Chapter 3: The Savior

Qi Liao had a very clean scent. The soapy aroma must have come from a morning shower, and the honeysuckle was from the floral water spray, blending with the warmth of his skin to create a unique hormonal aroma.

Mu Chi sat on those sturdy, long legs, feeling the tension in the muscles, his heart racing involuntarily. He stared with his peach blossom eyes, unable to suppress the corners of his lips.

Oh my god, he could have more accidents like this.

The cool guy’s embrace was so comfortable.

There was only one camera inside the car, and only one scene could be live-streamed to the audience. He shook his head, steadied the camera and other equipment, and walked toward the front of the car.

Qi Liao wore a black short-sleeve T-shirt, dark gray work pants, and a domestic smartwatch on his wrist, looking like an ordinary young man. Up close, his pupils had a faint gray-green tint, and his features were even more striking than Lucas’s. Mu Chi concluded that Qi Liao’s family must have non-Han ancestry.

Their eyes met, and Qi Liao’s impatience was almost transparent, but Mu Chi was too busy admiring his good looks to notice.

Until Ying Xuan’s steady voice rang out: “Are you two okay?”

The camera that was following the filming had already moved over, and netizens were excitedly swiping the screen. In the past, they would only mobilize their emotions like this when they were shipping CPs, but now, they are frightened.

Mu Chi didn’t move; every extra second he stayed seated on Qi Liao’s leg was a bonus.

Qi Liao’s thick eyebrows furrowed slightly, and the muscles in his arms tensed like taut strings. Suddenly, he exerted force and pushed the slender young man off his body.

Mu Chi was not embarrassed or angry. His cold, handsome face appeared on camera, and he spoke calmly, “Thank you.”

Qi Liao’s lips were a deep red, neither too thin nor too thick, shaped like a bow and full, looking very kissable, but the words he spoke were sharp: “Don’t fall on a man casually.”

Mu Chi: “I’m not being casual at all.”

“…”

Qi Liao snorted coldly and ended the conversation.

Others offered their condolences. Ying Xuan stood up and voluntarily took over the task of brewing tea, saying thoughtfully, “I’m thirsty too, let me do it.”

【Mu Chi can’t just brew tea!】

【The Leading Actor x Top Star YYDS】

【But Mu Chi calls Ying Xuan ‘Uncle’!】

【Mu Chi is gentle! Gentle, what are you doing? Hurry up and go!】

【No one is shipping Qi Liao x Mu Chi?】

【Hehe, no one else, just you. Goodbye.】

After Ying Xuan quickly brewed six cups of tea, he handed one to Mu Chi, who politely said, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Ying Xuan: “…” He smiled politely in return, “Sit down and drink slowly, don’t spill it again.”

Mu Chi obediently took a seat behind Qi Liao, where he could see Qi Liao’s reflection in the glass. It was so discreet that even the cameramen couldn’t notice.

While drinking tea, he admired the cool guy’s handsome profile. The more he looked at it, the more his heart fluttered.

Until Qi Liao sensed something and saw Mu Chi in the glass reflection, he quickly pulled down the blackout curtain.

Mu Chi: “…” It seemed he really didn’t like him before.

Recalling the arrogant version of himself in the solo cut, well, it made sense.

Mu Chi was about to feel dejected, but soon realized that Qi Liao didn’t just dislike him, he didn’t pay much attention to others either, not even Hao Wenrou.

Mu Chi was shocked. It turned out that the Qi Liao and Hao Wenrou CP were also fake.

The fans of both sides were fighting tooth and nail over the fake couple, which was truly astonishing.

The show still had two and a half months left. To keep things interesting, they couldn’t confirm a relationship this early. At least they’d have to wait until the last month for a real couple to emerge.

Mu Chi gave a light chuckle, encouraging himself: “Jiayou!”

His voice was soft. Qi Liao, who was closest, expressionlessly placed the teacup in the small sink to rinse it clean, then walked over and sat down in the middle seat.

Seeing him change his position, Mu Chi feigned indifference and walked over to sit behind him.

Qi Liao furrowed his brows tightly, resisting the urge to turn around or ask questions. But through the car window, he saw Mu Chi’s pale face again and shivered involuntarily—when Mu Chi collapsed onto him, he felt no weight, and his steps were light and airy.

