Chapter 032 The Young Master – “>>This is a confession, right?! This absolutely has to be a confession!!<<” (32/35)
Shi Rongqing hovered on the brink of blocking Wen Chenyu.
Finally, he sent Wen Chenyu a full stop. Seeing that, Wen Chenyu nearly burst out laughing.
Wasn’t that his dim-witted younger brother’s favorite way to reply?
His wife, reading their exchange, chuckled helplessly. “Are you trying to help Xiao Sheng or sabotage him?”
“Of course I’m helping him!” Wen Chenyu declared with righteous conviction. “I’m absorbing all of Old Shi’s hatred. The more he hates me, the less he’ll hate Xiao Sheng.”
His wife fell silent for a long moment. “Somehow… I don’t buy that.”
“Trust me.” Wen Chenyu chuckled, teasingly. “Look, Old Shi hasn’t blocked me yet. If I don’t soak up some more of his hatred soon, he’ll beat Xiao Sheng to death. Just look at Xiao Sheng’s clumsiness—chasing after someone so blatantly, as if he’s afraid no one will notice.”
His wife asked curiously, “So how do you make it so others don’t notice, yet the person you’re pursuing knows you’re after them?”
Wen Chenyu: “…”
This… was a tough question.
After a few dozen seconds, Wen Chenyu changed the subject. “Come on, let’s watch the livestream!”
His wife couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time.
Before the game started, everyone assumed the difficulty would be similar to the Plum Blossom Poles. But once it began, they realized it was even harder!
At least with Plum Blossom Poles, the wooden stakes were fixed—you didn’t need to worry about step size, since the stakes determined it for you. But with these balance boards? You had to consider every step’s width.
Other factors like height, weight, balance, wind resistance, and so on—needless to say, the difficulty was immense.
Not a single contestant made it safely off that plank. Screams and cries of agony erupted constantly. Even Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng ended up tumbling into the mud pit together.
They were the luckiest pair, making it all the way to the center. But the instant they reached for the basket, a fierce gust of wind blew. Instantly, the flimsy plank lost its stability.
The swaying was terrifying, impossible to steady. Both men toppled toward each other. It happened in an instant—just a few seconds—and both slid off the plank!
In that split second, Wen Xusheng raised his hand, seemingly trying to push Shi Jingge up, while Shi Jingge reached out to grab him, as if trying to fling him upward.
Then…
…both plunged into the mud!
Despite some protective measures, their landing positions were utterly bizarre. No matter how they tried, they couldn’t avoid the mud. Wen Xusheng’s face was caked in it. When he stood up from the mud, he was in a peculiar state of confusion, wondering, “Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?”
The young master reacted much faster. He immediately grabbed Wen Xusheng and pushed him toward the shore.
Only then did Wen Xusheng come to his senses. Clearing his throat lightly, he said, “I’m fine.”
Yet his tone carried an undeniable hint of weakness.
Shi Jingge frowned. “Let’s go wash off.”
“Is that really necessary?” Wen Xusheng tilted his head, his tone softening. “Let’s just get back in line. Maybe we can see if others found any tips. If we wash now, we’ll just have to wash again later. I bet we’ll fall in again on our second try.”
The production team had enough sense to realize their challenge was too difficult. They didn’t set a limit on attempts. After failing, contestants could rejoin the queue and wait for their next chance, continuing until they chose to quit. But who would want to quit? They were still waiting for materials to make their gifts!
Barring any surprises, all the contestants would likely be stuck here today, waiting for the production team’s final “mercy” and “kindness.”
At that moment, even Wen Xusheng cursed under his breath. But when he looked up and saw Shi Jingge, his hand rose involuntarily.
Shi Jingge had also fallen into the mud pit, his clothes caked in it. Those beautiful almond-shaped eyes now glared at him, like a little kitten that had rolled around in the mud and was now sulking because it wasn’t allowed on the bed. Wen Xusheng almost wanted to ruffle his hair.
The next second, Wen Xusheng saw the mud on his own hand. He sighed and withdrew his hand with a touch of melancholy.
Wen Xusheng spoke calmly, his tone laced with indifference, “Is Xiao Ge worried about my cleanliness obsession? It’s not that serious. If it were that serious, how would we manage during filming? It’s fine. Don’t listen to Du Yi’s nonsense.”
>> I’m dying, I’m dying! This Wen Xusheng is a block of wood!! <<
>> Where did the spirit from your sweet talk just now go? <<
>> Young Master is worried about you—how dare you refuse!! <<
>> I know Brother Wen is considering Young Master’s feelings by not washing, but right now, I just want to pin him down and make him! Don’t you fucking want to see Young Master bathe?!!!! <<
>> Holy shit!! I can picture it!! Wen Xusheng, dare refuse again and I’ll skin you alive! <<
>> Wen Xusheng, you’re such a pig trotter!! <<
Unfortunately, the barrage of comments didn’t reach Wen Xusheng.
