Provoking Fire [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 44

Limitless was known for its intense physical challenges. Before joining the show, Chu Xiyue had been training rigorously, fearing she wouldn’t be able to keep up with the grueling activities.

That day, the two of them watched the entire season together, starting with the latest episode and going all the way back to the first. After spending the whole afternoon binge-watching, they had a solid grasp of the Production Team’s tactics.

The Limitless Production Team operated similarly to previous dating reality shows, often deviating from established formats and occasionally using guests to stir up drama and manipulate narratives—common industry tactics. However, these methods consistently generated high buzz. Combined with the high-intensity competitive sports, the show maintained consistently high ratings, consistently ranking among the top programs.

The show’s five permanent cast members consisted of two women and three men. Among the male guests, one was an actor known for his fitness enthusiast persona, nicknamed “Popeye the Sailor.” Another was an agile comedian who loved to stir up trouble and was excellent at creating a lively atmosphere. The final male guest was a rising young star who had gained immense popularity this year after playing the male lead in a hit idol drama, gaining over a million new followers and transitioning from a guest to a permanent cast member.

The two female guests were even more prominent. One was Huang Lige, who had skyrocketed to fame after participating in a talent show and remained a sensation ever since. True to her name, she possessed a delicate beauty and a gentle voice, earning her the nickname “Little Oriole.” Unlike the energetic idol-type stars like Lu Rujin, Huang Lige hadn’t debuted through an idol program but was a genuine singer-songwriter. Her debut single had become a nationwide hit, and her popularity had only grown stronger over time.

The other female guest was a slightly older, witty senior who blushed easily when teased. However, she was absent from this episode due to other commitments. Chu Xiyue had already prepared gifts for both of them before arriving at the hotel a day early, only to learn of the senior’s absence.

The Production Team had reserved private dining rooms for the guests. When seven people gathered for dinner, the odd number immediately suggested that another guest was missing. After confirming with the Production Team, they learned their suspicions were correct.

“No problem,” Chu Xiyue said. “I’ll keep Teacher Wu’s gift and deliver it to her later.”

As per the show’s tradition, guests meet the regular cast members in advance to avoid awkwardness during the official filming the next day. This private gathering, never aired, allows everyone to relax and get to know each other better.

Despite her immense fame, Huang Lige was naturally outgoing and cheerful, greeting everyone warmly as soon as she arrived.

Four guests were present today, including Bei Yaoyao, all from the In Character drama series. Chu Xiyue and Su Yan already knew them. Overjoyed to see the pair, Bei Yaoyao immediately sat down beside them.

Originally, only the three of them were scheduled to be guests for this episode. However, due to the absence of a veteran guest, a last-minute replacement was needed. As the group gathered in the private dining room, none of them knew who the final guest would be—not even the veteran guest herself. Bei Yaoyao playfully probed, and Huang Lige laughed and playfully swatted her:

“Would I ever keep secrets from you? We’re all in this together, except for the Production Team, right?”

“But who is it? Why all the mystery…?”

Bei Yaoyao muttered something, her eyes brimming with anticipation. Judging by the secrecy, it was definitely someone outside the production team.

Their curiosity didn’t linger long. The Production Team soon satisfied it with a knock on the private room door. Before it even opened, a boisterous female voice called out with a laugh:

“Am I late?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Chu Xiyue looked up and saw Chi Yao’s delicate features come into view. Today, Chi Yao wore light makeup, her refined brows and almond-shaped eyes radiating a gentle, exquisite charm, like a woman who had stepped straight out of a Jiangnan alleyway.

Chi Yao’s gaze swept around the round table in the private room before finally settling on Chu Xiyue, her polite smile deepening. Their close relationship was well-known in the industry, but joint appearances had been rare in recent years, mainly due to conflicting schedules. Unexpectedly, with a last-minute cancellation, the Director had managed to bring Chi Yao in, knowing it would create a stir. They were already building up the hype from the very beginning.

Chu Xiyue clearly hadn’t expected to see Chi Yao here. Her eyes lit up instantly, her beautiful peach blossom eyes shimmering with undisguised joy.

Seeing Chu Xiyue’s radiant joy, Su Yan’s eyes suddenly dimmed slightly.

“This is definitely a ‘friends only’ game,” Huang Lige said, her tone mischievous. “Yueyue, I’m curious… if you and your friend aren’t on the same team tomorrow, would you go easy on her?”

