Jing Yuan? The last guest… is him?
The other artists waiting exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts.
Regardless, they all stepped forward to greet him. No matter what they were thinking, they made it seem like Jing Yuan hadn’t been late.
When it was Jian Feiyang’s turn, he barely got a word out before Jing Yuan excitedly moved over and gave him a hug.
“Ah Yang! You’re here too? I had no idea!”
Jian Feiyang started to respond, but Jing Yuan continued with a bright smile.
“And Fan Qing’s resources for you are really good! Now that you’re here with me, we can look out for each other on the show.”
The other artists’ eyes flickered, subtly shifting as they looked at Jian Feiyang.
Being insiders, they knew Jian Feiyang’s previous manager had been Jing Yuan’s manager.
But from Jing Yuan’s words, it seemed Jian Feiyang switched because he wasn’t happy with how his old manager allocated resources.
That made sense. Jian Feiyang’s level was high enough for this show—his new manager…
Before anyone could speculate further, Jian Feiyang furrowed his brows in confusion.
“Wait… I thought the show had random teams? If we’re on different teams, we can’t look out for each other. Do you already know the groups?”
As soon as he spoke, the expressions of everyone present dropped.
Director Zhao scowled and rushed over to explain.
“No, no, no. Teams are decided by mini-games at the time—there’s no way anyone knows in advance.”
After all, the survival aspect of the show was part of the entertainment; team dynamics and the contrast between participants was a big selling point.
But pre-decided teams? That was out of the question. Absolutely not allowed.
“Right?”
Jian Feiyang tilted his head, then smiled brightly.
“I guess so! Whoever our future teammates are, once we’re grouped together, we’ll look out for each other!”
His smile was pure and sunny. Any lingering doubts the other guests had about him melted instantly.
When they thought back on the earlier conversation between Jian Feiyang and Jing Yuan, any annoyance they had toward Jian Feiyang shifted squarely onto Jing Yuan.
Anyone savvy in the industry knew exactly how to play their cards.
Jing Yuan’s earlier words had sounded friendly and familiar, but in reality, he was subtly undermining Jian Feiyang, expecting him to rely on his insider knowledge and “look out” for him. That attitude…
Several people immediately walked toward Jian Feiyang—whether they’d be on the same team or not. He looked simple, clean, strong, and physically capable—playing nice with him now might pay off later.
Even though they were prepared to endure the hardships of a survival show, who wouldn’t want a slightly easier ride?
This Jian Feiyang… they had underestimated him!
In an instant, the situation shifted, leaving Jing Yuan slightly stunned.
“Wonder how Jian Feiyang’s doing?”
Fan Qing, sitting in the car, sighed.
But he quickly dismissed the thought—after three days and two nights of special training, if Jian Feiyang still couldn’t perform well on the show…
Then Fan Qing would train him again once he got back.
Fan Qing’s face remained indifferent.
No matter whether Director Zhao needed him or not, poor performance could be handled like this.
However…
Fan Qing’s expression shifted subtly.
He had just realized something—Jing Yuan was also on the show.
Strange.
Fan Qing thought. He had recently checked Jing Yuan’s profile. Though he couldn’t find all the private details, publicly, Jing Yuan’s career was still focused on being an idol.
The last variety show had him working with Jian Feishuo, plus the setup with Nie Luo earlier.
This time, though?
Why would an idol like Jing Yuan join a survival show that could easily lose fans?
Seven days… there was no way he could keep up the perfectly groomed look.
If it wasn’t for gaining fans, then it must be…
Hiding from someone.
Fan Qing quickly settled on that conclusion in his mind.
Could it be Mr. Zhuo?
Although he wasn’t certain, it meant he could prepare for both possibilities.
Fan Qing glanced at the scenery rushing past the window, a flicker of darkness crossing his eyes.
But then again…
He raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued.
Jing Yuan joined the survival show?
Well, that certainly made things interesting.
Too bad he couldn’t go see it for himself—what a shame.
Still…
Fan Qing propped his chin in his hand and smiled faintly.
If that’s the case, he could take some time—at least temporarily—to continue pursuing Nie Luo.
No sooner had that thought crossed his mind than his phone rang. It was Jin Yi.
“Help! Fan Qing, where are you right now? Emergency!”
Emergency?
Fan Qing paused, then a hint of urgency flashed in his expression.
“Did something happen to Nie Luo?”
“No, not him!”
Jin Yi’s face was flushed, his words rushing out faster than ever.
“Not Nie Luo! It’s me! That place last time—you better hurry to VIP room 999! If you don’t come, I’m not going to keep my… integrity!”
Damn it!
He should have known—taking over a company always came with extra headaches.
But he hadn’t expected that just coming to discuss business would get him caught in a trap like this!
He looked at the man in front of him: flushed, seductive eyes, yet a face that screamed cold aloofness.
