The Love Reality Show's Big Boss and Little Sweetie - Chapter 31

[！！！！！！！！！]

[Ahhhhh! The male god on-screen first kiss!]

[It seems Mu Chi has never been in a relationship, so this is his first kiss in real life too!!]

[The Demon King got it so cheaply, wuwu!]

[Seems like the Demon King has never been in a relationship either]

[First kiss ahhh!!!]

[Mom asked me why I’m kneeling in front of the computer, crying and laughing at the same time]

[I’m shipping a real couple ahhh!]

…

While the internet exploded, Mu Chi and Qi Liao were still kissing. They should have separated immediately, but because this accidental kiss was so sudden, Mu Chi forgot how to react.

His mind exploded with fireworks. The only distinct sensation was the softness on his lips.

So, even someone as tough as Qi Liao had soft lips. The previous artificial respiration was just imagination; it felt completely different from actually touching them now. Every nerve ending in his body tingled with a small electric current-like stimulation.

He couldn’t help but suck gently.

Qi Liao stiffened instantly, came to his senses, and pushed Mu Chi away. His gaze fell on Mu Chi’s lips, thin as rose petals, and his mind went blank for a moment.

Their eyes met. Mu Chi’s face, the roots of his ears, his neck—all flushed a faint red in an instant. His lips moved for a long moment, but no words came out.

Qi Liao didn’t speak either. His first reaction was to look at the camera crew. Unfortunately, it had been captured.

The cameraman was also awkward, swaying the lens away to focus on Hao Wenrou and the others behind them, capturing their shocked expressions.

Perhaps because it was too unexpected, Hao Wenrou even forgot to pretend to faint, his big eyes wide as if struck by lightning.

Lucas was the first to regain his composure, letting out a meaningful whistle. “Wow~”

Ying Xuan, however, laughed softly. “Even the heavens want them together.”

Xu Wuxing couldn’t accept it and shouted, “This was an accident!!”

Hao Wenrou couldn’t say anything at all.

Qi Liao pulled Mu Chi up from the stream, then walked off on his own. Under the night sky, his expression was unreadable. He just said flatly, “It was indeed an accident.”

He then turned to Mu Chi and said, “Go change your clothes.”

Mu Chi was on the verge of losing his aloof composure. He uttered an “Oh” and quickly headed towards the tent where his backpack was, zipping it shut and changing out of his soaked clothes.

Then he spaced out for a long time. It wasn’t until Lucas came to call him for a barbecue that he finally composed his expression and went out.

As soon as he stepped out, he ran right into Qi Liao. His ears, which had just cooled down, started burning again. He didn’t dare look at Qi Liao, yet couldn’t help stealing glances.

To be serious, Qi Liao was the one who had been “taken advantage of.”

Mu Chi considered himself no frivolous playboy, so why was it always his “fault” when these things happened?

Was Gege angry?

Mu Chi cautiously observed Qi Liao’s expression. Unfortunately, even if he stared a hole through him, he couldn’t detect any panic on Qi Liao’s face.

In contrast, Mu Chi’s reaction was too obvious—the slightly flushed face, the clear, bright eyes—all betrayed his shyness.

[Ahhhhhhhhh! The male god is shy!]

[The Demon King is heartless after the kiss, why does he have no reaction?]

[Qi Liao is the type who never shows his excitement on his face. He’s probably thrilled inside.]

[The Demon King is definitely secretly pleased!]

[No, I need to fight for the Qi-Wen CP! Qi Liao must be angry!]

[Wuwu, my Mu-Rou CP!]

[Using this comment to commemorate the CP I once shipped. I’m switching sides overnight!]

[I smell the tantalizing aroma of a new CP, hehe.]

The barbecue was fragrant, but Mu Chi had lost his appetite. He ate a few vegetarian skewers, two meat ones, drank some beverages, and was full. Qi Liao’s attitude left him uncertain, but he felt he needed to appease him somehow.

The relaxed atmosphere of the camping barbecue was gone. Both Mu Chi and Qi Liao were silent, and the others didn’t know what to say either. Only Lucas remained his usual self, eating this and that; nearly half the barbecue ended up in his stomach.