Impossible! It’s broad daylight, and everyone could see Mu Chi.

“Prosperity, democracy, civilization, harmony…” Qi Liao murmured silently.

【Qi Liao’s mouth is moving. What is he saying?】

【Zoom in closer. Someone who can read lips, please.】

【It sounds like “prosperity, democracy, civilization, harmony…”?】

【Don’t be fooled by the cool look of the big devil; he’s actually a law-abiding good kid】

【Another cute contrast attack/love】

【Why does Mu Chi always sit behind Qi Liao? Bad luck.】

【?? Is the Pacific Ocean your family’s? Why are you so nosy?】

Arriving at the filming base on the mountainside, they found a quaint red-brick villa. The gate and walls were covered in vibrant red roses. Mu Chi, in white shirt and pants, stood before the vibrant blossoms, a stark contrast, like a painting.

The filming locations for each season of the dating show vary, but they are all relatively remote and beautiful. The director originally filmed nature documentaries, so using this style for a variety show naturally adds a touch of beauty.

Cameras were already set up inside and outside the villa to ensure every guest got their share of screen time.

Mu Chi had the most screen time, after all, he’s a top star and his stunning good looks shouldn’t go to waste.

Stepping inside the villa, the interior was also quite cozy. Considering Mu Chi’s amnesia, Ying Xuan said, “Your room is on the second floor; I’ll take you there.”

The villa has three floors. The first floor is occupied by Hao Wenrou, Ying Xuan, and Lucas, while the second floor is occupied by Qi Liao, Mu Chi, and Xu Wuxing.

Xu Wuxing is only twenty years old, with chestnut-brown short hair, delicate features, and big eyes. When he smiles, he looks like a neighbor’s younger brother: “I’ll take Mu Ge there.”

At this point, Qi Liao had already gone upstairs on his own. Mu Chi didn’t have time to care who would take him back to his room; he just wanted to follow Qi Liao back to his room… His heart followed his thoughts, and his feet followed his heart. Mu Chi quietly followed behind.

Xu Wuxing: “?”

Qi Liao walked to his own door, and Mu Chi followed and stopped.

Qi Liao’s hand, which was about to open the door, paused. He stared at Mu Chi, his meaning was self-evident.

Mu Chi finally asked, “Excuse me, where is my room??”

Qi Liao’s jaw tightened. He pointed in the opposite direction and tapped the nameplate on the door, which clearly read “Qi Liao.”

Mu Chi understood, and pretended to be calm as he walked towards the room with his name on it.

When he got to the bedroom, there was no need to follow him, as there were two cameras filming. Mu Chi was also convinced. Did he have to live broadcast even when he was sleeping?

Xu Wuxing walked over depressedly and stopped at the door. “Mu Ge, have you really forgotten me?”

Mu Chi: “Absolutely true.”

Xu Wuxing: “Alright, then I’ll pursue you again.”

Mu Chi almost dropped his jaw in shock: “Ah?”

Xu Wuxing smiled brightly: “I like Mu Ge the most.”

【Ah ah ah ah!! The younger brother is still the best!】

【Xu Wuxing, you’re something else】

【Where is Wenrou? Come to the Shura Field soon】

Mu Chi didn’t want to get involved with other romantic entanglements, “Xu Wuxing, you’re just a younger brother.”

Xu Wuxing: “But I have a place that’s not small.”

Mu Chi subconsciously asked: “Where?”

Xu Wuxing smiled shyly, not directly answering.

Mu Chi finally caught on, his lips twitching: “Um, actually, we’re all quite big.”

【??】

【What do you mean we’re all quite big? Have you seen??】

【What kind of lewd talk are these!]】

Xu Wuxing was also stunned: “How did you know?”

Mu Chi said seriously, “The production team carefully selected everyone, so I believe everyone is outstanding in every aspect.”

This statement not only made the audience feel comfortable but also made the production team feel at ease. Mu Chi really knows how to speak.

Xu Wuxing felt embarrassed and said with a smile, “I was just joking, Mu Ge, don’t take it to heart.”

Mu Chi nodded, “You’re still young, I won’t take it to heart.”