Yes! The man in front of him, radiating the effect of some… male-targeting aphrodisiac, was a man!
Jin Yi was nearly desperate. He grabbed the imposing, aloof man in front of him, trying to push him away—no matter how handsome he was, his integrity was meant for cute little girls!
“Fan Qing! Hurry up! If you don’t come, I’m doomed… wuuu…”
Jin Yi was close to tears.
The man pressed down, eyes red, struggled to regain a hint of clarity. He looked at Jin Yi’s panicked face—no memory of this situation.
But he knew this was definitely wrong.
And…
“Who’s Fan Qing?”
The man took a deep, heavy breath, rolled over, and freed himself, letting Jin Yi step away from the binding.
“Fan Qing… is he a doctor? Or…?”
Crawling away from under the man, Jin Yi breathed a sigh of relief.
Hearing this, he quickly said,
“Fan Qing’s a friend of mine. He’s reliable. Hang in there a bit longer, keep going—don’t give up!”
Hang in there? How was that supposed to help?
The man nearly laughed at the absurdity. Could a pep talk fix this? He was already trying his hardest!
He exhaled sharply but forced himself to suppress the effects of the drug.
“Your friend… huh… reliable?”
He didn’t want to put effort into keeping control only to have someone useless show up.
Like the guy in front of him—clearly not helpful.
“Reliable? Super reliable… but what do you want me to do?”
Jin Yi scrambled back.
“I… I don’t want to… just come over… let me… rub a little…”
The man’s eyes were bloodshot, red as if they could bleed.
“No way! Absolutely not! I’m a proper straight man!”
Jin Yi scrambled behind the sofa.
“Fan Qing, come save me—please!”
What happened to Jin Yi?
Fan Qing recalled his words.
Integrity at risk?
So Jin Yi had been drugged?
Wait. Jin Yi sounded normal on the phone, which meant…
He was in the same room as someone who had been drugged?
Fan Qing thought fast, immediately placing a same-day delivery order on his phone.
After ordering, he tapped the delivery rider:
“Urgent order. If you can deliver in ten minutes, I’ll add 200 yuan. Stand at the door, don’t wear your uniform, and when you see me, call out ‘Boss Wang!’ loudly.”
“Rider: ! I can be there in five minutes! Don’t worry, boss! My acting is top-notch!”
Fan Qing: ?
No need to get there in five minutes…
He rushed over, still having time to think: maybe he offered too much.
Ten minutes later, Fan Qing got out of the car and saw the rider waiting at the door.
…That was fast.
Fan Qing hopped out, the rider looking him over, blinking cautiously.
Fan Qing raised a brow, nodded lightly with calm composure.
“Boss Wang, you’re here. I brought the items you asked for.”
Seeing the nod, the rider straightened, holding a high-quality paper bag and walking toward him.
Not bad—acting was solid.
Fan Qing thought, lifting his chin slightly, elegant as ever.
“Next time, be smarter. Don’t forget again.”
The rider bowed and nodded, playing along.
“Should I wait with the driver?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
Fan Qing said, casually loosening his sleeves—thankfully he was wearing dress pants and a shirt today.
“I’m going in. Jin Shao is still waiting for me. Tell your family I’ll be home a little later.”
The rider nodded, smiling awkwardly.
“Then have fun, Boss Wang.”
Fan Qing waved gracefully, reaching the security guard at the gate. The guard quickly stepped aside.
“Please, Boss Wang.”
Fan Qing nodded lightly. Just as he was about to step in, the guard smiled in a friendly, flattering way.
“Boss Wang, your car last time was really sharp—everyone here has been talking about it ever since.”
Fan Qing’s steps faltered.
The guard actually remembered him?
He was a little surprised, but his face showed a hint of displeasure.
“What’s the matter? So many people have their eyes on me, and now you’re going to remind me there’s one more?”
The guard’s expression changed immediately; he hurriedly forced a smile.
“No, no, no, that’s not what I meant! I just… your poise, charm, and elegance are truly unforgettable, Boss Wang.”
Fan Qing let out a snort. His expression softened slightly, but he didn’t respond—he just strode inside.
The guard didn’t dare stop him, though mentally he made a note: this person may be incredibly charming, but he doesn’t like flattery.
On second thought, that made sense. Perhaps it was precisely because of his overwhelming charm.
Fan Qing quickened his pace once inside.
He pulled out his phone to tip the rider an extra 500 yuan, left a five-star review, and finally carried the carefully wrapped bag into the building to find Jin Yi.
His steps were swift, and he soon located the room Jin Yi had mentioned.
But there were people outside the door.
Fan Qing instinctively ducked back, frowning slightly.
There were five or six people outside, clearly waiting for Jin Yi.
One of them even had a handheld camera aimed at the doorway.
…What kind of trouble had Jin Yi gotten into?
Fan Qing felt a headache coming on.
Was it still possible to drop this “collaborator”?