Chapter Eighteen: Protecting the Best Dinner in the World!

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Gu Qingyu was at a loss for words, unconsciously sizing up Yu Zhi, weighing whether she should speak the truth.

Yu Zhi, on the other hand, had no such concerns. “Professor Li has a tendency for extreme behavior, so it’s not suitable for him to have too much contact with the female guests. I just took his partner away.”

Shi Hailing understood Yu Zhi perfectly; it was obvious she had an ulterior motive, using Li Ze as an excuse to make her move.

“The evening is getting late, it’s time to head back.”

Zhou Su strolled over slowly from nearby, holding his coat in one hand.

Yu Zhi glanced behind him, saw no annoying figure, and nodded with satisfaction. “Then let’s go back together. With more people, we can avoid any unexpected trouble from the production team.”

Yu Zhi’s suggestion was agreed upon by everyone. Gu Qing’s pale little face was slowly pulled along as Bai Fuyuan tugged at the collar of her shirt.

“Teacher Bai, can you let go of me?”

Bai Fuyuan seemed to find amusement in this. “Sister Gu isn’t very mobile; I’m just helping! Don’t tell me you think I don’t care about you?”

Gu Qing was speechless. She pressed her lips tightly and took several deep breaths to suppress her inner resentment.

She couldn’t afford to offend Bai Fuyuan; what right did she have to argue with her?

“Teacher Bai, thank you! Qingqing really likes it!”

[Poor little Gu Qing, anyone can bully her a little.]

[Bai Fuyuan’s attitude is just as dreadful as Yu Zhi’s.]

[Gu Qing truly tries to survive cautiously among these few people. I used to dislike her, but now I feel a little pity for her.]

Gu Qing suddenly felt her neck tighten—Bai Fuyuan had stopped walking—then loosened again. “No fun. Sister Gu, you better walk slowly by yourself. Watch your step, don’t fall again.”

Yu Zhi felt Bai Fuyuan’s words were aimed at her, but since he was clearly speaking to Gu Qing, she shook her head to dismiss the thought and continued discussing acting skills with Shi Hailing.

From her, Yu Zhi gleaned a crucial piece of information. “Sister Ling, so you’re planning a comeback?”

“I’m considering a few scripts, but haven’t decided which to take yet…”

Shi Hailing had reached a point in the industry where she no longer needed to worry about the crew or script quality. She just needed to choose, and a mature team would be delivered to her doorstep.

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A glint suddenly flashed in Yu Zhi’s light brown eyes. If she could persuade Shi Hailing, wouldn’t that be...

But then she reconsidered—Shi Hailing’s intentions were unknown. If she rashly got involved, it might bring a heap of trouble. Wouldn’t that be more trouble than it was worth?

“That needs to be carefully considered. After all, this is your first film after years away from the spotlight. Fans are eagerly anticipating it. It will play a crucial role in your career plans.”

Such official-sounding words prompted Shi Hailing to lightly tap Yu Zhi twice. “Your mouth is really not one to back down.”

The closer they got to their destination, the clearer it became. The director, along with the crew, had quickly set up a brightly lit set. Standing at the entrance, he welcomed the guests.

A glaring red megaphone caught everyone’s eye.

Zhou Su swung his arm, draping his coat over his shoulder, and put his other arm around Yu Zhi casually. “The director’s megaphone’s new, but it’s still ugly.”

Yu Zhi had spent the whole day clowning around with Zhou Su. Now, seeing the director’s face was making her head throb. She prayed he wouldn’t have any new torturous tasks.

“Welcome to the successful completion of the second day of filming for all you zero-distance guests!!!”

Without warning, the director’s enthusiastic shout echoed into everyone’s ears.

“Just as expected, looks like there’s no hope for a good night’s sleep tonight,” Xia Shuang leaned against Shen Jiayu, radiating disdain toward the director.

Yu Zhi quietly observed her surroundings, searching for a camera angle where she could hide. With all cameras out in the open, she felt utterly exposed, as if stripped bare.

This was her first time so vividly feeling how painfully invasive the camera could be—thanks to one unscrupulous director’s giant spotlight.

“Today is a day to celebrate! Each of you has successfully completed your tasks, which deserves encouragement!”

[Friends, was this director trained at a military camp?]

[Maybe, but I understand the principle of courtesy before force.]

[The serious expressions of Yu Zhi and the others are really amusing, haha.]

“Tonight, we’ve specially prepared a lavish dinner for you all, but you’ll need to play a little game to earn your food! I hope you’ll stay spirited and fight for your dinner!!!”

Zhao Liheng was very pleased with his decision. The guests before him were standing, leaning, or supporting one another. This was exactly the effect he wanted for the show! He wildly gestured behind his back, signaling the cameramen to record more of this scene.

Seeing the director’s lengthy speech finally come to an end, Yu Zhi easily pushed Zhou Su’s arm away. “Director, you haven’t told us what game we’re playing yet!”

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“Yes! The game is called ‘Flying Grand Spin.’ Each section of the wheel has a challenge you must complete during the upcoming skit. Each of you has three ‘revival’ chances. If you use all three without completing your challenge, the production team will penalize you.”

“Conversely, teams who successfully complete their challenges will earn the lavish dinner prepared by the show.”

Gu Qing clapped her hands. “Great, another competitive task! Director, can I skip the game? I’ll use points to exchange for food.”

At this, all the guests turned to look at her, causing her a moment of panic. Then she reminded herself she hadn’t done anything wrong and defiantly asked, “What are you looking at?”

Xia Shuang blinked twice, hesitating slightly. “Gu Qing, I feel like you’ve changed.”

Gu Qing shrugged her hands but couldn’t help curling them inward. “Haha? How could that be? Sister Xia, you must be mistaken~”

Xia Shuang couldn’t figure out why. She wrinkled her nose and looked up at the director. “Director, what Gu Qing said—is that possible? Can we exchange points?”

“No!”

The director’s refusal was absolute, like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone’s enthusiasm.

[Although a bit pitiful, how could it be fun without pity?]

[Skit time—that will really test their acting skills. Those who aren’t good at acting will suffer.]

[This segment is so random. This isn’t a training class, what’s the point of this nonsense?]

[This director is just crazy! No serious stuff, only weird tricks. I want to see handsome guys and beautiful girls fall in love!]

Yu Zhi made a firm decision. Since the director was unreasonable, they wouldn’t be obedient! They’d spent the whole day earning points, only to be told they couldn’t use them tonight?

If the currency system was directly exempted by him, and the show wasn’t just for one day, wouldn’t the director’s word become absolute?

“Director! If you’re not sincere, it’s hard for us to follow you! You’ve changed the rules on a whim more than once. Let’s compromise: if you promise not to arbitrarily change the rules in the future, we’ll agree to play this game.”

“As for dinner—missing one meal won’t kill us!”