Xu Wuxing chuckled, “I’m young, so I won’t call Ying Ge ‘uncle’ either.”

“…”

Mu Chi reflected on it and realized that calling Ying Xuan “uncle” was a bit too much. So, when they went downstairs to eat fruit, he apologized to Ying Xuan and changed his tone: “Ying Ge.”

Ying Xuan, with his scholarly demeanor and upright character, smiled upon hearing this and said, “I’m ten years older than you; calling me ‘uncle’ is fine.”

Mu Chi felt awkward, but he insisted on calling him “brother”—of course, the only “brother” in his heart was Qi Liao.

Ying Xuan added, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me.”

Mu Chi nodded, watching Qi Liao come downstairs and sit on the other sofa, picking up an orange to peel. The fruits were all cut and washed by Hao Wenrou, who naturally sat beside him, adding more topics for the live stream.

【Ah ah ah, the big devil and Wenrou are a perfect match!】

【The big devil doesn’t like others getting too close, but he’s so gentle with Wenrou, hehe】

【Mu Chi’s expression, hahaha】

【Is the aloof male god about to lose his temper? Shura Field is coming】

Mu Chi was indeed a bit unhappy. He also wanted to sit next to Qi Liao, but there was no space on the other side. He thought for a moment and moved to sit next to Hao Wenrou.

The three of them sat side by side, the scene frozen in time.

“…”

The barrage of comments was going crazy. They could actually see Shura Field.

Hao Wenrou couldn’t hide his astonishment, and sat on pins and needles.

Qi Liao glanced at Mu Chi but continued peeling the orange at his own pace, stuffing two or three segments into his mouth at once, looking wild and untamed.

Mu Chi also picked up an orange to eat. The two of them sat silently on either side of Hao Wenrou, eating oranges without exchanging a word.

Hao Wenrou: “…” Obviously, I’m stuck in the middle, but it’s so cold.

After chatting for a while, Hao Wenrou said, “It’s time to pick vegetables.”

Although it was a dating show, it wasn’t just about dating and doing nothing else, as that would be too boring. So, under the premise of “free love,” they needed to cook for themselves.

The tasks had already been divided up. The ones who could cook and stir-fry were Ying Xuan and Qi Liao, while the other four were responsible for gathering ingredients. There was a vegetable garden not far from there, where they usually picked vegetables.

So ten minutes later, Mu Chi set off for the vegetable garden with a bamboo basket slung over his shoulder.

Hao Wenrou said, “Mu Ge, you’re still recovering. Take it easy. I’ll go with Lucas and Xu Wuxing to pick the vegetables.”

Mu Chi didn’t want to be seen as lazy. “It’s okay. I’m good at this kind of thing.”

He grew up in the mountains and guarded a large tea garden. As the son of a tea farmer, what kind of work has he not done? Picking vegetables is the most basic job. 

Upon arriving at the vegetable garden, Mu Chi smiled at the lush green vegetables. The cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, scallions, eggplants, and beans were all growing very well.

Despite the scorching sun, there was a cool breeze in the mountains, so it wasn’t too hot.

Mu Chi went to pick beans, Hao Wenrou picked eggplants, Xu Wuxing picked green peppers, and Lucas picked tomatoes. They picked and ate as they went, nodding repeatedly: “Hey, try this tomato,it’s really delicious.”

Xu Wuxing exclaimed in shock: “These have all been sprayed with pesticides!”

Lucas shrugged indifferently,  “ Rain will wash away the pesticide residue, it won’t kill you.”

Mu Chi said to the overseas Chinese friend, “In my hometown, thieves have died after stealing fruit from farmers. Don’t underestimate the farmers’ hatred for thieves.”

“…Um, I’m not a thief, am I?” Lucas couldn’t help but question his life.

【Hahaha, Lucas is scared silly】

【Don’t bully international friends】

【My family has an orchard, and I can assure you that we don’t hesitate to use pesticides. Please don’t steal the fruit!】

As Mu Chi finished his warning, a tall, stern figure approached, dragging a small cart with one hand. It was clearly arranged by the program crew, and his sharp-featured face was filled with impatience.

