Chapter 20: The Award-Winning Actor’s Domesticated Blackhearted Fox Spirit

While others were speaking, Wen Tian never wanted to be outdone. “Brother Song is very gentle and considerate. He’ll definitely lead us well.”

“To go hunting in the mountains, what do you need so much gentleness and consideration for?” Shen Lü said, speechless.

*

Though it was already afternoon, it was still early enough, so the five of them decided to take some tools and head up the mountain to have a look.

When selecting tools, Su Tang sneered at the fishing rods, gloves, spears, nets, bows, and crossbows. She simply grabbed a slingshot and a basket and went out.

Shen Lü was very interested in survival skills and had decided to learn some techniques from Su Tang. He followed her, taking only a slingshot.

After everyone else finished choosing, they set off together toward the mountain.

Along the way, they passed a small shop set up by the production crew. They went inside, checked out the prices and rules, and then quickly continued their trek uphill.

After only a few steps, Su Tang suddenly changed direction and returned to the shop.

“Su Tang?” Wen Tian, walking behind, noticed her movement and called out.

Su Tang had already entered the shop and couldn’t hear Wen Tian, but the others around heard the voice and turned their heads.

Chang Qinghua asked, “Where’s Su Tang?”

Wen Tian pointed at the shop behind them. “Tang Tang just ran back to the shop again. Not sure what she’s up to.”

“Let’s go see,” Song Heqing said, moving toward the shop.

As they reached the entrance, they saw Su Tang paying for a bottle of cola.

“Su Tang, what are you doing?” Shen Lü stepped forward, eyeing the cola in her hand and then her.

After paying, Su Tang opened the bottle and took a sip. “Ah~ so refreshing.”

Shen Lü looked at the condensation on the bottle. “Chilled?”

Su Tang nodded, pointing at the freezer. “It’s incredibly refreshing.”

Shen Lü went over and bought one too.

Song Heqing smiled helplessly. “Alright, can we finally get going now?”

Su Tang beamed, holding up her cola. “Brother Song, want some cola? It’s on me.”

Song Heqing shook his head. “I rarely drink soda anymore.”

“Ah? Okay then.” Su Tang sighed regretfully. “Brother Song, you’re living healthily now, huh?”

*

Chang Qinghua laughed cheerfully, standing nearby. “If Brother Song doesn’t drink, I will. Su Tang, buy me one.”

Su Tang shook her head firmly. “No.”

Chang Qinghua was stunned by her decisiveness and looked at her sadly. “Why not?”

“Because you’re not as handsome as Brother Song,” Su Tang teased.

Song Heqing chuckled, glancing at the slightly hurt Chang Qinghua. “Su Tang isn’t wrong there.”

Shen Lü downed nearly half his bottle in one go. “In summer, you have to drink chilled drinks. It really is refreshing.”

At that moment, Wen Tian stepped forward, took a chilled bottle of cola from the freezer, and said, “Brother Chang, this one’s on me.” She handed the cola to Chang Qinghua.

Chang Qinghua accepted reluctantly, but Wen Tian only bought that one bottle—no other snacks, nothing for herself.

This made Chang Qinghua even more embarrassed, so he grabbed an ice cream and offered it to Wen Tian.

Even Su Tang noticed Chang Qinghua’s awkwardness, but Wen Tian didn’t.

Chang Qinghua was a leading host in the industry. Winning his favor meant resources wouldn’t be scarce. Receiving his ice cream, Wen Tian felt unusually thrilled.

Song Heqing raised an eyebrow. “Brother Chang’s generous, huh? Ten task coins just gone just like that.”

Indeed, in this scorching summer, the ice cream sold by the production crew was extraordinarily expensive.

Chang Qinghua smiled quietly without saying a word.

Since the entire area was rented by the production crew, no one else would be around. The mountain they rented was also close, just a short walk away.

These mountains had no stone paths, only dirt trails made by frequent foot traffic.

Except Wen Tian, who walked a bit slowly, everyone else moved smoothly.

Every couple of steps, Su Tang would help Wen Tian adjust her pants. “Sister Tian, next time don’t wear such loose fabric pants up the mountain. They’re easy to snag.”

Wen Tian nodded awkwardly.

After walking a bit more, Su Tang finally couldn’t hold back. She called out to Wen Tian, “Sister Tian, wait a moment. Let me help you roll up your pants.”

Wen Tian immediately refused, holding her pants. “No, if I roll them up, won’t my legs be exposed? What if I get scratched?”

Su Tang didn’t bother explaining and squatted down to roll up Wen Tian’s pants.

“Just roll up the very bottom part. The cuffs will be tighter, but your legs won’t show. Is that okay?” Su Tang patted her hands and stood up.

Wen Tian smiled sweetly at Su Tang. “That works. I forgot you could do it like this.”

*

Sure enough, after helping Wen Tian, everyone’s pace picked up significantly. Before long, they reached halfway up the mountain.

Shen Lü finished his cola and tossed the empty bottle into his basket. “The animals the production crew released are hard to find.”

Song Heqing observed the surroundings carefully. “They actually bought some wild animals and released them here.”

“Could it be those mountain chickens that fly really high?” Chang Qinghua asked.

Song Heqing nodded. “There should be some.”

Shen Lü chuckled. “I’m really curious what else the production crew released here.”

Song Heqing glanced at Su Tang, noticing she hadn’t joined their conversation or rested against a tree like Wen Tian. Instead, she held her slingshot, watching the surroundings intently.

“Su Tang, have you spotted anything?”

Su Tang casually flicked a stone with her fingers. “Lots of birds in the mountains. I’m waiting for one that looks right.”

Seeing this, Shen Lü quickly pulled out his own slingshot, eager to learn.

He leaned toward Su Tang and asked, “What kind of bird counts as ‘looking right’? Is there a trick to it?”

Su Tang glanced at him. “Trick? Just see which bird looks fat.”

Shen Lü: “…………Oh…”

Song Heqing smiled and leaned toward Su Tang’s other side. “So? Any bird catch your eye?”

Chang Qinghua’s interest in Su Tang’s slingshot grew, and he joined them.

Su Tang sighed. “Not yet.”

Song Heqing nodded. “Makes sense, the production crew didn’t release birds here.”

Wen Tian rested nearby, watching them gather around Su Tang. She bit her lip, about to join, but Su Tang stopped her.

“Wait a moment, don’t move yet.” Su Tang pulled back her slingshot, aiming at Wen Tian.

Wen Tian, naturally unwilling to back down, froze in place at the sight of Su Tang’s drawn slingshot.

She stiffened and asked, “What, what are you doing?”