was already blacker than coal at this point.
"Shen Tang!"
"Look at who I am!"
Shen Tang forced her eyes wide open. When she finally saw clearly, even the alcohol couldn't help sobering her up?
"Sugar daddy!"
Gu Huaian let out a cold laugh, "Sobered up? If you've sobered up then let go."
Shen Tang hiccupped. Only then did she realize she was hugging Gu Huaian's waist.
Thinking of possibly losing two hundred million, she almost leapt three meters away.
"Hear my explanation!"
Gu Huaian loosened his tie. He was nearly choked to death just now.
"You have three minutes."
Shen Tang's gaze wandered, "You wouldn't believe me if I said this was my first time here right?"
【Damn it, caught the first time I came here. I'm never coming again.】
【Wuwuwu, I think I touched abs just now but forgot what it felt like. If only I could touch again...】
Upon hearing Shen Tang's regretful thoughts, Gu Huaian nearly laughed from anger. Even at a time like this she was still thinking about abs!
Soon, the hangover soup was delivered. After Shen Tang drank it, she completely sobered up.
My god, what had she done earlier!
Shen Tang curled her toes in embarrassment, nearly scratching out a three bedroom apartment.
"Um...sorry about that...I didn't know my alcohol tolerance was so bad..."
【Sigh, no one would probably believe me if I said I could drink thousands of cups without getting drunk in my past life...】
Gu Huaian glanced at her, then lowered his eyes.
Past life? Could she also have reincarnated?
No, last time she said it was a description from a book.
Gu Huaian, who never read online novels, didn't know the term "transmigration into a book".
Chapter 12
Shen Tang was racking her brains trying to come up with an excuse when the supervisor came over with several handsome men with distinctive features.
One of them, a cute puppy type, enthusiastically came forward, lifted up his shirt, "Sister, feel my abs."
Shen Tang grinned and couldn't help reaching out her hand...
Sensing the cold stare, she instantly dropped her smile and put the puppy's shirt back down.
She lightly coughed, "You're so young, don't always lift your shirt, your navel can easily catch a cold if exposed to the wind."
The puppy: "..."
He blinked his almond eyes, "Sister, you're the first person to tell me to put my clothes back on instead of taking them off."
Shen Tang thought to herself: No, there's also your grandma.
She secretly glanced at Gu Huaian, only to see him sitting there nonchalantly without saying a word.
To be honest, that made her even more afraid.
"Ahem, anyway, you guys can leave, I don't need anything right now."
The puppy still wanted to say something but noticing the icy man next to them, he left with his companions.
Shen Tang awkwardly laughed, "Uh, so..."
Gu Huaian looked at his watch, "Do you have anything else to do?"
"Uh, no."
"Then let's go."
"Oh."
Shen Tang obediently got up, without asking where they were going.
After all, Gu Huaian's integrity was still commendable.
The two walked one in front of the other to the car. Shen Tang felt like she was forgetting something but couldn't remember what.
This time Gu Huaian didn't handle work matters. Instead he closed his eyes to rest.
Shen Tang secretly looked at him. He's so handsome! Compared to him, she was probably just a mud blob tossed aside by Nüwa.
Hmm, he has a nice straight nose too. It's said that men with big noses also have big...her gaze uncontrollably went downward.
Gu Huaian suddenly opened his eyes with a complicated expression.
He really wanted to ask Shen Tang what goes through her brain all day.
Shen Tang lightly coughed, "Where are we going?"
"I thought you wouldn't ask."
They arrived at the entrance to an apartment complex. Shen Tang recognized this as Gu Huaian's residence near the company.
She was in a daze as they registered and recorded her fingerprint.
"What's this for?"
"In case a certain someone can't find the place when delivering food and ends up eating it herself."
Shen Tang: "..."
Guilty.jpg
"Should we add each other on WeChat then?"
Before Gu Huaian could refuse, Shen Tang righteously said, "I don't have any ulterior motives, it's all for work. Otherwise I won't be able to find you if something comes up."
Gu Huaian didn't refuse. His intention for getting close to her was to find out what her background was anyway.
Although Shen Tang's nickname...
Gu Huaian contemplated the five words "Crazy Monkey in Love".
With her level of intelligence, was he overthinking things?
It was only a little after 9. Still early. The quiet room made Shen Tang, who liked lively atmospheres, a little antsy.
"So, no work for you today?"
Just sitting here so awkwardly...
[Waah, she wants to play games...]
"Do whatever you want, I'm going to work first."
After he left, Shen Tang lightly let out a breath.
She took out her phone and saw Qi Yue had called her 5 times and sent 8 messages.
Shen Tang: "!!!"
She remembered what she had forgotten!
She called back but Qi Yue hung up. She sent messages but got no reply.
Just as Shen Tang was about to call the police, Qi Yue finally sent a message back:
[Yueyue: I'm having dinner with my crush, talk later!!!]
Shen Tang knew Qi Yue had a crush she entered the entertainment industry for, but didn't know who it was.
Fortunately it seemed like nothing had happened to her.
Although Qi Yue said that bar was safe, human hearts were complicated and no one could guarantee absolute safety there.
Miao Miao also sent a message asking her to play games.
Shen Tang replied and opened King of Glory, waiting a few minutes for Miao Miao to finish her last match.
After Miao Miao pulled her into the room, Shen Tang saw there was another person whose ID was "Cool Tyrannosaurus Rex".
Shen Tang had a bad feeling. That name, could it be an elementary schooler...
Miao Miao turned on voice chat: "Sister Monkey, this is my brother, can you bring him for a bit?"
[No problem]
Their match was duo queue. Their opponents were a couple with the IDs "Heaven" and "Hao".
Shen Tang didn't really like these kinds of IDs but wouldn't say anything since it was personal freedom.
Shen Tang played Marksman, Miao Miao played Little Jiao, Tyrannosaurus Rex played Li Xin, while the couple played Yao Mian and Li Bai.
Yao Mian followed Li Bai from the start. The two didn't turn on voice chat and talked through messages instead.
[Heaven: Hubby, can you give me blue buff?]
[Hao: Baby, come take it]
[Heaven: Hubby, you're so handsome]
[Hao: Love you, wifey]
Shen Tang: ...
Joy and sorrow are not shared by all.
It's said Marksman players are one level lower than others. Yao Mian Marksman players are two levels lower.
Shen Tang sat under tower alone in bot lane while the enemy ADC and support constantly poked at her. The enemy mid and jungler also ganked her several times, almost diving her under the second tower.
Aside from Miao Miao coming to help a couple times, that couple didn't come bot once.
Seeing the 0-3 score, Shen Tang felt irritated and messaged: [Crazy Monkey in Love: Jungler, can you come gank bot?]
[Hao: Can't you be more shameless? How did you die so many times?]
[Hao: With your rank, you must've spread your legs to get carried here right?]
[Sweet Kitten: Are you talking about yourself?]
These words directly lit the fuse. The couple both turned on voice chat and spewed all kinds of verbal abuse, things like "f**k your mom" and "f**k your sister" and other censored phrases.
Miao Miao was furious but her upbringing prevented her from swearing back. She could only argue back with reason.
The grade schooler arguing top lane couldn't type as fast as they could talk.
Shen Tang couldn't stand it anymore and turned on voice chat to scolded:
"F**k, so gutsy?"
"Eat sh*t, even chickens play better than you."
"You really think your 0-0 score is hot sh*t? Were you sleepwalking in the jungle? What, gathering magic mushrooms for your moms there?"
"Foul nasty mouths, how much sh*t have you eaten?"
"People always say you harp on what you lack the most. You two must be motherless orphans!"
"Tsk tsk, so pitiful. Call me mom and I'll consider giving you some maternal love."
Shen Tang didn't know how they reacted since she had muted them and was just relentlessly attacking.
In the end, the couple rage quit.
Of course, they lost that match too.
After leaving the room, all three of them reported the couple and successfully docked them credit score.
