Tuya would swear that her heart shattered upon hearing those words!

On one hand, she genuinely didn't expect Fu Jinxiao to be smitten. After all, in her eyes, the perennially single Fu Jinxiao had largely remained so because of his discerning nature.

He didn't fancy those who were good-looking, nor those who weren't; neither the intelligent ones nor the dimwits; not those who were materialistic or those who were content with little. Honestly, for a long time, their friend group secretly bet on whether Fu Jinxiao would remain single forever!

But then...

On the flip side, whoever caught the eye of this cunning fox must be feeling overwhelmed. Wouldn't they be devoured completely?

Struggling to find words, Tuya managed to ask, a hint of reluctance evident, "So, who do you want me to set you up with?"

Standing opposite her, Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow at her query, giving her a "Isn't it obvious?" look, smirking, he replied leisurely, "What do you think?"

"..."

It's none of YaYa's business, she doesn't know.

Tuya might not recall every lunch she's had, but this one was nerve-wracking. The worst part? She couldn't gossip about this juicy tidbit, making the whole situation unbearable.

In the afternoon, the production team gathered everyone together. The sun wasn't scorching anymore. A staff member addressed the group, “The results from this morning's activities are in, and the current scores are ready. We will now announce the rankings based on professionalism and overall performance:

Fu Jinxiao: 230 points

Tuya: 200 points

Shen Xingsui: 180 points

Li Xu'an: 178 points

Shen Xingchen: 150 points

An Ran: 142 points...

After the rankings were announced, Shen Xingchen was visibly discontented, “Director, I labored over cooking all morning and you only give me 150 points. Is that fair?”

“Considering what happened, you should be grateful for those points,” the director responded with a straight face. “The wasted ingredients and the shattered pots and dishes will cost us quite a bit to replace.”

“…”

Shen Xingchen was, for once, silenced.

The live stream audience was amused:

“The young master wasn’t cooking, he was about to blow up the kitchen!”

“Hahaha, who would be so fortunate—or unfortunate—to eat what he cooked?”

“The shocking part is that he actually managed to finish cooking!”

“Worrying indeed! Hahaha.”

The director continued, “The top three competitors will receive a gift pack and a task hint card. Everyone, do your best!”

After the brief meeting, everyone knew their scores. With the morning’s experiences, they approached the afternoon tasks with more confidence.

In the afternoon, Shen Xingchen returned to the kitchen intending to chop some firewood. He ran into An Ran, who was fetching water. An Ran approached with a smile, “Brother Chen, chopping wood?”

Shen Xingchen answered noncommittally, “Hmm.”

“Brother Chen, can I give it a try?” An Ran asked tentatively.

Shen Xingchen replied, slightly irritated, “What are you up to? With your strength, you can’t even hold the axe steady. Have you finished your tasks? Don’t come here causing trouble.”

An Ran's voice wavered, but he tried to charm his way, “Just one try? Let me have a go, and I'll leave you alone. Promise. I've never chopped wood before. The axe looks fun.”

“…”

Shen Xingchen, slightly unnerved by his whining and insistence, finally handed him the axe, “Alright, alright! Go on, give it a shot.”

After a few failed attempts, An Ran handed the axe back with a sigh, “It’s so heavy! Brother Chen, you’ll probably have a sore back in a couple of days.”

Shen Xingchen, ignoring him, retorted, “I’m perfectly fine, thank you. Maybe you should take care of yourself first.”

Sensing Shen Xingchen’s impatience, An Ran handed back the axe and discreetly took his leave.

Mid-afternoon, everyone was engrossed in their work, diligently earning points. They gradually grew familiar with the students, occasionally pausing to chat. The students of this school were bashful and reserved. When they spoke, they gathered in small groups, laughing and playing, exuding youthful energy.

In the afternoon, Shen Xingsui was quieter as she cleaned, always working in solitude. Even during breaks, she wouldn’t engage with others, just sitting alone, lost in thought.

Netizens had mixed reactions:

“What’s going on? Is she slacking off because she's tired?”

“It's quite boring to watch her like this.”

“Could she be... composing a song? Things aren’t always as they seem.”

“Composing music without pen and paper? Fans can be so delusional.”

Even though viewers had their critiques, the number of online viewers didn’t decrease. Instead, it continued to rise. Each guest had their own individual streaming room, and each room displayed its popularity and viewer count. At present, Shen Xingsui's stream was second only to Fu Jinxe and Shen Xingchen, surpassing most of the boy band members.

