All eyes were on Shen Xingsui, who was visibly nervous. Unlike Shen Xingchen, he wasn't adept at hiding his emotions. Calling at this time, fearing he might disturb his mother or come off as bothersome, seemed like an instinctive reaction.

There was a lengthy silence on the other end before Xu Enzhen's voice rang out, softer and friendlier than before, "Is that you, Xingsui?"

Shen Xingsui softly acknowledged.

"It really is you! I thought I heard wrong. Why are you up so early?" Xu Enzhen inquired, "Have you had breakfast?"

Shen Xingsui honestly replied, "No."

He hesitated, thinking it might be a good time to ask.

Holding his phone, he licked his lips and mustered the courage to say, "Um, Mom, I am indeed filming. Actually, I wanted to ask if you could..."

Before he could finish, Xu Enzhen interrupted, "You're recording this early without breakfast? How can you sustain yourself like that? Don't be afraid. Tell me what you want, and I'll fly it over to you right now."

...

Shen Xingsui had hoped for his mother's approval to complete his task, but he hadn't expected her to take him quite so literally. "Um, Mom, it's still early. The sky isn't even bright yet. Continue sleeping. Plus, booking a flight takes time, and it's far. I'm fine. The crew provides meals."

"Why book a flight? We have our private jet," Xu Enzhen declared proudly. "I'm not sleepy. I usually wake up around this time anyway."

Shen Xingchen on the side: ?

His bewildered expression and wide eyes seemed to spell out 'confused' across his forehead.

The live audience couldn't contain their laughter after witnessing this:

"I'm about to die laughing!"

"(Shen Xingchen, why are you being so annoying early in the morning?) (Mom's not sleepy, she usually wakes up at this time)"

"(Do you need a slap?) (Tell me what you want, Xingsui, I'll send it over)"

"Hahaha, I'm rolling around laughing so early in the morning!"

"What a comedic disaster!"

"Although the focus should be on the fact that these two are indeed siblings, ladies, I can't stop laughing!"

Shen Xingsui felt sympathetic towards his mother. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Enzhen had already gotten up and knocked on Shen Minglang's door to inquire about their private jet.

A somewhat irked Shen Minglang, after hearing she wanted to go to Peach Blossom Town, said, "Shen Xingchen won't starve. Mom, you're overreacting."

Pointing at the phone, Xu Enzhen clarified, "Not him. It's Xingsui."

"Xingsui?" Shen Minglang's tone changed. After a pause, he said, "If we dispatch the jet now, it'll get there by noon at the earliest."

Shen Xingchen: "…?"

His eyes widened, staring intently at his phone.

The audience in the live-stream erupted in laughter:

"Hahaha, Xingchen, were you adopted?"

"I can't stop laughing!"

"The heir's status is in crisis."

"Hahaha, witnessing double standards in a prestigious family!"

Shen Xingsui hurriedly explained in a flustered tone, "Mom, elder brother, it's not what you think. The show just asked me to do this task. I truly appreciate you all wanting to come over, but I’ve already completed the task, and I'll be getting breakfast soon."

After listening, Xu Enzhen seemed slightly disappointed, "Is that so?"

Shen Xingsui responded gently, warmth evident in his gaze. Even though they couldn't make it, their concern warmed his heart, "Yes, thank you, mom."

From the side of the phone, Shen Minglang coughed lightly, as if reminding of his presence, "If you encounter any issues while recording the show, call home immediately."

The smile in Shen Xingsui's eyes deepened, "Understood, thank you, elder brother."

As the call came to an end and once he hung up, there was a profound silence around him. The eyes of everyone present were fixed on him, filled with mixed emotions but without any hostility.

Shen Xingchen was the first to react, "Xingsui, don't believe mom and elder brother's nonsense! The earliest that plane can arrive is by evening, so there's no way breakfast can be delivered!"

Shen Xingsui: "Huh?"

"Seriously, would I lie to you?" Shen Xingchen draped an arm around Shen Xingsui's shoulder, "In critical moments, only I am reliable. Their sweet words mean nothing!"