However, Shen Tang herself also got a chat restriction.
Shen Tang: "..."
She pulled the couple back into the room to cuss them out more before kicking them out.
Shen Tang sighed. Yao Mian's reputation has been ruined by these kinds of people.
Miao Miao also felt very guilty: "I'm so sorry, my words are too clumsy and I didn't help you cuss them out just now..."
Shen Tang turned on voice chat: "Don't overthink it. That couple was the problem. Don't blame yourself, always look to others for the cause."
"Rather than blame yourself, blame others instead."
Cool Tyrannosaurus Rex also spoke up: "Sister Monkey is so awesome!"
Shen Tang: "???"
"You don't sound like a grade schooler!" His voice was quite nice, an auditory treat.
The other laughed and said in a low voice, "I didn't say I was a grade schooler."
Shen Tang was lost in thought. She was wrong to judge based on the name.
"You're right, the name's a bit childish for a grade schooler."
Cool Tyrannosaurus Rex replied: "Exactly, it's just right for a college student."
It was just one game. Shen Tang didn't take it to heart.
They played a few more ranked matches afterwards. Thankfully no more weirdos and they smoothly gained some stars.
Chapter 13
Shen Tang didn't take this matter seriously at all. She didn't expect that her video scolding others would go viral.
That sly couple only edited the part where Shen Tang was cursing and intentionally distorted the context to guide netizens to attack her online. It was Miao Miao who reminded Shen Tang about it.
When Shen Tang logged into her game, she discovered many more friend requests, and the verification messages were all cursing her.
The comments section on Weibo was even more vicious.
[A girl with a filthier mouth than a public toilet]
[Curses so smoothly, obviously no home training]
[The one upstairs, what home training would a little slut have? Smoking, drinking, tattooing, aborting, tsk tsk, who knows how she climbed up the ranks?]
Many people are good at conjecturing the worst about others as if they had witnessed it themselves.
Shen Tang was quite speechless. Do these people live under her bed?
To be honest, her loose lips were trained when she was frequently bullied in the past.
Because if she didn't fight back, they would always take advantage of her.
Therefore, if others scolded her, she would curse back. If others hit her, she would hit back even harder.
Nobody could think of bullying her.
A nobody didn't mean she could be bullied.
Gu Huaian, who was still at work, suddenly heard a series of inner voices and paused for a moment before stepping out.
Shen Tang was about to explode with anger at this moment. Clearly, they were the ones who started scolding first!
She took out her alt account and frantically argued with the netizens online, her fingers moving so fast they were a blur and her phone screen was nearly tapped broken.
"Need help?"
"Yes!" Shen Tang didn't even lift her head. "Come help me curse people!"
Gu Huaian: "......"
He figured out that this woman's mind worked differently from normal people!
"The Gu Group has a professional legal department."
Shen Tang looked up in puzzlement.
Gu Huaian continued, "I can lend them to you to sue those people."
Shen Tang hesitated. It was only verbal abuse, no big deal actually.
However, when she saw the insults that she was an orphan without parents, Shen Tang couldn't hold back anymore.
She was an orphan. According to Mother Superior at the orphanage, she was abandoned at their doorstep as a baby.
Shen Tang hated hearing those words very much.
After hearing her inner voice, Gu Huaian hesitated before reaching out his hand to stroke Shen Tang's head to comfort her.
Shen Tang was puzzled.
What? Was he treating her like a dog?
Gu Huaian: "......"
He figured out that the mindset of this woman was different from ordinary people!
"It's getting late, you should rest early."
Shen Tang looked left and right, "Where do I sleep?"
There was only one bedroom here. Could it be the sofa again? Although the sofa was quite comfortable.
"You sleep in the bedroom."
"Then what about you?"
Gu Huaian wearily pinched his brow. "I still have a few international conferences to handle tonight. Don't wait for me."
Shen Tang smiled awkwardly. She didn't plan on waiting for him anyway. After all, he was her sugar daddy, she still had to show some care.
Gu Huaian sighed. Being able to read minds, he didn't know if this was good or bad.
He could almost confirm now that this Shen Tang was not the same person as the Shen Tang from his previous life.
But where did she come from?
The bedroom had an en suite bathroom. Only after Shen Tang finished showering did she remember she didn't have a change of clothes or towel.
Shen Tang: "!!!"
She blamed those people in her heart again.
Just as she was hesitating, there was a knock on the door—
"I've put the clothes outside the door, come out and get them yourself."
Shen Tang was extremely delighted. As expected of her sugar daddy, everything was prepared!
Wait, she didn't bring any clothes here. Where did these clothes come from?
Nevermind! As long as there was something to wear.
After Shen Tang put them on, she discovered they fit very well.
Lying in bed, she just couldn't fall asleep for a long time.
The bed had the same scent as Gu Huaian, probably the same incense.
Thinking that Gu Huaian had slept on this bed before made Shen Tang very uncomfortable.
Other than work, this was almost her most intimate contact with a man.
After tossing and turning for half the night, she finally fell asleep after chanting the Great Compassion Mantra for awhile.
In the next room, Gu Huaian faintly pulled up the corners of his mouth.
He admitted that after hearing this inner voice, a certain hidden delight arose from the bottom of his heart.
He attributed this to the malicious workings of petty possessiveness.
The next day, Shen Tang unusually slept in late.
Opening WeChat, she received a message from Miao Miao that the couple had deleted their Weibo post and apologized.
Shen Tang was puzzled and took a look. Indeed that was the case.
Looking further at the comments section, because they felt deceived and angry, the netizens' backlash was severe. However they had cursed her yesterday, now they were cursing the couple even more and worse.
Shen Tang was indifferent. Just a group of fickle people on the internet, endlessly cyberbullying this person or cyberbullying that person.
There was no upholding justice whatsoever, only venting their emotions.
However, for things to resolve so quickly gave her an unreal feeling.
Putting on her shoes and going out, Gu Huaian was no longer around.
She thought for a bit before taking out Gu Huaian's WeChat to send a "Thank you".
Feeling that was a little cold, she also sent a thankful cat emoticon.
Tapping into Gu Huaian's Moments, there was nothing inside, which nearly made her suspect she was blocked.
Shen Tang looked at her own Moments again, full of eating, drinking, playing and happy occasional selfies. The gap between them was truly so big!
Afraid she might post something inconvenient for him to see in the future, she casually blocked his access to view her Moments.
- Sugar Daddy: You're welcome
- Sugar Daddy: If anything like this happens again in the future, you can contact Cen Assistant directly
- Sugar Daddy: Thankful cat emoticon.jpg
Was this his way of saying he would be covering her?
Shen Tang was extremely excited.
In the future, could she walk sideways?
Just when she was happy, she suddenly received a message from Wang Brother and her upturned mouth corners instantly drooped.
- Old Biden: Tang Tang come to the company for a bit, something's up
- Hopeless Monkey: Oh, coming right away
When she was leaving, she just happened to bump into Cen Assistant.
"Mistress, this is the breakfast Mr. Gu asked me to deliver to you."
Shen Tang took the breakfast with mixed feelings, "Assistant Cen, your work is so busy, but you still have to be responsible for delivering meals?"
Does the sugar daddy only have one person to order around? As expected of a merciless capitalist.
Not knowing if her brain short-circuited, Shen Tang blurted out, "How much does he pay you per month that it requires you to be on call 24/7, responding immediately whenever summoned?"
If she didn't see wrongly, Assistant Cen seemed to smile faintly.
"Seven digits per month in salary, plus bonuses and stock dividends at the end of the year."
Shen Tang: "......"
The clown was me all along!
"I'm sorry for the disturbance."
Speaking of which, do assistants earn this much?
To be honest, if she was paid that much, she would also be willing to be ordered around!
Thinking of so much salary, Shen Tang was still unresigned as she brazenly asked, "May I rudely ask, which esteemed university did you graduate from?"
If it was possible, she also wanted to be an assistant.
"Yale University."
