Shen Xingsui felt his face heat up.

Everything had happened so suddenly. He had thought there might be something wrong with himself, but he never expected this outcome! His face turned as red as a boiled shrimp. The embarrassment was palpable. And why was his heart beating so fast? This was too humiliating!

Fu Jinxiao straightened up.

Yet, before he could speak, Shen Xingsui, who had been standing right in front of him, suddenly bolted away faster than a frightened rabbit!

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, watching as Shen Xingsui dashed downstairs as if being chased by some monster. After a moment, he stifled a chuckle.

...

As Shen Xingsui reached the bottom of the stairs, several people looked at him with puzzled expressions.

Shen Xingchen curiously inquired, "What happened?"

A flustered Shen Xingsui, catching his breath, quickly shook his head, "Nothing."

The photographers downstairs exchanged curious glances, regretting that none had stayed upstairs. They wondered what had transpired.

Shen Xingchen teased his younger brother, "Looking at you now, anyone might think you've been flirted with."

Shen Xingsui's face turned even redder, appearing quite delicate. He looked as if he were a virtuous woman having encountered some ruffian. The rapid running made his heart race.

Seeing his brother's silence, Shen Xingchen, enjoying the moment, draped an arm over Shen Xingsui's shoulders, jokingly saying, "Even if some ruffian did bother you, don’t worry. I've got your back. Let's see who dares to bully you when I'm here to..."

Fu Jinxiao, who was upstairs, started coming down.

While Shen Xingsui was noticeably flustered, Fu Jinxiao, on the other hand, exuded calm composure. He walked over, overhearing Shen Xingchen's comment and casually asked, "To do what with your hand?"

Shen Xingchen stiffened. He felt any wrong response might leave a lasting impression. Retracting his neck defensively, he played it safe, "To fan myself with a slap."

Shen Xingsui on the side was visibly puzzled: ?

The live stream audience was entertained by their reactions:

"The pecking order is clear now."

"Hahaha, even our master has moments of humility."

"Seriously, you're going to throw your younger brother under the bus like that?"

"Xingsui's confusion is palpable."

The two conversed cheerfully, but An Ran from a distance didn't seem too pleased. In his past life, he was quite popular in this show. Debuting as the central figure and team leader, and being close friends with celebrity Fu, he had received a lot of attention. Naturally, he was the center of attention.

However, for unknown reasons, this reincarnated journey seemed fraught with obstacles.

Not only was he no longer the center of attention, but it also felt like he was completely overlooked. He thought that with his past experience, he'd dominate the games, reclaiming the limelight. Alas, it was all in vain!

It's all Shen Xingsui's fault...

Perhaps without him, everything would have gone smoothly.

The director from a distance spoke up, "Since everyone's done eating, we'll soon take you to your resting place. But before that, we have some rewards to distribute."

Everyone chorused, "Rewards? Really?"

The director smiled, "Of course. But only the winning team that completes the tasks will receive them."

Everyone: "..."

So, it's basically nothing.

As the director instructed the crew to bring out several trays, he enthusiastically introduced, "Winning team members can choose one reward item."

Shen Xingsui leaned closer to see, realizing one of the rewards was a mosquito net and another was a mosquito-repellent sachet.

Fu Jinxiao said, "You pick first."

Shen Xingsui, considering the older man's needs, replied, "It's alright, Mr. Fu. Please take whatever you'd like first."

Fu Jinxiao languidly lifted his eyelids to glance at him, speaking in a gentle yet indisputable tone, "Take whatever I gave you. Choose whichever you prefer."

Only then did Shen Xingsui relent, selecting a mosquito net.

The seasoned Mr. Li behind them remarked pensively, "I can't help but feel an ominous premonition upon seeing these two things."

Tuya looked up, "Director, didn't you mention we'd be staying in a luxurious suite?"

The director offered a reassuring smile, "Of course, dear guests. It's certainly luxurious. You'll understand once we get there. Let's not be hasty."

...

Five minutes later.

The group arrived at the southernmost part of the town. Before them stood an ancient and quaint mansion. The main gate, painted a rich red, had two tall red lanterns swinging in the wind. Flanking the entrance were two stone lions. Past the gates, two towering trees greeted them, with figures dressed as servants holding lanterns scattered around.

The director announced, "Welcome to our Peach Blossom Mansion. Legend has it that it served as the summer residence of Emperor Shengzu when he visited the southern regions. Over the next five days, we'll be staying here, soaking in the local culture of Peach Blossom Town."

The mansion indeed bore a historic charm, exuding a deep sense of history.

There's a small pond in the backyard, which would look splendid during daylight. The garden is filled with flowers and unknown vegetation. Due to the warm climate, one can even spot moths and bugs under the lights.

Shen Xingchen complained, "I think a mosquito just bit me."

Walking beside him, Shen Xingsui asked with concern, "What happened?"

"Look at this," Shen Xingchen showed him, "See the huge bump on my arm? A mosquito really got me."