Shen Xingsui, now closer to Shen Xingchen, was too befuddled to react and just nodded in agreement.

The live-stream audience and other guests laughed:

"I thought he'd be mad, but he just got competitive!"

"Shen Xingchen, classic you!"

"So, he's really the second brother?"

"Haha, reminds me of yesterday. You mocked someone for being stingy, and they teased you about not inheriting billions."

"Xingsui, you hid this so well!"

Shen Xingsui hesitated for a moment, "Um... my phone?"

Fu Jinxiao reached out, "Hand it to me."

Shen Xingsui obediently handed it over.

After careful consideration, Fu Jinxiao decided to call his father first. However, his father, who was likely on a business trip, didn't pick up. Not wanting to disturb his grandparents at this hour, he eventually dialed Lina.

Once the call connected, an intimidating voice, distinctly Lina's, came through, "This better be important! You're interrupting my prime beauty sleep time!"

Fu Jinxiao replied with a smirk, "I'm on a show."

"On a show?" Lina was taken aback. After shuffling, her tone shifted to a sweeter one, "Hello to all the viewers in front of the TV and mobile screens. Sorry for the interruption, how embarrassing~"

The live-stream audience tried to contain their amusement:

"The matriarch is truly adorable!"

"No worries, we're all family here!"

"Didn't expect Fu's mother to be so hilarious."

"Hahaha, now we know where Fu got his ability to switch moods so quickly."

Used to his mother's antics, Fu Jinxiao got straight to the point, "I'm filming, and they aren't providing food. Can you send some breakfast?"

"Breakfast?" Lina remarked, "Which production dares not feed you? Are you trying to pull one over on me?"

Fu Jinxiao: "..."

Lina, sounding like she just woke up, connected the dots, "Oh, it's that 'Stars Shine Bright' show, isn't it? Is Xingsui there too?"

Fu Jinxiao glanced at the person in front of him, "He is."

"Has Xingsui eaten?" Lina was sidetracked, "It's not easy for him, you know. He shouldn't be hungry. His health isn't the best. Are they really not feeding you all? Find out what Xingsui likes to eat. I can send it over with our private jet."

Fu Jinxiao was uncharacteristically silent.

Upon hearing Aunt Lina's words, Shen Xingsui blushed and softly replied, "Auntie, don't worry. I had my breakfast."

Lina felt reassured, "As long as you and Xingchen have eaten, that's all that matters. I can rest easy now!"

Fu Jinxiao: "..."

Meanwhile, the live-stream's viewers were abuzz:

"Hahaha, I didn't expect a sequel to this!"

"Why is Fu's mother so concerned about Xingsui and Xingchen?"

To the one asking above, "I heard the two families have always been close!"

"I'm laughing so hard my stomach hurts."

"Without a doubt, our Xingsui is the darling of the group!"

Naturally, some perceptive viewers and fans sensed something was amiss:

"The way Auntie speaks... it sounds like she's treating someone like... a daughter-in-law?"

"Exactly!"

"Let's not overthink this; it's just concern."

"She did mention Xingchen too."

"Hopefully..."

In the end, amidst all the commotion, Lina agreed to Fu Jinxiao's breakfast request. The actor Fu succeeded in his task. The phone was then passed to An Ran.

Due to the unexpected call during the live stream, for the first time, the viewer count surged to 350 million at 5 a.m. All major streaming platforms nearly crashed from the overwhelming barrage of comments and traffic. The sun hadn't even risen, and several trending topics emerged:

#IsShenXingsuiTrulyAShenFamilyChild#

#HowDualisticCanPeopleBe#

#ShenXingchen'sFightForAttentionScene#

#FutureMotherInLawIsSoAdorable#

In just an hour, the top trending spots were dominated by "Stars Shine Bright." The show truly tapped into the secret of capturing audience attention. As more and more people woke up, its viewership kept rising, and discussions grew more intense.

When An Ran received the phone, he dialed a number, answered by Jian Kuo.

Jian Kuo's early morning voice hinted at slight impatience, "Hello, Ran? What's up?"

