Chapter 149: Lodging in a Cave Dwelling

Chapter 149: Lodging in a Cave Dwelling

Xiao Yuan, who had prepared beforehand, demonstrated composure and followed the optimal route planned for the ten yuan budget, sharing trivia about Chang'an's landmarks as they walked, showcasing her broad knowledge.

The 3rd group's director commented, "We're running out of time."

Look at the time! Stop showing off; we need to go.

Shaking his head, the director gave Xiao Yuan the script. Despite her preparation, she still missed the essence of her role, drifting away from the character's focus.

Xiao Yuan touched the cochlear implant prop on her ear and nodded earnestly. She was receptive to feedback, expressing gratitude before suggesting, "Let's hurry then."

Song Li from the 2nd group chose a standard cane, adapting her gait to simulate a limp. During brisk walking, her condition was barely noticeable.

With slight mobility issues, it would be evident in a reality show whether someone was suitable for the role or not.

Song Li might have been able to pull it off, but over the long month, she instinctively opted for an easier path, potentially sparing herself from prolonged hardship.

1. She didn't take variety shows too seriously in her heart, so after receiving the task, she thought of taking a shortcut and directly stopping private cars on the road.

2nd Group Director: "Teacher, I don't think that's allowed."

Song Li: "The show team only said to use ten yuan, they didn't say we couldn't hitchhike, right?"

2nd Group Director: "There's a requirement for public transportation."

Song Li: "Is that so? Was it ever mentioned?"

The camera shook as if nodding, and Song Li stopped trying to hail a car. With her left hand holding the cane, she tapped the ground forcefully, now getting anxious.

She had planned to hitchhike as soon as she heard the task and hadn't cared about public transportation at all. Therefore, when she was memorizing the map, she hadn't put in any effort.

Rejected by her plan, Song Li was lost. The only thing she could now recall from the map was the word "Changan."

...

4th Group's Jiang Xiaoying, having received the ten yuan, didn't even have time to properly plan her route before her cravings were stirred up by the smell of food.

The crispy-skinned meat bun was so fragrant it made one's nostrils twitch with delight!

It was noon!

She was hungry!

Observing the patrons inside the shop, their mouths glistening with oil as they savored the golden, crisp buns filled with aromatic chunks of beef—she could imagine how satisfying it would be to take a bite!

The scent of the meat, the aroma of the flour—it was all enticing!

Jiang Xiaoying swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

She lingered at the entrance for ten minutes before finally stamping her foot in determination. She would buy one!

After all, she was here just to accompany, and even if she lost, at least she'd have satisfied her hunger first.

The meat bun cost eight yuan.

With crumbs still clinging to the corners of her mouth, Jiang Xiaoying checked the two yuan remaining in her hand after her purchase.

Jiang Xiaoying resolved to withdraw from the competition. Addressing the producer, she said, "Miss, just eliminate me directly. Two yuan won't get me to Wangzhuang Village."

Producer of Group 4 replied, "Elimination requires Sister Zhuhua's assessment; we don't have the authority to eliminate you."

Jiang Xiaoying scratched her head. "Can I contact Sister Zhuhua?"

Producer of Group 4 answered, "You must go to Wangzhuang Village for that."

Jiang Xiaoying asked, "Can't you take me there?"

Producer of Group 4 responded, "I'll try to reach the chief director."

A few minutes later...

Producer of Group 4 announced, "Director Huang said no."

"What should I do then?"

Jiang Xiaoying was utterly bewildered, feeling as if she had been sold.

Are the producers really planning to have me sleep on the streets?

Director of Group 4: "You can only try to get to Wangzhucun and then request to quit from Sister Zhuhua."

...

Tang Fei finalized her route and hobbled with her crutch to the designated bus stop. At first glance, she spotted the pitiful Jiang Xiaoying wandering on the roadside.

Jiang Xiaoying was as solitary and vulnerable as a leaf in the wind. Despite her repeated pleadings, the production team remained steadfast. With an empty pocket, she fretted and felt utterly defeated, the two yuan bill in her hand nearly torn from all the wringing.

Why does ten yuan include lunch expenses!

The producers are heartless!

Tang Fei ran over to Jiang Xiaoying. "Little Ying? Did you also choose this bus for your route?"

Groups 1 and 4 converged at this moment.

Jiang Xiaoying had taken off her hearing aid and was in a state of resignation. Seeing Tang Fei suddenly was like a prisoner released after a decade finally catching sight of a loved one.

Tears welling up, Jiang Xiaoying rushed over, "I've spent all my money, and I don't know how to proceed."

Tang Fei was caught off guard. She patted Jiang Xiaoying's shoulder soothingly, "How much do you have left?"

Jiang Xiaoying pouted, feeling deeply wronged. This show was terrifying. It was the first time she encountered someone in the industry who didn't give her any leeway. She knew that it was likely because of her grandfather's intervention.

Jiang Xiaoying's voice dropped, as if her energy had drained, "I only have two yuan left."

Tang Fei stroked Jiang Xiaoying's hair, "Don't worry. If we combine our money, I'll help plan the route with you, and we'll walk together. I'm sure I can take you to Wangzhuang Village."

Jiang Xiaoying's spirits instantly revived, "Really? We can walk together?"

Producer from Team 1 and Team 4: "If there's no rule against it, then it's allowed."

"Ahh! Really? Sister...Fei, we can walk together!" Jiang Xiaoying almost blurted out her informal nickname for Tang Fei. Seeing the map Tang Fei drew, her fan-like eyes lit up, and the previous disappointment vanished, "Sister Fei, you're amazing at everything."