As expected, even the position of an assistant wasn't something ordinary people could take on, just the academic qualifications would cause her to be screened out.
Shen Tang dabbed at imaginary tears in the corner of her eyes. "I was too presumptuous..."
Chapter 14
Wang Brother said the thing was that the deserted island variety show was about to start broadcasting.
Such a small matter could be notified by WeChat, there was no need to make her come over specially.
Shen Tang intuited there was something else, sure enough —
"Tangtang, one of the guests this time is a tycoon's child. Could you...take care of him?"
"How to take care?"
"You act a little to set him off. Don't worry, if you do well, I guarantee to tear you a good resource."
Shen Tang shook her head.
Wang Brother's mouth corners drooped, "What, you don't agree?"
"No, I just feel that this deserted island show is quite arduous, she is more delicate and may not be able to stand it. It would be better to let her go to Love Reality Show. After all, the popularity of Love Reality Show is higher."
Wang Brother thought, "Hmm, let me think about it..."
Shen Tang secretly grimaced, she didn't want to be the stepping stone at all.
The day passed in the twinkling of an eye. Wang Brother did not message, he seemed not to come to this show, which made Shen Tang breathe a sigh of relief.
As for whether he went to Love Reality Show, she didn't know, because the two shows started one after another.
The gathering place of "13 Days on the Island" was at the dock.
When Shen Tang arrived, most people had already arrived.
There were a total of six guests, four men and two women, in addition to Shen Tang, the others were Huo Yingying, Zhao Zhe, Ao Ziping, He Yuan and Zhou Hao.
They were all some newcomers, with the same pure foolishness in most people's eyes.
After calculation, Shen Tang was actually the one with the highest popularity.
She greeted them, then found a corner without sunlight to rest quietly.
Because it was live broadcast all the way, many of Shen Tang's antis got wind of it and came.
It was ridiculous that many of them were fans of other artists. At this time, they actually united and targeted Shen Tang, determined not to stop until she was driven out of the business.
【Yo, the troublemaker is here again】
【Hehehe, she's useless, I bet a spicy stick that she will cry to quit within a day】
【I second that!】
The director took out the ancestral loudspeaker and said, "Now that everyone has arrived, please hand over all your luggage and mobile phones. Each person can choose to keep three things."
"What? Just three things, how to survive thirteen days?"
"What about the change of clothes?"
The director coughed slightly, "Don't worry, there are resource packages on the island, but the guests need to find them themselves."
After the staff took away the luggage of other guests, Shen Tang also handed over her mobile phone.
"Swish!"
"Wait, what's that sound?" The director looked at Shen Tang suspiciously.
The weather was hot today, but Shen Tang wore a long coat. Among the guests in T-shirts, shorts and dresses, she was very conspicuous.
She looked around with an extremely innocent expression, "What sound?"
The director looked her up and down and pointed to a female staff member, "Xiao Liu, go check if she has smuggled anything."
Shen Tang: "..."
How can he be so mean?
"No need, I'll take it out myself."
With that, she took out several packs of compressed biscuits from her pocket.
Seeing her move so smoothly, the director said with certainty, "There must be more."
Xiao Liu stepped forward. Shen Tang sighed and took out several bags of pickled mustard greens from her hat, and said aggrievedly, "That's really all."
Everyone present: "..."
The director's expression was extremely speechless, "It's a pity you became an actress..."
Shen Tang felt wronged.
It was so annoying.
【Haha, I didn't know Shen Tang was so funny!】
【It's a bit of a personal attack】
【Don't forget what disgusting things she did before! 】
【Thanks for the reminder above, sober now】
Seeing the bullet screen, the director smiled with satisfaction.
He's not afraid of scolding, he's just afraid there's no popularity.
It seemed that inviting Shen Tang was the right choice. Although she had a bad reputation, she came with popularity.
He cleared his throat, "Alright, time's up. Pick your stuff and get on the boat. We'll come to pick you up in thirteen days."
Noticing that others brought lighters, Shen Tang spent a long time choosing, and finally took sunscreen, a large pot, and a dagger.
As expected, the barrage scolded again.
【She's really something, she brought sunscreen as if she was in a beauty pageant!】
【Yeah, did she think it was a love reality show?】
【666, looking forward to when Shen Tang cries】
On the boat, Shen Tang felt a little dizzy. A male guest came over, "Sister Tangtang, can I call you that?"
Shen Tang hmm-ed.
"Sister Tangtang, I'm Zhao Zhe, I'm your loyal fan, I've watched all your TV series!"
Shen Tang's eyes widened, "Really? Then please tell me three of my roles in ten seconds."
Zhao Zhe hemmed and hawed and couldn't say it.
He changed the subject and said, "By the way, Sister Tangtang, I have candy, do you want some?"
As he said, he took out a bag of caramels from his pocket.
To his incredulous gaze, Shen Tang took away the whole bag of caramels, "Well, thank you~"
【Hahaha, Shen Tang did that on purpose, right?】
【Am I the only one who thinks her behavior is not good? A person only has three things, yet she took away the whole bag...】
【She deserves it. If you don't want to give, then don't. Anyone can see his intention from her expression after taking it】
After that, no one tried to get close to Shen Tang.
Seeing this, the satisfied director stroked the little hair he had left.
"Our show is going to be a hit!"
The producer next to him looked at him like an idiot, "It's not even dark yet and you're dreaming already?"
The director rolled his eyes, "You don't understand."
"Yes, yes, I don't understand, you understand the most, you are the understanding king, alright?"
It wasn't that the producer had to pour cold water, it was just that the lineup was no good, a group of newcomers, and an eighteen-line actress full of scandals. The popularity simply couldn't be raised.
If only there was a top actor or actress, there might be some hope.
Unfortunately their budget was limited and they couldn't afford it, cough cough.
The boat soon arrived at the small island, and the staff put them down before leaving by boat.
Shen Tang panicked for a moment, "Wait! There are no wild animals on this island, right?"
"Don't worry, there aren't."
As the boat left, the guests were a little nervous.
"They really left..."
With the rapid development of technology these days, the live streaming devices were cameras that could be remotely controlled to fly around the guests, which was very convenient.
Each person had a live streamer, so the live stream was divided into several, and everyone could choose which live stream to watch.
Currently Shen Tang had the most viewers in her live stream, unfortunately they were all scolding her.
The island was very big. Shen Tang thought the program team was exaggerating at first, but it turned out to be true that there was really nothing, very clean, as they said.
Literally nothing, not even eating, drinking, peeing or pooping places at all.
Oh no, there was something.
At least there was a simple toilet, and a half-finished hut that you could still enjoy the starry sky lying inside.
Guests: Listen to me, thank you.
Chapter 15
The guests were restless, feeling it was time to show themselves off.
The six people happened to be divided into three groups. He Yuan and Zhao Zhe were responsible for building the shed, Huo Yingying and Ao Ziping went to find resource packages, while Shen Tang and Zhou Hao built the stove.
Building the stove was fairly simple, it would have been even better if Zhou Hao wasn't nagging on the side.
He was not good at anything, except for commanding.
The stove was built, but only a small half of the roof was fixed.
Zhou Hao walked over and shook his head sighing: "Why isn't it done yet? Didn't you do any research before coming? If you don't know how, why didn't you say so in advance?"
Zhao Zhe smiled awkwardly:"Well...my hands have a mind of their own..."
"My eyes can see, but my hands don't follow..." He Yuan also sighed.
Shen Tang clapped her hands and walked over saying:"Let me try."
Fixing the roof requires some skills, she happened to have some experience from her past life.
The two crawled down in shame.
Just then, a mocking laugh could be heard. Shen Tang looked back and saw Zhou Hao sneering contemptuously.
Shen Tang frowned.
"What are you laughing about?"
Zhou Hao held his head high like a proud rooster:"Don't get me wrong, how can you as a girl know these things? The sun is nearly down, don't delay everyone."
