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Meanwhile, on Su Ling’s side, filming had paused as the screenwriters approached with a suggestion.
They were well aware that the program’s current setup was lackluster. A-list celebrities wouldn’t deign to appear on such a show, and those who did were typically low-profile figures with little buzz.
But Su Ling was different. This young woman, who had only recently debuted, already commanded significant popularity!
If they could leverage her fame, perhaps the show might just take off!
The screenwriters, energized by this idea, huddled together to brainstorm. The cast consisted of three men and three women—perfect gender balance. For young people, nothing generated more excitement than hints of romance and sparks of attraction.
After some discussion, the writers approached the group with a proposal: instead of the planned beach interactions, why not switch to a water-based competition? Pairs of one man and one woman would compete in swimming races, turning the originally leisurely activity into a competitive event.
The physical contact and teamwork during the race would provide endless fodder for entertainment media.
Tang Zi, holding Su Ling’s towel, visibly tensed at the suggestion.
The other celebrities agreed without much hesitation, though one girl hesitated briefly before glancing at Su Ling—the only one yet to respond.
Su Ling appeared quiet and gentle, markedly different from the others’ bubbly energy. She had been obedient throughout filming, following instructions without complaint.
But then Su Ling spoke up: “I disagree.”
No one expected her to outright refuse. Calmly, she explained: “I agreed to participate because of the show’s original laid-back concept. I don’t enjoy that kind of game.”
She rarely made others uncomfortable, but she also held firm to her principles.
Being naturally shy, she disliked these kinds of activities. She understood everything clearly, saw through it all, but chose to treat the world with kindness. However, when something truly bothered her, she would reject it outright—and no one could sway her.
The director quickly interjected: “Alright, alright. Making changes now would be too troublesome and impractical. Let’s stick to the original plan.”
Even sticking to the original plan involved pairing participants two by two.
Each pair would still consist of one man and one woman, but instead of competitive games, they’d embark on a treasure hunt. The production team had hidden a “treasure” somewhere along the beach. Contestants could gather clues by asking beachgoers or receiving help from others. Success depended on sharp observation skills and a bit of luck.
Su Ling’s partner was a male celebrity named Cao Yue. Among the six participants, he was the second most popular after Su Ling.
Cao Yue was relatively new to the industry, having debuted not long ago. At just 17 years old, he was three years younger than Su Ling.
Since he was close in age to Ni Haoyan, Su Ling didn’t feel the usual pressure around him. To her, Cao Yue was like an underage little brother.
With his cherubic face and lively personality, he grinned at her: “Sister Su Ling, where should we look?”
Su Ling studied the map, uncertain. “How about we check out the sunbathing area? Maybe we’ll find someone with a clue.”
Cao Yue’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Sure, whatever you say, Sister Su Ling.”
Walking beside her, he caught a faint whiff of her scent—something akin to gardenia mixed with sweet osmanthus. His smile widened. “Sister Su Ling, do you want me to fetch an umbrella for you?”
“No, thank you. If you’d like to use an umbrella, I can wait here.” Though the sun was out, it was still early spring, barely March. The sea breeze was gentle, not oppressive.
“Then I won’t use one either. I just noticed how fair your skin is. Aren’t girls usually worried about tanning?”
Behind them trailed the cameraman, capturing every moment. Su Ling smiled softly and shook her head. “It’s fine.”
Cao Yue was slightly taller than her. Falling a couple of steps behind, his gaze landed on her bare legs—long, slender, and beautiful. Her feet, delicate and elegant, were equally captivating.
She was breathtaking.
He wasn’t particularly into feet, but he couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances. He observed that Su Ling wasn’t the type of celebrity who thrived in variety shows. She was more introverted and shy compared to the others. But so what? She was enchanting, a woman who quickened the blood of those around her. That was enough.
Most participants knew better than to expect the show to become a hit. Hoping for success through this program was laughable.
When they arrived at the sunbathing area, Qin Xiao sat there, legs crossed, waiting with a cold expression.
He had already asked He Qian to put away the binoculars moments earlier. That brat Cao Yue, barely old enough to grow facial hair, had been ogling Su Ling with undisguised admiration. Su Ling hadn’t noticed, but Qin Xiao had seen everything.
Within a mile radius, Qin Xiao stood out as the only living soul.
He didn’t mind playing with Cao Yue a little. He could easily teach the boy a lesson about knowing his place. But Su Ling was filming, and he didn’t want to upset her. If anything went wrong, they’d have to reshoot, and he knew how exhausting that would be for her.
When Su Ling spotted Qin Xiao, she froze momentarily. Cao Yue didn’t recognize him—he wasn’t part of their circle—but even he found Qin Xiao’s presence odd. Why would the production team hire such an imposing random NPC?
Still, Cao Yue had no choice. Stepping forward with a grin, his two small fangs peeking out, he asked: “Hello, do you know anything about a ‘pearl crown jade’?”
