Chapter 16: The Mature Lady Said, “I’ve Been Looking for You for a Long Time”

The next day at noon, when Fang Zhou sat in the living room with dark circles under his eyes, eating breakfast, Qi Le’s teasing drew everyone’s attention to him.

“Fang Zhou, was the cave uncomfortable to sleep in? Look at you, you’re practically a national treasure now.”

Liu Hao also chimed in with a laugh, “Good thing I got third place yesterday, otherwise I’d be a national treasure too.” (tln : 1. n.national treasure/heirloom · 2. n.metapeople who have made special contributions to the country.)

He and Tang Wan had each slept in a tent, quite comfortably.

Fang Zhou paused with his cup in hand and used his phone’s screen reflection to check his face.

“Is it really that bad?”

In the screen’s reflection, he unexpectedly saw Han Xi looking at him with her sharp, fox-like eyes, expressionless.

She remained as distant as ever. Since arriving on the island, she hadn’t spoken a word to Fang Zhou, not even a greeting.

Fang Zhou understood her personality well and was secretly relieved. Han Xi was decisive; once she broke up, she wouldn’t linger.

True to form, since their breakup, Han Xi never sought him out, behaving as a perfect ex, almost as if she had vanished.

He even thought that among his four exes, Han Xi would be the easiest to deal with.

It was this underestimation that later made Fang Zhou pay the price, making him feel foolish every time he recalled it.

Tang Wan also glanced at Fang Zhou’s face and seeing the dark circles, she smiled gently.

“Yes, good thing we got third place yesterday.”

She paused and, as if comforting Fang Zhou, continued, “But tonight you should be able to get a good night’s sleep.”

Fang Zhou put down his phone, resumed drinking his porridge, and nodded lightly, letting his mind drift. His gaze wandered across the dining table to Chu Xinran, who was quietly munching on corn.

She seemed quite energetic and was chatting and laughing with Qiao Sisi beside her.

Who knew how long sleepwalking Chu Xinran stayed by the sea last night? Thankfully, after standing until his legs went numb and almost bursting from needing the bathroom, she finally returned.

When Fang Zhou went back, he couldn’t fall asleep, tossing and turning until dawn.

He now felt like a scholar drained of energy, with Chu Xinran being the mischievous fox.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Qin Yun, looking refreshed after washing up, descended from upstairs. Her striking beauty was aggressive, like a blooming rich flower.

She wore a sports outfit today, highlighting her impressive figure, especially those long legs, hard to ignore.

Some male guests’ gazes lingered on her, while others discreetly looked away.

Fang Zhou glanced briefly before looking away. This was Qin Yun, the mature lady, possessing assets that drove men crazy.

Unfortunately, he knew this was just a facade. Like some predators in nature, she exuded allure to attract prey.

Letting one’s guard down because of Qin Yun’s stunning appearance meant being devoured completely, without a trace left.

Qin Yun sat next to Fang Zhou, seemingly casually reaching over him to grab bread from the plate.

Her long hair brushed against Fang Zhou’s hand, both teasing and tickling.

Fang Zhou leaned back slightly to avoid appearing to take advantage in the live broadcast.

With the bread in hand, Qin Yun slowly tore it into strips, eating elegantly and delicately.

Fang Zhou, sitting beside her, felt as if he was facing a formidable enemy. Though she was just eating bread, it felt like she was eating him.

He quickly finished his porridge and stood up to get some fresh air.

But Qin Yun called him back.

“Fang Zhou, are you full already?”

Her mature voice was like the sound of all flowers falling after the end of spring, lazy and casual.

Fang Zhou paused but didn’t turn around, answering her.

“Yes, I’m full. You all eat slowly.”

The last part was addressed to everyone.

Qin Yun smiled and continued, “Then could you wait for me? Let’s check the beach volleyball court together later?”

Everyone had received a notice that morning.

There would be a beach volleyball game, and they were to prepare and form teams.

Qin Yun, always planning ahead, expressed concern that the crew might not have thoroughly checked the site for glass shards or other hazards.

Her suggestion was immediately supported.

“Yes, checking the site in advance for safety is good.”

“Yeah, should I come too? I can help.”

Qi Le raised his hand, seeming eager to assist.

Qin Yun glanced at him, smiling, “You should change your clothes first. It won’t be easy to move otherwise.”

Qi Le was in tight jeans, which seemed ready to burst.

“Haha, true. You two go ahead.”

Qi Le looked down and realized his outfit wasn’t suitable.

Fang Zhou, in contrast, wore sportswear, conveniently black, matching Qin Yun’s white outfit, resembling couple’s attire.

With everyone watching, Fang Zhou couldn’t refuse.

After Qin Yun quickly finished her bread, they headed out together.

A cameraman followed from a distance, capturing their actions but not their conversation.

So Qin Yun spoke freely as they walked.

“It’s been almost a year since we last met, hasn’t it, Fang Zhou?”

Qin Yun’s voice was low, like a cello.

“Yes, probably.”

Fang Zhou nodded casually, feigning indifference.

Qin Yun laughed, looking sideways at him.

“I searched for you in Henan for a long time.”

Her simple words inexplicably pressured Fang Zhou.

He thought, “I left Henan because you were looking for me, sister.”

But he said, “I changed my SIM card and job. It’s normal you couldn’t find me.”

“Why didn’t you contact me? Are you that afraid of me?”

They reached the volleyball court, and Qin Yun knelt to check the sand while speaking.

Though she smiled, Fang Zhou sensed no joy in her words.

Fang Zhou felt immense pressure.

The day had finally come.

Rather than avoiding Qin Yun, it was better to clear things up early to prevent future issues in the show.

“I never initiate contact with exes, no exceptions.”

“You’re no different, Qin Yun.”