...

evening

After the afternoon tasks, the director announced the day's score rankings. As expected, the top three were: Fu Jinxe, Shen Xingchen, and Tu Ya.

Teacher Li raised a hand to inquire, “Why is Shen Xingchen in the top three? Didn’t he break a bunch of dishes?”

“Indeed, he did,” the director answered with a hint of exasperation. “But he chopped so much firewood, the kitchen staff was very impressed and awarded him many points.”

Teacher Li: "..."

Nobody expected such an outcome.

Seeing everyone's exhaustion from the day's activities, the director said, “If there are no objections, let’s pack up, say goodbye to the students, and leave the school.”

At that moment, the usually quiet Shen Xingsui raised her hand: “Director, I have something.”

The production team looked at her in surprise.

“When I was cleaning earlier, I passed by a classroom,” Shen Xingsui said with a smile. “Inside, there was an old piano. I was wondering if I could play it?”

The director, puzzled by the request, hesitantly replied, “You can, but what do you intend to do with it?”

With a gentle smile, Shen Xingsui responded, “I’d like to play a song for a classmate.”

The instant she finished her sentence, the live-stream audience speculated about which student she referred to. As the production team hesitated, Shen Xingsui played her trump card, “This morning, during the call segment, you mentioned that if a task was completed successfully, you’d grant a special favor.”

The director nodded, “So you want to...”

Shen Xingsui interjected, “Yes, I'd like to use that opportunity now.”

It was a significant chance to make a request of the production team, and no one expected Shen Xingsui to use it so readily, just to play the piano!

Nevertheless, the team kept their promise. After the guests had their dinner in the cafeteria, they came out to find the piano, finely tuned and ready. The sun hadn’t set yet; the evening sky was painted in shades of red. The piano stood in the middle of the playground, under the crimson hue.

To Shen Xingsui's surprise, the young boy, Qi Xiao, was also there.

The production team informed Shen Xingsui, “The piano is ready for use. Here's the microphone. Good luck.”

This production team, known for its relentless pranks and unpredictable events, is undeniably meticulous and professional when handling the main agenda, paying great attention to every detail.

Shen Xingsui expressed his gratitude with a simple "Thank you."

As he approached the piano, children passing by halted in their tracks. Standing before the instrument, he gracefully let his fingers glide over the keys, familiarizing himself with its touch. Looking up, a soft smile played on his lips, "I'm grateful for the friendships I've made here at this school. Before I leave, I'd like to perform a song for a special young friend."

The evening breeze carrying traces of sunset swept through, rendering the upright posture of the young man in the center of the playground even more eye-catching.

Shen Xingsui settled down at the piano, his slender, fair fingers pressing the keys, producing notes that were crisp and graceful. The melody, though somber, was soothing and held a mysterious warmth. Clearly broadcasted through the microphone, the tune resonated with the audience.

After a brief pause, his voice, soft and tender in the twilight, began:

"If I were the wind, a breeze unnoticed by most,"

"On a sweltering day, I'd cross fields and mountains, to be by your side."

The simple lyrics, combined with the mellow tune, sounded harmonious even when sung a cappella. The setting sun cast long shadows on the ground, and Shen Xingsui's emotive performance momentarily stilled the bustling playground.

The live chat was abuzz:

"Isn't this the song from the boy we saw earlier today?"

"He composed and memorized it all in one afternoon!"

"But wasn't he with us the whole time?"

"He truly composed it so quickly?"

"If I were a beam of light, a beam that's easily overlooked,"

"In the darkest of nights, I'd climb the highest walls, breaking through the darkness to shine brightly upon you..."

The gentle tune began to crescendo, and as Shen Xingsui's gaze found the boy with teary eyes, his voice gained intensity, echoing the emotions of the song:

"So, the heat won't last forever, nor will the nights always be dark. The temperature will drop, and the sun will rise; brighter days await us."

"Even if the sun doesn't come up, it doesn't matter. We know things will eventually be alright..."

Despite the high notes and continuous piano accompaniment, Shen Xingsui's voice remained clear and steady. The cheerful tune and the emotional depth of the lyrics combined harmoniously, making the performance enchanting.

"So, we will definitely..." Shen Xingsui's fingers danced on the keys, his voice deepening, "wait for the sunrise."

