Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Shen Xingsui was preparing vegetables, anticipating he'd cook fish later.

The weather was dreary, with a fine mist drizzling from the sky. The Fae clan's houses were made of green bricks and timber. With fog wafting through the woods, the freshness of approaching spring was evident even in the breeze, as the New Year had just passed.

Shen Xingsui was cutting vegetables when he heard some movement outside.

Shen Xingchen came in with the cut fish, as if asking for credit: "Look at how the fish was handled?"

Shen Xingsui was a little surprised, but he quickly reacted and asked, "Second brother, are you secretly cheating?"

"Cheating?"

Shen Xingchen looked like you were insulting me: "I got it with my own skills!"

Shen Xingsui was skeptical.

However, since the fish has been processed, it is generally a good thing. The two of them put the dishes in the pot and start cooking. Obviously, the process is according to the recipe, but the taste of the final fish is indescribable. After all, they are the heirs of dark cooking, and no one has the talent in this area.

The village chief's wife fell silent after taking a sip.

Shen Xingchen was obviously not observant, and only asked: "What do you think, is it delicious? If it is delicious, please give us the treasures and maps as soon as possible!"

The old woman slowly put down the spoon and said, "Give me your points book."

This is a book to earn points.

The guests of the program group can earn points by sitting on tasks, and the points can be exchanged for food and clues.

Shen Xingchen actively handed it over, and then saw the old woman write a line on the notebook. He happily took it over, wanting to see how many points were added to him, but he saw the label of -20 points.

Shen Xingchen's smile solidified on his face.

The old woman explained to him slowly: "I finished baking all my glutinous rice cakes, but I didn't bake one. I wasted a fish and a lot of ingredients in my family. To be honest, I deducted 20 points.

"..."

It seems to make sense.

Shen Xingchen's deflated appearance amused the audience in the live broadcast room:

"It's too awful."

"Master is here to experience life."

"Is this the misery after leaving the thigh?"

Maybe it was because he was really pitiful, but the old woman still said: "But for the sake of your sincerity, I can still give you some clues about the treasure."

Shen Xingchen came to the spirit: "Thank you!"

The old woman handed over a card.

This card is drawn with a pattern, and it is a somewhat complicated circular pattern. This pattern looks strange at first glance, but if you look closely, it will feel a little familiar.

Shen Xingsui said, "I seem to have seen it somewhere..."

Shen Xingchen didn't even think of it, but he was very confident: "This must be the key clue!"

Shen Xingsui also felt that this pattern should be useful in important places, so he nodded and said, "Then let's put it away first."

After they completed the task of guardian, they began to return to the center of the village to gather. At this moment, the sky was slowly darkening, and the guests of other groups had all returned slowly. Everyone was discussing the harvest of the day:

"We got two mission cards."

"We got 50 points."

"..."

Everyone was talking about today's harvest, only Shen Xingchen and Shen Xingsui were as quiet as chickens.

An Ran was quite proud of himself today. He approached and asked, "Brother Xingchen, what did you two get today?"

Shen Xingchen hasn't answered yet, but the audience in the live broadcast room has already answered for him:

"Hahaha, got -20 points."

"Killing me."

"This wave of losses is a complete mess."

Shen Xingchen also insisted: "These are all things outside the body, you are all too attached to it, unlike me, you have already seen through the world and stayed away from these worldly things!"

An Ran showed an indescribable expression.

Shen Xingchen looked at him again and asked, "What about you guys, how are you and Brother Fu?"

An Ran replied with irrepressible pride: "Our harvest is very good, we got the key to enter the jungle."

Shen Xingchen actually complimented: "You two cows, it seems that you cooperated very well."

When it comes to cooperating, An Ran can't seem to laugh. In fact, he lived the whole day by himself. Fu Jinxiao basically ignored him at all. There have been exchanges from time to time, but it seems to be official from beginning to end.

The audience in the live broadcast room also sighed:

"I was wrong. I was really wrong."

"I haven't seen my brother talk much all day today."

"Wow, I thought he suddenly wanted to play variety shows this year."

"No, it's also possible that the partner is wrong?"

"It turns out that you are only so happy when you are with Suishui?"