Huang Lige seemed to thrive on drama, but as soon as she spoke, both Chi Yao and Chu Xiyue turned to look at her. Huang Lige froze for a moment before realizing they both shared the nickname “Yueyue.”

She quickly adjusted her address: “Chuchu, I was asking you.”

She didn’t ask Chi Yao because the girl embodied the classic Jiangnan Beauty archetype: slender limbs, delicate features, and an air of fragility that seemed to demand protection.

“What’s this, Little Sister Li?” Chi Yao teased, her naturally outgoing personality clashing amusingly with her delicate appearance. “Have you been plotting to settle scores with me on the show all along?”

Chi Yao’s easygoing nature quickly won everyone over. The room buzzed with laughter throughout the meal, but amidst the lively chatter, Su Yan couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of loneliness.

It felt as if a treasure that had once belonged solely to her had suddenly been invaded and divided among a crowd. She felt out of place here, a faint ache spreading through her chest.

Such a childish notion, like a child’s game, was something Su Yan would never have entertained before. She had always been clear-headed and careful to maintain her boundaries. Yet, somewhere along the way, she had completely succumbed, unable to resist indulging herself.

Perhaps it was the extended time spent with him during the reality show and the months on set, when his eyes seemed to see only her, that had given her the strange desire to confine the entire world.

But that radiant gaze could never belong to her alone forever.

The meal had been enough for everyone to become acquainted. So, when filming resumed the next day, although each guest feigned surprise at the new arrivals, it was merely acting for the sake of the show.

“Alright, let’s welcome Su Yan, Chu Xiyue, Bei Yaoyao, and Chi Yao to our big family!” the director shouted through a megaphone at the spacious filming location. “Since everyone woke up late today, we’ll start with a warm-up activity. See that finish line over there?”

The recording location was in a picturesque city, where evergreen trees stood tall and proud even in early winter. Twin Parks, the city’s iconic landmark, featured two towering structures that resembled conjoined twins embracing each other. A naturally formed freshwater lake bisected the park, its surface shimmering with a faint golden glow under the setting sun.

Unlike most variety shows, today’s recording was scheduled for the evening. The Production Team had reserved the entire area in advance, allowing the guests to sleep in late. By 6 PM, they were suddenly summoned for filming. Almost every guest was only half-made-up, at most having applied a light base of tone-up cream. Chu Xiyue, in particular, wore no makeup at all.

To maintain its script-free format, Limitless never revealed the day’s specific theme beyond the necessary procedural guidelines. One male guest, yawning incessantly, straightened up immediately upon seeing the long racetrack:

“Director Zhang wouldn’t be that ruthless, would he? Making us run a thousand meters right off the bat?”

His words proved prophetic. Director Zhang, watching from behind the monitor, chuckled with a mix of embarrassment and cunning.

“Today, we’re embarking on a fantastical time-travel adventure. You have exactly twenty-four hours. Once the time is up, the Gate of Time and Space will close, and any travelers stranded outside will be permanently trapped on the other side, unable to return.

Before entering the Gate, remember this: a mysterious force lurks behind it, actively hunting time travelers. You must evade them. The first to enter the Gate will gather the most clues. Whoever accumulates the most clues will receive special gadgets to hinder the pursuers. Those who successfully survive the full duration, obtain the key, and return to the real world will be tonight’s ultimate winners.”

“Looks like it’s every man for himself today?” Zheng Zihong, a rising star, quipped with a grin.

“Not necessarily,” Bei Yaoyao countered, already flexing her hands. “What if we need to team up once we’re inside? I advise everyone to play fair for now.”

Their banter seemed to snap everyone out of their daze. The contestants began stretching and warming up. At the Director’s whistle, several figures shot forward like arrows released from a bowstring.

Relying on their physical advantage, the male guests surged ahead at the start. To ensure fairness, the director had set the men’s course at 1,000 meters while the women’s course was 700 meters. As the race progressed, the gap began to narrow. Despite her petite frame, Bei Yaoyao displayed surprising power, gradually positioning herself as a potential frontrunner among the women.

Chu Xiyue’s endurance was decent, but she rarely practiced running, focusing instead on physical conditioning as she wasn’t a singer. Trailing by a few steps, she suddenly noticed the comedian launching into a full sprint—not toward the finish line, but toward the strongest male guest. After a few strides, he finally tackled him from behind.

The two men collided with a loud thud, the impact sending them crashing to the ground. Hearing the commotion, Bei Yaoyao glanced back just in time to witness the spectacle, bursting into laughter. Seizing the opportunity, Chu Xiyue surged forward, closing the gap.