Silence enveloped the area for a few moments after Fu Jinxiao's statement.

Those present, from the guests who heard him clearly, to the camera crew, and even the production team, were taken aback. No one had expected Fu Jinxiao to be so bold.

Shen Xingsui, standing directly opposite Fu Jinxiao, was especially stunned.

"I..." Shen Xingsui's eyes widened, stuttering slightly, his mind a blank slate, "I..."

The live stream audience, too, was taken by surprise, filling the screen with a barrage of question marks:

"?"

"???"

"Is it April Fool's Day or what?!"

Sensing the unexpected turn of events, a director from the production team quickly interjected, "Mr. Shen, Brother Fu is asking if you'd like to team up with him."

Shen Xingsui blinked, his previously disoriented state gradually fading.

Thanks to the intervention by the production team, the rest of the guests regained their composure. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. After all, such explosive news would not only shake up the live stream but perhaps even crash social media platforms. The silver lining was the skyrocketing popularity of their show.

Fu Jinxiao quietly observed Shen Xingsui.

Their eyes met, and for reasons Shen Xingsui couldn't fathom, his heart raced inexplicably whenever Fu Jinxiao looked at him so intently.

It felt as if...

The question wasn’t merely about teaming up.

The director, fearing further unexpected revelations, chimed in, "According to the rules of our Winner's Group, refusals aren't permitted."

Recovering from his anxious state, Shen Xingsui gently smiled and nodded, "I accept."

The atmosphere immediately lightened.

Shen Xingchen mumbled from the side, "Looks like you're about to score another easy win?"

The director clarified, "While this teaming-up isn't against the rules, it only applies to the next challenge. Subsequent team formations will be reset."

With that, everyone understood.

The live stream audience, having heard all, burst into discussions:

"Haha, why does it seem like Sui Sui is a bit reluctant?"

"My Fu actually has such a day?"

"I recall people always took the initiative to team up with him before."

"Haha, so you have this day too, Professor Fu."

The favoritism Fu Jin Xiao showed Shen Xing Sui was unabashed. He was never a man to hide his feelings, much like his character – shrewd and cunning but never ambiguous in significant matters.

Soon enough, having passed the test, the guests were allowed into the village.

It was winter, but the temperature here wasn't exceptionally cold. Once inside, they saw the villagers dressed predominantly in blue and white, showcasing the distinct attire of an ethnic minority. Young girls, adorned with unique accessories, had neatly braided hair and moved gracefully, occasionally glancing their way with curiosity.

The director said, "Thank you for your efforts. Our Fei people are very hospitable. They've prepared a welcoming dance for you all. Please proceed to the square ahead to watch."

Everyone walked further in and sure enough, they saw many people dressed in ethnic attire standing in a square.

It was the first time many had seen an ethnic dance performance. Men had drums tied around their waists, and the girls wore belts with silver bells and colorful streamers – a sight to behold.

The director instructed, "The chairs up front are set for pairs. Please sit according to the order in which you entered."

Naturally, Shen Xing Sui was seated with Fu Jin Xiao.

Shen Xing Chen remarked, "Why do we have to pair up again?"

Shen Xing Sui eyed the chairs marked with the show's logo, feeling wary. "Usually, if pairing is involved, it means there's a task at hand. It won't be as simple as just watching a performance."

Fu Jin Xiao whispered, "When the dance begins, take note of the number of performers and props, and memorize the dance moves."

Such brief advice, but full of insights.

It felt as if a top student was generously leaking exam questions ahead of time.

Both Shen Xing Sui and Shen Xing Chen looked at Fu Jin Xiao with gratitude and admiration. After all, how many times must one be tricked by a mischievous production crew to deduce such insights?

From a distance, the director shouted, "Alright, everyone ready! Please enjoy the Fei tribe dance!"

As the music began, the friendly Fei people took the stage. The men danced with hearty vigor and grace, while the women moved with captivating elegance. The powerful beats of the drums combined with the delicate movements of the female dancers, creating an entrancing spectacle.

As the dance neared its end, the performing villagers began to interact with the guests.

One of the men approached Shen Xing Sui, spinning him around and then encouraging him to play the drum. Two shy girls gracefully placed a ribbon on Fu Jin Xiao, dancing around him before retreating. Their dance was passionate and open-hearted, filled with the exotic charm of their culture, yet also simple and genuine.

Once the performance concluded, everyone applauded.

The director asked, "How did you find the performance by our Fei brethren?"

The crowd replied in unison, "Absolutely wonderful!"

The director then asked, "Did you find the dance captivating, beautiful, and moving?"

Oblivious to the director's ulterior motives, the audience continued to applaud, saying, "Absolutely captivating, utterly beautiful, and deeply moving!"