"I don't know but you do? I didn't see you do much this afternoon, your mouth didn't stop though. So full of nonsense."
【Tang sister, please be my keyboard warrior! 】
【I hate people who talk too much the most, blabbering nonstop】
【Uh, I think he was right, although the words were harsh. Shen Tang is just a beautiful flower vase, fixing roofs is no simple task. She's just doing it for attention, delaying everyone for nothing】
Zhao Zhe and He Yuan looked at Shen Tang with admiration, she dared to say anything even on a livestream, how bold!
Shen Tang scoffed lightly:"What if I fix it properly?"
Zhou Hao blurted out:"Then I'll do a handstand and wash my hair!"
Shen Tang looked at the livestreaming device:"Everyone can testify, he said it himself. Whoever goes back on their word later is a little dog."
"Wait, you haven't said what your punishment would be if you don't fix it properly!"
Shen Tang waved her hand casually:"However you see fit."
After saying that, she swiftly climbed onto the roof, and started fixing it skillfully.
【Hahaha she's so shameless going to such lengths just for attention】
【I mean, what if Shen Tang really knows how to?】
【Impossible! If she can really do it I'll eat shit on the livestream!】
【Bro don't lie about eating or drinking!!!】
Zhou Hao was a little nervous too, Shen Tang can't really know how, can she?
But he soon calmed himself down again.
As everyone knows, Shen Tang is a famous flower vase in the entertainment industry, beautiful and without much skill.
As time went by, Zhou Hao's expression got uglier. He swallowed hard a few times.
Goodness, Shen Tang really knew how to fix roofs!
Zhao Zhe, He Yuan and the audience were also extremely shocked.
The moment Shen Tang finished, the livestream chat froze for a second before flooding with messages.
【Fuck fuck fuck!】
【OMG Shen Tang even knows how to build houses!】
【The bro who said he'll eat shit on stream just now, I screenshotted, when will you stream?】
Shen Tang climbed down, dusted her hands and asked Zhou Hao:"Well?"
Zhou Hao gritted his teeth:"A promise is a promise!"
He looked to He Yuan and Zhao Zhe:"Help support me please."
Then he went to the seaside, and did a handstand to wash his hair with their help.
Shen Tang's impression of him improved. Although his mouth was cheap, at least he was a good sport.
After a simple rinse with seawater, Zhou Hao ruffled his wet hair, revealing his handsome features.
"Is it ok now?"
Shen Tang smiled and nodded:"Not bad."
Zhou Hao's cheeks reddened slightly as he held his head high and humphed coldly.
"A real man keeps his word."
【He looks quite hot even though his personality sucks】
【Hahaha Zhou Hao even did a handstand, where's the bro who said he'll eat shit on stream? 】
【Don't bother, he deleted his account】
Just then, Ao Ziping and Huo Yingying came back.
The two found a resource package with quite a lot of stuff - some water, compressed biscuits, instant noodles and a sleeping bag.
There was only one sleeping bag so the men gallantly let the ladies have it.
They plucked some large leaves to lay on the ground and slept on it directly.
The sunset dyed the horizon orange. Listening to the sound of waves, it felt peaceful.
"Gulu~"
Someone's stomach growled, breaking the brief tranquility.
"Hungry?"
"Very..."
"Have some compressed biscuits?"
No one agreed, compressed biscuits don't taste nice.
Shen Tang was feeling rather hungry too, and started missing home cooked meals.
She tried to do a sit up - and failed.
Shen Tang sat up:"Let's cook some noodles and seafood, does anyone know how to catch seafood?"
Just as Zhou Hao opened his mouth to speak, Shen Tang threw him a glare:"Quiet! Or no food for you later!"
Zhou Hao's body stiffened as he obediently kept silent.
【Haha Tang sister well handled!】
【Haven't watched the stream for a day, what's going on? The shameless clout chaser has fans now?】
【Don't worry, I only like her mouth】
The guests were all delicate darlings, utterly helpless and hopeless. Their expressions were rather awkward.
Shen Tang sighed:"Go find some firewood together, the production team must have prepared some."
After all they can't let them chop trees on a livestream, too environmentally unfriendly.
"Don't wander too far, just look around nearby."
It was getting dark, the woods were harmless but it was easy to get lost, unsafe.
There were abundant plants on the island. Shen Tang picked some familiar wild vegetables and fruits nearby, and got some small seafood by the shore.
The large pot she deliberately chose came in very handy now.
The guests returned very quickly.
Thanks to Huo Yingying's sharp eyes, she discovered a stack of firewood in a tree hollow.
After Shen Tang washed the pot, she boiled the vegetables and seafood, then added in the noodles.
Soon, an appetizing aroma filled the air.
"Smells so good..."
"You're right, this seafood noodle soup is more luxurious than what I make at home."
Shen Tang served everyone a bowl.
Huo Yingying eagerly slurped a mouthful of noodles:"Mm...so tasty, never had such aromatic noodles before..."
Even the most annoying Zhou Hao didn't say anything unpleasant, just buried his head to eat.
【Making me hungry...】
【Nevermind, I'm going to cook noodles】
【Wasn't she supposed to be just a flower vase? How does she know fixing roofs and cooking too?】
【Heh, cooking instant noodles is hard?】
Chapter 16
After the meal, the male guests voluntarily took over the task of washing the pots.
This made Shen Tang very satisfied. She hated washing dishes the most.
Since there was still plenty of time, Zhao Zhe suggested, "Why don't we play a round of Truth or Dare?"
Shen Tang secretly rolled her eyes. Why did every variety show have this game?
She didn't know if the author was tired of writing it, but she was certainly tired of watching it.
However, doing nothing would bore the audience.
Besides, she couldn't think of anything better to do.
"That's a great idea!" Huo Yingying was the first to agree enthusiastically.
The six of them sat in a circle. Zhao Zhe filled an empty mineral water bottle with seawater and placed it in the middle.
"I assume everyone knows the rules? We'll start with me. Whoever the bottle points to gets to choose between answering a truth or taking on a dare."
"Don't worry, we all know how to play."
"Uh huh!"
"Let's start!"
Zhao Zhe glanced at Shen Tang before spinning the bottle.
Shen Tang's heart skipped a beat when she saw the bottle pointing at her. Her eyelid twitched.
"Sister Tang, will you pick truth or dare?"
In the dim light of the fire, Shen Tang felt Zhao Zhe's face looked somehow malicious.
"Truth," she answered.
Zhao Zhe apologized silently in his heart. The producer had instructed him to ask this question.
"I've seen many online rumors about Sister Tang's relationships. I wonder which ones are real and which ones are fake?"
The others' hearts beat faster. Wasn't this question too explosive?
It was widely known that Shen Tang was vilified for allegedly exploiting relationships for hype.
The person in question, however, remained expressionless. "They're all fake," she stated plainly.
Zhao Zhe's eyes glimmered with gossip. "Oh? So Sister Tang has never actually dated anyone?"
Shen Tang shamelessly rolled her eyes again. "That would be the next question."
【Haha, so the clout chaser has finally admitted it】
【Hope the world never sees another clout chaser, amen】
【There's no way Shen Tang has never dated, hilarious】
The subsequent questions were relatively simple since it was a live show that couldn't be edited. Everyone was more restrained.
When it cycled back to Shen Tang, she spun the bottle towards Zhao Zhe this time.
She slowly bared her teeth in a wicked grin. "Hehehe!"
Zhao Zhe shivered in fear. Scared.jpg
"Which do you pick?"
"Truth!"
"When was your first kiss?"
The online audience instantly grew excited.
【Now that's an adult topic worth watching!】
【We should indeed be watching Sister Tang, what lame questions were those earlier about favorite foods etc.】
【Feel free to ask racier stuff, like details about his first time!】
【Dude, I wanna know too but that's too much. It'll get the stream shut down】
Zhao Zhe mumbled softly.
Shen Tang: "I didn't catch that, could you speak up please?"
Zhao Zhe shut his eyes and yelled, "I've never kissed anyone!"