Shi Jingge gritted his teeth and glared at him. Each word he said practically squeezed through his clenched jaws. “Are you coming or not? If you won’t go, I’ll go myself.” The young master stiffened his neck and turned to walk away.
Wen Xusheng followed. “It really isn’t that serious. We’ll fall down again later, get covered in mud, and have to wash it off. Such a hassle, right?”
“Shut your mouth, you jinx.” The young master whipped his head around, his eyes fixed intently on Wen Xusheng. “Next time, I won’t let you fall.”
Those beautiful almond-shaped eyes held an unusual spark, as if something was about to burst forth. “I swear,” He repeated the words with force.
Wen Xusheng froze for a moment, then slowly broke into a smile. He looked utterly disheveled—a sight that should’ve been unattractive—yet this smile warmed the heart.
Like ice melting in the sun, like the first rays of dawn, his eyes held only Shi Jingge.
So this was the tender smile the usually cold and taciturn Wen Xusheng could show.
>> Not getting married just doesn’t make sense. <<
>> I’ve practically moved the civil affairs bureau here. <<
>> Let’s get the marriage certificate, seriously. <<
>> I feel like I’m not watching some live reality show—this is clearly a live-action romantic drama. <<
>> Damn, that analogy is spot-on! <<
In the end, Wen Xusheng was dragged off by Shi Jingge to take a shower.
On the way back, neither Wen Xusheng nor Shi Jingge rushed. They deliberately sought out bricks, wooden planks, and other materials to build a makeshift version, then practiced beside it.
First came the pace, then the intensity. The pair devised a series of commands—each one triggering different reactions, steps, speeds, and so on—leaving the cameraman beside them utterly bewildered.
Yet the two of them were still discussing things with great enthusiasm.
After countless adjustments, their synergy became apparent. Only after they could safely navigate this makeshift version did they resume lining up.
And this time, Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng actually made it through safely!
Shi Jingge, being lighter, held the basket. The closer they got to the starting point, the more the plank swayed.
At that critical moment, Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng shouted in unison, “Jump!”
Almost the instant the word left their lips, both leaped forward together.
Their starting positions weren’t aligned, but this was their final chance. One more step forward, one more moment of hesitation, and they’d plunge into the mud pit!
Yet, an innate synergy made them perfectly pass this test, as if they were connected by telepathy.
When both landed safely, Meng Yisong immediately burst into applause, followed swiftly by the other guests.
“Awesome!”
“So freaking awesome!!”
“How the hell did you do that?”
“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!!”
“So this game isn’t about balance or whatever nonsense—it’s all about testing our chemistry!”
“Wrong,” Meng Yisong declared solemnly. “This game clearly tests whether we’re a real couple!”
Their mutual attraction was practically flaunted in plain sight, so a bit of teasing was no big deal.
Shi Jingge raised his basket to smack Meng Yisong, who ducked behind his partner, only to be yanked out by Wen Xusheng.
Meng Yisong stared at Wen Xusheng in shock. Wen Xusheng pinned Meng Yisong’s shoulders and told Shi Jingge, “Come on, Xiao Ge, hit him.”
“Holy crap, this is outrageous!”
“You two, don’t push it too far!”
“Director! Director, help! Director, don’t pretend you didn’t see that!!”
“I’m covered in mud! Wen Xusheng, watch out—I’m going to bump into you!”
Shi Jingge raised the basket high, then slowly lowered it. “I’ll let you off this time.”
Meng Yisong: “???”
Shi Jingge glanced at Wen Xusheng with a look of disgust. “You’re covered in mud again!”
“Want to come wash up with me?” Wen Xusheng smiled.
“No thanks,” Shi Jingge replied flatly. “But I’m going to wash my hands.”
Wen Xusheng didn’t call him out. Shoulder to shoulder, they walked home together, bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun.
Meng Yisong sighed. “What should I do? I’m jealous.”
Why did Shi Jingge stop? Wasn’t it because he feared Wen Xusheng would get muddy?
Some people act like they couldn’t care less about each other during the day, yet the moment they hear their fastidious partner might touch mud, they instantly change their tune, terrified the other might get even a speck on them.
How awkward.
No matter how much they put on a brave front, every gesture, every word, laid their hearts bare for all to see.
So this was the little quirk of youth?
