019 The House of Surprises

In the end, it was himself he tormented the most. After all, still in the midst of shooting a variety show, the feeling of seeing food but not being able to eat it was pure agony. Even after a shower, Jiang Zeyu couldn’t fully calm down. Now, holding her in his arms, he found himself both sleepless and uneasy.

When Qu Wan awoke, she was still curled up against his back.

Jiang Zeyu’s features were sharp and striking. The way he slept so quietly was truly a feast for the eyes—Qu Wan swore she could look at this scene for a lifetime.

But lying on her side with her leg pressed awkwardly beneath her made her uncomfortable. She shifted ever so slightly, not knowing what she had brushed against.

Her body froze instantly.

Oh come on… first thing in the morning, really?

Qu Wan was just about to withdraw her leg when the sleeping man opened his eyes, his voice low and hoarse. “What are you doing?”

Startled, Qu Wan stiffened again. “Haha, good morning! I just woke up and was about to get ready for the day.”

As she spoke, she slowly pulled her leg back, only for Jiang Zeyu to suddenly grab the crook of her knee.

“Qu Wan, are you trying to seduce me again?”

“No,” Qu Wan denied flatly, feeling utterly wronged.

“Then why are you rubbing up against me?”

“It wasn’t on purpose! I just woke up and my leg felt numb, so I moved a little, and then you woke up.” Qu Wan tried desperately to explain, eager to clear herself of suspicion.

“Excuses are just disguises, and disguises are—”

Jiang Zeyu left the rest unsaid.

Qu Wan had no idea why she was being blamed like this, but glanced at the time.

It was only six o’clock—still early. The crew probably wasn’t even awake yet.

Suddenly, she shot Jiang Zeyu a provocative smile.

Then, boldly, she reached out and took hold of him.

Jiang Zeyu drew in a sharp breath.

“I’m doing it on purpose. But didn’t you fall for it?”

“Don’t complain about being tired later,” Jiang Zeyu gritted out between clenched teeth.

“Are you underestimating me?”

The heavy sound of their breathing filled the room, beating against Qu Wan’s eardrums.

Some people really are seductive—even the sound of their breath can drive one mad.

Fortunately, Qu Wan was experienced and wouldn’t be so easily swayed.

Just as Jiang Zeyu was about to surrender, she flipped them over, pressing him beneath her. Lowering her head, she captured his lips, invading his mouth, demanding and relentless in her kisses.

Jiang Zeyu got out of bed feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Even while greeting the live broadcast cameras, he was brimming with energy.

Qu Wan, on the other hand, emerged with an expressionless face, shaking out her numb right hand, then her left. She shot Jiang Zeyu a glare.

They had agreed it would only be once, but this man was insatiable.

Men—utterly infuriating!

Once everyone had gathered, the question of breakfast arose.

“What are we eating this morning? Is there a breakfast place nearby? Maybe we could go out and buy something?” someone suggested.

Qu Wan spoke up, “No need, senior. I already called and made a reservation earlier. Breakfast will be delivered soon.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the doorbell rang.

A few neatly dressed staff arrived, bringing everyone a Western-style breakfast.

Even the director couldn’t help but ask, “The production team won’t cover these expenses. If it’s on credit, it doesn’t count either.”

Qu Wan flashed an OK sign. “Director, do you have so little faith in people? Do we look like the type to dine and dash? Don’t worry, breakfast is free.”

Even Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but ask, “Free breakfast? Why?”

“What’s the rush? You’ll find out soon enough.”

After everyone had eaten their fill, they prepared to set off for the tourist spot.

Just as they were about to call for a ride, a bus pulled up in front of them.

“Isn’t this the same bus from last night? Even the driver hasn’t changed.”

Qu Wan boarded first. “Yes, it’s the same one.”

For some reason, Zhao Shen asked again, “Do we have to pay for this?”

“No, senior, don’t worry. I’ll explain why it’s free later.”

Once they had met up with Sun Yuxin and Xu Jiawei, they learned the two had already spent half their money on accommodation for the night, a good deal more on breakfast, and even paid for a cab over—leaving them with little cash to spare.

Still, they weren’t worried, figuring the others couldn’t have much left either.

But once the groups met up, they discovered that these people hadn’t spent a single cent.

Sun Yuxin’s first reaction was that they must have taken advantage of Gu Siyuan again—it had to be his family’s villa in the area.

The comparison felt grossly unfair. They had spent their own money, after all.

[Qu Wan is totally cheating. What’s the point of the game if she breaks the rules like this? How are we supposed to keep playing?]

[This really isn’t fair. If they’re just using Gu Siyuan’s resources, what’s the point of filming the show? They might as well go home.]

[I really can’t stand Qu Wan anymore. She’s so unlikable—always mooching off others. Her character is definitely questionable.]

[Qu Wan hasn’t explained anything yet. Why are you all so quick to judge? Besides, if they were using Gu Siyuan’s resources, wouldn’t he know? But he’s totally unaware of the accommodations and transportation she arranged.]

[I don’t get why the production invited someone like her. She’s ruining the whole show! I can’t watch this anymore!]

Qu Wan smiled faintly in the face of their doubts, then pulled a flyer from her bag.

“Surprise House Experience,” it read. “Now recruiting brave participants to spend a night at our ‘Surprise House.’ Enjoy a stay in a luxury villa, a lavish meal, and private transportation. Plus, you’ll receive a $500 bonus.”

“Dollars?” they all echoed in surprise.

Qu Wan nodded. “Yes, US dollars.”

[Isn’t that a slap in the face? How is this breaking the rules? Qu Wan totally outsmarted the game!]

[She found an event like this? That’s seriously impressive.]

[But is it really a ‘Surprise House’? Or is it some kind of haunted house, where scary things pop out at night?]

[Admittedly, it sounds a bit creepy, but you have to say, it’s a genius solution—two nights of free lodging, and you get paid! With that money, they could probably coast through the rest of the trip.]

“Is this for real? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Did you just make it up? Because that would be cheating,” Sun Yuxin pressed.

Qu Wan glanced at her. “Look it up yourself. There are plenty of oddball events like this abroad—like hotel test sleepers and the like.”

Everyone immediately took out their phones to search, and sure enough, such events existed. As it turned out, there were all sorts of bizarre opportunities overseas, and even plenty of similar things back home.

Though the seniors were still somewhat uneasy, they had to admit Qu Wan’s creativity was astonishing—to have thought of joining such an event.