An Ran tentatively replied, "Dad, I'm filming a show and haven't had breakfast yet. Can you bring me something?"

"Breakfast?" Jian Kuo paused, seemingly questioning reality, "Didn't the production team arrange for it?"

An Ran responded softly, his voice delicate and vulnerable, evoking sympathy, "Dad, could you bring it to me?"

After a moment's silence, just when everyone thought Jian Kuo would agree, he said, "Alright, I'll have one of my drivers deliver it to you. It's a bit far, so he'll buy a plane ticket."

"..."

An Ran's expression momentarily betrayed a twitch at the corner of his lips.

Not just him; others also hid their smiles, tinged with amusement and irony.

It's widely known how ostentatious An Ran's relationship with the Jian family had been, especially given that his brother, Jian Zhi from the entertainment industry, had showered him with attention. During the "Stars" training camp, everyone envied An Ran. The internet was abuzz about the Jian family's doting nature towards him. But today's comparison proved there's no harm like comparison.

Naturally, the live-stream audience had their fun:

"One sends a private jet directly, while the other has to buy a plane ticket."

"Haha, some get a ‘I'll come right away with whatever you want’ treatment, while others just send a driver."

"Aren't they both from prestigious families?"

"Even among the elite, there are levels. I can say confidently that the Jian family can't compare with the Shen or Fu families."

"Haha, though both agreed, it feels like An Ran lost a point somehow."

Everyone in the group had taken their turn calling, and nearly all of their relatives had agreed.

The director had breakfast wheeled in, but the richness of the meals varied greatly. For those like Shen Xing Sui and Fu Jin Xiao who even had box passcodes, their luxurious breakfast was abundant - noodles with soup, small wontons, buns, dumplings, pastries, milk, spicy soup, and a plethora of other options.

In contrast, nearby, Shen Xing Chen's breakfast was just a bowl of millet porridge with two pancakes and a small serving of pickles.

While dining, Shen Xing Chen sat at a nearby table. Shen Xing Sui took a portion of his own meal and quietly offered, "Let's eat together."

Shen Xing Chen bit into his pancake, surprised, "Didn't the director say no sharing breakfast?"

"He did," Shen Xing Sui replied with a sly smile, lowering his voice, "But if we both eat half, it isn't sharing, right? More like splitting."

Shen Xing Chen chuckled, poking Shen Xing Sui, "You've become quite mischievous recently!"

Shen Xing Sui presented the noodle soup he'd prepared, loaded with meat and chicken, and pushed it to his brother, "Eat up. You didn't eat well yesterday."

Hunger evident, Shen Xing Chen immediately dove into the noodles, abandoning his millet porridge.

Shen Xing Sui nibbled on a bun. After Shen Xing Chen finished half the bowl, he looked up and asked, "It seems I've eaten all the meat. Don't you want any?"

"I've had some," Shen Xing Sui showed him the meat-filled bun, "See? This has meat."

Shen Xing Chen took a closer look. Though the bun contained meat, it was a tiny portion in comparison to the chicken leg. Yet, his companion seemed content, reminding him of the past.

No matter the situation, like back during "Starlight", Shen Xing Sui would keep watch over him during late-night practice sessions, or help him tidy his bed in the dorm to avoid penalties.

Shen Xing Chen smirked confidently, "Today, I'll definitely ace the task. I promise two chicken legs for you by lunch."

Shen Xing Sui paused, smiling gently, "I believe you."

Shen Xing Chen grumbled, "Respect your elder. Call me 'bro'."

"..."

Childish.

Internally rolling his eyes, Shen Xing Sui still indulged him, whispering, "Bro."

A radiant smile lit up Shen Xing Chen's face. He glanced at the camera smugly, cleared his throat, and announced, "Fine, since you recognize me as the boss, I promise to treat you to the best food and drink!"

Shen Xing Sui laughed, "Thank you, then."

Only then did Shen Xing Chen continue his meal with satisfaction.

The live audience, having witnessed everything, felt both amused and touched:

"I was worried earlier about a double standard at the scene, which might upset Xing Chen."

