Chapter 40: Kindergarten-Style One-Upmanship

Lately, both of them had been acting a bit off, displaying a sense of competition that left others bewildered.

To do a little more work, they looked as if they were ready to come to blows.

Qiao Yitong felt that the proactive attitude toward labor in this world was better than the world she had come from, something truly worthy of praise.

With this thought in mind, Qiao Yitong watched as everyone finished the various chores one by one, leaving her quite happy to enjoy some leisure time.

Since she didn’t have to worry about the chores, she could take this opportunity to properly process the wild boar she had hunted yesterday.

However, wild boar alone wasn’t enough; she needed some seasonings.

Qiao Yitong was mentally calculating how to manage her time to handle both tasks when she saw Deng You proactively walk over.

“Sister Tong, what kind of fruits or plants do we need to find today? It’s too exhausting for you to go personally every time. I think we’ve already familiarized ourselves with everywhere except Area C. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll go pick it for you directly so you don’t have to make the trip yourself,” Deng You said.

His attitude was very proactive, which happened to solve a problem for Qiao Yitong.

“That works,” Qiao Yitong said.

She went back to her room, brought out several types of plants, and placed the samples in Deng You’s hands, giving him a general explanation of where each plant could be found.

Deng You indicated that he had noted it all down.

“Thanks for your hard work,” Qiao Yitong said.

There were no vehicles here, so everything had to be fetched on foot and carried back by hand. It was purely physical labor.

Even Qiao Yitong herself didn’t have a better solution.

Deng You’s initiative to take this on would share a lot of her burden.

Hearing Qiao Yitong’s words, Deng You paused for a moment, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly. “It’s no trouble at all.”

After Lu Cheng finished cooking and served everyone their portions, he realized that another important task had been snatched up by Deng You.

While eating, his expression shifted slightly, and he said as if casually, “Deng You, I’ll go with you to find the things later.”

Deng You, whose expression had been somewhat reserved, raised his eyebrows and glanced at Lu Cheng. He saw right through the man’s little scheme.

“No need, it’s enough for me to go alone,” Deng You refused.

All the credit could have been his; having another person along meant sharing that credit, and he was unwilling to do so.

His looks already couldn’t compare to a pretty boy like Lu Cheng. If he couldn’t even compete for credit, wouldn’t his value in Sister Tong’s eyes be greatly diminished?

“Two people are always better than one. After all, there’s more than one thing to find, and working together will be more efficient. Besides, although Area A and Area B aren’t as dangerous as Area C, there are still mosquitoes, snakes, and insects. It’s safer for two people to move together,” Lu Cheng said calmly, offering a rational analysis.

It sounded as if his answer truly stemmed from logical reasoning rather than subjective desire. Furthermore, the reasons he provided were very sound.

Qiao Yitong saw no problem with it and nodded in agreement.

“The two of you should go together later. If anything happens, you can look out for each other,” Qiao Yitong said.

Since Qiao Yitong had spoken, no matter how reluctant Deng You was, he could only swallow his words.

“Alright,” Deng You said.

Lu Cheng’s lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of a victorious and smug smile.

The undercurrents between the two were seen clearly by the onlookers.

The new batch of viewers, in particular, were left speechless, frustrated, and yet amused by the overt and covert power struggles between these two.

• Help, what kind of drama are these two acting out? Is this supposed to be a survival variety show for adults? Is this kindergarten, brothers? –

• No, if you’re going to compete for a female’s attention, at least have some technical skill. This looks like elementary schoolers fighting for favor. I’m literally dying! –

• You corporate drones¹, do you know what toxic competition looks like? This is a textbook example. Can these two guys stop the one-upmanship? They’re racing to suck up to Sister Tong. I’m exhausted just watching them. Don’t be so ridiculous! –

• To the person who said they’re like elementary schoolers, I think you’re overestimating them. They’re exactly like two kids in my kindergarten competing to show off for the teacher. I want to laugh and complain at the same time. –

• Seriously, what kind of spell did Qiao Yitong cast on them? These two guys have lost all male dignity, competing to lick the boots of one woman. –

• Heh, that comment above reeks of misogyny. Reported. –

• I’m dying laughing. That guy acting all high and mighty—if you actually dropped him on this island, who knows how much he’d be sucking up to Sister Tong. –

• Is Sister Tong someone just anyone can suck up to? You have to be qualified first. –

…

Because it involved Qiao Yitong, the bullet chat once again saw explosive growth.