As the final note faded, a hush enveloped the audience.

quite a while

Breaking the silence, thunderous applause erupted, led by someone from the crowd. For many of these children, it was their first time experiencing a live piano performance, and their excitement was palpable.

Shen Xingsui rose gracefully, giving a respectful bow to the audience.

Though not dressed in a tuxedo, standing by the piano, he looked as if he were on his very own stage. His mastery and confidence in music made him the undeniable protagonist, captivating everyone present.

Turning to the most enthusiastic applauders, Shen Xingsui smiled warmly, "Did you enjoy it?"

The children answered in unison, "It's beautiful!"

"Actually, this isn't my song," Shen Xingsui's words left many children bewildered. He waved at Qi Xiao and explained to everyone, "This is Qi Xiao, your classmate. He wrote this song."

The students were collectively taken aback.

The third-grader, dark-skinned due to malnutrition and only reaching up to Shen Xingsui's chest, stood still and dumbfounded when called out. Only with the encouragement of his classmates did he make his way to the center of the playground, standing next to the piano, looking quite lost.

Shen Xingsui crouched down to level with him and gave a gentle smile, "I'm sorry I arranged your song without asking for your permission."

Qi Xiao quickly shook his head.

"What do you think?" Shen Xingsui softly asked him, "Is it how you imagined your song would sound?"

Without any hesitation, Qi Xiao nodded. He was nervous but still whispered, his voice a bit hoarse, "It sounds just like that. I never thought it could be this beautiful."

"Because... everyone says my lyrics are bad and wouldn’t sound good if sung," Qi Xiao's hands, held by his side, clenched into fists as he tugged at his clothes.

No one interrupted him, even though his speech was halting and barely audible due to his nervousness.

Shen Xingsui watched the boy intently from start to finish, patiently listening. He wiped away the slight sweat from the boy's forehead, smiled gently, and whispered, "How can that be? It sounds truly beautiful."

With a raspy voice, Qi Xiao asked, "Really?"

Shen Xingsui nodded. The setting sun cast a golden hue on him, making him seem to glow. He smiled tenderly, his eyes shining, "Absolutely. Haven't I proved it to you? Qi Xiao, you're far from lacking. You're my pride."

Those words seemed to hit a button.

The tension in the boy's face eased, his lips quivered, and tears, round as beans, started to flow. He sobbed openly, wiping his tears with his arm, as if releasing years of pent-up feelings and perhaps due to finally receiving validation and encouragement.

Shen Xingsui reached out and embraced him, and the usually reserved boy cried even harder in his arms.

This emotional moment even touched the viewers in the live broadcast:

"Tears in my eyes."

"Xingsui, you're our pride!"

"Oh, my idol! His arrangements are amazing, his singing so enchanting, he's an angel."

"A simple act can change a child's life."

"He himself was once eliminated from a talent show and almost couldn't continue singing. He's faced so much hardship, yet he still shines a light on others."

"Crying out of respect here."

While most people only had a superficial understanding of Shen Xingsui, today, his song arrangement skills, his regard for a child's dream, and his kindness touched many. On Weibo's real-time trending topics, for the first time, a search term dedicated solely to Shen Xingsui shot up:

#ShenXingsuiMasterfulArrangement#

#HeIsMyPrideAndJoyIdol#

The scene at the program recording was equally bustling. Qi Xiao, upon realizing that Shen Xingsui and his group were the original singers of "Twilight Glow", was so shocked that he couldn't cry. Coincidentally, it was time for school to end. Qi Xiao's ailing grandmother had come to pick him up. After some discussion among everyone, they decided to perform a live version of "Twilight Glow" right there with the piano present.

And the lineup for this performance was truly star-studded.

The piano accompaniment was played by Fu Jinxiao, and the dance team included Tu Ya and Teacher Li. The entire boy group collaborated for a stellar performance of "Twilight Glow", fulfilling the elderly woman's dream. As the last traces of the setting sun dipped below the horizon and night officially began, their day at the school came to an end. Stars glittered in the sky, lighting the way home. Though they were exhausted, they chatted and laughed among themselves.

The camera captured this prime moment of their lives.

The live stream audience was deeply moved:

"I think I now understand why this show has its name."

"In the bright days of our lives, we should encounter even more beauty."