Shen Xingsui saw it clearly. As they were discussing, Shen Xingchen slapped his own neck, lamenting, "Another one! Why do they love me so much?"

Shen Xingsui remained unbitten at his side.

As he pondered, a voice from beside cleared the mystery. It was Li Xuan'an, a major celebrity with a huge fan base, particularly under the entertainment company "Bankrupt Entertainment." The company had heavily invested in him, funneling the best resources his way. He virtually had everything at his disposal.

Li Xuan'an commented, "He's always been a mosquito magnet since the beginning."

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

From seemingly nowhere, Li Xuan'an produced a fan and handed it to Shen Xingchen, "Use this. If you fan yourself, the breeze will keep the mosquitoes away."

However, Shen Xingchen promptly pushed the fan away, "No thanks, you keep it."

While Li Xuan'an was reasonably famous, he didn't take offense at Shen Xingchen's dismissive tone.

Only then did Shen Xingsui recall that Shen Xingchen had always shown a strong dislike, even detest, for Li Xuan'an. Back when they were competing for the top position, Shen Xingchen had gone to great lengths to prevent Li Xuan'an from winning. He was curious about their past, but it wasn't the best time to pry.

The director interjected, "Alright, everyone. Collect your room keys and head to your rooms."

But by then, several more mosquito bites had adorned Shen Xingchen.

Shen Xingsui looked on with sympathy, genuinely concerned for his brother, "Does it itch badly? It should be better once you're in your room. Let's hurry inside."

Shen Xingchen nodded quickly, "Alright then."

Everyone's rooms seemed to be relatively close to each other.

Following the room number, Shen Xingsui found his own room. Upon entering, he noted its cleanliness. However, he spotted an open window, which gave him an uneasy feeling.

Due to the summer heat, he headed to the bathroom for a shower. Afterward, as he tried to hang a mosquito net over his bed, he was constantly buzzed by a mosquito.

The cameraman also returned.

Shen Xingsui remarked, "There really are mosquitoes here. I'm not usually attractive to them, but in this summer heat, they can certainly disrupt a good night's sleep."

The cameraman mentioned, "Shen Xingchen next door got bitten several times by mosquitoes again."

Hearing this, Shen Xingsui couldn't help but laugh and feel sympathetic.

Viewers in the live stream commented:

"Being attractive to mosquitoes is so tough."

"Especially when you're tired, and there's a mosquito around."

"It's a double whammy."

Shen Xingsui decided, "I'll go check on him."

As he opened his door, he saw that Shen Xingchen's door was ajar and Fu Jinxiao had just returned from the bathroom.

Spotting the two of them, Shen Xingchen rushed over, pleading with Fu Jinxiao, "Brother Fu, save me. Let me use your mosquito repellent."

Fu Jinxiao knew the young master was not accustomed to hardship. Before they left, Shen Minglang had specifically advised him to let the young master endure some challenges.

"You should close this window later," Fu Jinxiao advised. "Didn't they install an air conditioner for you? Lowering the temperature will naturally keep mosquitoes from biting you."

Shen Xingchen retorted, "That won't work for me! I attract mosquitoes. Even if the room's cold, mosquitoes would still come for me even if it meant their death!"

Fu Jinxiao decided not to indulge him further, "The repellent we exchanged for is limited, I can't help you there. Lower the temperature, wrap yourself in a blanket and sleep."

Displeasure was evident on Shen Xingchen's face.

Beside them, Shen Xingsui gently reassured, "It's alright. Just endure it for a while, and it'll be over."

An idea struck Shen Xingchen, "Sui, do you have a mosquito net?"

Shen Xingsui paused.

"Let's sleep together then," Shen Xingchen proposed, wrapping his arms around Shen Xingsui's arm. "Isn't that perfect?"

Fu, who had initially intended to leave, halted in his tracks.

Shen Xingchen, seemingly oblivious to the mood, continued, "It's also a good opportunity for us to bond, right? I'll fetch Ning Ze, and the three of us can share a bed."

Shen Xingsui hesitated for a moment.

It wasn't that he was unwilling. But considering that his bed was a single, it might not fit all three. Additionally, the show's crew seemed to have allocated one room per person. Bundling up might breach the rules. Just as he was about to suggest lending his mosquito net to his brother, Fu Yingdi made his way back.

With a smirk barely hiding his amusement, Fu Jinxiao leaned against the doorway, calling out, "Shen Xingchen."

Shen Xingchen responded, "Yes?"

Lifting an eyelid, Fu Jinxiao's gaze penetrated deeply, "You know, the more noise you make, the more body heat you'll generate. Mosquitoes will find you even easier. If you care about being well-rested, you'd best keep quiet now."

Realizing the logic, Shen Xingchen immediately released Shen Xingsui, opting for self-preservation.

Fu Jinxiao remarked, "How would the three of you fit on his single bed?"

It took a moment for Shen Xingchen to process this.

"Here." Fu Jinxiao tossed a small bottle to Shen Xingchen, "It's a mosquito repellent. Apply it and sleep."