The audience really felt that today as if they were taught a lesson by Fu Yingdi, Fu Jinxiao didn't laugh much, he was always doing tasks to find the key, and the show was being recorded seriously, but it felt as if something was wrong. It looks like it's only now slowly feeling the taste.

But anyway, today is the end.

Seeing that it was getting late, the director team said: "Now start to count the points in everyone's hands. Up to now, the last group with the lowest points will face punishment tonight. First, we will not provide food. Second, you will be punished. I'm going to sleep in a tent tonight."

a bolt from the blue.

What a ruthless program group.

Shen Xingsui and Shen Xingchen looked at each other, they both saw despair in each other's eyes, no need to think that the two of them would definitely be the last group, sleeping in the tent was second, not only that, but there was no food to eat, this is More difficult.

Shen Xingchen patted Shen Xingsui's shoulder and said, "It doesn't matter, brother, even if there is no help from anyone, we can still survive tonight, right? If you are hungry, you should lose weight. Sleeping in the wind is a young man who is in the world. The quality of a hero!"

Not far away, Fu Jinxiao's voice came, and the man said slowly, "Give half of my dinner to Shen Xingsui."

The others were taken aback.

Fu Jinxiao lifted his eyelids to look at the director, and opened his lips: "Can't you?"

The director really dared to let his baby go hungry, so he nodded: "Okay, of course, you can eat with Teacher Fu at that age."

Shen Xingsui didn't expect this benefit, and was moved immediately, but soon became a little worried: "Then you won't have enough to eat."

"It doesn't matter." Fu Jinxiao said enviable words in a flat tone: "My points are the first, and there is more than enough food for another table. You don't have to worry about that."

Shen Xingchen next to him was shocked, he pointed at himself in disbelief: "Then, what about me?"

The director doesn't think it's a big deal to watch the fun: "Then you can ask for more happiness."

"..."

Shen Xingchen's expression froze, if there was a table here, no one would doubt that he might flip the table on the spot.

The audience in the live room also rejoiced:

"Sui Sui said you shouldn't drag me to starve, you don't have a man, I can."

"Hahaha, you can rely on yourself, I will rely on others."

"Laughing to death, Brother Fu really spoils Suisui."

"Suisui always has a backer."

Shen Xingchen hugged Suishui's arm and shouted: "Suisui, you can't leave your brother to be tortured, you have the heart to watch me starve, will you lose your brother in the end?"

Shen Xingsui was also amused by his trouble, and looked at Fu Jinxiao helplessly.

Fu Jinxiao raised his eyebrows and glanced sideways at Tuya.

Teacher Tuya, who received the signal, understood, came over and comforted: "It's all right, then you can eat with us, it's okay."

So that solved the problem of dinner.

During the meal, everyone chatted about who Nei Ying might be, and when they would start eliminating people. Everyone had their own guesses on this issue.

As Shen Xingchen was eating, he deftly pulled out his mission card and discreetly passed it to Fu Jinxiao, saying, "Thanks for treating us to dinner, Fu. I'm sharing this mission card with you."

Fu Jinxiao cast a brief glance at the design on the card.

Knowing Fu Jinxiao's astuteness, Shen Xingsui leaned in and inquired, "Do you recognize this?"

Fu Jinxiao studied the card for a moment before saying, "We've seen this pattern before."

Shen Xingsui always prided himself on his memory, but realizing that Fu Jinxiao might be even more observant, he quickly asked, "Where have we seen it?"

Fu Jinxiao responded, "In the village center."

The others looked puzzled.

They met at the village center daily and didn’t recall seeing the design.

After giving it some thought, Shen Xingsui had a flash of realization and exclaimed, "I remember! It was on the fabric laid out on the ground during the performance that day, which was packed up later."

Fu Jinxiao nodded in agreement.

Shen Xingchen looked a bit confused, "So, do we seek out that person or return to the village center? There’s nothing there now."

Pointing to the design, Fu Jinxiao suggested, "The pattern features a moon. Perhaps we should check it out at night."

Shen Xingchen smirked, "Maybe we'll spot a fairy in the dead of night."

Fu Jinxiao replied with a playful smile, "Or perhaps a ghostly maiden."

"..."