"I used to wonder why Shen Xingsui was even added to the group. I'm eating my words now."

"I'm going to listen to his previous works!"

"Looking forward to more amazing works from Xingsui. From now on, I'm a new fan!"

When everyone returned to the villa, they couldn't rest yet. The production team gathered everyone. Today was the fourth day of the program, which lasted for five days and six nights. By this evening, things were bound to get tumultuous.

The director said, "It seems like you all had a lot of fun today. However, I must announce something. Today, three of you were poisoned by the 'killer' and are now half dead. If the killer succeeds one more time, the three of you will be immediately eliminated and face a penalty."

Everyone was stunned.

The director then read out the names, "Shen Xingchen, Li Xu'an, and An Ran."

...

The room went silent.

Shen Xingchen was the first to react, "How is that possible? When was I poisoned? How did I not know?"

With no emotion on his face, the director responded, "Unfortunately, Shen Xingchen, you have indeed been targeted once by the killer, and they succeeded. Now, you're left with half a life. If you're targeted again and it's successful, you'll be completely eliminated."

"I want to remind everyone that even if you're not poisoned, you can't just think of saving yourself. If the 'king' is successfully poisoned, then as soon as the king loses half of his life, everyone else will too. If the king dies and is eliminated, then the 'good side' loses." The director added, "Your goal is to find and protect the king while identifying the killer."

Shen Xingchen, not willing to give up, raised his hand, "Director, can I ask, does the killer have free rein in how they poison? If the terms are so good, can I join them?"

"..."

His innocent comment amused everyone.

The director, trying to hold back a laugh, answered, "No, if the killer wants to make a move, there are conditions. As of now, if any of you fall victim, it only means you don't understand the killer well enough."

The implication was clear.

If any of you get eliminated, it's entirely your fault for not studying the clue cards and not being diligent enough.

Once the production team had finished briefing the guests and let everyone go, those who had realized the gravity of the situation finally began to feel a sense of urgency. They all gathered together, heading to a nearby pavilion to convene.

Tuya was the first to speak up, "Let me start. I think we need to exchange our task card clues. If we share information, we can deduce who the killer is faster and eliminate him."

"I agree with that proposal," said Teacher Li, producing two cards. "These are mine."

With someone taking the lead, the rest followed suit and presented their cards.

Teacher Li, with his significant influence, began, "My two cards are simple yet strange. They tell a story of a family that once lived in this mansion. They were once the local magistrates. But after being assigned a secret task from the higher-ups, the magistrate went about it discreetly. Once the task was completed, the entire family was executed to silence them."

Tuya nodded, "My task card provided two narrative threads. One key hint suggests the young master was the eldest son in his family, and I also have a card with a dragon motif."

Shen Xingchen also presented his card, saying, "Our hints are quite detailed. He's described as very handsome, with an innate talent for art, and he's beloved by many."

Li Xu'an and An Ran revealed their cards, "Our story thread indicates that after the family execution, only the young master survived, and his arch-nemesis was the Prince. He's been garnering various forces for revenge, and their secret passphrase is: 'A Beautiful Night'."

...

Once all cards were laid out, silence engulfed the room.

It wasn't for any trivial reason. The clues were just too direct. Teacher Li glanced at Fu Yingdi and remarked, "This 'A Beautiful Night' card might as well have your ID written on it."

The room burst into laughter.

Fu Jinxiao, lounging in his chair, responded with raised eyebrows and a smirk, "So, Teacher Li, you suspect me?"

"Well, I can't speak for others, but if it were you..." Teacher Li shivered slightly and said, "Looks can be deceiving indeed. One mustn't judge a book by its cover."

Tuya chuckled, "Plus, another clue mentions he's the eldest son. If I recall, you're the only child in your family."

Everyone nodded, as if that made perfect sense.

Their gazes towards Fu Yingdi were now tinted with caution. Fear was evident.

Amidst the suspicions, Fu Jinxiao remained calm, sweeping his gaze across everyone, "I'd like to know then, are the three who were poisoned all Princes?"

Those questioned hesitated, and the other three shook their heads.

"Seems none of you are the Prince. The assassin targeted the wrong people." Fu Jinxiao sat back confidently. Far from flustered, he even seemed in high spirits, smirking with both confidence and a touch of arrogance, "But if I were the killer, this game would've already ended."

"..."

An eerie silence befell the room.

