Chapter 180: Game (Part 1)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lu Shi couldn’t believe that Xia Xin would evade him. When she stepped away, he had thought it was mere coincidence. He reached for her again, and once more she dodged his touch. His smile nearly faltered. “Ladies, I only mean to assist. It’s dark and the wilderness can be dangerous.”
Zhou Lian and Xia Xin exchanged glances. They placed the dinnerware in Lu Shi’s hands. “Thanks. Please proceed. We’re heading back.”
And just like that, they walked away, leaving him standing alone in disbelief.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Shi looked at the dinnerware in his hands and then glanced at the camera not far off. With resignation, he squatted down by the river to wash up. If not for the live camera, he’d have probably tossed them away.
Lu Shi offered to help as a way to bridge the distance between him and Xia Xin. Little had he expected her to walk away like that, and it irked him. When he returned to camp, he found people gathered around the campfire, chatting away. Even Tian Mei had sat down.
He approached Xia Xin. “I’ve washed the dinnerware, Xia Xin. Would you like me to place them in your tent?”
And then, he made to walk toward her tent.
[Why do I feel like these two got surprisingly close after that little trip to wash the tableware?]
[It’s just our Xia Xin. Not only can she befriend animals, but she seems to have the same effect on humans.]
“No need.” Before Xia Xin could respond, Jing MO stood, taking the dinnerware from Lu Shi. “These belong with me. It’s not appropriate for them to be in Xia Xin’s tent.”
The double entendre in Jing Mot s voice was a warning to Lu Shi—stay away from Xia Xin’s tent. Lu Shi feigned ignorance, gave a little smile, and walked back to the fire. He attempted to sit beside Xia Xin, wanting to display his gentlemanly manners.
“This spot is for Jing MO,” Xia Xin spoke up loudly, ensuring everyone heard her.
Lu Shi had no choice but to acknowledge. “No worries, anywvhere is fine with me.”
He settled himself near Zhou Lian instead. As he did, Zhou Lian stiffened imperceptibly, unnoticed by the rest.
Jing MO put away the dishes and rejoined the group.
The director radioed the cameraman. “Have them play a game around the campfire, any game will do.”
Receiving the cue, Tian Mei’s eyes lit up. “Why don’t we all play a game?”
“What shall we play?” asked Zhou Lian.
“Truth or Dare,” said Tian Mei.
Groans and raised eyebrows met the suggestion. It was an old, tired game and nobody seemed enthusiastic. Sensing their reluctance, Tian Mei pushed, “This is the perfect setting for it. We can choose ‘truth’ to get to know each other better.”
Lu Shi’s lips twitched into a subtle smile. “Indeed, we’ll be spending the next ten days together. Knowing each other’s preferences will make cohabitation more pleasant.”
Xia Xin’s eyebrows narrowed. For some reason, she found Lu Shi even more annoying than Zhang Liang.
“If you’re not up for it, we don’t have to play,” Jing MO said softly to Xia Xin.
“I was just pondering what to eat tomorrow,” she replied.
“In that case, let’s draw sticks,” said Lu Shi, breaking off a couple of twigs from a nearby tree. “Long sticks will be for dare, short ones for truth.”
Lu Shi prepared the sticks and brought out a dice cup from his belongings. “I’ll put 3 long and 3 short sticks in here.”
“Wow, Lu Shi, you’re so resourceful to have a dice cup!” Tian Mei said, clearly impressed.
Ignoring her, Lu Shi shook the cup and had everyone draw sticks. Xia Xin, Lu
Shi, and Zhou Lian ended up with short sticks, while Xu Zhi, Tian Mei, and Jing MO got the long ones.
Tian Mei grinned as she looked at her long stick. She’d drawn the same as Jing Mo. She thought perhaps the game would afford her a chance to get closer to him—maybe even win a kiss..