Chapter 185: New Group Formation

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“You—” Tian Mei’s face flushed with irritation. She’d hoped to slip into the group unnoticed, but Xia Xin called her out, and that set her on edge.

“Whether I’m crying or not, Xia Xin, shouldn’t you be explaining why you always seem to single people out?” Tian Mei retorted.

Xu Zhi frowned. “Xia Xin hasn’t targeted anyone. Her love life is her private affair, and she’s under no obligation to share it. On the other hand, you’ve been taking jabs at her repeatedly, Tian Mei. Care to explain?”

“I…” Tian Mei started, her voice breaking as if she was on the brink of tears again.

“Oh, spare us the waterworks. You’re only making yourself more unlikable,” Zhou Lian snapped. “If you can’t behave, I’m going to talk to the director about whether it’s you who should leave or us. I don’t think I can take eleven days with someone like you.”

Xu Zhi was a guy and, even in his anger, he tempered his words. This was the harshest thing he could think to say. But Zhou Lian was different; she didn’t like Tian Mei either. Tian Mei had consistently been a burden, hampering their task completion rate. It was infuriating.

The director sensed the atmosphere turning increasingly tense and grew anxious. Tian Mei was brought on by Lu Shi, who was an investor in the project. The director couldn’t just ask her to leave, but the artists on set were becoming visibly angry. Resigned, the director gestured for the crew to bring Tian Mei aside, hoping to realign her attitude.

“Miss Tian Mei, since you were recommended by Lu Shi, your behavior reflects

his judgment. You could stand to be a bit more gracious,” the director advised, tiptoeing around the issue.

“But I don’t see anything wrong with my attitude. All my questions are legitimate,” Tian Mei feigned ignorance, tilting her head quizzically.

“Besides, don’t you think Xia Xin is a bit too theatrical?” she added.

The director held his tongue. He thought Tian Mei was the theatrical one, but he kept that opinion to himself. “Miss Tian Mei, if you can’t adjust your attitude, then there’s no point in continuing the filming,” he said, sternly.

Tian Mei’s eyes welled up again. Rolling his eyes, the director finally understood why the other artists found Tian Mei so off-putting.

“I am talking about work. If we can’t continue this conversation productively, then let’s not have it at all,” the director said icily.

Realizing she’d angered the director, Tian Mei quickly composed herself. “I’m sorry, Director. I promise to control my emotions during the rest of the filming and put my best foot forward.”

The director wanted to tell Tian Mei that it’d be better if she didn’t put any foot forward at all, but he held back.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll return and join the group,” Tian Mei said.

“Just control your emotions, no need to show off,” he waved her away.

Tian Mei thanked the director and rejoined the group, her face red as the other artists eyed her skeptically. She bit her lip, holding her head low, saying nothing.

“Hmph,” Zhou Lian snorted, choosing to ignore Tian Mei.

Everyone else did the same, resuming their games. After another round, the director announced that they could vote for two team leaders—one for the guys and one for the ladies. Starting tomorrow, the groups will collaborate on tasks.

Xia Xin shot the director a puzzled look. ‘Didn’t he know that this island was dangerous for three ladies to be on their own?’

The director wiped the sweat from his forehead, clutching his phone. He’d just received demands from the investors and it was their request.

Once filming wrapped for the day, Xu Zhi approached the director. “Sending three ladies out on their own is too risky. This island is only safe around our campsite. I don’t support sending the ladies out,” he stated.

“I never said the ladies would go out alone. They’ll just be in a separate team from the men. As for the details, you can discuss those tomorrow,” the director replied.

Xu Zhi pondered for a moment before saying, “Alright.”

As Xu Zhi returned, Zhou Lian inquired, “What did the director say?”

Xu Zhi relayed the director’s words. “We’ll discuss the specifics once everyone’s up tomorrow..”