Arrogant, but he had every right to be.

The producers probably didn't cast Fu Jinxiao as the killer because he could turn a five-day show into four.

Shen Xingchen, seizing the moment, asked, "Bro, do you know who the Prince is?"

Fu Jinxiao replied with a sly smile, "What if it's me?"

If the Prince's identity was exposed, he would become the primary target. The killer would undoubtedly prioritize assassinating him, the quickest way to end the game. At this point, anyone voluntarily taking on the identity of the Prince would essentially be asking for trouble.

Shen Xingchen sighed, "If it's you, I'd be relieved. That killer wouldn't stand a chance against you."

Li Xuan nodded in agreement, "So, we've basically got this in the bag, right?"

"Dream on," Tuya teased, playfully tapping him. "Only if he really is the 'Wangye' (prince) or the prince is his darling, do we stand a chance at this easy win."

Shen Xingchen leaned closer to Fu Jinxe with a playful, whining tone, "Brother Fu~ Do you care for your little darling? I've been poisoned, you must protect me!"

Fu Jinxe cast him a cool glance, a hint of amusement in his eyes. His voice, seemingly warm yet chillingly sharp, retorted, "Are you looking to die sooner rather than wait for the poison to take effect?"

Shen Xingchen shuddered and hid behind his younger brother.

Shen Xingsui couldn't help but smile. Yet amidst the banter, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Fu Jinxe. Their eyes met briefly before shifting away.

Does he know he's the 'Wangye'?

Shen Xingsui was becoming uncertain. Yet, he felt that if Fu Jinxe wanted to know, he'd know.

...

Day Two

This could be seen as the final showdown.

Everyone woke early, gathering in the courtyard. Each person glanced around, sensing the heightened caution in everyone's gaze.

The director announced, "Today, we have a mission. The assassin and his organization have set up a mystical formation in town. If activated by nightfall, it could harm the entire town. However, legend speaks of fragments of a guardian beast left by an ancient fairy that, when combined, can protect the town and reveal the assassin!"

The group responded with enthusiasm, bursting into applause.

"If the fragments aren't gathered before night, or if you're all taken out by the assassin, the formation will activate," the director added. "So, everyone, do your best!"

Shen Xingchen, with his typical flair for drama, declared, "We'll find the assassin and save the town!"

Shen Xingsui, beside him, was also caught up in the moment, adding, "Let's find that assassin!"

Ning Ze offered, "Let's get a morale boost!"

The group huddled together, stacking one hand on top of the other. In unison, they chanted, "Find the assassin, protect the 'Wangye', and save the town!"

This marked the final day of "Starry Brilliance." The first season was drawing to a close.

The audience felt nostalgic:

"My favorite show's ending."

"Especially watching the boys from the band grow up from their audition days."

"It's ending so soon. I'll miss it."

"Yes, but thankfully they're still in the entertainment industry. We'll see them often."

After some discussion among the guests, with no clear idea who the assassin was, they decided to split up for safety, ensuring no immediate threats from their immediate company.

As Shen Xingsui strolled through the town, he passed the tavern in Peach Blossom Village. The doorman greeted him, "Good day, Xingsui."

Shen Xingsui responded with a smile, "Hello."

"Are you here for the show?"

"Indeed, I'm looking for something."

The doorman casually remarked, "If you're searching for something, you might consider praying to our Peach Blossom deity for good luck."

Shen Xingsui's eyes lit up, asking, "Where can I pray?"

Pointing inside the tavern, the doorman said, "We have a shrine dedicated to the Peach Blossom Goddess right here. Would you like to pay your respects?"

Shen Xingsui eagerly agreed, "Absolutely!"

The doorman's suggestion reminded him. If he was seeking an artifact left behind by the Peach Blossom Fairy, praying near her likeness might reveal clues. As he reached the second floor of the tavern, he indeed saw a lifelike statue of the Peach Blossom Goddess, whose eyes seemed to be brimming with emotion. She was breathtaking.

Shen Xingsui earnestly paid his respects and, as he rose, noticed something amiss with the nearby table. Reaching out, he felt an emblem.

"Could it be..." Shen Xingsui grinned, "Such good fortune."

Engraved on the emblem was the word 'Star' from the show's crew. It opened to reveal a fragment of the sought-after artifact and a mysterious card with a prominent peach blossom design but no written instructions.

