Chapter 4 — Aren’t I Impressive?

Jiang Ning glanced at Qi Jun without a trace of expression. She had saved him only to pave an extra road for herself; another friend meant another option. She couldn't care less about this man's fate.

Moments later, the director's helicopter landed and the crew hurried off.

"Qi Jun, are you alright?" Director Gao Minglang rushed to the man sitting by the campfire, his eyes subtly scanning Qi Jun’s figure. Seeing that Qi Jun was unharmed, he finally relaxed.

Qi Jun was a newcomer, having debuted in a boy band, but among the eight guests, his background was the most formidable. If anything happened to this young prince, no one could bear the consequences.

"What could possibly happen? The heavens favor the lucky," Qi Jun replied, his gaze fixed intently on the impassive Jiang Ning.

Within Qi Jun’s eyes, gratitude mingled with a hint of suggestiveness.

Soon, the crew’s equipment was ready.

Gao Minglang addressed the live audience: "Dear viewers, we are now on the renowned Baihua Island. Our two-day, one-night journey officially begins. Only after the guests complete the survival tasks on this deserted island will they earn the right to date and choose a partner.

"Now, we begin with the first task—rescuing the two male guests stranded on Moyou Island and Saipan Island.

"Before rescuing the flying guests, the six of you must search for props hidden somewhere on the island by the production team. Although the two islands are neighbors to Baihua Island, there’s still a certain distance. Only by finding the necessary tools can you reach Baihua Island safely.

"Since only Little Ning and Qi Jun parachuted down, the two of you will be a temporary pair, gaining a half-hour head start to search for supplies and three hints from the production team."

Qi Jun lowered his head with a self-satisfied smile, nudging Jiang Ning’s arm with his elbow. "We're the first 'couple.'"

"I should have let you drown," Jiang Ning replied, glancing straight at the camera, a cold smile curling her lips.

Bai Zehan shot a glare at the pair, irritation brimming in his heart. If he’d known things would turn out like this, he would have parachuted down as well.

Nearby, Fu Jiaojiao frowned, displeased. "Director, what about us?"

Three women and one man—a case of too many wolves and too little prey.

Gao Minglang replied solemnly, "Form your own teams."

A few minutes later, the teams were set.

Fu Jiaojiao paired with Yun Fu.

Bai Zehan teamed up with Gao Tiange.

Jiang Ning and Qi Jun were the first to venture into the island.

Jiang Ning's stride was swift, soon leaving the cameraman trailing behind.

Qi Jun wore a perpetual smirk, following the woman closely.

He turned, grinning at Jiang Ning.

They walked so near that Qi Jun’s breath occasionally brushed against Jiang Ning’s cheek.

"Jiang Ning, how should I repay you for saving my life? Why don’t you be my girlfriend? You can pick any resource from my company, and I’ll take care of you from now on."

It was the second time Jiang Ning had heard the words "I’ll take care of you." In the past, she would have been moved beyond measure. But now, relying on herself was the only truth she believed in.

"I find you filthy."

"Choose another way for me to repay you," Jiang Ning turned away, putting distance between herself and Qi Jun in obvious disdain.

Who knew how much cologne this man had sprayed on himself—its pungency stung her nose.

Qi Jun ventured tentatively, "Half a million?"

Jiang Ning shot him a glare and strode ahead, not looking back.

Qi Jun was at a loss, gazing in confusion at her retreating figure.

A moment later, a cool, sharp female voice drifted over, "Young Master Qi, is your life so cheap?"

Qi Jun caught on. "Five million!"

Jiang Ning halted, thoughtful, her gaze landing on a nearby thicket.

All around were towering, varied trees—so why would a shrub suddenly appear?

"What is it?" Qi Jun caught up.

"Nothing," Jiang Ning replied, lips curled in a half-smile as she continued forward.

The path underfoot, though sloped, was fairly level. The trees above hung heavy with fruit. If they ran out of food, they could at least stave off hunger by foraging.