After the meal, everyone was still glum. Lucas couldn’t take it anymore and said, “Why are you all acting like you’ve been dumped? Doesn’t your country have an old saying, ‘There are plenty of fish in the sea’? Even if they really start dating, they’ll break up someday. You can just move in then.”

“…”

[Lucas has such progressive ideas.]

[Hahaha the Demon King’s angry little glare.]

[With a mouth like that, it’s a miracle Lucas has survived this long.]

[He’s not wrong. Moving in after a breakup doesn’t count as being the third party.]

[…There isn’t even a stroke of the character ‘eight’ yet! Qi Liao and Mu Chi aren’t even together!]

After Lucas finished speaking, Xu Wuxing chased after him to hit him. Lucas ran while shouting, “What’s wrong with you? I didn’t provoke you. I’ll have you know, it’s not that I can’t beat you.”

The atmosphere finally became lively. Except for Mu Chi, everyone could only pretend nothing had happened.

A bright moon rose to the mid-heaven. The stream babbled nearby, accompanied by the occasional chirping of cicadas and birds. The campfirelight flickered on everyone’s faces, lending a mysterious and elusive air.

Lucas said, “Let me tell a story.”

He started talking about his hometown and childhood memories. Strangely, although he was naturally flirtatious, the hometown he described was very warm and touching, making people yearn for it—or perhaps it was just a filter applied to life abroad.

Lucas then abruptly changed tack: “But we have robbers there too, real ones with guns. My home was robbed twice. The robbers took the money and left, though; they didn’t hurt anyone.”

Mu Chi: “…” The filter shattered.

Ying Xuan this time talked about his experience filming a volunteer teaching movie in a mountainous area. At first, he described it vividly and simply, but later added, “However, I still wouldn’t recommend girls go volunteer teach.”

Xu Wuxing asked, “Why?”

Ying Xuan just smiled without answering. Qi Liao took over: “It’s very dangerous. Women, whether in physique or strength, are naturally weaker than the vast majority of men. That’s determined by physiology.”

“What do you mean?”

“Human traffickers who abduct women and children often sell them to clients in remote areas. The less cultural nourishment a place has, the more easily evil breeds.”

Xu Wuxing understood. “Then, Brother Qi, why do you still sponsor children in mountainous areas?”

Qi Liao: “For every child who leaves the mountainous area, there’s one less trace of malice.”

The others fell into a silent agreement.

With such a heavy topic, any other story seemed dull. So, everyone prepared to turn in early, and the live broadcast ended.

The crew cleaned up the site, and the assistants who had followed them all day hurried over to their respective celebrities. Xiao Tian saw Mu Chi, her expression hesitant, words seemingly stuck in her throat.

Mu Chi, lost in his own world thinking about how to secretly meet Qi Liao, suddenly heard a roar: “Mu Chi!”

Zhu Yinhang stomped over, his expression extremely conflicted—a mix of anger and helplessness. He grabbed Mu Chi and dragged him towards a tent. Once inside, he launched into a lecture.

Mu Chi felt his ears were about to develop calluses. “I didn’t want this either, but it seems it was fate.”

Zhu Yinhang: “If you were just a bit more steady, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Mu Chi: “Let me ask you, did you know about the company being acquired by the Qi family?”

Zhu Yinhang’s face darkened. “I’m not management! I only found out from the live stream too! All these years I’ve worked for Boss Tian, and they kept such a big thing from me.”

“So, Ritian Entertainment will soon be under the Qi family’s management. Don’t you think we should try to please the young master a bit?”

“…The head of the Qi family isn’t Qi Liao, it’s Qi Yuan. He’s the one in power.”

Mu Chi spread his hands. “But Qi Liao’s status won’t change. If he just says the word, Ritian Entertainment would be like an ant to him.”

Zhu Yinhang became wary. “What do you want to do?”

“Nothing much. Just reminding you, Brother Zhu, that if I marry Qi Liao, hehehe, then Ritian Entertainment would have to listen to me.”

“…” Zhu Yinhang looked him up and down. “So, you’re planning to start a rebellion?”

Mu Chi waved his hand. “I just think you should be nicer to me. Like, stop shouting, yelling, and scolding at me.”