Throughout the day, a gentle rain persisted in the Fei tribe's village. As nightfall approached and the skies darkened, the group decided to venture to the village center. As Shen Xingsui stepped out in his thick coat, he noticed the tall and handsome figure of Fu Jinxiao, holding an umbrella at the entrance. Bathed in the soft, warm light, he resembled a figure from a traditional ink painting.

Shen Xingsui was momentarily spellbound.

Taking a few steps towards Shen Xingsui, Fu Jinxiao whispered, "It's raining. Perhaps you should stay indoors. I can go check it out and update you later."

Shen Xingsui shook his head, "Let's go together. It's not safe for you to go alone."

With a sly grin, Fu Jinxiao teased, "With so many photographers around, what could possibly go wrong?"

A slightly embarrassed Shen Xingsui didn't push further. After waiting a bit for Shen Xingchen, the three began their stroll through the rainy village night.

After a few minutes of walking, they finally reached the village center.

Much to their delight, two children, holding umbrellas, stood there. Dressed in the traditional attire of the Fei tribe, the children bowed and spoke, "We are here on the fairy's orders to assist you young heroes in sealing the treasure. Meeting here today is fate. Please accept this map to the hidden forest."

Being the closest, Shen Xingchen took the map. After examining it for a moment, he confessed, "I can't make heads or tails of this."

Shen Xingsui leaned in to join the scrutiny.

The two studied the map for quite some time, only to frustratingly conclude that its intricate designs were truly incomprehensible.

Fu Jinxiao glanced over nonchalantly and remarked, "It's upside down."

"…Oh."

Shen Xingchen quickly flipped the map the right way, finally making sense of it.

As the two were deeply engrossed in the map, Fu Jinxiao took a step forward, noticing a child clutching something. He inquired, "What have you got there?"

The braided-haired child replied, "It's a small water gun given by the fairy. It's filled with sacred water. If this water is poured onto a wrongdoer, they'll be forever barred from touching the treasure."

Fu Jinxiao extended his hand, "Hand it over."

The child hesitated, "But the fairy said that this bottle must be given to a righteous hero…"

Raising an eyebrow, Fu Jinxiao didn't force her. Instead, he took out a candy from his pocket and offered it to her.

Without a second thought, the little girl handed over the bottle, saying, "Here."

The audience watching the live broadcast couldn’t help but burst into laughter at this exchange:

"So unprincipled."

"Would the fairy approve of this?"

"Handing over the sole bottle of sacred water so casually?"

"Meanwhile, the so-called righteous hero is still engrossed in the map..."

Having secured the item, Fu Jinxiao returned to the duo, "It's still raining. Let's head back and study this. We can enter the dense forest tomorrow. Keep the map safe."

Both of them acknowledged.

Upon returning, Shen Xingchen promptly retired for the night.

As Shen Xingsui walked with Fu Jinxiao toward his own room, he couldn't help but ask, "Master Fu, did the child give you something?"

Fu Jinxiao glanced sideways, "Nothing of significance. Just a prop."

Shen Xingsui nodded thoughtfully.

Observing his expression, Fu Jinxiao curved his lips into a smile, his voice deep and slightly muffled by the misty rain around, "What's the matter? Do you suspect I might be an undercover agent?"

Shen Xingsui looked up, "Are you?"

It was, admittedly, a rather naive question.

After all, would any undercover agent openly admit their role?

Even if they were, they'd never confess. So, posing such a question seemed entirely redundant.

Meanwhile, Fu Jinxiao walked quietly beside him. Upon hearing those words, a trace of amusement seemed to slide across his handsome face. Lowering his gaze, his deep and dark eyes fixed steadily on Shen, he asked, "Do you wish I were?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback, answering somewhat stiffly, "Of course... I hope you're not."

Fu Jinxiao arched an eyebrow.

That brief silence felt longer than any other moment.

quite a while

Fu Jinxiao, with a playful smile, said, "Well then, I'm not."

For some reason, Shen Xingsui felt an odd reassurance that, regardless of Fu Jinxiao's true identity, he would always be on his side. Even if they had different roles or allegiances, there would be no danger.

...

The Next Day

It was the third day of filming, with only two days left to the end.