"Pfft!"
Someone failed to hold in their laughter first, and the room erupted into giggles.
He Yuan leaned his arm around Zhao Zhe's shoulder. "Bro, you've really never kissed anyone?"
"No..." Zhao Zhe sighed. "My family was very strict. I didn't even get close to any girls, much less an actual kiss."
Just then, someone noticed Shen Tang wasn't laughing. "Sister Tang, how come you're not laughing?"
Shen Tang: "It's just not in my nature to laugh much."
Huo Yinyin scooted over and whispered, "Sister Tang, could it be that you haven't kissed anyone either?"
Although she had spoken softly, everyone had microphones on that picked up sounds clearly.
Shen Tang: "......"
"No. What's there to kiss about men? It'll only affect how fast I earn money!"
Huo Yingying nodded in vague understanding. "Oh, so that means you haven't kissed either."
Shen Tang: "......"
Girl, why did you have to blurt it out like that?
【??? I don't believe it】
【So the alleged clout chaser is actually that innocent?】
【Pfft, now she's back to pretending to be pure again, don't let her fool you!】
Since the guests' phones had been confiscated, they were oblivious to the lively discussions online.
This question seemed to have opened the floodgates. By the end, almost everyone had gotten a turn.
Well dang, they were all virgins. Let's not laugh at one other.
As for whether they were truthful or acting, that remained to be seen.
They played until late into the night before finally feeling tired and resting.
The two girls shared the only sleeping bag while the guys slept on the other side.
Shen Tang dreamed she was being tightly coiled by a giant snake, unable to move at all.
When she opened her eyes, she discovered Huo Yingying had all four limbs wrapped tightly around her in a viselike hug.
She nudged her awake. "Yingying, wake up."
Only then did Huo Yingying open her eyes. When she came to her senses, her face flushed red as she hastily let go.
"Sorry about that, I tend to toss and turn in my sleep."
"I noticed," Shen Tang said.
The morning air was crisp and fresh. Everyone else was still asleep as Shen Tang stood barefoot on the beach, stretching leisurely.
Sunshine filtered through the clouds, glimmering on the sea surface and bathing Shen Tang's figure in a golden glow.
The sea breeze lightly toyed with her silky hair, blowing strands right into viewers' hearts.
Those who had woken up early to watch the stream caught their breath at the sight.
【Gotta admit, the alleged clout chaser does have good looks...】
【Indeed...】
"Morning!" Everyone gradually woke up and encountered the biggest problem—getting cleaned up.
"Looks like we'll have to go find one of the supply bags. At the very least we have to wash our faces and brush teeth."
"Let's split into two groups."
With four guys and two girls, it was perfectly three to a group.
Shen Tang looked over the few male guests and said, "Let's split into three groups— me and Yingying as one group, the rest of you pair up."
She headed off with Huo Yingying without waiting for them to respond.
Zhou Hao, who suggested splitting up initially, smiled awkwardly. He looked to the others only to discover Ao Ziping and He Yuan had already left, leaving only Zhao Zhe behind.
Zhou Hao: "......"
Zhao Zhe sighed, "Come on, let's just go look for supplies too."
On the way, Zhou Hao felt very uncomfortable inside.
He huffed angrily, "Did I offend Sister Shen Tang yesterday? Is that why she seems upset with me?"
Zhao Zhe thought about it. "Shouldn't be... She seems like the type to get even on the spot if someone wrongs her."
The scene from last night was still fresh in his mind. Zhao Zhe shivered remembering it.
He regretted listening to his agent who claimed getting embroiled in dating rumors with Shen Tang would make him popular—that any publicity was good publicity.
He had believed that.
But his agent forgot to mention how sharp Shen Tang's tongue was!
Thinking of that pack of candy and being forced to admit he had never kissed anyone last night, he felt terrible.
His reputation was ruined!!!
That woman really was malicious!
Chapter 17
Shen Tang and Huo Yingying were walking with some difficulty through the forest. There were no paths here, only tree branches everywhere that scratched their faces.
Shen Tang stopped and said, "This isn't working."
Huo Yingying was tired and out of breath, leaning against a tree, "What should we do..."
After walking for so long, she was hungry.
Shen Tang looked up at the tall trees, and tucked his shirt into his pants. "Let me take a look first."
To Huo Yingying's shock, Shen Tang nimbly climbed up the big tree using his hands and feet.
"Wait--" Aren't you an actress?
Huo Yingying didn't think someone could move that quickly without having climbed trees at least 180 times.
As he climbed higher and higher, Huo Yingying started to worry. If he fell from that height by accident, he would probably die on the spot.
She couldn't keep her voice from trembling, "Tang Tang, don't climb anymore!"
"It's fine!" His voice floated down from above.
Shen Tang climbed up high and looked around. The surrounding scenery was unobstructed. The locations of the hidden resource packs weren't too difficult to spot, but they weren't completely obvious either.
He looked around and noticed a few conspicuous signs, memorizing their locations before slowly climbing back down.
With about one meter left, he jumped straight to the ground.
Huo Yingying had red eyes. "Tang Tang, you scared me to death!"
When Shen Tang was up in the tree earlier, Huo Yingying didn't even dare speak much, afraid of disturbing him and causing him to fall.
A warm current flowed through Shen Tang's heart. So this is what it feels like to be worried over?
It felt nice.
He reached out and ruffled Huo Yingying's hair. "There there, see I'm fine!"
On the other side, He Yuan and Ao Ziping had looked for half a day without even seeing the shadow of a resource pack.
He Yuan felt irritated. "The production team sure hid them well. Do they really plan to starve us to death?"
Ao Ziping sighed. "Let's keep looking. There must be clues, we just haven't discovered them yet."
All of a sudden, they heard rustling sounds.
The two exchanged a glance and quietly walked over.
They saw an old hen pecking at bugs on the ground and eating them.
Ao Ziping was so excited he silently screamed, afraid of startling the chicken away.
He Yuan looked left and right, didn't see anything, and whispered: "How do we catch it?"
"Let's just go for it directly. It's probably a domestic hen, it shouldn't be too difficult!"
Half an hour later, He Yuan and Ao Ziping sprawled on the ground, covered in feathers.
He Yuan panted heavily. "How - how can this chicken even fly?"
Ao Ziping plucked the feathers out of his hair, somewhat exhausted. "What now, try again?"
It was almost noon already. Other than what little they ate last night, they hadn't eaten since arriving on the island for filming yesterday.
The two looked at the flapping chicken, and thoughts of various chicken dishes involuntarily flashed through their minds.
Swallowing mouthful of saliva, they said in unison: "Catch it!"
...
Zhao Zhe carried a resource pack in one hand, and supported the limping Zhou Hao with the other.
Returning to camp, they saw Shen Tang and Yingying lying on the beach sunbathing.
Zhou Hao raised his eyebrows arrogantly. "Sis Tang Tang, you came back so quickly, did you not find anything?"
Not waiting for them to reply, he went on. "It's fine, I found a resource pack. You can share it with us. I don't mind."
The bullet screen in the livestream instantly became lively.
[Why did that sound so petulant?]
[Drinking early Longjing tea from 1982, wakes me right up, hahaha]
Shen Tang sat up, seeming to smile but not. "Who said we didn't find anything?"
She pointed at the shelter. "There, those are the ones we found."
There were three resource packs, neat and tidy under the shelter.
Zhou Hao's first reaction was: "How is that possible?!"
"And why is it not possible?" Shen Tang raised her eyebrows.
Zhou Hao had thought he could win one over her, he didn't expect Shen Tang to be so capable.
He pursed his lips and went to sit by himself.
Zhao Zhe was somewhat impressed. "Sis Tang Tang, you guys are so great. We only found one..."
Moreover, they had discovered it accidentally after Zhou Hao got scared by a bug, twisted his ankle falling down the slope.
That was where they had found the resource pack.
Of course, Zhao Zhe left out those details about the discovery process.