Zhu Yinhang rolled his eyes. “Then give me something to be proud of. Go and conquer Qi Liao tonight.”

Mu Chi didn’t expect Zhu Yinhang to switch sides so quickly. Surprised, he said, “So it’s okay if I stick to Qi Liao?”

“I’m just an employee. As long as you make money for me, I don’t care who you seduce,” Zhu Yinhang said coldly and ruthlessly. “Besides, latching onto Qi Liao means grasping capital and a voice. It’s not bad for you.”

Mu Chi wanted to say his feelings for Qi Liao were true love, but true love probably meant nothing in Zhu Yinhang’s eyes, so he didn’t bother.

After Zhu Yinhang left, Mu Chi took a shower in the makeshift bathroom set up by the production team, using the cool stream water, which reminded him again of that kiss with Qi Liao in the water.

Tap tap—Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Almost done!” Mu Chi quickly dried himself, put on his pajamas, and stepped out, right into the sight of a handsome face that seemed a bit lonely under the night sky—or perhaps it was just Mu Chi’s imagination.

“Finished washing?” Qi Liao’s tone was flat, his gaze falling on Mu Chi’s head, where moisture still lingered.

“Mn.” Seeing that Qi Liao was finally willing to talk to him, most of Mu Chi’s gloom dissipated. He looked at Qi Liao with bright eyes. “Gege, are you still angry?”

Qi Liao was slightly taken aback. “I’m not angry.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Mu Chi walked back to his own tent with light steps. The production team had set up three extra tents, which was unexpected. Given the director’s usual style, double tents for camping and picnics would have been the most buzzworthy.

Anyway, having their own separate space saved everyone a lot of trouble.

However, Mu Chi had decided: he would climb into Qi Liao’s bed in the middle of the night.

In this desolate wilderness, with ghosts howling in the wind, of course he needed to hold his cool guy to fall asleep.

He played on his phone in the tent until past ten, his eyelids gradually drooping. Just as he was on the verge of sleep, he suddenly jolted upright, rubbed his eyes, mustered his courage, and quietly unzipped the tent.

All was silent, only the faint chirping of unknown insects could be heard. The stars in the sky were as large as diamonds, seeming about to fall, making a flashlight unnecessary.

Mu Chi re-zipped the tent from the outside and tiptoed towards Qi Liao’s tent—an orange one, particularly conspicuous under the starry sky, with a faint light coming from the small window.

Mu Chi walked to the front of the tent and knocked, the sound soft as plucking cotton.

“Who is it?”

“Gege, it’s me,” Mu Chi said very quietly.

The zipper inside was pulled open. Qi Liao looked up at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Mu Chi squatted in front of Qi Liao. “I’m scared.”

“…”

Qi Liao still let Mu Chi into his tent. Although the tent was low, the inside was quite spacious, enough for two people to sleep.

Mu Chi rolled the thin blanket up repeatedly until it became a pillow. The air was stuffy and hot anyway, no need to cover up.

“It’s almost eleven. Sleep,” Qi Liao lay down, looking proper and seemingly devoid of desire.

Mu Chi stared at him. “Are you still angry?”

“No.”

“Gege, you’re just being stubborn.”

Qi Liao snorted lightly. “I’m stubborn all over.”

Mu Chi widened his peach-blossom eyes. “Really?” As he spoke, he scanned Qi Liao from head to toe.

Qi Liao raised his large hand and covered Mu Chi’s eyes. “Don’t look around randomly.”

Mu Chi grabbed his hand. The texture was slightly rough, his palm had thin calluses, his knuckles were distinct and slender, and the veins on his wrist were slightly prominent—it was a very powerful hand.

Then, the next second, Qi Liao withdrew his hand, dimming the lamp a little. “Sleep.”

Mu Chi lay down beside him, stubbornly saying, “You are angry. If it comes to it… if it comes to it, I’ll let you kiss me back.”

Qi Liao: “…”

Qi Liao was both annoyed and amused. “Are you that eager to take liberties with me?”

Mu Chi would never admit the little calculations in his heart. “No, I’m innocent.”

Qi Liao closed his eyes and said, “This time was an accident. It doesn’t count.”

Mu Chi asked, “Then what would count?”

