Chapter Fourteen: Switching Teams

"Now, I announce that the two who have completed the hidden tasks are: Yu Tang and Zhou Ziheng!"

"And unfortunately, the one who had a hidden task but failed to finish it is Shen Tianshi."

Shen Tianshi had already been stunned when he heard the director say Yu Tang completed the hidden task.

It felt like the sky was falling—how could the production team break the routine?!

Both members of their group had hidden tasks? Was that even right?

[Laughing so hard, Shen Tianshi is stunned.]
[Of course he’s stunned. Later, when Yu Tang switches him out, he’ll settle down.]
[Poor Shen Tianshi was acting cool and hauling all that stuff, but now it's all for someone else's benefit, haha!]
[Oi, Teacher Yu Tang, look over here! Look at our adorable Xie Yi!]
[Our President Lu needs some care too, ahhh!]

"Now, Teacher Zhou Ziheng and Teacher Yu Tang may choose to switch teammates."

"Please note, this choice is closely tied to the upcoming tasks and activities. Both teachers need to be cautious," the director reminded them earnestly.

Zhou Ziheng's gaze fell on Xiang Youran's face, full of deep affection.

Xiang Youran looked at Zhou Ziheng in disbelief, her soft voice tinged with playful reproach: "Teacher Zhou, you actually had a hidden task? And you kept it from me? That's a bit unfair, isn't it~"

Her tone was gentle, more like a coy plea than an accusation.

Zhou Ziheng was amused, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly as he looked toward the director: "They wouldn't let me."

Xiang Youran chuckled softly. "So, do you want to switch me out?"

"Let me guess—was your hidden task to say a cheesy pickup line?"

After all, in her past life, Zhou Ziheng had never uttered such a corny line.

Zhou Ziheng lowered his head and laughed quietly. Truth be told, with his gentle persona, this rare smile was rather captivating.

"Mmm, you guessed it. Looks like Teacher Xiang is quite perceptive."

Hearing this, Xiang Youran feigned triumph, her lips curling as she flaunted her girlish charm.

"You still haven't answered me—do you want to switch me out?"

[Oh, oh, oh, you guessed—right—(loopy sarcastic meme)]
[Do you want to, switch—me—out? Just look at Zhou Ziheng’s face, he’s practically blooming with laughter. Is that the look of someone about to switch you out?]
[I wondered why Zhou Ziheng was so cheesy—turns out he had a hidden task, hahaha!]
[Xiang Youran really is sensitive; she spotted it right away.]
[Honestly, whoever Zhou Ziheng switches with is doomed, right?]

[Hey, you upstairs, why are you telling the truth?]
Actually, Xiang Youran asked because she didn’t want to be switched out herself.

Publicity was one thing, but in her past life, it was teaming up with Zhou Ziheng that got her the lavish meal.

If she switched partners now, there was no guarantee she’d get to enjoy another feast.

She tilted her head, gazing at Zhou Ziheng with sparkling eyes.

Zhou Ziheng’s heart softened, and he was about to speak, but was abruptly interrupted.

"I want to switch! I’m swapping Shen Tianshi for Xie Yi!"

Yu Tang’s voice rang out, brimming with energy, cutting straight through the tender atmosphere between the two.

She’d had enough of this fool who only followed behind, picking up things! Xie Yi was much better—a helpful, considerate little brother.

Letting Shen Tianshi team up with Xiao Yufei wasn’t exactly unfair to him.

Upon hearing Yu Tang’s decision, Xie Yi’s previously dim eyes suddenly shone.

"Really, sister?! I can actually be on your team?"

Yu Tang sat on the sofa, legs crossed, looking every bit the master.

She patted her thigh, saying boldly, "Of course, no problem."

Xie Yi saw Yu Tang’s gesture and blushed. Was Yu Tang hinting for him to sit on her lap? Should he, or shouldn’t he?

Forget it—he was a tall guy, nearly six feet, while Yu Tang was petite, barely five feet five. He probably couldn’t sit without crushing her.

He tried to ignore her gesture, not wanting to disappoint her, and instead sat beside her. "Thank you, Sister Yu Tang."

Xie Yi’s adorable face was flushed.

Yu Tang nodded, saying it was nothing, still patting her thigh. Maybe that muddy field today was just too hard to walk through, and now her legs felt sore; the patting finally eased the ache.

[I feel like Xie Yi wanted to sit on Yu Tang’s lap... Am I wrong?]
[I felt it too. Clearly, he hesitated, then just sat next to her.]
[Warm-hearted big sister versus the sweet little puppy—this is a ship I’m rooting for!]
[Thank you, Teacher Yu Tang, for picking our Xie Yi~~]
[Someone save Shen Tianshi; I think he’s about to break, hahaha!]

Shen Tianshi was now sitting on Yu Tang’s other side, frozen in disbelief.

He took a while to finally react.

Eyes brimming with tears, he looked at Yu Tang. "Yu Xiaotang, you traitor!"

"Yu Xiaotang, have you forgotten the days we spent together? Without me, who will watch you pull lotus roots?"

"I can help Sister Yu Tang pull lotus roots."

"Without me, who will hold the basket when you pick corn?"

"I can pick corn with Sister Yu Tang."

Every time Shen Tianshi spoke, Xie Yi earnestly countered, as if seriously comparing himself to Shen Tianshi.

"You shut up!" Shen Tianshi was furious, turning to yell at Xie Yi, "Too busy smoking to remember to smack you, huh!"

Shen Tianshi, usually fairly handsome, now looked twisted with anger, eyes reddened.

He was truly at his breaking point!

How could Yu Xiaotang do this?! She’d hugged him before, and now she wanted someone else?! Was she hoping to hug someone new, or push him to be hugged by others?

Xie Yi, startled by the shouting, blinked and shrank behind Yu Tang.

Yu Tang scooted forward, perfectly shielding Xie Yi behind her.

"Shen Tianshi, if you want to throw a tantrum, go outside. See if anyone will pay attention."

Shen Tianshi’s face was dark with rage. "Fine, fine, I’ll throw a tantrum! I’m never speaking to you again, Yu Xiaotang!"

After shouting, Shen Tianshi ran outside.

He would never speak to Yu Xiaotang again! Whoever did was a dog!

Let her fail to recognize a green tea! Let her not appreciate kindness! When the next activity came, she’d see—Xie Yi was a two-faced guy!

When she regretted it, he wouldn’t be so soft-hearted.

The director watched Shen Tianshi run off and immediately instructed the camera crew to discreetly follow him.

[Wait, is Shen Tianshi really that upset? But it’s just a game...]
[Come on, our Young Master Shen takes games very seriously.]
[It’s all Xie Yi’s fault, pretending to be innocent? Look how angry he’s made Shen Tianshi.]
[Yu Tang is so heartless...]
[Is this Xie Yi's fault? Isn't it just Shen Tianshi's bad temper?]
[Hello, excuse me? Is anyone still paying attention to the tender free spirit just now?]

The director glanced at the rapidly scrolling barrage and the soaring popularity of the livestream, chuckling to himself—he knew it, he knew there would be drama with Yu Tang’s group.