"Just got lucky."
Huo Yingying excitedly recounted how Shen Tang found the resource packs, gesturing wildly, her expressions vivid.
She then looked towards the woods and curiously asked: "How come He Yuan and Ao Ziping haven't come back yet?"
Yes, it was getting late, shouldn't those two be back by now?
Everyone grew somewhat concerned.
Although the director said there weren't many animals on this island, this was still a deserted island after all.
If those two had wandered too far, who knows what might happen.
Shen Tang looked at the sky, her brows knitted together. "Looks like there's going to be a change in weather soon."
[Ah, this woman is mysteriously showing off again]
[I think she's right]
[No way. Don't tell me she's trying to hype up her image as a knowledgeable person again. Everyone knows she has low education, an empty head!]
Zhou Hao glanced up. "But it's perfectly sunny right now?"
Shen Tang pointed at the dark clouds in the distance. "That cloud is drifting this way. It probably won't be long before it rains."
Zhou Hao neither agreed nor disagreed. Those clouds were still very far off.
But Huo Yingying grew somewhat worried. "What should we do? Our shelter doesn't even have a door."
Shen Tang felt they might need to move elsewhere.
Flipping through the items, the few resource packs contained mostly the same things.
While waiting, they quickly ate something to fill their stomachs.
But He Yuan and Ao Ziping still did not return even after they finished eating.
Shen Tang stood up. "I'll go look for them."
"Let's go together."
"You two stay here. Zhao Zhe come with me."
Shen Tang and Zhao Zhe set off in the direction He Yuan and the others had left.
Not long after they departed, the sky darkened.
Zhao Zhe felt a bit uneasy. "It got dark so fast!"
Shen Tang's expression was grave. "Let's hurry there and hurry back. There might be a violent storm soon."
Zhao Zhe sucked in a breath. Hadn't he seen enough pig running to know better?
If it really stormed, they'd be screwed!
That shelter of theirs had problems blocking out sun or rain.
"He Yuan!"
"Ao Ziping!"
But there was no response.
The sky grew darker and darker, with the calm before a storm.
The mood of the livestream audience sank along with it.
[Oh no, is it really going to storm?]
[Ah, He Yuan ran so far, can Shen Tang still find them?]
[Wahhh, Shen Tang you must bring back my silly little brother... *prays*]
This random searching was getting them nowhere.
Shen Tang looked at the aerial camera: "Director, can you lead us to He Yuan and Ao Ziping? If it really storms later, it'll be dangerous for those two."
The director behind the scenes didn't hesitate and had the staff control the aerial camera to lead the way.
Before filming started, he had checked the weather forecast and there was no storm predicted, but judging from the current circumstance, Shen Tang was likely right.
He couldn't let these people take risks here.
Forget his own career ending if something happened to these guests, their safety was paramount.
"Quick, ready a boat to rescue them!"
Indeed He Yuan and Ao Ziping had wandered very far. Shen Tang and Zhao Zhe walked for over half an hour.
By now the forest was frighteningly dark.
"He Yuan!"
"Ao Ziping!"
Hearing the shouts, the two dispirited people immediately perked up, yelling at the tops of their lungs:
"Here!"
"We're here!"
"Save us!"
Chapter 18
Shen Tang and Ao Ziping ran over and found that Ao Ziping was being carried on He Yuan's back, while the latter's legs were shaking badly.
"What happened?"
The two had rather awkward expressions on their faces. Should they say that they accidentally hurt their waist while trying to catch a chicken?
Ao Ziping felt so embarrassed that he buried his face in He Yuan's back.
He Yuan lightly coughed and said, "We accidentally got injured while catching chickens."
Zhao Zhe looked left and right, "Where are the chickens?"
He Yuan turned his face away: "......We didn't catch the chickens."
Zhao Zhe: "......"
So they failed at catching chickens and hurt themselves in the process.
Shen Tang urged: "Let's go quickly, it's going to rain heavily soon."
Zhao Zhe took over Ao Ziping, and the few hurried back.
However, before they could get out of the woods, the rain had already started pouring down.
The rain was extremely heavy, as if buckets were being poured from the sky. The four were instantly drenched like drowned rats.
With the visibility impaired, it became very difficult to keep going forward.
Shen Tang wiped the rainwater off his face and spotted a small cave in the distance. He shouted loudly: "Quick, let's take shelter from the rain over there!"
At this time, Zhou Hao and Huo Yingying at the campsite were not having a good time either. The heavy wind and rain rendered the tent shelter useless.
Fortunately, there were sleeping bags in the survival packs. The two huddled inside the sleeping bags, only sticking their heads out.
"Wuwuwu, the poor lady goose......"
"Damn program team, didn't they check the weather report!?"
"This is bad, looks like the rain won't stop for a while judging by how heavy it is."
Seeing so many bullet screen comments cursing him, the director almost burst into tears.
He wanted this show to become popular, but not this way!
However, it was only going from bad to worse.
Soon, the staff returned to report that due to the heavy storm, it was inconvenient to go out to sea.
That means they had no way to go rescue the guests who were now stranded on the island.
The director squatted on the ground, pulling at his little remaining hair in distress. "Wuwuwuwuwu......"
Those who heard of this grieved, and those who saw this wept.
"What should we do now?" the staff member asked.
"How would I know!"
They now could only contact the official rescue team.
After entering the cave, Shen Tang and the others were not having an easy time either.
Their wet clothes were sticking to their bodies, and shivers ran through them with every gust of cold wind.
Continuing like this, catching a cold would only be a matter of time.
Fortunately, this cave was relatively dry without traces of large animals having lived here. It was a good place to take shelter.
Shen Tang looked at the sky and said, "You guys wait here. Zhao Zhe and I will go bring Yingying and the others over."
Zhao Zhe didn't say anything, but He Yuan and Ao Ziping felt a little embarrassed.
Ao Ziping felt remorseful, "It's all because of me dragging everyone down......"
He Yuan stood up, "Or I can go with you?"
Seeing his still shaking legs, Shen Tang shook his head, "You stay here. We'll be back soon."
After psychologically preparing themselves, the two rushed out into the rain.
The way back was extremely difficult. With the heavy wind and rain, they might have gotten lost in the forest if not for Shen Tang's good memory.
After a while, the rain lightened up a bit, and Shen Tang let out a breath of relief.
The livestreaming cameras left behind at the campsite had all been damaged by the rain. The seawater had also risen, with waves continuously crashing into the shore, presenting a rather scary sight.
Huo Yingying hugged the sleeping bag tightly, feeling very anxious.
Seeing Shen Tang, she immediately burst into tears.
"Wuwuwu......Sis Shen Tang, I'm so scared......"
Shen Tang patted her head, "Don't be afraid. We've come to take you away. We found a dry cave just now and will be taking shelter there. The crew will probably come rescue us later."
Huo Yingying sniffled and nodded heavily.
Not knowing how long the rain would last, everyone took everything they could carry.
Supporting the injured Zhou Hao, Zhao Zhe didn't have much strength left. Huo Yingying could barely walk straight carrying two survival packs.
Shen Tang was carrying pots on her head, two survival packs on her back, and went to take Huo Yingying's survival packs. "Let me take them. I'm stronger."
Huo Yingying didn't let go, "I can do it."
"I'm really strong."
To prove her point, Shen Tang put an arm around Huo Yingying's waist and directly lifted her feet off the ground.
Huo Yingying's eyes widened, "!!!"
Zhao Zhe and Zhou Hao also opened their mouths in shock.
Could she really be that strong? After all, many male celebrities couldn't even carry female celebrities like that, let alone with one arm.
Shen Tang smiled, "Believe me now? Let's go quickly."
Close to nightfall, the group finally returned to the cave after some time.
By then, there was already a campfire burning inside the cave.
Shen Tang was rather surprised. "Impressive!"
He Yuan scratched his head, "The dry branches were already in the cave. Looks like people have been here before. Anyway, your clothes are still wet. Hurry up and change into something dry."