Puzzled, Shen Xingsui wondered, "What could this mean?"

He was at a loss.

The doorman chimed in from behind, "Could it possibly point to the Peach Blossom Woods? There's a grove behind this mountain. Though it's not the season for the blossoms to bloom."

Shen Xingsui acknowledged, "Perhaps. I'll go check it out."

Emblem in hand, he headed towards the woods. No sooner had he left than An Ran entered the tavern, inquiring, "Did someone just leave from here?"

The doorman, slightly wary, asked, "What business do you have with him?"

An Ran quickly replied, "I need to speak with him. Please, tell me where he went."

The doorman vaguely pointed in a direction, "He went that way, but I'm not certain where exactly."

An Ran nodded, "Alright."

Facing the camera, An Ran smiled, pocketed his card, and declared, "I'm fairly certain now that Xingsui is the prince. We need to find him."

The live-stream viewers expressed their mixed feelings:

"An Ran is the assassin."

"Even though it's just a game and everyone has their roles, it's still hard not to feel for Xingsui."

"Can't they just not go through with it?"

"It's just a game after all; An Ran didn't choose to be the assassin."

Meanwhile,

Shen Xingsui arrived at Peach Blossom Woods. Although it wasn't the season for peach blossoms, the forest still looked captivating. Given the warm climate, there were other flowers and plants lining the paths. At the end of the woods stood a tower, attended by some crew members. It was evident that this tower had some secret mission associated with it.

"Hello," Shen Xingsui approached briskly and politely inquired, "May I ascend the tower?"

The crew member nodded, "Yes, you may."

Shen Xingsui smiled, "Thank you."

He swiftly climbed to the top, navigating the winding staircases. On reaching the pinnacle, he discovered several rooms which might conceal some items. After a brief search, he found nothing in the first room. However, in the central room, a cabinet caught his attention. Inside one of its drawers lay a diary!

Opening the diary, Shen Xingsui noticed a naive handwriting narrating tales about the mansion. He commented to the cameraperson, "This appears to be the assassin's diary."

Flipping through the pages, Shen Xingsui stumbled upon a note saying, "My younger brother and I only have each other. But he's so frail, I fear for his survival."

A younger brother?

The assassin wasn't an only child!

Shen Xingsui's hands trembled holding the diary. He told the cameraperson, "This proves Fu is innocent, and the assassin might indeed have an accomplice."

Just as Shen Xingsui was about to exit the room, noises came from outside. Turning around, he locked eyes with An Ran. Standing at the doorway, An Ran, seeing the diary in Shen Xingsui's grasp, took a deep breath, "You've discovered it."

Closing the diary, Shen Xingsui questioned, "You're the assassin, aren't you?"

"Discussing this now is pointless," An Ran replied, "I'm sorry, Xingsui."

Thud

The door was abruptly shut from the outside.

And to make matters worse, it seemed An Ran had locked it. He explained, "Xingsui, this was my chamber when I was the 'young master'. If you were anywhere else, I might have been powerless. I have the key to this room. So, please stay put. I'll release you once night falls."

Desperately, Shen Xingsui lunged at the door, "An Ran!"

An Ran, looking as if he had a guilty conscience, sprinted away, leaving Shen Xingsui and the cameraperson in utter disbelief.

The chat in the live stream exploded:

"Oh my god, that treacherous An Ran!"

"Hahaha, he's so sneaky! Wasn't he supposed to be the innocent type?"

"What will Xingsui do now?"

"Locked up for a day? You must be kidding. No food, no drink, in that tiny, stifling, and hot room!"

Inside the room, Shen Xingsui's morale was waning. Yet, in critical moments, he remained even-tempered. Taking a deep breath, he resisted the urge to pound on the door aimlessly and instead promptly opened the window to scout for any useful items inside.

The cameraman remarked, "Jumping out won't help; it's too high up."

"...I wasn't planning to jump," Shen Xingsui replied somewhat exasperatedly. "Help me find something brightly colored in the room. We can hang it from the window. This tower stands out in Peach Blossom Woods, so someone might come looking. If they see our signal, we could be rescued."

The cameraman's eyes lit up, "Smart."

However, their search yielded nothing after what felt like an eternity.

Exhausted, Shen Xingsui took a deep breath and eyed the cameraman's yellow vest, appearing pensive.

The cameraman stepped back warily, "What are you thinking?"