“Stop asking. Sleep.” Qi Liao covered Mu Chi’s head and face with the towel blanket.

After more than ten seconds, Mu Chi finally revealed his face and let out a couple of soft laughs. Qi Liao had his back to him and didn’t respond.

An unknown amount of time passed. Mu Chi was almost asleep when he suddenly heard movement outside. A slightly hoarse male voice said, “Babies~ Time for your late-night treat~!”

[？？？？]

[Who is this?? Scared me to death, thought it was a snake spirit!]

[You’re the snake spirit! Disturbing my sleep in the middle of the night!]

[Night owl here, what’s going on?]

[Director, what are you doing!]

Fans familiar with this variety show knew the director originally filmed documentaries; he could make even an insect interesting. After moving into variety shows, he was like a fish in water and loved mischief the most.

“Late-night treat delivery! Surprise guest check!” The director was lean, not very tall, with slightly long, curly hair falling over his brows. He spoke with a rogue-like air, like a delinquent middle-aged uncle.

The first surprise was Ying Xuan’s tent. “Wow, our Film Emperor is still so proper even when sleeping.”

Ying Xuan offered an awkward yet polite smile. Whether he was cursing inside was unknown.

The second surprise was Lucas. As soon as the director entered, the screen was pixelated. “Uh…”

[What is it? Let me see!]

[Lucas must be sleeping naked.]

[Where’s the late-night treat? So stingy, not even letting us see this.]

Lucas was calm, but the female crew members suffered, screaming, covering their eyes, and running away.

The third was Xu Wuxing. The guy was sprawled out sleeping, and all the commotion didn’t wake him. The director shouted in his ear: “Little Prince, time to get up.”

Xu Wuxing: “Zzz… zzz… zzz… zzz…”

[Ahhh! Xingbao is so cute!]

[Our puppy is the cutest!]

[Don’t wake him, let the poor child sleep!]

The director had to move to the next tent. Unexpectedly, the tent opened proactively. Hao Wenrou was neatly dressed, his hair specially styled, his smile flawless.

“What’s wrong, Director?” Hao Wenrou asked innocently.

The director grabbed a strand of her hair and messed it up. “This is how someone who just woke up looks.”

Hao Wenrou’s face stiffened briefly, then she said, “If you’re surprising Brother Mu, let me do it. Don’t have an awkward situation like with Lucas.”

The director nodded. “Okay.”

Hao Wenrou walked to Mu Chi’s tent and called out softly, “Brother Mu? Brother Mu, are you asleep?”

No response.

Director: “Let me.” He went to pull the zipper, squinting inside. It was pitch black. “Sleeping in the wild without a light? That’s hardcore.”

Hao Wenrou: “Brother Mu…” A flashlight beam shone in. Empty.

“…Where is he? Could he be in the restroom?”

Thinking this, they moved to the next tent, the last one: Qi Liao’s tent. No one dared to unzip this tent without permission except the director.

No sound came from inside either.

Director: “Qi Liao? Great Demon King? Are you in there?”

No response.

“Did he go to the restroom too?” As the director spoke, he pulled the zipper. He had barely pulled it down three centimeters when a force from inside stopped him.

“I’m here,” Qi Liao’s deep voice said. “It’s not convenient to see anyone.”

Director: “What’s not convenient? Are you like Lucas too? Don’t worry, everyone likes to watch.”

“It seems you’re not worried about your show being reported,” Qi Liao said coldly. “I’m here for a variety show, not to sell my body.”

The director straightened up. “Alright then, won’t disturb you. I’ll go wait in front of Mu Chi’s tent.”

Mu Chi, who was currently in the same tent as Qi Liao: “…”

The director instructed an assistant, “Go look for him in the restroom. If he’s not there… hehe, then where could he be?”

Mu Chi’s hair stood on end. The director had already guessed he was here!

Mu Chi didn’t dare breathe heavily, clinging to Qi Liao’s arm, pressing his face against Qi Liao’s solid shoulder and neck, asking in a breathy whisper, “What do we do, Gege?”

Qi Liao’s ear itched, and so did his heart. For a moment, a thought flashed through his mind: maybe it would be better to just admit it.