The director gathered all the participants and announced, "Now, we'll disclose the list. Among the eight of you, some are protectors of the treasure, and some aim to destroy it. The ratio stands at 5:3."

Most of the participants were taken aback by this revelation.

Ning Ze remarked, "Just yesterday, there was only one saboteur."

"This is alarming. Within one day, he managed to recruit two others?" Xu Qinkai voiced out, "At this rate, we'll be completely out by tomorrow."

Tu Ya added, "He fought solo yesterday, but today he has two accomplices. We might not even have to wait until tomorrow. It could be over today."

Someone had once joked that if Fu Jinxiao were the mole, none would survive two days. It seemed eerily prescient now.

Shen Xingchen stepped forward, "For the record, I'm not the mole."

Li Xu'an and others threw up their hands, "Neither are we. I spent the entire day with Teacher Tu Ya yesterday. If you don't believe us, we can vouch for each other."

An Ran pondered for a moment and then, with a smile, said, "Actually, I have my suspicions about Shen Xingchen."

All eyes turned to Shen Xingchen.

"Remember the first time? Xingchen said he wished he were the mole. But now, he's trying to prove he's not." An Ran raised an eyebrow, "Isn't that odd?"

Shen Xingchen retorted, "If I don't claim innocence, should I say I'm the mole?"

Teacher Tu Ya intervened, "I've received a clue card. It hints the mole is a young prodigy."

The revelation of this clue plunged the room into silence.

Naturally, many eyes turned to Fu Jinxiao, knowing that he truly was a young prodigy. Still not even 30, he was already a three-time best actor and had achieved a grand slam in the music world.

Unruffled, Fu Jinxiao looked around, saying calmly, "Most of you started your careers around the same age I did."

His words effectively turned the suspicions back.

The youngest person here was barely in their early 20s, all arguably prodigies in their own right.

Everyone then withdrew their suspicions, and Teacher Tuya, observing the group that was so easily swayed by Fu Jinxiao, couldn't help but sigh at their inexperience.

Shen Xingsui timidly raised his hand, "Shouldn't we be more concerned about how the undercover is infecting others?"

He hit the nail on the head.

That was indeed the most pressing matter.

The fact that this infiltrator could infect others without detection was terrifying.

The director had been waiting for this topic to arise. Upon hearing Shen Xingsui's question, he quickly explained, “Today’s task revolves around this. Scattered within this forest are fragments of a magical mirror. Use the maps you hold to locate these fragments. Shine the mirror upon your teammate’s token. If it reflects red, they're a saboteur; green signifies a guardian. If the mirror is found and destroyed by the saboteur first, you’ll lose your chance to identify them.”

It was now a race against time.

The director continued with a mysterious smile, “Today’s team arrangements are still based on audience votes. However, we've added an interactive session. Soon, you'll all log into your Weibo on your phones, and post a voting link. The voting lasts ten minutes. The final results will decide your team pairings.”

The crew handed back the previously collected phones.

For fairness, the staff would post the voting link, while the participants unlocked their phones and pulled up their Weibo pages.

Shen Xingsui cooperatively unlocked his phone and handed it over.

Upon seeing the phone's wallpaper, a staff member laughed, “Xingsui really is still a child at heart, using a cartoon wallpaper.”

The cameraman zoomed in, letting the live audience see the SpongeBob wallpaper.

Shen Xingsui shyly chuckled, “I found it randomly. I don’t use many apps, so I often pick wallpapers from popular Weibo accounts or from fan communities.”

While preparing the voting link, the staff remarked, “Your Weibo doesn’t suggest you have such a childlike spirit.”

Shen Xingsui thought to himself, of course, I use my alternate account for that.

However, a realization struck him like lightning! He remembered logging into his alternate account on this phone.

Had he switched back?

It didn’t seem like it…

He was so preoccupied earlier; he didn't check which account was active.

If his alternate account was the one to post the voting link...

He thought of the username he hadn’t had time to change.

Recalling the tweets and comments he’d made over the years, including following various fan accounts related to Fu Jinxiao.

If all of these were to be exposed...

Would he need to flee to another planet out of embarrassment?

Author's Note: Fans: So, you're one of us.