The group’s premonitions were proven right.
Right after a hearty meal, Tang Zhubiao announced the rules.
"We are currently in the town of Kangcheng, which, despite being a county-level city, boasts quite a prosperous economy. Among its attractions is the famous Kangcheng Amusement Park, for which many from Beijing come here specifically."
"Tonight, around seven o’clock, the production team will be waiting at Kangcheng Amusement Park for everyone to return."
Yue Qingqing felt a sudden pang of anxiety and couldn’t help but ask, "Director, where are we supposed to go before then?"
Tang Zhubiao’s manner toward Yue Qingqing was particularly friendly. "You’ve asked a good question. As everyone knows, entering an amusement park requires purchasing a ticket. Today, you’ll need to earn the entry fee on your own. If someone hasn’t achieved this by seven o’clock, we will enforce a punishment."
Tang Zhubiao revealed a villainous grin, displaying a row of frighteningly white teeth.
"You definitely don’t want to know what the punishment is."
Zhang Caidie showed a look of fear. "Ah, the director is so scary."
Tang Zhubiao snorted disdainfully, "There’s something even scarier. Hurry up, now hand over all the money you have."
Zhang Caidie and Ou Chi exchanged a look, surprised by the scale of the game the production team was playing.
They were expected to earn ticket money without a dime on them—could it be that they were going to work for it?
But they were celebrities, for goodness’ sake.
Since this was the first domestic celebrity reality show, the guests were clearly unaccustomed to the rules.
After all, no one had played before.
However, Pei Zhe, the most venerated elder among them, was the first to hand over his and his wife’s wallet.
With the most senior veteran leading by example, the others had no choice but to follow suit obediently.
Gong Qiming rolled his eyes and handed over his wallet, raising an eyebrow at his junior sister.
His smug expression was only half-complete when Tang Zhubiao called him out.
"Gong Qiming, hand over the money in your socks."
Gong Qiming: "..." Had he been found out already?
Reluctantly, he bent down and took out the bills he had hidden away.
"Now, take out anything you’ve hidden in your sleeves."
Tang Zhubiao, whose eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s, had been watching Gong Qiming intently, the one who looked the most restless.
Humph, as a director, he had scrutinized countless hours of post-production.
He had developed the eyes of a hawk, not easily deceived even by close-up magicians.
"The one in your right pocket."
"Inside your collar."
"In your trouser leg."
Yue Qingqing couldn’t help but snicker. Rong Leyi and Gu Tiantian were laughing so hard they doubled over.
Even the usually solemn veteran actor couple allowed themselves a knowing smile.
Gong Qiming seemed to have hidden spots in more places than a crafty rabbit would have holes.
Unfortunately, the director saw right through all of them.
The back and forth was pure variety show gold, leaving Gong Qiming with drooping puppy-dog eyes and a handsome face that looked on the verge of tears.
"There’s really no more."
The director gestured for Gong Qiming to stand up and jump.
A ten-yuan note fell to the ground from who knows where.
Yue Qingqing laughed, covering her face with her hand.
Gong Qiming: I hate this!
Tang Zhubiao nodded in satisfaction, "Alright, that’s probably it now."
Under his inescapable gaze, everyone left empty-handed, followed only by the camera operators and their cameras.
"Let’s go see how much the tickets cost first."
Gong Qiming, leading his junior sister, was about to leave the hotel when Zhang Caidie suddenly caught up and called out to them.
"Senior Gong, can we team up? There’s strength in numbers, and it would be easier to look out for one another," she said with a pitiful and unwavering gaze fixed on Gong Qiming.