Hao Wenrou greeted him with a gentle smile. “It’s better to arrive early than late. Here are some pumpkins, they’re so heavy, I don’t know what to do with them.”

Qi Liao directly threw the cart aside, skidding it into the mud. Mu Chi jumped in surprise, as the cart was only two meters away from him. Qi Liao noticed his startled expression and suddenly relaxed his brows, curling the corners of his lips.

Mu Chi: “…”

Mu Chi’s fans watching the live broadcast were already cursing furiously.

But Mu Chi quickly realized that the cart couldn’t move in the mud unless it could fly. Qi Liao was just trying to scare him, and the pumpkin patch was right next to him.

Qi Liao casually took off his sneakers, stepped into the muddy ground in his black socks, and bent down to pick a pumpkin.

Mu Chi stared with his sparkling peach-blossom eyes, “Your feet are so big.”

Qi Liao: “…”

Others: “?”

【Huh?????】

【Is Mu Chi’s focus off?】

【Why are you looking at the big devil’s feet? Don’t you have any??】

【But… Qi Liao’s feet are indeed quite big, probably size 45】

【As the saying goes, people envy what they don’t have】

【Who doesn’t know that Mu Chi’s feet are only size 39?】

【Haha】

【Cough cough, big feet, that means…】

【What do you mean? Mu Chi isn’t small!!!】 

  …

Qi Liao looked up, his face cold. “Got a problem with that?”

Mu Chi: “I was just looking at your big hands and feet. You’re definitely a rich kid.”

Qi Liao’s forehead veins almost popped out as he sarcastically said: “I think you’re pretty pretentious. You’re definitely pretentious.”

Mu Chi paused for a moment and said seriously, “I’m not being pretentious, I’m being forced to be.”

Who understands the feeling of being forced to be pretentious? In fact, he just wanted to hug the cool guy. In this dating show, he just wanted to date Qi Liao. But he couldn’t say it, he couldn’t show it.

Mu Chi sighed, put down the basket, and went to pull up the radishes.

Bending over, sticking out his butt, he grabbed the carrot leaves with both hands and pulled up the white, plump carrot in one go. Mu Chi saw that there wasn’t much skill involved, so he pulled up two carrots at once.

Qi Liao’s gaze paused, looking away awkwardly, but he couldn’t help but look back.

In no time, Mu Chi had pulled six radishes, enough for everyone.

He turned around and saw that everyone was watching him.

Mu Chi: “What’s the matter?”

Lucas was shocked: “So you’re this strong.”

Hao Wenrou and Xu Wuxing blushed, as they hadn’t been able to pull any carrots earlier and had planned to let Lucas try, but Mu Chi had done it so easily.

Mu Chi was speechless. It was just pulling a carrot, why all the fuss?

They were all pampered young masters after all.

Just as he finished thinking this, Mu Chi felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, his heartbeat became irregular, and he felt dizzy.

As he fell, Mu Chi finally realized that he was about to faint from exhaustion?

At twenty-five years old and having just been discharged from the hospital, he was no longer like he was at seventeen, when he could run and fall without any problems.

Just as Mu Chi was about to embrace the earth, he was caught by a pair of strong, muscular arms. His straw hat fell off, revealing a face glistening with sweat under the sunlight, as white as paper.

“Mu Chi?!” Qi Liao was also stunned, unable to understand how someone who had been lively and energetic moments ago could faint so suddenly. Fortunately, he was close enough to catch him, otherwise, another blow to his head would have truly induced dementia..

Mu Chi fainted for a few seconds but forced himself to keep his eyes open. Oh my god, the cool guy is holding me again!

This was the second time Qi Liao had hugged him, and each time it was when he was in danger. This god-like brother was his savior.

What Mu Chi didn’t know was that this was actually the third time Qi Liao had hugged him.

Before he lost his memory, when Mu Chi, the top star, rolled down the steep slope, it was also Qi Liao who reached out first to grab him—but he was a second too late.

It was also Qi Liao who quickly climbed down the rocky slope, picked him up, and carried him on his back, struggling step by step to climb back up.

If they weren’t careful, both of them would have fallen into an even deeper place.

But every time, Qi Liao reached out to Mu Chi without hesitation.