Fortunately, there were lots of extra clothes in the survival packs. After changing into dry clothes and sitting by the campfire to warm up, everyone finally let out a sigh of relief.
Out of the previous livestreaming devices, only the last one beside Ao Ziping was left working.
They didn't know if the signal was still good for the outside world to see what was happening.
Huo Yingying waved at the livestreaming camera, "Hello hello, can you hear me?"
The footage shook for a bit.
Huo Yingying was extremely excited. "There was heavy rain here and we got stranded. We need rescue!"
Right after she finished speaking, smoke rose from the livestreaming device before it dropped onto the ground.
Huo Yingying: "......"
She was stunned stiff. "This one's also spoiled. The program team should have seen it, right......"
Zhou Hao almost had a mental breakdown. First he hurt his leg, then they were caught in a heavy storm, and now they completely lost contact with the outside after the livestreaming device broke.
"Wuwuwuwu......" He directly demonstrated a macho man's tears on the spot.
Huo Yingying was startled. "What's wrong?"
Zhou Hao's eyes were bloodshot. "We won't starve to death here, right......"
Shen Tang carefully recalled the plot of the book. The book only briefly mentioned that this reality show became popular, but didn't specify why.
Her body shuddered. Could it be because of this incident that the show became a hit?
Seeing everyone's grim expressions, Shen Tang comforted: "Everyone, don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. Our location is quite elevated so even if the water level rises, it can't flood this cave. We still have some food and water to last two to three days if we're prudent. Also, the program team won't just leave us here. They will send people to rescue us."
Shen Tang's reasoning was sound and successfully calmed everyone down.
What she didn't say was, since the book described this reality show becoming a hit, then nobody should have met any real danger. After all, the show wouldn't have been aired if anything really happened to them.
Huo Yingying nodded in agreement. "Sis Shen Tang is right. What we need to do now is eat and rest well, conserve our strength."
Ao Ziping held his waist with one hand and weakly raised his other hand. "Hey, would you believe me if I said my dad is the CEO of Star Brilliance Entertainment?"
"Pfft!"
He Yuan patted his shoulder. "Bro, you can fool your buddies, but don't fool yourself too......"
After all, they didn't even share the same surname.
Shen Tang, however, looked at him rather incredulously.
That's right. She was a contracted artist under a subsidiary of Star Brilliance Entertainment.
Could the person Boss Wang mentioned back then be referring to him?
Shen Tang felt her mind muddled.
Ao Ziping scratched his head. "I'm telling the truth. With me here, my parents will surely find a way to get someone to rescue us all."
Chapter 19
The rain was getting heavier, making it almost impossible to tell night from day.
In the cave, all that could be heard was the pitter-patter of rain hitting the leaves and the howling wind.
Huo Yingying leaned against Shen Tang's chest, her face buried in it, her voice muffled as she spoke.
"Oh no, how unlucky..."
She couldn't help but take a big sniff. Wow, Shen Tang smells so nice...
With Huo Yingying breaking the ice, everyone else started chiming in with complaints as well.
"Didn't the director check the weather report?"
"To be honest, weather reports aren't always that accurate."
"When is the rescue team coming?"
"Well this is just great, we're really stranded on a deserted island now."
Zhao Zhe still managed to crack a joke: "What do you think, will our show become a hit?"
Shen Tang held up her script and nodded. "Don't worry, it definitely will."
He Yuan was more optimistic, already envisioning a bright future: "To be frank, I only have 50,000 followers on Weibo right now, 49,900 of which are bots my company bought. If this show takes off, I hope to gain some real fans."
Huo Yingying was still clinging to Shen Tang. "I may have over 100k followers, but most are zombie fans too, the rest are my dad's employees."
"Your dad's company sure has a lot of people..." He Yuan looked over jealously. "Now I know why I'm struggling to make ends meet, it's because someone else is living the good life on my behalf!"
Zhao Zhe immediately pretended to cry inconsolably: "Who?! Who stole my destiny as a rich second generation?!"
"Pfft!"
After this experience, everyone was much more familiar with each other.
With no cameras around, they could speak more freely.
Zhao Zhe thought about his past actions and apologized to Shen Tang with reddened face: "Sis Shen Tang, I'm really sorry. Earlier my manager made me try to piggyback off your popularity on purpose, and the truth or dare question was also the director's idea."
Shen Tang just smiled. "It's alright, though your manager sure is gutsy."
After all her reputation wasn't the best.
Huo Yingying hugged her tighter. "Sis Shen Tang, I don't think you're that kind of person at all. Those negative rumors about you online must have been people deliberately trying to smear you."
Shen Tang fell silent. "Well... not exactly. My manager does always make me stir up controversy on purpose."
Everyone else: "..."
Seeing their shock, Shen Tang went on to share some of the shady practices in the industry, as well as insider information about unspoken rules.
It was her way of holding an umbrella for them since she had already been rained on.
Of this group, only Huo Yingying came from a wealthy background. The rest were all rookie artists still naive about the industry. Learning these inside stories instantly dimmed the light in their eyes.
Shen Tang quickly stopped herself, unsure if revealing all this was good or bad.
Huo Yingying's heart ached for her. "Sis Shen Tang, these past few years must have been so hard on you..."
That one sentence almost made Shen Tang lose her composure.
Neither of her lives had been easy.
In her past life, refusing to compromise her principles led to being suppressed and bullied, unable to get good resources and never being able to become popular.
Although she was a D-lister in this life, her name recognition wasn't low. She made hot search topics several times a week, with horrible comments filling her Weibo posts.
She even had a dedicated anti-fan whose ID was "Did Shen Tang Quit the Industry Today" who persistently checked in every day waiting for her to retire.
Shen Tang held back her tears and forced a smile. "It's been alright. I'm pragmatic about it - I entered the industry to make money. Although I haven't made big money these years, it's still much better than a normal job."
That's right, she had already given up and was just going with the flow now.
Hearing this made Huo Yingying feel even worse.
She told herself that after this show ended, she would get her family to help support Shen Tang.
Zhou Hao had drank too much water and needed to pee, but with the heavy rains outside and his injured leg, he held it in.
After shifting positions several times with no relief, he really couldn't hold it anymore.
He scooted over next to Zhao Zhe and softly asked: "Could you help me get to the restroom?"
Zhao Zhe looked outside at the lightning and thunder with some fear.
"Or you could just go inside the cave..."
The cave stretched deep within and they hadn't explored it.
Zhou Hao's expression tightened.
With so many people around, there was no way he could do that.
Shen Tang turned her back to him with Huo Yingying still in her arms. "We'll cover our ears. Just go inside, it's too dangerous out there."
Blushing, Zhou Hao allowed Zhao Zhe to support him as they walked deep into the cave.
After about 30 feet or so Zhou Hao finally stopped.
Zhao Zhe politely turned his back. Zhou Hao hurriedly relieved himself, the dripping sound echoing slightly. He shivered in comfort.
Just after finishing and buckling his belt back up, he felt something brush against his shoulder.
Reaching back he touched something slimy.
Zhou Hao's heart lurched.
Oh my god, what is that?!
"Hiss hiss~"
Hearing a snake's tongue, Zhou Hao already had his last words in mind.
He wanted to call for help but extreme fear had stolen his voice.
Soon, sharp pain erupted from his neck as Zhou Hao let out a muffled grunt.
Zhao Zhe looked back sharply. "Zhou Hao, what's wrong?"
Zhou Hao cried out "I got bit by a snake!"
Zhao Zhe freaked out, "A snake?! Where?!"
He shined his flashlight on Zhou Hao and saw two bloody holes on his neck, but no trace of the snake itself.
"Crap, Zhou Hao got bit by a snake!" Zhao Zhe yelled loudly.
Shen Tang hurried over to check the wound.
Lying on the ground with teary eyes, Zhou Hao could only think one thing - thank goodness he had pulled his pants back up already, otherwise he'd never show his face again in this life.
