Chapter Twelve: Fated Encounters on a Narrow Path

Song Waning paid no heed to Shen Yue’s words. She picked up her hot tea and prepared to leave. Yet just as she turned, footsteps sounded ahead. She glanced up, and the moment she saw who it was, her brows knitted together. Truly, enemies are bound to cross paths!

It was none other than Jian An’an. She, too, spotted Song Waning and Shen Yue at once in the corridor. Sensing the unusual tension between the two, Jian An’an quickened her steps and hurried over. “Ningning, Yue, what are you both doing standing here?”

Shen Yue immediately played the victim. “It’s all because of Song Waning! My box is so heavy, and I just wanted her to help me carry it, but she refused. She’s so selfish!”

“That’s your task, not mine. I’m under no obligation to help, nor do I owe you any explanation. Don’t try to guilt-trip me. Besides, I was sleeping peacefully here when you barged in and disturbed me without so much as a warning. That’s very rude. And then you insulted me, which gives me even less reason to help you.” Song Waning’s tone was cool and deliberate, her words leaving Shen Yue utterly speechless.

“You—! …An’an, just look at her—how can someone be like this!” Unable to outargue Song Waning, Shen Yue immediately turned to Jian An’an for support.

But Jian An’an didn’t rush to answer. Her eyes darted around, noting the three cameramen capturing this scene, and an excellent idea bloomed in her mind. She quickly put on a gentle expression and, with a gracious air, said, “Alright, Yue, you’re a little at fault here too. It’s not like you don’t know what Ningning is like. She doesn’t like to help, so don’t keep arguing with her.”

With these words, she deftly shifted all the blame onto Song Waning.

“But—” Shen Yue was still indignant.

“No buts. How many tasks do you have left? I’ll help you.”

“Are you sure? Won’t it trouble you?” Shen Yue didn’t really need help; she just couldn’t stand Song Waning lying there idly and wanted to pick a fight.

“It’s fine. I’ve finished my own tasks.”

“Well, alright then…”

The two women ignored Song Waning entirely, picked up the box together, and walked off.

Song Waning watched these two “kindred spirits” of different minds walk away, her gaze growing glacial for a fleeting moment. But, mindful of the cameras, she quickly masked her expression. She could only sigh inwardly—what a pity that in this day and age, one cannot so easily rid oneself of those they dislike.

Whether it was Jian An’an or Shen Yue, Song Waning had never intended to spare them from the very beginning. Shen Yue might be foolish, acting under Jian An’an’s direction, but she was an accomplice all the same. The most vicious of all was Jian An’an. In the book’s plot, she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. If not for her ruthless methods, relentlessly pushing the original host to the edge, the original would not have met such a tragic and depressive end.

Jian An’an, oh Jian An’an, you long so desperately to marry into the Wen family, don’t you? Well, I will make sure to expose your true face so you never get your wish—not even as Wen Jingxing’s fiancée.

Elsewhere, as Jian An’an was helping Shen Yue, she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. She turned to look, only to see Song Waning standing quietly alone. She muttered under her breath, “Strange…was it just my imagination?”

After dinner, Li Weiwei gathered everyone together, announcing a small game she had prepared.

“Tonight’s game is this: the production team will ask each guest three questions. Each question must be answered with either yes or no. If your answer takes more than five seconds, you fail. Those who pass all questions will be able to enjoy the hot springs at Wen Pool on the mountaintop tomorrow night—all expenses covered by the show. Those who fail won’t get to go.”

Li Weiwei’s announcement piqued the interest of most guests. For many of these privileged participants, this was their first time on a physically demanding show, and they were still adjusting. The game seemed easy enough, and the prospect of relaxing in a hot spring afterward was tempting.

Jian An’an was especially pleased—she’d never had a chance to splurge at a place like this. Of the eight guests, everyone came from wealth except for Jian An’an, who had fought her way up from a rural background.

Wen Pool at Yunshen Resort was famous. The mountain was once called Medicine Mountain, thick with rare herbs. The pool itself was a natural hot spring, its waters constantly replenished, said to be full of spiritual and medicinal properties—so much so that those with minor ailments could be cured after a few nights’ soak.

Viewers in the livestream were abuzz.

[Wow, Wen Pool? What kind of budget does this director have? I heard from a relative that just one night there costs tens of thousands!]

[Don’t you know about Director Li Weiwei? She married into the Wen family in the capital—the Yunshen Resort is part of their assets.]

[No way! The director’s background is that impressive!]

[Enough talk, the game is starting!]

[The first up is Jian An’an—our favorite An’an!]

[Wonder if the show will ask any tricky, personal questions?]

Li Weiwei certainly wouldn’t miss such a chance to boost ratings.

The order of the game was decided by having one member from each pair draw lots.

Jian An’an went first and ended up drawing the first spot. Shen Yue was second, followed by Nan Yan. Song Waning drew last.

Li Weiwei set up a long table; Jian An’an sat across from her. Li Weiwei began, “There are rumors online that your group, Sweet, is about to disband. Is it true?”

Jian An’an’s heart skipped a beat—this hadn’t even leaked online yet. How did Li Weiwei know? She kept her composure. “No.”

Li Weiwei continued, “Have you ever considered leaving the group on your own?”

“No.”

“Do you have feelings for anyone among the seven other guests?”

The abrupt change of subject caught Jian An’an off guard. She glanced at Jin Jianyi, then at Wen Jingxing, hesitated for a moment, and just before the five seconds were up, replied, “Yes.”

Her hesitation, followed by a firm answer, set everyone’s imagination racing.

[No way, no way—An’an’s been single for 27 years and finally met someone she likes?]

[What a great question, director! I love it!!]

[So exciting! Who’s the lucky one?]

[I saw her look at Jin Jianyi first.]

[No, she looked at Wen Jingxing too.]

Li Weiwei narrowed her eyes, both surprised and delighted at the answer. Surprised that Jian An’an would admit to having feelings for someone, delighted that this would surely boost the show’s popularity.

With a flourish, Li Weiwei announced, “Congratulations, Jian An’an has passed this round! Next guest, please take your seat!”