Chapter 193: The Hidden Motive

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

[Look y’all, Lu Shi is steaming mad. Any guesses what’s bugging him?]

[That’s easy. Just look at where he’s staring. Only four people are eating, with four sets of dishes. Poor guy, he’s the odd one out.]

[Odd one out? Nah, he just didn’t lift a finger to help but expects to be treated like royalty. How naive can he get?]

[I’ve suddenly lost all fondness for Lu Shi. What an entitled man.]

Lu Shi stood frozen on the spot as if he had nails on the soles of his shoes. Anger and malice flickered in his eyes, impossible to hide.

“Lu Shi, would you like a bite?” Tian Mei approached him, offering a small cake.

Without a word, Lu Shi turned away, heading back to his hammock to grab some food.

Tian Mei felt like she wished the earth would swallow her up. In the past, even when Lu Shi declined her, he’d do so gracefully. His abrupt departure left her feeling embarrassed.

Tian Mei glanced spitefully at the group that had excluded her and Lu Shi. “It’s them, isolating me, isolating Lu Shi. How loathsome.”

Xia Xin was in the middle of her meal when she sensed someone staring at her.

She looked up, locking eyes with Tian Mei, whose gaze was laced with

undisguised malice.

Noticing Xia Xin was watching her, Tian Mei gave a scornful laugh and walked away.

[Looks like Tian Mei can’t keep up her sweet girl act anymore, huh? That was some mean glare.]

[She’s likely scheming something nasty.]

[Place your bets, folks. Tian Mei and Lu Shi’s team will definitely score zero points if they don’t switch teammates.]

[Agreed, no bets needed.]

Zhou Lian glanced around, noting the cameras were too far to catch their conversation if they whispered.

“Watch your backs. Lu Shi has a strong vengeful streak. After today, he won’t let us off the hook,” Zhou Lian cautioned in a low voice.

“He thinks he can get a free ride? The nerve of that man,” Xu Zhi scoffed.

Zhou Lian was surprised, “You really don’t like him, huh?”

“He’s the most shameless person I’ve ever met,” Xu Zhi retorted. Zhou Lian burst into laughter, “Bro, you’re cuter than I thought!”

“Eat your food. Stop yapping,” Xu Zhi snapped back.

Zhou Lian turned serious again. “Especially you, Xia Xin. Keep an eye out for Lu Shi.”

“Why should I be concerned? I barely even know the guy,” Xia Xin questioned.

“Never underestimate Lu Shi’s pettiness. He’s the kind of man who’d hold a grudge for the smallest offense. Do you know why he’s on this reality show?” Zhou Lian probed.

“For fame and money? What else could there be?” Xia Xin replied.

“You’re underestimating him. He’s a wealthy heir, he doesn’t care about the paycheck. And he’s already got a good reputation, so it’s not for the fame,” Zhou Lian said.

Xia Xin frowned even more. She didn’t like beating around the bush. She thought to herself, ‘If Zhou Lian wanted to say something, she should just say it, and if not, she shouldn’t waste so much time.

Perhaps sensing Xia Xin’s displeasure, Zhou Lian continued, “Lu Shi came this time with funding for the production, as he owes me a favor. He also invited me. As for that woman, she’s just a side note. He’s after you, Xia Xin.”

Xia Xin was taken aback, “Me? Why?”

“Well, sugar, you’re beautiful and gentle, not to mention uncomplicated. You fit his criteria for a romantic pursuit,” Zhou Lian explained. She added, “I’ve known him for a while. We’re under the same agency. Trust me, I know the kind of man he is.”

Jing Mo’s expression darkened at the thought of someone having an eye on Xia Xin. He lost his appetite. He said to Xia Xin, “Stick close to me during tasks and set a mousetrap behind your tent flap at night.”

Xia Xin chuckled at Jing Mo’s stern advice, lightening the previously tense atmosphere.

“I mean it, stop laughing,” Jing MO insisted.

With a soft smile, Xia Xin leaned in and whispered, “I know you’re concerned for me. Thank you..”