Provoking Fire [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 17

The assistant director closed the door the moment he handed her the item. By now, Chu Xiyue was well-versed in the show’s tricks. Even if they called it a reward, she knew it wouldn’t be simple.

Warm, everyday moments are often hidden in the smallest details. We trust you have an eye for finding sweetness. Dingzhou is a city famous for its fruit. On this charming little island, enjoy the sea views, savor the fruit, and add a touch of joy to your life.

This is a fruit card. Once drawn, you must share the fruit with your partner. Remember, you must feed each other!

Seeing the reward, Chu Xiyue felt little surprise. Just as I thought, she mused.

This production team can’t resist stirring up trouble.

But she quickly regained her composure.

It’s just for the mission, she reminded herself. She planned to have Su Yan feed her directly. Su Yan’s a straight woman—what could possibly go wrong with feeding fruit?

With that thought, Chu Xiyue completely calmed down. She winked flirtatiously at the camera and strode confidently into the room.

Since they’d be staying for three days, the two women tidied up their personal spaces and the common areas together, making a few adjustments before heading out.

As dusk approached, the cool, slightly salty sea breeze greeted them as they stepped outside, its refreshing scent invigorating their senses.

They had eaten lunch early, leaving their stomachs empty by now. While tidying up earlier, Chu Xiyue had surveyed the kitchen and found only a few vegetables, flour, starch, and seasonings. It seemed they would need to procure any other food themselves.

As they left, she asked Su Yan, “What do you plan to make for dinner? Should we go look for any tasks or something?”

The production team couldn’t possibly let them starve on the island. Chu Xiyue suspected there would be opportunities to obtain food, though she wondered what tricks the show might pull.

As if in response to her thoughts, a small booth set up by the production team stood nearby, its distinctive flag fluttering in the evening breeze. Chu Xiyue tugged Su Yan’s arm, and they hurried over to see a sign that read:

First-Day Booth Rental: Free!

Why is the production team being so generous today?

Seemingly kind on the surface, but I bet there’s a hidden catch. Tsk tsk, will any of the guests even use this stuff?

“Wasn’t this supposed to be a dating show? Why does it feel like a survival program now?”

“A group of glamorous Goddesses suddenly moved from an elegant villa to a small island, facing all sorts of unexpected challenges. ‘Heartbeat Acceleration’ really knows how to play with our hearts—this time, our heartbeats are genuinely racing!”

“Anyone who can stay calm in this situation must be truly in love, right?”

The props provided by the production team didn’t include any food, nor were there any specific tasks. Instead, they offered a selection of tools: fishing rods and plastic buckets for one group, and long bamboo poles with peelers, presumably for gathering wild fruits.

It felt like they were being forced to live like primitive humans, surviving in the wilderness.

This was nothing like a casual “experience life” outing. The production team seemed determined not to provide any ready-made food; everything had to be obtained themselves, adding considerable difficulty to their three-day stay. Chu Xiyue had some experience with sea fishing, but she was clueless about digging for wild vegetables or gathering wild fruits. After consulting with Su Yan, they decided to focus on fishing.

Fortunately, their accommodation was near the coastline, where several small boats were moored. A large wooden raft also waited offshore, ready for anyone who dared to venture out.

“Let’s head back first. You go string the bait while I tidy up.”

As they passed the cabin door, Su Yan suddenly spoke up. Chu Xiyue didn’t object, simply humming in agreement as she carried their fishing rods inside to adjust them. While Chu Xiyue was busy, Su Yan slipped in to grab a hat before quickly heading out to find the nearby staff outpost.

The camera only captured Su Yan approaching the window and speaking briefly to someone inside the small room. Soon after, a staff member emerged with a fresh, clean blanket and a thermos of hot water. Su Yan thanked them and returned to the cabin, chatting with Chu Xiyue as she watched her finish adjusting the fishing line. After sharing a few rudimentary fishing tips, they headed out together.

Donning life jackets, they boarded the small wooden boat. As the program had stated, there were no staff members present, leaving them to rely on themselves. They rowed slowly and steadily toward the raft. Once aboard, the space expanded considerably. The raft was meticulously constructed, tightly bound with ropes, and barely swayed underfoot. Thoughtfully, two thick, soft cushions and a small table had been provided, the table holding hot water and an air-conditioned blanket.

“This program crew isn’t so bad after all,” Chu Xiyue remarked, casting her baited hook into the water, the line shimmering brilliantly against the setting sun. She settled comfortably on the raft, stretching luxuriously. “They’ve really thought of everything.”

Who’s going to tell her that the thoughtfulness actually came from Teacher Su, not the production team?

Damn it! Another day spent obsessing over the Goddess. She’s filming a drama, battling illness and injuries to stay on set, yet she personally requested special treatment for her partner!

The subjects of this fervent Bullet Screen discussion remained blissfully unaware. Chu Xiyue’s satisfied words drew a faint smile from Su Yan.

Heart Island, a private island purchased before development, was renowned for its pristine ecology. Though typically open to the public only at set times, the production team’s decision to rent it for three days was a significant investment.

The sunset blazed like crimson flames, painting the horizon and sea with fiery hues. Golden waves shimmered and rippled, and as they sat on the raft, cooled by the sea breeze, their spirits seemed to naturally settle into tranquility.

Fishing is all about patience—waiting. Many even use it as a way to cultivate inner peace. Cameras positioned at all four corners kept the live stream running continuously. Even without much conversation, the Beauty’s serene face provided ample visual appeal.

Perhaps due to luck, Chu Xiyue hadn’t caught a single fish despite moving locations several times. Meanwhile, Su Yan remained rooted in place, steadily reeling in two small fish.

After a moment, Chu Xiyue’s eyes lit up:

“Su Yan, Su Yan! My line’s moving!”

As soon as she finished speaking, Chu Xiyue eagerly yanked the fishing rod upward. But halfway through the retrieve, the weight in her hand vanished, and her heart tightened.

When she pulled the hook out of the water, it was indeed empty. The solid tug she’d felt moments earlier was gone, leaving only the bare hook, its bait devoured, mocking her impulsiveness in the bright sunlight.

Chu Xiyue’s face darkened.

Su Yan, watching Chu Xiyue’s initial glee turn to bewildered disappointment, suppressed a laugh for a moment before finally bursting out, burying her face in her knees to avoid scaring away her own fish. She rarely laughed this hard, her shoulders shaking with mirth. When she finally looked up, her eyes and the corners of her lips still shimmered with radiant amusement.

“You yanked the hook the instant you felt a nibble? You’re such an idiot, Chu Xiyue!”

Chu Xiyue huffed in exasperation but eventually gave up, realizing that this patience-testing task was better left to Su Yan. She rowed back to shore to start a fire, preparing to roast the fish Su Yan would catch.

Thankfully, the production crew had a shred of decency and spared them the ordeal of trying to start a fire by rubbing sticks together like primitive humans. Though Chu Xiyue was a pampered Miss who had never known hardship, she wasn’t completely helpless. She still possessed basic survival skills.

She wanted to do well, partly to avoid embarrassing herself in front of Su Yan and giving the woman another reason to laugh at her.