Most guests watched Wen Xusheng and Shi Jingge depart with envious eyes. Only Wei Zhiyun wore an exceptionally complex expression. Shao Zechen tugged him back, shooting him a stern, almost warning glance.
Wei Zhiyun lowered his head, a bitter smile curling his lips.
He had brought this upon himself.
He deserved it.
Over the next two days, Wen Xusheng and Shi Jingge took their affection to new heights.
Wen Xusheng, in particular, seemed to have suddenly unlocked some hidden talent, effortlessly spouting romantic lines—some admittedly cheesy, but the young master clearly loved it.
Later, Meng Yisong discreetly inquired where Wen Xusheng had found this “love-talk training program.” He wanted to sign up too.
Noticing Shi Jingge nearby, Wen Xusheng raised an eyebrow and smiled. “What training? This is called speaking from the heart. When I see him, that’s what I feel, so I just say it. Before, I was too shy to speak up, afraid he’d think I was reckless. Now I realize there’s no shame in bravely expressing your feelings.”
Wen Xusheng’s candidness left Meng Yisong deep in thought. Then, turning his head, Meng Yisong spotted the young master hiding not very well at all. He suddenly understood, shooting Wen Xusheng a look of disdain.
Wen Xusheng accepted it without a care.
Soon, the third day arrived. Before wrapping up the second episode of “Starting with Cohabitation”, the guests exchanged gifts.
They all sat together, and the separate small livestream rooms merged into one. Countless viewers gathered before the livestream, waiting for this segment.
>> What did Meng Yisong carve, hahaha? <<
>> Shao Zechen ran out of materials—it’s just a half-finished piece. <<
>> The young master seems to have carved something out of wood too? Is the production team trying to save costs? Why is everything made of wood? <<
>> Funny, I remember Brother Wen used wood too! <<
>> Proof the production team is cheap! <<
Due to limited materials and time, the gifts crafted by the guests were bizarre and varied, including several unfinished pieces. Since they hadn’t obtained materials from the subsequent tasks…
The next episode’s high-difficulty cohabitation challenges await them.
Meng Yisong gave his partner a wooden figurine. Though the features weren’t distinct, it wasn’t unattractive. Meng Yisong even used black thread to make hair for the little figure. His partner clutched it tightly, refusing to let go.
Meng Yisong snapped, “What about mine?”
His partner had thought along the same lines, sewing him a small cloth doll and embroidering a line of words with needle and thread. Though it was terribly ugly, crooked and uneven, reading “Peace and Joy.”
Meng Yisong wouldn’t let go of it either.
The grand finale was saved for Wen Xusheng and Shi Jingge.
When the camera cut to Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng, the live chat exploded. Countless viewers anticipated this moment, flooding the stream with words like “confession,” “romance,” “marriage,” and “perfect match.”
Wen Xusheng tilted his head. “Shall I go first?”
Shi Jingge hesitated before nodding.
Wen Xusheng retrieved the package hidden behind his back, carefully unwrapping layer after layer. Revealed before everyone was a crescent moon carved from wood, its center adorned with a single star.
The crescent was large, adorned with numerous decorations that made it sparkle brightly. The star, however, was plain and unadorned.
Wen Xusheng slowly rose to his feet, holding the gift with both hands, and came to stand before Shi Jingge.
Shi Jingge looked up at him, a hint of unease flickering in his eyes.
“Xiao Ge,” Wen Xusheng spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse. “Xiao Ge, would you like a Xingxing you can hold in your hand? I’m selfish. I want my moon to have only one Xingxing—me. Of course, the sun too. I want to live in your heart forever. Is that okay?”
Shi Jingge gaped at Wen Xusheng, his eyes filled with shock.
Every word Wen Xusheng spoke was so gentle, each one a question, each one polite, yet somehow leaving no room for refusal.
Shi Jingge’s face flushed, turning crimson as if it might bleed.
Wen Xusheng watched Shi Jingge quietly, slowly taking his hand and tracing a circle in the palm. His voice was hoarse, brimming with emotion, low and sensual, utterly mesmerizing. “Right here. Is that okay?”
The livestream exploded.
This is a confession! This is definitely a confession!!
Even if it’s a bit cheesy, it’s definitely a confession!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author’s Note:
Bullet comments—
>> Honestly, I don’t care about any of this. I just want to know how they shower. <<
Shi Rongqing: ???
Shi Rongqing: Ban it! Ban it for me!!
Bullet comments—
>> Even though this is my Brother Wen, I still gotta say, cut back on the cheesy stuff, bro!! <<
Shi Rongqing: That’s right—Wen Xusheng is this cheesy!
Shi Rongqing: If you’re gonna talk, talk more!
Shi Rongqing: I’ll send you a red envelope.
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