"But Sui Sui is truly an angel; he's just so wonderful."

"Thanks to Sui Sui for being so considerate of our Chen brother's feelings, I'm officially a fan now!"

"These two brothers are so heartwarming. It's touching."

After everyone had their fill, just before the director's team came to announce the next task, the group members gathered to unlock the code boxes they'd received the previous day.

So far, Shen Xing Sui and Fu Jin Xiao have the most task cards. After unlocking their boxes, they read the contents on the cards, which stated:

【From a young age, the young master exhibited extraordinary artistic talents and was beloved by many.】

【He has always detested water, especially the pond in the backyard.】

Holding the two cards, Shen Xing Sui pondered, speculatively analyzing, "This killer is artistically gifted and is very popular."

The clue from this card has such a broad scope. The entire boy band could be said to be artistically gifted, and speaking of popularity, there are even more potential matches.

"Afraid of water," Fu Jin Xiao remarked, pointing to another card, adding, "Mr. Li is a good swimmer, and Tu Ya can swim too."

Shen Xing Sui reflected, "My brother can swim as well."

This clue narrows things down a bit. Perhaps identifying those who can't swim would give them a lead! Who else doesn’t swim?

As he was thinking, a knock echoed from the door.

Shen Xing Sui turned and said, "Come in."

It was Shen Xing Chen. He remarked, "I only have a few cards, but I swear I'm not the killer. How about we share some intel?"

Fu Jin Xiao raised an eyebrow, "Why should we trust you?"

"I'm really not the killer!" Shen Xing Chen exclaimed defensively. To prove his innocence, he added, "I also have a task card. If you don’t trust me, I can show it to you! And I promise, the hint on my card will definitely help you."

Shen Xing Sui hesitated and looked at Fu Jin Xiao for guidance.

With a relaxed posture, Fu Jin Xiao leaned back in his chair and gestured, "Let's see it."

Shen Xing Chen presented the card, allowing everyone to read: 【From a young age, the young master had frail health. The old master wished for him to live a peaceful and free life.】

This clue, though somewhat ambiguous, offered a new perspective.

Shen Xing Chen proposed, "Could it be that the killer has always had health issues?"

Combining the information from the acquired task cards, they deduced: The killer is male, handsome, possesses high artistic talents, is well-liked by the audience, and has some health issues.

Shen Xingchen rubbed his temple, appearing distressed, "Who could it be? These clues are so broad and ambiguous. They’re practically useless given their wide scope."

While Shen Xingchen was voicing his frustration, Fu Jinxiao remained silent.

Holding a card in his hand, Fu Jinxiao studied it intently. His gaze swept over a few cards, and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Seeing his expression, Shen Xingchen inquired, "Fu, do you already have an idea?"

Shen Xingsui looked at Fu Jinxiao with a mix of surprise and disbelief, thinking it implausible. How could he deduce anything from these vague clues so quickly?

Setting the card down, Fu Jinxiao stretched lazily, standing up. He remarked, "I have a hunch."

? ?

The two brothers exclaimed in unison, "Who do you think it is?"

Fu Jinxiao casually picked up the name tag required for today's recording. He glanced at them from beneath lifted eyelids, lips curling, "I'll confirm my suspicion during the day, and then I'll tell you."

"..."

How can he make such a challenging deduction sound so simple?

Now Shen Xingsui understood what Shen Xingchen had told him before – that Fu Jinxiao was unbeatable. It made sense why many feared him and treaded lightly in his presence. No one would want him as an adversary.

With their morning discussion concluded, the production crew introduced a new task for the day.

Instead of wandering around the village, they ventured to the base of a nearby mountain. An old school, named Hope Elementary, stood there.

The director casually mentioned, "Given the remote location of Peach Blossom Village, the economy and transportation aren't very developed here. Children from various small villages on this mountain attend school here. This school was generously donated by a kind-hearted businessman a decade ago, ensuring every child can learn and grow freely and healthily."

The camera panned to the school building, faintly revealing a corporate name.