Catching the bottle, Shen Xingchen curiously asked, "Brother Fu, didn't you say you only had one bottle? Why is there suddenly an extra one?"

In the dim light, Fu Yingdi's face was inscrutable, his signature gentle smile in place, "Did I? Perhaps I misremembered."

"..."

The live stream audience was thoroughly entertained:

"Hahaha, you never fail to amuse."

"He changed his tune when he heard they wanted to sleep together."

"Ladies, I'm suddenly getting ship vibes here."

"It's mostly because our main guy keeps feeding the fandom."

"I'm a fan of Brother Fu. I've never felt this urge to 'ship' in a variety show before!"

As the night deepened and everyone prepared to rest, the production team delivered a wooden box to each guest's room.

Shen Xingsui was taken aback upon receiving the box. Bringing it to his table and opening it, he found a card inside that read, "To the brave souls visiting the mansion, the prince is here incognito. Assassins are after him, and one of them is among you. If the traitor isn't found within five days, the prince is in grave danger. Please identify the assassin."

Shen Xingsui was taken aback; he hadn't expected "Starlight Splendid" to have such a twist!

Behind the card, there was an identity card. Shen Xingsui hesitated before picking it up and reading: "Your role is the incognito prince. Protect yourself from the assassin and help your teammates find them."

Shen Xingsui: ?

Was he really playing this role?

There were eight guests on the show, excluding himself and the assassin. That meant six potential allies. But how could he identify them? How could he be sure they weren't the assassin? Revealing his role might make him a target. It'd be best to wait and see how things unfold the next day.

The cameraman zoomed in on Shen Xingsui's identity card, sparking excitement among the online viewers:

"Oh my god, Little Lamb is the prince!"

"I thought Brother Fu would get the boss card."

"Hahaha, I just came from another live stream. He got the 'good guy' card."

Simultaneously, all the guests received their boxes.

Shen Xingchen sarcastically commented on his card, "I'm labeled as a 'good guy'? No way! I'd rather be an assassin. Assassins are so cool!"

The cameraman: "..."

Never had he been rendered so speechless.

The other guests also unveiled their identity cards.

While viewers caught glimpses of a few, they hadn't seen everyone's card:

"Xingchen has the 'good guy' card, and so does Brother Fu."

"Xingsui is the prince."

"Confirmed, Teacher Tuya is also a 'good guy'."

"Feng Fan has the 'good guy' card too!"

"Xu Qinkè also revealed his card. He's one of the good ones."

By now, viewers deduced that five of the participants were good. Thus, the assassin must be among the remaining three: An Ran, Li Xuan'an, and Ning Ze. The audience was on tenterhooks trying to guess, but the guests, being fatigued, had already retired to bed.

At 5 a.m., Shen Xingsui, deep in slumber, was woken up.

A staff member from the show gently stirred him, "Xingsui, wake up."

The cameraman was right behind. Coming to, Shen Xingsui, typically a light sleeper and hence devoid of grogginess, looked confused, "What happened?"

The director approached, explaining, "You and Brother Fu failed to complete the task given to you yesterday. Therefore, you face a penalty this morning."

...

So they're holding me responsible for my own suggestion, huh?

Shen Xingsui rubbed his eyes, innocently asking, "What's the penalty?"

"Oh, it's simple," the director motioned to a staff member who brought forth a Rubik's Cube and explained, "Your task this morning is to wake up every guest."

Shen Xingsui, shocked, questioned, "I have to wake them up?"

The director nodded, "Yes, right now. As for the method of waking them up, we launched a WeChat mini-program last night where viewers voted for their preferred wakeup methods. Today's top-ranking method is—"

Shen Xingsui noticed the director trailing off mid-sentence and leaned in curiously, "What is it?"

As he got a little closer, he could clearly read the words on the screen: "Wake him up with a morning kiss."

...

A momentary silence enveloped the room.

Shen Xingsui stared at the over ten million votes for this option, finally asking, "Is this really what the audience wants to see?"

Online viewers in the live stream commented:

"Hahaha, don't doubt it!"

"That's exactly what we want!"

"gkdgkd"

Shen Xingsui felt overwhelmed. Meanwhile, the ever-nonchalant director urged, "Get going, Xingsui. Start with the closest room."

"Shen Xingchen?"

The director replied, "No, it's Brother Fu."

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened in shock, frozen in place. Was he really expected to randomly kiss his idol early in the morning? Wouldn't that be frowned upon, or even lead to a physical rebuff?

However, the director cheerily noted, "Xingsui, Brother Fu isn't a morning person. You better brace yourself."

The production team wouldn't dare wake up that 'King of Hell' themselves. Thus, they used this method, sending a guest instead. They recalled a past incident on another show where Fu Yindi was a guest. Early in the morning, staff members had loudly woken up the actor who had slept for only a few hours. The aftermath was so dire that the staff member was rumored to have been traumatized.

The director gave a sympathetic pat on Shen Xingsui's shoulder, "Good luck. We're rooting for you."

Shen Xingsui: "..."