Qin Xiao didn’t know a damn thing, but he remained calm. “Yes.”
He extended his hand toward Su Ling. “Come here, I’ll tell you.”
A vein throbbed on Cao Yue’s forehead.
Su Ling was bewildered. How had Qin Xiao suddenly become an NPC guide? But with cameras trailing closely, she steeled herself and walked over.
He said: “It’s a secret, so I can only tell one person.”
Cao Yue thought this was utter nonsense.
Qin Xiao: “Hold out your hand.”
Su Ling felt a mix of trepidation and curiosity. What was Qin Xiao planning?
She extended her hand, and Qin Xiao’s lips curved lazily. With deliberate slowness, he drew a heart on her palm.
Cao Yue didn’t see what he had done.
Qin Xiao asked Su Ling: “Do you understand?”
Su Ling: “….” Her cheeks flushed. She knew Qin Xiao was making things up.
Cao Yue also asked Su Ling: “Sister Su Ling, what information did he give you?”
Qin Xiao let out a cold snort. Su Ling sighed. “I don’t know.”
Cao Yue said: “Then, Brother, could you repeat it for me?”
Go to hell.
Qin Xiao replied: “The clue is only given once. Don’t understand? I’ll lead you there.”
What kind of operation was this?! Cao Yue couldn’t even muster a smile anymore. Fear gripped him—this NPC was taking control. This show shouldn’t air at all.
Qin Xiao led the way, walking in the middle while Su Ling and Cao Yue followed on either side.
His demeanor was perfectly composed. From afar, He Qian, observing through the binoculars, nearly burst out laughing. With Qin Xiao pulling strings, Su Ling’s team was guaranteed to lose.
Qin Xiao’s eyes were lowered, but in reality, he was watching her feet.
The golden sand kissed her instep, her toes round and adorable. A few grains clung to her skin—it was exquisite.
An intoxicating beauty that only those without foot fetishes could fail to appreciate.
His gaze grew increasingly entranced, filled with a desire to dominate and possess.
Su Ling naturally sensed it.
Qin Xiao kept his hands in his pockets, his icy exterior exuding an aloof charm that many found cool.
But Su Ling’s scalp tingled. She’d seen exactly where Qin Xiao’s eyes were lingering. In fact, she still hadn’t figured out why he was here—but deep down, she could guess.
She was both embarrassed and annoyed. Curling her toes slightly, she tried to convey her discomfort and avoid his gaze. But even his breathing pattern changed.
Su Ling: “….” This time, she was utterly mortified.
Cao Yue was extremely displeased.
Lost in her thoughts, Su Ling didn’t watch where she was stepping. A sharp pain shot through her foot—she had stepped on a broken shell.
The cut wasn’t deep, but it bled. The shell had been buried in the sand, nearly invisible unless one paid close attention.
Qin Xiao’s expression darkened immediately. Kneeling before her, he said: “Let me see.”
Su Ling refused to lift her foot. Childishly, she wriggled her toes, burying her feet deeper into the sand until only her insteps were visible. Qin Xiao smirked. “Not afraid of infection?”
Cao Yue, standing nearby with a cold expression: “….”
He finally understood. This man didn’t look like an NPC at all. Perhaps he was one of Su Ling’s fans—a rich second-generation heir sneaking into the filming location?
But this “rich kid” was now kneeling before a woman, shedding all pretense of dignity. Truly shameless.
Su Ling whispered softly: “I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt.”
Qin Xiao understood her aversion to his foot fetish. Turning around, he said: “I’ll carry you back.”
Cao Yue leaned in with a grin. “No need, thank you, kind sir. Sister Su Ling, I’ll carry you back to treat the wound.”
A flash of coldness swept across Qin Xiao’s eyes. Before he could rise and turn around, a pair of soft arms wrapped around his neck. She leaned in, her voice sweet and sticky: “No need. I think he’s quite good.”
Qin Xiao lowered his eyes and effortlessly lifted her onto his back.
Funny, for a fleeting moment, his eyes stung with emotion.
He would chase her forever if he had to. Even though she had once despised him, Su Ling deserved to be loved by anyone.
And to be loved by her—what greater happiness could there be?
No matter how fragile she seemed, she always sought to protect and warm those she cared about. And in her presence, his hardened heart melted like steel into silk.
On the golden sands, he carried her forward, his features tender.
Su Ling murmured softly: “Qin Xiao, I just realized—the cameraman is still filming.”
At the sound of her voice, his heart turned to mush.
“Don’t worry. I’m here.”
Her soft reply came: “I’m not afraid.”
“Not now, not ever.”
“Let them film.” She had never treated him as someone to hide.
Gently wrapping her arms around him, she whispered shyly: “Qin Xiao, just now—I understood the clue.”
It was love.
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