The director nodded and, with a meaningful smile, declared, "Since you all appreciate it so much, it's time for you to learn it. Today's challenge is to master this dance and perform it flawlessly by sunset. The winning teams will be rewarded with a luxurious feast, including a stay in a beautiful house provided by our Fei tribespeople. The losing teams, on the other hand, will have no food and will be relegated to tents."

"..."

A momentary silence enveloped the scene.

Almost simultaneously, the smiles that once radiated from the faces of the guests began to crack, replaced by expressions of sheer dread.

The live-stream viewers began to chime in:

"Same old antics, always trying to upstage everyone."

"That dance might look simple, but it's actually quite challenging."

"Props to Mr. Fu for reminding everyone to pay attention to the moves before the performance."

"The biggest wild card in this show is Fu Jinxiao."

"Hahaha, this is truly hilarious. This variety show never disappoints."

An Ran stepped forward and voiced out, "Director, while the dance is undeniably beautiful, it's impossible to remember after just one viewing."

No one disagreed with that statement.

Tu Ya also remarked, "So, since we have to master it by tonight, does it mean we have some rehearsal time?"

Thankfully, the production team wasn't utterly ruthless.

The director responded, "Of course. We took into consideration everyone's abilities. All the dancers from the earlier performance are available to teach you. However, you must find them and gain their approval to learn from them."

A collective sigh of relief spread among the participants.

Truth be told, for most present, learning the dance or song wasn't the hard part.

Every individual present, without exception, had undergone training as a trainee, mastering both song and dance. They all had a foundation of basic skills. With guidance, they would surely excel.

Shen Xingchen was beaming with the broadest smile, happily saying, "That's great news! Elder brothers and sisters, please teach..."

His words were abruptly cut short.

Everyone turned around to see an empty stage, devoid of the performers from earlier.

Shen Xingchen's eyes widened in shock as he stuttered, "Wh-where are they?"

The director responded with a smile, "They've left. You've all watched their performance, so you should remember their faces. Your challenge today is to find them within the village and persuade them to become your instructors. Only after overcoming multiple challenges will you be able to learn the dance."

"..."

Silence descended upon the group for a moment.

Shen Xingchen slapped his forehead: "Oh no, after the director’s diversion with the rules, I can't quite recall everything."

The teacher, Tuya, who was unfortunately teamed up with him, remarked, "I do remember a couple, but I'm a bit fuzzy on most faces. That dance was so captivating that I..."

Didn’t pay much attention to their faces.

And out of all things to remember, who would've guessed it would be their faces?

Shen Xingsui looked at Fu Jinxiao with a hint of humor, softly saying, "I generally have a good memory and should remember most of their looks. But I was too focused on the moves and counting them, so I might only recognize a few. Still, if I see them, more might come back to me."

Fu Jinxiao lowered his eyes, "They might change their outfits."

That statement stopped Shen Xingsui in his tracks, sinking him into deep thought.

Indeed, how had he completely overlooked that? His memory was linked to their attire. If they changed outfits or hairstyles, the task would become much more difficult.

Fu Jinxiao smirked, saying calmly, "We start by looking and deal with problems as they arise."

Shen Xingsui snapped back to reality and nodded emphatically, "Right!"

Somehow, no matter the challenge, discussing it with Fu Jinxiao made everything seem manageable. Even if they anticipated setbacks, Shen Xingsui felt a strange sense of reassurance when he was around. Maybe that was the allure of the man – his overwhelming confidence that influenced everyone around him.

...

Various teams set out.

The village seemed small from the foot of the mountain, but it was vast, with winding and complicated pathways. One could easily get lost.

Shen Xingchen and Teacher Tuya moved with them. Along the way, it felt like a spy mission. Anyone they encountered seemed suspicious. Especially the oblivious Shen Xingchen, who approached every passerby around his age, asking, "Excuse me, do you dance?"

The stranger shook his head.

Unperturbed, Shen Xingchen continued his interrogation with the next person he spotted: "Hey there, do you dance?"

The man, slightly annoyed, replied, "I don't dance; I'm on my way to the fields."

A sheepish Shen Xingchen apologized, "Ah, sorry to bother you then."

Soon after, they met a young girl. She smiled shyly upon seeing Shen Xingchen, "I'm a fan, and yes, I dance."

Shen Xingchen's face lit up: "Could you teach me?"

The girl nodded, "Only if you take a selfie with me."

Shen Xingchen agreed without hesitation. After snapping a photo together, the girl added, "I know traditional dances."

Shen Xingchen hesitated, "That won’t work. I need to learn the dance of your people, the Fi tribe's dance that was performed in the square."

Realization dawned on the girl, "Oh, that one. Not everyone knows it here; only those who've undergone specific training do."