However, unlike the previous widespread insults, if any brainless haters appeared now, the fans didn’t even need to step in. Passersby who watched the show would find them idiotic and annoying.

Amidst this debate, the two “elementary schoolers” had already set out on their journey to find ingredients.

Each carried a backpack, ignoring one another as they marched forward with heads down, their competitive spirits burning bright.

Their eyes remained fixed on the ground until they finally found the first seasoning Sister Tong had mentioned.

Lu Cheng moved his hand quickly, but Deng You, as a long-time gamer, had faster hand speed. Before Lu Cheng’s hand could touch the plant, Deng You snatched it up and tossed it into his bag with a fluid, natural motion.

Lu Cheng: ???

“Brother, that’s a bit much,” Lu Cheng said, straightening up with a frown.

Deng You smiled. “This is called fair competition.”

Lu Cheng was almost driven to laughter by the phrase “fair competition.”

He stood straight and crossed his arms, glancing at the nearby camera. After confirming the camera was at a certain distance, he lowered his voice and asked, “Hey, brother, didn’t you tell me before that you didn’t have those kinds of feelings for Sister Tong? What’s the meaning of this now?”

He had to figure out exactly what kind of competitive relationship they were in. Only by knowing himself and his enemy could he emerge victorious in every battle.

While Lu Cheng was busy questioning him, Deng You had already picked two more plants.

“I said I didn’t mean it that way because I see things clearly. I don’t deserve Sister Tong in the slightest. I’m working hard just to make myself more valuable to her, hoping she’ll at least accept me as a friend,” Deng You said.

Hearing Deng You’s firm answer again, Lu Cheng breathed a small sigh of relief.

He shamelessly tried to strike a deal with Deng You: “Then brother, since you don’t have those intentions, give your younger brother a chance this time. Let me show her what I’m made of.”

Deng You chuckled. “Give you a chance to chase Sister Tong?”

“Mm-hmm.” Lu Cheng nodded vigorously.

Deng You walked over and patted Lu Cheng on the shoulder. “Brother, it’s not that I won’t give you a chance, it’s just…”

“Just what?”

“It’s just that I don’t think you deserve her either.” Deng You looked at Lu Cheng with pity and sympathy, then turned back to his work, refusing to speak any further with this fool who lacked any self-awareness.

Lu Cheng: “…”

• Hahaha, I can’t take it, I’m dying. How can their dialogue be this funny? –

• Oh no, I actually hated Deng You at first, but now I think he’s kind of fun. What’s happening to me? –

• Me too. I feel like he actually understands everything perfectly. His tongue is so sharp, he hits the nail right on the head. –

• Can I say I don’t see any problem with what he said? I also think Lu Cheng isn’t good enough for Qiao Yitong. –

• I disagree. First of all, Lu Cheng is quite talented himself, and his looks are on par with hers. Plus, I heard he’s a rich second-generation kid with a background. You can’t say he doesn’t deserve her. –

• Enough already. Relationships are between two people. What’s the point of all this matchmaking? Just shut up and watch. –

…

While the two men headed into the mountains to find seasonings, Qiao Yitong began processing the wild boar.

Although the nights were cool, the boar couldn’t be left out for too long or the meat would spoil. It was best to handle all the necessary butchering today.

This was a massive undertaking for her.

Fortunately, she wasn’t alone.

Qi Qing was usually quite interested in cooking and could make many home-style dishes. Basic cooking methods were no problem for her, and she was particularly skilled at prepping ingredients, which was a huge help to Qiao Yitong.