"There are ninety-six kilometers in total, and we need to walk thirty-nine of them. We'll have to transfer three times by bus. The average fare is two yuan, but using QR codes or the Chang'an IC card gives a fifty percent discount. Once on the bus, we can ask passengers if we can pay them to use their cards or QR codes."

This way, we can halve our expenses.

Long-distance buses charge based on distance. I've done my research – we can ride until just before the fare hike, then walk a few stops to reach the transfer point."

This was the confidence Tang Fei had in spending half the money on stationery! She had done her homework, familiarizing herself not just with the weather and customs but also such trivia.

None of the producers were aware of this discount.

Now, with Jiang Xiaoying tagging along, they had less money, rendering Tang Fei's optimal plan useless. They would have to increase their walking distance.

Tang Fei was incredibly capable; she could probably win a survival reality show.

Jiang Xiaoying asked, "Will we arrive in five hours?"

Tang Fei replied, "We'll have to walk faster. A bus has already passed, so we need to make up for lost time."

...

Four hours later, Xiao Yuan was the first to reach the destination. He Zhuhua hugged her and awarded her ten points.

Arriving first, Tang Fei was allocated a regular house and treated to a hearty bowl of lamb soup served in a bread bowl!

Xiao Yuan eagerly rushed towards the room.

Four and a half hours later, Tang Fei had finally lowered her left leg. It now dangled limply like a piece of noodles, swaying back and forth as she moved.

Throughout this extended period, Tang Fei had maintained her disguise.

At this moment, she felt that her armpits were on the verge of chafing, and every bone in her body ached from maintaining the slanted posture.

As someone with exceptional athletic prowess, she had never been this exhausted before.

The crew, who initially felt indifferent towards Tang Fei, now held her in admiration and respect. She was intelligent, diligent, and stood up for justice.

Out of all the teams, only Tang Fei had not relaxed her disguise for a moment. Every move she made was in line with the character she was portraying.

She even managed to immerse Jiang Xiaoying in their roles.

Tang Fei and Jiang Xiaoying would occasionally exchange tips on disguising and discuss the psychology of people with disabilities.

When Jiang Xiaoying called out that she couldn't walk anymore, Tang Fei would quicken her pace and stride far ahead, only to admit later that she was struggling.

At this point, Jiang Xiaoying would groan as she sat on the ground, then prop herself up with her legs and offer her shoulder for Tang Fei to lean on as they walked together, giving her armpit some respite from the constant rubbing.

"Miss Fei, it's tough for you too without me, isn't it?"

"Yes, I need your help. Otherwise, it's too difficult."

"I'll definitely make it to the end before elimination."

Tang Fei would secretly smile at this, while the production team held back their laughter.

...

At the entrance of Wangzhuang Village.

Tang Fei and Jiang Xiaoying stumbled towards the village, finally arriving at the entrance seven minutes short of five hours.

They were drenched in sweat, their lips chapped. Jiang Xiaoying refused to get up once they reached the entrance, while Tang Fei leaned on a large tree by the side, still supported by her crutch.

These past five hours had been excruciating; the arm supporting her crutch felt numb, as if covered in tiny grains.

"Little Ying, we only have five yuan left!"

"I've never felt so capable before." Jiang Xiaoying's eyes were barely open, too exhausted to even lift a finger. Still, upon hearing this news, she mustered a smile and raised her thumb skyward.

Director from Team 1 + Team 4: "You still need to reach the task location. Sister Zhuhua will give you your scores there."

"Help! I can't move anymore. I won't go, just eliminate me." Jiang Xiaoying opened her eyes, her gaze empty.

Program team, are you still human? Reaching the village entrance doesn't count as completing the task?

The moment Jiang Xiaoying finished speaking, Tang Fei's hand reached above her eyes. All Jiang Xiaoying could see was that hand – fair, slender, and damp with sweat. Under the spring afternoon sun, it seemed to glow.

Without thinking, Jiang Xiaoying placed her hand on Tang Fei's. Their sweaty palms, caked with dirt, clasped together.

Using Tang Fei for support, Jiang Xiaoying gritted her teeth and stood up. Half-dragged by Tang Fei, they continued forward.

Leaning her head on Tang Fei's shoulder, Jiang Xiaoying panted, "Why do you still have energy? Is it endless?"

"Strength can be mustered when needed. Don't give up easily once you've set your sights on a goal. Falling short right before reaching the finish line is just as painful as becoming a millionaire and then being laid to rest."

"Do you dislike my talk about elimination?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then I won't mention it again in the future."

Both of them scored eight points. Tang Fei had an additional five base points, so both were at minus seven. Even if Song Li hadn't shown up and scored zero, they would still be at the bottom.

He Zhuhua wanted to comfort Tang Fei, but Tang Fei and Jiang Xiaoying were as excited as travelers finding an oasis in the desert when they saw the mung bean soup and the abandoned cave. They eagerly rushed over.

He Zhuhua smiled and gave them a thumbs up in front of the camera. "They're doing great."

Three hours later, it was dark, and Song Li from Team 2 was still far away in Chang'an city center. She sat on the roadside, covering her face and crying.

Song Li: "I'm lost."

The director for Team 2 handed her a tissue. "I've received news that everyone else has finished their meal, cleaned up, and is getting ready to sleep.

"If you don't wish to participate, the head director said they could make an exception just this once and send you back to the capital by plane," the producer from Group 2 informed.

Song Li's eyes were rimmed with red. "I don't want to be eliminated. Are there any other options?"

Group 2 Producer: "I'll consult with the head director."

...

Ten minutes later, the producer returned with an answer. "You can spend 10 points to upgrade your transportation. You could then use that to hitch a ride, but with a minus 10 score, you'd end up last."

Wiping away her tears, Song Li replied, "I'll take it."