Shen Xingchen was dumbfounded.

The live-stream viewers burst into laughter, commenting:

"He got tricked."

"A photo for nothing, Chen Bao."

"I'm dying of laughter."

Shen Xingchen, looking dejected, waved and said, "Alright then, off you go. Sorry for the inconvenience."

However, just when everyone started to feel disappointed, thinking the task was overly difficult, the young lady spoke again: "My sister, however, knows the dance."

Shen Xingchen's spirits lifted immediately!

The girl started to walk away, saying, "You continue searching. I should get going now."

Shen Xingchen wouldn't let her go that easily. He rushed forward, "Wait, miss! Can you take me to your sister? I'll take more photos with you, two or even three!"

The girl hesitated, "Will there be an autograph?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Shen Xingchen replied, "Yes!"

Teacher Tu Ya, observing the girl's agreement, remarked, "Can both Shen Xingsui and Teacher Fu go to learn together?"

A member of the production team promptly replied, "No, only one person from each group can learn at a time."

Well, that settles that.

Shen Xingsui spoke up, "It's alright. You all go on ahead, we'll continue our search."

For the sake of completing the task early, Tu Ya and Shen Xingchen took the lead without any delay, leaving Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao behind.

Shen Xingsui felt a sense of urgency. He said, "I remember dancing with a handsome young man. From what that gentleman said earlier, most villagers work in the fields during the day. Why don't we check there? Maybe we'll find him."

Fu Jinxiao responded nonchalantly.

Then, with a hint of teasing in his eyes, he glanced at Shen Xingsui, saying, "What? You have a thing for that type?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

It took a moment for him to realize what Fu Jinxiao meant, and he shot an annoyed look at the man beside him, "You're making fun of me again!"

By now, it was noon. The sun rose gently in the sky, its warmth landing softly on their shoulders. Sparrows settled on eaves, chirping away. The two young men walked side by side on the stone-paved path, engaged in gentle conversation, with a hint of blush on their faces.

Fu Jinxiao arched an eyebrow, smiling, "Sounds like I've teased you quite a bit."

As Shen Xingsui continued walking, he muttered, "Haven't you? You scared me this morning."

As they conversed, a figure swiftly passed by not too far away. She had changed her outfit, but the headdress remained the same. It was evident - she was one of the performers from today's dance!

Shen Xingsui's eyes lit up, pointing at her and said, "That's her! Let's hurry and follow."

However, Fu Jinxiao held onto his wrist. Surprised, Shen Xingsui turned to look, finding himself uncomfortably close, meeting Fu Jinxiao's intense, deep gaze. A certain emotion seemed to shimmer within. The sunlight was glaring, making Shen Xingsui squint and lose himself for a moment.

Fu Jinxiao held him steady, gazing down at him.

This man seemed to defy conventions and judgments. Under the sunlight, he leaned closer, whispering hoarsely into Shen Xingsui's ear, "I wasn't joking."

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

He was completely stunned.

That question, Fu Jinxiao's statement that he wasn't jesting, was reiterated deliberately.

Shen Xingsui felt the man's breath, saw the handsome face, the aggressive features, the eyes that weren’t just black but reflected a hint of mysterious blue, revealing a gentle fierceness. He murmured, "I'm serious."

It felt as if the world had come to a still.

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened in disbelief, feeling his heart race and his breaths come light and fast.

Standing straight again, Fu Jinxiao resumed his professional demeanor, seemingly aware they were being filmed, "Alright, let's go after her now."

Shen Xingsui stuttered, "Go after... who?"

"Chasing you?" Fu Jinxiao's eyes twinkled with playful amusement, his voice dripping with charm, "Then let's forget the dance lesson."

Only then did Shen Xingsui remember they had to chase the girl for the dance lesson!

His face flushed, and as he hurriedly turned to chase, he almost tripped. Thankfully, Fu Jinxiao was there to catch him in time.

The live audience watching this scene was agitated:

"Oh my god, what did Teacher Fu just say?"

"Why aren't they wearing mics?!"

"Camerman, you're losing points!"

"I wish I could teleport there and hear it myself."

"Confession time, I'm there, I'm that sparrow on the wall. He definitely said 'I love you.'"

"Hahaha..."

Thankfully, despite the small mishaps, everything turned out well. They managed to catch up with the girl, who admitted she could teach the square dance. But there was a condition. She said, "There's something I left with Uncle Wang at the village entrance. Retrieve it for me, and I'll teach you."

Without hesitation, Shen Xingsui agreed, "Alright, deal."

The girl stipulated, "Only one can go, the other must stay and help me with chores. You have fifteen minutes. If you're not back by then, the one who stayed will work for me for free for a whole day."

Shen Xingsui paused, "Is that so?"

The young girl nodded, "You go, he stays."