She even took the initiative to clean the boar’s internal organs – a task many people would find revolting. She did it without a hint of celebrity ego, not even wrinkling her nose.

The Doctor, standing nearby, didn’t stay idle either. He offered to help Qiao Yitong separate the meat from the bone.

For a top-tier doctor like him, using hands meant for surgery to butcher a wild boar was practically overkill.

Deng You and Lu Cheng had previously used every ounce of their strength just to separate a portion of the carcass, but under the Doctor’s hands, it was dismantled with ease.

After the dissection, the various parts were lined up neatly. It didn’t even look like someone processing pork; it looked like a scientific experiment.

The outdoor combat knife in his hand seemed like a scalpel, slicing precisely along the boar’s fascia with zero margin for error.

• Help, something is wrong with me. Why is watching someone butcher a pig so addictive? His movements are so pleasing to the eye. –

• Is this the power of a top-tier doctor? His hands are so steady. –

• I felt like he was always very low-key before. We barely saw him on camera. It’s only since he came over to Sister Tong’s side these past two days that I’ve noticed him more. This doctor really has an aura. –

• Agreed. Actually, I noticed him the first day they arrived on the island. I even asked my friends who he was. In terms of looks, he doesn’t lose to Jing Xueqin at all. –

• Jing Xueqin can compare to him? Jing has that typical idol look. This guy has a superior bone structure, and more importantly, his temperament. That unique aura of his is just incredible. –

• High IQ, respectful, handsome, and refined. Someone like him definitely isn’t short on money either. A rare example of a high-quality male. –

• Actually… do you guys feel like the Doctor’s aura is somewhat similar to Qiao Yitong’s at times? –

• To the person above, I agree! I’ve wanted to say that for a long time but didn’t dare bring it up. There’s a strangely similar vibe between the two of them. –

• Indifferent yet composed. It feels like they both see through human nature but have found a way to exist within it peacefully. –

• It’s that “even if the world is in ruins, I can still find my own corner of peace” vibe. –

• I’m not surprised the Doctor is like that; he’s used to seeing life and death every day. But how did Qiao Yitong become like this? –

• Qiao Yitong… sigh, forget it. Let me put it this way: in all my years of following celebrities, I’ve never seen anyone get dragged as hard as she has. All I can say is, to be cursed at like that every day and still survive in the entertainment industry without losing her mind, her heart must be incredibly strong. –

…

The viewers came in wave after wave, discussing different people. They entered the Live Stream Room when they were free and left when they got busy.

They came and went.

But Qiao Yitong and the others continued their island life at their own pace, relaxed and at ease.

Most of the people currently on the island had already forgotten, or simply ignored, the ever-present cameras and the audience.

Qiao Yitong and her group felt there was no need to perform.

Everyone’s goals were clear; there was no point in acting for the camera.

On the other side, Shisan and his group weren’t just unwilling to act – they were physically unable to.

After Qi Qing and the others left, their small group’s numbers had plummeted.

However, the amount of work required had not decreased.

Every day, they still needed to carry water, find firewood, maintain the fire, fish, and forage for fruit and food.

When the nearly unchanged workload fell on fewer shoulders, the contrast was stark. Everyone felt the burden and pressure had increased significantly.

Furthermore, they had lost that beach with its superior environment. Their current living conditions were terrible, with dead leaves everywhere and swarms of insects.

Every night, the mosquito bites made them feel like they were losing half their lives.

Yet they couldn’t resist the overwhelming waves of exhaustion. Amidst this cycle of repeated breakdowns, they tried their best to fall asleep.

Poor sleep, combined with fatigue and hunger, meant everyone was gritting their teeth and counting down the days.

The ten-million-yuan prize for completing the challenge was the primary motivation keeping them going until the end.

Under these circumstances, every one of them missed that beach they had occupied before to some degree.

At the same time, the lifestyle Qiao Yitong and her group enjoyed surfaced in their minds more than once.

If only they were still part of Qiao Yitong’s circle.

Thinking back, just before they left, Qiao Yitong had brought back a wild boar.