With a mischievous grin, Shen Xingsui said, "Cameraman, I might need your assistance..."

The cameraman looked as if he were on the verge of tears.

The live stream viewers, initially gloomy, couldn't help but chuckle at the scene:

"Hahaha, stay away!"

"Xingsui is quite the optimist, always thinking on his feet during a crisis."

"He's always been stellar. It's just when he's part of a team, his brilliance doesn't always shine through."

"But now, it's evident he's not the type to give up easily."

Meanwhile,

An Ran exited the tower, contemplating how to rendezvous with his accomplice and systematically eliminate everyone, starting with the most gullible. However, he unexpectedly bumped into the last person he wished to see.

Faced with a confrontation, the urge to flee grew stronger.

An Ran, keeping his head low, walked forward until a casual voice commanded, "Stop."

Fu Jinxiao looked down on him with raised eyebrows, "Where are you headed?"

"To find the fragment of the relic," An Ran replied with a smile. "Brother Fu, there's no need to head towards the tower. I've already searched there."

Fu Jinxiao: "Oh, really?"

An Ran nodded in affirmation.

Fu Jinxiao, noticing An Ran's distance, closed the gap between them, asking nonchalantly, "Have you come across Shen Xingsui?"

An Ran hesitated, then replied awkwardly, "Haven't seen him. I'm not quite sure where he is."

Fu Jinxiao smirked, "Is that so?"

"Yes, and I'd advise you to steer clear of Shen Xingsui. I found a card indicating the assassin has a younger brother in his early twenties. Shen Xingsui is the only one here fitting that age bracket, making him a likely accomplice. While I'm not certain yet..." An Ran spoke while discreetly attempting to retreat.

The narrow path led to an archway, which one needed to pass through to exit. Just as An Ran was about to reach the archway, a leg blocked his way.

Fu Jin Xiao's long leg was propped against the door frame. His speed was startlingly fast; An Ran hadn't even noticed when he'd gotten behind him. Yet Fu Jin Xiao appeared unruffled, even wearing a casual smile on his face. "Don't you know better than anyone?" he teased.

A nervous flutter passed through An Ran's chest, and he hesitated. "What do you mean?"

"Still playing innocent?" Fu Jin Xiao lowered his leg and stood in front of An Ran, his dark eyes filled with a hint of sarcasm. "I've told you before, your acting is terrible."

An Ran paled. "What proof do you have?"

He was sure he had left no loose ends. How had Fu Jin Xiao discovered the clue on the mission card?

Fu Jin Xiao spoke calmly, "Yesterday, I told you about the records of your information in the manor's attic. However, we didn’t find out which book it was. I just checked the attic again and found that all the books have been tampered with."

An Ran retorted, "That doesn't prove I did it. You also told Shen Xing Chen and the others, didn't you?"

Fu Jin Xiao smirked, "But I told them it was in the study on the second floor, not the attic. Care to check if the books on the second floor are intact with me?"

An Ran's face turned ghostly white in an instant.

He had always believed he was in control, but now he realized he had been outplayed.

Fu Jin Xiao raised an eyebrow. "I suspected from the start that your mission card was different from ours. Our cards identify the killer, but yours hints at the identity of the prince."

An Ran widened his eyes, taken aback by the man's shrewdness.

Fu Jin Xiao gave a superficial smile, a certain distance in his eyes. "That's why I wanted to see your card. Your evident fear at the prospect only confirmed my suspicions."

Struggling to find his voice, An Ran admitted, "…My mission card is indeed different from yours."

"Hmm. So, you figured out the identity of the prince?" Fu Jin Xiao advanced a step. Despite the friendly smile on his face, the looming presence made An Ran feel like he was cornered by a predator. Fu Jin Xiao leaned in, his voice dropping an octave, "Where is he?"

For a moment, genuine fear gripped An Ran.

Still, he attempted to bargain. "Why not join me? I only need to eliminate two more 'good' individuals to destroy an artifact. Then, we can easily win. Nobody else knows my identity except you. Isn't victory all that matters? Why are you so fixated on protecting the prince?"

"Who said it's the same?"

Fu Jin Xiao stood in front of him, his handsome face more serious than before, his deep-set eyes locked onto An Ran's. Their proximity ensured no third party would overhear them. An Ran felt a cold undertone in his voice, "Dare to harm him and see what happens."