With roles already assigned, Shen Xingsui could only comply. As the young girl began her countdown, he dashed off.

Unexpectedly, he wasn't the only one racing through the village. He soon ran into Shen Xingchen and Ning Ze, who were also rushing for their own tasks.

Shen Xingsui quickly reached old man Wang at the village entrance and explained his mission. To his surprise, Wang insisted, "You must chop all this firewood for me before I give you the item."

Shen Xingsui exclaimed, "What?!"

There was a massive pile of wood.

Wang waved his hand, "If you can't, then forget it."

"I can, I can!" Not daring to decline, especially with his partner in the girl's custody, Shen Xingsui quickly accepted the axe. "I'll chop them right away."

Being winter, chopping wood was physically exhausting. In his haste, he picked up a piece with a splinter that pierced his hand, drawing blood. He winced in pain.

Wang suggested, "Let me pick the wood for you?"

But Shen Xingsui shook his head, "It's okay, thank you. I'm in a rush."

His hand, now trembling slightly from the pain, continued chopping. After finishing within the set time, he grabbed the item and sprinted back. Despite the winter cold, sweat dripped down his face, and he never stopped.

The live audience was in shock:

"I always thought he looked so delicate and calm. This is surprising."

"He's trying so hard!"

"This show is intense."

"Such a strong desire to win!"

"It's not just about winning. He just doesn't want to be a burden."

"Because Teacher Fu is waiting for him."

When Shen Xingsui returned to the courtyard precisely 15 minutes later, the young girl was taken aback. She announced, "Alright, you've passed. I'll teach you the dance for the day."

Shen Xingsui bowed, catching his breath, "Thank you."

From a distance, Fu Jinxiao, who had been fetching water, returned. Seeing the exhausted Shen Xingsui, he asked, "What happened? Why such a rush?"

Shen Xingsui mumbled, "Chopping wood. The old man said I had to finish chopping before he'd give me the item."

Fu Jinxiao took out a handkerchief to wipe Shen Xingsui's face. He sighed with a mix of exasperation and concern, "Why are you like this? I met others earlier, and no one really completed their tasks in 15 minutes. They sweet-talked their way out, and the villagers handed over the items. But you... you really chopped all the wood. Why be so naive?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated, then took the handkerchief, wiping his face softly. His voice, almost inaudible with a hint of grievance, murmured, "But I don't know how to sweet-talk... I was afraid that if I failed, you'd have to work..."

But

I'm not good with sweet words.

In that instant, Fu Jinxiao's movements stilled. Lifting his eyelids, a shadow passed through his eyes, deep as a still pool.

Yes, Shen Xingsui had always been a slightly naive child. Lacking a silver tongue and unable to mask his emotions well, in a world where everyone sought shortcuts and no one wanted to genuinely engage, he always bore a sincere heart, facing the world in his clumsy but straightforward manner.

Fu Jinxiao's facial expression softened significantly. In a tone so gentle even he might not have realized it, he said, "It's alright. You did well."

Shen Xingsui looked up, a smile shining in his bright eyes. "Really?"

"Yes." Fu Jinxiao gave a slight smile, reaching out to tousle Shen Xingsui's hair, not minding the dirt, "That's why we'll win."

so

I won't let you lose.

...

noon

The guests, who had been starving all morning, hadn’t eaten yet.

The audacious production team made an offer: "If everyone completes our mini-games, each win gets you a dish. The more you win, the more you get. What do you say?"

The guests hesitated, but their hunger prevailed, and most of them agreed.

Shen Xingsui asked Fu Jinxiao, "Should we participate?"

Fu Jinxiao was uninterested. "I wandered around the village earlier and found a restaurant. We can skip the games."

Shen Xingsui nodded, deep in thought.

Unexpectedly, the director added: "There's a penalty for the teams that fail the game. You'll have to share a chocolate bar, eating it together until it's gone before you can continue."

Shen Xingchen exclaimed, "Director, are you turning this into a wild game?"

Isn't this reminiscent of those indirect kissing games from the past?

Some of the other guests chuckled and commented:

"Oh my god."

"Earning our meal won't be easy, huh?"

"We might just get full from the chocolate alone!"

The director once again asked, "For the last time, is there any team that won't participate?"

Just as Shen Xingsui was recalling where the small restaurant was, Fu Jinxiao suddenly spoke, "We'll participate."

? ?

Shocked, Shen Xingsui looked at him, "Didn't you just say you knew where the restaurant was?"

"Did I?" Fu Jinxiao feigned innocence, deliberately disregarding his earlier rebelliousness. He whispered, "Since we're on the show, we should play by the rules the production team has set. If the director asks us to play, we follow. Understand?"

Shen Xingsui: "...Alright."