"If I die, please tell my mother it was because I was unfilial. The password to my bank card is..."
Before he could finish his last words, Shen Tang spoke up. "It's fine, not poisonous."
Zhou Hao: "Really? You're not lying to me right?"
"It's fine, really not venomous."
After examining the injury, Shen Tang searched the area and found a snake's nest deeper inside, full of small snakes writhing densely.
The others noticed the scene and shivered.
Huo Yingying rubbed at the goosebumps on her arms. "Did we wander into a snake's nest?"
Shen Tang was also surprised to find so many snakes, but fortunately none were venomous.
"Anyone got cigarettes?"
The random question made everyone freeze up for a second.
Then they realized Shen Tang must be under immense stress to ask for a smoke.
"I've got some hidden away." Zhou Hao pulled out a few cigarettes from his pocket.
Shen Tang had a complicated expression. "You've got quite the nicotine addiction huh."
"Takes one to know one."
Soon, everyone realized they had misunderstood.
Shen Tang didn't want the cigarettes to smoke, but to soak the tobacco in water and sprinkle it around them.
Although the snake's nest was quite far, better safe than sorry.
"What's that for?" Zhao Zhe asked the question on everyone's minds.
Shen Tang kept busy as she explained. "Snakes don't like the irritation and smell. It can deter them from crawling over here. After all this is their home and we're the intruders. Best not to kill if we can avoid it."
There was one other key reason she kept unsaid - Shen Tang feared snakes and bugs too.
Just because she wasn't obvious about it didn't mean she wasn't scared.
With the circumstances as they were though, they couldn't exactly relocate. She could only try her best to improve their current environment.
Huo Yingying gazed at her adoringly. "Sis Shen Tang, you're so amazing to know all this!"
Shen Tang just smiled without explaining.
She'd rather not have had use for such obscure knowledge.
Chapter 20
Gu Huaian returned home to find an unexpected quiet.
As if casually, he asked, "Where is Madam?"
Tao Sister's eyes were filled with tears: "Madam has gone to participate in a reality show and is trapped on an island. Sir, you must save her!"
He Uncle's face didn't look good either.
After learning that Shen Tang had gone to participate in a reality show, they had been watching the live stream all day.
The content in the live stream comments was extremely vulgar. The two of them clumsily operated the cell phones and explained things to the web users. Finally they were labeled Shen Tang's stupid fans, and their ancestors eighteen generations back were also cursed.
Tao Sister didn't expect that Madam would be so miserable. Just by looking at those words she felt unbearable, let alone how Madam had endured them over the years.
Gu Huaian frowned. "Tell me the details."
Then, Tao Sister embellished and exaggerated the events of the past two days.
In her words, Shen Tang was perfectly portrayed as a little pitiful person attacked by thousands of netizens. And now she was even trapped on an island, with unknown life or death.
Gu Huaian's face sank. "Why didn't you tell me earlier when something like this happened?"
He doesn't usually follow entertainment news so he didn't know about this.
Tao Sister had an awkward expression. She didn't want to say? She didn't dare to say.
He Uncle stepped forward: "I have already instructed people to contact the rescue personnel. The program team should also send someone over. She was just panicking."
Gu Huaian's face darkened. He immediately called Cen Assistant.
The island.
The night was turbulent, the wind was howling, and bean-sized raindrops pounded heavily on the ground, splashing water everywhere.
Yingying, wrapped in clothes, sagged her eyebrows: "The rain seems to be getting bigger."
Suddenly there was a roar of thunder. Yingying shrank into Shen Tang's arms in fright, "Wow, Sister Tangtang, so scary..."
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, I'm here..."
Shen Tang was an orphanage child in both lifetimes and had a lot of experience taking care of children. She reflexively put her arm around Yingying, stroked her hair, and patted her back.
Huo Yingying satisfiedly hooked up the corners of her mouth. Sister Tangtang is so cute.
He Yuan next to her was envious. He looked expectantly at Ao Ziping.
Ao Ziping: "..." He stared with frightened eyes wide open, covering his chest.
He Yuan turned to look at Zhao Zhe. Zhao Zhe coldly averted his gaze.
He Yuan looked at Zhou Hao again. Zhou Hao rolled his eyes: "Don't look at me, I'm homophobic."
He Yuan: "..."
"I declare in advance that I'm not gay."
"Yes, yes, yes, you're not gay, you just want to get intimate with men."
He Yuan: "..."
"I'm really not gay!"
"I said I believe you."
He Yuan felt he was going to be angered to death by Zhou Hao. He discovered that although the guy looks perfectly normal, he makes people want to beat him up as soon as he opens his mouth.
After this interlude, everyone was less nervous and much more relaxed.
He Yuan turned to look at Shen Tang: "Sister Tangtang, how come you participated in this show?"
Although her reputation was not very good, her popularity was still much higher than theirs as newcomers.
Shen Tang sighed, "I was originally asked to participate in a dating show. I didn't want to go, so they arranged me here instead."
"A dating show? The one called Lovelive?"
"Yes."
Ao Ziping was very excited. "That show is so popular, and you refused!"
Shen Tang thought to herself that it may be popular, but they have to survive to participate. She was miserable enough now. If she went, she would probably get pelted with rotten eggs when she went out.
Shen Tang smiled. "With my reputation, I would probably end up being the one left single if I went."
As a girl, Huo Yingying was more attentive. Her eyes showed heartache.
"Sister Tangtang, don't worry, I will always support you."
Shen Tang: "???"
What was the little girl fantasizing about again?
After arranging shifts to keep watch at night, everyone took out the sleeping bags from their resource packs and started to rest.
A sleepless night.
As day broke, the rain showed no sign of weakening at all. This put a heavy weight on everyone's hearts, making them very depressed.
Shen Tang took out some food from the resource pack and distributed it to everyone. "Let's all eat something. The program team won't just abandon us."
There was a subtle tendency for leadership to gravitate towards Shen Tang from the others, firstly because she had the highest popularity, and secondly because she was the calmest one.
Overthinking was indeed useless. Shen Tang was used to going with the flow and finding the most comfortable way in predicaments.
Everyone silently ate breakfast, then got up to move around.
Shen Tang took the opportunity to check on the snakes. Wriggling, twisting, lurking.
Fortunately there was no sign they would come out, which reassured her a lot.
There was no way of knowing when the rescue personnel would arrive. They were now completely cut off from the outside world.
The pier.
The wind and waves were huge. The boats docked at the shore swayed back and forth.
The director firmly gripped his umbrella against the gale, struggling to keep his eyes open as he asked, "Is there really no way to go over?"
The dark-skinned man opposite heavily shook his head. "No, it's too dangerous."
The director could no longer distinguish whether it was rain or tears streaming down his face. He was on the verge of sobbing.
Just then, several luxury cars pulled over.
An umbrella-holding driver in black walked over to the other side and opened the car door. Then a long leg stepped out.
Just seeing this situation, the director knew he couldn't afford to offend whoever this was.
He moved aside, not expecting the person to walk towards him.
Seeing the visitor clearly, the director was very flustered. He would recognize this face even if it was burnt to ashes.
"I'm the director. You coming over here is..."
"I need the locator of your live streaming device."
It's worth mentioning that these live streaming devices all had locators on them, also to facilitate finding them if lost.
The director opened his mouth. Just then he heard the man continue, "My wife is over there."
The director's expression instantly changed. Was his wife Huo Yingying or Shen Tang?
He subconsciously leaned more towards Huo Yingying. Although Shen Tang was good-looking, her reputation was not good.
As for whether this so-called wife was a real wife, he didn't know.
Things like this were commonplace in this circle.
However, since this man had come personally, it meant the relationship was not ordinary. He would have to be more careful in the future.
After getting a few locations, Gu Huaian and his group soon boarded a boat and set off.
Although the wind and waves were strong, the boat remained very steady.
This slightly put the director's mind at ease. Did this mean his career was safe?