Chapter 25: The Movie Star Keeps a Black-Hearted Vixen

Seeing the pheasant collapse, Su Tang quickly clapped her hands in support. "That was amazing, Brother Song! As expected of you."

Song Heqing smiled helplessly and walked over to retrieve the bird.

Su Tang’s initial plan had been sound: she would continue to let Song Heqing hunt a few more pheasants to keep him in high spirits. To her surprise, however, he returned and earnestly told her that she needed to learn properly and that he wouldn't let her take any shortcuts.

Su Tang pouted, unconvinced. What kind of "shortcuts" could there possibly be when learning to use a slingshot?

Deliberately, she led Song Heqing toward the location of another pheasant. "Actually, pheasants aren't that hard to hit as long as you aim carefully." As she spoke, she handed him a few more pebbles to practice with.

To her surprise, Song Heqing actually began to practice. It was quite a funny sight to see a grown man fumbling clumsily with a slingshot. Su Tang held back for a moment, but eventually, she couldn't help it and burst into a giggle.

Song Heqing, who had been picking up stones, looked back at her with a helpless smile. "Is it that funny?"

Su Tang nodded honestly. "Yes!"

Both amused and annoyed, Song Heqing walked over and tapped her on the head with his curled fingers. Su Tang squeezed her eyes shut and shrank her neck, but as soon as he turned around, she opened her eyes and stuck her tongue out at his back.

*Pu Xin Nu*: [Why is the dynamic between these two so strange?]
*Salted Fish Isn't a Fish*: [Indeed...]
*Xi Yang Yang Isn't a Sheep*: [They’re acting a bit like a young couple.]
*Wen Tian’s Treasure*: [Isn't it obvious? Su Tang is clearly trying to manufacture a romantic pairing with Song Heqing.]
*Song Song’s Treasure*: [Why does it feel like Song Song treats Su Tang differently than everyone else?]
*Song Song’s Cutie*: [Song Song is at the age where he should be looking for a girlfriend, but I’m still so reluctant! TvT]
*Little Song Is Cutest*: [Su Tang actually seems quite likable on the show, but those past trending topics were, um...]

Through 001, Su Tang was aware of the content of the comments. It seemed that Song Heqing's fans were not opposed to him finding a girlfriend, but they were very concerned about the background of whoever it might be, and the old "black propaganda" about Su Tang was still clearly visible online. Therefore, her top priority was to clear her name.

The two continued walking, with Su Tang subtly guiding Song Heqing toward the location locked in by 001.

***

As they walked, they combed through the surrounding bushes to see if there were any more pheasants. Suddenly, there was a rustling sound from nearby.

Both of them were delighted and quickly looked toward the noise, simultaneously pulling back their slingshots. To their complete shock, however, a small pig darted out from the bushes.

They both froze, caught completely off guard. Su Tang nudged Song Heqing with her elbow. "So... are you going to go check it out?"

The pig had clearly spotted them, too, and stood its ground, watching them warily. Though it was a piglet, it didn't look easy to handle, and it was clear that Song Heqing wasn't confident he could manage it. He looked at Su Tang helplessly. "Do you think I can do it?"

Su Tang nodded without a moment's hesitation. "I believe in you."

After struggling with the decision for a while, however, they both backed away. The time was nearly up, so as they headed down the mountain, they started questioning the production team.

Song Heqing smiled, though his gaze was dangerous as he looked at the director. "Director, do you really think we can catch that pig?"

The production team laughed gleefully. "Maybe?"

Su Tang crowded over, looking at the director with a resentful expression. "Even if we caught it, we wouldn't know how to butcher it!"

The directing staff were amused by Su Tang’s reaction, and even Song Heqing couldn't help but chuckle. He pulled the slightly agitated Su Tang back. "Little Su has a point. Even if we caught it, we wouldn't know how to process it."

The production team replied, "That’s why we’ve decided that if you catch the pig, we can exchange it for points or other types of meat."

Su Tang’s eyes lit up. "But what counts as catching it? Do we have to bring it to you?"

Song Heqing thought for a moment. "That would be too difficult."

The production team waved their hands. "We’ve considered that. As long as you catch the pig and tie it up with a rope, we’ll count it. You don't have to move it."

When they returned home, the others hadn't woken up yet. While they were in the storage room putting away their gear, Su Tang started looking for hemp rope. She pulled out the ropes provided by the production team. "I think this could work to tie up the pig."

Song Heqing walked over, looking at the serious expression on her face. "Are you really planning on catching that pig?"

Su Tang nodded. "Why not? Don't you think it's tempting, Brother Song?"

"Tempting, yes, but it’s also very difficult," Song Heqing said. He looked at her again. "Don't tell me you have a plan?"

Su Tang shook her head, then nodded. "I... I was thinking, what if I just jump on it and pin it down?"

Song Heqing paused. "Just jump on it and pin it down?" He reached out and rubbed Su Tang’s head helplessly. "Has anyone ever told you, Little Su..." He left the sentence hanging.

Su Tang looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish. "What? What did they say?"

Song Heqing pulled his hand back, turned, and walked out, leaving Su Tang with nothing but his retreating back. "...that you’re reckless."

Su Tang stood there for a moment, then pouted in silence. "I am not reckless!"

The two went to wash their hands, and by then, the others were waking up one after another. By the time everyone had finished preparing the meal, Wen Tian finally emerged from her room, wearing a full face of makeup.

Everyone had already taken their seats, and since Su Tang had already sat next to Song Heqing, Wen Tian had no choice but to sit on the side.

While eating, Song Heqing brought up the fact that he and Su Tang had encountered a pig placed by the production team while they were hunting on the mountain.

Chang Qinghua blinked. "You went to the mountain before we even woke up?"

Song Heqing nodded. "We were stunned when we saw the pig. The production team said that as long as we catch it, we can exchange it for a reward."

Shen Lü looked up, frowning. "Is the production team serious? How could we possibly catch a pig?"

"It’s a piglet," Su Tang said. "I’m planning to try it next time I go up the mountain."

Wen Tian interjected, "Catching a piglet sounds simple enough. They’re so small, can’t you just pick them up?"

The group fell silent for a moment. Song Heqing said, "It’s not as small as a baby pig; it’s quite a bit bigger, so it’s actually rather difficult."

"The production team realized it was hard, so they said that as long as we tie it up on the spot, we can trade it for points or other meat," Song Heqing explained.

"If we all work together, we can definitely do it," Shen Lü said with full confidence.