A boar that large… how delicious must it have tasted?

If only they hadn’t provoked Qiao Yitong, if only she had accepted them…

Their stomachs seemed to twitch with hunger, and saliva wouldn’t stop secreting in their mouths.

When the Fitness Coach woke up from yet another beautiful dream, he looked at Peppa Lamb lying nearby, his eyes filled with gloom.

If it hadn’t been for Peppa Lamb taking the lead back then, how could their group have fallen to this state?

Now, they couldn’t even go back to the beach.

What was the difference between them and stray dogs who had a home they couldn’t return to?

He stared irritably at Peppa Lamb. Just then, Peppa Lamb rolled over, his foot landing on the coach’s leg.

In a fit of annoyance, the Fitness Coach kicked Peppa Lamb’s leg directly.

The kick jolted Peppa Lamb awake.

Startled, Peppa Lamb was instantly on high alert. Realizing he had been kicked, his first instinct was to lash out with a curse, but when he met the Fitness Coach’s dark expression, his heart faltered. He suppressed the hostility rising in his chest and whispered, “What are you doing?”

The Fitness Coach rolled his eyes, not bothering to say a word or offer an explanation. He simply rolled over and lay back down.

Peppa Lamb wanted to scream at him, but he could only endure it for now. He took several deep breaths to push down his anger and went back to sleep.

The atmosphere in the team was extremely delicate; the resentment between them felt like it could ignite at any moment.

It was only the realization that they needed each other to survive here that kept them tolerating one another for the time being.

But suppressed conflicts eventually have a breaking point.

That day, the Fitness Coach returned with the fruit he had found.

After leaving Qiao Yitong’s group, they were even less capable of distinguishing whether fruits were poisonous.

They could only rely on the experience they had picked up from Qiao Yitong during those first few days to make judgments.

However, the quantity of those specific fruits was limited, and they didn’t know if they could hold out until they left the island.

The Fitness Coach felt a weight of worry in his heart as he distributed the fruits into everyone’s hands.

Once the distribution was finished, he sat down, preoccupied, intending to eat slowly.

Suddenly, he heard Peppa Lamb’s dissatisfied voice: “Hey! What is this you gave me? Half of this fruit is rotten. Is this even edible?”

The Fitness Coach gave him a flat look. “They’re wild fruits. How good do you expect them to be?”

“They shouldn’t be rotten to this extent. I don’t believe there weren’t any good ones. I can’t even eat what you gave me,” Peppa Lamb said, his irritation peaking.

“If you can’t eat it, throw it away,” the Fitness Coach snapped irritably.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Did you do this on purpose?” Peppa Lamb demanded.

The Fitness Coach ignored him.

Peppa Lamb’s chest heaved violently, but he understood that in times like these, he couldn’t let the conflict escalate too far.

Suppressing his displeasure, he tried to speak calmly. “Everyone, look at this. My fruit is scarred and half-rotten, and it’s not just one. Out of three fruits, I can only eat the equivalent of one. Wouldn’t it be fair to give me another one to make up for it?”

He held the fruit out for everyone to see.

The fruit in his hand was indeed in terrible shape. He expected to receive validation and sympathy, but to his surprise, someone spoke up the moment he finished.

“He’s always making a fuss. It’s just a fruit. If it’s edible, it’s fine. He’s acting like no one else has ever gotten a bad piece.”

“He’s different from us, after all. He was so ‘proactive’ before. He always got the best portions, so I guess he can’t handle it when things aren’t perfect for once.”

Though it was only a couple of remarks, they felt like needles stabbing into his heart.

Peppa Lamb felt his temper flare.

Still, he forced himself to control his emotions and raised his voice. “I just want things to be fair. We’re all working hard. Why should I get the worst? This time it’s me, but next time it could be one of you. If it were you, you’d probably find it hard to accept too.”

The others glanced at him and quickly looked away, as if afraid of being tainted by him.

This scene stung Peppa Lamb’s eyes once again.

No one paid him any mind. Everyone ate their own fruit quickly, watching with cold indifference.