"Is five million enough? Jiang Ning, say something!" For the first time, Qi Jun found himself at a loss with a woman. Normally, beauties flocked to him.

They walked on for a while until the cameraman caught up, asking if they wanted a hint from the crew.

"Yes, yes, yes!" In less than half an hour, Qi Jun was already exhausted.

"No need," Jiang Ning refused.

With this frosty beauty, Qi Jun dared not show anger. "Jiang Ning, did you notice?"

Jiang Ning turned, annoyance flickering in her eyes at his playful grin. "Hmm?"

"You have a nice figure," Qi Jun leaned in, whispering by her ear, "If you stay with me, there’ll be endless five-million payouts."

"Oh? Come here," Jiang Ning’s lips curved into a sly smile, the ends of her fox-like eyes tinged with allure. She seized his tie, yanking him against a tree.

In one fluid motion, her long leg shot out, delivering a swift kick to the coconut tree behind them, then she darted aside.

Qi Jun, clueless, closed his eyes, bracing for her next move.

Bang—bang—

"Ah! That hurts!" Qi Jun clutched his head, eyes snapping open. He glanced at the coconuts that had fallen to the ground, then stormed toward Jiang Ning in outrage.

"Jiang Ning, refusing a toast only to accept the penalty, is that it?" Qi Jun ripped off his tie and flung it to the ground.

Yet there was no trace of fear in Jiang Ning’s gaze. "You wouldn’t want to see your reputation ruined because of this show, would you?"

On this reality show, aside from Bai Zehan and Gao Tiange, who were relatively popular, the rest were either less known or completely washed up.

Qi Jun had money, good looks, and plenty of resources, but his reckless, dissolute ways had driven almost all his fans away over time.

His agent had forced him to join this dating show to build up a loyal, devoted image.

In her past life, Jiang Ning had left showbiz, but her heart remained attached to the stage she once fought for.

A few months later, Qi Jun’s reputation collapsed entirely, and he was even blacklisted from the entertainment industry.

Qi Jun’s face darkened as he gave Jiang Ning a false smile. "You’d better behave yourself and not give me any leverage."

"And that’s how you treat your savior?" Jiang Ning walked aside.

Qi Jun pointed at the camera. "Aren’t you afraid everything just now will be broadcast live?"

"The camera’s off," Jiang Ning replied lazily with a wave, heading deeper into the woods.

The island’s power was limited, so the cameras were only switched on for designated shots, saving as much battery as possible.

Qi Jun stared at the cameraman in shock, who clearly hadn’t expected Jiang Ning to notice this detail, and nodded dumbly at the man.

"Qi Jun, come here. There’s a small slope ahead—go check it out," Jiang Ning finally stopped, her slender finger pointing ahead.

Baihua Island was infamous for its wildness. As they walked, they saw all kinds of small creatures.

"Could there be snakes?" Qi Jun’s gaze darted nervously to the slope.

Jiang Ning shot him a cold, sidelong glance. "Go down and see."

"I… I’m scared. The grass is moving!"

"The camera’s on. We’re live," Jiang Ning whispered.

"Huh? For the sake of my noble, heroic image in my fans’ eyes, I’ll go!" Qi Jun gritted his teeth and jumped down.

Suddenly, his shout startled several birds from the trees. "Jiang Ning, oh my god, a raft!"

A slight smile tugged at Jiang Ning’s lips. "Pull it up."

"How? It’s heavy and filthy." Born with a silver spoon, Qi Jun had never dirtied his hands. Staring at the mud-caked raft, he was at a loss.

"Are you blind? Can’t you see the rope behind you?" Jiang Ning frowned in disdain. Was Qi Jun’s nickname actually "Deadweight"?

With considerable effort, Qi Jun hauled the raft up the slope, panting as he turned to the camera with pride. "Guys, just saying, I’m amazing, right?"

The cameraman shook his head.

"I’m not amazing?" Qi Jun asked.

"Camera’s off," the cameraman replied.