Online viewers quickly identified:

"Starry Moon Group!"

"That's the Shen family's business!"

"Hope Elementary…"

"Was it established in memory of a lost child?"

"From what I gathered, the Shen family has funded multiple schools with the same name in almost every province!"

Perhaps, after losing their own child, they hoped to provide quality education for all children. Maybe they held on to a faint hope that their child was still alive, fearing they might be suffering somewhere unknown. This philanthropic effort was spread across every corner.

The production team led the participants into the school and explained the day's challenge, "You'll draw lots to determine your tasks for the day, which could range from a teacher to a janitor, chef, security guard, and more. You're expected to perform your duties diligently. Good performance will earn points, while mistakes will deduct points. At the end of the day, the participant with the highest score wins."

The director added, "There are also some special task card boxes hidden around the school. Today is the third day, and the killer now has the authority to make a move. All of you should try to identify the killer while ensuring your own safety."

With the announcement over, everyone began drawing lots.

Shen Xingsui drew the janitor's role, Fu Jinxiao became a teacher, Shen Xingchen, who was unused to manual labor, surprisingly drew the head chef. Ning Ze was assigned as security, while Tuya became a gardener...

Once the task begins, the scoring starts.

Shen Xingsui grabbed the broom and mop, ready to clean the students' classrooms and hallways. On the other hand, Fu Jinxiao took some textbooks to teach a third-grade class. Upon his entrance, the room filled with gasps and excited screams. The children, looking simple yet earnest with their sun-tanned skins, wore innocent smiles on their faces. Their eyes sparkled, transfixed on the celebrity before them.

Fu Jinxiao approached the podium and made a gesture for silence.

Though he had never been a teacher, the actor Fu seemed not a bit nervous. Standing tall, he began with a cultured smile, "Please remain silent during the class. Let me introduce myself. My surname is Fu. You can address me as Teacher Fu. Though it's our first meeting, I'd like to get to know all of you a little."

The children responded in unison, "It's not our first time seeing you!"

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow in amusement, "When did we meet before?"

"On TV!"

"On the packaging of the food we eat!"

"On the wall of our local store..."

These candid answers left many both amused and touched. The online audience found these kids irresistibly genuine and adorable.

A little boy even proudly proclaimed, "I'm your fan! The War God movie you starred in was so cool! When I grow up, I want to be a hero like you and defeat the villains!"

The dreams of children are always so pure and straightforward.

That was just a sci-fi movie, and there weren't any real super-powered heroes.

Fu Jinxiao smiled, not wanting to shatter the boy's dream, "That's a great aspiration. Work hard, and one day you might achieve it."

His friendly demeanor encouraged even the shy ones to open up. The same boy pointed to his deskmate, grinning, "She's your fan too!"

Looking down at her, Fu Jinxiao playfully inquired, "So, do you aspire to be a superhero too?"

The little girl shook her head, her cheeks flushed.

Her friend couldn't help but chuckle, revealing, "Nah, her dream is to grow up and marry you!"

The whole class erupted in laughter.

The girl's face turned an even deeper shade of red, but she didn't deny it. She looked up timidly at the tall, handsome man before her, her idol.

Only Fu Jinxiao didn't join in the teasing. He gazed at her calmly, then bent slightly forward and said gently, "It's wonderful to have dreams, but you're still very young, not old enough to be a bride."

The girl seemed a tad disappointed but nodded in agreement.

"Moreover..."

To her surprise, Fu Jinxiao had more to say. She looked up, meeting his affectionate gaze. With a subtle smile, he said leisurely, "I already have someone in mind for a bride, so I can't marry you."

!!!

The little girl's eyes widened in shock.

Even the cameraman filming the program behind them seemed to pause for a moment, and the online viewers in the live chat went berserk:

"What did I just hear?!"

"He has someone special?!"

"Is he just saying that to calm the little girl down?"

"Who could possibly win his heart?"

"Can I get a peek at the bride-to-be who's apparently saved the galaxy?"

"Ahh! This news has me wide awake this early!"