After all, in this place, no one owed anyone anything.

If you worried about others, who would worry about you?

It was better to just look out for yourself.

Peppa Lamb clutched the fruit, his heart cold and furious. His suppressed rage was so visible that someone instinctively stepped back two paces, fearing he might do something impulsive.

Seeing this, Shisan felt he had to step in before things completely exploded, however much he didn’t want to get involved.

“Lamb, don’t take it too heart. Everyone just grabbed at random. No one meant anything by it.”

Peppa Lamb’s brow twisted into a knot, and his voice rose unconsciously. “Stop trying to play peacemaker! I don’t believe you can’t see it. Was it really random? It was bad enough when you all sidelined me before, but now you’re even doing this with the food? Don’t you think you’re going too far? For the sake of fairness, you should swap it out and redistribute!”

“Can you stop looking for trouble? You’ve been the most restless one these past few days, unhappy with this, dissatisfied with that. Fairness? Tell me, what do you call fair? Is it whatever you define it as?” Ding Yao had been fed up with him for a long time, and he couldn’t help jumping in now. “Some people spend half the day searching the woods until they’re out of breath, while others just stand around watching. If everyone gets the same when the fruit is handed out, is that fair to the people who did the work?”

“Who are you being sarcastic toward?” Peppa Lamb roared.

“I’m being sarcastic toward whoever stands around doing nothing.”

Peppa Lamb’s breathing grew ragged. His hands clenched into fists as he took a step toward the man. “Say that to me one more time.”

Ding Yao hesitated, then took a few steps back, no longer wishing to argue with him.

Jing Xueqin stepped forward to hold back Peppa Lamb, who was nearly losing his mind with rage.

“Lamb, calm down for a second. I think what was said about fairness is right. There are only so many resources on this Deserted Island; it’s impossible to achieve an absolutely equal distribution. Everyone is struggling. If we bicker over every little thing like this, how are we supposed to cooperate later on?”

“So you’re saying I’m the one who’s always picking fights?” Peppa Lamb asked, nearly laughing in frustration.

The rest of the group remained silent.

Peppa Lamb looked at the bystanders and their cold indifference. After several deep breaths, he gradually forced himself to calm down.

No, he couldn’t lose his temper. At the very least, he couldn’t afford to burn bridges with this group right now.

But once prejudice takes root in the human heart, it is difficult to erase.

Even a random, unintentional occurrence could be magnified and twisted by others.

That day, it was Peppa Lamb’s turn to forage for fruit to stave off hunger and replenish their energy.

Most of the fruit in the immediate vicinity had already been picked. The only edible option left was the Cryptospina Fruit.

He knew the Cryptospina Fruit could be poisonous, so he examined every single one with meticulous care. Only after confirming that each fruit had five petals instead of six did he bring them back.

However, just as he finished distributing the Cryptospina Fruit and took a bite of his own, the Fitness Coach suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Peppa Lamb by the collar.

He glared at Peppa Lamb, thrusting a Cryptospina Fruit right in front of the man’s face. “What the hell is this? Giving me a six-petaled Cryptospina Fruit? If I hadn’t lost my trust in you, I’d be dead right now! Just because I gave you a bad piece of fruit a few days ago, you’re trying to kill me?”

Fury surged through Peppa Lamb. He had picked these fruits with absolute focus, checking every single one.

Even if he really wanted to harm someone, he wouldn’t use such a clumsy, easily exposed method.

He shoved the Fitness Coach’s hand away and snapped, “Stop making things up! I checked every damn one of them. There’s no way I set you up!”

Someone nearby took the fruit from the Fitness Coach’s hand and inspected it closely. “It actually does have six petals. One of them is just very faint. You’d never notice it unless you were looking closely. If someone just grabbed this and ate it without checking, they’d think it was non-toxic.”

The Fitness Coach felt a chill in his heart. He fixed a cold, murderous gaze on Peppa Lamb. “Go on then. What’s your excuse now?”

Translator’s Notes